on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o that_o therein_o be_v plain_o demonstrate_v the_o qualification_n of_o such_o as_o satan_n have_v make_v use_n of_o to_o rend_v and_o divide_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n sect_n ix_o a_o epistle_n evidence_v the_o qualication_n of_o such_o who_o satan_n make_v use_v of_o to_o rend_n and_o divide_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n a_o paper_n give_v forth_o by_o edward_n burrough_n anno_fw-la 1661._o touch_v the_o scatter_a in_o israel_n wherein_o by_o a_o parable_n be_v lively_o describe_v a_o part_n of_o what_o have_v happen_v among_o the_o flock_n of_o god_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n the_o conclusion_n manifest_v several_a passage_n very_o material_a and_o worthy_a observation_n as_o a_o further_a discovery_n of_o the_o fruit_n and_o cause_n of_o division_n a_o epistle_n prefix_v to_o the_o historical_a manuscript_n mention_v in_o the_o preface_n to_o this_o treatise_n evidence_v the_o qualification_n of_o such_o who_o satan_n have_v make_v use_n of_o to_o rend_v and_o divide_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o great_a evidence_n of_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a religion_n be_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n but_o the_o contrary_n be_v attend_v with_o anxiety_n and_o trouble_n he_o that_o in_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n incline_v to_o preserve_v such_o a_o conscience_n must_v not_o so_o value_v his_o repute_n and_o name_n among_o man_n as_o thereby_o to_o loose_v his_o peace_n with_o the_o lord_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o have_v abundant_o satisfy_v we_o to_o encourage_v the_o prepare_n of_o this_o treatise_n know_v that_o the_o long-suffering_a patience_n and_o warning_n of_o many_o faithful_a friend_n have_v have_v little_a place_n with_o many_o such_o persecute_v opposer_n of_o the_o friend_n of_o truth_n as_o be_v under_o the_o profession_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o it_o may_v be_v just_o with_o the_o lord_n to_o suffer_v their_o long-suffering_a to_o have_v a_o end_n we_o also_o know_v that_o the_o unsavoury_a testimony_n and_o unchristianlike_a discourse_n of_o many_o such_o in_o our_o meeting_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n have_v be_v so_o frequent_o as_o well_o as_o public_o manifest_v as_o that_o it_o be_v thereby_o know_v both_o to_o professor_n and_o profane_a that_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n be_v now_o divide_v by_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v doubt_v that_o some_o may_v real_o conclude_v that_o though_o their_o name_n be_v not_o extinguish_v yet_o that_o the_o nature_n doctrine_n and_o life_n which_o accompany_v they_o at_o their_o first_o come_v forth_o have_v of_o late_o suffer_v shipwreck_n this_o have_v be_v serious_o ponder_v by_o we_o have_v increase_v the_o concern_n of_o our_o conscience_n thus_o to_o appear_v that_o so_o as_o the_o door_n have_v thereby_o be_v so_o far_o shut_v in_o some_o part_n of_o this_o nation_n as_o that_o there_o have_v be_v of_o late_a but_o few_o gather_v into_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o everlasting_a light_n so_o it_o may_v again_o in_o the_o lord_n time_n be_v more_o open_v by_o a_o clear_a discovery_n that_o there_o be_v yet_o remain_v a_o remnant_n of_o that_o ancient_a stock_n who_o have_v be_v and_o our_o faith_n in_o god_n be_v that_o they_o will_v be_v preserve_v in_o his_o fear_n to_o persevere_v in_o his_o unchangeable_a way_n light_n and_o life_n of_o truth_n unto_o the_o end_n that_o now_o the_o reader_n may_v have_v some_o short_a account_n of_o what_o the_o lord_n have_v manifest_v unto_o we_o on_o this_o occasion_n we_o further_o thus_o declare_v the_o original_a cause_n of_o division_n and_o separation_n between_o the_o member_n of_o any_o society_n once_o at_o unity_n in_o the_o truth_n touch_v religious_a matter_n have_v spring_v from_o satan_n the_o person_n in_o who_o he_o have_v chief_o appear_v to_o accomplish_v the_o same_o have_v be_v such_o as_o usual_o appear_v more_o public_a than_o other_o their_o brethren_n and_o that_o under_o various_a qualification_n some_o have_v have_v zeal_n without_o knowledge_n and_o some_o have_v have_v knowledge_n without_o zeal_n and_o other_o have_v abound_v in_o confidence_n without_o either_o knowledge_n or_o zeal_n and_o none_o of_o these_o whilst_o exercise_v under_o these_o qualification_n have_v find_v acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n and_o as_o satan_n have_v make_v use_n of_o person_n thus_o various_o qualify_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o his_o kingdom_n so_o christ_n jesus_n who_o appearance_n have_v be_v and_o be_v to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n have_v and_o do_v make_v use_n of_o such_o instrument_n in_o his_o hand_n who_o he_o have_v furnish_v with_o true_a zeal_n and_o that_o according_a to_o knowledge_n for_o though_o all_o have_v not_o the_o like_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n yet_o that_o zeal_n which_o be_v exercise_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n give_v by_o god_n and_o receive_v by_o man_n find_v acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n now_o forasmuch_o as_o in_o this_o treatise_n variety_n of_o matter_n be_v discourse_v wherein_o divers_a person_n have_v be_v concern_v many_o of_o who_o be_v once_o at_o unity_n which_o we_o be_v persuade_v consist_v in_o the_o everlasting_a truth_n and_o that_o every_o one_o of_o they_o may_v reasonable_o have_v be_v take_v to_o be_v under_o one_o of_o the_o aforesaid_a qualification_n it_o be_v with_o we_o at_o this_o time_n consider_v that_o the_o tree_n be_v to_o be_v know_v by_o its_o fruit_n to_o note_v a_o few_o thing_n attend_v such_o respective_a qualification_n and_o that_o chief_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o as_o have_v zeal_n without_o knowledge_n and_o so_o if_o the_o lord_n make_v we_o instrument_n in_o his_o hand_n to_o open_v the_o understanding_n of_o any_o whereby_o they_o may_v come_v to_o have_v a_o true_a savour_n of_o and_o unity_n with_o those_o who_o have_v so_o receive_v the_o spirit_n as_o to_o be_v exercise_v themselves_o in_o true_a zeal_n and_o that_o according_a to_o knowledge_n we_o then_o shall_v have_v our_o end_n we_o now_o begin_v to_o speak_v of_o those_o who_o have_v zeal_n without_o knowledge_n charity_n obliege_v we_o not_o to_o conclude_v that_o they_o design_v any_o thing_n more_o than_o to_o live_v well_o that_o so_o they_o may_v die_v well_o or_o any_o thing_n less_o than_o to_o appear_v what_o they_o know_v they_o be_v not_o but_o yet_o this_o we_o certain_o know_v that_o albeit_o these_o have_v profess_v christ_n jesus_n to_o be_v their_o foundation_n yet_o many_o of_o they_o for_o want_n of_o knowledge_n have_v be_v build_v thereon_o the_o wood_n the_o hay_n and_o the_o stubble_n of_o other_o man_n invention_n whereby_o they_o have_v suffer_v loss_n have_v exalt_v their_o own_o righteousness_n through_o a_o zealous_a submission_n to_o other_o man_n line_n make_v ready_a to_o their_o hand_n as_o if_o therein_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n consist_v or_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a contrary_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o glory_n in_o man_n the_o apostle_n paul_n rom_n 10.2_o thus_o say_v i_o bear_v they_o record_v they_o have_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n but_o not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n and_o from_o the_o next_o verse_n we_o learn_v that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n righteousness_n and_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v their_o own_o righteousness_n have_v not_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n this_o be_v speak_v of_o israel_n for_o their_o information_n that_o they_o may_v not_o have_v a_o dependency_n on_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n as_o if_o through_o the_o strict_a performance_n and_o observation_n of_o outward_a thing_n establish_v under_o the_o law_n they_o shall_v come_v to_o know_v the_o salvation_n of_o god_n through_o christ_n but_o rather_o that_o their_o dependency_n shall_v be_v upon_o the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o faith_n which_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n verse_n the_o 8_o of_o the_o same_o chapter_n inform_v we_o thus_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 so_o that_o by_o this_o doctrine_n and_o what_o elsewhere_o be_v write_v in_o other_o of_o his_o epistle_n it_o appear_v that_o the_o apostle_n care_v for_o israel_n be_v that_o they_o may_v be_v bring_v off_o those_o outward_a and_o carnal_a ordinance_n which_o be_v establish_v for_o a_o season_n until_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n unto_o the_o word_n nigh_o in_o the_o heart_n which_o undoubted_o be_v and_o be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o law_n which_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n jer._n 31.33_o be_v to_o be_v put_v in_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v in_o their_o heart_n all_o which_o lead_v we_o to_o make_v this_o observation_n that_o whosoever_o
9th_o and_o 5_o as_o long_o as_o i_o be_o in_o the_o world_n i_o be_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n and_o chap._n 12.35_o yet_o a_o little_a while_n be_v the_o light_n with_o you_o walk_v while_o you_o have_v the_o light_n and_o ver_fw-la the_o 36._o while_o you_o have_v the_o light_n believe_v in_o the_o light_n that_o you_o may_v be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o light_n to_o this_o may_v be_v answer_v that_o these_o last_o recite_v scripture_n do_v in_o the_o most_o favourable_a construction_n on_o the_o objector_n part_n intimate_v that_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n while_o he_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n but_o do_v not_o say_v that_o he_o be_v or_o will_v be_v no_o long_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n such_o a_o say_n or_o sense_n will_v limit_v the_o appearance_n of_o light_n to_o that_o body_n only_o and_o dispensation_n of_o time_n wherein_o the_o say_a body_n appear_v on_o earth_n which_o be_v contradictory_n to_o the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o evangelist_n before_o quote_v viz._n that_o be_v the_o true_a light_n that_o light_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n which_o scripture_n sentence_n relate_v to_o every_o man_n be_v so_o universal_a that_o it_o can_v but_o extend_v to_o those_o who_o never_o behold_v the_o face_n of_o jesus_n in_o his_o fleshly_a and_o bodily_a appearance_n nor_o yet_o come_v to_o be_v inform_v by_o any_o outward_a instrument_n of_o his_o doctrine_n though_o partaker_n of_o his_o light_n which_o therefore_o may_v proper_o be_v term_v by_o such_o his_o light_z within_z that_o be_v the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o light_n shine_v in_o their_o heart_n agreeable_a whereunto_o in_o effect_n we_o take_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v viz._n that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n 1.19_o rom._n 1.19_o be_v manifest_a in_o they_o for_o god_n have_v show_v it_o unto_o they_o see_v you_o seek_v a_o proof_n of_o christ_n speak_v in_o i_o 13.3_o 2_o cor._n 13.3_o which_o riches_n be_v christ_n in_o you_o 1.27_o col._n 1.27_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n who_o shall_v descend_v into_o the_o deep_a that_o be_v 8._o rom._n 10.7_o 8._o to_o bring_v christ_n again_o from_o the_o dead_a but_o what_o say_v it_o the_o word_n be_v near_o thou_o even_o in_o thy_o mouth_n and_o in_o thy_o heart_n this_o be_v the_o word_n of_o faith_n which_o we_o preach_v and_o all_o this_o appear_v agreeable_a unto_o what_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n hint_v at_o who_o speak_v of_o what_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o last_o day_n signify_v 5._o isa_n 1.2_o 3_o 5._o that_o the_o god_n of_o jacob_n will_v teach_v we_o of_o his_o way_n and_o therefore_o say_v oh_o house_n of_o jacob_n come_v you_o let_v we_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v compare_v with_o what_o the_o same_o prophet_n say_v in_o relation_n to_o a_o people_n â—_o isa_n 5â—_n â—_o in_o who_o heart_n be_v the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o with_o what_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n say_v i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n in_o their_o inward_a part_n 34._o jer._n 31.33_o 34._o and_o write_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o they_o shall_v teach_v no_o more_o every_o man_n his_o neighbour_n and_o every_o man_n his_o brother_n say_v know_v the_o lord_n for_o they_o shall_v all_o know_v i_o from_o the_o least_o of_o they_o to_o the_o great_a it_o be_v evident_a to_o we_o that_o this_o write_a law_n in_o the_o heart_n be_v that_o light_n within_o whereof_o the_o faithful_a messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o our_o day_n have_v bear_v witness_n unto_o and_o whereof_o the_o same_o prophet_n give_v testimony_n when_o he_o say_v as_o before_o o_o house_n of_o jacob_n come_v you_o let_v we_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o lord_n beside_o such_o a_o limitation_n as_o aforesaid_a will_v have_v a_o tendency_n to_o make_v void_a the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v offer_v up_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o many_o and_o on_o this_o score_n do_v the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n testify_v 9.28_o heb._n 9.28_o that_o unto_o they_o that_o look_v for_o he_o shall_v he_o appear_v the_o second_o time_n without_o sin_n unto_o salvation_n which_o be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n unto_o we_o that_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o witness_v effectual_o in_o this_o our_o day_n but_o by_o those_o who_o have_v look_v for_o his_o second_o appearance_n have_v receive_v he_o in_o his_o appearance_n this_o appearance_n we_o take_v to_o be_v his_o appearance_n by_o his_o light_n and_o spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o those_o who_o through_o faith_n in_o his_o blood_n have_v know_v their_o conscience_n purify_v from_o dead_a work_n and_o so_o come_v to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n in_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n it_o be_v now_o to_o be_v consider_v whether_o these_o word_n turn_v in_o your_o mind_n be_n agreeable_a to_o truth_n for_o that_o this_o kind_n of_o objection_n may_v be_v raise_v objection_n do_v not_o this_o put_v the_o creature_n upon_o action_n in_o his_o own_o selfwill_a when_o as_o the_o will_n of_o man_n can_v bring_v forth_o that_o birth_n unto_o which_o power_n be_v give_v to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o answer_v hereto_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o consider_v that_o the_o faithful_a labourer_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n commend_v their_o exhortation_n and_o testimony_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o hearer_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o the_o reason_n doubtless_o be_v because_o there_o be_v a_o capacity_n in_o