willing_o and_o sincere_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n in_o what_o he_o do_v and_o suffer_v for_o we_o outward_o in_o his_o own_o person_n be_v impute_v unto_o we_o for_o justification_n and_o so_o much_o i_o do_v acknowledge_v in_o my_o book_n already_o mention_v but_o we_o further_o say_v that_o all_o to_o who_o that_o be_v impute_v which_o christ_n do_v and_o suffer_v for_o we_o outward_o must_v witness_v a_o real_a and_o true_a conformity_n both_o to_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o also_o to_o his_o holy_a life_n and_o walk_n without_o which_o all_o man_n impute_v it_o unto_o themselves_o be_v but_o a_o airy_a dream_n and_o imagination_n there_o be_v yet_o another_o gross_a perversion_n use_v by_o i._n a._n in_o his_o pretend_a survey_n or_o answer_n of_o the_o sixteen_o question_n as_o if_o the_o quaker_n so_o call_v seem_v to_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o spiritual_a worship_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o thus_o because_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o query_n that_o christ_n set_v up_o the_o true_a worship_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n above_o 1600_o year_n ago_o but_o nothing_o but_o great_a ignorance_n or_o prejudice_n can_v from_o this_o infer_v that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o degree_n of_o it_o in_o the_o world_n in_o former_a time_n and_o i._n a._n may_v as_o well_o argue_v against_o the_o scripture_n that_o because_o god_n say_v in_o the_o last_o day_n he_o will_v make_v a_o new_a covenant_n with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o write_v his_o law_n in_o their_o heart_n that_o therefore_o nothing_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v former_o in_o the_o world_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o i._n a._n his_o long_a and_o tedious_a pretend_a survey_n of_o this_o question_n have_v omit_v nothing_o that_o seem_v unto_o i_o material_a and_o have_v find_v in_o his_o whole_a discourse_n consist_v of_o about_o 19_o page_n scarce_o any_o thing_n but_o gross_a mistake_n and_o perversion_n chap._n xviii_o here_o again_o i._n a._n in_o his_o pretend_a survey_n to_o the_o 17_o and_o last_o question_n begin_v with_o a_o most_o gross_a perversion_n as_o if_o the_o quaker_n because_o they_o will_v have_v man_n to_o cease_v from_o all_o their_o own_o work_n mere_o act_v in_o the_o strength_n of_o man_n will_n and_o natural_a power_n without_o the_o supernatural_a and_o spiritual_a aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n will_v have_v man_n to_o be_v as_o senseless_a trunk_n do_v nothing_o the_o bare_a rehearsal_n of_o which_o be_v sufficient_a refutation_n another_o charge_n little_o less_o gross_a be_v that_o the_o quaker_n hold_v only_a babylon_n to_o be_v within_o in_o man_n heart_n for_o which_o he_o cit_v the_o aforesaid_a book_n call_v the_o principle_n of_o truth_n in_o several_a page_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v although_o the_o say_a book_n say_v that_o babylon_n etc._n etc._n be_v within_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o say_v it_o be_v only_o within_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o plain_o affirm_v that_o all_o who_o be_v in_o outward_a worship_n without_o the_o lead_n and_o enable_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n paint_v over_o with_o glorious_a word_n but_o inward_o full_a of_o abomination_n belong_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o babylon_n and_o well_o may_v that_o unclean_a and_o deceitful_a spirit_n that_o act_v all_o such_o person_n who_o be_v leven_v and_o govern_v therewith_o and_o thereby_o be_v call_v babylon_n by_o a_o figurative_a speech_n even_o as_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o man_n be_v common_o call_v the_o man_n which_o hinder_v not_o that_o the_o people_n in_o whatsoever_o profession_n they_o may_v be_v who_o be_v act_v by_o that_o evil_a and_o antichristian_a spirit_n be_v babylon_n and_o as_o for_o the_o pope_n and_o popish_a church_n as_o we_o do_v cordial_o join_v with_o the_o best_a and_o most_o sincere_a proante_v against_o they_o as_o be_v the_o great_a and_o principal_a member_n of_o that_o scarlet_a whore_n mystery_n babylon_n in_o who_o antichrist_n or_o that_o antichristian_a spirit_n have_v its_o chief_a or_o most_o principal_a residence_n and_o therefore_o in_o no_o respect_n can_v be_v say_v to_o favour_v the_o pope_n or_o popish_a church_n on_o that_o or_o any_o consideration_n although_o we_o with_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o