defence_n of_o the_o episcopal_a church_n and_o faith_n that_o joh._n alexander_n undertake_v but_o the_o presbyterian_a and_o yet_o i._o a._n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o episcopal_a church_n and_o officiate_n therein_o under_o john_n hamilton_n a_o episcopal_a preacher_n who_o have_v recommend_v his_o book_n at_o the_o order_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o edinburgh_n but_o i_o suppose_v the_o episcopal_a church_n in_o britain_n will_v give_v john_n alexander_n or_o his_o patriot_n john_n hamilton_n little_a thanks_o for_o his_o service_n see_v many_o episcopal_a teacher_n in_o britain_n differ_v wide_o in_o doctrine_n from_o the_o say_v westminster_n confession_n and_o have_v i._o a._n no_o other_o confession_n of_o faith_n or_o catechism_n to_o commend_v but_o that_o of_o the_o presbyterian_o who_o his_o episcopal_a brethren_n common_o call_v fanatic_n and_o be_v it_o turn_v to_o that_o that_o they_o commend_v their_o confession_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o only_a confession_n of_o the_o church_n in_o britain_n but_o i_o can_v find_v no_o mention_n in_o the_o say_a confession_n that_o episcopacy_n be_v jure_fw-la divino_fw-la however_o since_o i._o a._n have_v undertake_v the_o defence_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a church_n and_o faith_n in_o all_o its_o article_n and_o definition_n as_o very_a gospel_n rule_n and_o scripture_n sentence_n he_o must_v then_o acknowledge_v that_o all_o these_o definition_n and_o article_n of_o his_o presbyterian_a brethren_n be_v at_o leave_v material_o consider_v infallible_a oracle_n â—nd_o see_v he_o confess_v they_o be_v not_o all_o express_o contain_v in_o scripture_n but_o many_o of_o they_o only_o deduce_v by_o consequence_n therefrom_o by_o what_o infallible_a consequence_n can_v he_o convince_v any_o rational_a man_n that_o his_o and_o their_o consequence_n be_v just_a and_o right_o since_o he_o lay_v no_o claim_n to_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o that_o kind_n of_o direction_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n teach_v he_o and_o his_o brethren_n to_o draw_v those_o consequence_n which_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n have_v whereby_o they_o argue_v and_o do_v draw_v consequence_n from_o place_n of_o scripture_n former_o write_v and_o see_v not_o only_a papist_n and_o protestant_n but_o the_o episcopal_a and_o presbyterian_a draw_v contrary_a consequence_n from_o the_o scripture_n what_o evidence_n can_v i._o a._n give_v we_o why_o we_o shall_v receive_v the_o consequence_n of_o the_o one_o more_o than_o the_o other_o or_o can_v we_o think_v the_o lord_n have_v leave_v his_o people_n so_o in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o give_v no_o other_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n in_o a_o great_a many_o thing_n whiâ—h_o be_v article_n of_o faith_n but_o what_o can_v be_v search_v out_o by_o long_a and_o tedious_a consequence_n of_o the_o bare_a natural_a understanding_n of_o man_n as_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o itself_o to_o fish_n and_o hunt_v in_o the_o dark_a after_o such_o consequence_n without_o any_o such_o special_a direction_n and_o conduct_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o least_o measure_n which_o christ_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n have_v nay_o i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o i._o a._n do_v acknowledge_v so_o much_o as_o the_o least_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o any_o sort_n of_o operation_n or_o illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o â—uch_o as_o that_o they_o call_v effective_a or_o subjective_a order_n to_o draw_v their_o consequence_n from_o the_o scripture_n but_o if_o this_o way_n of_o draw_v consequence_n without_o the_o help_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v so_o safe_a and_o sure_a how_o be_v it_o then_o that_o so_o many_o of_o all_o sort_n draw_v contrary_a consequence_n from_o the_o same_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o great_a reason_n of_o all_o this_o because_o man_n be_v depart_v from_o that_o holy_a spirit_n which_o give_v forth_o the_o scripture_n and_o can_v only_o give_v the_o true_a understanding_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o be_v it_o not_o plain_a and_o manifest_a as_o the_o light_n at_o noonday_n that_o man_n natural_a spirit_n and_o reason_n and_o wisdom_n in_o its_o high_a perfection_n be_v altogether_o unable_a to_o meddle_v with_o divine_a truth_n or_o to_o search_v after_o they_o as_o it_o remain_v alone_o hunt_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o certain_o this_o be_v no_o small_a part_n of_o that_o curse_a self-conceit_n and_o exaltation_n of_o mind_n that_o rule_v in_o the_o degenerate_v nature_n of_o man_n that_o they_o think_v they_o can_v be_v wise_a enough_o without_o god_n spirit_n they_o need_v no_o direction_n or_o assistance_n or_o illumination_n to_o help_v they_o to_o search_v into_o the_o scripture_n they_o can_v do_v that_o well_o enough_o with_o their_o natural_a reason_n and_o a_o little_a school-craft_n of_o artificial_a logic_n and_o grammar_n and_o natural_a philosophy_n but_o that_o bless_a man_n david_n be_v of_o another_o mind_n when_o he_o pray_v unto_o the_o lord_n say_v open_v my_o eye_n that_o i_o may_v see_v the_o wonderful_a thing_n of_o thy_o law_n and_o as_o for_o consequence_n which_o man_n draw_v as_o they_o be_v direct_v and_o teach_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n be_v when_o they_o draw_v any_o consequence_n from_o what_o be_v former_o write_v we_o do_v own_o they_o and_o receive_v they_o and_o none_o else_o but_o yet_o as_o to_o the_o most_o weighty_a and_o necessary_a thing_n to_o wit_n such_o as_o be_v the_o general_a principle_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o doctrine_n and_o which_o as_o such_o be_v general_o to_o be_v receive_v by_o all_o christian_n as_o well_o these_o of_o the_o mean_a capacity_n as_o other_o of_o the_o great_a we_o see_v the_o lord_n have_v not_o leave_v it_o to_o man_n industry_n to_o search_v after_o they_o by_o consequence_n long_o or_o short_a but_o have_v deliver_v they_o to_o we_o in_o plain_a express_a word_n and_o term_n and_o that_o many_o time_n over_o and_o over_o again_o as_o in_o respect_n of_o many_o of_o they_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o why_o be_v it_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o full_a and_o large_a in_o their_o testimony_n