letter_n or_o leave_n of_o the_o book_n since_o the_o write_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o repository_n or_o ark_n where_o god_n law_n be_v preserve_v and_o to_o which_o a_o recourse_n ought_v frequent_o to_o be_v make_v to_o read_v therein_o for_o daily_a information_n and_o instruction_n yet_o the_o doctrine_n be_v not_o so_o limit_v or_o confine_v to_o the_o letter_n or_o leave_n of_o a_o book_n but_o that_o the_o same_o doctrine_n may_v be_v well_o and_o sound_o preach_v and_o believe_v where_o the_o book_n either_o have_v not_o come_v or_o by_o violence_n of_o man_n have_v be_v take_v away_o as_o it_o have_v be_v report_v that_o persecutor_n have_v take_v away_o the_o bible_n from_o some_o faithful_a martyr_n of_o christ_n but_o though_o they_o take_v the_o letter_n out_o of_o their_o hand_n they_o can_v not_o take_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o wit_n the_o doctrine_n and_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o out_o of_o their_o heart_n and_o so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v remember_v it_o be_v never_o my_o persuasion_n what_o w.p._n here_o lay_v down_o in_o his_o book_n by_o way_n of_o position_n that_o the_o light_n in_o every_o man_n conscience_n or_o the_o dictate_v and_o testimony_n of_o it_o abstract_o consider_v from_o the_o peculiar_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o christian_a men._n if_o any_o shall_v find_v that_o or_o the_o like_a doctrine_n in_o any_o of_o my_o book_n on_o the_o first_o intimation_n of_o it_o i_o declare_v i_o shall_v by_o god_n help_n be_v ready_a to_o retract_v it_o and_o condemn_v it_o as_o most_o erroneous_a and_o as_o a_o fundamental_a error_n for_o it_o be_v plain_a deism_n of_o which_o i_o have_v not_o the_o least_o remembrance_n that_o ever_o i_o be_v guilty_a as_o w.p._n have_v now_o plain_o manifest_v his_o deism_n in_o this_o book_n i_o have_v under_o examination_n section_n i._n the_o definition_n of_o general_a rule_n and_o faith_n give_v by_o w.p._n not_o to_o be_v allow_v because_o there_o be_v no_o such_o general_n rule_n and_o faith_n as_o he_o define_v before_o he_o come_v to_o his_o argument_n he_o give_v we_o his_o definition_n of_o general_a rule_n and_o faith_n by_o general_n rule_n say_v he_o we_o understand_v that_o constant_a measure_n by_o which_o man_n in_o all_o age_n have_v be_v enable_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n or_o error_n of_o doctrine_n and_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a of_o thought_n word_n or_o action_n answ_n here_o he_o undertake_v to_o define_v a_o thing_n that_o by_o the_o definition_n of_o it_o plain_o demonstrate_v that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o be_v nor_o ever_o be_v in_o any_o age_n of_o the_o world_n ever_o since_o the_o distinction_n betwixt_o god_n church_n and_o the_o world_n come_v to_o be_v i_o say_v ever_o since_o that_o distinction_n all_o mankind_n in_o all_o respect_n case_n and_o condition_n never_o have_v one_o general_n rule_n so_o his_o definition_n be_v as_o if_o one_o shall_v define_v a_o golden_a mountain_n or_o something_o that_o never_o yet_o have_v be_v since_o the_o distinction_n above_o mention_v possible_o in_o adam_n family_n for_o some_o time_n god_n only_o know_v how_o long_o all_o man_n belong_v to_o it_o have_v one_o rule_n universal_o but_o it_o be_v more_o than_o he_o can_v prove_v that_o this_o be_v only_o the_o light_n in_o every_o of_o their_o conscience_n by_o its_o common_a discovery_n for_o adam_n himself_o have_v special_a revelation_n whither_o by_o outward_a vision_n and_o a_o outward_a voice_n or_o only_o by_o internal_a inspiration_n be_v not_o necessary_a at_o present_a to_o determine_v which_o teach_v he_o to_o expect_v salvation_n by_o the_o promise_a seed_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o this_o doctrine_n no_o doubt_n he_o preach_v to_o his_o family_n that_o the_o light_n or_o common_a discovery_n of_o the_o light_n in_o every_o man_n conscience_n may_v be_v call_v a_o general_n rule_n of_o moral_a justice_n and_o temperance_n call_v by_o paul_n rom._n 1._o 19_o the_o law_n write_v in_o the_o heart_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o he_o grant_v but_o this_o general_a rule_n do_v not_o extend_v nor_o do_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n or_o a_o rule_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o promise_a seed_n of_o the_o woman_n the_o lamb_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o be_v slay_v and_o shall_v take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o see_v the_o light_n in_o every_o conscience_n teach_v nothing_o of_o this_o faith_n that_o in_o scripture_n be_v call_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n and_o the_o common_a faith_n to_o wit_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o all_o age_n therefore_o w.p._n in_o the_o very_a entry_n of_o his_o work_n make_v a_o great_a stumble_v and_o use_v a_o great_a fallacy_n as_o if_o all_o mankind_n ever_o since_o the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o nation_n to_o this_o day_n have_v one_o general_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n and_o that_o be_v the_o light_n in_o every_o conscience_n abstract_o consider_v from_o all_o external_n help_v and_o mean_n both_o of_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n let_v w.p._n tell_v we_o whether_o the_o light_n by_o its_o common_a discovery_n in_o every_o man_n conscience_n teach_v or_o give_v the_o command_n of_o sacrifice_v if_o he_o say_v god_n or_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v god_n teach_v they_o to_o sacrifice_n he_o shift_v the_o question_n which_o be_v not_o what_o god_n do_v teach_v by_o special_a revelation_n but_o what_o he_o do_v teach_v man_n general_o in_o all_o age_n by_o common_a illumination_n the_o dictate_v of_o which_o be_v in_o great_a part_n general_o the_o same_o to_o all_o man_n in_o all_o age_n but_o so_o be_v not_o that_o either_o of_o sacrifice_n or_o circumcision_n or_o many_o other_o thing_n that_o god_n command_v to_o some_o and_o not_o to_o other_o and_o to_o some_o in_o one_o age_n and_o not_o in_o another_o such_o a_o general_a rule_n of_o morality_n or_o moral_a justice_n have_v be_v be_v and_o ever_o will_v be_v in_o the_o world_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o for_o substance_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o faith_n of_o all_o the_o father_n noah_n abraham_n david_n &_o c._n it_o be_v easy_a to_o espy_v w._n p_n design_n in_o this_o his_o undertake_n if_o he_o can_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o general_n rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n to_o all_o mankind_n the_o next_o step_n be_v by_o good_a consequence_n that_o all_o mankind_n ought_v to_o have_v but_o one_o faith_n and_o one_o religion_n and_o that_o be_v deism_n and_o paganism_n with_o a_o witness_n the_o one_o faith_n that_o the_o scripture_n mention_v be_v not_o one_o faith_n of_o all_o mankind_n but_o one_o faith_n of_o god_n church_n which_o be_v call_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n when_o that_o bless_a time_n shall_v come_v that_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v outward_o preach_v to_o all_o nation_n as_o our_o saviour_n have_v foretell_v it_o shall_v be_v it_o be_v just_o hope_v that_o 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
