HAVING lately by an In­troduction to our Book of Discipline, Introduc­tion. given a short Hint how our respective Meetings, for Church-Affairs, do consist, and [Page 4] by what Authority, and Example, they came at first to be instituted, we think well at this Time, for the further Information, and Encourage­ment, of our Youth, and others, whose Faces are [...] towards Zi­on, to signify, that by living Expe­rience, we find, and can with good Conscience declare and testify, that the same blessed holy Spirit which led us to believe and receive the Doctrines and Principles of Truth,The bel Spirit [...] to good Or­ [...]. (as they were declared by Christ and his Apostles in the holy Scrip­tures) did and now doth, lead us into the like holy Order and Go­vernment to be exercised among us, as it was amongst the primitive Christians, in Sanctification and Ho­liness.

The Church defined. 1 Cor. 1. [...].FOR the Church of God is a Gathering of them that are sanctifi­ed by the Word of Truth, called to be Saints, who are Members of the Body, even the true Church, whereof Jesus Christ is the Head: But before any can come to be true [Page 5] Members of that Body, they must witness the fiery Baptism of the Holy Ghost,Fiery Bap­tism. to initiate them into this true Church; and as they fol­low Christ, in the Regeneration, [...] 19.18. they will witness a Purity of Living, and be qualified to act and judge for him,Qualifies [...] God. who in dispensing his holy Spirit, doth in his infinite Wisdom, minister unto every Member a Mea­sure thereof which operates diversly for the edifying of the Body, there being some Apostles, some Teachers, some Pastors, some Elders, young Men and Babes; [...] 4.28. for all are not A­postles, Elders, nor Babes; yet all who are truly gathered are Mem­bers, and as such, have a Sense and Feeling of the Life of the Body flowing from the Head Jesus Christ. And whilst they remain in that Sense, acting with all Lowliness, Meekness, Eph. 4.2. and long suffering, forbearing one a­nother in Love, endeavouring to keep true Unity of the Spirit in the Bond of Peace, they will be indued with right Judgment, seasoned with pure [Page 6] Charity,ver. 3. and perfect Love, which is the Bond of our holy Communi­on, and Church-Fellowship.

AND as we become thus initia­ted and qualified,The Go­vernment of the Christian Church to be in per­fect Ʋni­ty. we shall be ena­bled to maintain the holy Order and Government above-mention'd in per­fect Unity; and according to the Degree of Faithfulness we are found in,New Je­rusalem o [...] Church of Christ Rev. 21.2. shall more and more see the holy Ci­ty New Jerusalem coming down from God out of Heaven, prepared as a Bride adorned for her Husband, and the River of Water of Life pro­ceeding out of the Throne of God, and of the Lamb, which being the true Church,ver. 12. The Wall and Foun­dations thereof. had a Wall great and high, signifying the Excellency of God's Power encompassing those that are within this Church, and keeping out all that would invade or hurt it:ver. 14. And this Wall had twelve Foundations, and on them the Names of the twelve Apostles of the Lamb; which denotes that the Doctrines of the Apostles are to be embraced, and those that are not founded upon [Page 7] them to be rejected and shut out of this holy City which had but one Street, and that is the Way to the Tree of Life, where the true Mem­bers of the Church of Christ are travelling in the Unity of his bles­sed Spirit;Act 432. and so they become of one Heart, and of one Soul, as the Multitude of them that believed in the Apostle's Days were, in which precious Unity we shall feel the Life of Righteousness.

AND as we come to feel this Life,Glory of this [...]piri­tual Di [...] ­pensation. and therein experience the Arisings of this glorious Day of Love and Light, with the Increase of this blessed Unity, we shall more and more witness the Glory of this spiritual Dispensation by knowing God's Tabernacle with us, Rev. 21.3. and his dwelling in us, and the peaceable Government of the Lamb among us mysteriously signified by the descen­ding of this holy City; and as we abide here, we shall with John see no more Sea,Rev. 21 1. Again [...]t Division in the Church. that is, we shall not degenerate into that outragious and [Page 8] dividing Principle that has at Times prevailed in some that walked a­mongst us to manifest they were not of us; Rom. 12.1. but shall present our Bo­dies a living Sacrifice, holy, accepta­ble unto God, which is our reasona­ble Service, and not be conformed to this World, but transformed by the renewing of our Mind, proving what is that good, acceptable, and per­fect Will of God, ver. 3. and then none a­mong us will think of himself more highly than he ought [...] but will think soberly according as God hath dealt to every Man the Measure of Faith.

FOR having Gifts differing, ver. 6. Gifts dif­fering. as said the Apostle, according to the Grace that is given to us, whether Prophecy, we s [...]all prophesy according to the Proportion of Faith, or Mini­stry we s [...]all wait on our Ministry, [...] he that teacheth, on Teaching, or he that exhorteth, on Exhortation, he that giveth will do it with Simplici­ty, he that ruleth with Diligence, he that s [...]eweth Mercy with Chearful­ness; Rom. 12.9. our Love will be without Dis­simulation, [Page 9] abhorring that which is evil, cleaving to that which is good, kindly affectioned one towards ano­ther with brotherly Love, ver. 10, in Honour preferring one another, ver. 11, not slothful in Business, but providing Things honest in the Sight of all Men, and yet have our Minds kept above the surfeiting Cares of the World, by being fervent in Spirit, serving the Lord, rejoycing in Hope, 12, 13, 14. patient in Tribulation, continuing instant in Pray­er, distributing to the Necessity of Saints, given to Hospitality, blessing them which persecute us, and not curse.

