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
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
spirit_n through_o its_o wander_n after_o visible_a and_o perish_a thing_n and_o in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o light_n become_v thereby_o veil_v from_o he_o the_o spirit_n as_o it_o be_v quenced_a and_o the_o law_n deface_v god_n in_o peculiar_a mercy_n to_o to_o the_o jew_n according_a to_o his_o covenant_n with_o faithful_a abraham_n superad_v or_o repeat_v as_o ursin_n term_v it_o the_o law_n inward_a by_o a_o declaration_n of_o it_o outward_o that_o both_o god_n may_v not_o be_v without_o a_o outward_a witness_n as_o well_o as_o a_o inward_a they_o have_v so_o much_o lose_v the_o feel_v thereof_o and_o likewise_o more_o deep_o to_o strike_v their_o mind_n by_o their_o sense_n into_o which_o their_o mind_n be_v go_v and_o to_o meet_v they_o abroad_o where_o they_o be_v rove_a and_o wander_v from_o the_o law_n and_o light_v within_o as_o it_o be_v great_a vanity_n and_o weakness_n to_o infer_v insufficiency_n to_o the_o light_n from_o the_o imbecility_n and_o darkness_n that_o be_v in_o man_n which_o be_v so_o be_v it_o from_o god_n superad_a scripture_n and_o other_o external_a assistance_n to_o man_n in_o that_o state_n since_o their_o blindness_n be_v occasion_v through_o their_o rebellion_n to_o the_o law_n and_o light_n within_o what!_o will_v such_o have_v god_n his_o light_n and_o spirit_n appear_v to_o and_o converse_v with_o people_n outward_a sense_n that_o can_v be_v the_o one_o be_v too_o spiritual_a the_o other_o too_o carnal_a for_o any_o such_o thing_n or_o be_v they_o insufficient_a because_o they_o converse_v with_o man_n through_o these_o exterior_a thing_n suit_v to_o that_o weak_a state_n or_o tell_v i_o if_o the_o considerabl_a part_n of_o scripture_n be_v any_o more_o than_o the_o declare_a knowledge_n and_o experience_n of_o such_o 〈◊〉_d be_v come_v to_o a_o more_o improve_a state_n in_o 〈◊〉_d teach_n of_o that_o light_n and_o spirit_n â—â—ch_a be_v therefore_o give_v forth_o that_o other_o â—â—ering_v behind_o may_v be_v stir_v up_o and_o 〈◊〉_d more_o prevail_v with_o to_o follow_v they_o as_o 〈◊〉_d have_v follow_v the_o lord_n in_o the_o light_n of_o 〈◊〉_d spirit_n certain_o it_o can_v never_o be_v that_o â—â—â—ipture_n shall_v impeach_v the_o light_n of_o insufâ—â—ency_n when_o that_o very_a scripture_n be_v but_o the_o â—â—nd_n and_o teach_n of_o the_o divine_a light_n in_o â—â—ers_n declare_v or_o record_v do_v the_o deâ—â—ration_n jar_n or_o make_v weak_a that_o from_o whence_o â—ame_n or_o because_o of_o god_n condescenâ—â—n_n for_o a_o time_n to_o external_n medium_n shall_v 〈◊〉_d turn_v the_o light_n and_o spirit_n out_o of_o the_o ofâ—â—e_n of_o rule_n and_o judge_n or_o be_v to_o lay_v down_o inâ—â—uted_v religion_n as_o some_o ignorant_o talk_v 〈◊〉_d press_n after_o that_o which_o be_v before_o and_o â—â—ds_v those_o temporary_a thing_n the_o law_n outward_a as_o a_o rule_n be_v but_o as_o moses_n till_o the_o son_n 〈◊〉_d the_o servant_n abide_v not_o in_o the_o house_n for_o 〈◊〉_d the_o write_a law_n hold_v its_o place_n but_o 〈◊〉_d the_o inward_a rise_n in_o more_o glory_n and_o brightness_n or_o rather_o till_o people_n become_v more_o caâ—â—ble_a of_o be_v turn_v to_o it_o and_o live_v with_o 〈◊〉_d in_o it_o in_o those_o day_n say_v the_o lord_n i_o will_v â—rite_v my_o law_n in_o their_o heart_n etc._n etc._n they_o who_o 〈◊〉_d otherwise_o of_o scripture_n do_v pervert_v and_o â—â—use_v it_o for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o clear_o â—â—id_v down_o in_o it_o from_o begin_v to_o end_n than_o 〈◊〉_d rule_n and_o reign_v of_o the_o spirit_n my_o kingâ—â—m_n say_v christ_n 36._o be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n again_o â—he_v kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v within_o i_o will_v write_v my_o â—aw_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o place_v my_o fear_n in_o their_o inward_a part_n 13._o all_o thy_o child_n shall_v be_v 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o righteousness_n shall_v 〈◊〉_d establish_v 28._o i_o will_v pour_v out_o my_o spirit_n 〈◊〉_d flesh_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v saluâ—_n have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n teach_v etc._n etc._n obj._n but_o if_o the_o law_n engrave_v and_o deliâ—â—_n to_o moses_n be_v a_o rule_n to_o the_o jew_n why_o 〈◊〉_d not_o the_o law_n deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o writtâ—â—_n his_o apostle_n be_v the_o rule_n to_o christian_n answ_n christ_n leave_v nothing_o in_o write_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n that_o we_o hâ—â—_n of_o and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v that_o he_o 〈◊〉_d less_o faithful_a in_o his_o house_n than_o moses_n a_o doubtless_o have_v he_o intend_v the_o rule_n of_o follower_n to_o have_v be_v a_o write_a rule_n will_v have_v leave_v it_o upon_o record_n with_o all_o pâ—â—â—ctuality_n this_o must_v be_v believe_v and_o that_o 〈◊〉_d on_o pain_n of_o eternal_a death_n nor_o do_v his_o follower_n write_v in_o the_o method_n of_o a_o rule_n as_o 〈◊〉_d law_n be_v write_v nor_o do_v they_o so_o call_v recommend_v what_o they_o write_v but_o this_o lead_v i_o to_o my_o eight_o reason_n why_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v the_o rule_n under_o the_o new_a covenant_n etc._n etc._n for_o admit_v the_o law_n write_v by_o moses_n be_v the_o rule_n 〈◊〉_d rule_n i_o grant_v it_o be_v to_o the_o jew_n outward_a yet_o christ_n the_o spiritual_a leader_n of_o a_o spiritual_a israel_n write_v his_o spiritual_a law_n in_o the_o heart_n as_o moses_n the_o outward_a israel_n leader_n write_v the_o law_n upon_o table_n of_o stone_n this_o be_v god_n promise_n and_o