observe_v in_o his_o book_n give_v his_o reason_n and_o argument_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n but_o the_o light_n in_o every_o conscience_n and_o have_v show_v the_o weakness_n yea_o the_o falsity_n of_o they_o i_o think_v it_o not_o necessary_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o his_o enlargement_n and_o amplification_n on_o his_o several_a argument_n but_o answer_n to_o the_o argument_n itself_o wherein_o its_o strength_n seem_v to_o lie_v i_o shall_v be_v brief_a in_o my_o examination_n and_o answer_n to_o his_o second_o part_n to_o wit_n concern_v the_o judge_n of_o controversy_n for_o because_o it_o have_v such_o a_o necessary_a connexion_n with_o the_o former_a the_o former_a be_v clear_o discuss_v the_o latter_a will_v easy_o be_v determine_v page_n 39_o he_o give_v we_o his_o explanation_n what_o he_o mean_v by_o these_o term_n judge_n and_o controversy_n a_o judge_n say_v he_o be_v one_o that_o have_v not_o only_a power_n to_o determine_v but_o discern_v to_o do_v it_o right_o controversy_n be_v a_o debate_n between_o two_o party_n about_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n to_o be_v determine_v by_o that_o judge_n but_o as_o he_o wrong_o state_v the_o question_n in_o the_o first_o part_n about_o the_o rule_n so_o here_o he_o be_v very_o short_a in_o state_v the_o controversy_n about_o the_o judge_n it_o be_v without_o all_o question_n among_o all_o that_o own_o that_o there_o be_v one_o great_a god_n almighty_a that_o he_o be_v the_o great_a and_o supreme_a judge_n of_o what_o be_v truth_n and_o what_o be_v not_o universal_o and_o that_o most_o perfect_o and_o infallible_o and_o all_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v own_o that_o christ_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n together_o with_o the_o father_n be_v that_o supreme_a judge_n as_o they_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o supreme_a god_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o all_o true_a christian_n own_o that_o christ_n as_o the_o son_n of_o man_n have_v all_o judgement_n commit_v to_o he_o and_o be_v both_o head_n and_o judge_n in_o his_o church_n now_o that_o wherein_o w.p._n be_v short_a in_o state_v the_o question_n here_o be_v that_o he_o do_v not_o assign_v the_o true_a rule_n whereby_o the_o judge_n to_o wit_n god_n christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n do_v give_v forth_o a_o definitive_a judgement_n to_o be_v understand_v and_o receive_v by_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n neither_o god_n nor_o christ_n nor_o the_o holy_a spirit_n need_v the_o scripture_n to_o give_v a_o judgement_n as_o to_o themselves_o their_o knowledge_n of_o what_o be_v truth_n and_o what_o be_v not_o so_o be_v whole_o independent_a from_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o question_n be_v to_o be_v thus_o state_v what_o rule_n standard_n or_o measure_n god_n christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n have_v give_v to_o the_o faithful_a in_o particular_a and_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o general_n since_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n be_v commit_v to_o writing_n whereby_o they_o may_v understand_v and_o know_v the_o true_a judgement_n and_o determination_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o supreme_a judge_n of_o controversy_n true_a it_o be_v that_o the_o lawgiver_n be_v the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o any_o point_n that_o may_v concern_v his_o own_o law_n and_o therefore_o as_o god_n be_v the_o lawmaker_n so_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a judge_n and_o interpreter_n of_o his_o law_n but_o as_o a_o earthly_a lawgiver_n suppose_v a_o earthly_a king_n with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o great_a counsel_n of_o the_o nation_n give_v forth_o his_o law_n to_o his_o subject_n if_o any_o controversy_n arise_v about_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o those_o law_n the_o king_n and_o his_o counsel_n that_o make_v those_o law_n be_v to_o determine_v the_o controversy_n by_o the_o law_n themselves_o one_o part_n of_o the_o law_n serve_v as_o a_o key_n to_o open_v what_o be_v hard_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o another_o part_n of_o it_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o this_o nation_n and_o common_o in_o all_o nation_n for_o the_o law_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v such_o a_o perfect_a law_n entire_a and_o complete_a that_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o need_v not_o be_v give_v by_o give_v forth_o any_o new_a law_n to_o give_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o former_a nor_o ought_v any_o subject_a to_o presume_v to_o give_v his_o private_a interpretation_n of_o the_o law_n by_o any_o private_a gloss_n or_o sense_n which_o he_o can_v demonstrate_v from_o the_o law_n itself_o and_o as_o it_o be_v thus_o as_o to_o the_o law_n of_o man_n how_o much_o more_o be_v it_o so_o as_o to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o law_n of_o man_n indeed_o receive_v frequent_o new_a addition_n and_o alteration_n and_o yet_o this_o can_v be_v do_v but_o by_o public_a authority_n but_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n that_o god_n have_v give_v to_o the_o faithful_a and_o to_o his_o church_n now_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v so_o full_a perfect_a and_o comprehensive_a that_o be_v full_o sufficient_a without_o any_o addition_n and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o it_o may_v please_v god_n to_o give_v forth_o any_o new_a law_n to_o his_o church_n it_o must_v be_v allow_v that_o there_o must_v be_v the_o same_o evidence_n and_o ground_n of_o receive_v they_o to_o be_v such_o as_o be_v give_v for_o the_o old_a testament_n by_o moses_n and_o for_o the_o new_a testament_n by_o christ_n now_o have_v w.p._n fair_o state_v the_o question_n he_o shall_v have_v state_v it_o thus_o whither_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n who_o judgement_n and_o determination_n be_v all_o one_o with_o that_o of_o christ_n and_o the_o father_n do_v give_v his_o judgement_n to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n of_o it_o by_o any_o other_o law_n or_o rule_n measure_n or_o standard_n than_o what_o be_v already_o to_o befound_a in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n whether_o relate_v to_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o positive_a precept_n of_o reveal_v and_o institute_v religion_n by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o whither_o the_o spirit_n give_v this_o judgement_n not_o by_o the_o doctrine_n and_o precept_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o by_o the_o common_a discovery_n and_o dictate_v of_o the_o light_n within_o every_o man_n conscience_n which_o be_v common_o the_o same_o and_o of_o the_o same_o extent_n in_o all_o mankind_n be_v they_o jew_n and_o mahometan_n and_o paynim_n abroad_o or_o deist_n at_o home_n here_o in_o england_n or_o elsewhere_o or_o last_o whither_o by_o any_o new_a particular_a discovery_n revelation_n or_o dictate_v and_o new_a precept_n of_o the_o spirit_n not_o former_o give_v either_o to_o mankind_n in_o general_n or_o to_o the_o church_n in_o particular_a to_o the_o first_o all_o sound_a christian_n agree_v the_o second_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o w.p._n and_o those_o of_o his_o brethren_n of_o the_o second_o day_n meet_v that_o have_v approve_v his_o book_n the_o three_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a teacher_n and_o leader_n that_o first_o arise_v among_o the_o quaker_n that_o do_v affirm_v they_o have_v new_a command_n give_v from_o the_o spirit_n by_o immediate_a revelation_n from_o heaven_n some_o of_o which_o be_v neither_o the_o common_a dictate_v of_o the_o light_n in_o every_o conscience_n of_o mankind_n nor_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n either_o express_o or_o by_o any_o necessary_a consequence_n from_o they_o and_o indeed_o the_o first_o teacher_n and_o leader_n among_o that_o people_n do_v not_o think_v it_o worth_a while_n to_o prove_v their_o doctrine_n or_o warrant_v their_o interpretation_n by_o consequence_n from_o scripture_n but_o the_o general_a proof_n be_v this_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n unto_o you_o for_o g.f._n see_v his_o journal_n plain_o tell_v that_o when_o he_o first_o come_v forth_o he_o be_v command_v of_o god_n to_o say_v thou_o and_o thou_o to_o every_o man_n to_o who_o he_o speak_v and_o not_o to_o put_v off_o his_o hat_n to_o any_o also_o the_o set_n up_o of_o woman_n government_n in_o their_o meeting_n distinct_a from_o the_o man_n by_o the_o more_o devout_a sort_n who_o do_v think_v and_o still_o think_v that_o g.f._n be_v a_o prophet_n as_o immediate_o send_v as_o moses_n or_o any_o other_o be_v judge_v to_o have_v be_v by_o a_o divine_a authority_n and_o power_n in_o g.f._n without_o any_o dependence_n on_o scripture_n rule_n or_o seek_v to_o fish_v it_o by_o consequence_n from_o scripture_n and_o pray_v what_o need_n be_v there_o to_o bring_v scripture_n proof_n for_o any_o thing_n that_o man_n either_o believe_v or_o practice_v either_o by_o consequence_n or_o express_a word_n see_v that_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o either_o faith_n or_o practice_n but_o
