then_o i_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v i_o consent_v thereto_o 6._o how_o shall_v i_o be_v assure_v that_o these_o scripture_n come_v from_o god_n i_o be_o bind_v to_o try_v all_o thing_n if_o all_o thing_n then_o they_o among_o the_o rest_n i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o i_o must_v try_v they_o with_o with_o the_o scripture_n then_o the_o scripture_n must_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o my_o examination_n and_o faith_n concern_v themselves_o which_o be_v improper_a if_o with_o the_o spirit_n that_o give_v they_o forth_o which_o search_v the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n a_o measure_n of_o which_o be_v give_v to_o i_o to_o profit_v withal_o then_o be_v it_o most_o congruous_a to_o call_v the_o spirit_n by_o way_n of_o excellency_n and_o not_o the_o scripture_n the_o rule_n 7._o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n they_o must_v be_v so_o in_o the_o original_a or_o copy_n if_o in_o the_o original_a that_o be_v not_o extant_a and_o so_o there_o will_v be_v no_o rule_n in_o be_v for_o the_o last_o of_o it_o that_o be_v extant_a be_v the_o evangelist_n john_n history_n at_o ephesus_n not_o see_v almost_o these_o thousand_o year_n if_o the_o copy_n must_v be_v the_o rule_n it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v we_o know_v which_o be_v the_o nigh_a to_o the_o original_a there_o be_v above_o thirty_o in_o number_n this_o be_v undetermined_a and_o for_o aught_o we_o see_v indeterminable_a and_o that_o which_o further_o confirm_v what_o i_o say_v be_v the_o variety_n of_o readins_n which_o we_o find_v among_o those_o copy_n amount_v to_o several_a thousand_o and_o if_o the_o copy_n can_v how_o can_v the_o translation_n be_v the_o rule_n so_o various_a if_o not_o differ_v from_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o copy_n in_o many_o thing_n and_o one_o from_o another_o beside_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v of_o those_o of_o our_o present_a age_n who_o thus_o contend_v for_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o general_n rule_n etc._n etc._n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o spirit_n upon_o what_o foot_n they_o receive_v they_o into_o this_o place_n and_o authority_n be_v it_o by_o tradition_n or_o revelation_n i_o mean_v the_o internal_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o the_o external_n award_n and_o determination_n of_o man_n if_o the_o former_a they_o must_v unavoidable_o come_v over_o to_o we_o for_o then_o the_o spirit_n will_v and_o must_v be_v both_o rule_n and_o judge_n if_o the_o latter_a i_o ask_v how_o be_v they_o assure_v that_o they_o be_v not_o miserable_o abuse_v by_o carelessness_n or_o design_n since_o we_o see_v that_o use_v utmost_a diligence_n both_o translation_n transcription_n and_o printing_n be_v subject_a to_o numerous_a mistake_v and_o those_o sometime_o very_o material_a against_o which_o the_o scripture_n of_o itself_o can_v be_v no_o fence_n but_o admit_v there_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o any_o such_o objection_n i_o further_o demand_v of_o our_o adversary_n if_o they_o be_v well_o assure_v of_o those_o man_n that_o first_o collect_v embody_v and_o declare_v they_o authentic_a by_o a_o public_a canon_n which_o we_o read_v be_v in_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n hold_v 360_o year_n after_o christ_n though_o not_o as_o they_o be_v now_o receive_v during_o which_o time_n they_o have_v be_v toss_v and_o tumble_v through_o many_o hand_n and_o of_o many_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n some_o be_v receive_v and_o some_o reject_v and_o doubtless_o many_o thousand_o of_o time_n transcribe_v and_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a that_o they_o be_v also_o abuse_v if_o they_o miss_v in_o their_o judgement_n here_o they_o be_v go_v till_o they_o come_v to_o we_o i_o say_v how_o do_v they_o know_v that_o these_o man_n right_o discern_v true_a from_o spurious_a either_o their_o judgement_n be_v infallible_a in_o the_o matter_n or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o it_o be_v than_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o infallibility_n since_o the_o apostle_n day_n which_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o yourselves_o but_o be_v it_o so_o that_o they_o be_v infallible_a how_o come_v you_o to_o be_v assure_v they_o be_v so_o not_o by_o inspiration_n for_o that_o be_v dangerous_a doctrine_n with_o you_o which_o way_n be_v it_o then_o not_o by_o tradition_n be_v it_o by_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n tell_v you_o that_o those_o man_n that_o collect_v it_o for_o true_a be_v right_o in_o their_o judgement_n