to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n of_o religion_n but_o to_o let_v we_o understand_v that_o all_o the_o principle_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o god_n require_v in_o common_a of_o all_o christian_n be_v express_o their_o deliver_v and_o record_v and_o put_v as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o puplick_a register_n and_o therefore_o for_o my_o part_n what_o i_o can_v find_v express_o deliver_v in_o scripture_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o i_o shall_v receive_v or_o believe_v it_o as_o any_o common_a article_n or_o principle_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o life_n and_o for_o such_o to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v that_o divine_a skill_n to_o â—ive_a or_o dip_v into_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o scripture_n 〈◊〉_d out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o other_o man_n who_o may_v â—e_v true_a christian_n so_o as_o to_o collect_v or_o gather_v by_o just_a and_o true_a consequence_n other_o thing_n that_o lie_v out_o of_o the_o view_n of_o their_o weak_a brethren_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o obtrude_v they_o upon_o any_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o principle_n of_o faith_n but_o in_o that_o case_n to_o have_v faith_n to_o themselves_o and_o receive_v they_o as_o peculiar_a discovery_n or_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o they_o and_o such_o other_o as_o god_n have_v so_o enlighten_v the_o which_o by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o wisdom_n to_o wit_n such_o a_o peculiar_a degree_n of_o wisdom_n or_o understanding_n in_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o other_o who_o yet_o be_v true_a christian_n do_v not_o reach_v unto_o and_o concern_v such_o a_o peculiar_a gift_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n he_o say_v we_o speak_v wisdom_n among_o the_o perfect_a this_o certain_o can_v be_v no_o common_a article_n of_o faith_n else_o he_o shall_v have_v preach_v it_o to_o all_o and_o this_o by_o the_o same_o apostle_n be_v elsewhere_o call_v the_o knowledge_n of_o mystery_n as_o distinguish_v from_o the_o common_a faith_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n now_o if_o this_o be_v but_o receive_v among_o those_o call_a christian_n that_o nothing_o shall_v be_v require_v by_o one_o sort_n from_o another_o as_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o doctrine_n or_o principle_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o common_a to_o be_v believe_v but_o what_o be_v express_o deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n in_o plain_a express_a scripture_n term_n of_o how_o great_a a_o advantage_n may_v it_o be_v to_o bring_v a_o true_a reconcilement_n among_o they_o and_o beget_v true_a christian_a unity_n peace_n love_n and_o concord_n and_o as_o for_o the_o consequential_a part_n of_o peculiar_a doctrine_n whether_o true_a or_o false_a to_o leave_v every_o one_o a_o freedom_n or_o latitude_n without_o impose_v upon_o they_o the_o affirmative_a or_o negative_a as_o
minister_n of_o christ_n then_o they_o shall_v never_o have_v require_v more_o of_o any_o man_n in_o order_n to_o his_o admission_n to_o that_o office_n but_o his_o alone_a sufficient_a skill_n in_o grammar_n and_o logic_n which_o the_o adversary_n themselves_o know_v to_o be_v most_o false_a to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o not_o the_o questionist_n but_o i._n a._n do_v pervert_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n for_o the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o grammar_n and_o logic_n and_o the_o many_o tongue_n etc._n etc._n be_v the_o only_a infallible_a rule_n to_o make_v a_o minister_n of_o christ_n but_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o infallible_a rule_n etc._n etc._n now_o that_o may_v be_v conceive_v to_o be_v a_o infallible_a ruâ—e_n which_o be_v not_o the_o infallible_a rule_n nor_o do_v i._n a._n his_o consequence_n follow_v that_o then_o they_o shall_v never_o have_v require_v more_o of_o any_o man_n in_o order_n to_o his_o admission_n to_o that_o office_n but_o his_o alone_a sufficient_a skill_n in_o grammar_n and_o logic_n a_o example_n in_o other_o case_n will_v show_v the_o weakness_n of_o this_o consequence_n it_o be_v report_v that_o plato_n make_v it_o a_o infallible_a rule_n to_o receive_v none_o into_o his_o school_n but_o he_o who_o have_v some_o skill_n in_o geometry_n do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o he_o require_v no_o more_o of_o any_o man_n in_o order_n to_o his_o admission_n to_o be_v his_o scholar_n but_o that_o he_o have_v some_o skill_n in_o that_o science_n another_o instance_n may_v be_v this_o in_o divers_a incorporation_n and_o city_n it_o be_v a_o infallible_a rule_n that_o none_o may_v be_v admit_v to_o be_v a_o magistrate_n in_o the_o say_a city_n or_o incorporation_n but_o he_o that_o be_v a_o freeman_n therein_o do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o nothing_o be_v more_o require_v of_o any_o man_n in_o order_n to_o his_o be_v a_o magistrate_n but_o that_o he_o be_v a_o freeman_n in_o that_o city_n now_o suppose_v the_o church_n of_o scotland_n make_v it_o not_o the_o one_o only_a rule_n to_o make_v a_o minister_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o have_v grammar_n logic_n and_o the_o language_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v very_o fair_o query_v i_o hope_v whether_o she_o make_v it_o not_o a_o infallible_a rule_n see_v for_o many_o year_n bygone_a she_o have_v make_v no_o minister_n but_o some_o as_o at_o least_o pretend_v to_o have_v grammar_n and_o logic_n and_o language_n and_o be_v call_v master_n of_o those_o art_n howbeit_o many_o of_o they_o have_v but_o a_o very_a small_a scantling_n of_o they_o for_o all_o the_o stress_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v lay_v on_o they_o and_o i_o query_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o one_o of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n that_o none_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n but_o who_o have_v those_o aforesaid_a art_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o infallible_a or_o absolute_a rule_n or_o canon_n in_o the_o case_n then_o why_o do_v they_o not_o frequent_o allow_v man_n want_v those_o art_n who_o possible_o may_v have_v all_o the_o other_o qualification_n require_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o ministry_n and_o it_o be_v further_o query_v whether_o i._o