need_v only_o pretend_v a_o revelation_n for_o that_o and_o all_o the_o other_o matter_n in_o controversy_n betwixt_o protestant_n and_o papist_n to_o justify_v he_o and_o prove_v he_o to_o be_v no_o changeling_n and_o at_o this_o rate_n of_o w._n p_n argue_v not_o only_o all_o the_o peculiar_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v whole_o uncertain_a and_o papist_n socinian_o and_o arian_n and_o other_o the_o worst_a of_o heretic_n that_o oppugn_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o faith_n may_v happen_v to_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o these_o call_v the_o orthodox_n to_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n but_o the_o great_a fundamental_a of_o the_o quaker_n be_v overthrow_v and_o render_v uncertain_a also_o yea_o this_o very_a position_n that_o he_o labour_v so_o much_o to_o establish_v that_o not_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o light_n in_o every_o man_n conscience_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n to_o every_o man._n for_o this_o position_n of_o he_o be_v not_o literal_o and_o express_o in_o the_o scripture_n so_o that_o according_a to_o w.p._n not_o the_o scripture_n but_o he_o and_o his_o brethren_n interpretation_n must_v determine_v this_o controversy_n and_o this_o can_v be_v do_v without_o extraordinary_a revelation_n it_o be_v none_o of_o those_o thing_n that_o fall_v within_o the_o ordinary_a discovery_n of_o man_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o light_n in_o every_o man_n conscience_n be_v christ_n and_o god_n for_o then_o christ_n will_v be_v god_n and_o the_o socinian_o will_v be_v blasphemer_n that_o deny_v he_o so_o to_o be_v by_o all_o which_o it_o evident_o appear_v that_o this_o argument_n of_o w.p._n not_o only_o render_v all_o the_o peculiar_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n mere_a scepticism_n and_o uncertainty_n but_o the_o great_a fundamental_a of_o the_o quaker_n as_o concern_v the_o light_n be_v christ_n in_o they_o and_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n to_o be_v equal_o scepticism_n and_o uncertainty_n but_o that_o he_o say_v christ_n divinity_n be_v leave_v undetermined_a in_o scripture_n literal_o and_o express_o be_v false_a for_o it_o be_v in_o several_a place_n literal_o and_o express_o affirm_v that_o christ_n be_v god_n and_o that_o and_o many_o other_o truth_n suppose_v not_o literal_o and_o express_o mention_v in_o scripture_n yet_o by_o good_a and_o necessary_a consequence_n without_o all_o extraordinary_a revelation_n from_o plain_a place_n of_o scripture_n can_v be_v certain_o infer_v and_o if_o he_o will_v not_o allow_v that_o there_o be_v any_o certainty_n by_o argue_v from_o the_o scripture_n by_o consequence_n of_o true_a reason_n his_o whole_a discourse_n in_o this_o his_o book_n that_o i_o be_o now_o answer_v be_v disallowable_a for_o he_o have_v not_o bring_v one_o place_n of_o scripture_n that_o literal_o and_o express_o say_v the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o that_o the_o light_n in_o every_o man_n conscience_n be_v and_o he_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o extraordinary_a revelation_n in_o the_o case_n and_o if_o he_o do_v of_o shall_v he_o must_v give_v we_o leave_v to_o distrust_v he_o until_o he_o bring_v sufficient_a evidence_n for_o it_o which_o i_o believe_v he_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o do_v yea_o the_o falsity_n of_o his_o reason_n by_o way_n of_o consequence_n to_o prove_v his_o position_n that_o not_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o light_n in_o every_o man_n conscience_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n be_v evident_o apparent_a from_o the_o answer_v already_o give_v and_o suppose_v he_o shall_v pretend_v to_o extraordinary_a revelation_n in_o the_o case_n and_o that_o that_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o his_o certainty_n and_o rule_n of_o his_o faith_n even_o that_o pretence_n destroy_v his_o fabric_n for_o see_v all_o man_n have_v not_o that_o extraordinary_a revelation_n it_o can_v be_v a_o general_a rule_n if_o he_o say_v the_o common_a discovery_n that_o every_o man_n have_v teach_v he_o sufficient_o without_o either_o scripture_n or_o extraordinary_a revelation_n that_o the_o light_n in_o every_o man_n conscience_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n i_o answer_v how_o can_v that_o be_v unless_o it_o be_v a_o self-evident_a proposition_n as_o that_o the_o whole_a be_v great_a than_o the_o part_n and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o self-evident_a proposition_n why_o have_v w.p._n take_v so_o great_a pain_n to_o prove_v it_o man_n common_o think_v it_o needless_a to_o prove_v any_o self-evident_a proposition_n and_o proper_o speak_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v prove_v but_o if_o his_o say_a position_n have_v no_o self-evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o how_o shall_v it_o be_v prove_v not_o from_o scripture_n for_o that_o will_v make_v the_o scripture_n the_o rule_n nor_o from_o humane_a reason_n for_o that_o will_v make_v humane_a reason_n the_o rule_n which_o w.p._n seem_v not_o to_o set_v up_o for_o the_o rule_n it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o light_n in_o every_o man_n conscience_n in_o respect_n of_o some_o moral_a principle_n of_o justice_n and_o temperance_n have_v a_o self_n evidence_n and_o so_o far_o be_v a_o rule_n but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o christian_n be_v deny_v and_o by_o whatever_o medium_fw-la he_o prove_v it_o that_o must_v be_v his_o rule_n by_o his_o manner_n of_o argue_v which_o run_v he_o into_o the_o like_a vicious_a circle_n as_o the_o papist_n be_v run_v into_o when_o they_o prove_v the_o certainty_n of_o tradition_n by_o the_o church_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o church_n by_o tradition_n so_o w.p._n prove_v that_o the_o light_n within_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n by_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o light_n within_o section_n 20._o his_o proposal_n of_o the_o way_n to_o determine_v all_o controversy_n destructive_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n le_fw-fr we_o in_o deism_n and_o heathenism_n to_o overspread_v the_o world_n a_o remedy_n worse_o than_o the_o disease_n his_o misrepresentation_n of_o sound_a protestant_n and_o false_a and_o uncharitable_a judgement_n of_o they_o several_a scripture_n place_n that_o prove_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n to_o all_o christian_a people_n i_o confess_v he_o have_v one_o very_o notable_a and_o plausible_a answer_n to_o a_o objection_n make_v by_o himself_o p._n 44._o be_v