but_o we_o be_v yet_o to_o find_v any_o such_o place_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o will_v but_o beg_v the_o question_n i_o can_v see_v any_o other_o ground_n beside_o your_o very_a great_a indulgence_n to_o their_o choice_n which_o you_o call_v popery_n and_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v in_o other_o folk_n but_o if_o these_o man_n be_v fallible_a as_o your_o opinion_n make_v they_o and_o their_o own_o determination_n prove_v they_o what_o then_o doubtless_o your_o condition_n will_v be_v very_o uncertain_a now_o sure_o it_o be_v that_o some_o of_o the_o scripture_n take_v in_o by_o one_o council_n for_o canonical_a be_v reject_v by_o another_o as_o apocryphal_a and_o that_o which_o be_v leave_v out_o by_o the_o former_a for_o apocryphal_a be_v take_v in_o by_o the_o latter_a for_o canonical_a now_o visible_a it_o be_v that_o they_o contradict_v each_o other_o and_o as_o true_a that_o they_o both_o err_v respect_v the_o present_a belief_n for_o your_o canon_n and_o catalogue_n vary_v from_o they_o and_o let_v i_o say_v without_o offence_n from_o any_o catalogue_n you_o can_v produce_v behold_v the_o labyrinth_n of_o incertainty_n you_o run_v yourselves_o into_o who_o go_v from_o that_o heavenly_a gift_n be_v yourselves_o by_o which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v true_o discern_v relish_v and_o distinguish_v from_o the_o invention_n and_o abuse_n of_o man_n 8._o furthermore_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n etc._n etc._n then_o because_o they_o can_v be_v the_o rule_n in_o their_o translation_n suppose_v the_o ancient_a copy_n be_v exact_a it_o can_v be_v the_o rule_n to_o far_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n indeed_o to_o none_o but_o learned_a man_n which_o neither_o answer_v the_o promise_n relate_v to_o gospel-time_n which_o be_v universal_a nor_o the_o necessity_n of_o all_o mankind_n for_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n 9_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n be_v prove_v from_o those_o voluminous_a discourse_n of_o case_n of_o conscience_n that_o be_v extant_a among_o we_o for_o have_v the_o scripture_n be_v as_o sufficient_a as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n require_v there_o have_v be_v no_o need_n of_o such_o tract_n every_o man_n may_v have_v read_v his_o own_o condition_n lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n without_o those_o numerous_a supplement_n do_v not_o your_o own_o language_n and_o practice_n prove_v its_o insufficiency_n to_o that_o end_n at_o what_o time_n you_o both_o exhort_v to_o and_o go_v in_o secret_a to_o seek_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o or_o that_o important_a affair_n why_o do_v not_o you_o turn_v to_o chapter_n and_o verse_n for_o satisfaction_n if_o the_o scripture_n be_v appoint_v of_o god_n for_o the_o general_n rule_n strange_a that_o what_o be_v so_o common_a in_o the_o mouth_n of_o all_o sort_n viz._n god_n direct_v you_o which_o imply_v inspiration_n and_o revelation_n or_o immediate_a council_n or_o guide_v from_o god_n shall_v not_o be_v know_v much_o less_o acknowledge_v by_o you_o in_o our_o write_n suffer_v but_o disdain_v with_o such_o scare_v epithet_n as_o enthusiasm_n familism_n fanaticism_n quakerism_n etc._n etc._n in_o short_a there_o be_v a_o *_o thousand_o case_n and_o not_o a_o few_o occur_v almost_o daily_o in_o which_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v our_o plain_a and_o distinct_a rule_n and_o guide_n yet_o have_v not_o god_n leave_v himself_o without_o a_o witness_n in_o any_o bosom_n 1_o for_o his_o grace_n that_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v unto_o all_o man_n 12._o teach_v they_o that_o believe_v in_o it_o to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o christ_n jesus_n the_o eternal_a word_n have_v for_o that_o end_v light_v every_o man_n come_v into_o the_o wold_n viz._n to_o discover_v reprove_v and_o instruct_v about_o faith_n and_o practice_n but_o it_o may_v be_v and_o be_v object_v by_o some_o obj._n if_o this_o law_n and_o light_n in_o the_o conscience_n have_v be_v enough_o what_o need_n have_v there_o be_v of_o scripture_n answ_n the_o same_o argument_n will_v hold_v against_o god_n christ_n his_o spirit_n and_o grace_n all_o which_o be_v sufficient_a notwithstanding_o the_o use_n and_o benefit_n of_o scripture_n the_o case_n be_v this_o man_n mind_n be_v estrange_v from_o the_o light_n and_o