We shall also, be of the same Mind one towards another, Several Duties. affect­ing not high Things, but condes­cending to Men of low Estate; Rom. 12.16, 17. 1 Pet. 3.9. not wise in our own Conceits; nor recom­pence to any Man Evil for Evil, or Railing for [...]ling; Rom. 12.18. ver. 21. but overcome Evil with Good; and as much as li­eth in us, live peaceably with all Men, having the same Love, doing nothing thro' Strife or vain Glory, [Page 10] but in Lowliness of Mind, Phil. 2.2. ver. 3. each esteem­ing the other better than themselves; the strongest and best gifted, not despising the meanest, nor they en­vying the strongest; but all in their respective Stations and Degrees will walk by the same Rule, Phil. 3.16. be of one Ac­cord, [...]and mind the same Thing, Charity in all its Branches to be maintain­ed. heartily joining to maintain Charity in all its Branches, and carry on the Affairs of Truth in the Lamb-like Spirit to the Honour of God and Comfort one of another in him, and then we shall demonstrate that we experimentally know there is one body, Eph. 4.51. and one Spirit, one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God and Fa­ther of all, who is above all, and thro' all, and in us all.

BY all which,Church Fellow­ship. it is manifest that our Church-Fellowship stands in the Bond of Charity and true Uni­ty of the holy Spirit the Fruit whereof, as faith [...] [...]postle,Eph. [...]. [...] is in all Goodness, Righteousness and Truth, Love, The Fruit of the Spi­rit. Joy, Peace, Long-suffering, Gentleness, Faith, Meekness, Tempe­rance, [Page 11] against such there is no Law; Gal. [...].22. ve [...] 14. The Law fulfilled. for the Law is fulfilled in one Word, saith the same Apostle, even this, Thou s [...]alt love thy Neighbour as thy self, which is that perfect Charity we speak of, and desire all may come unto, and be preserved in; so that God (who is Love) may take Delight in us, and make his Abode with us, and then shall we walk in the Spirit, Gal. 5.16, 17. and nor fulfil the Lusts of the Fles [...], for the Fles [...] lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the Flesh.

The Works of the Flesh. Gal. [...].19. THE Works of the Flesh are ma­nifest (said the Apostle [...] to the Galatians [...] which are these, Adulte­ry, Fornication, Uncleanness, Lasci­viousness, Idolatry, Witchcraft, Ha­tred, Variance, [...]lations, Wrath, Strife, Seditions, Her [...]es, Envyings, Murders, Drunkenness, R [...]velling and such like, and they that do such things s [...]all not inherit the Kingdom of God And the same Apostle, when he wrote to the Churches of Rome, Corinth, Ephesus, and Coloss, testi­fying [Page 12] against the like Evils,Eph. 5.4, 5. and against foolish Talking and Jesting, he added, that no Whoremonger, nor unclean Person, Colos. 3. [...]. nor covetous Man who is an Idolater, hath any Inheri­tance in the Kingdom of Christ and of God, Eph. 5.6.7, 11. for because of th [...]se Things cometh the Wrath of God upon the Children of Disobedience: Be not therefore (said he) Partakers with them, and have no Fellows [...]ip with the unfruitful Works of Darkness, but rather reprove them.

Eph. 4.19,AND the same Apostle speaking of some who were past feeling, had given themselves over to Lascivious­ness to work all Uncleanness with Greediness: 20, But ye, (said he to the Believers) have not so learned Christ: If so be, 21, that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him as the Truth is in Jesus; 22, that ye put off concerning the former Conversation the old Man which is corrupt, accor­ding to deceitful Lusts; 23, and be re­newed in the Spirit of your Mind; and that ye put on the New Man, which [Page 13] after God is created in Righteousness and true Holiness; 24, wherefore putting away Lying, 25, speak every Man Truth with his Neighbour; for we are Members one of another: And after 26,he forbad them to be angry and give Place to the Devil, he would have them that stole, 27, ste [...]l no more, and that 28, no corrupt Communication should proceed out of their Mouth; 29, but that which is good to the Use of edifying, that it might minister Grace to the Hearers, and that all Bitterness and Wrath, 31. and Anger, and Clamour, and evil speaking should be put away with all Malice.

Rom. [...].29.AND the Apostle having testi­fied against those who were full of Envy, Murder, Debate, Deceit, Ma­lignity, Whisperers, Backbiters, ver. 30. Ha­ters of God, despightful, proud, Boa­sters, Inventers of evil Things, diso­bedient to Parents; ver. 31. without Under­standing, Covenant-Breakers, with­out natural Affection, implacable, un­merciful,ver. 18. and such as held the Truth in Unrighteousness, he saith, Know ye [Page 14] 1 Cor. [...]. [...]. not that the unrighteous s [...]all not in­herit the Kingdom of God: Be not deceived, neither Pernicators, nor I­dolaters, nor Adulterers, nor Effe­ [...]te, nor [...] of themselves with Mankind, 10, nor Theives, nor Co­vetous, nor Drunkenness, nor Revilers, nor Ext [...]rtioners, s [...]all inherit the Kingdom of God; 11. and such were some of you; but ye are w [...]ed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified, in the Name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. By this we may clearly understand, that the vilest of People, as they give Way to the Power and Word of Truth may be sanctified, and so become Members of the Church of Christ, which is great Encouragement for all to sub­mit themselves to the divine holy Hand that leads them to Repentance and Amendment of Life.