it_o as_o true_a as_o seem_o fair_a and_o plausible_a the_o objection_n be_v this_o how_o will_v this_o determine_v controversy_n viz_o to_o cast_v away_o the_o scripture_n from_o be_v the_o general_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n and_o to_o set_v up_o the_o light_n in_o every_o man_n conscience_n according_a to_o the_o general_a discovery_n it_o give_v to_o all_o mankind_n and_o allay_v the_o fury_n of_o debate_n that_o be_v on_o foot_n in_o the_o world_n he_o answer_v roundly_o nothing_o like_o it_o if_o man_n adhere_v to_o it_o but_o first_o be_v it_o true_a it_o will_v have_v this_o mischievous_a and_o yet_o most_o necessary_a consequence_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n will_v be_v utter_o lose_v so_o far_o as_o it_o have_v any_o peculiarity_n or_o peculiar_a dignity_n worth_a and_o advantage_n above_o deism_n or_o paganism_n a_o rare_a cure_n indeed_o that_o w.p._n here_o prescribe_v to_o all_o christendom_n to_o heal_v their_o breach_n and_o end_v the_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n betwixt_o the_o worst_a sort_n of_o heretic_n and_o the_o most_o orthodox_n christian_n and_o betwixt_o papist_n and_o protestant_n such_o a_o remedy_n here_o prescribe_v by_o he_o be_v worse_a than_o the_o disease_n he_o say_v most_o persuasion_n he_o shall_v have_v come_v out_o more_o plain_o with_o his_o expedient_a say_v most_o heretic_n arian_n nestorian_n sabellian_n eutychian_o and_o they_o of_o the_o oppose_a side_n call_v orthodox_n yea_o papist_n and_o protestant_n agree_o in_o his_o general_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n that_o be_v they_o own_o the_o common_a and_o general_a dictate_v of_o the_o light_n in_o the_o conscience_n and_o so_o do_v the_o civilise_a part_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n of_o mankind_n and_o agree_v about_o what_o he_o make_v the_o absolute_a necessary_n viz_o that_o god_n be_v that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o that_o the_o way_n of_o god_n be_v a_o way_n of_o purity_n patience_n meekness_n etc._n etc._n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n now_o all_o heretic_n common_o few_o i_o think_v except_v own_o these_o general_n and_o many_o of_o they_o have_v moral_a life_n be_v this_o enough_o to_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n though_o they_o deny_v the_o lord_n that_o buy_v they_o with_o his_o precious_a blood_n as_o he_o outward_o suffer_v on_o the_o cross_n on_o this_o pretence_n that_o their_o general_a rule_n set_v up_o here_o by_o w.p._n teach_v they_o nothing_o of_o any_o such_o lord_n that_o buy_v they_o
another_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n than_o what_o be_v the_o true_a rule_n indeed_o if_o he_o persist_v in_o so_o do_v he_o will_v not_o only_o bring_v his_o own_o blood_n upon_o himself_o but_o the_o blood_n of_o many_o other_o that_o be_v and_o may_v be_v mislead_v by_o he_o and_o whether_o he_o will_v yet_o better_o consider_v it_o or_o not_o which_o i_o hearty_o wish_v and_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v be_v please_v to_o open_v his_o eye_n and_o give_v he_o repentance_n and_o a_o better_a understanding_n it_o be_v a_o plain_a case_n that_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n be_v very_o necessary_a yea_o so_o necessary_a that_o the_o danger_n for_o want_v of_o it_o be_v perish_v or_o destruction_n yet_o i_o mean_v not_o that_o every_o error_n in_o circumstance_n about_o the_o true_a rule_n be_v of_o that_o danger_n or_o that_o some_o loose_a and_o indeliberate_a expression_n that_o some_o have_v use_v in_o preach_v or_o print_n while_o their_o mean_v have_v be_v more_o sound_a than_o their_o word_n even_o about_o the_o rule_n be_v of_o that_o consequence_n it_o have_v happen_v to_o some_o well-meaning_a people_n as_o it_o have_v happen_v to_o myself_o that_o they_o and_o i_o have_v both_o speak_v and_o write_v unadvised_o as_o in_o some_o other_o matter_n so_o in_o this_o run_v along_o or_o rather_o be_v carry_v along_o with_o the_o stream_n of_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a friend_n so_o call_v of_o the_o ministry_n in_o assert_v both_o in_o speech_n and_o print_n too_o frequent_o that_o the_o spirit_n within_o mean_v the_o inward_a evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o touch_v the_o great_a matter_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o practice_n be_v the_o principal_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n wherein_o i_o acknowledge_v my_o error_n and_o great_a mistake_n and_o do_v here_o particular_o retract_v it_o notwithstanding_o the_o general_a retractation_n i_o have_v late_o make_v in_o my_o late_a book_n call_v g._n k_o k_o s_z explication_n and_o retractation_n but_o though_o i_o be_v then_o in_o a_o error_n and_o under_o a_o great_a mistake_n in_o my_o way_n of_o word_v the_o matter_n and_o darken_v too_o much_o and_o cloud_v in_o my_o understanding_n in_o that_o very_a point_n yet_o i_o crave_v leave_n of_o my_o reader_n to_o show_v that_o even_o then_o my_o error_n be_v not_o fundamental_a nor_o such_o as_o this_o be_v of_o w._n penn'_v and_o his_o brethren_n who_o error_n in_o the_o case_n have_v carry_v they_o to_o plain_a deism_n my_o mistake_n chief_o consist_v in_o this_o in_o confound_v the_o term_n rule_n of_o faith_n with_o the_o term_n inward_a objective_n medium_fw-la which_o i_o ought_v to_o have_v distinguish_v for_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o proper_o speak_v that_o formal_a object_n of_o faith_n call_v by_o some_o objectum_fw-la formale_a quo_fw-la or_o objective_n medium_fw-la and_o motive_n of_o credibility_n but_o the_o material_a object_n of_o faith_n to_o wit_n all_o the_o credenda_fw-la or_o thing_n in_o scripture_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v believe_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o instead_o of_o say_v the_o spirit_n inward_a evidence_n and_o testimony_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o principal_a rule_n i_o shall_v have_v say_v it_o be_v the_o principal_a objective_n medium_fw-la of_o credibility_n which_o as_o i_o then_o do_v believe_v and_o assert_v so_o i_o do_v still_o and_o hope_v never_o to_o retract_v it_o and_o therefore_o while_o i_o continue_v adhere_v to_o this_o persuasion_n i_o remain_v as_o to_o the_o main_a the_o same_o i_o be_v in_o my_o judgement_n as_o when_o i_o write_v my_o former_a book_n touch_v these_o matter_n my_o chief_a bend_a and_o zeal_n be_v against_o that_o which_o i_o judge_v a_o very_a erroneous_a opinion_n and_o hurtful_a hold_v by_o some_o count_v learned_a man_n and_o which_o i_o judge_v still_o that_o so_o it_o be_v to_o wit_n that_o the_o inward_a evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o faithful_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v only_o effective_a and_o not_o objective_n and_o i_o plead_v warm_o that_o the_o spirit_n inward_a evidence_n otherwise_o call_v testimony_n witness_v inspiration_n illumination_n or_o operation_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v not_o only_o effective_a but_o objective_n also_o to_o wit_n by_o way_n of_o formal_a object_n or_o objective_n medium_fw-la and_o motive_n of_o credibility_n and_o this_o i_o reckon_v then_o and_o do_v still_o the_o great_a certainty_n and_o assurance_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a authority_n and_o infallible_o true_a wherein_o i_o know_v and_o still_o know_v i_o have_v the_o best_a protestant_a author_n both_o for_o piety_n and_o solid_a learning_n on_o my_o side_n as_o also_o my_o feel_n and_o experience_n to_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n grace_n i_o say_v it_o in_o the_o case_n have_v confirm_v i_o though_o i_o know_v some_o call_v learned_a man_n who_o have_v more_o of_o that_o call_v divinity_n learn_v in_o