worst_a so_o we_o most_o free_o declare_v that_o wherever_o we_o find_v any_o degree_n or_o measure_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n and_o babylon_n as_o too_o much_o of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o i._n a._n and_o too_o many_o of_o his_o brethren_n we_o can_v acquit_v they_o from_o be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o antichristian_a body_n although_o in_o this_o our_o upright_a and_o honest_a testimony_n we_o expect_v neither_o the_o kindness_n of_o the_o pope_n nor_o yet_o of_o i._o a._n far_o less_o the_o pope_n wage_n or_o reward_n for_o be_v so_o kind_a to_o he_o as_o i._o a._n do_v most_o false_o and_o gross_o allege_v and_o divers_a of_o our_o friend_n have_v suffer_v deep_o under_o the_o popish_a power_n for_o bear_v a_o testimony_n against_o he_o and_o they_o which_o neither_o i._o a._n nor_o his_o brethren_n have_v ever_o do_v but_o sit_v warm_o at_o home_n without_o expose_v themselves_o to_o any_o suffering_n on_o that_o account_n have_v thus_o as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v give_v a_o answer_n to_o i._o a._n his_o book_n against_o we_o omit_v nothing_o that_o seem_v to_o be_v material_a i_o shall_v neither_o trouble_v the_o reader_n nor_o myself_o with_o his_o two_o postscript_n to_o answer_v they_o in_o particular_a the_o substance_n of_o the_o first_o postscript_n against_o i_o be_v already_o answer_v in_o the_o forego_n sheet_n as_o to_o what_o be_v any_o wise_a material_a or_o if_o he_o suppose_v any_o thing_n be_v omit_v let_v he_o mind_v i_o of_o it_o in_o his_o next_o and_o withal_o write_v a_o entire_a and_o thorough_a answer_n to_o what_o be_v already_o say_v both_o here_o and_o in_o the_o treatise_n call_v quakerism_n no_o popery_n which_o he_o have_v only_o but_o here_o and_o there_o nibble_v at_o and_o i_o may_v possible_o if_o god_n give_v i_o freedom_n and_o convenience_n return_v he_o a_o â—urther_a answer_n 〈◊〉_d at_o present_a i_o suppose_v he_o have_v work_n enough_o to_o lie_v on_o his_o hand_n and_o needs_o no_o more_o as_o for_o his_o postscript_n against_o or_o for_o doctor_n everards_n ghost_n as_o he_o call_v it_o i_o find_v not_o myself_o concern_v to_o answer_v he_o therein_o nor_o defend_v every_o word_n or_o opinion_n of_o he_o see_v he_o never_o go_v under_o that_o name_n or_o designation_n with_o we_o albeit_o i_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v both_o my_o friend_n and_o i_o such_o of_o they_o i_o mean_v as_o have_v read_v his_o book_n have_v a_o great_a love_n and_o respect_n to_o his_o memory_n which_o all_o i._o a._n his_o bitter_a revile_n against_o he_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o defame_v and_o we_o believe_v the_o say_a everard_n have_v indeed_o have_v rare_a and_o singular_a gift_n of_o understanding_n and_o open_n of_o scripture_n from_o god_n and_o withal_o a_o good_a measure_n of_o integrity_n and_o zeal_n for_o the_o truth_n according_a to_o the_o time_n and_o dispensation_n he_o be_v in_o and_o in_o that_o respect_n do_v true_o deserve_v to_o be_v account_v among_o the_o witness_n of_o truth_n in_o his_o day_n whatever_o imperfection_n attend_v he_o otherwise_o or_o suppose_v some_o mistake_n of_o judgement_n in_o some_o thing_n or_o not_o so_o wary_o caution_v some_o of_o his_o word_n as_o can_v have_v be_v wish_v although_o i_o judge_v that_o i._o a._n do_v seek_v to_o fix_v or_o fasten_v upon_o he_o divers_a error_n of_o judgement_n of_o which_o he_o be_v not_o guilty_a by_o reason_n of_o deep_a prejudice_n against_o he_o partly_o while_o he_o take_v the_o say_a john_n evrard_n word_n too_o literal_o and_o superficial_o which_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v more_o mystical_o and_o figurative_o and_o partly_o while_o he_o take_v that_o as_o speak_v absolute_o which_o be_v but_o speak_v comparative_a and_o by_o way_n of_o some_o similitude_n and_o but_o in_o some_o respect_n but_o before_o i_o make_v a_o full_a close_a i_o shall_v only_o take_v notice_n of_o two_o gross_a and_o absurd_a assertion_n wave_v other_o to_o another_o opportunity_n in_o his_o postscript_n to_o i_o the_o one_o be_v that_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o clergy_n have_v the_o true_a power_n and_o authority_n of_o ordination_n and_o call_v minister_n before_o the_o reformation_n neither_o as_o christian_a nor_o as_o antichristian_a not_o as_o christian_a or_o else_o all_o christian_n will_v have_v it_o nor_o as_o antichristian_a see_v these_o two_o term_n be_v not_o contradictory_n but_o contrary_n for_o many_o thing_n and_o person_n too_o be_v neither_o christian_a nor_o antichristian_a to_o which_o
