allow_v what_o if_o any_o now_o shall_v say_v that_o the_o light_n within_o they_o forbid_v they_o to_o eat_v flesh_n how_o can_v w.p._n convince_v they_o of_o their_o error_n if_o he_o bring_v paul_n word_n or_o any_o other_o scripture_n word_n to_o his_o conviction_n may_v he_o not_o answer_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o w.p._n have_v confirm_v he_o by_o his_o late_a book_n that_o say_v the_o same_o and_o if_o the_o light_n within_o in_o the_o esseni_fw-la may_v contradict_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n why_o may_v not_o the_o light_n within_o in_o a_o quaker_n contradict_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n both_o be_v give_v from_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o bind_v to_o the_o jew_n before_o christ_n incarnation_n as_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v to_o the_o christian_n since_o and_o how_o can_v w.p._n prove_v that_o polygamy_n be_v against_o the_o light_n within_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o new_a testament_n forbid_v it_o but_o what_o then_o by_o w._n p_n doctrine_n the_o great_a thing_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v not_o necessary_a absolute_o to_o be_v believe_v but_o upon_o conviction_n of_o the_o spirit_n i._n e._n upon_o a_o new_a revelation_n as_o that_o christ_n be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n die_v for_o our_o sin_n etc._n etc._n and_o he_o plain_o tell_v we_o any_o such_o new_a revelation_n be_v not_o necessary_a if_o this_o be_v not_o to_o turn_v people_n loose_v and_o to_o run_v they_o into_o great_a confusion_n light_n against_o light_n and_o spirit_n against_o spirit_n while_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v deny_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n yea_o a_o rule_n i_o leave_v to_o the_o sober_a and_o intelligent_a to_o judge_v section_n 18._o a_o correction_n of_o a_o say_v of_o w.p._n scandalous_a and_o offensive_a to_o christian_a ear_n that_o man_n be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v inform_v of_o the_o knowledge_n and_o experience_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n from_o our_o saviour_n word_n to_o nicomedus_fw-la john_n 3_o nor_o can_v that_o scripture_n be_v my_o rule_n say_v he_o in_o that_o heavenly_a travel_n etc._n etc._n neither_o can_v any_o other_o write_v whatever_n page_n 29._o here_o i_o find_v one_o passage_n more_o in_o this_o book_n of_o w._n p_n that_o i_o be_o sure_a great_o derogate_v from_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v just_o offensive_a to_o christian_a ear_n have_v quote_v our_o saviour_n word_n to_o nicodemus_n that_o he_o say_v may_v be_v credit_v historical_o that_o unless_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n john_n 3_o but_o what_o be_v that_o say_v he_o to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o experience_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n that_o they_o be_v never_o like_a to_o be_v inform_v of_o there_o nor_o can_v that_o scripture_n be_v my_o rule_n in_o that_o heavenly_a travel_n respect_v the_o many_o and_o wonderful_a trial_n and_o exercise_n that_o be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o way_n to_o it_o neither_o can_v any_o other_o write_v whatever_n this_o only_a be_v the_o office_n of_o that_o spirit_n and_o word_n immortal_a by_o which_o we_o be_v beget_v again_o i_o answer_v here_o he_o exclude_v not_o only_o that_o place_n above_o mention_v but_o the_o whole_a scripture_n from_o be_v instrumental_a to_o our_o information_n and_o plain_o deny_v that_o any_o can_v be_v inform_v of_o it_o there_o this_o be_v indeed_o to_o make_v it_o not_o only_o not_o the_o rule_n but_o not_o a_o rule_n in_o this_o great_a case_n but_o his_o assertion_n be_v extreme_o false_a the_o place_n quote_v john_n 3.3_o 5._o inform_v we_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o regeneration_n and_o the_o follow_a word_n inform_v we_o of_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n how_o it_o be_v wrought_v to_o wit_n by_o the_o spirit_n as_o the_o principal_a efficient_a and_o by_o faith_n in_o the_o son_n of_o man_n as_o the_o instrumental_a cause_n v._n 14_o 15_o 16._o and_o this_o faith_n be_v wrought_v instrumental_o by_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n call_v by_o paul_n rom._n 6.17_o the_o form_n or_o pattern_n of_o doctrine_n whereunto_o the_o believe_a roman_n be_v deliver_v as_o the_o metal_n that_o be_v melt_v into_o the_o mould_n that_o frame_v it_o into_o a_o vessel_n and_o will_v w.p._n say_v that_o his_o and_o his_o brethren_n preach_a and_o word_n inform_v people_n nothing_o of_o regeneration_n nor_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o and_o the_o several_a step_n in_o the_o progress_n of_o it_o if_o not_o their_o preach_v so_o much_o of_o the_o new_a birth_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o at_o least_o as_o they_o think_v be_v very_o unprofitable_a but_o if_o they_o think_v