Apostates. 1 Tim. [...].20.BUT we may observe, that notwithstanding the many Cautions 2 Tim. 2.1 [...]. and repeated Advice of the Apo­stles,3. [...]. yet some in their Days, as in our Time,4. [...] who professed the Truth, [Page 15] 3 John 1. [...]. and seemed in Measure redeemed out of the Evils of this World,Gal. 2.4. fell 1 Cor. 1.12. into these and the like Enormities which the Apostles testified against;5.1. and some others who were then ga­thered into the Belief of the Princi­ples and Doctrines of the Gospel of Christ, fell from those Principles as some have done in our Day; in which Cases such as stood firm in the Faith, had Power by the Spirit of God (after Christian Endeavours to convince and reclaim those Back­sliders) to exclude them from our spiritual Fellowship and Communi­on, as also the Privileges they had as Fellow-Members, which Power, we know by good Experience, con­tinues with us in carrying on the Discipline of the Church in the Spirit of Meekness.

THEREFORE, we say,Power in the Church to [...]. as our Brethren have heretofore con­cluded, that where any in the Church of God pretending Conscience or Revelation, shall arise to teach and practise (however insignificant or [Page 16] small in themselves) whether Princi­ples or Practice, yet if they be con­trary to such as are already received as true, and confirmed by God's Spirit in the Hearts of his Saints; and that the introducing of these Things tend to bring Reproach up­on the Truth, as such as are not edifying in themselves, and so stum­ble the weak; those who have a true and right Discerning, may in and by the Power of God authori­sing them (and no otherwise) con­demn and judge such Things; and their so doing will be obligatory upon all the Members that have a true Sense, because they will see it to be so, and submit to it.

Innovati­ons.WHATSOEVER Innovati­on, Difference, or diverse Appea­rance, whether in Doctrine or Prac­tice, proceedeth not from the pure Moving of the Spirit of God, or is not done out of pure Tenderness of Conscience, but either from that which being pufft up affecteth Sin­gularity, and there-through would [Page 17] be observed, commended and exalt­ed, or from that which the Malig­nity of some Humours and natural Tempers, which will be contradic­ting without Cause, and secretly begetting Divisions, Animosities and Emulations, by which the Unity and unfeigned Love of the Brethren is lessen'd or rent, all Things proceed­ing from this Root and Spirit, how­ever little they may be supposed to be of themselves, are to be guarded against, withstood and denied as hurtful to the true Church's Peace and Hindrance of the Prosperity of Truth.

Things that some deem Law­ful, are not so to us.AND now we come to take Notice of some Things that others professing Christianity, deem law­ful, which are not so to us, as swearing and fighting,Swearing. or going to War when required by lawful Au­thority. The first we testify against, because it is contrary to the express Command of our blessed Saviour, who said,Mat. [...].3. Swear not at all; and the Apostle James writing to the [Page 18] twelve scatter'd Tri [...]s, who, ac­cording to their Law, were to swear by the Lord, and perform the [...] Oaths to him, Tim. 5.12. saith, But above all Things, my Brethren, swear not, neither by Heaven, neither by the Earth, nor by any other Oath; but let your Yea be Yes; and your Nay, Nay, lest ye fall into Condemnation. By this we believe, that all Oaths commanded or allowed by the Mosaical Law, which took their Beginning from Want of Truth and Faithfulness, as well as the Oaths of those Times, are totally abrogated, and instead thereof the speaking of Truth esta­blished; and we are greatly thank­ful to God that our Superiors in Great Britain have been pleased to grant Relief and Ease to us in that Point, and hope it will be a firm and renewed Obligation upon us to keep peaceable, faithful, harmless and honest towards all the Children of Men: And then we shall assured­ly be preserved out of those Con­ [...]ests, Fallacies, Strife and Perfidies [Page 19] against which Oaths were at first introduced as a Remedy, and are still alledged to be a Security.

AND since we must not swear at all, Admin [...] ­string Oaths. we cannot administer Oaths to others, therefore let all of our Community who are or may be con­cerned as Magistrates, be tender of God's Honour in this Matter.

AND as for Wars and Fight­ings,Wars. they are altogether unlawful to us, because our Lord and Savi­our Jesus Christ (who for the Ex­cellency of his Government is called the Prince of Peace)I [...]a. 9.6. in his blessed Sermon upon the Mount command­ed that we should love our Enemies. Mat. 5 [...].3 [...].

AND the Apostle Paul exhorts not to avenge our selves, Rom. 18.19, 20. but if our Enemy hunger, we must feed him; if he thirst give him Drink: But it is evident,2 Cor. 10.3. that War teacheth to hate, famish and destroy them. The same Apostle declares, that we war not after the Flesh,Eph. [...].12. nor wrestle a­gainst Flesh and Blood: But outward War is according to the Flesh, and [Page 20] against Flesh and Blood, for the shedding of the one, and destroying of the other. The same Apostle saith further,2 Cor. 10.4. The Weapons of our Warfare are not carnal, but mighty thro' God; so are not the Weapons of outward Warfare; and the Apo­stle James testifies, [...]m 4.1. that Wars and Fightings come from Lusts, and those Lusts war in the Members of car­nal Men: But such as have cruci­fied the Flesh with its Affections and Lusts, cannot indulge them by waging War; nor can the Servants of Christ fight,John 18.36. because his Kingdom is not of this World. So that when Peter used the Sword, his Lord and Master reproved him, saying, Put up again thy Sword into his Place, for all they that take up the Sword, s [...]all perish with the Sword. We are not without sorrowful Instan­ces of some that have been educa­ted in the peaceable Principle here asserted; and yet because so far de­generated from it as to use the Sword; and they perished by the [Page 21] Sword; which is herementioned on­ly as a Warning to those who by pursuing the Vanity of their Minds, may happen to stray out of the pure Path of Peace, and fall into the like Inconveniences.