man_n which_o through_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n render_v man_n capable_a to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o righteousness_n unto_o life_n and_o those_o who_o be_v so_o act_v can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v act_v in_o the_o selfwill_a of_o man._n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o same_o capacity_n let_v in_o tempration_n and_o join_v thereto_o render_v man_n a_o servant_n of_o sin_n unto_o death_n and_o be_v once_o so_o dead_a in_o sin_n no_o redemption_n come_v to_o be_v obtain_v but_o through_o christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n testify_v 2.1_o ephes_n 2.1_o you_o have_v he_o quicken_v that_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n these_o thing_n consider_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o through_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n those_o who_o have_v cast_v off_o the_o old_a man_n be_v become_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o their_o mind_n unto_o god_n and_o so_o have_v put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n and_o therefore_o since_o there_o be_v such_o a_o capacity_n in_o man_n as_o aforesaid_a it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o truth_n to_o exhort_v the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o turn_v in_o their_o mind_n unto_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o light_n that_o through_o the_o assistance_n thereof_o the_o will_n of_o god_n may_v be_v do_v in_o their_o earthen_a vessel_n the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o weight_n in_o this_o objection_n do_v you_o not_o think_v that_o the_o jew_n who_o crucify_v christ_n act_v not_o from_o the_o light_n within_o since_o some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n therein_o to_o this_o may_v be_v answer_v that_o the_o friend_n of_o truth_n never_o preach_v up_o the_o light_n within_o but_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n as_o that_o light_a within_o intend_a by_o they_o and_o since_o christ_n can_v be_v divide_v to_o act_v against_o himself_o therefore_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o therein_o act_v from_o that_o light_n within_o unto_o which_o we_o have_v be_v direct_v from_o what_o then_o may_z the_o objector_n say_v do_v those_o of_o they_o act_n who_o very_o think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n therein_o ans_fw-fr 3.6_o phil._n 3.6_o from_o zeal_n without_o knowledge_n not_o have_v their_o mind_n stay_v and_o order_v according_a to_o that_o universal_a principle_n of_o truth_n 11._o act_n 26.9_o 11._o which_o if_o hearken_v unto_o will_v teach_v all_o man_n to_o do_v as_o they_o will_v be_v do_v by_o in_o which_o zeal_n paul_n very_o think_v in_o himself_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o in_o that_o self-thought_a be_v exceed_o mad_a persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n consent_v to_o the_o death_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o compel_v they_o to_o blaspheme_n but_o when_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o appear_v unto_o he_o and_o to_o make_v he_o a_o minister_n of_o his_o everlasting_a gospel_n he_o be_v send_v unto_o the_o gentile_n to_o open_v their_o eye_n that_o they_o may_v turn_v from_o
design_v to_o be_v treat_v upon_o be_v the_o government_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v to_o be_v represent_v by_o visible_a person_n certain_o know_v by_o outward_a name_n distinguish_v by_o outward_a mark_n and_o token_n and_o invest_v with_o power_n from_o he_o to_o execute_v outward_a law_n in_o a_o outward_a form_n of_o government_n visible_a by_o our_o carnal_a eye_n as_o aforesaid_a that_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o inward_a government_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n jer._n 31.31_o 32_o 33._o i_o will_v make_v a_o new_a covenant_n with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n etc._n etc._n not_o according_a to_o the_o covenant_n that_o i_o make_v with_o your_o father_n but_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o covenant_n that_o i_o will_v make_v etc._n etc._n after_o those_o day_n i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n in_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n and_o they_o shall_v teach_v no_o more_o every_o man_n his_o neighbour_n and_o every_o man_n his_o brother_n say_v know_v the_o lord_n for_o they_o shall_v all_o know_v i_o from_o the_o least_o of_o they_o to_o the_o great_a of_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n this_o we_o believe_v be_v speak_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o reign_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o man_n and_o clear_o show_v that_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n government_n under_o the_o new_a covenant_n be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n and_o therefore_o a_o inward_a government_n objection_n but_o if_o any_o shall_v object_v that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n relate_v not_o to_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o gentile_a stock_n of_o which_o stock_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o we_o be_v we_o thereto_o say_v that_o the_o word_n of_o paul_n do_v effectual_o answer_v that_o objection_n rom._n 10.12_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o gentile_a for_o the_o same_o lord_n over_o all_o be_v rich_a unto_o all_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o col._n 3.9_o 10_o 11._o lie_v not_o one_o to_o another_o see_v that_o you_o have_v put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n with_o his_o deed_n and_o have_v put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o be_v renew_v in_o knowledge_n after_o the_o image_n of_o he_o that_o create_v he_o where_o there_o be_v neither_o gentile_a nor_o jew_n circumcision_n nor_o uncircumcision_n barbarian_a scythian_a bond_n nor_o free_a but_o christ_n be_v all_o and_o in_o all_o many_o other_o scripture_n both_o out_o of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n write_n may_v be_v quote_v to_o evidence_n the_o matter_n intend_v we_o be_v yet_o sensible_a that_o this_o further_a objection_n may_v be_v raise_v viz._n objection_n that_o neither_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n nor_o of_o the_o apostle_n cite_v by_o we_o make_v mention_n of_o government_n over_o jew_n or_o gentile_n but_o do_v show_v as_o from_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o scripture_n appear_v that_o the_o apostle_n so_o write_v to_o convince_v the_o jew_n of_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n and_o that_o of_o faith_n and_o to_o show_v unto_o believer_n whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n that_o though_o some_o may_v appear_v in_o a_o voluntary_a humility_n worship_n angel_n intrude_v into_o those_o thing_n they_o have_v not_o see_v and_o be_v vain_o puff_v up_o in_o their_o fleshly_a mind_n and_o not_o give_v all_o obedience_n unto_o the_o head_n christ_n through_o who_o alone_o there_o be_v a_o increase_n in_o the_o increase_v of_o god_n yet_o they_o be_v therein_o reprovable_a as_o not_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n and_o further_a also_o to_o show_v that_o those_o who_o be_v dead_a with_o christ_n from_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o nor_o yet_o to_o touch_v taste_n or_o handle_v such_o ordinance_n as_o be_v after_o the_o commandment_n and_o doctrine_n of_o men._n to_o this_o objection_n we_o answer_v that_o though_o the_o word_n government_n be_v not_o express_o mention_v yet_o there_o be_v word_n in_o what_o be_v cite_v out_o of_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n import_v the_o three_o material_a object_n of_o government_n viz._n a_o lawgiver_n the_o place_n where_o the_o law_n be_v to_o be_v find_v write_v and_o the_o people_n for_o who_o it_o be_v give_v beside_o from_o these_o word_n of_o paul_n viz._n the_o same_o lord_n over_o all_o a_o governor_n be_v imply_v viz._n christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n and_o so_o consequent_o a_o government_n over_o that_o all._n and_o from_o what_o hereafter_o follow_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o the_o end_n of_o this_o government_n be_v to_o lead_v into_o all_o truth_n moreover_o it_o lead_v we_o to_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v divers_a true_a mark_n whereby_o the_o opposer_n of_o christ_n government_n may_v be_v distinguish_v first_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v in_o a_o voluntary_a humility_n second_o such_o as_o worship_n angel_n which_o may_v reasonable_o be_v take_v to_o be_v a_o worship_v of_o some_o messenger_n who_o god_n have_v send_v because_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n angel_n be_v a_o messenger_n three_o such_o as_o intrude_v into_o those_o thing_n they_o have_v not_o see_v four_o such_o as_o be_v puff_v up_o in_o their_o fleshly_a mind_n five_o such_o as_o give_v not_o all_o obedience_n unto_o the_o head_n christ_n and_o last_o such_o as_o be_v subject_a to_o ordinance_n after_o the_o commandment_n and_o doctrine_n of_o men._n and_o to_o be_v very_o plain_a for_o the_o clear_n the_o truth_n we_o must_v give_v this_o our_o testimony_n that_o we_o be_v real_o persuade_v from_o what_o our_o eye_n &_o ear_n have_v be_v witness_n that_o many_o of_o those_o among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n who_o have_v zealous_o contend_v for_o the_o observation_n of_o outward_a rule_n and_o order_n give_v forth_o by_o one_o man_n bear_v all_o the_o aforesaid_a mark_n for_o whosoever_o they_o be_v that_o pretend_v zeal_n to_o promote_v submit_v unto_o and_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o other_o man_n line_n make_v ready_a to_o their_o hand_n and_o that_o on_o a_o pretend_a religious_a score_n when_o through_o the_o word_n of_o true_a faith_n they_o see_v it_o not_o their_o duty_n or_o if_o they_o shall_v pretend_v they_o do_v and_o thereupon_o strive_v to_o enforce_v other_o to_o submit_v thereto_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n or_o light_n of_o christ_n so_o to_o strive_v it_o natura_o follow_v that_o the_o aforesaid_a mark_n accompany_v such_o and_o this_o we_o confident_o aver_v that_o through_o the_o whole_a scripture_n of_o truth_n there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v rational_o expect_v and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o christ_n have_v or_o will_v commissionate_v any_o one_o man_n or_o man_n to_o prescribe_v outward_a rule_n and_o order_n relate_v to_o faith_n or_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n to_o be_v bind_v on_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n whether_o they_o shall_v see_v it_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n from_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n or_o no._n beside_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o government_n it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v such_o unto_o which_o outward_a write_a law_n visible_a by_o our_o carnal_a eye_n and_o to_o be_v execute_v by_o perish_a object_n according_a to_o a_o outward_a magistratical_a or_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n be_v whole_o unsuitable_a because_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n but_o be_v a_o everlasting_a kingdom_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v that_o of_o the_o increase_n of_o his_o government_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o end_n and_o though_o john_n in_o the_o revelation_n chap._n 11._o v._o 15._o give_v this_o testimony_n that_o there_o be_v great_a voice_n in_o heaven_n say_v the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n and_o he_o shall_v reign_v forever_o and_o ever_o isa_n 61.11_o yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o say_v to_o signify_v that_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o reign_n be_v or_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o then_o as_o before_o be_v describe_v moreover_o if_o any_o man_n or_o man_n have_v or_o may_v pretend_v he_o or_o themselves_o to_o be_v such_o on_o earth_n on_o who_o the_o weight_n of_o christ_n government_n which_o be_v spiritual_a be_v lay_v it_o be_v not_o like_a to_o have_v any_o evidence_n in_o our_o conscience_n first_o not_o only_o because_o we_o find_v no_o such_o prophecy_n or_o promise_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n but_o also_o for_o that_o we_o rather_o find_v the_o contrary_a for_o
eminent_o concern_v in_o the_o division_n threaten_v shall_v be_v the_o anvil_n to_o beat_v upon_o and_o intercede_v that_o we_o will_v forbear_v make_v mention_n of_o the_o name_n of_o person_n reflect_v on_o to_o this_o the_o answer_n be_v that_o it_o seem_v unlikely_a to_o bring_v forth_o a_o credible_a history_n touch_v religious_a difference_n without_o name_v the_o author_n of_o book_n paper_n and_o name_n of_o person_n reflect_v on_o evidence_v the_o reality_n of_o such_o principle_n doctrine_n and_o practice_n which_o occasion_v disunion_n and_o separation_n among_o some_o of_o the_o aforesaid_a people_n however_o truth_n oblige_v we_o to_o have_v a_o tender_a regard_n unto_o those_o who_o come_v unto_o we_o in_o brotherly_a love_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o our_o desire_n have_v be_v that_o the_o lord_n may_v permit_v we_o to_o bear_n forbear_v and_o suffer_v have_v a_o secret_a hope_n that_o the_o lord_n may_v make_v such_o instrument_n in_o his_o hand_n by_o a_o tender_a and_o brotherly_a mediation_n to_o cause_v the_o high_a and_o lofty_a to_o bow_v to_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n that_o so_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v exalt_v in_o every_o heart_n where_o his_o law_n be_v write_v and_o that_o none_o who_o make_v mention_v of_o his_o name_n may_v conclude_v themselves_o enter_v into_o a_o heavenly_a possession_n or_o inheritance_n because_o of_o a_o strict_a observance_n of_o some_o outward_a write_a order_n prescribe_v by_o man._n after_o we_o have_v long_o bear_v it_o then_o more_o particular_o become_v my_o concern_v to_o prepare_v another_o manuscript_n and_o that_o chief_o out_o of_o the_o second_o part_n of_o what_o be_v first_o prepare_v in_o relation_n to_o divers_a person_n concern_v in_o the_o division_n to_o discover_v that_o one_o man_n george_n for_o guilty_a of_o many_o thing_n reproachful_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o because_o it_o be_v and_o yet_o be_v clear_o manifest_v unto_o i_o and_o as_o i_o have_v understand_v many_o other_o that_o that_o one_o person_n have_v be_v the_o very_a chief_a instrument_n or_o at_o least_o a_o abettor_n of_o such_o as_o have_v whereby_o a_o bite_a devour_a spirit_n be_v enter_v in_o among_o the_o flock_n and_o yet_o great_a part_n of_o the_o contention_n of_o one_o party_n with_o another_o seem_v to_o be_v but_o about_o the_o shell_n and_o not_o the_o kernel_n my_o mean_v thereby_o be_v about_o outward_a form_n and_o method_n relate_v to_o marriage_n relief_n of_o the_o poor_a etc._n etc._n as_o if_o hell_n gate_n must_v be_v open_v to_o receive_v all_o such_o as_o walk_v not_o in_o that_o outward_a path_n which_o in_o relation_n thereto_o have_v be_v prescribe_v