the_o consequence_n of_o our_o principle_n but_o without_o great_a injustice_n to_o we_o the_o scripture_n be_v uncertain_a upon_o their_o â—â—â—ndation_n but_o not_o upon_o we_o do_v our_o manife_v their_o faith_n concern_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v ground_v upon_o their_o own_o imagination_n or_o humane_a tradition_n make_v void_a scripture_n or_o render_v they_o uncertain_a by_o mean_n for_o we_o will_v have_v they_o receivupon_o the_o spirit_n be_v testimony_n and_o evidence_n which_o give_v they_o forth_o and_o though_o can_v allow_v they_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o 〈◊〉_d and_o life_n under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o 〈◊〉_d gospel_n which_o be_v power_n and_o life_n itself_o 〈◊〉_d be_v they_o to_o be_v reverent_o read_v believe_v 〈◊〉_d fulfil_v under_o the_o gospel_n for_o notwithstanding_o the_o law_n write_v upon_o stone_n be_v 〈◊〉_d paul_n rule_n after_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v in_o he_o yet_o the_o son_n of_o god_n teach_v 〈◊〉_d to_o fulfil_v the_o righteousness_n declare_v by_o 〈◊〉_d law_n if_o it_o be_v to_o deny_v and_o reject_v as_o 〈◊〉_d have_v envious_o say_v of_o we_o yea_o to_o vilify_v the_o scripture_n because_o we_o can_v allow_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n etc._n etc._n paul_n then_o may_v be_v say_v deny_v reject_v and_o vilify_v the_o write_a law_n what_o time_n the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o 〈◊〉_d in_o christ_n jesus_n become_v his_o rule_n there_o a_o great_a difference_n between_o assert_v that_o 〈◊〉_d spirit_n be_v the_o rule_n and_o cast_v away_o and_o â—â—lifying_a of_o scripture_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v but_o 〈◊〉_d old_a fetch_v of_o the_o devil_n be_v to_o pretend_v hoâ—our_n to_o the_o letter_n that_o he_o may_v the_o more_o unsuspected_o oppose_v the_o bring_n in_o of_o dispensation_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o the_o 〈◊〉_d itself_o testify_v of_o and_o to_o they_o that_o 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v lead_v of_o the_o spirit_n arrive_v at_o the_o end_n which_o the_o scripture_n be_v give_v forth_o 〈◊〉_d apostle_n john_n do_v as_o good_a as_o say_v the_o 〈◊〉_d thing_n when_o he_o tell_v they_o to_o who_o write_v that_o the_o anoint_v which_o they_o have_v â—â—ceived_v and_o abide_v in_o they_o will_v lead_v they_o all_o truth_n and_o that_o they_o need_v not_o that_o man_n shall_v teach_v they_o to_o deny_v this_o to_o 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o saint_n teacher_n be_v to_o deny_v as_o 〈◊〉_d a_o proposition_n as_o be_v in_o the_o whole_a scripture_n and_o that_o one_o age_n of_o christianity_n 〈◊〉_d have_v one_o rule_n and_o another_o age_n anoâ—â—â—_n rule_n that_o age_n the_o spirit_n and_o this_o but_o letter_n be_v more_o than_o any_o man_n can_v 〈◊〉_d yet_o do_v john_n so_n write_v to_o the_o believer_n valid_a the_o scripture_n or_o vilify_v his_o own_o 〈◊〉_d i_o will_v think_v none_o can_v talk_v so_o 〈◊〉_d how_o then_o do_v our_o exalt_v the_o light_a 〈◊〉_d spirit_n of_o christ_n which_o fulfil_v the_o scripture_n by_o bring_v such_o as_o be_v lead_v by_o it_o to_o enjoy_v the_o good_a thing_n therein_o declare_v reject_v 〈◊〉_d vilify_v the_o scripture_n do_v our_o live_n up_o they_o by_o a_o high_a rule_n make_v we_o to_o deny_v aâ—â—_n reprobate_v they_o erasmus_n and_o grotius_n thiâ—â—_n they_o then_o most_o to_o be_v value_v when_o 〈◊〉_d be_v witness_n of_o their_o truth_n in_o themselves_o see_v they_o on_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 19_o 20._o i_o do_v acknowledge_v they_o contain_v a_o account_n of_o sever_v heavenly_a prophecy_n godly_a reproof_n instruction_n and_o example_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v â—â—beyed_v and_o follow_v object_n if_o so_o then_o how_o be_v they_o not_o a_o rule_n faith_n and_o life_n answ_n a_o rule_n and_o the_o rule_n be_v two_o â—â—â—ngs_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n understand_v the_o live_n spiritual_n immediate_n â—mipresent_v discover_v order_v spirit_n of_o 〈◊〉_d and_o by_o a_o rule_n i_o apprehend_v some_o inâ—â—â—ment_n by_o and_o through_o which_o this_o great_a 〈◊〉_d universal_a rule_n may_v convey_v its_o direction_n such_o a_o subordinate_a secondary_a and_o deâ—â—ratory_a rule_n we_o never_o say_v several_a part_n of_o â—â—ripture_n be_v not_o yet_o we_o confess_v the_o â—eason_n of_o our_o obedience_n be_v not_o mere_o because_o they_o be_v there_o write_v for_o that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d but_o because_o they_o be_v the_o eternal_a preâ—â—â—ts_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o man_n conscience_n regul_n thereâ—epeated_v â—epeated_z and_o declare_v it_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o 〈◊〉_d spirit_n which_o be_v the_o true_a rule_n for_o believe_v â—nd_a understanding_n of_o the_o scripture_n 31._o therefore_o 〈◊〉_d the_o scripture_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n