BY all which it may appear,Christ's Banner. that Jesus Christ the Captain of our Salvation calls those that lift them­selves under his Banner, to bear his Cross, and abide in Humility, Pati­ence, Simplicity and true Charity, and not any Ways indulge the least Thought of Revenge,Against Revenge. Rom. 1 [...].17. or rendring Evil for Evil, or Railing for Rail­ing; much less endeavour to ad­vance themselves by the fraudulent Stratagems of War; but suffer true Love to take Place of Wrath, and Forgiveness to overcome Injury and Revenge; so the Lamb will be pre­served before the Lion, and the Lion resign to, and lie down with the Lamb.

AND altho' these Testimonies of Christ and his Apostles are [...]o clear against Wars and Fightings, yet our elder Brethren, and some of [Page 22] us formerly,Sufferings of Friends. suffered much because we could not ourselves bear Arms, nor send others in our Places, nor pay for buying of Drums and other military Attire, as also for not ob­serving those Days which were ap­pointed to crave a Blessing for Suc­cess to the Arms of the Nation where we lived, or to give Thanks for the Victories acquired by the Effusion of much Blood.

THERE are other Things,Flattering Titles, Bowings, &c. as giving flattering Titles, uncovering the Head, and cringing to Men, calling the Days and Months by the Heathen Names, and drinking one to another, drinking Healths, Rio­tings,Games, &c. Banquetings, and using Games, Sports, Plays, Revels, Comedies, and such like (which many of the Professors of Christianity allow) are not at all lawful to us, because they not only wast that Time which is but lent us, and should be spent to the Honour of God, but also natu­rally draw Men from God's Fear; and we know the Testimony of the [Page 23] Spirit, of Truth is against them,R B. 548. and the inward Convictions of Light and Grace in our own Hearts, [...] prevailed upon us to lay them [...].

Sports, &c. [...] 545. [...] [...]ed Christians a­ [...] [...] [...]ing forth of our [...] People to go [...] Ga [...], [...] Musick, Dancing, Wrest­ling, running of Races, and the like, counting it not inconsistent with Religion so to do, which was so a­bominable in the Sight of God that he was pleased to raise a holy Zeal in our elder Brethren against those ungodly Practices,Drinking Healths, &c. and against drink­ing Healths, Banquetings and rio­tous Living, which not only pro­voke People to Excess of Eating, Drinking, Laughter, foolish Talk­ing, Jesting, and such like Things that are sinful, and in no wise be­coming the Solidity, Gravity and Sobriety which Men professing Christianity ought to be adorned with; but it is obvious, that such [Page 24] as run into those Excesses, bring a Scorn and Slight upon their Profes­sion, to the Grief of the honest hearted, and not only so, but they lay themselves open to commit all such Vices as the Devil may tempt them to.

AND our constant Testimony has been,Scripture-Language. and is against saying YOU to a single Person, not only because it is contrary to the true Proprie­ty of Speech and Scripture-Lan­guage,Arrogance. but it gratifies that proud Haman-like Spirit which possesses the Heart of such who would arro­gate to themselves the Homage and Reverence due to God, requiring to be addressed in such Language as they judge more honourable than that which they bestow upon the Almighty.

AND because our ancient Friends and Elders in the Truth could not join with that Spirit,Respect to Men. they suffered deeply for their innocent Testimo­ny against it, and yet upon all Oc­casions shewed the decent Respect [Page 25] due to Men and maintained in the Wisdom of God,Ho [...] to Superiors. the true Honour and Obedience due from Subjects to their Prince, Inferiors to Superiors, from Children to Parents, and Ser­vants to Masters, whereby the mu­tual Relations betwixt those diffe­rent Ranks and Degrees of Men have been and are asserted and en­deavoured to be established after the Manner of our Saviour and his A­postles were pleased to direct.

NOW before we go further, we think proper to give some Ac­counts of our Principles and Practi­ces concerning those mutual Relati­ons or Ranks of Men.Of Kings and Ru­lers. Rom. 13. [...]. And first of Kings, Rulers, and Magistrates, as it is our Belief, that the Powers and Government we live under are of the Lord, so we acknowledge that Fidelity and Subjection is due to those who are in Authority over us, expecting only the Benefit of those good Laws which are deemed our Birthright as English Subjects, and not the Protection by Gun and [Page 26] Sword which others make the Terms of their Allegiance: and we faith­fully own,Magistra­cy. Rom. 13 2. 1 Tim 5.17. that Magistracy is an Ordinance of God, and those who rule well are worthy of double Ho­nour, and deserve to be really valu­ed and much esteemed, not by gi­ving them vain Appellations or flat­tering Titles, nor by bowing the Body, or uncovering the Head, nor by feigned Words called Compl [...] ­ments, but by obeying their just and lawful Commands, wherein the true Honour and Subjection due to them doth chiefly confest.