by_o that_o one_o man._n moreover_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o before_o i_o undertake_v to_o prepare_v the_o manuscript_n relate_v to_o that_o one_o man._n i_o write_v unto_o he_o seven_o letter_n date_v as_o follow_v viz._n the_o 27_o of_o the_o one_a month_n 1677._o the_o 3d._n of_o the_o 10_o month_n 1677._o the_o four_o of_o the_o 11_o month_n 1678._o the_o 11_o of_o the_o 11_o month_n 1678._o one_o other_o on_o the_o same_o day_n sign_v by_o thomas_n gouldeny_n william_n ford_n and_o myself_o one_o other_o the_o 22th_o of_o the_o 2d_o month_n 1679._o sign_v by_o myself_o and_o three_o other_o friend_n direct_v to_o he_o and_o two_o other_o and_o one_o other_o from_o myself_o only_o date_v the_o 6_o of_o the_o 12_o month_n 1679._o manifest_v the_o ground_n of_o my_o dissatisfaction_n with_o relation_n to_o many_o thing_n of_o a_o public_a concern_v among_o friend_n as_o well_o as_o personal_a injury_n which_o become_v he_o to_o clear_v or_o else_o give_v satisfaction_n and_o yet_o to_o this_o day_n be_v the_o 16_o day_n of_o the_o 6_o month_n 1680._o i_o can_v in_o truth_n say_v that_o any_o answer_n be_v come_v from_o he_o to_o i_o notwithstanding_o messenger_n be_v send_v unto_o he_o on_o purpose_n with_o several_a of_o they_o and_o advice_n give_v i_o of_o the_o delivery_n and_o though_o a_o paper_n come_v once_o to_o my_o hand_n in_o which_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o two_o of_o the_o say_a letter_n yet_o i_o can_v take_v it_o to_o be_v his_o answer_n but_o rather_o as_o by_o the_o language_n thereof_o appear_v the_o answer_n of_o another_o on_o his_o behalf_n and_o chief_o stuff_v with_o query_n so_o that_o my_o concern_v to_o expect_v satisfaction_n or_o detect_v he_o be_v increase_v at_o length_n when_o i_o perceive_v it_o be_v not_o probable_a to_o obtain_v what_o i_o expect_v from_o he_o by_o make_v manifest_a my_o burden_n and_o exercise_n either_o to_o he_o or_o one_o or_o two_o who_o i_o suppose_v he_o may_v esteem_v to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n nor_o yet_o from_o the_o general_n meet_v though_o as_o i_o suppose_v they_o be_v esteem_v by_o some_o though_o not_o by_o all_o the_o representative_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_a i_o then_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o many_o brethren_n travel_v in_o several_a part_n of_o the_o nation_n manifest_v that_o according_a to_o the_o understanding_n give_v i_o of_o god_n i_o have_v proceed_v towards_o that_o one_o person_n g._n f._n in_o a_o gospel-method_n and_o that_o if_o i_o than_o shall_v have_v proceed_v to_o print_v against_o he_o nothing_o can_v be_v just_o lay_v to_o my_o charge_n for_o want_v of_o orderly_o proceed_v to_o obtain_v satisfaction_n which_o hitherto_o be_v not_o give_v i_o but_o yet_o my_o condescension_n to_o my_o brethren_n be_v such_o as_o that_o though_o the_o manuscript_n relate_v to_o he_o be_v prepare_v i_o very_o public_o propose_v in_o write_v under_o my_o hand_n and_o spread_v the_o same_o abroad_o direct_v to_o friend_n in_o several_a county_n signify_v that_o if_o any_o one_o of_o they_o be_v free_a to_o write_v unto_o that_o one_o person_n or_o at_o least_o to_o give_v this_o testimony_n under_o their_o or_o any_o of_o their_o hand_n that_o since_o i_o charge_v he_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o thing_n reproachful_a to_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v but_o just_a and_o reasonable_a that_o he_o shall_v submit_v to_o a_o hear_v thereof_o before_o friend_n in_o truth_n to_o the_o end_n that_o if_o guilty_a he_o may_v condemn_v the_o same_o if_o not_o he_o may_v be_v justify_v and_o i_o condemn_v for_o accuse_v wrongful_o i_o shall_v then_o forbear_v print_v against_o he_o until_o such_o time_n i_o shall_v send_v such_o a_o letter_n or_o testimony_n unto_o the_o place_n of_o his_o habitation_n and_o if_o he_o shall_v be_v please_v to_o give_v answer_n thereto_o on_o request_n to_o he_o to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o messenger_n that_o shall_v go_v therewith_o than_o my_o purpose_n be_v as_o i_o then_o declare_v to_o communicate_v such_o answer_n to_o friend_n that_o so_o we_o may_v consider_v further_o what_o may_v be_v agreeable_a to_o truth_n to_o be_v do_v on_o this_o occasion_n one_o part_n of_o my_o end_n in_o thus_o do_v be_v to_o discover_v whether_o there_o be_v such_o a_o erroneous_a principle_n in_o any_o so_o to_o stand_v by_o a_o man_n charge_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o thing_n reproachful_a to_o the_o truth_n as_o that_o he_o must_v be_v exempt_v though_o guilty_a from_o the_o stroke_n of_o that_o justice_n which_o in_o the_o like_a case_n of_o gild_n he_o have_v prescribe_v for_o other_o for_o though_o the_o apostle_n testify_v that_o charity_n suffer_v long_o bear_v and_o endure_v all_o thing_n yet_o his_o mean_v be_v not_o that_o any_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n of_o what_o degree_n soever_o shall_v not_o be_v treat_v withal_o when_o over-taken_a in_o a_o fault_n else_o the_o same_o apostle_n will_v not_o have_v give_v these_o testimony_n gal._n 6.5_o every_o man_n shall_v bear_v his_o own_o burden_n col._n 3.25_o he_o that_o do_v wrong_a shall_v receive_v for_o the_o wrong_n which_o he_o have_v do_v and_o there_o be_v no_o respect_n of_o person_n beside_o it_o be_v observable_a from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n rev._n 2.2_o that_o it_o be_v praiseworthy_a not_o to_o bear_v liar_n though_o they_o may_v say_v they_o be_v apostle_n i_o now_o come_v to_o inform_v the_o reader_n that_o the_o ensue_a treatise_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n collect_v out_o of_o the_o manuscript_n first_o make_v mention_n of_o but_o yet_o with_o the_o omission_n of_o some_o marginal_a memorial_n direct_v the_o reader_n to_o the_o several_a section_n of_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o say_a manuscript_n that_o so_o from_o matter_n of_o fact_n therein_o contain_v the_o truth_n of_o reflection_n make_v and_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o objection_n raise_v and_o that_o from_o the_o book_n write_n or_o practice_n of_o some_o particular_a person_n or_o person_n repute_v of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n may_v be_v prove_v and_o therefore_o since_o it_o be_v not_o think_v fit_a
thereof_o as_o give_v to_o every_o man_n to_o profit_v withal_o to_o be_v that_o law_n that_o order_n that_o rule_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o which_o every_o one_o respective_o aught_o to_o be_v subject_n and_o yield_v obedience_n not_o by_o constraint_n but_o of_o a_o willing_a mind_n and_o that_o for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o as_o we_o be_v so_o subject_a we_o become_v member_n of_o that_o body_n against_o which_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n never_o do_v or_o can_v prevail_v nor_o yet_o against_o any_o one_o member_n thereof_o while_o abide_v on_o the_o rock_n christ_n which_o be_v that_o body_n the_o unworthy_a eater_n discern_v not_o and_o thus_o for_o many_o year_n it_o continue_v among_o the_o friend_n of_o truth_n or_o child_n of_o light_n for_o so_o be_v we_o call_v in_o the_o beginning_n magnify_v by_o their_o testimony_n obedience_n unto_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n which_o as_o the_o scripture_n testify_v light_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n as_o the_o only_a rule_n and_o governor_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n unto_o which_o whosoever_o take_v heed_n and_o be_v obedient_a be_v esteem_v to_o live_v under_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n know_v and_o believe_v that_o as_o christ_n come_n be_v to_o be_v wait_v for_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o man_n so_o there_o his_o government_n to_o be_v exalt_v and_o that_o whosoever_o shall_v endeavour_v by_o outward_a way_n and_o mean_n to_o establish_v a_o outward_a government_n and_o outward_a rule_n order_n law_n or_o prescription_n over_o the_o heritage_n of_o god_n under_o the_o notion_n or_o pretence_n of_o christ_n government_n will_v be_v find_v invader_n of_o christ_n prerogative_n and_o build_v the_o thing_n which_o in_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n have_v be_v often_o testify_v against_o as_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o first_o covenant_n than_o the_o second_o under_o which_o we_o be_v and_o touch_v which_o it_o be_v thus_o say_v by_o the_o prophet_n i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n in_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o they_o shall_v teach_v no_o more_o every_o man_n his_o neighbour_n and_o every_o man_n his_o brother_n say_v know_v the_o lord_n for_o they_o shall_v all_o know_v i_o from_o the_o least_o of_o they_o to_o the_o great_a of_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n jer._n 31.33.34_o in_o these_o thing_n we_o with_o many_o other_o be_v at_o unity_n we_o now_o recommend_v the_o same_o to_o every_o conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n whether_o this_o our_o unity_n be_v not_o and_o yet_o be_v consist_v with_o and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o unchangeable_a truth_n the_o next_o thing_n we_o be_v to_o treat_v upon_o be_v by_o what_o way_n and_o mean_v this_o unity_n come_v to_o be_v break_v in_o order_n to_o the_o discovery_n thereof_o we_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o answer_v one_o question_v which_o probable_o may_v be_v ask_v by_o some_o person_n who_o may_v not_o be_v sensible_a of_o such_o a_o variance_n hint_v at_o viz._n how_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o great_a difference_n and_o dis-union_n to_o this_o we_o say_v the_o public_a testimoneis_n of_o many_o person_n in_o those_o public_a meeting_n for_o worship_n where_o we_o have_v be_v conversant_a and_o that_o when_o many_o other_o not_o under_o the_o same_o profession_n with_o we_o have_v be_v present_a against_o dark_a bad_a leaven_a rend_a divide_v or_o separate_a spirit_n with_o application_n to_o such_o who_o be_v under_o the_o profession_n of_o truth_n and_o as_o we_o believe_v have_v bear_v the_o brunt_n and_o heat_n of_o the_o day_n and_o do_v yet_o continue_v unchanged_a as_o to_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n and_o as_o blameless_a in_o life_n and_o conversation_n as_o ever_o they_o be_v in_o day_n past_a when_o their_o opposer_n be_v at_o unity_n with_o they_o so_o far_o as_o we_o know_v do_v evident_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o breach_n be_v not_o only_o very_o wide_a but_o so_o public_a as_o it_o can_v but_o concern_v some_o of_o the_o wrongful_o scandalized_a party_n whereof_o we_o be_v a_o part_n as_o man_n and_z as_o christian_n for_o our_o reputation_n or_o at_o least_o the_o reputation_n of_o some_o of_o we_o in_o both_o respect_n have_v be_v strike_v at_o to_o appear_v thus_o public_a in_o the_o vindication_n of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o have_v long_o bear_v the_o reproach_n and_o scandal_n of_o scandalous_a tongue_n hope_v that_o those_o who_o have_v so_o persecute_v we_o and_o other_o our_o brethren_n for_o who_o sake_n we_o also_o be_v the_o more_o concern_v will_v have_v come_v to_o see_v their_o error_n and_o repent_v do_v now_o think_v ourselves_o oblige_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o truth_n and_o information_n of_o all_o the_o friend_n thereof_o as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v betray_v and_o lead_v from_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n to_o proceed_v to_o manifest_v for_o what_o cause_n both_o we_o and_o many_o other_o our_o brethren_n in_o the_o vnchangable_a truth_n be_v account_v such_o dark_a leaven_a rend_a divide_v and_o separate_a spirit_n which_o be_v true_o state_v the_o impartial_a reader_n will_v easy_o discover_v by_o what_o way_n and_o mean_v the_o aforesaid_a unity_n come_v to_o be_v break_v and_o at_o who_o door_n that_o will_v lie_v and_o which_o of_o those_o divide_a party_n do_v yet_o stand_v in_o and_o for_o the_o unchangeable_a truth_n that_o the_o aforesaid_a cause_n wherefore_o we_o and_o other_o be_v account_v dark_a leaven_a rend_a divide_v or_o separate_a spirit_n may_v be_v the_o more_o clear_o manifest_v it_o be_v needful_a to_o consider_v that_o some_o inquire_a reader_n may_v be_v ready_a to_o ask_v this_o question_n what_o do_v you_o believe_v be_v mean_v by_o the_o word_n dark_a leaven_a rend_a divide_v or_o separate_a spirit_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o many_o signal_n and_o outward_a demonstration_n both_o by_o word_n and_o write_n too_o large_a here_o to_o insert_v have_v be_v give_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o publisher_n of_o such_o reflect_v expression_n on_o many_o ancient_a and_o honourable_a brethren_n who_o we_o believe_v have_v approve_v themselves_o to_o this_o day_n faithful_a labourer_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n do_v intend_v that_o if_o any_o one_o who_o have_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n as_o preach_v among_o we_o in_o the_o beginning_n do_v scruple_n though_o conscientious_o to_o put_v in_o practice_v the_o outward_a order_n and_o prescription_n of_o some_o person_n or_o person_n take_v upon_o he_o or_o they_o to_o give_v forth_o the_o same_o such_o a_o one_o may_v just_o be_v account_v of_o a_o dark_a leaven_a rend_a divide_v or_o separate_v spirit_n and_o though_o of_o our_o certain_a knowledge_n we_o can_v declare_v that_o the_o understanding_n of_o many_o be_v so_o enlighten_v by_o the_o truth_n as_o clear_o to_o discern_v a_o deceivable_a spirit_n enter_v in_o by_o this_o door_n yet_o we_o be_v sensible_a that_o there_o be_v many_o honest-hearted_n friend_n who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o many_o thing_n that_o be_v come_v to_o our_o knowledge_n may_v have_v a_o dread_a upon_o they_o lest_o they_o err_v in_o take_v part_n either_o with_o one_o or_o other_o party_n until_o they_o have_v further_o inquire_v and_o satisfy_v themselves_o and_o these_o peradventure_o may_v be_v ready_a thus_o to_o object_n and_o tell_v we_o objection_n that_o they_o be_v inform_v that_o some_o of_o those_o who_o we_o term_v some_o person_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o give_v forth_o outward_a order_n and_o priscription_n be_v such_o as_o usual_o frequent_v the_o general_n meeting_n and_o have_v be_v ancient_a labourer_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v be_v instrument_n to_o gather_v we_o from_o the_o lo_o hen_n and_o the_o lo_n they_o to_o follow_v that_o teacher_n that_o can_v be_v remove_v into_o a_o corner_n and_o that_o the_o general_n meeting_n be_v a_o establish_v meet_v and_o that_o they_o have_v power_n to_o command_v govern_n and_o rule_n over_o other_o and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o other_o to_o obey_v for_o we_o find_v as_o they_o may_v say_v robert_n barclay_n in_o his_o book_n of_o government_n which_o friend_n ought_v not_o to_o judge_n because_o it_o be_v approve_v by_o the_o second_o day_n meet_v in_o london_n which_o be_v a_o meeting_n of_o minister_a friend_n to_o inform_v we_o page_n 27_o 28._o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n practise_a order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n that_o some_o do_v appoint_v and_o ordain_v certain_a thing_n condemn_v and_o approve_v certain_a practice_n as_o well_o as_o doctrine_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o there_o lie_v a_o obligation_n in_o point_n of_o duty_n