their_o head_n than_o in_o their_o heart_n do_v contradict_v it_o yea_o to_o a_o degree_n of_o ridicul_v it_o under_o the_o name_n of_o fanaticism_n and_o enthusiasm_n not_o well_o regard_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o worthy_a and_o judicious_a ancestor_n who_o in_o the_o article_n of_o the_o church_n have_v express_o mention_v the_o feel_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o his_o operation_n and_o motion_n but_o i_o err_v in_o call_v this_o either_o inward_a feel_n or_o the_o object_n of_o it_o the_o principal_a rule_n for_o proper_o and_o right_o speak_v it_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o principal_a motive_n of_o credibility_n that_o which_o be_v only_o strict_o and_o proper_o speak_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n especial_o respect_v the_o great_a fundamental_o and_o essential_o thereof_o to_o give_v a_o preference_n to_o the_o inward_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o his_o writing_n his_o law_n in_o the_o heart_n to_o the_o same_o law_n as_o write_v on_o leaf_n of_o paper_n and_o to_o the_o experimental_a part_n of_o christianity_n above_o all_o that_o can_v be_v outward_o tell_v or_o hear_v or_o read_v i_o think_v no_o true_a christian_n will_v deny_v but_o when_o it_o be_v ask_v which_o be_v the_o great_a rule_n the_o inward_a or_o the_o outward_a they_o compare_v thing_n that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v that_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v either_o the_o great_a rule_n or_o the_o lesser_a which_o be_v proper_o speak_v no_o rule_n at_o all_o but_o the_o move_a or_o impulsive_a cause_n that_o move_v and_o incline_v i_o to_o take_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v my_o rule_n be_v infallible_o true_a and_o of_o divine_a authority_n and_o whoever_o be_v yet_o in_o the_o same_o mistake_n and_o error_n that_o i_o then_o be_v in_o god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v judge_v so_o uncharitable_o of_o they_o as_o to_o conclude_v they_o err_v fundamental_o for_o want_v of_o not_o give_v right_a name_n to_o thing_n or_o not_o have_v so_o clear_a inward_a idea_n and_o conception_n of_o they_o when_o as_o to_o the_o main_a they_o mean_v well_o i_o be_o bold_a to_o appeal_v to_o my_o book_n from_o first_o to_o last_o whither_o according_a to_o the_o strain_n and_o intent_n in_o all_o that_o i_o have_v print_v on_o that_o subject_a i_o have_v not_o always_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n crucify_a and_o remission_n of_o sin_n by_o his_o blood_n and_o other_o doctrinal_a principle_n of_o christianity_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v by_o we_o for_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o outward_o convey_v to_o we_o by_o preach_v or_o read_v be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n whereby_o god_n work_v faith_n and_o conversion_n and_o regeneration_n in_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o that_o therefore_o so_o long_o as_o we_o live_v we_o be_v not_o to_o lay_v aside_o either_o that_o or_o any_o outward_a mean_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n that_o god_n have_v afford_v and_o how_o far_o i_o have_v former_o deny_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n i_o mean_v that_o as_o it_o be_v not_o the_o letter_n or_o write_n so_o nor_o the_o doctrine_n as_o simple_o and_o whole_o limit_v and_o confine_v to_o the_o letter_n as_o if_o it_o shall_v happen_v by_o divine_a providence_n that_o a_o person_n or_o company_n of_o person_n shall_v have_v the_o holy_a bible_n by_o violence_n take_v from_o they_o or_o not_o have_v it_o in_o any_o language_n they_o can_v understand_v that_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o possible_a state_n of_o salvation_n for_o though_o in_o god_n ordinary_a way_n the_o
etc._n etc._n which_o say_v he_o can_v not_o be_v without_o the_o light_n of_o his_o son_n shine_v in_o man_n conscience_n therefore_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o conscience_n must_v needs_o have_v be_v the_o general_n rule_n etc._n etc._n answ_n his_o consequence_n be_v again_o deny_v which_o he_o do_v not_o prove_v it_o have_v the_o same_o defect_n with_o his_o forego_v proof_n that_o he_o confound_v the_o author_n and_o efficient_a cause_n of_o faith_n with_o the_o rule_n which_o be_v the_o instrumental_a cause_n thereof_o but_o let_v it_o be_v further_o consider_v what_o the_o follow_a word_n be_v not_o mention_v by_o w.p._n here_o and_o let_v they_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o forego_n word_n ver._n 7._o will_v the_o lord_n be_v please_v with_o thousand_o of_o ram_n or_o with_o ten_o thousand_o of_o river_n of_o oil_n shall_v i_o give_v my_o first_o bear_v for_o my_o transgression_n the_o fruit_n of_o my_o body_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o my_o soul_n ver._n 8._o he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o do_v the_o lord_n require_v of_o thou_o but_o to_o do_v just_o and_o love_v mercy_n and_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n and_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o the_o word_n at_o least_o have_v a_o comparative_a sense_n as_o intimate_v that_o justice_n mercy_n and_o humility_n or_o humble_a walk_v with_o god_n be_v more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o god_n law_n than_o all_o outward_a sacrifice_n be_v but_o do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o god_n do_v not_o require_v those_o outward_a sacrifice_n then_o to_o be_v offer_v up_o or_o that_o god_n do_v not_o require_v faith_n in_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n that_o he_o do_v command_v they_o and_o if_o such_o a_o faith_n be_v then_o require_v of_o they_o which_o the_o common_a dictate_v of_o the_o light_n in_o every_o conscience_n do_v not_o teach_v they_o but_o special_a revelation_n by_o the_o like_a reason_n it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n the_o great_a sacrifice_n as_o he_o be_v outward_o to_o be_v offer_v up_o of_o which_o all_o the_o outward_a sacrifice_n be_v type_n be_v also_o require_v by_o the_o lord_n from_o that_o people_n the_o which_o faith_n all_o the_o faithful_a than_o have_v and_o by_o which_o faith_n they_o receive_v the_o remission_n of_o their_o sin_n according_a to_o act_n 10_o 43._o but_o see_v the_o light_n within_o every_o man_n give_v they_o not_o this_o faith_n nor_o teach_v it_o they_o it_o evident_o follow_v that_o the_o light_n within_o every_o man_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n it_o may_v be_v further_o say_v that_o the_o word_n micah_n 6.8_o 9_o if_o they_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v with_o respect_n to_o mere_a heathen_n and_o gentile_n who_o have_v not_o the_o external_n word_n may_v imply_v that_o no_o more_o be_v require_v of_o they_o than_o those_o general_a thing_n which_o the_o law_n or_o light_n in_o they_o do_v teach_v they_o and_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n they_o have_v but_o these_o word_n seem_v not_o to_o be_v speak_v with_o respect_n to_o mere_a gentile_n but_o rather_o to_o they_o that_o be_v by_o profession_n the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o though_o neither_o faith_n nor_o repentance_n nor_o many_o other_o evangelical_n virtue_n and_o duty_n be_v there_o express_v yet_o without_o doubt_n they_o be_v employ_v as_o well_o as_o where_o faith_n be_v only_o express_v in_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n love_n and_o other_o virtue_n be_v employ_v and_o indeed_o by_o the_o like_a fallacy_n w.p._n may_v infer_v that_o our_o whole_a religion_n consist_v in_o practise_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o 2d_o table_n from_o james_n word_n pure_a and_o undefiled_a religion_n be_v to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o