their_o preach_a profitable_a to_o inform_v concern_v regeneration_n and_o manner_n of_o it_o than_o their_o preach_a must_v be_v better_a than_o the_o whole_a scripture_n have_v he_o say_v the_o scripture_n without_o the_o spirit_n can_v guide_v or_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o regeneration_n nor_o be_v instrumental_a towards_o it_o without_o the_o same_o he_o have_v not_o be_v to_o blame_v all_o true_a christian_n say_v the_o same_o but_o to_o exclude_v the_o scripture_n that_o be_v the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n from_o be_v so_o much_o as_o a_o organ_n or_o instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o the_o spirit_n give_v efficacy_n to_o it_o be_v extreme_o false_a and_o erroneous_a and_o contradict_v the_o scripture_n testimony_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o thousand_o who_o can_v set_v to_o their_o seal_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v make_v the_o scripture_n to_o wit_n the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o they_o instrumental_a both_o to_o their_o conviction_n and_o conversion_n sure_o james_n be_v of_o another_o mind_n than_o w.p._n who_o say_v that_o the_o faithful_a be_v beget_v of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o peter_n say_v they_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n by_o the_o exceed_a great_a and_o precious_a promise_n which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n through_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o as_o false_a it_o be_v what_o he_o say_v that_o experience_n to_o wit_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n must_v go_v before_o all_o doctrinal_a scripture_n mean_v the_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o same_o before_o it_o be_v write_v this_o be_v to_o set_v the_o cart_n before_o the_o horse_n as_o the_o proverb_n be_v or_o the_o fruit_n before_o the_o seed_n be_v man_n regenerate_v in_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n or_o rather_o be_v they_o not_o renew_v in_o knowledge_n and_o this_o knowledge_n do_v it_o not_o presuppose_v some_o doctrinal_a principle_n of_o which_o man_n must_v be_v first_o convince_v have_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o great_a love_n of_o god_n in_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n outward_o to_o die_v for_o we_o and_o inward_o to_o enlighten_v we_o no_o influence_n on_o our_o regeneration_n be_v adam_n regenerate_v before_o god_n give_v he_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o woman_n seed_n after_o his_o fall_n by_o his_o assertion_n it_o must_v be_v so_o which_o be_v wonderful_a ignorance_n be_v he_o so_o little_o acquaint_v with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o not_o to_o have_v see_v the_o lineament_n step_n and_o progress_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n fair_o delineate_v and_o the_o whole_a manner_n of_o it_o as_o clear_o as_o any_o country_n can_v be_v delineate_v in_o the_o fair_a map_n with_o all_o the_o several_a road_n but_o as_o the_o map_n can_v be_v of_o no_o use_n to_o a_o blind_a man_n though_o to_o a_o see_v it_o be_v of_o great_a use_n so_o to_o a_o man_n who_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v in_o some_o measure_n enlighten_v the_o scripture_n be_v as_o serviceable_a as_o a_o map_n to_o a_o traveller_n yea_o and_o much_o more_o they_o be_v real_o the_o instrument_n of_o the_o spirit_n both_o for_o convince_a and_o convert_v man_n and_o the_o rule_n according_a to_o which_o the_o spirit_n lead_v they_o in_o the_o various_a step_n of_o it_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o experience_n of_o regeneration_n in_o who_o it_o be_v wrought_v be_v much_o more_o than_o any_o verbal_a account_n of_o it_o by_o the_o best_a of_o word_n and_o give_v a_o man_n in_o some_o respect_n a_o more_o satisfactory_a knowledge_n of_o it_o than_o any_o man_n can_v have_v by_o scripture_n word_n or_o any_o word_n whatsoever_o who_o be_v not_o himself_o regenerate_v as_o the_o sight_n of_o a_o country_n be_v more_o and_o give_v a_o man_n a_o more_o satisfactory_a account_n of_o it_o than_o all_o verbal_a description_n or_o map_n can_v do_v to_o
self-evidence_n but_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o depend_v on_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n the_o original_a author_n of_o they_o the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v inquire_v into_o be_v what_o be_v the_o great_a and_o most_o principal_a motive_n of_o credibility_n to_o move_v and_o effectual_o persuade_v the_o mind_n that_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n sure_o he_o who_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n can_v but_o assent_v to_o this_o proposition_n that_o whatever_o god_n have_v say_v be_v true_a that_o all_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v word_n of_o truth_n it_o have_v as_o immediate_a evidence_n to_o he_o that_o have_v the_o