Oh Friends! away with all such discourse, that tells you in one Line, that no Man, Men, nor Meetings, but Truth must Rule and Preside; and yet reflect on others, as claiming and pleading for Separate Privileges, and distinct Governments, when in Reality they plead for noting, but to be left (according as the antient Labourers, who were Instruments in Gods hand to gather us, did leave us, commit us, and commend us) to the Grace of God, and the Teachings thereof, as manifest in every ones Inward Parts; making no mention of having their Dependencies on General, Quarterly Monthly, or any other Meetings of Men whatsoever; and therefore we cannot by give forth this as a warning to all, to take heed, that ye be not deceived by the cunning Sleights and Devices of Man, to leave your Teacher, that cannot be removed into a Corner; and instead thereof be found depending on the Dictates, and Prescriptions of fallible Man.

The Christian Quaker ...
William Rogers
1680
First Part - Section Six - Pages 41,42