the_o widow_n and_o to_o keep_v unspotted_a from_o the_o world_n and_o that_o consequent_o he_o that_o do_v this_o though_o he_o practise_v none_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o first_o table_n he_o have_v religion_n enough_o yea_o though_o he_o have_v no_o faith_n in_o god_n no_o fear_n of_o he_o nor_o love_n to_o he_o if_o he_o be_v charitable_a and_o temperate_a as_o it_o have_v be_v report_v some_o atheist_n have_v be_v page_n 5._o his_o next_o argument_n be_v it_o be_v by_o this_o law_n that_o enoch_n noah_n abraham_n melchisideck_n abimilech_n job_n jethro_n etc._n etc._n walk_v and_o be_v accept_v as_o say_v jreneus_n and_o tertullian_n they_o wâ—re_v just_o by_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n than_o be_v it_o their_o rule_n too_o and_o in_o that_o just_a state_n answ_n this_o argument_n have_v several_a defect_n in_o it_o 1._o to_o argue_v from_o a_o law_n or_o rule_n of_o moral_a justice_n to_o a_o law_n or_o rule_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n the_o promise_a messiah_n without_o which_o faith_n there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o salvation_n in_o all_o the_o scripture_n second_o that_o he_o jumble_v abimelech_n and_o jethro_n none_o of_o which_o be_v prophet_n with_o abraham_n and_o other_o that_o be_v prophet_n and_o have_v extraordinary_a revelation_n concern_v the_o messiah_n three_o that_o he_o make_v no_o distinction_n betwixt_o what_o the_o light_n or_o word_n do_v reveal_v common_o in_o all_o man_n by_o the_o common_a illumination_n and_o what_o that_o same_o word_n do_v reveal_v to_o the_o prophet_n and_o by_o they_o to_o the_o faithful_a by_o special_a revelation_n and_o illumination_n and_o indeed_o all_o his_o argument_n be_v in_o great_a part_n build_v on_o this_o fallacy_n of_o not_o distinguish_v but_o confound_v the_o common_a or_o general_a illumination_n give_v to_o all_o man_n from_o the_o special_a and_o extraordinary_a give_v to_o some_o that_o the_o common_a illumination_n of_o the_o divine_a word_n be_v to_o the_o patriarch_n abraham_n noah_n etc._n etc._n a_o law_n or_o rule_n of_o justice_n be_v grant_v but_o that_o it_o be_v to_o they_o a_o law_n or_o rule_n of_o faith_n whereby_o they_o believe_v in_o the_o promise_a messiah_n be_v deny_v for_o that_o be_v a_o special_a revelation_n that_o be_v the_o law_n or_o rule_n of_o that_o faith_n and_o not_o the_o common_a illumination_n though_o both_o common_a and_o special_a be_v and_o be_v from_o the_o same_o divine_a word_n yet_o this_o hinder_v not_o their_o distinction_n as_o all_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n have_v one_o creator_n and_o author_n of_o their_o be_v yet_o this_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o the_o creature_n be_v wide_o distinct_a one_o from_o another_o section_n 3._o his_o first_o and_o second_o argument_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n answer_v page_n 5._o in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o plead_v that_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v the_o rule_n argue_v thus_o arg._n 1._o how_o can_v they_o be_v the_o general_a rule_n that_o have_v not_o be_v general_a answ_n he_o be_v still_o guilty_a of_o confound_v and_o jumble_v thing_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v distinguish_v 1._o none_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o general_a rule_n if_o by_o a_o general_a rule_n he_o mean_v a_o rule_n actual_o oblige_v all_o man_n whosoever_o for_o the_o scripture_n oblige_v none_o but_o such_o who_o either_o have_v they_o or_o at_o least_o can_v by_o some_o possible_a mean_n have_v they_o 2._o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o law_n or_o illumination_n that_o be_v in_o all_o man_n be_v the_o general_a law_n or_o rule_n of_o justice_n and_o morality_n to_o all_o men._n but_o what_o then_o will_v it_o follow_v that_o christian_n have_v no_o other_o rule_n but_o that_o of_o moral_a justice_n 3._o he_o ought_v to_o have_v distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o general_a law_n or_o rule_n of_o justice_n give_v to_o all_o mankind_n and_o the_o general_a superadded_a law_n and_o rule_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o practice_n give_v in_o general_a to_o christian_n but_o for_o want_v of_o this_o distinction_n he_o deceive_v himself_o and_o seek_v to_o deceive_v other_o with_o fallacious_a argument_n page_n 6._o he_o bring_v a_o objection_n thus_o but_o grant_v that_o the_o light_n within_o be_v so_o viz._n the_o general_a rule_n before_o scripture_n be_v extant_a yet_o etc._n etc._n answ_n he_o suppose_v that_o to_o be_v grant_v which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v grant_v viz._n that_o the_o common_a illumination_n before_o scripture_n be_v extant_a be_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a who_o live_v and_o die_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o promise_a messiah_n by_o who_o they_o believe_v to_o have_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n this_o be_v altogether_o deny_v for_o this_o faith_n they_o have_v not_o by_o the_o common_a illumination_n but_o by_o special_a revelation_n give_v to_o some_o by_o prophecy_n and_o to_o other_o by_o mean_n of_o their_o prophecy_n page_n
word_n and_o doctrine_n do_v not_o depend_v on_o the_o church_n nor_o be_v build_v on_o the_o church_n but_o the_o church_n depend_v on_o it_o and_o be_v build_v thereupon_o eph._n 2.20_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n and_o great_a foundation_n of_o both_o section_n 7._o the_o rule_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n must_v be_v a_o doctrine_n which_o set_v before_o our_o mind_n all_o the_o credenda_fw-la or_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o certain_a proposition_n concern_v which_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n can_v give_v a_o judgement_n affirmative_a or_o negative_a again_o that_o the_o doctrine_n be_v the_o most_o perfect_a rule_n be_v compare_v with_o the_o new_a creature_n or_o work_n of_o sanctification_n be_v evident_a because_o so_o far_o a_o man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o more_o sanctify_a and_o redeem_v the_o more_o that_o his_o faith_n love_n hope_v humility_n patience_n temperance_n justice_n and_o other_o virtue_n come_v up_o to_o a_o conformity_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n faithful_o declare_v to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o notwithstanding_o the_o high_a pretension_n of_o some_o among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n to_o perfection_n yet_o i_o appeal_v to_o w._n p_n conscience_n if_o he_o can_v or_o dare_v say_v or_o think_v that_o his_o sanctity_n or_o virtue_n come_v up_o to_o a_o full_a conformity_n to_o the_o holy_a precept_n deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v his_o faith_n as_o great_a as_o the_o doctrine_n give_v we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n require_v it_o to_o be_v be_v his_o love_n as_o perfect_v perfect_a and_o complete_a be_v his_o meekness_n patience_n and_o humility_n justice_n temperance_n and_o piety_n equal_a to_o the_o height_n breadth_n depth_n and_o length_n of_o all_o god_n command_n even_o as_o outward_o deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n i_o trust_v he_o have_v so_o much_o discretion_n as_o to_o say_v nay_o then_o let_v he_o not_o exalt_v his_o sanctity_n or_o work_v of_o the_o new_a creature_n wrought_v in_o he_o above_o the_o sanctity_n of_o the_o holy_a doctrine_n and_o precept_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n make_v his_o sanctity_n or_o new_a creature_n in_o he_o superior_a or_o primary_n rule_n to_o the_o doctrine_n but_o let_v the_o doctrine_n have_v its_o due_a place_n to_o be_v a_o superior_a and_o primary_n rule_n