least_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o that_o the_o whole_a be_v great_a than_o the_o part_n that_o than_o which_o be_v only_o requisite_a to_o move_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o assent_v to_o any_o word_n deliver_v to_o we_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v to_o have_v a_o sufficient_a motive_n of_o credibility_n give_v we_o why_o we_o shall_v believe_v they_o to_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n know_v that_o all_o the_o word_n they_o deliver_v to_o man_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v infallible_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v general_o grant_v by_o all_o that_o own_o the_o truth_n of_o divine_a revelation_n the_o manner_n of_o their_o conveyance_n to_o their_o understanding_n be_v with_o such_o a_o divine_a power_n majesty_n and_o glory_n and_o make_v such_o a_o divine_a impression_n on_o they_o as_o infallible_o assure_v they_o and_o this_o many_o time_n without_o all_o miracle_n propose_v to_o their_o outward_a sense_n section_n 8._o that_o the_o faithful_a have_v as_o good_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o the_o ordinary_a inspiration_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o outward_a mean_n as_o the_o prophet_n have_v by_o extraordinary_a and_o prophetical_a the_o distinction_n betwixt_o they_o explain_v the_o great_a question_n therefore_o that_o remain_v now_o to_o be_v consider_v and_o resolve_v be_v whither_o the_o faithful_a can_v have_v and_o actual_o have_v not_o as_o good_a assurance_n in_o respect_n of_o all_o fundamental_o and_o essential_o of_o the_o christian_a faith_n at_o least_o that_o the_o word_n deliver_v by_o the_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o if_o they_o have_v receive_v they_o in_o the_o same_o way_n and_o manner_n as_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n receive_v they_o which_o be_v without_o any_o external_a medium_fw-la such_o as_o the_o ministry_n of_o man_n and_o book_n whereas_o the_o way_n that_o we_o now_o receive_v those_o word_n be_v by_o some_o external_a medium_fw-la to_o wit_n the_o ministry_n of_o man_n and_o book_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o insist_v upon_o the_o external_a motive_n of_o credibility_n take_v either_o from_o so_o many_o thousand_o of_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a of_o man_n in_o the_o several_a age_n of_o the_o world_n since_o the_o word_n be_v commit_v to_o writing_n who_o have_v receive_v and_o embrace_v they_o to_o be_v what_o real_o they_o be_v even_o the_o word_n of_o the_o live_n and_o true_a god_n or_o such_o as_o be_v take_v from_o the_o word_n themselves_o as_o outward_o deliver_v such_o as_o the_o simplicity_n purity_n majesty_n and_o efficacy_n of_o their_o doctrine_n the_o harmony_n of_o the_o several_a part_n the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o many_o prophecy_n contain_v in_o they_o the_o many_o other_o incomparable_a excellency_n of_o they_o the_o wonderful_a effect_n they_o have_v have_v on_o many_o thousand_o and_o million_o of_o man_n in_o be_v instrumental_a to_o their_o conversion_n from_o idolatry_n and_o ungodliness_n to_o true_a piety_n and_o sanctity_n all_o which_o be_v of_o great_a weight_n to_o convince_v the_o reason_n of_o man_n but_o because_o all_o this_o do_v amount_v to_o no_o more_o but_o a_o rational_a conviction_n and_o do_v not_o beget_v a_o divine_a assent_n or_o persuasion_n therefore_o i_o conclude_v with_o all_o orthodox_n and_o sound_v christian_n that_o our_o full_a persuasion_n and_o assurance_n of_o the_o infallible_a truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o they_o be_v from_o the_o inward_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o his_o internal_a and_o supernatural_a illumination_n inspiration_n and_o revelation_n and_o secret_a and_o most_o inward_a teach_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o sensible_a and_o perceptible_a impression_n seal_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o upon_o our_o heart_n and_o mind_n and_o here_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o guard_v against_o a_o twofold_a extreme_a that_o i_o find_v too_o many_o run_v into_o both_o great_o and_o dangerous_o erroneous_a the_o one_o be_v of_o some_o that_o grant_v indeed_o that_o the_o spirit_n do_v inward_o operate_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o more_o especial_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o faithful_a but_o this_o operation_n or_o agency_n and_o efficiency_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o will_v have_v it_o only_o to_o be_v effective_a and_o no-wise_a objective_n that_o be_v to_o say_v no-wise_a perceptible_a or_o sensible_a to_o the_o soul_n in_o which_o the_o spirit_n do_v so_o operate_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o some_o of_o they_o have_v call_v this_o internal_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n even_o in_o the_o faithful_a