rule_n and_o like_o proteus_n turn_v myself_o into_o all_o shape_n sometime_o i_o design_v christ_n himself_o often_o the_o spirit_n himself_o but_o often_o the_n dictate_v of_o the_o spirit_n within_o to_o be_v that_o rule_n but_o he_o may_v at_o that_o raâ—e_n have_v no_o less_o blame_v the_o apostle_n paul_n that_o he_o turn_v himself_o into_o all_o shape_n while_o he_o affirm_v sometime_o that_o christ_n speak_v in_o he_o and_o sometime_o that_o the_o spirit_n speak_v in_o he_o and_o certain_o what_o christ_n or_o the_o spirit_n speak_v in_o he_o be_v by_o a_o certain_a word_n or_o dictate_v but_o to_o answer_v direct_o when_o i_o say_v christ_n be_v the_o rule_n and_o again_o when_o i_o say_v the_o spirit_n be_v the_o rule_n there_o be_v no_o absurdness_n therein_o for_o if_o we_o mean_v by_o the_o spirit_n the_o holy_a ghost_n christ_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v never_o separate_v or_o divide_v in_o what_o they_o speak_v or_o witness_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n but_o their_o speech_n and_o testimony_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o always_o and_o also_o christ_n himself_o in_o scripture_n be_v call_v the_o second_o adam_n the_o quicken_a spirit_n and_o the_o lord_n that_o spirit_n and_o say_v christ_n i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n and_o certain_o that_o life_n be_v spirit_n and_o also_o the_o word_n or_o dictate_v of_o it_o be_v spirit_n and_o life_n as_o christ_n say_v the_o word_n that_o i_o speak_v unto_o you_o be_v spirit_n and_o life_n so_o the_o reader_n may_v see_v that_o my_o word_n be_v sound_a and_o according_a to_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o whether_o i_o say_v christ_n or_o the_o spirit_n or_o the_o internal_a dictate_v and_o word_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o rule_n it_o be_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n and_o to_o say_v the_o dictate_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o rule_n be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o say_v the_o spirit_n dictate_v or_o speak_v be_v that_o rule_n and_o do_v not_o some_o of_o yourselves_o use_v a_o variety_n of_o speech_n when_o you_o speak_v of_o the_o rule_n one_o time_n say_v the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n another_o time_n the_o word_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n etc._n etc._n as_o the_o westminster_n confession_n of_o faith_n express_o have_v it_o another_o time_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n etc._n etc._n now_o according_a to_o i._o a._n i_o may_v blame_v he_o and_o his_o brethren_n in_o this_o case_n that_o proteus_n like_v he_o and_o his_o brethren_n turn_v themselves_o into_o all_o shape_n when_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o rule_n and_o whether_o these_o phrase_n use_v by_o they_o be_v not_o more_o unscriptural_a i_o leave_v unto_o sober_a man_n for_o to_o judge_v in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o argue_v that_o christ_n can_v be_v the_o rule_n nor_o the_o spirit_n because_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v some_o complex_fw-la proposition_n direction_n or_o precept_n and_o the_o like_a to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v a_o complex_fw-la proposition_n direction_n or_o precept_n formal_o understand_v in_o word_n formal_o conceive_v i_o altogether_o deny_v and_o i._o a._n have_v not_o offer_v to_o prove_v it_o and_o although_o the_o spâ—rit_n of_o christ_n may_v and_o often_o do_v speak_v express_a word_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o always_o so_o do_v when_o yet_o he_o clear_o enough_o signify_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n unto_o they_o for_o if_o among_o man_n a_o king_n may_v signify_v his_o mind_n to_o his_o subject_n or_o a_o master_n to_o his_o servant_n without_o any_o formal_a proposition_n or_o direction_n of_o word_n but_o only_o by_o some_o motion_n of_o his_o hand_n or_o face_n how_o much_o more_o may_v the_o lord_n god_n who_o be_v the_o king_n of_o king_n signify_v his_o mind_n unto_o his_o servant_n by_o the_o motion_n of_o his_o spirit_n without_o any_o formal_a or_o express_a word_n again_o i_o ask_v i._n a._n if_o he_o have_v not_o learn_v in_o the_o school_n that_o the_o reasonable_a nature_n of_o god_n be_v the_o first_o rule_n of_o manner_n and_o certain_o the_o reasonable_a nature_n of_o god_n be_v not_o a_o complex_fw-la proposition_n consist_v of_o many_o word_n and_o have_v he_o not_o read_v in_o boetius_fw-la that_o