must_v 〈◊〉_d the_o rule_n for_o our_o believe_v and_o understand_v them_o thus_o hold_v the_o ancient_n tertullion_n say_v prescript_n worldly_a wisdom_n the_o lord_n â—alls_v foolishness_n he_o have_v choose_v the_o foolish_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o confound_a of_o philosophy_n 204._o â—or_a that_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o worldly_a wisdom_n a_o divine_a interpreter_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o disposings_n justin_n martyr_n in_o exposit_n fid_fw-we 90._o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v accommodate_v to_o the_o will_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o not_o to_o humane_a reason_n hieron_n say_v 70._o the_o scripture_n must_v be_v open_v with_o spiritual_a exposition_n epiphanius_n say_v only_o to_o the_o child_n the_o holy_a ghost_n all_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a 〈◊〉_d clear_a 532._o nor_o be_v the_o most_o approve_a protestant_n any_o sort_n who_o have_v be_v so_o repute_v in_o oviposition_n to_o popery_n of_o another_o mind_n it_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o four_o article_n exâ—bited_v against_o the_o lutheran_n in_o the_o council_n trent_n 150._o as_o a_o erroneous_a doctrine_n they_o heâ—_n that_o to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n neither_o gloss_n 〈◊〉_d comment_n be_v necessary_a but_o only_o to_o have_v the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o a_o sheep_n of_o christ_n pasture_n erasmus_n tell_v we_o 2._o what_o man_n set_v forth_o man_n device_n may_v be_v receive_v by_o man_n 〈◊〉_d but_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v set_v forth_o by_o the_o inspiration_n the_o holy_a ghost_n require_v a_o interpreter_n inspire_v with_o the_o like_a spirit_n and_o without_o the_o inspiration_n of_o it_o the_o secret_n of_o god_n can_v 〈◊〉_d know_v luther_n give_v we_o his_o mind_n thus_o 169._o the_o scripâ—tures_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v but_o by_o that_o 〈◊〉_d spirit_n by_o which_o they_o be_v write_v peter_n martyr_n 6._o that_o famous_a italian_a proteâ—stant_n teach_v we_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o abettâ—â—_n by_o which_o we_o must_v assure_v ourselves_o for_o underâ—standing_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o thereby_o we_o may_v discern_v between_o christ_n word_n and_o a_o stranger_n quote_v christ_n word_n my_o sheep_n know_v my_o voice_n and_o several_a other_o place_n of_o scripâ—ture_n again_o 18._o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n reveal_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o scripture_n h._n bullinger_n decad._n 4._o serm._n 8._o man_n fetch_v â—he_n understanding_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o no_o where_o â—lse_o but_o from_o the_o same_o spirit_n john_n bradford_n answer_v to_o the_o archbishop_n of_o york_n thus_o 298._o we_o know_v the_o scripture_n as_o christ_n sheep_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o write_v and_o speak_v they_o be_v thereby_o assure_v etc._n etc._n 〈◊〉_d teach_v thus_o in_o his_o institutes_n 8._o it_o necessary_a the_o same_o spirit_n that_o speak_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o prophet_n shall_v pierce_v into_o our_o heart_n to_o persuade_v we_o that_o they_o faithful_o deliver_v that_o which_o be_v commit_v to_o they_o of_o god_n beza_n say_v 19_o that_o the_o way_n of_o understand_a prophecy_n and_o refer_v they_o to_o the_o right_a scope_n must_v be_v seek_v or_o fetch_v from_o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o dictate_v they_o to_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o and_o more_o to_o that_o purpose_n w._n tindal_n 80._o call_v the_o english_a apostle_n by_o j._n fox_n say_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o understand_v in_o the_o scripture_n more_o than_o a_o turk_n for_o any_o that_o have_v not_o the_o law_n of_o god_n write_v in_o the_o heart_n to_o fulfil_v it_o bp._n jewel_n say_v thus_o against_o harding_n 534._o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v bind_v neither_o to_o sharpness_n of_o wit_n nor_o to_o abundance_n of_o learning_n flesh_n and_o blood_n be_v not_o able_a to_o understand_v the_o holy_a will_n of_o god_n without_o special_a revelation_n without_o this_o special_a help_n and_o prompt_v of_o god_n spirit_n the_o scripture_n be_v to_o the_o reader_n be_v he_o never_o so_o wise_a and_o well_o learned_a as_o the_o vision_n of_o a_o seal_a book_n d._n ames_n 32._o a_o great_a father_n of_o the_o independent_o say_v upon_o occasion_n of_o bellarmin_n word_n the_o anoint_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v teach_v the_o