medium_fw-la incognitum_fw-la assentiendi_fw-la the_o which_o assertion_n be_v so_o repugnant_a to_o the_o scripture_n testimony_n in_o many_o place_n that_o hold_v forth_o the_o spirit_n internal_a operation_n and_o virtue_n to_o be_v as_o sensible_a upon_o the_o internal_a and_o spiritual_a sense_n of_o soul_n in_o any_o good_a degree_n inward_o quicken_v and_o make_v alive_a to_o god_n as_o the_o operation_n of_o outward_a light_n heatt_z cold_a or_o the_o most_o affect_a object_n of_o sight_n taste_n smell_a and_o feel_v be_v upon_o our_o outward_a and_o bodily_a sense_n and_o also_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o experience_n of_o many_o thousand_o of_o true_a experience_a christian_n i_o shall_v not_o insist_v here_o any_o further_a to_o refute_v it_o the_o other_o as_o dangerous_a and_o erroneous_a extreme_a be_v of_o such_o of_o who_o be_v w.p._n and_o his_o party_n as_o plain_o appear_v by_o what_o he_o lay_v down_o in_o this_o treatise_n and_o oft_o elsewhere_o in_o his_o book_n who_o hold_v that_o the_o manner_n and_o kind_a of_o the_o spirit_n internal_a inspiration_n revelation_n illumination_n and_o inward_a teach_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o which_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n have_v that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o whatever_o they_o think_v they_o have_v a_o divine_a knowledge_n and_o faith_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o medium_fw-la to_o the_o obtain_v this_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n must_v be_v give_v they_o as_o they_o be_v give_v to_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o wit_n without_o the_o external_a medium_fw-la of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o without_o any_o external_a teach_v whatsoever_o and_o that_o therefore_o their_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v divine_a have_v no_o dependence_n on_o the_o word_n deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o whatever_o they_o know_v or_o believe_v by_o a_o divine_a knowledge_n and_o faith_n it_o be_v whole_o from_o word_n inward_o give_v they_o from_o the_o spirit_n without_o all_o outward_a conveyance_n of_o man_n or_o book_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o w.p._n call_v his_o and_o his_o brethren_n rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n the_o eternal_a precept_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o man_n conscience_n but_o as_o for_o the_o precept_n and_o word_n outward_o deliver_v in_o scripture_n they_o be_v but_o to_o he_o what_o pythagoras_n and_o other_o philosopher_n quote_v by_o he_o page_z 6._o judge_v of_o other_o write_n to_o wit_n liveless_a precept_n hence_o many_o of_o his_o party_n have_v presume_v to_o call_v they_o a_o dead_a letter_n death_n and_o carnal_a yet_o page_n 25._o he_o be_v so_o yield_v and_o seem_o kind_a to_o the_o scripture_n that_o he_o grant_v they_o to_o be_v a_o subordinate_a secondary_a and_o declaratory_a rule_n such_o a_o subordinate_a secondary_a and_o declaratory_a rule_n say_v he_o we_o never_o say_v several_a part_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o here_o observe_v for_o all_o his_o profess_a kindness_n to_o the_o scripture_n he_o will_v not_o allow_v all_o the_o part_n of_o scripture_n but_o only_o some_o part_n of_o it_o to_o be_v so_o much_o as_o a_o subordinate_a secondary_a and_o declaratory_a rule_n though_o even_o the_o ceremonial_a precept_n he_o have_v as_o great_a reason_n to_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n though_o not_o of_o practice_n as_o touch_v the_o external_a type_n as_o true_o as_o any_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n but_o see_v every_o subordinate_a
the_o deism_n of_o william_n penn_n and_o his_o brethren_n destructive_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n expose_v and_o plain_o lay_v open_a in_o the_o examination_n and_o refutation_n of_o his_o late_a reprint_v book_n call_v a_o discourse_n of_o the_o general_n rule_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n and_o judge_n of_o controversy_n wherein_o he_o contend_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n but_o that_o the_o light_n in_o the_o conscience_n of_o every_o man_n be_v that_o rule_n by_o george_n keith_n london_n print_v for_o brab_n aylmer_n at_o the_o three_o pigeon_n against_o the_o royal_a exchange_n in_o cornhill_n 1699._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o christian_n protestant_n reader_n christian_n reader_n i_o have_v be_v concern_v more_o earnest_o and_o ample_o to_o treat_v on_o this_o subject_a in_o the_o follow_a treatise_n to_o refute_v that_o grand_a error_n of_o william_n penn_n and_o his_o brethren_n who_o make_v it_o their_o great_a 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there_o will_v be_v a_o general_n rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n to_o all_o mankind_n that_o then_o shall_v live_v but_o to_o talk_v of_o such_o