a._n or_o the_o church_n that_o he_o do_v own_o do_v establish_v and_o avow_v that_o doctrine_n of_o james_n durhame_n positive_o assert_v in_o his_o commentary_n on_o the_o revelation_n that_o grammar_n logic_n or_o the_o like_a acquire_v art_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o esse_fw-la or_o being_n of_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o consequent_o much_o more_o necessary_a than_o true_a piety_n and_o godliness_n which_o he_o make_v only_o but_o necessary_a to_o his_o bene_fw-la esse_fw-la or_o better_a be_v and_o only_o accidental_a to_o his_o be_v a_o minister_n of_o christ._n and_o this_o question_n which_o be_v indeed_o the_o main_a design_n of_o the_o first_o question_n as_o be_v obvious_a to_o any_o ordinary_a understanding_n i._n a._n for_o all_o his_o glorious_a pretence_n have_v not_o in_o the_o least_o answer_v which_o be_v therefore_o return_v upon_o he_o to_o be_v further_o consider_v and_o whereas_o i._o a._n say_v that_o grammar_n and_o logic_n be_v ordinary_a mean_n of_o knowledge_n exceed_o requisite_a in_o a_o minister_n if_o by_o grammar_n and_o logic_n he_o mean_v not_o those_o innate_a gift_n which_o may_v be_v well_o call_v natural_a as_o common_a to_o all_o man_n have_v the_o ordinary_a use_n of_o understanding_n and_o which_o i_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v in_o some_o degree_n necessary_a unto_o all_o but_o the_o system_n of_o those_o art_n as_o they_o be_v artificial_o compose_v of_o a_o great_a many_o rule_n and_o precept_n and_o common_o teach_v in_o the_o school_n i_o ask_v i._n a._n why_o be_v they_o more_o requisite_a in_o a_o minister_n than_o in_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v not_o all_o the_o church_n to_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o principle_n of_o christian_a religion_n as_o well_o as_o the_o minister_n and_o may_v not_o some_o of_o the_o people_n come_v to_o have_v as_o much_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o their_o teacher_n yea_o may_v they_o not_o become_v wise_a than_o their_o teacher_n as_o david_n say_v concern_v himself_o and_o whereby_o do_v david_n become_v wise_a than_o his_o teacher_n be_v it_o by_o the_o humane_a art_n of_o grammar_n and_o logic_n i_o trow_v not_o but_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o do_v meditate_v both_o day_n and_o night_n may_v not_o therefore_o people_n come_v to_o have_v as_o much_o knowledge_n of_o god_n at_o this_o day_n without_o those_o aforesaid_a art_n only_o by_o meditate_v in_o the_o say_a law_n or_o word_n and_o pray_v to_o the_o lord_n as_o also_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n to_o have_v their_o understanding_n more_o and_o more_o open_v to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n as_o i._o a._n have_v with_o all_o the_o help_n of_o his_o art_n and_o if_o i._o a._n think_v that_o those_o art_n be_v necessary_a to_o attain_v divine_a knowledge_n so_o as_o he_o who_o want_v they_o may_v not_o know_v as_o much_o of_o divine_a thing_n as_o he_o who_o have_v they_o i_o be_o not_o of_o his_o mind_n nor_o â—_o hope_v be_v many_o other_o in_o his_o church_n who_o believe_v they_o may_v both_o know_v the_o lord_n and_o daily_o grow_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o till_o they_o have_v as_o much_o and_o perhaps_o more_o of_o true_a divine_a knowledge_n than_o i._o a._n ever_o have_v without_o all_o i._o a._n his_o art_n which_o he_o do_v so_o high_o magnify_v but_o i._o a._n say_v the_o infallible_a rule_n to_o make_v a_o minister_n of_o christ_n be_v set_v down_o in_o 1_o tim._n 3._o and_o tit._n 1._o answ._n it_o be_v very_o well_o but_o i_o can_v find_v in_o these_o place_n or_o any_o where_o else_o in_o all_o the_o scripture_n that_o artificial_a grammar_n and_o logic_n be_v make_v any_o one_o part_n of_o that_o infallible_a rule_n or_o that_o god_n have_v any_o where_o appoint_v they_o as_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o attain_v divine_a knowledge_n and_o if_o they_o be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n than_o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o all_o who_o have_v the_o least_o measure_n of_o true_a divine_a knowledge_n have_v also_o humane_a art_n or_o else_o they_o be_v extraordinary_o teach_v none_o of_o which_o i_o judge_v i._n a._n will_v ready_o grant_v now_o the_o infallible_a rule_n set_v down_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o these_o place_n already_o cite_v require_v that_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n and_o consequent_o minister_n shall_v be_v blameless_a sober_a just_a holy_a temperate_a and_o i_o query_n i_o a._n if_o this_o one_o only_a qualification_n viz._n to_o be_v holy_a be_v as_o much_o make_v a_o infallible_a rule_n to_o make_v a_o minister_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n he_o ow_v as_o to_o have_v grammar_n and_o logic_n and_o tongue_n and_o how_o be_v this_o consistent_a with_o the_o foresay_a doctrine_n that_o real_a holiness_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o esse_fw-la or_o being_n of_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n for_o be_v not_o that_o which_o be_v the_o infallible_a rule_n to_o make_v a_o minister_n of_o christ_n necessary_a to_o his_o very_a esse_fw-la or_o being_n in_o the_o follow_a part_n of_o his_o examination_n of_o this_o first_o query_n i._n a._n do_v further_o wrong_v the_o people_n call_v quaker_n as_o if_o they_o do_v hold_v that_o grammar_n logic_n and_o language_n be_v unlawful_a among_o christian_n and_o upon_o this_o idle_a and_o false_a supposition_n he_o dispute_v for_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o those_o art_n which_o none_o of_o these_o people_n so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v deny_v and_o for_o a_o proof_n to_o the_o contrary_a that_o people_n have_v school_n wherein_o grammar_n and_o the_o language_n viz._n hebrew_n greek_a and_o latin_a be_v