faithful_a to_o understand_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o receive_v of_o the_o apostle_n therefore_o to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n with_o more_o to_o that_o purpose_n vatablus_n on_o job_n 32._o 8._o with_o drusius_n 〈…〉_z and_o other_o speak_v to_o the_o same_o effect_n g._n cradock_n 217._o a_o famous_a independent_a preacher_n preach_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o speechless_a thing_n without_o the_o spirit_n ch._n goad_n 12._o a_o eminent_a separate_a in_o his_o work_n style_v b._n d._n of_o k._n college_n in_o cambridge_n and_o a_o independent_a pastor_n thus_o teach_v there_o be_v no_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n nor_o of_o the_o scripture_n but_o by_o revelation_n d._n j._n owen_n quak._n a_o man_n of_o great_a fame_n among_o the_o present_a independent_o say_v theâ—_n public_a authentic_a and_o infallible_a interpreter_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v he_o who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o from_o the_o breathe_v of_o who_o spirit_n it_o derive_v all_o its_o verity_n perspicuity_n and_o authority_n so_o that_o we_o see_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o many_o considerable_a person_n the_o scripture_n be_v noâ—_n rule_n for_o our_o believe_v and_o understand_v 〈◊〉_d itself_o and_o therefore_o not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n concern_v the_o thing_n therein_o declare_v i_o will_v give_v a_o short_a instance_n in_o christ_n word_n about_o regeneration_n he_o teach_v and_o strange_a it_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o wise_a nicodemus_n that_o unless_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n this_o be_v as_o plain_a a_o proposition_n as_o can_v be_v lay_v down_o and_o may_v be_v credit_v historical_o but_o what_o be_v that_o to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o experience_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n that_o they_o be_v never_o like_a to_o be_v inform_v of_o there_o nor_o can_v that_o scripture_n be_v my_o rule_n in_o that_o heavenly_a travel_n respect_v the_o many_o and_o wonderful_a trial_n and_o exercise_n that_o be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o way_n to_o it_o neither_o can_v any_o other_o write_v whatever_n this_o only_o be_v the_o office_n of_o that_o spirit_n and_o word_n immortal_a by_o which_o we_o be_v beget_v again_o what_o then_o be_v my_o rule_n to_o inform_v order_n strengthen_v and_o lead_v through_o the_o whole_a operation_n but_o the_o same_o spirit_n all_o doctrinal_a scripture_n be_v experience_v before_o write_v or_o they_o have_v not_o be_v true_a witness_n who_o write_v it_o now_o that_o which_o be_v their_o rule_n can_v only_o guide_v we_o into_o the_o same_o experience_n nor_o be_v they_o to_o be_v right_o know_v before_o experience_a do_v my_o will_n 17._o and_o you_o shall_v know_v more_o of_o my_o doctrine_n say_v christ_n i_o read_v the_o history_n of_o such_o thing_n this_o save_v not_o neither_o can_v the_o history_n be_v the_o rule_n lead_v into_o the_o mystery_n that_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o spirit_n 10._o that_o search_v out_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n consequently_n the_o spirit_n and_o not_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n for_o so_o believe_v and_o live_v obj._n but_o be_v not_o this_o to_o make_v void_a the_o protestant_n plea_n against_o the_o papist_n viz._n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n answ_n no_o such_o matter_n for_o the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n but_o whether_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v god_n tradition_n or_o popish_a tradition_n be_v the_o rule_n to_o measure_v the_o truth_n of_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n by_o we_o grant_v that_o particular_a scripture_n right_o understand_v may_v measure_v what_o be_v agreeable_a or_o disagreeable_a to_o they_o that_o be_v such_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o that_o part_n of_o scripture_n more_o particular_o relate_v to_o our_o day_n be_v questionable_a by_o the_o scripture_n especial_o since_o all_o party_n pretend_v that_o what_o they_o say_v and_o do_v be_v according_a to_o scripture_n yet_o this_o conclude_v not_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o general_n and_o evangelical_n rule_n obj._n but_o if_o god_n have_v not_o reveal_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o scripture_n by_o it_o to_o we_o how_o can_v they_o have_v be_v know_v by_o we_o answ_n they_o be_v know_v by_o the_o light_n and_o spirit_n of_o christ_n before_o they_o be_v write_v for_o from_o be_v write_v