a_o thing_n now_o and_o to_o define_v a_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o and_o write_v a_o book_n about_o it_o be_v like_o t._n more_o be_v utopia_n page_n 4._o he_o be_v as_o unsuccessful_a and_o fallacious_a in_o his_o definition_n of_o faith_n by_o faith_n say_v he_o we_o understand_v a_o assent_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o such_o manner_n to_o the_o discovery_n make_v of_o god_n thereto_o as_o to_o resign_v up_o to_o god_n and_o have_v dependence_n upon_o he_o as_o the_o great_a creator_n and_o saviour_n of_o his_o people_n this_o definition_n of_o faith_n indeed_o suit_v well_o with_o the_o definition_n of_o his_o general_n rule_n of_o faith_n but_o there_o be_v many_o part_n of_o mankind_n that_o have_v not_o only_o a_o faith_n in_o god_n as_o the_o great_a creator_n the_o faith_n here_o only_o define_v by_o he_o but_o have_v a_o faith_n in_o christ_n too_o and_o in_o god_n the_o saviour_n and_o redeemer_n consider_v as_o in_o the_o person_n of_o a_o mediator_n who_o be_v both_o god_n and_o man_n by_o which_o faith_n in_o christ_n they_o have_v a_o most_o firm_a faith_n in_o god_n ground_v upon_o god_n promise_n which_o be_v all_o yea_o and_o amen_o in_o christ_n and_o here_o in_o w._n p_n definition_n of_o this_o pagan_a and_o deist_n faith_n he_o suppose_v that_o which_o will_v not_o be_v grant_v to_o he_o viz._n that_o any_o ever_o have_v such_o a_o faith_n in_o god_n as_o to_o resign_v up_o to_o god_n and_o have_v dependence_n upon_o he_o as_o the_o great_a creator_n and_o saviour_n of_o his_o people_n without_o all_o faith_n in_o christ_n
the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n in_o all_o estate_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n use_v as_o his_o instrument_n to_o guide_v we_o in_o all_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n but_o he_o may_v have_v tell_v we_o some_o of_o those_o thousand_o case_n in_o which_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v our_o plain_a and_o distinct_a rule_n whereby_o to_o know_v either_o our_o duty_n to_o perform_v it_o or_o what_o be_v prohibit_v that_o we_o may_v avoid_v it_o though_o we_o have_v the_o inward_a assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o enlighten_v our_o mind_n and_o set_v before_o they_o on_o all_o necessary_a occasion_n and_o emergency_n such_o scripture_n precept_n and_o prohibition_n as_o suit_n with_o the_o present_a occasion_n but_o if_o the_o case_n be_v of_o thing_n in_o themselves_o simple_o indifferent_a i._n e._n neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v either_o by_o any_o precept_n of_o god_n or_o just_a precept_n and_o law_n of_o our_o superior_n we_o be_v leave_v to_o our_o choice_n according_a as_o our_o rational_a faculty_n and_o christian_a prudence_n shall_v direct_v we_o a_o due_a regard_n over_o all_o be_v have_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o that_o whatever_o we_o do_v be_v do_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o true_a love_n and_o charity_n which_o be_v general_a rule_n plain_o give_v we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o particular_a application_n of_o which_o in_o all_o particular_a case_n whither_o in_o relation_n to_o superior_n inferior_n or_o equal_n the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o his_o special_a illumination_n in_o our_o heart_n will_v teach_v we_o as_o we_o faithful_o pray_v and_o wait_v for_o they_o without_o the_o need_n of_o any_o other_o general_a or_o particular_a rule_n than_o what_o already_o be_v give_v we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n therefore_o in_o opposition_n to_o this_o extravagant_a and_o rash_a assertion_n of_o w._n p_o that_o there_o be_v a_o thousand_o case_n in_o which_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v our_o plain_a and_o distinct_a rule_n i_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o case_n respect_v our_o duty_n either_o towards_o god_n ourselves_o or_o our_o neighbour_n but_o plain_a instruction_n and_o precept_n be_v give_v we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n concern_v the_o same_o but_o we_o still_o need_v the_o grace_n and_o guidance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n to_o give_v we_o the_o spiritual_a discovery_n of_o they_o and_o to_o enable_v we_o right_o to_o practice_v they_o sure_o david_n have_v a_o far_o better_a and_o great_a esteem_n of_o god_n law_n precept_n and_o testimony_n even_o as_o outward_o deliver_v by_o moses_n and_o also_o by_o himself_o than_o w.p._n have_v concern_v which_o he_o say_v psal_n 119.24_o thy_o testimony_n also_o be_v my_o delight_n and_o my_o counsellor_n though_o david_n be_v a_o prophet_n yet_o as_o king_n over_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n he_o be_v command_v of_o god_n to_o write_v he_o a_o copy_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o a_o book_n which_o be_v to_o be_v with_o he_o and_o he_o be_v to_o read_v therein_o