they_o be_v though_o under_o ever_o so_o specious_a pretence_n that_o have_v endeavour_v to_o establish_v outward_a indispensible_a rule_n and_o order_n in_o matter_n relate_v to_o conscience_n for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o gospel_n day_n to_o walk_v by_o neglect_v to_o commit_v and_o commend_v every_o one_o unto_o the_o word_n nigh_o in_o the_o heart_n that_o thereby_o they_o may_v be_v preserve_v from_o subjection_n to_o any_o thing_n outward_o ordain_v which_o they_o may_v either_o scruple_n in_o conscience_n or_o be_v not_o lead_v by_o the_o word_n nigh_o in_o the_o heart_n to_o practise_v be_v such_o as_o in_o the_o best_a and_o most_o fovourable_a construction_n act_n from_o zeal_n without_o knowledge_n in_o which_o kind_n of_o zeal_n paul_n himself_o phil._n 3.6_o though_o as_o to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n blameless_a yet_o persecute_v the_o church_n this_o kind_n of_o zeal_n be_v accompany_v with_o that_o ignorance_n which_o the_o chief_a among_o apostatise_v church_n have_v account_v the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n by_o which_o thousand_o in_o age_n past_a in_o the_o dark_a night_n of_o apostasy_n have_v be_v lead_v into_o the_o observation_n of_o many_o unsavoury_a dictate_v erroneous_a decree_n unwarrantable_a tradition_n and_o superstitious_a example_n either_o of_o one_o man_n or_o assembly_n of_o man_n not_o know_v what_o they_o have_v either_o believe_v or_o practise_v to_o be_v a_o incumbent_a duty_n upon_o they_o through_o a_o inward_a evidence_n from_o god_n witness_v in_o their_o conscience_n or_o trial_n thereof_o by_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n may_v not_o the_o same_o cloud_n of_o darkness_n overshadow_v any_o of_o the_o child_n of_o light_n in_o this_o our_o day_n say_v our_o soul_n moreover_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o if_o report_n be_v true_a this_o doctrine_n have_v of_o late_o be_v exalt_v no_o unity_n but_o in_o conformity_n which_o if_o apply_v to_o the_o outward_a prescription_n of_o one_o man_n or_o assembly_n of_o man_n assume_v to_o themselves_o authority_n to_o act_n and_o determine_v in_o matter_n appertain_v to_o the_o gospel_n and_o its_o order_n thereby_o to_o become_v a_o bond_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o those_o who_o have_v believe_v in_o the_o everlasting_a light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n as_o the_o great_a order_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n in_o this_o gospel_n day_n may_v occasion_v the_o continuation_n of_o discord_n distraction_n and_o division_n contrary_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n which_o have_v be_v publish_v receive_v and_o believe_v among_o the_o child_n of_o light_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n who_o neither_o have_v nor_o can_v receive_v any_o doctrine_n contrary_a to_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 3.6_o the_o letter_n kill_v but_o the_o spirit_n give_v life_n we_o now_o appeal_v unto_o every_o understanding_n ingenious_a and_o impartial_a reader_n whether_o since_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o primitive_a day_n be_v to_o draw_v the_o outward_a jew_n off_o from_o the_o observation_n of_o these_o ordinance_n which_o be_v rea_o establish_v by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n himself_o have_v exalt_v instead_o thereof_o the_o word_n nigh_o in_o the_o heart_n and_o law_n write_v therein_o as_o a_o fulfil_n of_o that_o which_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o prophet_n be_v to_o come_v to_o pass_v under_o the_o new_a covenant_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v like_a unto_o the_o old_a can_v consist_v with_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n for_o any_o to_o attempt_v the_o establishment_n or_o give_v forth_o of_o outward_a order_n prescription_n sentence_n or_o decree_n to_o be_v on_o that_o foot_n a_o bond_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o those_o who_o have_v believe_v in_o the_o everlasting_a light_n especial_o if_o they_o be_v of_o the_o gentile_a stock_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n unto_o who_o the_o law_n appertain_v not_o for_o so_o the_o people_n of_o england_n be_v and_o if_o not_o whether_o those_o who_o be_v otherwise_o persuade_v and_o according_a to_o such_o a_o persuasion_n may_v be_v find_v act_v may_v not_o though_o under_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o truth_n itself_o just_o be_v number_v among_o those_o of_o who_o in_o the_o best_a sense_n it_o may_v be_v say_v they_o have_v zeal_n without_o knowledge_n and_o ignorance_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o their_o devotion_n and_o now_o as_o to_o those_o who_o have_v knowledge_n without_o zeal_n charity_n do_v not_o oblige_v we_o to_o conclude_v that_o such_o in_o that_o state_n chief_o design_n to_o live_v well_o that_o so_o they_o may_v die_v well_o for_o as_o christ_n say_v so_o may_v we_o luk._n 12.48_o unto_o whosoever_o much_o be_v give_v of_o he_o shall_v be_v much_o require_v the_o want_n of_o zeal_n in_o a_o know_a good_a cause_n be_v as_o we_o take_v it_o the_o neglect_n of_o a_o know_a incumbent_a duty_n wherein_o god_n have_v give_v power_n else_o how_o can_v it_o have_v be_v say_v to_o the_o lukewarm_a church_n of_o laodicea_n after_o a_o understanding_n be_v give_v unto_o she_o how_o she_o may_v come_v to_o see_v viz._n by_o anoint_v her_o eye_n with_o eye_n salve_n leu._n 3.19_o be_v zealous_n &_o amend_v for_o doubtless_o power_n be_v give_v of_o god_n into_o she_o to_o amend_v as_o well_o as_o direction_n how_o to_o see_v but_o of_o the_o want_n of_o knowledge_n it_o can_v be_v so_o say_v as_o of_o the_o want_n of_o zeal_n because_o it_o be_v not_o equal_o in_o our_o power_n to_o attain_v unto_o knowledge_n when_o we_o want_v it_o as_o it_o be_v zealous_o to_o practise_v what_o we_o know_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n we_o may_v therefore_o conclude_v that_o where_o knowledge_n be_v not_o accompany_v with_o zeal_n though_o requisite_a it_o be_v in_o the_o best_a sense_n a_o token_n of_o a_o lukewarm_a spirit_n and_o in_o some_o where_o it_o have_v predominate_v we_o have_v clear_o discern_v that_o first_o they_o have_v be_v overawe_v by_o the_o frown_n of_o man_n or_o man_n and_o then_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o bear_v all_o thing_n neglect_v to_o give_v their_o testimony_n for_o the_o truth_n without_o respect_n to_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o more_o than_o the_o truth_n may_v require_v and_o by_o this_o mean_v some_o have_v undoubted_o be_v the_o occasion_n whereby_o many_o have_v be_v catch_v in_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o evil_a one_o not_o know_v through_o a_o neglect_n of_o their_o inward_a teacher_n which_o way_n to_o turn_v and_o that_o load_v and_o burden_n have_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o other_o who_o while_o they_o have_v keep_v steadfast_a unto_o the_o ancient_a doctrine_n exalt_v the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o light_n to_o be_v our_o law_n rule_n and_o guide_n have_v behold_v some_o of_o their_o brethren_n not_o only_o captivate_v with_o a_o kind_n of_o a_o slavish_a fear_n but_o also_o in_o their_o practice_n recee_v from_o what_o their_o first_o principle_n will_v have_v lead_v they_o to_o have_v use_v politic_a contrivance_n to_o retain_v the_o favour_n and_o affection_n of_o some_o who_o perhaps_o in_o their_o view_n have_v appear_v to_o be_v like_a unto_o the_o rise_a sun_n and_o so_o have_v give_v more_o way_n to_o a_o temporize_a spirit_n than_o to_o acquit_v themselves_o as_o good_a christian_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n by_o which_o the_o conscience_n come_v to_o be_v keep_v void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n and_o all_o this_o as_o with_o respect_n to_o some_o it_o be_v doubt_v for_o fear_v lest_o they_o shall_v be_v term_v sect-master_n by_o such_o as_o in_o this_o gospel-day_n have_v assume_v a_o pretend_a authority_n to_o establish_v outward_a order_n to_o be_v a_o rule_n for_o and_o bond_n upon_o the_o child_n of_o light_a to_o walk_v by_o without_o any_o exception_n thereby_o to_o avoid_v oppress_v a_o tender_a conscience_n but_o this_o be_v far_o wide_a of_o that_o zeal_n which_o accompany_v the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o his_o convert_v state_n who_o be_v term_v a_o ringleader_n of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nazerenes_n by_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n that_o will_v have_v judge_v he_o according_a to_o their_o law_n which_o undoubted_o will_v then_o have_v inflict_v severe_a punishment_n on_o he_o which_o be_v due_o consider_v we_o may_v well_o say_v it_o be_v far_o wide_a of_o paul_n zeal_n to_o fear_v under_o this_o gospel-day_n the_o title_n of_o a_o sect-master_n on_o the_o score_n of_o refuse_v outward_a conformity_n to_o outward_a rule_n and_o order_n relate_v to_o the_o conscience_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o gospel-order_n establish_v among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n not_o only_o because_o they_o have_v no_o law_n whereby_o corporal_o to_o punish_v but_o also_o because_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n either_o from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o
basis_n and_o foundation_n to_o which_o i_o thus_o say_v this_o kind_n of_o language_n with_o respect_n to_o divers_a practice_n in_o discipline_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n or_o any_o outward_a form_n and_o order_n which_o be_v or_o have_v be_v by_o any_o call_v the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o do_v not_o understand_v to_o be_v right_o applicable_a to_o those_o among_o the_o say_a people_n who_o have_v retain_v their_o first_o love_n to_o and_o savour_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o principle_n thereof_o not_o that_o i_o will_v hereby_o be_v understand_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o be_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o outward_a order_n with_o respect_n to_o that_o gospel-discipline_n which_o become_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o that_o which_o i_o understand_v not_o to_o be_v right_o applicable_a unto_o they_o be_v manifest_v in_o what_o follow_v though_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n have_v and_o may_v further_o lead_v into_o the_o practice_n of_o outward_a order_n in_o discipline_n with_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n yet_o i_o affirm_v that_o part_n of_o that_o outward_a order_n in_o discipline_n wherein_o divers_a of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n have_v be_v act_v be_v such_o as_o that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o footstep_n thereof_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o exhort_v to_o or_o as_o practise_v by_o the_o apostle_n i_o can_v give_v many_o instance_n hereof_o but_o one_o shall_v suffice_v viz._n the_o form_n of_o proceed_n in_o marriage_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n be_v whole_o silent_a as_o to_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o though_o the_o papist_n pretend_v to_o tradition_n yet_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n do_v not_o beside_o it_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n that_o the_o apostle_n be_v find_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o which_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n do_v not_o only_o out_o of_o conscience_n to_o god_n forbear_v but_o have_v have_v many_o contest_v with_o other_o touch_v the_o same_o as_o esteem_v it_o though_o permit_v for_o a_o season_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o people_n among_o the_o number_n of_o those_o outward_a ordinance_n out_o of_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v at_o this_o day_n gather_v his_o people_n witness_v water-baptism_n the_o word_n order_n with_o respect_n to_o outward_a government_n establish_v by_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n over_o itself_o i_o remember_v not_o in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n yet_o much_o of_o late_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o establish_v the_o same_o and_o that_o with_o respect_n to_o outward_a prescription_n and_o order_n practise_v or_o endeavour_v to_o be_v introduce_v among_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n and_o in_o particular_a r._n b._n page_n 40._o speak_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o faith_n we_o have_v be_v and_o be_v in_o the_o lord_n hand_n build_v up_o to_o which_o i_o say_v the_o consideration_n that_o christ_n be_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o great_a power_n of_o god_n and_o that_o a_o establish_n in_o the_o faith_n can_v proper_o be_v term_v a_o build_n up_o of_o faith_n give_v i_o occasion_n to_o treat_v a_o little_a touch_v the_o word_n establish_v and_o build_v up_o we_o know_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o truth_n in_o ourselves_o as_o well_o as_o from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o build_v up_o one_o another_o in_o the_o most_o holy_a faith_n in_o christ_n the_o truth_n the_o power_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v neither_o agreeable_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o truth_n in_o we_o nor_o yet_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o we_o for_o any_o to_o account_v themselves_o of_o ability_n to_o establish_v god_n power_n for_o its_o that_o by_o which_o the_o world_n be_v make_v now_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o nothing_o else_o according_a to_o the_o declare_a sense_n of_o our_o ancient_a friend_n can_v proper_o be_v call_v the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o the_o power_n of_o god_n for_o though_o some_o outward_a form_n or_o appearance_n may_v be_v according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o it_o can_v no_o more_o proper_o be_v call_v the_o very_a order_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o tree_n can_v be_v call_v the_o tree_n itself_o and_o therefore_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o establish_v the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v as_o well_o pretend_v to_o establish_v the_o power_n of_o god_n itself_o it_o be_v true_a this_o power_n be_v of_o ability_n to_o establish_v man_n in_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n but_o man_n be_v not_o of_o ability_n to_o establish_v it_o those_o who_o understand_v the_o nature_n and_o tenour_n of_o the_o two_o covenant_n may_v easy_o discern_v the_o truth_n hereof_o under_o the_o first_o covenant_n which_o be_v outward_a the_o mind_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v to_o the_o people_n from_o the_o priest_n lip_n which_o be_v to_o preserve_v knowledge_n and_o this_o covenant_n do_v consist_v in_o divers_a outward_a