common_o understand_v of_o that_o which_o original_o be_v graft_v or_o implant_v in_o we_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n be_v use_v general_o both_o by_o christian_a and_o heathen_a writer_n as_o it_o be_v contradistinguish_v from_o that_o which_o be_v outward_o receive_v hence_o the_o natural_a love_n or_o affection_n that_o be_v in_o mankind_n be_v say_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o which_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n outward_o receive_v and_o consequent_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d can_v be_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o a_o divine_a principle_n immediate_o graft_v into_o our_o soul_n when_o god_n create_v they_o and_o in_o respect_n of_o which_o man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v make_v in_o the_o image_n of_o god_n seven_o he_o allege_v that_o we_o bring_v heb._n 6._o 1_o 2._o to_o oppose_v and_o reject_v all_o external_n ordinance_n out_o of_o the_o church_n cite_v principle_n of_o truth_n pag._n 63_o 68_o 77_o 80._o and_o here_o he_o insult_v not_o a_o little_a as_o if_o by_o the_o same_o argument_n the_o quaker_n be_v oblige_v to_o reject_v the_o very_a principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o water-baptism_n but_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v have_v examine_v these_o page_n cite_v by_o he_o i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o they_o mention_v or_o intend_v any_o thing_n of_o reject_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n or_o external_n ordinance_n and_o let_v but_o the_o reader_n examine_v the_o word_n and_o he_o shall_v find_v that_o nothing_o further_o be_v intend_v than_o this_o that_o people_n shall_v not_o sit_v down_o or_o build_v their_o faith_n upon_o a_o form_n of_o word_n though_o never_o so_o sound_a but_o shall_v come_v further_o than_o all_o word_n so_o that_o leave_v they_o behind_o as_o in_o respect_n of_o a_o foundation_n they_o be_v to_o come_v unto_o christ_n the_o true_a foundation_n and_o grow_v up_o in_o he_o unto_o perfection_n and_o as_o for_o water-baptism_n that_o place_n of_o the_o heb._n 6._o 1_o 2._o do_v not_o mention_v it_o among_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n but_o only_o the_o doctrine_n of_o baptism_n which_o be_v another_o thing_n than_o water-baptism_n for_o although_o we_o have_v not_o water-baptism_n among_o we_o yet_o we_o have_v the_o doctrine_n of_o baptism_n that_o be_v set_v down_o with_o other_o principle_n of_o our_o faith_n as_o in_o divers_a other_o of_o our_o book_n so_o in_o that_o mention_v by_o he_o called_z the_o principle_n of_o truth_n now_o to_o leave_v a_o form_n of_o word_n or_o article_n and_o proposition_n concern_v faith_n which_o common_o be_v call_v principle_n so_o as_o not_o to_o set_v they_o up_o for_o the_o principal_a and_o only_a foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o people_n be_v but_o too_o ready_a to_o do_v this_o be_v not_o to_o reject_v they_o no_o more_o than_o when_o a_o man_n leave_v his_o affair_n he_o have_v be_v conversant_a in_o and_o go_v to_o his_o bed_n to_o rest_v he_o with_o moderate_a sleep_n be_v to_o reject_v his_o affair_n for_o he_o return_v unto_o they_o again_o eight_o he_o say_v we_o object_n that_o enoch_n noah_n abraham_n etc._n etc._n have_v not_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v their_o rule_n and_o therefore_o nor_o be_v we_o to_o have_v it_o to_o be_v our_o rule_n and_o this_o he_o make_v as_o ridiculous_a a_o consequence_n as_o to_o say_v the_o scripture_n be_v not_o write_v in_o the_o primitive_a world_n therefore_o neither_o afterward_o but_o i_o answer_v that_o to_o argue_v from_o thence_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o to_o be_v our_o only_a and_o principal_a rule_n be_v both_o safe_a and_o pertinent_a for_o it_o enoch_n noah_n abraham_n have_v the_o spirit_n to_o be_v a_o rule_n unto_o they_o it_o be_v no_o less_o a_o rule_n unto_o all_o now_o who_o have_v the_o same_o faith_n which_o they_o have_v see_v the_o same_o spirit_n be_v give_v to_o believer_n now_o which_o they_o have_v which_o spirit_n be_v one_o as_o paul_n have_v declare_v and_o it_o be_v most_o rational_a that_o as_o the_o faith_n be_v one_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o spirit_n one_o so_o the_o principal_a rule_n of_o faith_n shall_v be_v one_o also_o nine_o he_o say_v i_o object_n quakerism_n no_o popery_n pag._n 9_o 13._o that_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n within_o be_v great_a than_o the_o external_n testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o the_o say_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o principal_a rule_n to_o which_o he_o roundly_o answer_v by_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n within_o believer_n and_o because_o i_o say_v there_o be_v he_o allege_v i_o drive_v the_o plough_n before_o the_o oxen._n but_o i_o answer_v that_o i_o have_v prove_v it_o sufficient_o already_o and_o now_o also_o i_o have_v answer_v i_o hope_v sufficient_o all_o his_o objection_n against_o it_o and_o here_o i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o take_v notice_n how_o that_o notwithstanding_o i._n a._n say_v elsewhere_o as_o pag._n 44._o that_o he_o and_o his_o brethren_n never_o deny_v the_o spirit_n teach_v yet_o how_o inconsistent_a that_o be_v with_o deny_v any_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o dictate_v thereof_o in_o man_n heart_n be_v the_o teach_v of_o the_o spirit_n only_o a_o outward_a thing_n be_v it_o nothing_o else_o but_o to_o hear_v or_o read_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v they_o all_o teach_v of_o the_o spirit_n who_o be_v but_o only_o and_o mere_o teach_v by_o the_o letter_n but_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v a_o inward_a teach_v of_o the_o spirit_n distinct_a from_o the_o outward_a teach_v of_o the_o scripture_n although_o not_o separate_v therefrom_o or_o without_o the_o outward_a as_o i_o know_v some_o of_o the_o more_o sober_a do_v acknowledge_v then_o i_o say_v be_v not_o that_o inward_a teach_v a_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o to_o affirm_v it_o to_o be_v a_o teach_v and_o no_o testimony_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v a_o great_a contradiction_n and_o as_o for_o we_o although_o we_o can_v say_v that_o the_o inward_a teach_v or_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v never_o in_o any_o case_n without_o the_o outward_a yet_o we_o grant_v it_o be_v oft_o accompany_v with_o the_o outward_a and_o in_o that_o case_n it_o be_v no_o less_o true_o immediate_a than_o if_o it_o be_v without_o it_o as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v and_o suppose_v but_o not_o at_o all_o grant_n that_o the_o inward_a teach_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v never_o without_o the_o outward_a of_o the_o letter_n yet_o see_v the_o outward_a teach_v of_o the_o letter_n be_v oft_o without_o the_o inward_a for_o many_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o letter_n who_o be_v not_o spiritual_o teach_v all_o that_o the_o letter_n have_v outward_o teach_v they_o