TAHD Quote 1

Having considered their Paper in the Spirit of Truth, he is moved of the Lord to let them know, 1. That it is much, that they so few, so young, and so very little in comparison of the Body, or those whom they count Elders, should take upon them to determine in things of so high a nature, &c. which if they are to be done, ought to be done by the full consent of those who are in Authority in the church, (if so be there be such an Authority so to determine) and not by a few and those not at all deputed in the thing. If you say (saith he) you have not determined so as to impose upon the Body of Friends, but only given your own judgment in the thing: I answer, you are very positive and plain in the determination. [And so repeating their Preface, he collects] - which is in the nature of a Civil Commandment. [Then he recites their first particular, and sayes] - which is as much as an Institution. [Then of the second Particular he saith] - which is an Inhibition. [Of the third Particular he saith] - which is Doctrine. [Of the fifth] - which is Admonition. [Of the sixth] - which is Exhortation. [Of the Conclusion he saith] - this is Instruction. Next he saith, The Spirit of the Lord in this day, and in the days of the Apostles bears not the same proportion: then were Apostles, Pastors, Teachers, Elders, &c. but in this day the Spirit it self is Pastor, Teacher, Elder, &c. so that if the Spirit move any to declare or speak, that is the Apostle, Teacher, Elder, &c. So that we have not now things in the disposition of Persons, but according to the Power which moves in every one, so there is not that Hazard, as to Apostasy, as was in that day - so I know no Pastor, Teacher, Elder, &c. but as I find moving in any to any of these things; and that, which would be otherwise than this, leaps into Apostasy, and will seek to bring, in dark night againe, and will be secluding the thing to the person, and not the person to the thing: and as for my part, if that day should prevaile , or these things which your Paper semes to hold forth and inforce, I have no other expectation, but that the same exercise we shall receive at your hands - as we together received from the hands of those who would have held us in Capitivity. 3. The Seed is come in which the Ministry is to end. Now for you, because you Ministred, to think to settle your selves in the place of the Heir, and to inforce station, - is not to allow that the Seed is come; over again, and let that which should, judge in the matter. - Friends and Brethren, take heed how you set up your Laws and Constitutions over his dominion - many have attempted it, and have been broken to pieces; and if you do the same, the same will be your portion from the hand of the Lord. In the Power you are safe, but when once you go to outward things to preserve your station, and keep you up, as Papers, Stiryings, &c. you err so much from the power, and this will work you down also, if you oppose your selves against his kingdom. Bristol the 3d of the 11 month, 1666. George Bishop of Bristol.

Source: Tyranny and Hypocrisy Detected … London, Printed for Fr. Smith, at the Elephant and Castle in Cornhil, near the Royal Exchange, 1673, pgs. 34-36.

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