they_o be_v call_v scripture_n therefore_o it_o be_v say_v 11._o that_o the_o prophet_n search_v diligent_o what_o and_o what_o manner_n of_o time_n the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n thaâ—_n be_v in_o they_o do_v signify_v when_o it_o testify_v before_o hand_n of_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n noâ—_n be_v they_o ever_o the_o more_o reveal_v to_o the_o blind_a and_o dark_a mind_n because_o they_o be_v write_v the_o mystery_n of_o regeneration_n be_v as_o puzzle_v to_o natural_a wit_n and_o earthly_a wisdom_n as_o before_o therefore_o well_o say_v epiphanius_n only_o to_o the_o child_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v plain_a and_o easie_n mens_fw-la go_v to_o hammer_v out_o principle_n without_o this_o infallible_a guide_n and_o rule_n have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o that_o great_a confusion_n that_o be_v over_o mankind_n about_o religion_n to_o this_o very_a day_n obj._n but_o how_o else_o can_v you_o have_v know_v those_o prophecy_n to_o be_v true_a for_o that_o be_v not_o matter_n of_o witness_v but_o foretell_v answ_n that_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a revelation_n not_o fall_v within_o the_o ordinary_a discovery_n that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o man_n salvation_n by_o which_o he_o show_v his_o power_n and_o faithfulness_n that_o he_o be_v god_n and_o can_v foretell_v and_o will_v bring_v to_o pass_v but_o therefore_o must_v there_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a light_n or_o spirit_n and_o not_o rather_o a_o extraordinary_a sight_n and_o sense_n from_o one_o and_o the_o same_o light_n and_o spirit_n in_o they_o beside_o that_o which_o give_v i_o to_o believe_v and_o savour_n it_o to_o be_v from_o the_o spirit_n and_o not_o by_o imposture_n be_v my_o rule_n for_o believe_v it_o now_o that_o the_o spirit_n so_o do_v both_o calvin_n and_o beza_n as_o before_o cite_v assert_v for_o i_o viz._n the_o same_o spirit_n that_o speak_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o prophet_n must_v pierce_v into_o our_o heart_n to_o persuade_v we_o that_o they_o faithful_o declare_v that_o which_o be_v commit_v to_o they_o of_o god_n obj._n but_o this_o light_n you_o speak_v of_o can_v not_o tell_v you_o which_o way_n sin_n come_v into_o the_o world_n that_o there_o be_v a_o adam_n and_o eve_n that_o they_o fall_v after_o that_o manner_n and_o that_o sin_n so_o enter_v the_o world_n that_o christ_n be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n suffer_v death_n and_o rose_n again_o that_o you_o ought_v not_o to_o swear_v in_o any_o case_n etc._n etc._n if_o the_o scripture_n have_v not_o tell_v you_o so_o answ_n that_o be_v bold_o say_v but_o consider_v well_o moses_n say_v the_o vulgar_a opinion_n have_v that_o account_n of_o the_o creation_n above_o two_o thousand_o year_n after_o it_o by_o revelation_n which_o we_o find_v in_o genesis_n now_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o revelation_n without_o this_o divine_a light_n or_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o eternal_a create_v word_n must_v needs_o be_v grant_v for_o say_v the_o apostle_n paul_n 11._o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n know_v only_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o whatever_o make_v manifest_a be_v light_a 13._o and_o that_o the_o spirit_n and_o light_n be_v one_o though_o two_o name_n have_v be_v sufficient_o evidence_v already_o if_o then_o it_o be_v this_o light_n of_o the_o eternal_a word_n that_o deliver_v those_o past_a thing_n to_o moses_n and_o give_v that_o prospect_n of_o future_a thing_n to_o the_o prophet_n as_o no_o doubt_n it_o be_v if_o the_o scripture_n be_v credible_a then_o to_o say_v the_o light_n or_o spirit_n can_v not_o do_v it_o be_v blasphemous_a as_o well_o as_o absurd_a again_o to_o argue_v because_o the_o light_n do_v not_o reveal_v every_o circumstance_n of_o history_n to_o each_o individual_a that_o have_v already_o a_o account_n thereof_o of_o therefore_o it_o can_v not_o be_v unreasonable_a be_v the_o history_n of_o the_o transaction_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o follower_n want_v as_o before_o moses_n be_v that_o of_o adam_n and_o his_o posterity_n and_o that_o the_o lord_n see_v it_o needful_a to_o acquaint_v mankind_n therewith_o no_o doubt_n but_o the_o light_n and_o spirit_n which_o reveal_v the_o account_n of_o the_o creation_n above_o two_o thousand_o year_n after_o to_o moses_n and_o foretold_v several_a hundred_o year_n many_o of_o those_o transaction_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o prophet_n will_v