the_o privilege_n and_o blessing_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n that_o as_o the_o outward_a jew_n have_v a_o outward_a law_n for_o a_o direectory_n the_o inward_a jew_n shall_v have_v a_o inwardâ—â—â—w_n â—â—â—w_z for_o his_o directory_n and_o as_o the_o outward_a 〈◊〉_d have_v a_o outward_a priest_n 7._o at_o who_o mouth_n 〈◊〉_d ought_v to_o seek_v the_o law_n 27._o so_o the_o jew_n inward_a circumcision_n in_o spirit_n have_v a_o inward_a spiritual_a highpriest_n who_o lip_n preserve_v knowledge_n at_o who_o mouth_n he_o be_v to_o receive_v law_n of_o life_n and_o this_o be_v his_o rule_n even_o who_o be_v the_o ruler_n of_o his_o people_n israel_n 7._o â—â—o_o reign_v in_o righteousness_n and_o of_o the_o increase_n of_o who_o heavenly_a government_n â—â—ere_o shall_v be_v no_o end_n the_o king_n ruler_n judge_n lawgiver_n highpriest_n law_n rule_n temple_n be_v all_o spiritual_a so_o the_o scripture_n inform_v we_o my_o kingdom_n say_v christ_n be_v not_o this_o world_n 21._o again_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v within_o i_o will_v write_v my_o law_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o place_v my_o fear_n in_o their_o inward_a part_n 10._o they_o shall_v be_v all_o teach_v of_o i_o 3._o and_o in_o righteousness_n shall_v they_o be_v establish_v the_o tabernacle_n of_o god_n be_v with_o man_n he_o will_v dwell_v with_o they_o i_o will_v pour_v out_o my_o spirit_n on_o all_o flesh_n 28._o the_o grace_n have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n 12._o teach_v etc._n etc._n a_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v to_o all_o man_n to_o profit_n withal_o 8._o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o almighty_a give_v understanding_n 19_o whatsoever_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_v within_o 16._o walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n 7._o if_o you_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n 5._o etc._n etc._n come_v let_v we_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o lord_n 23._o and_o there_o need_v neither_o sun_n or_o moon_n to_o shine_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n do_v lighten_v it_o 16._o and_o the_o lamb_n be_v the_o light_n thereof_o as_o many_o as_o walk_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n peace_n be_v on_o they_o and_o mercy_n and_o upon_o the_o israel_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d what_o rule_n not_o that_o of_o the_o old_a legal_a 〈◊〉_d which_o then_o pass_v away_o but_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d new_a creation_n 4._o as_o it_o 〈◊〉_d be_v render_v and_o as_o dâ—sius_n cite_v one_o to_o haâ—â—_n interpret_v it_o and_o gâ—tius_n also_o do_v interpret_v it_o which_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o life_n isaiah_n speak_v 〈◊〉_d a_o highway_n there_o shall_v be_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v callâ—â—_n the_o way_n of_o holiness_n 〈◊〉_d unclean_a shall_v not_o pass_v â—â—â—ver_o it_o and_o wayfariâ—_n man_n though_o fool_n 〈◊〉_d not_o err_v therein_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o lion_n there_o â—â—ravenous_a beast_n go_v thereâ—â—_n but_o the_o redeem_a shaâ—â—_n walk_v there_o which_o way_n teacher_n guide_n rule_n light_n spirit_n and_o holy_a unction_n that_o direct_v and_o keep_v in_o steady_a path_n of_o truth_n be_v christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n obj._n but_o do_v you_o not_o turn_v the_o scripture_n off_o for_o a_o uncertain_a and_o unserviceable_a write_n and_o as_o good_a as_o reject_v and_o deny_v they_o altogether_o answ_n some_o indeed_o to_o render_v we_o odious_a to_o all_o â—â—testants_n have_v say_v as_o much_o in_o our_o name_n
also_o have_v supply_v that_o want_n but_o inasmuch_o as_o a_o account_n be_v extant_a and_o therefore_o not_o need_v that_o objection_n be_v vain_a again_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v because_o every_o man_n have_v a_o measure_n of_o light_a to_o inform_v and_o rule_v he_o that_o therefore_o he_o must_v needs_o know_v all_o which_o that_o light_n know_v or_o be_v able_a to_o reveal_v to_o he_o i_o return_v that_o argument_n thus_o upon_o our_o adversary_n they_o say_v they_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n then_o they_o know_v all_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n know_v or_o can_v reveal_v to_o they_o if_o the_o latter_a be_v absurd_a than_o the_o former_a again_o say_v they_o the_o light_n within_o do_v not_o reveal_v christ_n to_o the_o gentile_n and_o that_o christ_n shall_v be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o insufficient_a i_o return_v upon_o they_o thus_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n give_v to_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n neh._n 9_o 20._o do_v not_o acquaint_v they_o that_o christ_n shall_v be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n nor_o much_o more_o of_o his_o life_n and_o bodily_a transaction_n therefore_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v insufficient_a the_o like_a may_v be_v conclude_v against_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o prophet_n for_o it_o be_v manifest_a from_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 10_o 11._o that_o the_o spirit_n have_v not_o reveal_v to_o all_o the_o prophet_n the_o time_n of_o christ_n appearance_n and_o suffering_n be_v the_o spirit_n therefore_o a_o insufficient_a rule_n to_o they_o but_o that_o which_o fall_v heavy_a upon_o our_o opposer_n be_v this_o that_o the_o scripture_n by_o their_o own_o argument_n be_v a_o most_o inperfect_a account_v themselves_o of_o what_o be_v do_v not_o relate_v the_o hundred_o part_n of_o thing_n therefore_o as_o insufficient_a in_o