all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n that_o he_o may_v learn_v to_o fear_v the_o lord_n his_o god_n to_o keep_v all_o the_o word_n of_o that_o law_n and_o these_o statute_n to_o do_v they_o &c_n &c_n deut._n 17.18_o 19_o 20._o and_o yet_o david_n be_v high_o illuminate_v and_o inspire_v far_o above_o w.p._n or_o any_o of_o his_o brethren_n but_o the_o write_a law_n be_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o action_n as_o well_o as_o of_o other_o men._n nor_o can_v david_n have_v excuse_v himself_o from_o take_v the_o write_a law_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o life_n because_o he_o have_v it_o in_o his_o heart_n and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v no_o excuse_n to_o david_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v to_o any_o christian_a now_o king_n or_o subject_a that_o because_o they_o have_v the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o the_o spirit_n put_v in_o their_o inward_a part_n according_a to_o god_n promise_n in_o the_o new_a covenant_n that_o therefore_o the_o law_n of_o god_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n that_o be_v of_o a_o moral_a concern_v even_o as_o outward_o deliver_v do_v not_o bind_v they_o which_o be_v in_o very_a deed_n to_o take_v away_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o make_v void_a the_o prophetical_a and_o kingly_a office_n of_o christ_n yea_o and_o the_o office_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n also_o who_o inspire_v the_o holy_a penman_n to_o commit_v they_o to_o write_v and_o it_o be_v no_o less_o extravagant_a and_o rash_a in_o w.p._n to_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v not_o lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n any_o general_a rule_n how_o to_o answer_v before_o magistrate_n and_o to_o act_v in_o time_n of_o suffering_n for_o though_o no_o particular_a word_n be_v give_v we_o limit_v and_o determine_v we_o what_o to_o say_v yet_o the_o general_a matter_n of_o our_o duty_n be_v plain_o lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n what_o and_o how_o to_o answer_v before_o magistrate_n as_o that_o of_o peter_n and_o john_n act_v 4.19_o how_o that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o obey_v god_n than_o man_n and_o that_o of_o the_o three_o child_n to_o king_n nebuchadnezzer_n dan._n 3.17_o 18._o and_o how_o to_o act_v in_o time_n of_o suffer_v we_o have_v both_o excellent_a command_n and_o example_n in_o scripture_n as_o mat._n 10.28_o 1_o pet._n 2.20_o 1_o pet._n 4.16_o luke_n 23.34_o act_n 7.59_o 60._o but_o see_v he_o do_v so_o peremptory_o require_v a_o general_a rule_n to_o suit_v all_o case_n as_o well_o as_o all_o person_n of_o mankind_n otherwise_o it_o can_v not_o be_v general_a which_o yet_o he_o will_v have_v it_o to_o be_v what_o those_o dictate_v or_o revelation_n of_o the_o light_n in_o every_o conscience_n be_v of_o jew_n mahometan_n and_o christian_n that_o can_v give_v such_o plain_a direction_n to_o all_o person_n in_o all_o case_n which_o the_o scripture_n can_v give_v i_o desire_v he_o to_o tell_v at_o least_o some_o of_o they_o if_o he_o do_v not_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n he_o can_v and_o that_o consequent_o his_o argument_n be_v vain_a for_o the_o light_n or_o spirit_n abstract_o consider_v without_o all_o revelation_n can_v be_v no_o rule_n section_n 13._o his_o fourteen_o argument_n which_o he_o call_v his_o eight_o answer_v page_n 120._o after_o he_o have_v give_v thirteen_o reason_n and_o all_o false_a one_o enough_o as_o i_o think_v i_o have_v sufficient_o show_v he_o come_v to_o that_o he_o call_v his_o eight_o reason_n after_o his_o former_a thirteen_o at_o least_o why_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v the_o rule_n under_o the_o new_a covenant_n which_o be_v this_o christ_n the_o spiritual_a leader_n of_o a_o spiritual_a israel_n write_v his_o spiritual_a law_n in_o the_o heart_n as_o moses_n the_o outward_a israel_n leader_n write_v the_o law_n upon_o table_n of_o stone_n this_o be_v god_n promise_n and_o the_o privilege_n and_o blessing_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n that_o as_o the_o outward_a jew_n have_v a_o outward_a law_n for_o a_o directory_n the_o inward_a jew_n shall_v have_v a_o inward_a law_n for_o his_o directory_n and_o as_o the_o outward_a jew_n have_v a_o outward_a priest_n at_o who_o mouth_n be_v aught_o to_o seek_v the_o law_n so_o the_o jew_n inward_a and_o circumcision_n in_o spirit_n have_v a_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a highpriest_n who_o lip_n preserve_v knowledge_n at_o who_o mouth_n he_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o law_n of_o life_n the_o king_n ruler_n judge_n lawgiver_n highpriest_n law_n rule_n be_v all_o spiritual_a so_o the_o scripture_n inform_v we_o my_o kingdom_n say_v christ_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n again_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v within_o luk._n 17.20_o 21._o i_o will_v write_v