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 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 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 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 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 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, 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, 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, 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 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 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 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, 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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, 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, 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 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, 〈◊〉 , 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 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, 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 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. • 5 But 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 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 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.

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 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 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 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.

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, 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.

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 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 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 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 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 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.