not_o relate_v what_o be_v behind_o as_o they_o will_v weak_o render_v the_o light_n or_o spirit_n in_o not_o reveal_v to_o every_o individual_a those_o thing_n which_o be_v already_o past_a nay_o they_o may_v as_o well_o infer_v insufficiency_n to_o the_o spirit_n or_o the_o light_n within_o in_o that_o it_o do_v not_o now_o show_v all_o that_o shall_v be_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o in_o their_o proper_a season_n there_o will_v be_v a_o necessity_n to_o know_v as_o to_o reflect_v insufficiency_n upon_o it_o etc._n etc._n because_o it_o do_v not_o foretell_v thing_n that_o be_v now_o past_a unto_o former_a age_n or_o needless_o reveal_v they_o over_o again_o to_o we_o in_o this_o age._n neither_o be_v history_n or_o can_v it_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o that_o faith_n and_o life_n we_o speak_v of_o which_o be_v so_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o be_v the_o faith_n that_o god_n and_o not_o history_n give_v and_o that_o work_v not_o by_o history_n but_o by_o love_n and_o overcome_v the_o world_n by_o which_o million_o of_o historical_a believer_n be_v overcome_v and_o wallow_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o practice_n of_o and_o the_o rule_n must_v be_v answerable_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o work_n of_o the_o faith_n the_o same_o in_o point_n of_o practice_n which_o be_v duty_n do_v now_o history_n though_o it_o inform_v i_o of_o other_o action_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o duty_n to_o i_o since_o it_o may_v relate_v to_o â—_z not_o imitable_a as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o adamâ—nd_n â—nd_z eve_n in_o several_a respect_n and_o christ_n be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n die_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n wherefore_o this_o can_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o duty_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o â—ewish_a story_n that_o be_v the_o particular_a concern_v â—nd_v transaction_n of_o that_o people_n obj._n but_o these_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v believe_v answ_n i_o say_v so_o too_o where_o the_o history_n have_v â—â—eached_v and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v make_v 〈◊〉_d conviction_n upon_o the_o conscience_n which_o say_v d._n j._n owen_n as_o before_o cite_v give_v they_o authority_n verity_n and_o perspicuity_n but_o where_o â—his_v history_n have_v not_o reach_v any_o people_n or_o they_o die_v ignorant_a of_o it_o they_o be_v not_o responsible_a for_o not_o believe_v any_o such_o passage_n as_o say_v bishop_n sanderson_n 22._o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o say_v the_o scripture_n ought_v to_o be_v read_v believe_v and_o fulfil_v and_o another_o thing_n to_o say_v they_o be_v the_o evangelical_n rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n for_o when_o i_o read_v believe_v and_o witness_v they_o fulfil_v i_o must_v needs_o have_v a_o rule_n by_o which_o to_o read_v understand_v believe_v and_o witness_v they_o which_o be_v the_o divine_a light_n and_o spirit_n of_o christ_n it_o must_v be_v that_o and_o not_o themselves_o that_o must_v be_v my_o rule_n for_o so_o readâ—ing_v understanding_n and_o believe_v them_o and_o further_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o light_n and_o spirit_n within_o the_o heathen_n be_v sufficient_a to_o discover_v these_o thing_n it_o be_v grant_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o the_o sibyl_n have_v divine_a sight_n i_o mean_v not_o those_o make_v in_o their_o name_n by_o some_o professor_n of_o christianity_n as_o be_v charge_v upon_o they_o to_o gain_v authority_n upon_o the_o gentile_n against_o which_o blundel_n write_v but_o thoâ—â—_n that_o be_v acknowledge_v who_o prophesy_v 〈◊〉_d a_o virgin_n be_v bring_v forth_o a_o son_n and_o that_o 〈◊〉_d shall_v destroy_v the_o serpent_n and_o replenish_v thâ—â—_n earth_n with_o righteousness_n as_o be_v before_o 〈◊〉_d out_o of_o virgil_n who_o take_v it_o out_o of_o the_o remain_v of_o cumaea_n verse_n then_o among_o the_o roman_n and_o for_o the_o practical_a part_n of_o the_o object_n on_o viz._n how_o shall_v we_o have_v know_v 〈◊〉_d have_v be_v unlawful_a to_o swear_v at_o all_o in_o 〈◊〉_d case_n if_o mat._n 5._o 34._o have_v not_o be_v which_o 〈◊〉_d of_o most_o weight_n in_o this_o case_n because_o it_o be_v maâ—ter_n of_o duty_n and_o call_v particular_o by_o some_o a_o evangelical_n precept_n be_v a_o step_n abouâ—_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o outward_a law_n among_o the_o jew_n i_o have_v this_o to_o say_v foâ—â—_n proof_n of_o the_o light_n be_v sufficiency_n there_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n themselves_o long_o before_o christ_n come_v a_o entire_a people_n that_o will_v not_o swear_v to_o wit_n the_o esseâ—â—â—_n they_o keep_v their_o promise_n say_v josephus_n and_o account_v every_o word_n they_o speak_v 〈◊〉_d more_o force_n than_o if_o they_o have_v bind_v it_o with_o 〈◊〉_d oath_n 7._o and_o they_o shun_v oath_n worse_o than_o perjury_n for_o they_o esteem_v he_o condemn_v for_o a_o liar_n who_o without_o it_o be_v not_o believe_v philo_n write_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n and_o teach_v himself_o decalog_n that_o it_o be_v best_a to_o abstain_v from_o swear_v that_o one_o word_n may_v be_v take_v instead_o of_o a_o oath_n and_o pythagoras_n in_o his_o oration_n to_o the_o croatian_a senator_n exhort_v they_o thus_o cell_n let_v no_o man_n attest_v god_n by_o oath_n though_o in_o court_n of_o judicature_n but_o use_v to_o speak_v such_o thing_n that_o he_o may_v be_v credit_v without_o a_o oath_n the_o scythian_n be_v say_v to_o have_v tell_v alexander_n 〈◊〉_d themselves_o