excellent_a say_n quis_fw-la legem_fw-la det_fw-la amantibus_fw-la major_a lex_fw-la amor_fw-la est_fw-la ipse_fw-la sibi_fw-la which_o the_o author_n of_o a_o late_a book_n call_v the_o life_n of_o god_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n do_v use_v to_o prove_v that_o somewhat_o more_o than_o word_n be_v a_o law_n or_o rule_n to_o christian_n and_o english_v thus_o for_o who_o shall_v give_v a_o law_n to_o they_o that_o love_n love_n be_v a_o more_o powerful_a law_n that_o do_v such_o person_n move_v and_o i_o further_o query_n i._n a._n see_v the_o scripture_n say_v god_n be_v love_n he_o that_o know_v god_n to_o be_v love_n and_o have_v the_o love_n of_o god_n shed_v abroad_o in_o his_o heart_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o in_o scripture_n be_v call_v the_o spirit_n of_o love_n shall_v not_o this_o man_n be_v tie_v to_o love_n god_n and_o his_o brethren_n yea_o and_o all_o mankind_n even_o his_o very_a enemy_n suppose_v it_o be_v not_o say_v to_o he_o in_o formal_a express_a word_n do_v so_o and_o so_o again_o whether_o he_o that_o only_o read_v or_o hear_v these_o outward_o thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n etc._n etc._n and_o thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o but_o his_o heart_n be_v utter_o void_a of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n or_o he_o that_o have_v the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o feell_v the_o powerful_a constraint_n of_o it_o be_v under_o the_o most_o powerful_a law_n whether_o the_o word_n without_o or_o the_o spirit_n and_o nature_n of_o divine_a love_n within_o be_v the_o most_o powerful_a law_n and_o rule_n there_o may_v therefore_o be_v a_o law_n or_o rule_n which_o be_v not_o a_o complex_fw-la proposition_n of_o word_n either_o inward_a or_o outward_a to_o wit_n the_o divine_a love_n itself_o which_o have_v a_o voice_n and_o language_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o the_o silence_n of_o all_o word_n many_o time_n and_o can_v be_v understand_v as_o well_o without_o word_n as_o with_o they_o and_o therefore_o when_o i_o say_v the_o dictate_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o rule_n i_o mean_v not_o that_o there_o be_v always_o a_o dictate_v of_o express_a word_n but_o that_o which_o be_v either_o such_o a_o formal_a express_v dictate_v or_o equivalent_a thereunto_o which_o those_o who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o saint_n do_v well_o understand_v although_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o i._o a._n a_o strange_a riddle_n or_o paradox_n and_o thus_o by_o what_o i_o have_v say_v in_o this_o particular_a the_o intelligent_a reader_n i_o hope_v shall_v perceive_v that_o in_o say_v the_o spirit_n be_v the_o rule_n i_o be_o not_o beside_o myself_o as_o i._o a._n do_v allege_v but_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o soberness_n and_o i_o further_o ask_v whether_o i._o a._n think_v that_o ignatius_n the_o martyr_n be_v beside_o himself_o when_o he_o write_v in_o one_o of_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o people_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n use_v the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o a_o rule_n or_o whether_o paul_n be_v beside_o himself_o when_o he_o say_v the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n jesus_n have_v make_v he_o free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n and_o whether_o that_o law_n be_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n even_o as_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n be_v sin_n and_o the_o law_n of_o death_n be_v death_n and_o whether_o the_o law_n of_o the_o mind_n mention_v by_o paul_n be_v not_o a_o divine_a principle_n of_o grace_n in_o his_o mind_n even_o as_o the_o law_n of_o his_o member_n be_v a_o principle_n of_o sin_n and_o corruption_n that_o sometime_o have_v place_n in_o he_o and_o not_o any_o complex_fw-la proposition_n of_o word_n and_o whether_o the_o law_n that_o god_n write_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n in_o the_o new_a covenant_n be_v simple_o a_o form_n of_o word_n consist_v of_o so_o many_o letter_n syllable_n and_o sentence_n or_o rather_o to_o speak_v proper_o be_v not_o that_o law_n a_o new_a and_o divine_a nature_n or_o substantial_a life_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o wisdom_n by_o which_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v lead_v and_o teach_v under_o the_o new_a covenant_n natural_o as_o it_o be_v to_o love_n god_n and_o all_o man_n even_o as_o the_o law_n that_o god_n have_v put_v in_o all_o