to_o his_o sanctity_n or_o work_v of_o the_o new_a creature_n wrought_v in_o he_o let_v his_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o other_o virtue_n if_o he_o have_v they_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o subject_v thereunto_o but_o let_v not_o the_o doctrine_n be_v subject_v unto_o his_o faith_n and_o virtue_n which_o be_v far_o inferior_a to_o the_o purity_n spirituality_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o doctrine_n but_o if_o he_o will_v say_v the_o new_a creature_n in_o he_o be_v the_o great_a and_o high_a and_o most_o perfect_a rule_n whereby_o to_o square_v his_o faith_n and_o life_n it_o follow_v that_o he_o be_v arrive_v at_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o holiness_n for_o what_o can_v be_v beyond_o or_o above_o the_o high_a and_o most_o perfect_a rule_n of_o sanctity_n but_o again_o the_o great_a sanctity_n that_o be_v possible_a of_o man_n or_o angel_n simple_o consider_v can_v not_o have_v give_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n incarnation_n and_o of_o our_o redemption_n by_o he_o without_o a_o divine_a revelation_n therefore_o the_o sanctity_n or_o new_a creature_n in_o the_o holy_a of_o man_n can_v not_o be_v to_o they_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o touch_v these_o mystery_n if_o he_o will_v say_v there_o be_v a_o high_a and_o more_o perfect_a rule_n of_o sanctity_n than_o the_o new_a creature_n wrought_v in_o he_o let_v he_o tell_v we_o what_o it_o be_v if_o not_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o law_n precept_n and_o commandment_n deliver_v there_o if_o he_o say_v the_o light_n within_o or_o christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n within_o be_v that_o high_a and_o most_o perfect_a rule_n of_o sanctity_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v the_o spirit_n or_o light_v within_o abstract_o consider_v can_v be_v proper_o a_o rule_n i_o say_v abstract_o consider_v from_o the_o doctrine_n and_o precept_n deliver_v by_o the_o spirit_n whither_o internal_o without_o any_o external_a medium_fw-la or_o external_o by_o some_o external_a meidum_n nothing_o proper_o can_v be_v a_o rule_n of_o christian_a faith_n as_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o peculiar_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o that_o doctrine_n which_o set_v before_o our_o mind_n certain_a proposition_n of_o truth_n to_o which_o the_o mind_n can_v and_o aught_o to_o assent_v from_o sufficient_a motive_n of_o credibility_n which_o w.p._n from_o his_o own_o definition_n of_o faith_n must_v allow_v for_o he_o define_v faith_n page_n 4._o to_o be_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 on_o he_o as_o the_o great_a creator_n and_o saviour_n of_o his_o people_n where_o note_n that_o he_o whole_o pass_v by_o christ_n consider_v as_o god-man_n from_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o his_o faith_n be_v no_o other_o but_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o mere_a deist_n now_o see_v he_o define_v faith_n to_o be_v a_o assent_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o certain_a discovery_n make_v of_o god_n thereto_o etc._n etc._n these_o discovery_n must_v be_v certain_a proposition_n set_v before_o the_o mind_n in_o some_o form_n of_o word_n mental_o conceive_v and_o apprehend_v for_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o mind_n or_o intellect_n of_o man_n be_v such_o that_o it_o can_v judge_v what_o be_v true_a or_o false_a but_o as_o the_o truth_n be_v set_v before_o it_o in_o certain_a proposition_n consistng_a of_o word_n at_o least_o internal_o conceive_v and_o apprehend_v for_o the_o assent_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v a_o judgement_n of_o the_o mind_n form_v whereby_o it_o judge_v this_o or_o that_o to_o be_v true_a and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o true_a judgement_n it_o must_v have_v some_o proposition_n consist_v of_o word_n concern_v which_o it_o be_v enable_v either_o to_o affirm_v or_o deny_v what_o be_v real_o true_a as_o the_o mind_n can_v assent_v to_o this_o great_a truth_n that_o god_n be_v not_o a_o body_n but_o by_o a_o negative_a proposition_n consist_v of_o some_o word_n which_o be_v a_o negative_a judgement_n nor_o can_v it_o assent_v to_o this_o other_o proposition_n that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n but_o by_o a_o affirmative_a proposition_n consist_v of_o some_o word_n at_o least_o internal_o conceive_v call_v by_o some_o idea_n which_o be_v a_o affirmative_a judgement_n and_o therefore_o so_o far_o as_o faith_n be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o intellect_n and_o a_o assent_n of_o the_o mind_n it_o must_v needs_o have_v some_o word_n at_o least_o internal_o propose_v to_o it_o whereby_o it_o be_v capable_a to_o give_v a_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o it_o judge_v and_o see_v in_o matter_n pure_o of_o faith_n the_o mind_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o give_v a_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o without_o some_o sufficient_a motive_n of_o credibility_n as_o that_o they_o be_v give_v of_o god_n who_o be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o can_v lie_v nor_o deceive_v from_o these_o consideration_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o as_o there_o can_v be_v no_o assent_n of_o the_o mind_n or_o intellect_n without_o word_n or_o idea_n so_o there_o can_v be_v no_o faith_n without_o they_o and_o consequent_o that_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v certain_a proposition_n consist_v of_o word_n and_o sentence_n such_o as_o god_n deliver_v to_o the_o prophet_n and_o which_o be_v record_v in_o scripture_n such_o be_v that_o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n that_o a_o virgin_n shall_v conceive_v and_o bare_a a_o son_n and_o that_o son_n shall_v be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n that_o by_o his_o death_n he_o shall_v reconcile_v we_o unto_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a on_o the_o three_o day_n and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v there_o remain_v appear_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n for_o we_o our_o mighty_a advocate_n and_o intercessor_n until_o he_o come_v again_o to_o judge_v the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a etc._n etc._n how_o can_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n assent_v to_o these_o great_a truth_n without_o word_n at_o least_o internal_o conceive_v if_o he_o can_v as_o every_o intelligent_a person_n must_v acknowledge_v than_o those_o very_a word_n as_o they_o lie_v in_o a_o certain_a series_n and_o order_n of_o proposition_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o faith_n but_o see_v these_o word_n have_v no_o