alex._n think_v not_o that_o scythian_n confirm_v their_o friendship_n by_o oath_n they_o swear_v by_o keep_v their_o word_n and_o clinias_n 34._o a_o greek_a and_o follower_n of_o pythagoras_n rather_o choose_v to_o suffer_v the_o fine_a of_o three_o talent_n which_o make_v 300l_o english_a 〈◊〉_d to_o lessen_v his_o varacity_n by_o take_v of_o a_o â—â—ath_n which_o act_n be_v great_o commend_v 〈◊〉_d basilius_n who_o upbraid_v the_o christian_n of_o â—s_a time_n with_o it_o thereby_o after_o our_o adversary_n way_n of_o draw_v consequence_n â—eferring_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gentile_n before_o 〈◊〉_d light_n of_o the_o christian_n though_o indeed_o 〈◊〉_d light_n be_v and_o be_v always_o one_o in_o itself_o â—ut_v the_o christian_a do_v not_o live_v up_o so_o close_o it_o as_o the_o heathen_a do_v and_o therefore_o take_v great_a liberty_n and_o walk_v in_o a_o broad_a way_n i_o will_v now_o know_v of_o our_o opposer_n if_o they_o can_v yet_o think_v the_o light_n that_o preach_v his_o doctrine_n in_o the_o mount_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o light_n that_o shine_v in_o the_o conscience_n of_o those_o gentile_n so_o many_o hundred_o â—ears_n before_o that_o sermon_n be_v write_v or_o preachâ—â—_n who_o so_o plain_o believe_v practise_a and_o â—ought_v it_o yea_o or_o nay_o perhaps_o some_o will_n 〈◊〉_d stick_v out_o while_o the_o more_o moderate_a will_v submit_v and_o conclude_v ignorance_n and_o folly_n have_v make_v all_o this_o opposition_n against_o we_o 〈◊〉_d that_o of_o a_o truth_n the_o voice_n which_o cry_v prov._n 4_o 6._o unto_o you_o o_o man_n i_o call_v
that_o now_o so_o lamentable_o pester_n the_o world_n in_o which_o state_n for_o all_o the_o external_n imitation_n of_o the_o ancient_n in_o some_o temporary_a and_o figurative_a part_n of_o worship_n i_o be_o to_o tell_v such_o and_o that_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o all_o truth_n they_o will_v never_o be_v accept_v the_o utmost_a of_o that_o literal_a knowledge_n historical_a faith_n and_o outward_a religion_n be_v but_o as_o the_o old_a heaven_n that_o be_v to_o be_v wrap_v up_o as_o a_o scroul_n and_o the_o old_a wine_n and_o bottle_n that_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n such_o believer_n may_v slatter_v on_o themselves_o and_o at_o last_o cry_n lord_n lord_n but_o alas_o they_o shall_v never_o enter_v into_o the_o rest_n that_o god_n have_v reserve_v for_o his_o regenerate_v and_o redeem_a child_n for_o under_o such_o a_o faith_n and_o religion_n envy_n wrath_n malice_n persecution_n pride_n passion_n covetousness_n worldly_n â—â—ndedness_n etc._n etc._n may_v and_o do_v prevail_v yea_o and_o be_v cloak_v as_o with_o a_o secure_a cover_n from_o the_o stroke_n of_o god_n spirit_n insomuch_o as_o when_o any_o be_v move_v of_o the_o lord_n to_o decry_v such_o fair_a and_o hypocritical_a show_n of_o religion_n they_o be_v repute_v rash_a and_o censorious_a and_o present_o a_o plea_n must_v be_v make_v on_o this_o wise_a do_v not_o we_o follow_v the_o command_v of_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o such_o and_o such_o do_v so_o and_o so_o which_o at_o best_o be_v but_o the_o duty_n of_o sacrifice_n and_o not_o of_o obedience_n never_o regard_v from_o what_o ground_n the_o performance_n spring_v whether_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o new_a or_o of_o the_o old_a creature_n but_o abuse_n and_o vilify_v we_o for_o make_v such_o distinction_n as_o if_o the_o prayer_n preach_n sing_n outward_a baptizing_n and_o supping_n etc._n etc._n of_o man_n in_o their_o own_o unsanctified_a spirit_n strength_n and_o will_n be_v require_v and_o accept_v of_o god_n for_o evangelical_n worship_n thick_a darkness_n and_o a_o dangerous_a presumption_n thus_o be_v man_n out_o of_o the_o way_n concern_v both_o faith_n and_o practice_n and_o the_o true_a rule_n and_o judge_n of_o them_o they_o make_v the_o former_a viz._n faith_n and_o practice_n to_o lie_v in_o a_o assent_n of_o the_o understanding_n to_o such_o proposition_n and_o in_o a_o imitation_n of_o former_a observation_n that_o be_v at_o best_a but_o sign_n of_o good_a thing_n to_o come_v and_o the_o duty_n of_o sacrifice_n which_o be_v far_o from_o the_o immanuel-state_n and_o the_o latter_a viz._n the_o rule_n and_o judge_n to_o be_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v but_o a_o account_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o other_o be_v rule_v to_o and_o direct_v in_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n before_o they_o be_v ever_o record_v or_o make_v scripture_n and_o no_o other_o rule_n or_o judge_n can_v so_o regulate_v for_o as_o the_o faith_n and_o experience_n so_o the_o rule_n and_o judge_n of_o that_o faith_n and_o that_o experience_n must_v be_v one_o god_n by_o his_o spirit_n beget_v faith_n god_n by_o his_o spirit_n rule_v faith_n and_o govern_v the_o life_n of_o his_o child_n 15._o for_o as_o many_o as_o be_v child_n of_o god_n be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o scripture_n much_o of_o it_o be_v but_o a_o declaration_n of_o faith_n and_o experience_n therefore_o not_o the_o rule_n or_o judge_n for_o as_o faith_n and_o experience_n be_v before_o scripture_n so_o the_o rule_n and_o judge_n be_v before_o scripture_n because_o as_o i_o say_v before_o there_o must_v be_v a_o rule_n and_o judge_n where_o there_o be_v faith_n therefore_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o that_o rule_n or_o judge_n and_o before_o that_o declaration_n be_v answer_v or_o fulfil_v by_o any_o they_o must_v come_v to_o the_o faith_n rule_n and_o judge_n of_o which_o that_o be_v a_o declaration_n so_o that_o faith_n be_v yield_v up_o to_o the_o requiring_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o