AND it has been,Supplica­tions for Kings, &c. and is our frequent Concern according to pure Leadings and [...] of God's ho­ly Spirit in our [...]st Approach­es to the Throne of his Grace to make Supplication, 1 Tim. 2. [...]. Prayer, Interces­sion, and giving of Thanks for Kings, and all that are in Anthority: And we have not been wanting in our respective Places and Stations, to put People in Mind, as the Apostle exhorted,Tit. 3.1. to be subjected to Princi­palities [Page 27] and Powers, to obey Magi­strates, and submit to every Ordinance of Man for the Lord's Sake, 2 Pet. 2.13, 14. whe­ther it be to the King as supreme, or unto Governors as unto them that are sent by him for the Punishment of Evil-Doers, and Praise of them that do well; Rom. 13.4. for so the Magistrates are Ministers of God to us for Good, bear­ing not the Sword in vain, being Revengers to execute Wrath upon him that doth Evil: and for this Cause pay we Tribute also, for they are God's Ministers attending continu­ally on this very Thing.

YET when Laws and Statutes were made,Laws a­gainst Con­science. requiring certain Con­formities which for Conscience Sake could not be comply'd with by our faithful Friends,G. F. II. 291. some Magistrates, instead of the Sword of Justice, took up the Sword of Persecution against them; nevertheless they did not resist, but patiently suffered the spoiling of their Goods, grievous Im­prisonments, Scourging and Banish­ment from their tender Families, [Page 28] Friends and Relations, choosing, as the holy Apostles did in the like Case, [...] 5.29.4. [...]0. to obey God rather than Men; for they could not but speak the Things which they had seen and heard; and for all this cruel Usage and Sufferings, they paid their Taxes and Tributes,Mat. 22.23. rendring to Caesar the Things which were his, and to God the Things that were his; for so was the Will of God, 1 Pet. 2.15. that with well do­ing, they should put to Silence the Ignorance of foolish Men.

Distin­guish from good Laws.AND here it is necessary to di­stinguish between the Laws or Sta­tutes which occasioned those Suf­ferings,1 Tim 1.8, and the Law, which the A­postle said, is good if a Man use it Lawfully, 9, [...]wing this, that the Law is not made for the righteous Man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for Sinners, for unholy and profane, for Murderers of Fathers, and Murderers of Mo­thers, 10. for Man-slayers, for Whore­mongers, for them that defile them­selves with Mankind, for Men-steal­ers, [Page 29] for Liars, for perjured Persons, and for any other Thing that is con­trary to sound Doctrine.

Dear Friends,

IT is evident, that it was design­ed by those Statutes,Ʋniformi­ty of Wor­ship to hu­mane Mi­nistry. not only to bring all to one Form of Worship contrived by human Invention; but also to establish a Ministry and Mi­nisters called and ordained by Men,R. B. 438, 4 [...]9. ‘many of whom judged the Life, Grace, and Spirit of God no essen­tial Part of their Ministry, nor any necessary Qualification of their Ministers, which Judgment of theirs being against the Law of the Spirit of Life, and the divine Institution of our Saviour's Spi­ritual Worship, must needs be contrary to sound Doctrine.’

NEVERTHELESS to up­hold their human Ministry,Provision for Mini­sters. ample Provision was made for Maintenance of their Ministers; and to extort it from such as could not for Consci­ence Sake, own, hear, or receive [Page 30] their Ministry. But when it plea­sed God to discover to our Friends and Elders,John 4.23, 24. that they who worship the Father, most worship him in Spi­rit and in Truth, and be brought to the true Unity thereof, and not in­to a meer outward Conformity, they were soon led to embrace the antient, [...]. holy, living and free Mini­stry, which at the breaking forth of this Day and Dispensation of the New Covenant, was plentifully be­stowed upon Men and Women, who (having received the true Know­ledge of Things Spiritual, and be­ing in Measure purified and sanctifi­ed) were called, moved, and or­dained to minister by the inward Power sad Virtue of the Word of Life,1 John 2 20, 2 [...]. feeling a peculiar Unction from the holy One, to prepare and supply them in the Work of this Ministry.1 Pet 4.10, 11. And as every one ha [...] re­ceived the Gift, even so they ministred one to another as good Stewards of the manifold Grace of God; approving themselves in much Patience, in Af­flictions, [Page 31] [...], in Necessity, 2. Cor. 6.4. in Distress, in S [...]rip [...]s, in Imprisonments, &c. and as they freely received, they freely gave, seeking the Salvation of Souls,1. Cor. 9.18. Acts [...]0.33. and keeping the Gospel without C [...]ge, coveting no Man's Silver, Gold, or [...]. And this pure, free and living Ministry of the Word does in a good [...] (thro'the great loving Kindness of God) con­tinue amongst us hitherto.