it_o follow_v evident_o that_o the_o inward_a teach_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o outward_a teach_v of_o the_o letter_n be_v distinct_a thing_n as_o be_v manifest_a from_o that_o sure_a maxim_n that_o when_o two_o thing_n can_v be_v separate_a so_o as_o the_o one_o to_o be_v without_o the_o other_o they_o be_v real_o distinct_a this_o argument_n i_o use_v in_o my_o book_n call_v quakerism_n no_o popery_n but_o i._o a._n have_v make_v no_o reply_n to_o it_o and_o still_o i_o say_v if_o the_o inward_a teach_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v deny_v it_o do_v follow_v that_o in_o respect_n of_o any_o inward_a speak_v or_o teach_v god_n do_v no_o more_o intelligible_o or_o perceptible_o speak_v to_o the_o saint_n than_o he_o speak_v to_o the_o earth_n to_o bring_v forth_o grass_n the_o which_o consequence_n i._o a._n seem_v to_o allow_v but_o how_o absurd_o i_o leave_v to_o sober_a man_n to_o judge_v and_o whereas_o i._o a._n say_v that_o god_n do_v not_o always_o make_v use_n of_o the_o great_a witness_n for_o testify_v his_o will_n to_o we_o i_o answer_v in_o respect_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n it_o be_v true_a but_o notwithstanding_o god_n have_v give_v himself_o and_o his_o own_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v one_o with_o he_o to_o be_v unto_o we_o a_o witness_n of_o his_o will_n and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a witness_n that_o can_v be_v give_v see_v rom._n 8._o 16._o 1_o joh._n 5._o 8_o 9_o chap._n viii_o in_o his_o pretend_a survey_n of_o the_o five_o query_n he_o begin_v with_o two_o false_a charge_n against_o we_o the_o first_o that_o we_o deny_v all_o scripture_n interpretation_n the_o second_o that_o we_o deny_v all_o scripture_n consequence_n and_o to_o refute_v these_o idle_a supposition_n which_o be_v none_o of_o our_o assertion_n he_o spend_v many_o page_n of_o his_o book_n to_o no_o purpose_n and_o wherein_o we_o be_v
any_o bond_n or_o tie_n of_o christian_a fellowship_n for_o if_o such_o consequential_a doctrine_n be_v false_a it_o be_v most_o unreasonable_a to_o impose_v it_o and_o therefore_o in_o that_o case_n a_o dissenter_n shall_v have_v his_o liberty_n to_o differ_v in_o judgement_n without_o any_o breach_n of_o brotherly_a unity_n and_o society_n and_o if_o it_o be_v true_a yet_o not_o be_v open_v or_o reveal_v to_o another_o it_o can_v be_v in_o justice_n press_v or_o urge_v upon_o he_o where_o god_n have_v not_o give_v he_o the_o true_a freedom_n and_o clearness_n of_o mind_n to_o receive_v it_o and_o to_o do_v otherwise_o be_v to_o transgress_v that_o golden_a rule_n deliver_v by_o paul_n viz._n to_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n according_a to_o what_o we_o have_v attain_v and_o if_o any_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v say_v he_o god_n will_v reveal_v it_o unto_o he_o and_o if_o this_o advice_n can_v find_v place_n it_o will_v bring_v the_o difference_n among_o those_o call_a christian_n in_o point_n of_o judgement_n into_o a_o very_a small_a and_o narrow_a compass_n and_o they_o will_v understand_v one_o another_o far_o better_a than_o now_o they_o do_v but_o again_o see_v i_o a._n be_v so_o absolute_a and_o peremptory_a that_o the_o presbyterian_a confession_n of_o faith_n and_o catechism_n and_o whâ—_n not_o the_o presbyterian_a directory_n also_o material_o consider_v be_v infallible_a and_o yet_o be_v but_o a_o book_n of_o their_o make_n and_o the_o consequential_a part_n of_o it_o the_o alone_a fruit_n and_o product_n of_o their_o humane_a spirit_n since_o they_o deny_v all_o pretence_n to_o a_o inward_a dictate_v or_o direction_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o the_o case_n why_o shall_v the_o say_v i_o a._n so_o oft_o taunt_v and_o upbraid_v we_o with_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n and_o infallible_a speak_v and_o write_v and_o inspiration_n for_o now_o it_o seem_v a_o mere_a humane_a spirit_n have_v inspire_v those_o that_o give_v forth_o the_o westminster_n confession_n of_o faith_n and_o catechism_n to_o write_v every_o article_n and_o sentence_n of_o it_o infallible_o according_a to_o i._o a._n his_o high_a estimation_n of_o they_o but_o whereas_o i._o a._n dare_v we_o to_o give_v any_o instance_n of_o any_o article_n and_o definition_n contain_v in_o the_o say_a confession_n and_o catechism_n that_o be_v not_o scripture_n sentence_n material_o or_o formal_o consider_v this_o have_v be_v do_v many_o time_n over_o and_o over_o again_o by_o our_o friend_n in_o england_n and_o by_o some_o of_o we_o here_o in_o scotland_n particular_o by_o r._n b._n in_o his_o catechism_n and_o apology_n and_o by_o i_o in_o my_o book_n of_o immediate_a revelation_n and_o there_o be_v in_o the_o year_n 1651._o a_o entire_a examination_n of_o that_o confession_n of_o faith_n publish_v in_o print_n by_o one_o w._n parker_n who_o be_v not_o call_v a_o quaker_n and_o who_o word_n in_o all_o thing_n we_o do_v not_o own_o and_o to_o the_o say_a examination_n i._o a._n or_o any_o of_o his_o fraternity_n be_v refer_v where_o i_o be_o abundant_o persuade_v he_o have_v say_v more_o against_o it_o and_o many_o article_n contain_v therein_o viz._n in_o the_o say_a confession_n than_o ever_o i._n a._n or_o any_o of_o his_o presbyterian_a half_a brethren_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o answer_v which_o whole_a book_n lie_v at_o their_o door_n to_o this_o day_n so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v understand_v unanswered_a another_o gross_a mistake_n or_o rather_o abuse_v of_o i._o a._n be_v that_o he_o allege_v the_o quaker_n be_v against_o all_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o catechism_n whatsoever_o and_o yet_o they_o have_v confession_n and_o catechism_n of_o their_o own_o i_o say_v this_o be_v a_o gross_a abuse_n for_o we_o do_v own_o that_o there_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v confession_n of_o faith_n give_v by_o true_a christian_n and_o also_o we_o own_o that_o there_o may_v be_v catechism_n and_o that_o they_o be_v useful_a in_o the_o church_n and_o according_o we_o have_v such_o and_o though_o the_o writer_n of_o those_o confession_n and_o catechism_n be_v not_o absolute_o or_o universal_o infallible_a yet_o we_o hold_v that_o none_o shall_v publish_v any_o confession_n of_o faith_n or_o catechism_n but_o in_o such_o thing_n whereof_o they_o be_v infallible_o persuade_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o as_o to_o other_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v uncertain_a