we_o in_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v past_a through_o the_o son_n of_o his_o love_n and_o life_n everlasting_a from_o whence_o daily_o flow_v work_n of_o holiness_n well-pleasing_a to_o god_n which_o be_v more_o than_o a_o mere_a assent_n of_o the_o understanding_n to_o a_o verbal_a though_o a_o true_a proposition_n again_o the_o life_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a stand_v not_o in_o bodily_a exercise_n which_o say_v the_o apostle_n profit_v little_a nor_o in_o a_o imitation_n of_o the_o ancient_n in_o temporary_a and_o shaddowy_a thing_n which_o the_o hypocrite_n as_o well_o as_o the_o sainâ—_n can_v do_v but_o in_o self-denial_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n 8._o to_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o unto_o all_o godliness_n 23._o which_o be_v the_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a obedience_n 38_o result_v from_o the_o live_n spiritual_a faith_n of_o god_n elect_n 23._o and_o the_o rule_n and_o judge_n thereof_o be_v their_o author_n and_o begetter_n even_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o alone_o give_v save_v understanding_n faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o search_v the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n o_o you_o professor_n of_o religion_n that_o you_o will_v but_o serious_o weigh_v these_o thing_n and_o examine_v yourselves_o in_o god_n sight_n for_o he_o respect_v none_o for_o their_o fair_a outside_o if_o this_o save_v faith_n be_v your_o faith_n and_o this_o heavenly_a life_n be_v your_o life_n and_o if_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v your_o ruler_n and_o leader_n if_o not_o you_o be_v but_o legal_a formal_a and_o in_o the_o oldness_n of_o the_o letter_n and_o will-worshiper_n which_o obtain_v not_o with_o god_n in_o which_o state_n not_o the_o wisdom_n from_o above_o but_o that_o which_o 〈◊〉_d from_o below_o of_o the_o old_a creature_n be_v your_o rule_n in_o it_o you_o read_v scripture_n expound_v it_o pray_v prithee_o sing_v and_o perform_v all_o your_o duty_n 16._o and_o this_o be_v not_o to_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n but_o in_o a_o legal_a spirit_n to_o make_v a_o gospel-profession_n the_o end_n of_o which_o from_o the_o lord_n i_o be_o to_o tell_v you_o 23._o will_v be_v a_o bed_n of_o sorrow_n therefore_o resist_v not_o the_o light_n and_o spirit_n within_o but_o turn_v at_o the_o reproof_n thereof_o that_o you_o may_v come_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o life_n daily_a life_n to_o your_o soul_n that_o so_o you_o may_v be_v quicken_v and_o make_v alive_a to_o god_n in_o all_o your_o duty_n and_o live_v to_o he_o while_o you_o live_v 〈◊〉_d that_o life_n which_o be_v hide_v with_o christ_n in_o god_n that_o be_v thus_o bear_v again_o and_o become_v renew_a in_o your_o inward_a man_n you_o may_v perform_v that_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a worship_n which_o be_v of_o a_o sweet_a savour_n with_o the_o lord_n so_o shall_v he_o bless_v you_o with_o his_o heavenly_a blessing_n and_o daily_o replenish_v your_o soul_n with_o the_o unspeakable_a joy_n of_o his_o love_n and_o salvation_n this_o i_o hearty_o desire_v and_o through_o all_o difficulty_n incessant_o travel_v for_o in_o body_n soul_n and_o spirit_n that_o the_o alwise_a good_a omnipotent_a god_n may_v be_v know_v serve_v and_o obey_v by_o you_o to_o your_o comfort_n and_o his_o eternal_a honour_n who_o alone_o be_v worthy_a to_o receive_v 〈◊〉_d now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n william_n penn_n finis_fw-la postscript_n i_o will_v not_o be_v misunderstand_v in_o what_o i_o have_v write_v of_o the_o excellency_n and_o preference_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n as_o the_o first_o chief_a and_o general_a rule_n of_o life_n and_o practice_n and_o as_o the_o infallible_a and_o therefore_o the_o best_a judge_n of_o controversy_n among_o christian_n as_o if_o i_o thereby_o intend_v to_o lessen_v or_o undervalue_v the_o divine_a authority_n or_o service_n of_o the_o bless_a scripture_n of_o truth_n since_o we_o most_o hearty_o believe_v they_o to_o have_v be_v give_v forth_o from_o the_o same_o holy_a spirit_n and_o be_v a_o declaration_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n and_o as_o such_o be_v oblige_v upon_o all_o that_o have_v and_o can_v have_v they_o both_o in_o reference_n to_o faith_n and_o practice_n and_o we_o utter_o disclaim_v and_o renounce_v all_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n repugnant_a to_o they_o but_o as_o the_o holy_a spirit_n give_v they_o forth_o through_o holy_a man_n so_o without_o the_o help_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n they_o can_v be_v true_o and_o spiritual_o understand_v by_o those_o that_o read_v they_o for_o their_o edification_n and_o comfort_n for_o that_o which_o write_v they_o can_v best_o apply_v they_o which_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o that_o preference_n we_o give_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o press_a people_n to_o take_v diligent_a