place_n of_o scripture_n quote_v by_o he_o touch_v the_o rule_n as_o gal._n 6.16_o phil._n 3.16_o 2_o cor._n 10._o 13_o 15._o none_o of_o they_o all_o say_v either_o that_o the_o light_n within_o or_o the_o new_a creature_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n nor_o do_v he_o give_v any_o proof_n by_o any_o true_a consequence_n that_o it_o be_v and_o here_o by_o the_o way_n w.p._n shall_v be_v put_v in_o mind_n to_o prove_v what_o he_o assert_n by_o plain_a scripture_n without_o consequence_n which_o his_o brethren_n common_o allow_v not_o of_o but_o when_o any_o of_o their_o opponent_n argue_v with_o they_o by_o consequence_n however_o so_o fair_a they_o will_v not_o allow_v of_o they_o and_o yet_o throughout_o this_o whole_a treatise_n of_o w.p._n he_o bring_v not_o one_o argument_n from_o express_a scripture_n to_o prove_v his_o matter_n but_o proceed_v all_o along_o by_o consequence_n not_o one_o of_o which_o be_v fair_o and_o true_o infer_v as_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o through_o examination_n of_o they_o the_o rule_n mention_v gal._n 6.6_o have_v a_o plain_a and_o easy_a reference_n to_o the_o proposition_n lay_v down_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o forego_n verse_n which_o be_v this_o that_o in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n this_o proposition_n lay_v down_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o so_o many_o express_a word_n be_v a_o excellent_a rule_n and_o one_o of_o the_o many_o excellent_a rule_n appertain_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o entire_a body_n of_o which_o rule_n be_v deserve_o call_v the_o rule_n and_o well_o may_v the_o apostle_n say_v as_o many_o as_o walk_v according_a to_o that_o one_o rule_n which_o be_v very_o comprehensive_a peace_n be_v upon_o they_o for_o he_o that_o due_o walk_v according_a to_o that_o rule_n will_v be_v careful_a to_o walk_v according_a to_o all_o the_o other_o rule_n appertain_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n whereof_o that_o one_o be_v a_o main_a but_o let_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o in_o some_o sense_n the_o new_a creature_n may_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v a_o rule_n as_o i_o see_v no_o hurt_n to_o allow_v it_o in_o some_o sense_n and_o a_o law_n to_o he_o or_o they_o in_o who_o this_o new_a creature_n be_v wrought_v or_o bring_v forth_o for_o even_o those_o gentile_n which_o do_v the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n be_v say_v by_o paul_n rom._n 2._o to_o be_v a_o law_n to_o themselves_o which_o do_v show_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n then_o sure_o much_o rather_o every_o regenerate_a person_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o new_a nature_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o law_n or_o rule_n to_o himself_o according_a to_o that_o say_n of_o boetius_fw-la de_fw-fr consol_n phil._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 the_o love_n of_o virtue_n be_v great_a than_o any_o law_n that_o can_v be_v express_v or_o lay_v down_o in_o word_n but_o how_o as_o law_n there_o be_v understand_v not_o proper_o a_o law_n or_o precept_n inform_v the_o understanding_n but_o metaphorical_o as_o it_o be_v a_o inward_a power_n have_v a_o mighty_a impulse_n upon_o the_o will_n of_o a_o good_a man_n even_o as_o the_o love_n of_o vice_n be_v a_o mighty_a law_n that_o act_n with_o a_o mighty_a impulse_n on_o the_o will_n of_o a_o bad_a and_o vicious_a man_n hence_o as_o the_o one_o may_v be_v understand_v to_o be_v even_o in_o the_o scripture_n sense_n the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n jesus_n so_o the_o other_o may_v be_v understand_v to_o be_v the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n law_n in_o both_o these_o respect_n be_v understand_v not_o proper_o but_o metaphorical_o as_o when_o we_o common_o say_v god_n almighty_a the_o great_a author_n and_o creator_n of_o nature_n have_v give_v a_o law_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o every_o thing_n as_o weight_n to_o stone_n and_o metal_n whereby_o they_o be_v move_v downward_o and_o levity_n to_o fire_n whereby_o it_o be_v move_v upward_o but_o whither_o these_o motion_n proceed_v from_o a_o inward_a or_o external_a cause_n in_o these_o natural_a body_n be_v not_o the_o proper_a matter_n of_o debate_n here_o only_o the_o instance_n be_v give_v to_o show_v that_o law_n have_v common_o a_o metaphorical_a sense_n as_o well_o as_o proper_a and_o so_o have_v the_o word_n or_o term_n rule_n and_o i_o suppose_v w.p._n though_o perhaps_o not_o much_o acquaint_v with_o school-distinction_n have_v hear_v of_o the_o distinction_n of_o a_o rule_n into_o regula_n regulus_fw-la and_o regula_n regulata_n i._n e._n the_o rule_n rule_v and_o the_o rule_n rule_v at_o least_o of_o the_o primary_n and_o secondary_a rule_n for_o he_o have_v allow_v in_o this_o treatise_n that_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v call_v a_o secondary_a rule_n at_o least_o in_o several_a part_n of_o they_o and_o why_o may_v not_o much_o rather_o the_o new_a creature_n or_o work_v of_o sanctification_n be_v call_v a_o secondary_a rule_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n consist_v of_o many_o excellent_a precept_n and_o promise_n and_o other_o gospel_n truth_n the_o primary_n rule_n yea_o that_o it_o be_v so_o be_v evident_o prove_v because_o the_o new_a creature_n itself_o to_o wit_n the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v instrumental_o wrought_v by_o the_o form_n of_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_v by_o and_o with_o the_o say_a form_n of_o doctrine_n be_v the_o principal_a agent_n and_o efficient_a according_a to_o rom._n 6.17_o you_o have_v obey_v from_o the_o heart_n that_o form_n of_o doctrine_n which_o be_v deliver_v unto_o you_o or_o as_o the_o better_a translation_n be_v out_o of_o the_o greek_a unto_o or_o into_o which_o you_o be_v deliver_v the_o word_n translate_v form_n be_v type_n signify_v pattern_n mould_n or_o frame_n according_a to_o the_o fashion_n of_o which_o a_o thing_n be_v make_v as_o when_o a_o piece_n of_o clay_n be_v form_v by_o the_o potter_n by_o the_o frame_n to_o which_o it_o be_v apply_v or_o wax_n receive_v the_o impression_n of_o the_o seal_n or_o a_o vessel_n of_o brass_n tin_n or_o silver_n be_v frame_v by_o the_o mould_n into_o which_o it_o be_v cast_v now_o as_o the_o mould_n or_o pattern_n whereby_o any_o vessel_n be_v frame_v be_v prior_n to_o the_o vessel_n and_o the_o shape_n or_o fashion_n of_o the_o vessel_n be_v posterior_n to_o the_o pattern_n or_o exemplar_n according_a to_o which_o it_o be_v frame_v even_o so_o the_o new_a creature_n be_v posterior_n to_o the_o form_n of_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o this_o evident_o prove_v that_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o same_o that_o be_v extant_a in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n before_o it_o be_v commit_v to_o writing_n have_v the_o precedency_n and_o priority_n in_o point_n of_o a_o rule_n to_o the_o new_a creature_n so_o that_o the_o doctrine_n to_o wit_n the_o doctrinal_a word_n and_o word_n of_o god_n give_v by_o god_n and_o christ_n to_o the_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o by_o they_o to_o other_o man_n who_o by_o mean_n thereof_o be_v convert_v and_o inward_o renew_v regenerate_v and_o sanctify_v through_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o the_o principal_a efficient_a be_v the_o rule_n to_o the_o new_a creature_n and_o not_o the_o new_a creature_n the_o rule_n to_o the_o doctrine_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o wit_n the_o doctrinal_a word_n or_o word_n of_o doctrine_n be_v by_o a_o metaphor_n call_v seed_n in_o scripture_n for_o of_o seed_n plant_n tree_n and_o animal_n be_v produce_v and_o see_v according_a to_o scripture_n faith_n be_v wrought_v by_o hear_v the_o word_n outward_o preach_v in_o god_n ordinary_a way_n and_o that_o word_n be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n give_v original_o by_o god_n and_o christ_n to_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o by_o they_o to_o we_o it_o evident_o follow_v that_o faith_n or_o the_o new_a creature_n be_v not_o a_o rule_n to_o the_o doctrine_n but_o the_o doctrine_n be_v a_o rule_n to_o the_o faith_n and_o consequent_o the_o doctrine_n be_v the_o primary_n rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n but_o not_o that_o faith_n and_o life_n be_v the_o primary_n rule_n or_o any_o rule_n at_o all_o to_o the_o doctrine_n even_o as_o in_o natural_a generation_n the_o seed_n be_v before_o the_o birth_n and_o fruit_n so_o be_v the_o doctrine_n before_o the_o faith_n and_o before_o the_o person_n that_o be_v the_o believer_n or_o saint_n and_o regenerate_v person_n as_o such_o and_o before_o the_o church_n for_o the_o