or_o unclear_a unto_o they_o they_o shall_v forbear_v and_o so_o every_o one_o shall_v speak_v or_o write_v as_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n say_v we_o haâ—ing_v reâ—eâ—ved_v the_o same_o spirit_n of_o faith_n we_o believe_v and_o therefore_o we_o have_v speak_v buâ—_n i._o a._n think_v he_o may_v speak_v and_o confess_v his_o faith_n without_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o faith_n which_o david_n and_o paul_n have_v and_o as_o for_o our_o catechism_n and_o confession_n of_o faith_n if_o we_o can_v prove_v they_o and_o all_o the_o article_n and_o sentence_n in_o they_o to_o be_v according_a to_o express_v scripture_n word_n then_o let_v they_o not_o be_v receive_v for_o we_o profess_v to_o urge_v nothing_o nor_o to_o press_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v receive_v as_o a_o common_a article_n of_o faith_n but_o what_o be_v express_o deliver_v and_o record_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o if_o any_o shall_v be_v so_o unbelieving_a and_o obstinate_a as_o not_o to_o believe_v the_o express_a scripture_n word_n we_o may_v not_o urge_v they_o or_o press_v they_o thereunto_o by_o any_o humane_a or_o carnal_a force_n and_o compulsion_n but_o only_o to_o labour_v to_o persuade_v they_o according_a to_o that_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n as_o god_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o furnish_v we_o withal_o another_o great_a mistake_n or_o abuse_v of_o i._o a._n be_v that_o he_o allege_v the_o ten_o query_n be_v void_a of_o sense_n as_o if_o it_o do_v import_v that_o their_o justification_n and_o sanctification_n faith_n and_o grace_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o their_o directory_n catechism_n and_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o thus_o because_o the_o query_n say_v the_o gift_n of_o these_o whereas_o it_o be_v plain_a to_o any_o sober_a and_o rational_a person_n that_o by_o the_o gift_n of_o these_o the_o inquirer_n mean_v the_o gift_n of_o justification_n sanctification_n faith_n and_o grace_n and_o this_o be_v a_o form_n of_o speech_n allow_v by_o the_o grammar_n itself_o and_o practise_v by_o learned_a author_n i_o suppose_v far_o beyond_o i._o a._n who_o say_v not_o only_o the_o town_n london_n or_o rome_n or_o edinburgh_n but_o also_o the_o town_n or_o city_n of_o london_n the_o city_n of_o rome_n the_o city_n of_o edinburgh_n and_o therefore_o why_o may_v it_o not_o be_v as_o well_o say_v the_o gift_n of_o faith_n of_o justification_n of_o sanctification_n and_o speak_v of_o these_o in_o general_a why_o may_v it_o not_o be_v say_v the_o gift_n of_o these_o which_o be_v equivalent_a to_o these_o gift_n and_o beside_o perhaps_o all_o this_o quibble_n be_v only_o raise_v upon_o a_o mistake_n of_o the_o transcriber_n write_v the_o gift_n of_o these_o for_o these_o gift_n but_o it_o seem_v i._n a._n be_v barren_a of_o matter_n when_o he_o make_v a_o mountain_n of_o so_o small_a a_o matter_n if_o so_o be_v it_o be_v a_o impropriety_n of_o speech_n but_o to_o deal_v in_o earnest_n with_o i._n a._n see_v he_o be_v so_o declare_v a_o enemy_n to_o divine_a inspiration_n in_o our_o day_n we_o can_v think_v that_o he_o indeed_o owe_v his_o pretend_a justification_n sanctification_n and_o faith_n unto_o god_n but_o rather_o unto_o those_o confession_n and_o catechism_n for_o what_o evidence_n or_o probable_a ground_n can_v he_o give_v we_o that_o he_o have_v any_o divine_a faith_n or_o that_o which_o be_v more_o than_o bare_o historical_a and_o traditional_a another_o gross_a abuse_n of_o he_o be_v that_o because_o we_o call_v the_o gospel_n the_o power_n of_o god_n as_o we_o be_v warrant_v by_o the_o express_a word_n of_o paul_n rom._n 1._o 16._o therefore_o he_o allege_v that_o we_o fain_o to_o ourselves_o a_o sort_n of_o dumb_a gospel_n without_o any_o word_n or_o doctrine_n but_o to_o remove_v this_o abuse_n let_v the_o reader_n know_v that_o by_o the_o gospel_n we_o mean_v not_o the_o power_n of_o god_n abstract_o consider_v without_o the_o doctrine_n and_o suitable_a word_n inward_o or_o outward_o preach_v nor_o yet_o the_o doctrine_n and_o worâ—â—_n without_o the_o power_n and_o life_n and_o 〈◊〉_d god_n but_o both_o conjunct_o and_o although_o we_o do_v ready_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o doctrine_n when_o it_o be_v outward_o preach_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o so_o have_v the_o power_n of_o god_n accompany_v it_o be_v and_o may_v be_v call_v gospel_n yet_o we_o can_v simple_o or_o absolute_o
of_o righteousness_n as_o do_v by_o we_o nor_o as_o inherent_a in_o we_o as_o act_n by_o which_o we_o be_v accept_v of_o god_n and_o justify_v before_o he_o but_o by_o christ_n the_o author_n and_o worker_n of_o those_o act_n in_o we_o and_o for_o we_o etc._n etc._n he_o most_o gross_o pervert_v the_o sober_a and_o honest_a intent_n of_o those_o word_n as_o if_o by_o they_o they_o understand_v only_o that_o they_o hold_v not_o themselves_o justify_v by_o all_o act_n as_o blasphemy_n or_o any_o other_o gross_a sin_n but_o who_o see_v not_o that_o this_o be_v a_o most_o gross_a perversion_n for_o certain_o all_o righteous_a art_n of_o all_o sort_n they_o exclude_v when_o they_o say_v not_o by_o act_n of_o righteousness_n and_o therefore_o when_o they_o say_v it_o be_v not_o righteous_a act_n as_o act_n whereby_o we_o be_v justify_v their_o meaning_n be_v most_o plain_a and_o obvious_a as_o act_n be_v understand_v to_o be_v only_o even_o as_o act_n of_o righteousness_n and_o not_o simple_o and_o bare_o as_o act_n though_o upon_o this_o mere_a grammatical_a quibble_n i._o a._n build_v all_o his_o loud_a clamour_n against_o they_o but_o i._o a._n shall_v know_v better_o that_o when_o the_o sense_n be_v obvious_a a_o word_n may_v be_v understand_v that_o be_v not_o express_v in_o the_o sentence_n as_o so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o present_a case_n a_o four_o gross_a perversion_n of_o he_o that_o he_o say_v of_o i_o in_o my_o book_n call_v quakerism_n no_o popery_n i_o affirm_v that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o our_o inward_a grace_n immediate_o i._n a._n do_v understand_v that_o i_o mean_v without_o all_o respect_n to_o christ_n which_o be_v a_o most_o gross_a perversion_n for_o the_o express_a word_n of_o my_o book_n be_v these_o follow_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n by_o which_o we_o be_v most_o immediate_o and_o near_o justify_v be_v christ_n himself_o and_o then_o i_o add_v and_o his_o work_n of_o righteousness_n