ordinance_n etc._n etc._n establish_v and_o impose_v upon_o the_o people_n until_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n under_o the_o second_o covenant_n be_v the_o new_a covenant_n or_o gospel_n dispensation_n the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v in_o his_o people_n through_o the_o revelation_n of_o his_o spirit_n according_a to_o that_o of_o paul_n rom._n 1.19_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_v in_o they_o christ_n also_o say_v john_n 14.26_o the_o comforter_n which_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o the_o father_n will_v send_v in_o my_o name_n he_o shall_v teach_v you_o all_o thing_n the_o law_n under_o this_o covenant_n be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n heb._n 8.10_o 11._o i_o will_v write_v my_o law_n in_o their_o heart_n &_o they_o shall_v not_o teach_v every_o man_n his_o neighbour_n and_o every_o man_n his_o brother_n say_v know_v the_o lord_n for_o all_o shall_v know_v i_o etc._n etc._n here_o be_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n of_o encouragement_n for_o any_o man_n under_o the_o new_a covenant_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v like_a unto_o the_o old_a to_o pretend_v that_o god_n spirit_n do_v or_o will_v lead_v any_o to_o establish_v outward_a order_n relate_v to_o matter_n of_o conscience_n as_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o if_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_v in_o we_o than_o though_o it_o may_v be_v needful_a to_o stir_v up_o according_a as_o the_o lord_n shall_v move_v in_o his_o servant_n the_o pure_a mind_n in_o we_o that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o what_o god_n require_v through_o the_o maifestation_n of_o himself_o in_o we_o there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o establish_v any_o thing_n without_o we_o to_o show_v it_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v to_o lead_v into_o all_o truth_n those_o who_o will_v be_v lead_v we_o in_o another_o way_n will_v prove_v little_o better_o than_o thief_n and_o robber_n which_o climb_v up_o another_o way_n to_o enter_v in_o than_o by_o the_o door_n if_o the_o law_n be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o that_o no_o obedience_n find_v acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n but_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n from_o a_o inward_a impulse_n and_o draw_v of_o his_o spirit_n thereunto_o in_o ourselves_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o establish_v outward_a indispensible_a rule_n which_o may_v relate_v to_o the_o conscience_n to_o walk_v by_o for_o be_v it_o possible_a so_o to_o do_v and_o any_o shall_v yield_v obedience_n on_o no_o better_a ground_n then_o because'tis_o so_o establish_v by_o such_o a_o man_n or_o assembly_n of_o man_n this_o sort_n of_o obedience_n will_v find_v no_o more_o acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n than_o the_o offering_n of_o swine_n flesh_n or_o the_o halt_n and_o blind_a for_o a_o sacrifice_n under_o the_o first_o covenant_n do_v for_o though_o many_o may_v be_v so_o weak_a as_o not_o to_o know_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o two_o covenant_n in_o some_o respect_n yet_o there_o be_v few_o of_o the_o lord_n people_n call_v quaker_n but_o have_v this_o undoubted_a truth_n seal_v in_o their_o heart_n that_o none_o of_o their_o outward_a practice_n under_o the_o exercise_n of_o christ_n government_n find_n acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n but_o as_o they_o have_v a_o evidence_n in_o their_o conscience_n that_o therein_o they_o answer_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n in_o themselves_o paul_n write_v to_o the_o colossian_n thus_o say_v as_o you_o have_v receive_v christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n so_o walk_v in_o he_o root_v and_o build_v up_o
not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o second_o covenant_n to_o expect_v that_o any_o one_o shall_v be_v ordain_v of_o god_n to_o be_v among_o the_o child_n of_o light_n like_v unto_o moses_n save_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n and_o master_n who_o by_o his_o spiritual_a appearance_n in_o we_o be_v become_v our_o leader_n and_o lawgiver_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o believe_v that_o any_o one_o mortal_a man_n aught_o to_o assume_v that_o place_n among_o the_o child_n of_o light_n at_o this_o day_n as_o moses_n by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n do_v among_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n in_o his_o day_n especial_o if_o we_o do_v but_o consider_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o lord_n through_o his_o prophet_n jeremiah_n jer._n 31.33_o 34._o with_o relation_n to_o that_o time_n and_o dispensation_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n under_o which_o we_o be_v be_v on_o this_o wise_a i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n in_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o they_o shall_v teach_v no_o more_o every_o man_n his_o neighbour_n and_o every_o man_n his_o brother_n say_v know_v the_o lord_n for_o they_o shall_v all_o know_v i_o from_o the_o least_o of_o they_o unto_o the_o great_a of_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n sect_n iii_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o second_o position_n deducible_a from_o a_o objection_n raise_v towards_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o first_o section_n viz._n that_o monthly_o and_o quarterly_o meeting_n be_v call_v the_o church_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v submit_v to_o it_o be_v well_o remember_v that_o that_o one_o man_n g._n f._n go_v some_o year_n pass_v into_o many_o part_n of_o this_o nation_n advise_v friend_n to_o hold_v such_o meeting_n viz._n monthly_a and_o quarterly_o and_o in_o many_o place_n his_o counsel_n be_v ready_o embrace_v but_o for_o our_o part_n we_o understand_v not_o at_o that_o day_n that_o it_o be_v design_v by_o he_o or_o any_o else_o that_o those_o meeting_n shall_v not_o only_o be_v account_v the_o church_n but_o also_o such_o as_o profess_v the_o truth_n aught_o to_o believe_v as_o this_o church_n believe_v have_v he_o so_o express_v himself_o testimony_n will_v have_v arisen_a as_o a_o flood_n against_o such_o darkness_n for_o this_o will_v have_v plain_o appear_v to_o we_o to_o have_v open_v a_o door_n whereby_o that_o babylonish_n rubbish_n which_o we_o have_v be_v long_o testify_v against_o may_v have_v be_v exalt_v in_o one_o day_n and_o to_o be_v very_o plain_a we_o can_v but_o now_o declare_v that_o we_o be_v full_o satisfy_v in_o our_o conscience_n that_o by_o this_o very_a door_n a_o body_n of_o strife_n contention_n emulation_n malice_n and_o envy_n together_o with_o a_o rend_v divide_v separate_a spirit_n from_o the_o truth_n be_v enter_v among_o many_o hundred_o who_o before_o walk_v together_o with_o we_o in_o a_o heavenly_a union_n and_o fellowship_n in_o the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n which_o doubtless_o may_v if_o it_o have_v not_o already_o occasion_n many_o honest_a simplehearted_n friend_n thus_o in_o their_o heart_n to_o say_v where_o be_v the_o people_n who_o we_o shall_v now_o follow_v but_o if_o such_o retire_n into_o the_o sanctuary_n of_o the_o lord_n there_o in_o stillness_n to_o wait_v what_o god_n will_v say_v they_o will_v undoubted_o have_v this_o answer_n you_o have_v a_o teacher_n within_o you_o which_o can_v be_v remove_v into_o a_o corner_n follow_v that_o teacher_n lest_o peradventer_v your_o foot_n do_v slip_v by_o go_v from_o your_o inward_a guide_n and_o follow_v the_o footstep_n and_o dictate_v of_o man._n but_o to_o return_v it_o be_v now_o our_o concern_v as_o to_o the_o second_o position_n thus_o further_o to_o declare_v that_o whosoever_o have_v or_o shall_v testify_v that_o all_o those_o meeting_n as_o usual_o hold_v be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v and_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v such_o as_o know_v not_o whereof_o they_o affirm_v for_o such_o a_o testimony_n carry_v with_o it_o neither_o inward_a nor_o outward_a evidence_n though_o we_o dare_v not_o conclude_v that_o none_o in_o those_o meeting_n be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n consist_v proper_o of_o such_o as_o be_v by_o one_o spirit_n baptize_v into_o one_o body_n 12.13_o 1_o cor._n 12.13_o and_o so_o be_v in_o the_o possession_n as_o well_o as_o profession_n of_o truth_n but_o yet_o whoever_o they_o be_v that_o do_v but_o so_o much_o as_o profess_v the_o truth_n be_v admit_v to_o be_v member_n of_o such_o meeting_n while_o they_o appear_v in_o the_o outward_a form_n thereof_o and_o be_v not_o then_o of_o scandalous_a conversation_n all_o which_o may_v appear_v in_o such_o as_o be_v far_o remote_a from_o witness_v the_o circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n which_o must_v be_v witness_v as_o the_o proper_a product_n of_o the_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n before_o a_o possession_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v know_v and_o whether_o man_n meeting_n have_v not_o often_o consist_v of_o such_o member_n and_o be_v like_o so_o to_o do_v while_o the_o door_n be_v open_a for_o any_o under_o the_o aforesaid_a qualification_n to_o sit_v there_o as_o it_o yet_o be_v we_o recommend_v to_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o impartial_a reader_n and_o if_o so_o we_o desire_v they_o further_a to_o weigh_v and_o consider_v first_o whether_o it_o can_v be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o truth_n to_o account_v every_o thing_n act_v and_o do_v by_o every_o such_o meeting_n to_o be_v the_o product_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o according_o to_o be_v submit_v to_o second_o whether_o the_o judge_n of_o some_o conscientious_o refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o be_v dark_a leaven_a rend_v divide_v or_o separate_a spirit_n because_o they_o refuse_v be_v not_o the_o fruit_n of_o that_o spirit_n that_o will_v remove_v we_o from_o that_o teacher_n that_o can_v be_v remove_v into_o a_o corner_n to_o follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o fallible_a men._n three_o whether_o a_o plea_n for_o obedience_n to_o the_o order_n of_o such_o meeting_n from_o person_n conscientious_o refuse_v to_o obey_v have_v not_o a_o tendency_n to_o justify_v usurpation_n since_o they_o have_v never_o evidence_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o those_o from_o who_o they_o have_v seem_v to_o expect_v obedience_n any_o other_o call_v to_o that_o service_n than_o their_o own_o four_o whether_o a_o plea_n for_o such_o meeting_n to_o govern_v in_o matter_n relate_v to_o conscience_n have_v not_o a_o tendency_n to_o justify_v confusion_n since_o according_a to_o the_o repute_a order_n of_o such_o meeting_n none_o that_o be_v to_o be_v rule_v be_v exclude_v from_o be_v ruler_n let_v those_o who_o can_v believe_v this_o our_o last_o assertion_n peruse_v robert_n barclay_n book_n of_o government_n approve_v by_o such_o as_o have_v be_v account_v minister_a friend_n at_o the_o second_o day_n meet_v in_o london_n wherein_o it_o be_v say_v page_n 33._o we_o be_v not_o so_o foolish_a as_o to_o concern_v ourselves_o with_o those_o who_o be_v not_o of_o we_o none_o of_o which_o be_v according_a to_o the_o import_n of_o the_o say_a book_n of_o government_n as_o we_o take_v it_o exclude_v from_o such_o meeting_n nor_o yet_o to_o give_v judgement_n therein_o witness_n page_n 79_o and_o 82._o of_o the_o say_a book_n and_o since_o we_o be_v now_o treat_v of_o those_o meeting_n we_o be_v not_o without_o a_o sense_n but_o that_o some_o may_v be_v ready_a thus_o to_o query_n viz._n what_o order_n be_v either_o prescribe_v or_o use_v whereby_o the_o sense_n of_o such_o meeting_n be_v collect_v to_o this_o we_o say_v a_o eminent_a person_n profess_v truth_n be_v at_o bristol_n do_v take_v occasion_n to_o signify_v at_o a_o mens-meeting_a hold_v in_o that_o city_n to_o this_o effect_n that_o in_o london_n and_o other_o part_n of_o this_o nation_n where_o such_o meeting_n be_v usual_o hold_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o generality_n have_v be_v take_v for_o the_o sense_n of_o such_o meeting_n compare_v this_o with_o this_o doctrine_n frequent_o of_o late_a publish_v among_o we_o that_o the_o apostasy_n shall_v never_o enter_v the_o generality_n more_o do_v give_v we_o just_a occasion_n to_o be_v jealous_a that_o our_o opposer_n for_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o their_o design_n against_o we_o have_v contrive_v this_o method_n of_o carry_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o generality_n or_o major_a number_n of_o voice_n which_o limitation_n we_o know_v have_v be_v heretofore_o and_o by_o the_o faithful_a to_o this_o day_n utter_o disow_v as_o contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o also_o by_o the_o approver_n of_o r._n b_n book_n of_o government_n as_o in_o page_n 81._o and_o though_o the_o counsel_n of_o that_o one_o man_n who_o first_o advise_v to_o the_o aforesaid_a meeting_n in_o some_o part_n be_v