BUT th [...]se Ministers ordainedMinisters ordained [...] 3. [...]. by Men are of a contrary Dispositi­on, for [...] preach for Hire, and divine for M [...]y, and look for the [...] G [...] from their Quarter, [...] 6.11. [...] 3.5. and pre­pare War against such as put not into their Months; and so they have al­ways done. And because our Friends could not in good Conscience contribute to support their false Ministry, G. F. II. 192. Persecuti­on. they stirr'd up Persecu­tion, and turned the Magistrate's Sword backward, and the Laws a­gainst the righteous, which was al­so contrary to found Doctrine, as well as the true Use and End of [Page 32] good LawsRoyal Law. Jam. [...]. [...]. and far from fulfilling the Royal Law according to the Scripture, which the Apostle James sums up in these Words, Thou s [...]alt love thy Neighbour as thy self: There­fore, with what Justice could those Statutes be put in Execution against our Friends for their peaceable Meeting to worship God in Spirit and Truth, since our most holy Sa­viour and Bishop of Souls declared,John 4.23, 24. that the Father seeks such to worship him. And for ever blessed and hap­py will they be who are found of him, and willingly submit to his Re­quirings, both to believe on him, and worship him in his own Spirit, as also conscientiously to suffer for his Name and Testimony.Phil. 1.29.

SO, Dear Frinds, Carnal Sword differs from the Sword of Justice. having by the foregoing Hints briefly obser­ved how the material or carnal Sword, invented by Men to execute their Wrath and Revenge upon their Fellow-Creatures, differs from the Sword of Justice ordained of God for Punishment of evil Doers, [Page 33] and Praise of them that do well; as also having in Part shewed our Duty, to Kings and Rulers, we come now to treat of those Relati­ons between Children and Parents,Duties of [...]hildren and Par­ents Servants and Masters, whose res­pective Duties each to the other, are best express [...]d in the Apostle's Words, [...] 6.1. [...] 3. [...]0. who said, Children, they your Parents in the Lord, for this is right; Honour thy Father and Mother, (which is the fast Com­mandment with Promise) that it may be well with thee, and thou may'st live long in the Earth.

AND ye Fathers, Parents to Chil­dren. provoke not your Children to Wrath, lest they be discouraged; Ep [...] 6 [...]. Col. 3.21. but bring them up in the Nurture and Admonition of the Lord.

SERVANTS, Duty of Servants to Ma­sters. be obedient to them that are your Masters according to the Fely, with Fear and Tremb­ling, Eph. 6, 5, 6, 7, 8. in Singleness of your Hearts as unto Christ, not with Eye-Service, as Men-Pleasers, but as the Servants of Christ, doing the Will of God from [Page 34] the Heart, with good Will, doing Service as to the Lord, and not to Men, knowing this whatsoever good Things any Man doth, the same s [...]all he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free:Col. 3. [...]5But he that doth Wrong, s [...]all receive for the Wrong which he hath done; and there is no Respect of Persons. 1 Tim. 6, [...], 2. Let as many Ser­vants as are under [...] Yoke, count their own Masters worthy of all Ho­nour, that the Name of God and his Doctrine be not blasphemed. And they that have believing Masters, let them not despise them because they are Brethren; but rather do them Service, because they are faithful and bel [...]ed, Partakers of the Benefit. [...]hor▪ Servants to be obedient unto their own Masters, Ti [...] [...] 10. and to please them well in all Things, not answering a­gain, or Gainsaying; no [...] purloining, but s [...]ewing all good Fidelity; that they may adorn the Doctrine of God o [...] Saviour in all Things. And the Apostle Peter bids Servants o [...] sub­ject to their own Masters, 1 Pet. 2.18 with all [Page 35] Fear, not only to the good and gen­tle, but also to the froward; ver. 19. f [...]r this is thank-worthy, if a Man for Con­science towards God endure Grief, suffering wrongfully.

MASTERS, Col. 4.1. give unto your Servants that which is just and e­qual, knowing also that ye have a Master in Heaven, Eph. 6.9. neither is there Res­pect of Persons with him.

Exhorta­tions to Parents, and Children.AND as the good Apostles were moved in their Day, by the Lord's holy Spirit thus to exhort, so in a Measure of the same Spirit, our Friends and Brethren have in this Day been concerned to desire that Parents might be exemplary to their Children in Conversation, and in keeping out of the vain Fashions, Customs and Pride of the World, by adorning themselves modestly, and in Plainness, observing the Scrip­ture-Language, wherein is true Pro­priety of Speech: And that a god­ly Care and Concern should be up­on the Minds of all Parents to watch over their Children with Supplica­tion [Page 36] to the Lord, that they be not drawn away from the Innocency, Simplicity, and Plainness of the Way of Truth, and in a Sense there­of to reach the Witness in them, that so they might feel in their own Spirit a Degree of Fear and Reve­rence towards God instructing them to [...]llow his Council and obey his Voice;Deut. 6.7. and as the Tribes of Israel were required of God to teach his Precepts diligently unto their Chil­dren, and talk of them when they sate in their Houses and walked by the Way, and when they laid down, and when they rised up, so should Parents be concerned to ac­quaint their Children how the Lord led them from one Degree of Faith­fulness to another, in a Denial of the World's corrupt Ways, Language, and Customs.Re [...]ra [...]o­ry Chil­dren. [...] 1 [...]94 But if Children re­ject their Parents or Guardians Ad­vice, and prove refractory, they are to acquaint the proper Meetings therewith, in Order to have further Advice and Assistance for reclaiming s [...] Children.

[Page 37]AND that all Parents be watch­ful over their Children,Parents [...] their [...]. and care­ful not to suffer them to get into Pride and Excess, but to keep them to that decent Plainness which be­comes the People of God; that the Sin of the Children may not be up­on their Parents, nor they exposed to Ruin by their Parents Neglect, or evil Example in Word or Deed.