in_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n so_o that_o i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o exclude_v christ_n that_o i_o say_v in_o the_o first_o place_n christ_n himself_o be_v our_o righteousness_n a_o five_o gross_a perversion_n of_o i._o a._n be_v that_o in_o my_o defunction_n of_o justification_n i_o give_v no_o other_o material_a cause_n of_o our_o righteousness_n before_o god_n but_o only_o our_o inward_a grace_n whereas_o in_o the_o say_a definition_n i_o mention_v express_o jesus_n christ_n as_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o our_o justification_n both_o in_o what_o he_o have_v do_v and_o suffer_v for_o we_o without_o we_o and_o as_o real_o and_o true_o indwell_v in_o we_o a_o six_o perversion_n of_o he_o be_v that_o i_o confound_v justification_n and_o sanctification_n together_o make_v no_o imaginable_a distinction_n betwixt_o they_o and_o that_o because_o i_o say_v we_o be_v justify_v by_o inward_a righteousness_n and_o sanctify_v by_o the_o very_a same_o but_o this_o prove_v not_o that_o i_o do_v not_o distinguish_v they_o for_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v have_v a_o respect_n to_o different_a operation_n as_o well_o as_o to_o different_a cause_n but_o this_o reason_n of_o i._o a._n be_v as_o one_o will_v argue_v that_o when_o a_o malefactor_n be_v both_o condemn_v and_o punish_v for_o his_o crime_n that_o his_o sentence_n of_o condemnation_n and_o his_o punishment_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o without_o any_o imaginable_a distinction_n betwixt_o they_o as_o also_o that_o his_o condemnation_n and_o guiltiness_n be_v the_o same_o see_v by_o his_o crime_n he_o be_v both_o guilty_a and_o condemn_v but_o as_o to_o justification_n and_o sanctification_n that_o they_o be_v distinguish_v although_o sometime_o in_o scripture_n one_o and_o the_o same_o word_n do_v signify_v both_o i_o willing_o grant_v and_o do_v express_o mention_v they_o as_o distinct_a in_o my_o book_n which_o i_o need_v not_o here_o repeat_v and_o whereas_o i._o a._n do_v not_o only_o accuse_v i_o in_o particular_a as_o hold_v a_o popish_a justification_n but_o say_v further_o that_o bellarmine_n himself_o be_v never_o more_o popish_a on_o that_o head_n sure_o this_o his_o assertion_n proceed_v either_o from_o great_a ignorance_n or_o something_o worse_o for_o bellarmine_n the_o justif_a lib._n 5._o cap._n 17._o hold_v that_o good_a work_n do_v merit_v eternal_a life_n condign_o not_o only_o by_o reason_n of_o god_n covenant_n and_o acceptation_n but_o also_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o work_n itself_o so_o that_o in_o a_o good_a work_n proceed_v from_o grace_n there_o may_v be_v a_o certain_a proportion_n and_o equality_n unto_o the_o reward_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n write_v gabriel_n vasâ—uez_n a_o papist_n but_o no_o such_o thing_n be_v affirm_v by_o any_o of_o we_o nor_o by_o i_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a in_o my_o book_n call_v quakerism_n no_o popery_n i_o altogether_o deny_v the_o merit_n of_o the_o best_a work_n as_o it_o signify_v a_o equality_n of_o worth_a to_o the_o reward_n of_o eternal_a life_n nor_o do_v i_o in_o any_o other_o case_n or_o sense_n allow_v the_o word_n merit_n with_o a_o respect_n to_o the_o best_a work_n of_o the_o saint_n but_o in_o that_o sober_a and_o qualify_a sense_n use_v by_o divers_a of_o great_a note_n among_o those_o call_v reformer_n among_o the_o protestant_n as_o melanction_n and_o bucer_n and_o also_o by_o the_o father_n so_o call_v and_o which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o scripture_n which_o call_v eternal_a life_n the_o reward_n of_o good_a work_n now_o reward_n and_o 〈◊〉_d be_v relative_a â—â—rms_n as_o richarâ—_n baxter_n high_o commend_v by_o i._n a._n elsewhere_o do_v acknowledge_v and_o not_o only_o the_o say_v richard_n baxter_n a_o great_a english_a presbyterian_a but_o divers_a of_o the_o best_a account_n in_o the_o episcopal_a way_n as_o particular_o h._n hammond_n do_v hold_v that_o the_o saint_n be_v justify_v not_o by_o faith_n only_o but_o by_o repentance_n love_n and_o new_a obedience_n as_o well_o as_o by_o faith_n as_o instrument_n of_o justification_n and_o necessary_a condition_n requisite_a thereunto_o and_o that_o sanctification_n in_o the_o order_n of_o cause_n be_v prior_n to_o justification_n and_o james_n durham_n a_o great_a scots_a presbyterian_a in_o his_o commentary_n on_o the_o revelation_n digress_v 11._o say_v that_o such_o who_o rest_n upon_o christ_n for_o justification_n and_o acknowledge_v his_o satisfaction_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v as_o guilty_a of_o popery_n although_o they_o hold_v that_o repentance_n love_n and_o other_o spiritual_a virtue_n and_o grace_n be_v necessary_a to_o justification_n as_o faith_n be_v see_v then_o we_o have_v some_o of_o the_o great_a note_n both_o among_o those_o call_a presbyterian_o and_o episcopalian_o who_o agree_v with_o we_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n it_o must_v needs_o proceed_v from_o great_a prejudice_n and_o untowardliness_n in_o i._n a._n to_o charge_v we_o as_o be_v guilty_a of_o papery_n in_o that_o for_o which_o we_o have_v not_o only_o the_o scripture_n abundant_o to_o warrant_v we_o but_o divers_a also_o both_o episcopal_a and_o presbyterian_a of_o the_o best_a account_n to_o vindicate_v we_o and_o as_o for_o henry_n hammond_n a_o man_n of_o singular_a esteem_n in_o the_o episcopal_a church_n in_o britain_n whereof_o i._o a._n be_v a_o proâ—â—sâ—ed_a member_n he_o do_v not_o only_o agree_v with_o we_o on_o this_o head_n of_o justification_n but_o also_o on_o many_o other_o very_o great_a and_o weighty_a head_n of_o doctrine_n so_o fierce_o oppose_v by_o i._n a._n as_o particular_o in_o those_o follow_v 1._o that_o christ_n have_v die_v for_o man_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v no_o absolute_a decree_n of_o reprobation_n 3._o that_o god_n grace_n be_v universal_a 4._o that_o beginning_n of_o regeneration_n may_v be_v fall_v from_o 5._o that_o these_o word_n of_o paul_n rom._n 7._o 14_o 15._o concern_v his_o be_v sell_v under_o sin_n be_v a_o metaâ—chematismus_n and_o not_o the_o present_a state_n that_o paul_n be_v in_o and_o i._n a._n be_v extreme_o ignorant_a if_o he_o know_v not_o that_o a_o exceed_o great_a number_n if_o not_o the_o great_a of_o the_o most_o judicious_a person_n of_o the_o episcopal_a church_n both_o in_o britain_n and_o ireland_n be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n with_o the_o say_v h._n hammond_n in_o these_o thing_n who_o therefore_o be_v so_o far_o from_o esteem_v i._n a._n a_o patron_n or_o advocate_n of_o their_o church_n that_o they_o can_v but_o judge_v he_o in_o so_o far_o at_o best_a their_o adversary_n moreover_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o i._o a._n against_o we_o appear_v in_o this_o that_o because_o i_o deny_v all_o merit_n strict_o consider_v he_o infer_v most_o absurd_o that_o if_o justice_n will_v not_o exact_v the_o very_a rigid_a rigour_n of_o the_o law_n from_o we_o and_o take_v the_o very_a