this_o immediateness_n do_v not_o hinder_v or_o make_v void_a the_o use_n of_o mean_n but_o make_v they_o the_o more_o profitable_a and_o useful_a even_o so_o nor_o the_o immediate_a objective_n illumination_n do_v in_o the_o least_o make_v void_a the_o mean_n as_o be_v already_o say_v in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o paul_n say_v the_o scriptute_n be_v write_v for_o he_o and_o his_o brethren_n learning_n even_o his_o fellow_n apostle_n as_o well_o as_o other_o christian_n and_o to_o say_v or_o think_v the_o contrary_a be_v as_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a as_o who_o will_v say_v a_o scholar_n that_o be_v teach_v of_o his_o master_n immediate_o be_v not_o to_o read_v upon_o any_o book_n nor_o to_o hearken_v to_o any_o of_o his_o fellow_n scholar_n that_o may_v be_v as_o well_o or_o better_a learned_a than_o himself_o and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o set_v up_o the_o mean_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o lord_n immediate_a teach_n be_v equal_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o conclude_v such_o a_o man_n have_v book_n whereon_o to_o learn_v and_o therefore_o it_o can_v profit_v he_o nothing_o to_o be_v teach_v immediate_o or_o viva_fw-la voce_fw-la and_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n by_o a_o lâ—ving_a teacher_n now_o both_o these_o extreme_n our_o principle_n and_o the_o scripture_n and_o also_o our_o good_a experience_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o shun_v and_o the_o immediateness_n of_o the_o spirit_n illumination_n both_o effective_o and_o objective_o to_o work_v and_o operate_v in_o we_o in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o the_o mean_v appoint_v of_o god_n sometime_o in_o the_o use_n of_o one_o mean_n and_o sometime_o in_o the_o use_n of_o another_o as_o now_o in_o read_v then_o in_o hear_v now_o in_o preach_v then_o in_o pray_v now_o in_o meditate_v then_o in_o sing_v or_o praise_v god_n now_o in_o give_v alm_n then_o in_o visit_v the_o sick_a or_o thosâ—_n that_o be_v in_o prison_n and_o sometime_o as_o the_o mind_n be_v retire_v in_o pure_a silence_n to_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n which_o may_v be_v as_o well_o and_o as_o true_o call_v a_o mean_a as_o any_o of_o the_o former_a i_o say_v the_o immediateness_n of_o the_o spirit_n communication_n and_o illumination_n in_o the_o use_n of_o those_o and_o the_o like_a mean_n aforesaid_a do_v as_o well_o consist_v with_o the_o mean_n and_o the_o mean_n with_o they_o as_o the_o immediate_a sunshine_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o heat_n and_o comfortable_a warmth_n of_o the_o sun_n which_o work_v both_o effective_o and_o objective_o upon_o we_o consist_v with_o the_o mean_n when_o we_o walk_v or_o travel_v on_o the_o road_n at_o noon_n day_n or_o labour_n in_o the_o field_n plough_n digg_n sow_n reap_v and_o use_v any_o other_o manual_a operation_n the_o which_o mean_n be_v so_o far_o from_o hinder_v or_o make_v void_a the_o necessity_n of_o the_o sun_n immediate_a influence_n and_o concurrence_n that_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v well_o or_o comfortable_o perform_v without_o it_o and_o in_o this_o large_a and_o general_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n mean_v which_o also_o be_v true_a it_o may_v be_v warrantable_o enough_o say_v without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o our_o principle_n of_o immediate_a revelation_n that_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o expect_v any_o immediate_a manifestation_n or_o revelation_n of_o god_n but_o in_o the_o use_n of_o some_o one_o mean_n or_o another_o that_o god_n require_v we_o to_o be_v find_v in_o for_o there_o be_v not_o one_o hour_n or_o moment_n of_o our_o life_n but_o there_o be_v something_o of_o duty_n or_o obedience_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v find_v in_o either_o inward_o or_o outward_o if_o we_o have_v the_o use_n of_o our_o understanding_n as_o man_n and_o every_o act_n of_o obedience_n may_v and_o ought_v true_o to_o be_v call_v a_o mean_n of_o our_o receive_n somewhat_o immediate_o of_o god_n to_o wit_n our_o faith_n our_o love_n our_o hope_n our_o holy_a fear_n our_o care_n our_o watchfulness_n our_o pray_v meditate_v and_o silent_a wait_v and_o in_o one_o word_n our_o whole_a obedience_n all_o these_o be_v as_o true_o and_o proper_o mean_v as_o preach_v or_o read_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o thus_o every_o one_o that_o be_v most_o diligent_o exercise_v in_o the_o true_a mean_n have_v