a_o discourse_n of_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n and_o judge_n of_o controversy_n great_o import_v all_o those_o who_o desire_v to_o take_v right_a measure_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o determine_v at_o least_o to_o themselves_o the_o numerous_a controversy_n now_o on_o foot_n in_o the_o world_n by_o w._n penn._n for_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 and_o as_o many_o as_o walk_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n peace_n be_v on_o they_o and_o mercy_n and_o upon_o the_o whole_a israel_n of_o god_n gal._n 6._o 16._o but_o god_n have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n for_o the_o spirit_n search_v all_o thing_n yea_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n the_o thing_n of_o god_n know_v no_o man_n save_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n he_o that_o be_v spiritual_a judge_v all_o thing_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 10_o 11_o 15._o but_o you_o have_v a_o unction_n from_o the_o holy_a one_o and_o you_o know_v all_o thing_n 1_o john_n 2._o 20._o london_n print_v and_o sell_v by_o t._n sowle_n in_o white-hart-court_n in_o gracious-street_n and_o at_o the_o bible_n in_o leaden-hall-street_n near_o the_o market_n 1699._o of_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n since_o there_o be_v so_o many_o faith_n in_o the_o world_n and_o perplex_v controversy_n about_o they_o and_o that_o it_o great_o behove_v every_o man_n if_o to_o contend_v for_o than_o first_o to_o know_v the_o true_a faith_n that_o overcome_v the_o world_n it_o may_v not_o be_v unnecessary_a to_o say_v something_o of_o the_o general_n rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n and_o judge_n of_o controversy_n at_o this_o time_n and_o indeed_o i_o be_o press_v from_o this_o weighty_a consideration_n that_o man_n perish_v for_o want_v of_o it_o and_o can_v no_o more_o arrive_v at_o truth_n without_o it_o than_o the_o distress_a mariner_n can_v gain_v his_o port_n who_o sail_n without_o either_o star_n or_o compass_n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o a_o explanation_n of_o the_o term_n rule_n and_o faith_n of_o which_o we_o shall_v first_o treat_v that_o we_o may_v as_o well_o express_v what_o we_o intend_v by_o the_o one_o as_o what_o we_o mean_v by_o the_o other_o which_o will_v be_v a_o proper_a introduction_n to_o the_o whole_a discourse_n by_o general_n rule_n etc._n etc._n we_o understand_v that_o constant_a measure_n or_o standard_n by_o which_o man_n in_o all_o age_n have_v be_v enable_v to_o judge_n 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 and_o action_n by_o faith_n 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 which_o be_v inseparable_a from_o good_a work_n that_o man_n in_o all_o age_n have_v have_v a_o belief_n of_o god_n and_o some_o knowledge_n of_o he_o though_o not_o upon_o equal_a discovery_n must_v be_v grant_v from_o that_o account_n that_o all_o story_n give_v of_o mankind_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n several_a have_v full_o perform_v this_o of_o old_a justin_n martyr_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n augustine_n and_o other_o of_o latter_a time_n du_n plessy_n grotius_n amiraldus_n l._n herbert_n and_o above_o all_o dr._n cudworth_n and_o indeed_o the_o relic_n we_o have_v of_o the_o most_o ancient_a historian_n and_o author_n be_v a_o demonstration_n in_o the_o point_n now_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o â—7_n that_o no_o man_n know_v the_o father_n but_o the_o son_n and_o he_o to_o who_o the_o son_n reveal_v he_o 1._o and_o as_o none_o know_v the_o thing_n of_o man_n save_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n so_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n know_v no_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n hence_o we_o may_v safe_o conclude_v that_o the_o create_a word_n that_o be_v with_o god_n and_o be_v god_n in_o who_o be_v life_n and_o that_o life_n the_o light_n of_o man_n and_o who_o be_v the_o quicken_a spirit_n be_v he_o by_o who_o god_n in_o all_o age_n have_v reveal_v himself_o consequent_o that_o light_n or_o spirit_n must_v have_v be_v the_o general_n rule_n of_o man_n knowledge_n faith_n and_o obedience_n with_o respect_n to_o god_n and_o thus_o much_o pythagoras_n who_o live_v about_o six_o hundred_o year_n before_o those_o word_n be_v speak_v or_o write_v lay_v down_o for_o a_o maxim_n viz._n that_o no_o man_n can_v know_v what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o god_n except_o a_o man_n hear_v god_n himself_o and_o that_o must_v be_v within_o for_o that_o be_v his_o doctrine_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n thus_o agree_v 1._o in_o that_o whatever_o make_v manifest_a be_v light_n 1_o 2._o that_o whatever_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v make_v manifest_a within_o 1_o for_o god_n who_o be_v light_n 1_o john_n 1._o 5._o have_v show_v it_o unto_o they_o and_o god_n have_v show_v unto_o thou_o 58_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o god_n require_v of_o thou_o etc._n etc._n which_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 it_o be_v by_o this_o law_n that_o encch_n noah_n abraham_n melchizedeck_v abimilech_n job_n jethro_n 184._o etc._n etc._n walk_v and_o be_v accept_v as_o say_v irenaeus_n and_o tertullian_n they_o be_v just_o by_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n then_o be_v it_o their_o rule_n to_o and_o in_o that_o just_a state_n obj._n it_o seem_v than_o you_o deny_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o general_n rule_n etc._n etc._n answ_n how_o can_v they_o be_v the_o general_n rule_n 40._o that_o have_v not_o be_v general_n that_o which_o be_v both_o before_o and_o since_o they_o be_v in_o be_v must_v needs_o be_v more_o general_n than_o they_o but_o that_o be_v this_o light_n in_o the_o conscience_n the_o law_n and_o guide_n of_o those_o patriarch_n for_o the_o scripture_n begin_v long_o after_o in_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n consequent_o that_o must_v be_v the_o general_n rule_n etc._n etc._n obj._n but_o grant_v that_o the_o light_n within_o be_v so_o before_o scripture_n be_v extant_a yet_o since_o the_o write_n of_o holy_a scripture_n the_o scripture_n and_o not_o the_o light_n have_v be_v the_o general_n rule_n answ_n that_o can_v be_v unless_o palestina_n or_o canaan_n