lose_v its_o ruâ—â—â—â—_n exercise_n among_o they_o as_o that_o they_o live_v â—â—â—hout_n any_o sense_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n therefore_o 〈◊〉_d the_o scripture_n have_v not_o be_v neither_o be_v 〈◊〉_d general_n rule_n no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o of_o any_o 〈◊〉_d since_o in_o no_o age_n can_v it_o be_v prove_v that_o 〈◊〉_d whole_a or_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n 〈◊〉_d they_o but_o have_v they_o be_v so_o for_o some_o 〈◊〉_d or_o two_o age_n as_o they_o never_o be_v yet_o 〈◊〉_d grant_v it_o will_v not_o reach_v our_o question_n â—â—ere_o the_o word_n general_n imply_v the_o naâ—â—â—e_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o respect_v manâ—â—d_v from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n to_o 〈◊〉_d day_n and_o so_o to_o the_o end_n obj._n but_o be_v not_o the_o scripture_n the_o rule_n etc._n etc._n our_o day_n answ_n if_o the_o rule_n than_o the_o general_n rule_n 〈◊〉_d whatsoever_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o 〈◊〉_d and_o life_n exclude_v all_o other_o from_o be_v general_n 〈◊〉_d be_v but_o particular_a in_o respect_n of_o it_o 〈◊〉_d therefore_o not_o the_o though_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n but_o beside_o their_o not_o be_v general_n i_o 〈◊〉_d several_a reason_n to_o offer_v why_o they_o can_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n etc._n etc._n 1._o if_o now_o the_o rule_n than_o ever_o the_o ruâ—â—_n but_o they_o be_v not_o ever_o the_o rule_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o rule_n christian_n that_o 〈◊〉_d be_v not_o ever_o the_o 〈◊〉_d be_v grant_v but_o 〈◊〉_d they_o be_v not_o thereâ—â—â—_n now_o the_o rule_n may_v 〈◊〉_d by_o some_o deny_v 〈◊〉_d i_o shall_v prove_v thus_o the_o faith_n of_o 〈◊〉_d people_n in_o all_o age_n of_o one_o nature_n he_o 〈◊〉_d the_o rule_n but_o of_o 〈◊〉_d nature_n but_o cleâ—â—â—_n be_v heb._n 11._o the_o 〈◊〉_d have_v be_v but_o of_o 〈◊〉_d nature_n consequeâ—â—â—_n the_o rule_n but_o of_o 〈◊〉_d nature_n in_o short_a the_o holy_a ancient_n 〈◊〉_d faith_n before_o they_o 〈◊〉_d or_o write_v scriptuâ—â—_n they_o have_v a_o rule_n â—â—â—â—fore_o they_o have_v or_o 〈◊〉_d scripture_n it_o for_o 〈◊〉_d faith_n be_v there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d for_o that_o faith_n 〈◊〉_d if_o the_o faith_n be_v one_o nature_n the_o 〈◊〉_d be_v of_o one_o nature_n 〈◊〉_d and_o since_o the_o 〈◊〉_d be_v inward_a spiriâ—â—â—â—_n beget_v of_o the_o â—â—â—ortal_a word_n in_o 〈◊〉_d be_v life_n and_o that_o the_o light_n of_o man_n that_o this_o word_n of_o 〈◊〉_d and_o light_n be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d then_o no_o book_n â—â—â—ing_n or_o engrave_v visible_a and_o perish_a matter_n can_v be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d now_o â—gain_o such_o as_o the_o 〈◊〉_d be_v such_o must_v the_o 〈◊〉_d be_v but_o the_o faith_n 〈◊〉_d before_o inward_a 〈◊〉_d spiritual_a thereâ—â—â—â—_n the_o rule_n must_v be_v 〈◊〉_d and_o spiritual_a 〈◊〉_d no_o mere_a book_n 〈◊〉_d be_v if_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o general_n rule_n 〈◊〉_d must_v have_v always_o be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n 〈◊〉_d since_o they_o be_v a_o rule_n but_o this_o be_v possible_a since_o they_o be_v many_o hundred_o year_n write_v and_o be_v now_o imperfect_a also_o as_o number_v how_o then_o be_v they_o the_o perfect_a 〈◊〉_d that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o perfect_a ruleâ—â—fore_o â—â—fore_z they_o be_v write_v must_v be_v granteâ—_n and_o that_o they_o be_v many_o hundred_o yeâ—_n writing_n must_v also_o be_v allow_v and_o that_o 〈◊〉_d be_v imperfect_a now_o as_o to_o number_n i_o proveâ—â—_n first_o enoch_n prophecy_n be_v mention_v 〈◊〉_d judas_n but_o not_o extant_a in_o the_o bible_n the_o boâ—â—_n of_o the_o war_n of_o the_o lord_n numb_a 21._o 14._o 〈◊〉_d book_n of_o jasher_n josh_n 10._o 13._o 2_o sam._n 1._o 〈◊〉_d the_o book_n of_o nathan_n 2_o chron._n 9_o 29._o 〈◊〉_d book_n of_o shemaiah_n 2_o chron._n 12._o 15._o 〈◊〉_d book_n of_o jehu_n the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apâ—â—â—_n paul_n to_o the_o laodicean_n collos_n 4._o 16._o 〈◊〉_d several_a other_o mention_v in_o the_o scriptâ—â—â—_n not_o now_o extant_a and_o last_o luke_n say_v 〈◊〉_d many_o take_v in_o hand_n to_o relate_v from_o eye-witâ—â—_a the_o thing_n most_o sure_o believe_v etc._n etc._n now_o it_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v that_o 〈◊〉_d write_v many_o year_n after_o luke_n some_o 〈◊〉_d luke_n write_v before_o mark_n however_o mâ—â—thew_n and_o mark_n be_v not_o many_o and_o to_o 〈◊〉_d day_n we_o see_v no_o more_o than_o those_o four_o in_o 〈◊〉_d bibles_n and_o therefore_o many_o such_o write_n be_v lose_v and_o if_o lose_v than_o the_o scripture_n aforesaid_a not_o