great_a access_n unto_o god_n and_o do_v most_o abundant_o partake_v of_o the_o immediate_a revelation_n and_o communication_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n light_n life_n love_n virtue_n power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o if_o it_o be_v say_v why_o be_v they_o call_v then_o immediate_a i_o answer_v because_o we_o feel_v or_o perceive_v they_o most_o near_o unto_o we_o even_o as_o near_o or_o rather_o more_o near_o unto_o we_o as_o the_o thing_n or_o action_n wherein_o we_o be_v exercise_v give_v spiritual_a vigour_n life_n and_o lustre_n unto_o they_o without_o which_o they_o be_v but_o as_o dead_a or_o lifeless_a and_o thus_o even_o as_o when_o the_o soul_n live_v in_o the_o body_n it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v immediate_o unite_v with_o it_o and_o act_v immediate_o therein_o or_o therewith_o although_o it_o use_v the_o body_n as_o its_o instrument_n even_o so_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n live_o indwell_v in_o the_o saint_n and_o unite_v with_o they_o and_o they_o with_o he_o be_v say_v to_o act_v immediate_o in_o they_o and_o with_o they_o although_o the_o lord_n use_v they_o as_o mean_n or_o instrument_n to_o work_v with_o he_o and_o as_o for_o the_o word_n immediate_a revelation_n see_v it_o be_v not_o any_o express_a scripture_n phrase_n no_o not_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v remember_v if_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v grant_v to_o wit_n that_o god_n do_v inward_o reveal_v and_o speak_v his_o mind_n or_o show_v his_o glory_n and_o glorious_a â—ower_n and_o presence_n in_o his_o child_n as_o he_o do_v in_o and_o to_o his_o saint_n of_o old_a so_o that_o the_o saint_n do_v hear_v see_v and_o perceive_v also_o taste_v and_o savour_n and_o feel_v after_o god_n himself_o as_o he_o reveal_v himself_o in_o his_o son_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o controversy_n about_o the_o name_n or_o phrase_n shall_v soon_o be_v at_o a_o end_n for_o it_o do_v satisfy_v the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n who_o have_v it_o in_o great_a measure_n to_o call_v it_o simple_o revelation_n and_o vision_n or_o the_o like_a without_o add_v the_o word_n immediate_n for_o in_o those_o day_n it_o seem_v that_o deceitful_a distinction_n of_o mediate_v and_o immediate_a revelation_n be_v not_o find_v out_o in_o the_o world_n i_o call_v it_o deceitful_a and_o false_a because_o to_o speak_v proper_o all_o revelation_n be_v immediate_a even_o as_o all_o vision_n be_v immediate_a and_o so_o be_v all_o hear_v for_o i_o can_v neither_o see_v nor_o hear_v a_o man_n unless_o i_o see_v and_o hear_v he_o immediate_o and_o as_o for_o the_o scripture_n when_o it_o be_v call_v a_o revelation_n it_o shall_v be_v figurative_o understand_v as_o when_o it_o be_v call_v a_o vision_n for_o none_o will_v say_v that_o isaiah_n his_o book_n be_v real_o the_o vision_n itself_o which_o he_o sâ—w_v but_o only_o a_o declaration_n of_o it_o and_o as_o 〈◊〉_d can_v not_o write_v the_o intellectual_a vision_n that_o he_o see_v to_o speak_v proper_o so_o nor_o can_v he_o write_v the_o intellectual_a voice_n word_n or_o word_n that_o he_o do_v only_o intellectual_o hear_v but_o only_o a_o report_n or_o declaration_n of_o they_o the_o which_o do_v far_o come_v short_a of_o what_o he_o see_v or_o hear_v and_o in_o this_o respect_n paul_n say_v that_o he_o hear_v verba_fw-la ineffabilia_fw-la unspeakable_a word_n that_o can_v not_o be_v utter_v or_o express_v and_o so_o do_v all_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n for_o indeed_o the_o word_n of_o the_o mouth_n as_o they_o can_v be_v speak_v and_o write_v fall_v short_a many_o time_n to_o express_v the_o depth_n of_o what_o we_o inward_o think_v or_o receive_v in_o natural_a thing_n and_o how_o much_o more_o to_o express_v what_o god_n do_v inward_o speak_v or_o reveal_v which_o yet_o be_v no_o derogation_n from_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n for_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o we_o to_o be_v a_o bless_a instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o our_o instruction_n and_o though_o we_o can_v be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o say_v that_o the_o true_a god_n be_v not_o worship_v nor_o know_v saving_o where_o the_o scripture_n be_v want_v as_o i._o a._n do_v allege_v more_o dare_o i_o suppose_v than_o many_o of_o his_o brethren_n that_o that_o be_v more_o sober_a will_v allow_v yet_o we_o do_v believe_v and_o free_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v ordinary_a mean_n but_o yet_o not_o without_o the_o inward_a direction_n revelation_n and_o