a_o little_a province_n of_o asia_n be_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o that_o the_o jew_n a_o particular_a people_n be_v all_o mankind_n for_o at_o what_o time_n those_o write_n be_v among_o the_o jew_n other_o nation_n be_v only_o leave_v to_o the_o law_n and_o light_n within_o this_o the_o apostle_n confirm_v in_o that_o passage_n 15._o for_o the_o gentile_n which_o have_v not_o the_o law_n that_o be_v the_o outward_a law_n or_o law_n write_v upon_o stone_n do_v by_o nature_n the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n which_o show_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o the_o gentile_n themselves_o call_v it_o the_o immutable_a law_n the_o everlasting_a foundation_n of_o virtue_n no_o liveless_a precept_n but_o immortal_a a_o sacred_a good_a god_n the_o overseer_n the_o live_a rule_n the_o root_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o which_o make_v the_o good_a man._n thus_o thales_n pythagoras_n socrates_n plato_n plotin_n hieron_n philo_n plutarch_n as_o cite_v and_o say_v sophocles_n god_n grant_v that_o i_o may_v always_o observe_v that_o venerable_a sanctity_n in_o my_o word_n and_o deed_n which_o these_o noble_a precept_n write_v in_o man_n heart_n revire_v god_n be_v their_o father_n neither_o shall_v they_o ever_o be_v abrogate_a for_o there_o be_v in_o they_o a_o great_a god_n that_o never_o wax_v old_a more_o reverend_a epithet_n than_o our_o opposer_n can_v afford_v as_o their_o book_n but_o too_o open_o witness_v yet_o will_v go_v for_o christian-man_n though_o manifest_o short_a of_o heathen_n thus_o be_v it_o evident_a that_o the_o scripture_n be_v 〈◊〉_d the_o general_n rule_n after_o it_o be_v give_v forth_o obj._n but_o have_v it_o not_o be_v since_o and_o be_v it_o not_o 〈◊〉_d the_o general_n rule_n &_o c_o answ_n there_o have_v be_v since_o and_o be_v now_o 〈◊〉_d same_o impediment_n for_o before_o christ_n â—â—â—ing_n in_o the_o flesh_n and_o since_o where_o the_o â—â—â—â—ptures_n never_o reach_v there_o have_v be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d light_n and_o though_o nation_n by_o not_o â—â—â—rifying_v god_n as_o god_n when_o they_o have_v â—â—wn_v he_o have_v be_v give_v up_o to_o all_o manâ—â—â—â—_n of_o impiety_n insomuch_o as_o their_o understanding_n have_v be_v great_o veil_v yet_o do_v 〈◊〉_d the_o light_n within_o so_o entire_o
short_a it_o be_v great_o to_o be_v wish_v that_o all_o man_n will_v hold_v themselves_o unconcern_v in_o dispute_v about_o what_o they_o have_v not_o receive_v a_o assurance_n of_o from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n since_o they_o beat_v but_o the_o air_n and_o obtain_v no_o solid_a satisfaction_n neither_o can_v they_o upon_o any_o other_o bottom_n god_n never_o prostrate_v his_o secret_n to_o mind_n disobedient_a to_o what_o they_o do_v already_o know_v let_v all_o practice_n what_o they_o assure_o know_v to_o be_v their_o duty_n and_o be_v spare_v in_o their_o search_n after_o nice_a and_o unknown_a matter_n weighty_a and_o seasonable_a be_v and_o be_v the_o apostle_n say_v 16._o nevertheless_o whereunto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n where_o he_o both_o limit_n we_o to_o the_o present_a knowledge_n communicate_v to_o we_o and_o exhort_v we_o to_o live_v up_o to_o that_o and_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v further_a necessary_a for_o we_o god_n in_o due_a time_n will_v reveal_v it_o by_o his_o spirit_n that_o on_o give_v to_o know_v discern_v and_o judge_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o god_n obj._n but_o how_o will_v this_o determine_v the_o controversy_n and_o allay_v the_o fury_n of_o debate_n that_o be_v foot_n in_o the_o world_n answ_n nothing_o like_o it_o if_o man_n adhere_v to_o it_o and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o there_o be_v no_o way_n leave_v but_o the_o wrath_n that_o be_v to_o be_v reveal_v but_o moâ—â—_n persuasion_n be_v agree_v about_o the_o absolute_a necessary_n in_o religion_n from_o that_o light_n and_o witness_v god_n have_v place_v in_o man_n conscience_n viz._n that_o god_n be_v that_o he_o be_v a_o reward_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 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 can_v see_v the_o lord_n nay_o they_o accord_n in_o some_o considerable_a matter_n superad_v as_o some_o of_o they_o speak_v to_o wit_n that_o god_n be_v manifest_v extraordinary_o in_o the_o flesh_n that_o he_o give_v his_o life_n for_o the_o world_n that_o such_o as_o believe_v and_o obey_v his_o grace_n in_o their_o heart_n receive_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o life_n everlasting_a now_o i_o say_v since_o these_o thing_n man_n general_o consent_v to_o let_v they_o live_v up_o to_o they_o and_o forbear_v wanton_a scrutiny_n after_o thing_n or_o notion_n that_o gender_n to_o strife_n and_o contention_n and_o leave_v not_o mankind_n better_o but_o rather_o worse_a than_o they_o find_v they_o and_o the_o world_n will_v be_v soon_o rid_v of_o controversy_n holy_a living_n and_o not_o dispute_v will_v be_v the_o business_n of_o mankind_n what_o more_o excellent_a judgement_n can_v be_v give_v then_o that_o man_n quit_v their_o contention_n about_o notion_n and_o opinion_n and_o betake_v themselves_o to_o the_o pratice_fw-la of_o that_o good_a which_o god_n have_v already_o show_v unto_o they_o as_o speak_v both_o the_o prophet_n micah_n 6._o 8._o and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n rom._n 〈◊〉_d 19_o and_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v reveal_v to_o one_o more_o than_o another_o let_v the_o rest_n judge_n in_o the_o spirit_n or_o be_v silent_a till_o god_n manifest_v more_o â—o_o they_o in_o order_n to_o right_a judgement_n it_o be_v good_a to_o try_v all_o