i_o answer_v every_o true_a minister_n or_o pastor_n have_v his_o authority_n to_o execute_v his_o function_n as_o christian_a as_o nor_o be_v a_o strict_a and_o formal_a reduplication_n but_o take_v specifical_o see_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o every_o true_a minister_n of_o christ_n as_o to_o be_v a_o live_a creature_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v a_o man_n or_o to_o be_v a_o man_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v a_o soldier_n or_o magistrate_n or_o lawyer_n and_o whereas_o i._o a._n say_v that_o christian_a and_o antichristian_a be_v not_o contradictory_n term_n see_v many_o person_n be_v neither_o christian_a nor_o antichristian_a i_o answer_v again_o as_o they_o be_v take_v indefinite_o they_o be_v not_o contradictory_n but_o as_o restrict_v to_o such_o as_o bear_v the_o name_n and_o profession_n of_o christianity_n they_o be_v perfect_o contradictory_n so_o that_o every_o one_o that_o profess_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o christian_n such_o as_o the_o pope_n do_v be_v most_o certain_o either_o christian_n or_o antichristian_a the_o other_o gross_a assertion_n of_o he_o be_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v still_o a_o true_a church_n and_o not_o babylon_n until_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n viz._n about_o the_o time_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n or_o luther_n arise_v with_o some_o other_o to_o witness_v against_o she_o notwithstanding_o she_o do_v hold_v many_o fundamental_a error_n and_o thus_o because_o her_o error_n be_v not_o so_o discover_v and_o demonstrate_v unto_o she_o before_o as_o since_o that_o time_n but_o what_o a_o miserable_a shift_n and_o evasion_n this_o be_v and_o how_o contrary_a to_o scripture_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o most_o sound_a of_o all_o protestant_a writer_n i_o leave_v the_o sober_a reader_n to_o judge_v for_o do_v not_o the_o scripture_n plain_o declare_v that_o mystery_n babylon_n be_v to_o rule_v over_o the_o nation_n and_o deceive_v they_o and_o drink_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o martyr_n and_o witness_n of_o jesus_n for_o many_o hundred_o of_o year_n and_o when_o be_v it_o that_o she_o deceive_v all_o nation_n be_v it_o only_o since_o the_o reformation_n or_o rather_o be_v not_o her_o chief_a timâ—_n before_o the_o reformation_n for_o since_o the_o reformation_n many_o nation_n be_v come_v to_o see_v her_o abomination_n more_o than_o former_o and_o when_o be_v 〈◊〉_d that_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n have_v commit_v fornication_n with_o she_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o many_o hundred_o of_o year_n by-gone_a rather_o than_o since_o the_o reformation_n when_o they_o have_v begin_v to_o hate_v she_o and_o burn_v her_o flesh_n with_o fire_n in_o some_o sense_n and_o when_o begin_v she_o to_o drink_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o saint_n only_o since_o luther_n day_n or_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n sure_o none_o who_o have_v the_o least_o knowledge_n of_o church_n history_n but_o will_v say_v the_o contrary_a and_o acknowledge_v that_o she_o have_v be_v a_o bloody_a murtheress_n for_o divers_a hundred_o of_o year_n long_o before_o the_o reformation_n and_o consequent_o be_v no_o true_a church_n of_o christ._n for_o not_o only_o her_o unsound_a and_o corrupt_a doctrine_n but_o her_o wicked_a life_n and_o especial_o she_o slay_v the_o witness_n of_o christ_n and_o exalt_v herself_o over_o the_o king_n and_o emperor_n of_o the_o earth_n above_o six_o hundred_o year_n ago_o at_o least_o with_o many_o other_o thing_n to_o be_v charge_v against_o she_o utter_o inconsistent_a with_o a_o true_a church_n do_v altogether_o make_v she_o to_o be_v no_o true_a church_n for_o many_o hundred_o of_o year_n before_o luther_n and_o the_o lord_n want_v not_o witness_n sufficient_a to_o demonstrate_v her_o error_n unto_o she_o many_o hundred_o of_o year_n before_o luther_n for_o in_o every_o century_n god_n raise_v up_o his_o witness_n against_o she_o as_o the_o church_n history_n do_v plain_o and_o full_o relate_v moreover_o she_o have_v both_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n to_o witness_n against_o she_o and_o also_o god_n holy_a check_n and_o reproof_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o her_o conscience_n that_o be_v instead_o of_o a_o thousand_o so_o she_o want_v not_o demonstration_n of_o her_o error_n sufficient_a to_o render_v without_o excuse_n for_o many_o hundred_o of_o year_n before_o luther_n time_n and_o now_o let_v all_o sober_a protestant_n judge_n who_o do_v most_o favour_n the_o harlot_n babylon_n i._n a._n or_o we_o for_o by_o i._o a._n his_o doctrine_n she_o be_v but_o a_o young_a woman_n as_o yet_o and_o scarce_o â—ad_v time_n in_o the_o world_n to_o bring_v up_o her_o daughter_n of_o fornication_n to_o that_o age_n and_o stature_n the_o scripture_n declare_v how_o much_o more_o true_a be_v the_o testimony_n of_o those_o protestant_n who_o date_n her_o rise_n above_o a_o thousand_o year_n ago_o her_o whole_a time_n be_v number_v in_o scripture_n to_o contain_v 1260_o or_o 1290._o day_n at_o most_o signify_v according_a to_o the_o prophetic_a style_n of_o scripture_n so_o many_o year_n the_o period_n or_o end_n of_o which_o time_n sincere_a protestâ—ants_n be_v look_v for_o as_o near_o approach_v when_o she_o shall_v fall_v as_o a_o millstone_n cast_v into_o the_o sea_n and_o never_o rise_v again_o but_o by_o i._o a._n his_o account_n she_o begin_v not_o to_o rise_v till_o little_o more_o than_o a_o hundred_o year_n ago_o and_o consequent_o before_o her_o fall_n more_o than_o a_o thousand_o year_n be_v yet_o to_o expire_v which_o be_v too_o glad_a tiding_n unto_o she_o but_o they_o be_v false_a and_o too_o sad_a tiding_n to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n if_o that_o they_o be_v true_a the_o end_n 1_o cor._n 11_o 32._o act._n 10._o 42._o act._n 17._o 31._o