reality_n member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n because_o this_o light_n in_o which_o we_o have_v believe_v do_v reveal_v unto_o we_o that_o those_o who_o be_v but_o in_o the_o gentile_a nature_n and_o have_v come_v no_o further_o than_o the_o outward_a court_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o gentile_n may_v have_v all_o the_o outward_a mark_n and_o sign_n of_o a_o member_n of_o their_o church_n and_o yet_o know_v very_o little_a of_o the_o wash_n by_o the_o water_n of_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n through_o the_o spirit_n which_o every_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n that_o be_v build_v on_o the_o rock_n christ_n come_v to_o be_v witness_n of_o and_o therefore_o when_o our_o opposer_n who_o profess_v not_o the_o truth_n will_v reflect_v upon_o we_o on_o this_o wise_a you_o be_v a_o confuse_a people_n you_o gather_v not_o into_o church-fellowship_n you_o have_v no_o certain_a way_n to_o know_v one_o another_o to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o we_o have_v and_o why_o do_v you_o not_o put_v forth_o your_o creed_n that_o so_o we_o may_v know_v what_o and_o how_o many_o the_o article_n of_o your_o faith_n be_v and_o what_o you_o stand_v for_o and_o what_o you_o stand_v against_o the_o best_a answer_n that_o ever_o as_o we_o can_v understand_v we_o be_v capable_a to_o give_v in_o truth_n unto_o such_o be_v this_o the_o true_a church_n be_v in_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o have_v believe_v in_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o his_o grace_n unto_o which_o if_o we_o be_v obedient_a according_a to_o the_o respective_a measure_n thereof_o give_v of_o god_n and_o receive_v by_o we_o we_o then_o have_v the_o witness_v of_o god_n in_o our_o conscience_n give_v evidence_n that_o we_o be_v of_o the_o true_a brotherhood_n and_o of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v who_o name_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n though_o we_o do_v not_o allege_v any_o outward_a mark_n and_o sign_n whereby_o our_o body_n be_v temple_n 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there_o be_v babe_n young_a man_n and_o father_n there_o be_v the_o weak_a and_o the_o strong_a suppose_v a_o weak_a brother_n faith_n differ_v from_o his_o brethren_n must_v he_o be_v account_v a_o fool_n or_o a_o hypocrite_n nay_o nay_o charity_n measure_v not_o so_o we_o find_v this_o very_a case_n happen_v among_o the_o roman_n and_o what_o say_v paul_n in_o that_o case_n read_v rom._n 14.3_o 4_o 22_o 23._o and_o there_o paul_n thus_o advise_v 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 which_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 hence_o it_o be_v evident_a the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n differ_v 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publisher_n thereof_o his_o due_a he_o have_v that_o they_o never_o do_v preach_v up_o such_o a_o position_n as_o a_o great_a argument_n to_o enforce_v people_n into_o their_o faith_n sect_n v._o what_o we_o stand_v for_o viz._n truth_n and_o righteousness_n and_o that_o christ_n government_n may_v be_v exalt_v in_o every_o heart_n under_o which_o we_o be_v instruct_v not_o to_o depend_v on_o man_n but_o on_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n grace_n a_o testimony_n against_o tithe_n and_o for_o meet_v together_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n the_o neglect_n whereof_o may_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o weakness_n or_o disobedience_n the_o government_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o law_n thereof_o be_v inward_a some_o part_n of_o the_o fruit_n bring_v forth_o under_o the_o say_a government_n be_v describe_v a_o objection_n relate_v to_o the_o secure_v any_o part_n of_o a_o man_n estate_n on_o a_o foresight_n of_o a_o praemunire_n or_o fine_n for_o meet_v answer_v have_v thus_o far_o ease_v 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sufficiency_n of_o his_o grace_n though_o since_o fall_v asleep_o and_o that_o we_o intend_v more_o particular_o to_o treat_v thereon_o in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o treatise_n we_o shall_v not_o much_o enlarge_v thereon_o in_o this_o part_n yet_o think_v it_o necessary_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o here_o to_o signify_v that_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n for_o which_o we_o stand_v under_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n have_v instruct_v we_o not_o to_o depend_v on_o man_n for_o teach_v but_o on_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n grace_n nor_o yet_o to_o put_v into_o the_o mouth_n of_o false_a prophet_n or_o hireling_n shepherd_n and_o on_o this_o foot_n we_o have_v have_v a_o testimony_n against_o pay_v of_o tithe_n as_o be_v that_o antichristian-yoak_n which_o in_o the_o dark_a night_n of_o apostasy_n have_v be_v spread_v over_o nation_n and_o as_o we_o come_v to_o believe_v in_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o to_o depend_v upon_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o 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mouth_n of_o his_o prophet_n or_o from_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o light_n in_o we_o or_o from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n give_v forth_o by_o inspiration_n since_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n to_o expect_v that_o any_o shall_v be_v invest_v with_o power_n from_o on_o high_a to_o establish_v such_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o conscience_n much_o less_o to_o expect_v that_o the_o child_n of_o light_n under_o the_o new_a covenant_n shall_v be_v lead_v by_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n and_o word_n nigh_o in_o the_o heart_n unto_o such_o a_o conformity_n moreover_o it_o be_v observable_a paul_n plain_a confession_n thus_o be_v after_o the_o way_n which_o they_o call_v heresy_n so_o worship_n i_o the_o god_n of_o my_o father_n believe_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n etc._n etc._n and_o herein_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o 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for_o such_o a_o reflection_n will_v never_o have_v hurt_v they_o in_o the_o breast_n of_o those_o that_o have_v continue_v true_o faithful_a and_o this_o many_o be_v give_v to_o understand_v from_o that_o honourable_a esteem_n that_o some_o ancient_a and_o faithful_a brethren_n have_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o such_o as_o have_v not_o in_o a_o temporize_a spirit_n change_v their_o way_n notwithstanding_o they_o be_v stigmatise_v with_o the_o name_n of_o sect-master_n even_o by_o those_o who_o like_o the_o gentile_n appear_v to_o exercise_n lordship_n over_o their_o brethren_n in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o come_v to_o take_v a_o little_a notice_n of_o those_o who_o abound_v in_o confidence_n without_o either_o knowledge_n or_o zeal_n this_o sort_n may_v be_v well_o compare_v unto_o those_o beast_n with_o who_o it_o be_v repute_v paul_n fight_v at_o ephesus_n which_o if_o it_o be_v so_o be_v doubtless_o he_o contest_v have_v with_o unreasonable_a men._n the_o bait_n by_o which_o this_o sort_n be_v entice_v to_o appear_v somebody_n in_o probability_n be_v this_o the_o door_n be_v open_a for_o any_o under_o the_o profession_n of_o truth_n who_o life_n be_v not_o outward_o scandalous_a to_o appear_v among_o some_o of_o the_o society_n of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n as_o governor_n and_o though_o it_o be_v hard_a for_o we_o to_o suppose_v who_o among_o such_o be_v the_o person_n that_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v when_o liberty_n be_v take_v and_o admit_v as_o aforesaid_a whereby_o none_o of_o the_o society_n be_v exclude_v to_o appear_v as_o governor_n yet_o so_o it_o be_v and_o of_o this_o have_v our_o eye_n and_o ear_n be_v witness_n a_o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o sort_n we_o have_v understand_v to_o be_v on_o this_o wise_a if_o you_o do_v not_o see_v yourselves_o you_o must_v follow_v we_o that_o do_v see_v alas_o it_o be_v easy_o to_o be_v savour_v where_o all_o may_v then_o run_v if_o such_o a_o exhortation_n from_o any_o one_o thus_o qualify_v and_o that_o with_o respect_n to_o follow_v the_o exhorte_a shall_v take_v place_n he_o than_o that_o lead_v and_o those_o who_o may_v be_v lead_v will_v quick_o fall_v into_o the_o ditch_n together_o and_o so_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n come_v to_o be_v advance_v instead_o of_o be_v destroy_v but_o bless_v be_v the_o name_n of_o the_o everlasting_a god_n that_o sun_n which_o have_v arisen_a among_o we_o that_o glorious_a appearance_n if_o the_o everlasting_a light_n which_o have_v shine_v in_o many_o heart_n be_v not_o yet_o set_v in_o obscurity_n and_o our_o faith_n be_v that_o it_o will_v not_o the_o lord_n have_v have_v a_o regard_n to_o his_o own_o name_n and_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o eternal_a power_n so_o that_o though_o many_o ancient_a and_o honourable_a brethren_n who_o the_o lord_n commissioned_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n to_o publish_v his_o everlasting_a gospel_n exhort_v all_o to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o light_n in_o they_o be_v fall_v asleep_o yet_o there_o be_v many_o of_o the_o same_o stock_n yet_o remain_v upon_o who_o he_o have_v not_o only_o pour_v forth_o of_o his_o spirit_n and_o anoint_v they_o to_o publish_v his_o everlasting_a gospel_n but_o also_o have_v keep_v they_o in_o integrity_n and_o their_o garment_n undefiled_a from_o the_o spot_n and_o pollution_n of_o this_o world_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o have_v give_v unto_o they_o true_a zeal_n according_a to_o knowledge_n through_o which_o the_o way_n unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o demonstration_n of_o his_o spirit_n have_v be_v declare_v and_o have_v continue_v they_o in_o the_o service_n whereunto_o they_o have_v be_v call_v and_o these_o have_v not_o in_o a_o temporize_a spirit_n for_o fear_n of_o the_o threat_n and_o frown_n of_o man_n change_v their_o way_n nor_o yet_o follow_v any_o for_o the_o loaf_n and_o though_o some_o of_o these_o have_v of_o late_o be_v account_v dark_a spirit_n leaven_a spirit_n troubler_n of_o israel_n sect-master_n leader_n into_o a_o separation_n and_o into_o downright_a independency_n parish_n and_o schism_n yet_o this_o testimony_n live_v with_o we_o that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n on_o which_o alone_o we_o be_v persuade_v their_o dependency_n have_v be_v and_o be_v have_v accompany_v such_o when_o thus_o judge_v despise_a and_o revile_v by_o that_o generation_n who_o unto_o we_o appear_v as_o if_o their_o dependency_n be_v upon_o man_n that_o labour_n and_o travel_v to_o gather_v unto_o themselves_o to_o conclude_v this_o further_a testimony_n live_v with_o we_o that_o the_o righteous_a god_n bear_v we_o this_o day_n record_n that_o the_o very_a reason_n wherefore_o this_o treatise_n be_v now_o prepare_v be_v because_o our_o very_a conscience_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o god_n truth_n and_o people_n be_v concern_v and_o therefore_o we_o can_v but_o encourage_v this_o so_o necessary_a a_o work_n have_v among_o many_o other_o our_o brethren_n long_o wait_v and_o bear_v in_o patience_n to_o see_v if_o peradventure_o the_o lord_n may_v change_v the_o heart_n of_o those_o who_o have_v occasion_v contention_n strife_n and_o division_n to_o arise_v among_o the_o family_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n for_o whatever_o measure_n other_o may_v take_v of_o we_o yet_o this_o evidence_n we_o have_v in_o ourselves_o that_o our_o soul_n desire_n be_v that_o the_o bright_a appearance_n of_o the_o everlasting_a day_n may_v not_o set_v in_o obscurity_n in_o any_o heart_n where_o it_o have_v be_v both_o manifest_v and_o receive_v nor_o yet_o that_o any_o of_o the_o lord_n people_n may_v be_v ensnare_v to_o build_v again_o the_o thing_n which_o in_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n our_o lord_n they_o have_v destroy_v william_n rogers_n william_n ford_n here_o now_o follow_v that_o paper_n make_v mention_n of_o in_o the_o title_n page_n touch_v the_o scatter_a of_o israel_n give_v forth_o in_o the_o year_n 1661._o by_o edward_n burrough_n minister_n of_o the_o everlasting_a gospel_n on_o the_o 22th_o of_o the_o 8_o month_n 1661._o i_o be_v grieve_v in_o my_o spirit_n for_o the_o scatter_v of_o israel_n and_o my_o thought_n trouble_v i_o very_o much_o for_o the_o afflict_a in_o jerusalem_n for_o i_o also_o be_v great_o afflict_v with_o they_o and_o i_o pray_v unto_o god_n that_o he_o will_v show_v i_o his_o purpose_n concern_v they_o and_o these_o word_n come_v unto_o i_o abide_v thou_o in_o i_o thou_o helpless_a lamb_n and_o i_o will_v show_v thou_o great_a thing_n only_o stir_v not_o from_o i_o for_o thou_o have_v no_o helper_n but_o i_o and_o if_o thou_o go_v never_o so_o little_a from_o i_o behold_v a_o wild_a beast_n seek_v to_o devour_v thou_o therefore_o i_o say_v abide_v and_o then_o i_o weep_v great_o because_o i_o see_v what_o great_a danger_n i_o be_v in_o for_o i_o
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
in_o isa_n 9.6_o it_o be_v thus_o say_v and_o the_o government_n shall_v be_v upon_o his_o shoulder_n and_o his_o name_n shall_v be_v call_v wonderful_a councillor_n etc._n etc._n second_o because_o it_o be_v whole_o repugnant_a to_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o conscience_n that_o the_o weight_n of_o a_o government_n that_o be_v spiritual_a and_o everlasting_a the_o law_n whereof_o be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o wherein_o nothing_o but_o true_a judgement_n and_o justice_n have_v be_v be_v and_o shall_v be_v execute_v for_o evermore_o shall_v rest_v upon_o any_o man_n or_o man_n as_o a_o governor_n or_o governor_n over_o other_o since_o there_o be_v no_o man_n nor_o man_n but_o be_v subject_n through_o temptation_n to_o err_v if_o they_o watch_v not_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v well_o say_v much_o less_o on_o any_o such_o one_o man_n though_o term_v by_o some_o the_o great_a apostle_n of_o christ_n who_o action_n towards_o his_o brethren_n have_v be_v find_v injurious_a to_o they_o undeserved_o and_o reproachful_a to_o the_o truth_n nor_o yet_o upon_o any_o such_o assembly_n as_o the_o usual_a general_n meet_v so_o term_v though_o improper_o of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n be_v because_o the_o metre_n have_v usual_o consist_v of_o uncertain_a number_n of_o uncertain_a qualify_v person_n that_o take_v upon_o they_o so_o to_o assemble_v while_o other_o behold_v the_o ill_a consequence_n of_o their_o meeting_n conscientious_o forbear_v to_o join_v with_o they_o three_o because_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n have_v their_o eye_n so_o much_o on_o his_o outward_a and_o bodily_a appearance_n as_o that_o christ_n their_o lord_n and_o master_n see_v it_o meet_v to_o tell_v they_o in_o these_o word_n joh._n 16.7_o it_o be_v expedient_a for_o you_o that_o i_o go_v away_o and_o when_o he_o so_o say_v he_o do_v not_o then_o tell_v they_o nor_o yet_o at_o any_o time_n before_o or_o after_o i_o will_v commissionate_v some_o man_n or_o assembly_n of_o man_n in_o my_o stead_n that_o so_o you_o may_v have_v your_o eye_n unto_o and_o expect_v write_a order_n from_o him_z or_o they_o to_o walk_v by_o and_o to_o lead_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n but_o john_n give_v they_o a_o reason_n for_o his_o so_o say_v in_o these_o word_n joh._n 16.7_o for_o if_o i_o go_v not_o away_o the_o comforter_n will_v not_o come_v but_o if_o i_o depart_v i_o will_v send_v he_o unto_o you_o mean_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o as_o he_o promise_v shall_v abide_v with_o they_o for_o ever_o and_o shall_v be_v in_o they_o which_o undoubted_o be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o exaltation_n of_o his_o government_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o that_o they_o may_v have_v their_o whole_a dependency_n on_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o as_o before_o be_v signify_v christ_n promise_v shall_v abide_v with_o they_o forever_o and_o so_o this_o may_v true_o be_v term_v that_o everlasting_a unerring_a unchangeable_a governor_n unto_o which_o the_o subject_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n owe_v obedience_n and_o why_o so_o but_o because_o under_o it_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v guide_v into_o all_o truth_n according_a as_o be_v plain_o signify_v from_o these_o follow_a word_n speak_v by_o christ_n himself_o joh._n 16.13_o i_o have_v yet_o many_o thing_n to_o say_v unto_o you_o but_o you_o can_v bear_v they_o now_o howbeit_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n for_o he_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o himself_o but_o whatsoever_o he_o shall_v hear_v that_o shall_v he_o speak_v here_o be_v no_o room_n leave_v for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o contend_v about_o form_n of_o government_n or_o who_o shall_v be_v governor_n under_o christ_n government_n for_o if_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o we_o and_o that_o be_v to_o remain_v with_o we_o forever_o shall_v guide_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n than_o our_o dependency_n ought_v to_o be_v