my_o law_n in_o their_o heart_n they_o shall_v be_v all_o teach_v of_o i_o heb._n 8.10_o quote_v rev._n 21.3_o joel_n 2.28_o tit._n 2.11_o 12._o job_n 32.8_o rom._n 1.19_o and_n here_o again_o he_o false_o quote_v the_o word_n whatever_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n etc._n etc._n gal._n 5.16_o 1_o john_n 1.7_o isa_n 2.5_o rev._n 21._o 23._o gal._n 6.15_o 16._o as_o also_o he_o quote_v undue_o 1_v cor._n 12.7_o put_v a_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o a_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n answ_n 1._o if_o the_o light_n within_o be_v a_o general_a rule_n to_o mankind_n than_o the_o outward_a israel_n have_v it_o as_o well_o as_o the_o inward_a israel_n where_o be_v then_o the_o distinction_n and_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o 2._o if_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o inward_a israel_n be_v within_o and_o the_o highpriest_n within_o then_o as_o the_o inward_a israel_n have_v no_o rule_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o life_n but_o the_o light_n in_o the_o conscience_n so_o they_o have_v no_o highpriest_n
they_o speak_v that_o god_n be_v manifest_v extraordinary_o in_o the_o flesh_n that_o he_o give_v his_o life_n for_o the_o world_n that_o such_o as_o believe_v and_o obey_v his_o grace_n in_o their_o heart_n receive_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o life_n everlasting_a first_o it_o be_v needful_a he_o shall_v explain_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o these_o word_n that_o he_o give_v his_o life_n whither_o the_o life_n of_o the_o man_n christ_n without_o we_o or_o the_o blood_n which_o be_v the_o life_n and_o that_o life_n be_v the_o light_n within_o as_o he_o have_v be_v hear_v to_o preach_v and_o be_v according_a to_o his_o book_n and_o what_o mean_v he_o by_o the_o word_n believe_v whither_o to_o believe_v that_o christ_n die_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o rose_z again_o well_o in_o charity_n i_o will_v suppose_v this_o to_o be_v his_o meaning_n otherwise_o he_o will_v great_o equivocate_v but_o still_o all_o this_o belief_n be_v none_o of_o the_o absolute_a necessary_n in_o religion_n they_o be_v some_o considerable_a matter_n superad_v superad_v to_o what_o to_o the_o scripture_n nay_o they_o be_v the_o chief_a doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o again_o i_o ask_v superad_v to_o what_o why_o to_o the_o light_n within_o its_o dictate_v but_o be_v they_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v since_o they_o be_v supernumerary_n and_o superad_v to_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o light_n in_o every_o conscience_n yea_o say_v w.p._n page_n 35._o where_o the_o history_n have_v reach_v and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v make_v a_o conviction_n upon_o the_o conscience_n well_o then_o if_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v where_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v make_v this_o conviction_n upon_o the_o conscience_n this_o conviction_n be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o general_a light_n in_o every_o conscience_n but_o somewhat_o superad_v and_o therefore_o the_o general_a light_n in_o the_o conscience_n be_v not_o the_o perfect_a and_o complete_a rule_n but_o what_o if_o the_o spirit_n make_v not_o this_o conviction_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o some_o who_o have_v the_o scripture_n which_o he_o call_v the_o history_n be_v he_o sure_a the_o spirit_n will_v make_v it_o or_o do_v make_v it_o on_o every_o conscience_n to_o who_o the_o history_n reach_v if_o he_o say_v yea_o he_o throw_v down_o his_o fabric_n with_o his_o own_o word_n for_o if_o so_o this_o conviction_n make_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n on_o the_o conscience_n must_v be_v a_o part_n yea_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o all_o who_o have_v the_o scripture_n because_o the_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o many_o more_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v than_o these_o few_o eternal_a precept_n as_o he_o call_v they_o of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o conscience_n and_o though_o w.p._n here_o seem_v to_o render_v they_o excusable_a to_o who_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n death_n have_v reach_v and_o yet_o believe_v it_o not_o on_o who_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v not_o make_v a_o conviction_n yet_o in_o his_o treatise_n of_o spiritual_a liberty_n he_o call_v it_o a_o loose_a plea_n to_o pretend_v want_n of_o conviction_n for_o not_o obey_v g._n f_n order_n and_o tend_v to_o ranterism_n but_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v the_o spirit_n do_v not_o work_v this_o conviction_n upon_o many_o that_o the_o history_n reach_v as_o his_o word_n import_v than_o they_o be_v leave_v at_o liberty_n whither_o to_o believe_v they_o at_o all_o without_o all_o sin_n or_o danger_n