can_v be_v any_o resistance_n of_o it_o in_o that_o respect_n but_o he_o may_v as_o well_o say_v god_n do_v not_o command_v perfection_n and_o so_o not_o to_o be_v perfect_a be_v no_o sin_n for_o certain_o whatever_o god_n command_v his_o grace_n incline_v man_n to_o yea_o it_o be_v his_o grace_n in_o their_o heart_n that_o be_v a_o law_n and_o command_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o close_a of_o this_o section_n i._n a._n fall_v on_o to_o dispute_v against_o the_o posibility_n of_o the_o fall_v away_o of_o any_o from_o real_a beginning_n of_o sanctification_n the_o which_o because_o he_o do_v it_o so_o overly_o and_o bare_o not_o bring_v argument_n for_o what_o he_o say_v but_o mere_o give_v we_o his_o own_o private_a conjecture_n on_o some_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v allege_v on_o both_o side_n as_o also_o because_o it_o be_v altogether_o a_o digression_n from_o the_o query_n i_o shall_v not_o insist_v upon_o particular_o to_o refute_v only_o for_o a_o service_n unto_o those_o who_o may_v desire_v information_n as_o touch_v the_o thing_n itself_o because_o of_o the_o seem_a contrariety_n of_o some_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o hold_v forth_o the_o state_n of_o some_o in_o the_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n as_o unchangeable_a and_o not_o liable_a to_o any_o alteration_n of_o fall_v away_o from_o the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o state_n of_o such_o person_n after_o they_o have_v come_v to_o such_o a_o growth_n in_o grace_n so_o that_o perseverance_n in_o the_o same_o be_v a_o reward_n give_v they_o of_o god_n with_o a_o respect_n to_o their_o faithfulness_n and_o diligence_n wherein_o they_o have_v be_v former_o exercise_v and_o such_o especial_o be_v that_o place_n rev._n 3._o 12._o chap._n xvi_o in_o my_o examination_n of_o i._o a._n his_o survey_n of_o the_o 15_o the_o and_o two_o other_o query_n which_o be_v the_o last_o i_o design_v to_o be_v very_o brief_a find_v little_a or_o nothing_o in_o all_o that_o he_o object_v against_o we_o on_o these_o head_n but_o mere_a quibble_n and_o trifle_v together_o with_o some_o manifest_a abuse_n and_o perversion_n part_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v take_v notice_n of_o leave_v other_o thing_n of_o less_o moment_n to_o the_o reader_n own_o consideration_n and_o indeed_o be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o worth_n and_o serviceableness_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o propose_v in_o the_o query_n and_o to_o give_v to_o my_o native_a country_n as_o well_o as_o unto_o other_o place_n a_o new_a occasion_n to_o read_v and_o consider_v those_o query_n and_o the_o weightiness_n of_o the_o thing_n propose_v in_o they_o i_o have_v not_o take_v the_o paâ—ns_n to_o put_v pen_n to_o paper_n in_o answer_n to_o i._o a._n notwithstanding_o his_o many_o abusive_a reflection_n against_o i_o in_o particular_a consider_v of_o what_o small_a repute_n or_o esteem_v he_o be_v among_o his_o brethren_n for_o although_o he_o appear_v in_o his_o book_n as_o some_o great_a pillar_n mighty_o concern_v in_o his_o brethren_n quarrel_n and_o cause_n yet_o so_o small_a be_v their_o esteem_n of_o he_o or_o of_o his_o work_n as_o it_o seem_v that_o they_o have_v suffer_v he_o to_o lie_v in_o prison_n in_o the_o tolbooth_n of_o edinburgh_n for_o want_n of_o money_n to_o pay_v the_o charge_n of_o his_o book_n as_o be_v not_o our_o to_o many_o in_o this_o place_n it_o be_v like_o i._n a._n will_v be_v more_o provident_a the_o next_o time_n he_o engage_v against_o the_o quaker_n to_o get_v john_n hamilton_n who_o have_v so_o high_o commend_v his_o work_n or_o some_o other_o to_o secure_v he_o from_o the_o next_o inconveniency_n of_o that_o sort_n first_o of_o all_o he_o begin_v on_o this_o query_n to_o quibble_n about_o the_o word_n shall_v as_o if_o the_o inquirer_n do_v mean_a by_o these_o word_n that_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v perfect_a as_o if_o these_o call_v minister_n do_v teach_v that_o it_o be_v not_o man_n duty_n to_o be_v perfect_a or_o as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o command_v whereas_o by_o the_o word_n shall_v be_v only_o mean_v the_o event_n or_o attainment_n and_o not_o the_o duty_n as_o sometime_o the_o word_n do_v signify_v a_o thing_n most_o common_a in_o ordinary_a speech_n as_o when_o one_o say_v if_o such_o a_o man_n have_v live_v long_o he_o shall_v have_v be_v rich_a or_o he_o shall_v have_v be_v wise_a etc._n etc._n next_o