thereon_o that_o so_o thereby_o we_o may_v be_v lead_v into_o all_o truth_n or_o else_o we_o can_v manifest_v ourselves_o to_o be_v obedient_a subject_n unto_o christ_n under_o his_o government_n that_o he_o be_v exalt_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o men._n the_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n lead_v we_o to_o give_v this_o testimony_n that_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n either_o from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o we_o or_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o we_o to_o believe_v that_o any_o christian_a professor_n can_v in_o truth_n affirm_v that_o there_o be_v outward_a prescription_n and_o order_n give_v forth_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n through_o any_o one_o or_o more_o mortal_a man_n in_o this_o our_o day_n which_o other_o ought_v to_o obey_v and_o follow_v of_o which_o more_o anon_o in_o answer_n to_o r._n b_n book_n of_o government_n whether_o they_o see_v it_o their_o duty_n or_o no_o and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o may_v therefore_o come_v under_o the_o curse_n and_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o judgement_n from_o god_n which_o happen_v to_o corah_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n for_o their_o rebellion_n against_o moses_n and_o though_o the_o sin_n of_o corah_n etc._n etc._n have_v frequent_o in_o our_o public_a meeting_n for_o worship_n be_v speak_v of_o and_o intend_v as_o we_o have_v take_v it_o to_o be_v as_o a_o proper_a citation_n to_o describe_v the_o state_n of_o such_o as_o on_o a_o conscientious_a score_n can_v submit_v unto_o the_o outward_a order_n of_o one_o man_n yet_o we_o testify_v that_o such_o sort_n of_o insinuate_a and_o threaten_a language_n seem_v much_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o first_o covenant_n than_o the_o second_o under_o which_o we_o be_v and_o when_o countenance_v or_o speak_v by_o any_o expect_v such_o a_o submission_n it_o than_o seem_v to_o savour_v of_o a_o spirit_n that_o speak_v of_o himself_o and_o not_o what_o he_o have_v hear_v from_o the_o great_a lord_n and_o master_n jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o consequent_o from_o another_o spirit_n than_o that_o which_o christ_n promise_v he_o will_v send_v for_o christ_n own_o word_n signify_v he_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o himself_o moreover_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o corah_n and_o his_o company_n rebel_v against_o moses_n who_o be_v king_n in_o jesuran_n and_o a_o leader_n of_o israel_n and_o through_o who_o the_o lord_n give_v forth_o his_o law_n to_o the_o people_n but_o we_o know_v that_o none_o can_v according_a to_o truth_n at_o this_o day_n pretend_v that_o any_o other_o governor_n be_v raise_v up_o among_o the_o child_n of_o light_n to_o be_v like_a unto_o moses_n who_o we_o ought_v to_o hear_v in_o all_o thing_n save_v christ_n jesus_n who_o by_o his_o spirit_n manifest_v in_o every_o subject_a of_o his_o kingdom_n be_v thereby_o become_v their_o lawgiver_n and_o while_o they_o be_v obedient_a thereunto_o they_o may_v in_o truth_n be_v reckon_v to_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n because_o they_o may_v then_o true_o be_v term_v such_o as_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o such_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n there_o be_v no_o condemnation_n objection_n this_o discourse_n touch_v government_n may_v occasion_v some_o to_o raise_v this_o objection_n we_o understand_v that_o many_o call_v quaker_n do_v hold_v monthly_a and_o quarterly-meeting_n of_o man_n and_o also_o of_o woman_n distinct_a from_o man_n about_o their_o church_n affair_n and_o that_o these_o meeting_n be_v repute_v to_o be_v establish_v on_o certain_a day_n that_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v alter_v by_o one_o man_n among_o they_o that_o have_v pretend_v he_o be_v move_v of_o god_n so_o to_o do_v and_o that_o the_o same_o person_n have_v by_o his_o paper_n spread_v abroad_o in_o divers_a part_n of_o the_o nation_n signify_v that_o none_o but_o loose_a spirit_n and_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o looseness_n pretend_v to_o set_v up_o a_o better_a way_n or_o to_o alter_v they_o to_o another_o day_n for_o fear_v of_o corruption_n in_o observe_v a_o day_n and_o that_o it_o be_v but_o from_o a_o corrupt_a spirit_n of_o darkness_n which_o god_n will_v blast_v and_o that_o some_o call_v these_o meeting_n the_o government_n of_o christ_n set_v up_o among_o they_o and_o establish_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o church_n affair_n and_o that_o true_a judgement_n and_o justice_n which_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o christ_n government_n may_v be_v execute_v to_o this_o we_o answer_v we_o confess_v there_o have_v be_v and_o yet_o may_v be_v such_o meeting_n but_o if_o any_o think_v they_o have_v be_v or_o be_v establish_v by_o any_o one_o man_n or_o that_o therein_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n be_v set_v up_o any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o any_o
christ_n light_n and_o in_o subjection_n unto_o the_o law_n appertain_v unto_o his_o government_n which_o be_v not_o write_v in_o table_n of_o stone_n but_o in_o the_o heart_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o new-covenant_n heb._n 8.9_o 10_o 11._o and_o that_o those_o who_o be_v invest_v with_o power_n from_o on_o high_a may_v be_v instrument_n in_o god_n hand_n according_a to_o the_o dispensation_n thereof_o give_v they_o of_o god_n to_o stir_v up_o the_o pure_a mind_n in_o other_o sometime_o by_o way_n of_o admonition_n exhortation_n and_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o sometime_o by_o charge_n or_o command_n according_a as_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n move_v and_o operate_v and_o yet_o every_o one_o of_o these_o operation_n according_a to_o the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n be_v only_o to_o stir_v up_o the_o pure_a mind_n that_o so_o through_o a_o sensible_a close_v with_o the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n shine_v in_o the_o heart_n god_n witness_n in_o the_o conscience_n may_v be_v raise_v in_o dominion_n for_o that_o it_o be_v according_a to_o truth_n to_o affirm_v that_o the_o admonition_n doctrine_n and_o exhortation_n charge_n or_o command_v of_o any_o whatsoever_o can_v be_v right_o receive_v and_o embrace_v otherwise_o than_o according_a to_o the_o leading_n of_o christ_n light_n that_o so_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o excellency_n of_o that_o power_n be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man_n read_v 2_o cor._n 4.5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n give_v not_o the_o least_o testimony_n that_o the_o apostle_n nor_o any_o person_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n endeavour_v to_o establish_v any_o outward_a order_n and_o then_o term_v they_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o power_n of_o god_n much_o less_o so_o to_o establish_v any_o outward_a order_n or_o form_n of_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n as_o that_o not_o only_o a_o deviation_n therefrom_o but_o a_o not_o embrace_v those_o outward_a form_n or_o order_n by_o such_o believer_n who_o be_v never_o in_o the_o practice_n thereof_o shall_v be_v a_o token_n that_o they_o be_v depart_v from_o the_o faith_n but_o their_o labour_n be_v to_o establish_v the_o church_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o power_n rather_o than_o to_o build_v up_o form_n or_o order_n have_v they_o so_o establish_v to_o be_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o form_n which_o the_o power_n either_o have_v or_o shall_v lead_v they_o into_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n may_v well_o say_v be_v you_o not_o unwise_a but_o understand_v what_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v he_o do_v not_o say_v what_o the_o will_n of_o the_o church_n be_v but_o what_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v submit_v yourselves_o one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n according_a to_o which_o submission_n i_o appeal_v to_o god_n witness_v whether_o it_o may_v not_o become_v as_o well_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o brethren_n to_o submit_v to_o one_o or_o two_o as_o one_o or_o two_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o brethren_n and_o whether_o these_o kind_n of_o submission_n have_v not_o be_v practise_v among_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n and_o though_o i_o say_v as_o aforesaid_a not_o the_o church_n but_o what_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v yet_o hereby_o i_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v to_o render_v christ_n and_o his_o church_n divide_v but_o rather_o to_o show_v that_o his_o will_n who_o can_v err_v be_v a_o sure_a foundation_n to_o build_v upon_o than_o the_o will_n of_o those_o who_o if_o they_o depart_v from_o christ_n their_o rock_n may_n err._n r._n b._n in_o his_o six_o section_n treat_v how_o far_o this_o government_n extend_v page_n 39_o thus_o say_v this_o order_n reach_v the_o compose_v difference_n as_o to_o outward_a thing_n and_o further_o say_v we_o do_v bold_o aver_v as_o a_o people_n gather_v together_o by_o the_o lord_n unto_o the_o same_o faith_n etc._n etc._n that_o we_o have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o decide_v and_o remove_v these_o thing_n among_o ourselves_o on_o which_o i_o thus_o observe_v if_o difference_n happen_v between_o two_o brethren_n and_o not_o through_o the_o least_o intention_n to_o wrong_v each_o other_o than_o the_o power_n of_o truth_n in_o themselves_o will_v constrain_v such_o to_o choose_v faithful_a brethren_n skill_v in_o the_o matter_n wherein_o they_o differ_v to_o decide_v the_o same_o and_o according_o to_o submit_v and_o all_o this_o of_o a_o willing_a and_o ready_a mind_n through_o the_o power_n of_o truth_n in_o themselves_o and_o not_o through_o constraint_n of_o other_o and_o so_o in_o this_o case_n here_o be_v no_o need_n for_o any_o to_o come_v to_o their_o brethren_n and_o say_v we_o do_v bold_o aver_v we_o have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o decide_v etc._n etc._n but_o suppose_v this_o ensue_a case_n shall_v happen_v viz_o that_o two_o brethren_n be_v at_o variance_n touch_v their_o property_n and_o outward_a concern_v relate_v to_o meum_fw-la and_o tuum_fw-la as_o r._n b_n term_n be_v and_o one_o of_o they_o be_v so_o depart_v from_o truth_n in_o himself_o as_o that_o he_o will_v not_o of_o a_o ready_a mind_n submit_v his_o cause_n to_o the_o hear_n of_o person_n to_o be_v choose_v by_o themselves_o indifferent_o but_o be_v contentious_a will_v either_o go_v to_o law_n or_o else_o so_o abound_v in_o his_o own_o sense_n as_o nothing_o shall_v serve_v but_o to_o be_v judge_n in_o his_o own_o cause_n if_o we_o now_o inquire_v what_o christ_n the_o truth_n do_v in_o general_a direct_a and_o wherein_o this_o case_n may_v be_v comprehend_v which_o be_v so_o great_a a_o offence_n to_o the_o other_o brother_n who_o truth_n constrain_v to_o submit_v his_o cause_n to_o the_o hear_v and_o judgement_n of_o person_n indifferent_o choose_v and_o that_o of_o a_o willing_a and_o ready_a mind_n we_o shall_v find_v he_o thus_o say_v mat._n 18.15_o 16_o 17._o if_o thy_o brother_n shall_v trespass_n against_o thou_o go_v tell_v he_o his_o fault_n between_o thou_o and_o he_o alone_o but_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v thou_o then_o take_v with_o thou_o one_o or_o two_o more_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n if_o he_o hear_v not_o the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n christ_n word_n do_v not_o here_o import_v that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n over_o any_o man_n worldly_a property_n or_o outward_a concern_v it_o only_o say_v 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 and_o when_o a_o brother_n be_v through_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o church_n become_v so_o to_o the_o other_o brother_n against_o who_o he_o have_v trespass_v than_o the_o offend_a brother_n may_v just_o seek_v his_o remedy_n if_o the_o offence_n and_o trespass_n be_v touch_v outward_a concern_v according_a to_o the_o just_a law_n of_o man_n relate_v to_o property_n but_o perhaps_o some_o may_v object_n thus_o this_o relate_v not_o to_o outward_a affair_n but_o to_o offence_n that_o be_v of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n in_o answer_v it_o may_v be_v say_v as_o to_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v whole_o silent_a and_o therefore_o every_o case_n wherein_o one_o brother_n may_v trespass_v against_o another_o may_v according_a to_o right_a reason_n be_v comprehend_v in_o it_o and_o since_o the_o case_n be_v state_v between_o two_o brethren_n and_o that_o on_o a_o orderly_a proceed_n and_o admonition_n of_o the_o church_n the_o sentence_n for_o not_o hear_v the_o church_n be_v let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n to_o i_o it_o seem_v to_o import_v that_o the_o trespass_n intend_v be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o in_o a_o particular_a manner_n be_v against_o one_o brother_n more_o than_o another_o and_o so_o as_o probable_a to_o be_v about_o their_o outward_a concern_v as_o any_o thing_n else_o beside_o if_o we_o do_v but_o consider_v that_o if_o a_o brother_n be_v so_o much_o depart_v from_o the_o truth_n as_o after_o admonition_n by_o the_o church_n not_o to_o join_v with_o his_o brother_n with_o who_o he_o be_v at_o variance_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o one_o or_o more_o to_o decide_v the_o matter_n it_o be_v a_o certain_a token_n that_o he_o be_v out_o of_o that_o which_o be_v the_o bond_n by_o which_o he_o become_v centre_v into_o the_o heavenly_a fellowship_n of_o christ_n body_n the_o church_n and_o so_o then_o if_o it_o real_o be_v so_o that_o any_o assembly_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n shall_v assume_v to_o themselves_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o decide_v in_o case_n relate_v to_o property_n yet_o in_o this_o and_o the_o like_a case_n there_o can_v be_v no_o