thus_o we_o may_v see_v what_o sort_n of_o faith_n he_o and_o his_o brethren_n have_v of_o the_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n viz._n a_o unnecessary_a faith_n to_o have_v it_o or_o not_o have_v it_o be_v all_o a_o case_n if_o they_o have_v it_o not_o it_o be_v not_o their_o sin_n their_o primary_n rule_v the_o light_n within_o they_o tell_v they_o nothing_o of_o it_o but_o then_o why_o shall_v the_o secondary_a rule_n tell_v they_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n as_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o copy_n but_o what_o be_v in_o the_o original_a so_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o secondary_a rule_n the_o scripture_n at_o this_o rate_n but_o what_o be_v in_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o light_n within_o and_o therefore_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v not_o in_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o light_n within_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o secondary_a rule_n thus_o we_o may_v see_v of_o what_o little_a value_n the_o scripture_n be_v and_o must_v be_v with_o he_o and_o his_o party_n by_o this_o his_o way_n of_o argue_v and_o answer_v objection_n but_o note_n reader_n how_o in_o his_o forego_v word_n i_o have_v faithful_o quote_v he_o make_v the_o believe_a and_o obey_v god_n grace_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o life_n everlasting_a to_o be_v none_o of_o the_o absolute_a necessary_n of_o religion_n but_o superad_v as_o some_o of_o they_o speak_v here_o be_v obedience_n to_o god_n grace_n make_v as_o unnecessary_a by_o w.p._n as_o faith_n in_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v outward_o manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n what_o think_v g.w._n and_o his_o brethren_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v it_o not_o plain_a antinomianism_n yea_o plain_a ranterism_n section_n 16._o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o certain_o know_v and_o believe_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o w.p._n and_o his_o party_n among_o the_o quaker_n but_o be_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o orthodox_n christian_n the_o question_n wrong_o state_v by_o w.p._n about_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o light_n or_o spirit_n of_o god_n within_o which_o be_v not_o what_o he_o can_v reveal_v but_o what_o he_o do_v reveal_v without_o the_o outward_a mean_n of_o instruction_n page_n 23._o he_o labour_v to_o turn_v off_o that_o objection_n against_o he_o of_o his_o argue_v from_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o can_v be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n by_o answer_v the_o scripture_n be_v uncertain_a upon_o their_o foundation_n but_o not_o upon_o we_o we_o will_v have_v they_o receive_v say_v he_o upon_o the_o spirit_n testimony_n and_o evidence_n which_o give_v they_o forth_o i_o answer_v and_o so_o will_v all_o true_a christian_n but_o the_o difference_n be_v great_a in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o and_o his_o define_n this_o testimony_n or_o evidence_n which_o he_o and_o his_o brethren_n will_v have_v whole_o to_o be_v by_o prophetical_a and_o apostolical_a inspiration_n the_o same_o in_o specie_fw-la and_o kind_a with_o what_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n have_v give_v they_o a_o new_a repetition_n of_o the_o same_o article_n and_o precept_n and_o all_o this_o only_a from_o the_o light_n within_o as_o it_o be_v a_o common_a dispensation_n to_o all_o mankind_n the_o falsity_n of_o which_o common_a experience_n as_o well_o as_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n do_v sufficient_o prove_v for_o if_o the_o light_n within_o they_o do_v de_fw-la novo_fw-la give_v w.p._n and_o his_o brethren_n the_o revelation_n of_o all_o or_o most_o of_o these_o peculiar_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n why_o shall_v they_o have_v it_o more_o than_o jew_n mahometan_n deist_n and_o heathen_n many_o of_o who_o they_o account_v have_v be_v and_o be_v faithful_a and_o obedient_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o light_n within_o they_o beside_o if_o more_o be_v reveal_v to_o the_o quaker_n by_o the_o common_a light_n within_o than_o to_o other_o part_n of_o mankind_n who_o have_v not_o the_o scripture_n they_o must_v needs_o grant_v their_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v more_o large_a and_o full_a than_o that_o in_o other_o and_o consequent_o not_o be_v so_o perfect_a in_o other_o as_o in_o they_o it_o be_v no_o general_a rule_n of_o faith_n for_o thus_o he_o argue_v against_o the_o scripture_n but_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o whole_o uncertain_a upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o other_o christian_n and_o so_o certain_a upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o quaker_n from_o their_o pretence_n to_o 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