perfect_a and_o if_o imperfect_a 〈◊〉_d can_v they_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n since_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o faith_n must_v be_v perfect_a 3._o my_o three_o reason_n be_v this_o the_o scripture_n however_o useful_a to_o edification_n 〈◊〉_d comfort_n seem_v not_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n 〈◊〉_d frame_n to_o have_v be_v compile_v and_o deliverâ—_n as_o the_o general_n rule_n and_o entire_a body_n of_o faâ—â—â—_n but_o rather_o write_v upon_o particular_a occasiâ—â—_n and_o emergency_n the_o doctrine_n be_v 〈◊〉_d â—â—ered_v throughout_o the_o scripture_n insomuch_o â—hat_n those_o society_n who_o have_v give_v forth_o verbal_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n have_v be_v necessitate_v to_o toss_v they_o to_o and_o fro_o search_z â—ere_z and_o search_v there_o to_o lay_v down_o this_o or_o â—he_v other_o principle_n and_o then_o as_o like_v the_o original_a text_n as_o their_o apprehension_n can_v render_v â—t_a whereas_o be_v it_o as_o plain_a and_o distinct_a as_o â—he_v nature_n of_o a_o rule_n require_v they_o need_v only_o to_o have_v give_v their_o subscription_n for_o a_o confession_n beside_o here_o they_o be_v proper_a â—here_o metaphorical_a in_o one_o place_n literal_o in_o â—nother_n mystical_o to_o be_v accept_v most_o time_n point_n be_v to_o be_v prove_v by_o compare_v and_o weigh_v place_n coherent_a where_o to_o allude_v apt_o and_o not_o wrong_v the_o sense_n be_v difficult_a â—nd_n require_v a_o clear_a and_o certain_a discern_v notwithstanding_o the_o clamour_n upon_o we_o about_o infallibility_n now_o from_o all_o this_o with_o abundance_n more_o that_o may_v be_v say_v plain_a it_o be_v â—hat_n the_o scripture_n be_v not_o plain_a but_o to_o the_o spiritual_a man_n thus_o peter_n say_v of_o paul_n write_n that_o in_o many_o thing_n they_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v therefore_o not_o such_o a_o rule_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v plain_a proper_a and_o intelligible_a 4._o again_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n because_o it_o can_v give_v faith_n for_o faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n which_o overcome_v the_o world_n 8._o neither_o of_o practice_n because_o it_o can_v distinguish_v of_o itself_o in_o all_o case_n what_o ought_v to_o be_v practise_v and_o what_o not_o 4._o since_o â—t_a contain_v as_o well_o what_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v practise_v as_o what_o ought_v this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o christ_n disciple_n who_o have_v no_o particular_a rule_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n write_n for_o the_o abolish_n of_o some_o part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n religion_n on_o the_o contrary_n they_o may_v have_v plead_v for_o the_o perpetuity_n of_o it_o because_o christ_n say_v unto_o they_o do_v as_o they_o say_v that_o sit_v in_o moses_n be_v chair_n more_o reasonable_o than_o many_o who_o make_v that_o a_o plea_n now_o a-days_o for_o their_o invent_a worship_n what_o then_o guide_v they_o in_o their_o declare_v void_a and_o relinquish_a those_o thing_n for_o instance_n 17._o god_n give_v circumcision_n as_o 〈◊〉_d sign_n for_o ever_o and_o paul_n tell_v the_o galatian_n that_o if_o they_o be_v circumcise_v 2._o christ_n shall_v proâ—â—â—_n they_o nothing_o be_v not_o this_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n that_o lead_v into_o all_o truth_n that_o the_o apostle_n make_v the_o judge_n and_o rule_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n so_o say_v james_n and_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o apostle_n when_o they_o tell_v the_o believer_n 26._o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o etc._n etc._n 5._o these_o very_a man_n that_o say_v it_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n diviate_v in_o their_o proof_n from_o their_o assertion_n for_o the_o scripture_n no_o where_o say_v so_o of_o themselves_o here_o they_o fly_v to_o meaning_n and_o interpretation_n the_o question_n arise_v not_o about_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o text_n for_o that_o be_v agree_v on_o all_o hand_n but_o the_o exposition_n of_o it_o if_o then_o i_o yield_v to_o that_o man_n do_v i_o bow_v to_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o text_n or_o to_o his_o interpretation_n if_o the_o latter_a as_o manifest_o i_o do_v be_v the_o scripture_n oâ—_n that_o man_n sense_n of_o it_o my_o rule_n nay_o the_o person_n so_o interpret_n make_v not_o the_o scripture_n his_o rule_n but_o his_o own_o apprehension_n whatever_o he_o may_v say_v to_o gain_v credit_n to_o his_o conception_n with_o other_o