AND our Advice is,Children to have Learning. that all Friends Children have so much Learning as to read the holy Scrip­tures and other English Books, and to write and cast Accompts so far as to understand some necessary Rules in Arithmetick, and for that End let the Rich help the Poor.

Children to have [...]rades.AND that Friends of all De­grees take due Care to bring up their Children to some useful and necessary Employment, that they may not spend their precious Time in Idleness, which is of evil Exam­ple, and tends much to their Hurt.

Not to [...].AND that it is a very evil Thing for Children to answer [Page 38] their Parents crosly or frowardly; but if they think amiss of what is proposed or said, they should an­swer soberly and dutifully; for Pa­rents are to be regarded and obey­ed next to God, and if Parents be­come poor or helpless, their Chil­dren ought according to their Abi­lities to relieve and help them.

Ordinance of Mar­riage.IN the next Place, we are to shew what our Principles are con­cerning that holy Ordinance of Mar­riage, which may be reduced to these three Particulars.

FIRST we ought not to mar­ry with those who are out of the Belief and Profession of the blessed Truth as it in Jesus, or being of another Judgment or Fellowship, or pretending to the Truth, or ma­king Profession thereof, walk not in some good Degree answerable there­unto.

SECONDLY, we ought not to marry by the Priests, who take upon them to join People in Mar­riage without any Command from [Page 39] the Law of God, or Precedent, or Example from the holy Scripture for so doing.

THIRDLY, We ought not to suffer such kind of Ma [...]ages to pass among us, which as to the De­grees of Consanguinity, Affinity, or which by Reason of Precontract or otherwise, are in themselves unlaw­ful, or from which they may be a­ny just Reflection cast upon our Way.

AS to the first,Against [...] [...]ying with these [...]f diffe­rent Per­swasion. we say, that if such as make Profession with us, and believe in the Light, and own the Doctrines and Principles of Truth, concerning the Spiritual Appearance and Manifestation of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, should marry with such as do not so profess and believe, or with such as profess the Truth, and walk not in some good Degree answerable thereunto, we cannot have Unity with such Marriages.

But if any should think it strange that we dislike joining in Marriage [Page 40] with those that are not of our Pro­fession,R. B. 210. Mixt Mar­riages [...] unequal Yoking. tho' some of them may o­therwise be of a civil Deportment, we can say from the Testimony of the Spirit of God in our Hearts, that such mixing in Marriages is an unequal Yoking, and ought not to be suffered amongst us: And if any should think it lawful, yet some know by Experience, that it has not been expedient, but very hurtful, and of ill Consequence to the Parties, as well as a Grief to their honest Friends and Relations, and frequent­ly ends in Woe and Ruin of them­selves and their Children

Gen. 24.4. [...]6 [...]5. [...]. 1, 2 Ne [...]. 13. [...]3.AND we find that the Judg­ment of Truth in the Patriarchs and Prophets was against mixt Marria­ges in their Time, because of the dangerous Effects which attended them, in drawing God's peculiar People into corrupt Language, Hea­thenish Customs, gross Idolatry, and at Length into a total Separa­tion from the holy Sanctuary, and Protection of the Almighty.

[Page 41] Against the Priests [...] Authority to marry.AS to the Second concerning the Priests assuming Authority to marry, our concurrent Testimony with all our faithful Brethren and Elders, is, and has been, against that Usurpation which seems to be an Invention to get Mon [...]y.R.B. [...]1 1 [...] And they themselves have confessed, that it is no Part of the Essence of a Marriage: But it is most evident to us,Mutual Promise, &c. agr [...]d Marriage. that (after the Consent of Pa­rents or Guardians and Relations is had, and other due and orderly Proceedings are made, according to the Rules and Discipline of our religious Society) the mutual Pro­mise and Agreement of the Parties before Witnesses in our Meetings appointed for such Solemnities, a­mounts to an actual Marriage,6 M [...]d. 155. 3 Le [...]. 376. which the Law cannot make void, nor the Parties themselves dissolve by Re­lease, or other mutual Agreement.

DIVERS Instances might be brought where Marriages have been adjudged good in Law,Mar­riages good in Law, tho' not solem­niz'd by Priests. tho' they were not solemnis'd by Priests, [Page 42] for Brevity we omit; and shall only mention a Cause which our honourable Friend and elder Bro­ther George Fox in his Journal, p. 249. said was tried in the Assizes at Nottingham in the Year 1661.A Law-Case. See Ha [...]' [...] Life by Bp. Bur­net, p. 73, 74. The Case was thus; Some Years before, two Friends were married among Friends, and liv [...]d together as Man and Wife about two Years; then the Man died, leaving his Wife with Child, and an Estate in Co­py-hold-Lands: When the Woman was delivered, the Jury presented the Child Heir, who was accord­ingly admitted; afterwards one that was near of Kin to the Child's Fa­ther brought that Suit, thereby in­tending to deprive the Child of the Inheritance; and to effect this, he would prove the Child illegitimate, alledging the Marriage was not ac­cording to Law. After the Coun­cil on both Sides had done plead­ing,No Fa­vourer of Quakers. Judge Archer directed the Ju­ry to find the Child Heir, which they did accordingly.