suppose_v to_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n where_o either_o the_o true_a doctrine_n and_o principle_n be_v want_v or_o the_o true_a life_n and_o power_n in_o some_o good_a measure_n be_v not_o feel_v and_o know_v be_v far_o from_o my_o thought_n yea_o how_o far_o i_o be_o contrary-minded_n may_v be_v see_v at_o large_a in_o my_o apology_n upon_o the_o 10_o proposition_n now_o publish_v in_o english_a page_z 194_o 195_o 196_o 200_o 201_o 202_o etc._n etc._n answer_n etc._n etc._n r._n b_n discourse_n now_o show_v that_o he_o hold_v forth_o two_o bond_n by_o which_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v center_a into_o one_o body_n but_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n be_v that_o by_o one_o spirit_n we_o be_v baptize_v into_o one_o body_n and_o so_o the_o bond_n but_o one_o and_o though_o r._n b._n term_n my_o comparison_n a_o scornful_a reflection_n yet_o i_o affirm_v it_o be_v christian-like_a enough_o so_o to_o say_v if_o the_o reason_n give_v in_o my_o answer_n be_v but_o due_o consider_v which_o be_v that_o the_o main_a scope_n of_o his_o treatise_n relate_v to_o that_o matter_n both_o from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n tend_v as_o it_o be_v chief_o if_o not_o whole_o to_o evidence_n that_o principle_n doctrine_n and_o practice_n necessary_o depend_v thereon_o be_v the_o bond_n by_o which_o we_o become_v centre_v into_o one_o body_n and_o fellowship_n though_o he_o name_v not_o what_o those_o principle_n doctrine_n and_o practice_n be_v for_o a_o further_a manifestation_n of_o his_o weakness_n on_o this_o subject_a i_o refer_v unto_o my_o answer_n three_o observation_n w._n r_n seven_o observation_n whereas_o it_o be_v think_v strange_a that_o i_o shall_v call_v doctrine_n and_o principle_n the_o bond_n and_o term_n of_o our_o be_v together_o i_o understand_v it_o only_o of_o a_o outward_a bond_n and_o that_o i_o lay_v the_o stress_n upon_o it_o no_o further_o appear_v in_o that_o i_o affirm_v these_o principle_n and_o doctrine_n to_o be_v the_o product_n of_o truth_n power_n and_o virtue_n upon_o the_o heart_n which_o appear_v by_o what_o be_v print_v upon_o the_o margin_n and_o w._n r._n say_v in_o his_o paper_n that_o this_o be_v but_o like_o the_o entertainment_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o manger_n show_v too_o little_a of_o christian-sobriety_n and_o too_o much_o of_o a_o scornful_a reflection_n for_o which_o i_o will_v rather_o choose_v to_o forgive_v he_o than_o therein_o to_o contend_v with_o he_o for_o how_o much_o i_o value_v that_o inward_a bond_n to_o wit_n the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n beyond_o the_o outward_a and_o that_o i_o esteem_v the_o outward_a not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v value_v but_o as_o it_o come_v from_o the_o inward_a may_v be_v see_v through_o out_o all_o i_o have_v write_v in_o my_o apology_n upon_o the_o 10_o proposition_n observation_n w._n r_n eight_o observation_n and_o elsewhere_o declare_v elsewhere_o elsewhere_o if_o this_o be_v his_o meaning_n yet_o his_o book_n do_v not_o so_o declare_v and_o my_o 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mean_v on_o the_o same_o subject_a show_v again_o that_o he_o do_v not_o by_o this_o confirm_v notwithstanding_o his_o pretence_n so_o to_o do_v what_o be_v signify_v in_o the_o aforesaid_a letter_n because_o here_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v of_o any_o outward_a order_n establish_v and_o practise_v by_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n and_o that_o he_o pretend_v his_o mean_v to_o be_v a_o establishment_n on_o the_o spirit_n only_o and_o such_o as_o be_v lead_v by_o it_o which_o be_v a_o clear_a discovery_n of_o his_o fallaciousness_n and_o will_n so_o appear_v to_o such_o as_o may_v peruse_v his_o word_n whereon_o the_o five_o observation_n be_v make_v for_o therein_o he_o pretend_v to_o give_v the_o same_o satisfaction_n as_o be_v signify_v in_o the_o same_o letter_n beside_o it_o be_v worthy_a our_o observation_n that_o from_o r._n b_n word_n some_o person_n be_v intend_v establisher_n of_o the_o government_n upon_o the_o spirit_n only_o but_o yet_o with_o this_o addition_n 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when_o it_o may_v serve_v his_o turn_n he_o may_v from_o his_o own_o line_n bring_v forth_o another_o conclusion_n and_o infer_v a_o subjection_n to_o other_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o governor_n over_o the_o rest_n and_o that_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o spirit_n in_o we_o must_v give_v way_n to_o the_o pretend_a dictate_v of_o the_o spirit_n in_o other_o by_o which_o mean_v at_o length_n it_o may_v so_o happen_v that_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o very_a principle_n of_o truth_n as_o hold_v forth_o among_o we_o in_o the_o beginning_n may_v be_v irradicate_v for_o if_o once_o the_o day_n come_v wherein_o the_o faith_n of_o any_o be_v that_o certain_a person_n above_o or_o distinct_a from_o any_o other_o be_v the_o man_n who_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n be_v establish_v on_o they_o then_o in_o probability_n it_o will_v natural_o follow_v that_o instead_o of_o embrace_v this_o primitive_a exhortation_n turn_v in_o your_o mind_n unto_o the_o light_n that_o shine_v in_o your_o own_o conscience_n many_o will_n be_v turn_v their_o mind_n out_o unto_o unto_o the_o dictate_v of_o other_o and_o be_v it_o so_o that_o what_o r._n b._n aim_v at_o shall_v be_v grant_v viz._n the_o establishment_n of_o christ_n government_n on_o man_n lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n this_o than_o may_v be_v object_v that_o many_o may_v pretend_v thereto_o who_o be_v not_o lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o where_o the_o spirit_n of_o discern_v be_v want_v in_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v they_o may_v be_v in_o a_o ready_a and_o open_a way_n to_o destruction_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a let_v this_o undoubted_a truth_n be_v hold_v forth_o viz._n let_v every_o one_o be_v obedient_a to_o his_o measure_n of_o grace_n and_o light_n receive_v from_o god_n and_o that_o the_o light_n and_o grace_n be_v a_o reprover_n of_o all_o sin_n than_o there_o will_v be_v no_o stumble_v nor_o by-path_n walk_v in_o moreover_o his_o language_n in_o another_o respect_n seem_v to_o i_o inconsi_v with_o the_o truth_n because_o the_o government_n treat_v upon_o to_o be_v establish_v be_v pretend_v to_o be_v christ_n government_n that_o the_o establisher_n be_v certain_a person_n signify_v by_o these_o r._n b_n word_n we_o do_v establish_v it_o that_o the_o object_n whereon_o it_o be_v establish_v be_v the_o spirit_n all_o which_o consider_v i_o may_v true_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o work_n not_o fit_a for_o poor_a mortal_n to_o pretend_v to_o especial_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v already_o establish_v by_o god_n himself_o on_o christ_n shoulder_n but_o if_o instead_o of_o that_o which_o occasion_n this_o observation_n r._n b._n have_v signify_v that_o those_o who_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v subject_n under_o christ_n government_n i_o know_v that_o such_o language_n will_v have_v
of_o my_o brethren_n as_o his_o very_a conclusion_n intimate_v and_o in_o divers_a other_o place_n may_v be_v observe_v and_o it_o will_v aggravate_v this_o injury_n do_v by_o he_o the_o more_o that_o the_o reader_n may_v observe_v as_o well_o in_o his_o own_o letter_n as_o in_o what_o be_v above_o mention_v that_o this_o his_o censure_n be_v build_v upon_o his_o own_o mistake_n so_o that_o i_o hope_v all_o who_o consider_v these_o thing_n will_v acknowledge_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n be_v hereby_o return_v and_o albeit_o i_o myself_o be_v full_o satify_v yet_o i_o shall_v not_o have_v churl_v the_o pain_n of_o a_o particular_a disquisition_n of_o every_o thing_n in_o order_n as_o assert_v by_o he_o albeit_o he_o have_v not_o do_v that_o to_o i_o if_o i_o have_v not_o a_o aversion_n from_o multiply_a controversy_n of_o this_o kind_n for_o the_o desire_n i_o have_v to_o avoid_v that_o sort_n of_o work_n and_o not_o for_o any_o strength_n of_o argumentation_n i_o observe_v in_o w._n r_n paper_n have_v stop_v i_o from_o so_o do_v but_o if_o any_o do_v apprehend_v that_o strength_n of_o reason_n in_o his_o paper_n as_o to_o judge_n i_o be_v unable_a to_o answer_v or_o that_o this_o be_v not_o satisfactory_a it_o will_v but_o evidence_n the_o weakness_n of_o their_o own_o understanding_n to_o the_o more_o judicious_a and_o i_o shall_v not_o think_v much_o to_o bear_v their_o censure_n for_o i_o value_v more_o my_o own_o inward_a peace_n and_o that_o of_o my_o brethren_n than_o to_o obtain_v a_o applause_n of_o my_o natural_a capacity_n wherein_o if_o any_o judge_n w._n r._n do_v surpass_v i_o i_o shall_v not_o therewith_o be_v trouble_v for_o i_o more_o and_o more_o see_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o simplicity_n that_o be_v in_o truth_n and_o of_o that_o unity_n that_o it_o lead_v to_o and_o thence_o do_v more_o earnest_o than_o ever_o desire_n to_o witness_v all_o that_o be_v of_o and_o from_o self_n crucify_a in_o i_o and_o bring_v into_o true_a subjection_n to_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n that_o there_o alone_o may_v be_v my_o rejoice_v wherein_o i_o be_o at_o unity_n with_o all_o those_o who_o make_v self_n of_o no_o reputation_n for_o the_o seed_n sake_n that_o the_o prosperity_n of_o truth_n may_v be_v advance_v and_o the_o peace_n of_o israel_n preserved_n robert_n barclay_n the_o reader_n may_v now_o take_v notice_n that_o robert_n barclay_n do_v not_o only_o spread_v abroad_o a_o explanatory_a postscript_n to_o his_o book_n of_o government_n but_o also_o therewith_o two_o other_o paper_n add_v thereto_o this_o title_n here_o now_o follow_v william_n rogers_n his_o own_o letter_n concern_v this_o matter_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o brethren_n who_o be_v witness_n to_o what_o pass_v between_o he_o and_o i_o on_o which_o i_o observe_v first_o that_o the_o brethren_n give_v the_o judgement_n be_v but_o a_o part_n of_o the_o meeting_n second_o that_o the_o say_a letter_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v i_o though_o i_o never_o sign_v any_o letter_n or_o paper_n whereof_o what_o he_o have_v give_v forth_o be_v copy_n yet_o must_v confess_v that_o when_o at_o that_o meeting_n he_o declare_v himself_o by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o mouth_n to_o be_v otherwise_o principled_a than_o i_o know_v his_o book_n do_v teach_v i_o do_v intend_v the_o best_a i_o can_v with_o a_o clear_a conscience_n to_o send_v forth_o among_o friend_n of_o my_o own_o accord_n the_o most_o favourable_a account_n of_o he_o and_o that_o meeting_n as_o i_o can_v that_o so_o if_o possible_a breach_n then_o break_v forth_o among_o friend_n may_v be_v heal_v but_o of_o this_o more_o anon_o when_o i_o come_v to_o make_v my_o observation_n on_o the_o aforesaid_a letter_n and_o judgement_n yet_o at_o present_a i_o think_v it_o proper_a before_o i_o cite_v the_o say_a letter_n and_o judgement_n to_o notify_v the_o reader_n that_o by_o the_o little_a add_v thereto_o it_o appear_v that_o r._n b._n have_v send_v it_o abroad_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o in_o the_o say_a letter_n it_o be_v signify_v in_o these_o word_n although_o robert_n barclay_n have_v give_v these_o explication_n of_o his_o meaning_n yet_o the_o very_a explication_n as_o he_o say_v be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o his_o book_n it_o be_v rational_a to_o conclude_v that_o robert_n barclay_n if_o he_o be_v then_o to_o be_v believe_v be_v then_o principled_a as_o the_o say_a letter_n declare_v he_o to_o be_v and_o how_o his_o postscript_n will_v now_o bespeak_v his_o credit_n i_o know_v not_o since_o he_o therein_o do_v not_o declare_v himself_o principled_a according_o to_o the_o expliation_n give_v in_o the_o say_a letter_n of_o his_o word_n notwithstanding_o in_o the_o say_a postscript_n he_o thus_o declare_v and_o albeit_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v chief_o scruple_v at_o by_o any_o be_v sufficient_o clear_v by_o w._n r_n own_o letter_n yet_o that_o all_o may_v be_v satisfy_v in_o have_v they_o from_o my_o own_o hand_n i_o be_o free_a to_o signify_v thus_o as_o to_o they_o from_o these_o word_n what_o rational_a man_n can_v have_v expect_v less_o than_o a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o sense_n give_v in_o the_o say_a letter_n but_o how_o remote_a he_o be_v from_o that_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o will_v be_v sufficient_o obvious_a to_o every_o impartial_a understand_a reader_n that_o on_o perusal_n of_o the_o say_a letter_n hereafter-cited_n his_o postscript_n and_o the_o annex_v observation_n will_v give_v they_o all_o but_o their_o due_a weight_n and_o if_o thereto_o they_o add_v a_o due_a consideration_n of_o his_o book_n of_o government_n no_o question_n but_o he_o will_v then_o appear_v like_o a_o man_n with_o three_o face_n have_v on_o the_o sheep_n clothing_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o briery_a thicket_n who_o wile_v strive_v to_o get_v out_o thereof_o be_v the_o more_o and_o more_o entangle_v and_o though_o by_o one_o part_n of_o the_o conclusion_n of_o his_o postscript_n r._n b._n seem_v desirous_a of_o unity_n with_o such_o as_o rejoice_v in_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n make_v self_n of_o no_o reputation_n and_o that_o he_o value_v more_o his_o inward_a peace_n than_o to_o obtain_v a_o applause_n of_o his_o natural_a capacity_n wherein_o as_o his_o own_o word_n be_v if_o any_o judge_n w._n r._n do_v surpass_v i_o i_o shall_v not_o therewith_o be_v trouble_v yet_o in_o his_o apology_n for_o his_o not_o make_v a_o particular_a disquisition_n of_o every_o thing_n in_o order_n as_o assert_v by_o i_o he_o thus_o say_v but_o if_o any_o do_v apprehend_v that_o strength_n of_o reason_n in_o his_o paper_n as_o to_o judge_n i_o be_v unable_a to_o answer_v or_o that_o this_o be_v not_o satisfactory_a it_o will_v but_o evidence_n the_o weakness_n of_o their_o own_o understanding_n to_o the_o more_o judicious_a which_o be_v no_o great_a sign_n that_o he_o be_v one_o who_o desire_v to_o make_v self_n of_o no_o reputation_n especial_o if_o compare_v with_o this_o his_o expression_n which_o my_o first_o observation_n have_v relate_v to_o and_o that_o to_o maintain_v principle_n obvious_o erroneous_a viz._n i_o have_v never_o find_v occasion_n to_o repent_v or_o retract_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o matter_n or_o principle_n there_o assert_v by_o i_o mean_v his_o book_n of_o government_n but_o have_v the_o testimony_n and_o approbation_n of_o god_n light_n and_o spirit_n in_o my_o heart_n for_o my_o work_n and_o service_n in_o that_o matter_n for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o the_o law_n of_o charity_n be_v accompany_v with_o no_o such_o rule_n as_o to_o prompt_v any_o rational_a christian_a and_o conscientious_a man_n to_o conclude_v that_o r._n b._n consider_v his_o capacity_n be_v free_a from_o offer_v a_o wilful_a violation_n to_o his_o own_o knowledge_n reason_n and_o understanding_n both_o as_o a_o man_n and_o christian_n and_o that_o to_o keep_v up_o his_o name_n and_o repute_n or_o else_o for_o some_o other_o more_o sinister_a end_n for_o which_o may_v the_o lord_n in_o his_o due_a time_n give_v he_o repentance_n to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o then_o i_o can_v but_o believe_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v lay_v a_o constraint_n upon_o he_o to_o bear_v testimony_n in_o plain_a against_o the_o erroneous_a principle_n which_o he_o have_v be_v find_v a_o asserter_n and_o promotor_n of_o the_o copy_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a letter_n term_v to_o be_v my_o letter_n together_o also_o with_o the_o paper_n contain_v according_a to_o r._n b_n title_n thereon_o give_v as_o aforesaid_a the_o judgement_n of_o the_o brethren_n who_o be_v witness_n to_o what_o pass_v between_o he_o and_o i_o do_v now_o follow_v to_o which_o be_v add_v my_o observation_n on_o both_o manifest_v the_o error_n of_o those_o who_o subscribe_v the_o judgement_n and_o concern_v themselves_o as_o the_o first_o publisher_n the_o