thing_n but_o we_o must_v have_v something_o to_o try_v they_o by_o and_o what_o â—ught_v that_o to_o be_v 2._o but_o the_o spirit_n that_o search_v and_o the_o anoint_v that_o teach_v all_o thing_n 27._o which_o be_v truth_n itself_o here_o mankind_n will_v 〈◊〉_d in_o love_n have_v at_o least_o natural_a affection_n now_o lose_v by_o the_o barbarity_n of_o some_o of_o their_o cruel_a religion_n or_o heat_n for_o their_o opinion_n and_o a_o judgement_n of_o thing_n will_v be_v make_v not_o from_o the_o rash_a partial_a shortsighted_n and_o froward_a mind_n of_o man_n but_o that_o eternal_a light_n and_o spirit_n that_o never_o err_v which_o however_o disgustful_a to_o some_o protestant_n in_o this_o age_n be_v no_o false_a doctrine_n in_o the_o account_n of_o john_n philpot_n and_o bp._n latimer_n two_o great_a founder_n of_o the_o reformation_n in_o england_n the_o first_o in_o his_o answer_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o chichester_n reprove_v his_o confidence_n about_o true_a faith_n in_o christ_n 577._o these_o heretic_n say_v one_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v sure_a of_o all_o thing_n obey_v stand_v in_o let_v he_o doubt_v say_v john_n philpot_n of_o his_o faith_n that_o list_v god_n give_v i_o always_o to_o believe_v that_o i_o be_o sure_a of_o true_a faith_n and_o favour_n in_o christ_n the_o second_o in_o his_o answer_n to_o sir_n ed._n baynton_n 475._o object_v the_o uncertainty_n of_o man_n in_o what_o he_o call_v truth_n thus_o record_v by_o j._n fox_n your_o friend_n deny_v not_o but_o that_o certain_a truth_n be_v communicate_v to_o we_o according_a to_o capacity_n but_o as_o to_o my_o presumption_n and_o arrogancy_n either_o i_o be_o certain_a or_o uncertain_a that_o it_o be_v truth_n that_o 〈◊〉_d preach_v if_o it_o be_v truth_n why_o may_v not_o i_o say_v so_o if_o i_o be_v uncertain_a why_o dare_v i_o be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o preach_v it_o and_o if_o your_o friend_n be_v preacher_n themselves_o after_o their_o sermon_n i_o pray_v you_o ask_v they_o whether_o they_o be_v certain_a and_o sure_a they_o preach_v the_o truth_n or_o no_o and_o send_v i_o word_n what_o they_o say_v that_o i_o may_v learn_v to_o speak_v after_o they_o if_o they_o say_v they_o be_v sure_a you_o know_v what_o follow_v if_o they_o say_v they_o be_v unsure_a when_o shall_v you_o be_v sure_a that_o have_v so_o doubtful_a and_o unsure_a teacher_n let_v not_o protestant_n for_o shame_n judge_v we_o for_o own_v a_o doctrine_n that_o be_v confess_v to_o and_o confirm_v by_o some_o of_o the_o worthy_a of_o their_o own_o ancestor_n viz._n that_o a_o unerring_a certain_a or_o infallible_a judgement_n in_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v both_o possible_a and_o requisite_a and_o that_o god_n communicate_v it_o by_o his_o spirit_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o men._n the_o conclusion_n to_o conclude_v immanuel_n a_o word_n suit_v not_o only_o to_o that_o appearance_n but_o the_o whole_a dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n import_v god_n nigh_o to_o or_o with_o man_n 7._o the_o tabernacle_n of_o god_n be_v with_o man_n he_o will_v dwell_v in_o they_o and_o walk_v in_o they_o 13._o they_o shall_v be_v all_o teach_v of_o i_o and_o in_o righteousness_n shall_v they_o be_v establish_v that_o be_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o son_n and_o this_o admit_v not_o of_o any_o book_n or_o literal_a rule_n or_o judge_n to_o come_v between_o that_o indwelling_a spirit_n of_o light_n life_n and_o wisdom_n from_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n as_o its_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n and_o because_o it_o be_v the_o unutterable_a goodness_n of_o god_n to_o people_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n as_o the_o sum_n of_o scripture-prophecy_n thus_o to_o make_v know_v himself_o we_o be_v incessant_a in_o our_o cry_n unto_o they_o that_o they_o will_v turn_v their_o mind_n inward_a now_o abroad_o and_o take_v up_o their_o rest_n in_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n that_o they_o may_v hear_v his_o heavenly_a voice_n and_o knock_n and_o let_v he_o in_o and_o be_v teach_v of_o he_o to_o know_v and_o do_v his_o will_n that_o they_o may_v come_v to_o be_v experience_v and_o expert_a in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n for_o never_o man_n speak_v and_o teach_v as_o he_o live_o speak_v and_o teach_v in_o the_o conscience_n of_o those_o who_o diligent_o hear_v he_o and_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v teach_v of_o he_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o way_n the_o priest_n be_v outward_a but_o he_o be_v now_o inward_a the_o law_n outward_a but_o it_o be_v now_o inward_a and_o now_o he_o be_v no_o more_o a_o jew_n that_o be_v one_o outward_a 29._o nor_o that_o circumcision_n which_o be_v outward_a in_o the_o flesh_n but_o he_o be_v a_o jew_n who_o be_v one_o inward_o and_o circumcision_n be_v that_o of_o the_o heart_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o not_o in_o the_o letter_n who_o praise_n be_v not_o of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o lessen_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n that_o unless_o this_o be_v man_n rule_n and_o judge_n in_o the_o read_n and_o believe_v of_o they_o he_o can_v never_o understand_v they_o right_o or_o keep_v their_o say_n faithful_o and_o indeed_o as_o before_o i_o have_v express_v i_o can_v but_o say_v that_o man_n whilst_o unregenerate_v set_v his_o wit_n and_o wisdom_n to_o fathom_n and_o comprehend_v the_o intention_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o many_o of_o those_o write_n have_v occasion_v that_o confusion_n darkness_n and_o perplex_v controversy_n