[Page 43]BY this we may understand,Our Me­thod of marrying. how far we are justified in the Me­thod of consummating our Mar­riages by mutual Promises, which are made with much Awe and Re­verence, in the Presence and Audi­ence of God's People, at their reli­gious Assemblies. But it is to be understood, that tho' we are pre­sent at such Solemnities, yet we marry none, but are Witnesses there­unto,We merry none. as any other Spectators may be.

We thus inlarge upon this Head,Suggesti­ons ag [...]nst our Mar­riages cleared. that none may be imposed upon by those who insinuate, that such as are not marry'd by a Priest, their Children will be deemed illegiti­mate;G. F. Ep. 278. for some pretending to be of us, believed those false Suggestions, or made Use of them to colour their selfish Views, and sinister Ends, and so far renounced the Testimony of Truth as to be married by Priests. Therefore let such weak ignoble Spirits,Promoters of marry­ing by Priests to be censu­red. with all those that promote, or are present at any such Mar­riages, be dealt with, and bought [Page 44] to repent of their Out-goings, or be censured for the same.

AS to the third and last Parti­cular,Mar­riages with Per­sons pre-engaged, or [...]f too near a [...] to be allow'd. it is our Sense and Judg­ment, that none amongst us move or proceed, in Order to marry with such as are pre-ingaged or contracted to others, before they are duly dis­charged or released of that Pre-en­gagement, and that no such Procedure be made by such as are within the Degrees of Consanguinity or Affi­nity, being not allowed by us, or prohibited by the Laws and Usua­ges of England.

WE do not in the least suppose, by what we object against marrying by the Priest,Mar­riages by Priests or others not supposed void. or others differing from our Way, as if their Marriages were void; neither do we take upon us to hinder any to marry otherwise than by tenderly advising such as are like to go contrary to our Dis­cipline, and if they reject our Ad­vice, we refuse to be Witnesses and Concurrers with them, and if they go right, and make regular Steps in [Page 45] their Procedure, to the Satisfaction of the Meetings whereto they be­long, we allow them to consummate their Marriages according to the good Order and Method which our Fathers and Elders in the Truth, did at first establish in the Wisdom and Power of God.

AND it has been a constant Rule since Discipline was first set up amongst Friends,Our Mar­riages to pass the Men and Womens Meetings. G. F. Ep. 282. that all their Marriages should be laid before the Mens and Womens Meetings who were to take Care that such as come before them were clear from all o­ther Persons on that Account; and that no Man should speak to a Wo­man,Id. 360. in Order to Marriage before he had the Consent of his own Parents or Guardians, and then spo­ken to her Father and Mother, and had their Consent; and if she had no Parents alive, but Guardians or Trustees, then to speak to them and have their Consent, and pro­ceed accordingly; and we find the Reason of this was, for that some [Page 46] formerly did speak neither to Father nor Mother, till they had drawn out and entangled the Affections of the Daughter, and that brought great Troubles and Discontents up­on the Parent, and amongst Friends. And therefore this was to be enqui­red into in the Mens and Womens Meetings, where the Marriages were to be spoken of; and so it is, or ought to be amongst us,Consent gi­ven not to be retract­ed with­out Care. and if Pa­rents or Guardians have once con­sented or approved of such Addres­ses, they ought not to retract the same without giving such Reasons as in the Judgment of the Monthly Meeting, whereto they belong, shall be sufficient for so doing.

AND where Men and Women draw out the Affections one of ano­ther, and after a while go to others,G. F. Ep. 281. and then do the like, this ought to be censured as a scandalous Practice.

AND it hath been the early Care,Second Mar­riages. and is the decent Practice a­mongst Friends, not to consummate Second Marriages sooner than a [Page 47] Year after the Death of Husband or Wife. [...] And that before Wi­dows are allowed to marry, Ca [...] should be taken that Provision be made for their Children by former Husbands, as Occasion may require.

Dear Friends, We do not pre­scribe these Rules,Superfici­al Com­plyance. as thinking a bare superficial Complyance with them to be sufficient, for we know [...] formal Hypocrite may go far that Way,Hypo­crites. and not discover himself till his Turn is served. Therefore our Desires are, that in this important Affair of Marriage a godly Care may come upon all such as may be concerned therein,A godly Care to [...] a Spiritual Joining in Marriage. as it has been and is upon the Faithful to know their Hearts and Spirits truly and sincere­ly given up in Chastity and Purity of Love one towards another, with a free Resignation to the Will of God, and holy Resolutions to serve, obey, and follow him thro' the va­rious Exercises, Difficulties and Trials which may attend them in a married State, and as they stand in his Council, they come to know [Page 48] a holy joining in Spirit, and the Bles­sing from above to descend upon them in their Undertaking; and when they come to enter into the Marriage-Covenant, they will ac­cording to their Growth in the bless [...]d Truth, be sensible of God's heavenly and Spiritual Joyning; this is the honourable Marriage that is sanctified by the Spirit of God, and owned by his People.

AND when Man and Wife are thus joined together, Duty of Husbands to Wives. Mat. 19.6. Eph. 5. [...] ver. 25. Col. 3.19. Eph. 5.33. let no Man put them asunder; but let the Husband love his Wife even as himself, and as Christ loved the Church, and not be bitter against her, and let the Wife re­verence her Husband, and submit and be subject unto him as is fit in the Lord.

THUS far we think proper at present, to collect and lay down our Principles and Practice, in Order to be published for the Help and Ser­vice of the Youth and weak among our selves, and for the Information and Satisfaction of others.