he_o allege_v i_o abuâ—e_v some_o worthy_a man_n because_o i_o have_v cite_v some_o as_o hold_v a_o divine_a condescendence_n or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o as_o if_o the_o same_o do_v consist_v in_o god_n his_o remit_v or_o nullify_n his_o law_n in_o its_o obligation_n but_o this_o be_v a_o gross_a perversion_n for_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v any_o such_o thing_n thereby_o as_o i._o a._n do_v allege_v but_o only_o that_o god_n out_o of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o wisdom_n have_v give_v unto_o man_n under_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n a_o law_n that_o be_v so_o gentle_a and_o so_o full_a of_o clemency_n as_o that_o by_o the_o same_o he_o require_v no_o more_o of_o any_o of_o we_o but_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n and_o strength_n he_o do_v afford_v unto_o we_o and_o still_o as_o our_o strength_n and_o ability_n be_v increase_v the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n become_v the_o great_a upon_o we_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o he_o who_o be_v faithful_a in_o every_o respect_n to_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v be_v indeed_o a_o perfect_a man_n and_o do_v please_v god_n although_o he_o be_v not_o equal_a in_o his_o attainment_n unto_o other_o who_o have_v more_o give_v they_o for_o to_o who_o much_o be_v give_v much_o be_v require_v and_o to_o who_o less_o be_v give_v less_o be_v require_v which_o be_v most_o clear_a from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o parable_n of_o the_o talent_n and_o whereas_o i._o a._n do_v plead_v against_o the_o possibility_n of_o perfection_n in_o this_o life_n by_o divers_a argument_n deduce_v from_o a_o misapplication_n of_o some_o place_n of_o scripture_n i_o shall_v only_o point_v at_o the_o defect_n of_o his_o argument_n in_o general_a which_o shall_v suffice_v to_o every_o one_o of_o they_o if_o due_o apply_v in_o particular_a 1._o one_o great_a defect_n of_o his_o argument_n be_v that_o the_o most_o they_o prove_v be_v that_o man_n of_o himself_o without_o the_o grace_n and_o help_v of_o god_n spirit_n can_v attain_v to_o perfection_n which_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o this_o hinder_v not_o that_o by_o grace_n he_o may_v 2._o a_o second_o defect_n be_v that_o his_o argument_n prove_v that_o the_o saint_n have_v their_o imperfection_n and_o sin_n before_o they_o be_v full_o wash_v and_o cleanse_v from_o they_o which_o we_o also_o acknowledge_v but_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v that_o some_o time_n or_o other_o they_o witness_v a_o perfect_a cleanse_n before_o death_n a_o three_o defect_n be_v his_o confound_a â—he_n state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o saint_n to_o wit_n their_o weak_a estate_n when_o they_o be_v but_o in_o the_o warfare_n and_o struggle_v against_o sin_n with_o their_o last_o and_o final_a estate_n wherein_o they_o have_v overcome_v and_o get_v the_o victory_n and_o last_o to_o mention_v no_o more_o his_o misapply_v the_o word_n or_o term_n perfect_a when_o it_o be_v take_v in_o a_o high_a sense_n to_o the_o low_a condition_n of_o a_o sinless_a state_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o paul_n when_o he_o say_v philip._n 3._o 12._o he_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o perfect_v where_o he_o mean_v certain_o that_o he_o have_v not_o attain_v to_o the_o high_a pitch_n or_o condition_n of_o holiness_n that_o be_v attainable_a in_o this_o life_n which_o notwithstanding_o do_v not_o hinder_v a_o sinless_a perfection_n for_o although_o adam_n be_v create_v in_o a_o sinless_a perfection_n yet_o certain_o he_o be_v to_o have_v go_v on_o to_o a_o high_a state_n of_o perfection_n and_o we_o read_v of_o christ_n who_o have_v no_o sin_n at_o all_o that_o he_o be_v make_v perfect_a through_o suffering_n again_o when_o christ_n say_v i_o work_v to_o day_n and_o to_o morrow_n and_o the_o three_o day_n i_o be_o perfect_v this_o can_v signify_v that_o he_o have_v any_o sinful_a imperfection_n before_o that_o time_n but_o his_o be_v perfect_v the_o three_o day_n signify_v that_o his_o work_n be_v then_o to_o be_v do_v and_o so_o that_o he_o be_v prepare_v for_o the_o glory_n that_o he_o be_v to_o receive_v thereafter_o again_o whereas_o he_o make_v some_o show_n of_o bring_v our_o argument_n or_o reason_n for_o perfection_n i_o find_v not_o myself_o concern_v to_o vindicate_v those_o argument_n as_o manage_v by_o he_o because_o he_o do_v not_o propose_v they_o either_o in_o matter_n or_o form_n as_o they_o do_v