so_o now_o for_o sometime_o they_o say_v christ_n have_v a_o devil_n sometime_o the_o apostle_n be_v drink_v and_o other_o time_n mad_a since_o these_o thing_n have_v thus_o occur_v there_o have_v be_v no_o little_a industry_n use_v to_o suppress_v this_o people_n by_o threaten_n and_o persecution_n on_o which_o account_n divers_a of_o our_o friend_n have_v be_v cast_v into_o prison_n and_o some_o detain_v long_o in_o of_o the_o say_a town_n and_o also_o by_o preach_v and_o write_v of_o which_o for_o thy_o information_n receive_v this_o account_n there_o be_v thirty_o query_n send_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o aberdeen_n so_o call_v to_o alexander_n jaffray_n also_o about_o the_o same_o time_n a_o paper_n of_o three_o or_o four_o sheet_n subscribe_v by_o g._n m._n entitle_v the_o state_n of_o the_o controversy_n betwixt_o the_o protestant_n and_o the_o quaker_n the_o thirty_o query_n be_v not_o long_o after_o answer_v by_o g._n k._n in_o respect_n of_o a._n j._n his_o sickness_n at_o 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principle_n the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n in_o thou_o which_o bear_v testimony_n against_o all_o evil_a that_o thereby_o thou_o may_v try_v and_o examine_v what_o be_v here_o write_v and_o who_o be_v the_o owner_n of_o scripture_n and_o who_o be_v the_o wrester_n of_o it_o which_o thou_o can_v only_o true_o discover_v and_o discern_v by_o the_o spirit_n from_o which_o the_o scripture_n come_v even_o that_o inward_a light_n and_o word_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v able_a to_o build_v thou_o up_o and_o establish_v thou_o in_o the_o truth_n unto_o which_o i_o recommend_v thou_o vry_n the_o 19_o of_o the_o 2d_o month_n 1670._o r._n b._n truth_n clear_v of_o calumny_n to_o the_o author_n have_v take_v a_o serious_a view_n of_o the_o dialogue_n late_o publish_v by_o thou_o and_o have_v weigh_v and_o consider_v it_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n i_o find_v it_o incumbent_n upon_o i_o to_o reply_v unto_o it_o both_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o truth_n at_o which_o it_o strike_v and_o 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considerable_a but_o in_o that_o thou_o have_v do_v nothing_o so_o much_o as_o become_v a_o man_n far_o less_o a_o christian_n as_o any_o who_o have_v converse_v with_o that_o people_n can_v but_o be_v sensible_a of_o thou_o have_v make_v a_o bare_a representation_n of_o the_o quaker_n principle_n and_o that_o so_o scant_o and_o mince_o that_o thou_o frequent_o give_v thyself_o occasion_n to_o fight_v against_o a_o man_n of_o straw_n but_o that_o wherein_o thou_o have_v manifest_v the_o badness_n of_o thy_o cause_n and_o thy_o weakness_n in_o plead_v for_o it_o be_v that_o the_o substance_n of_o what_o thou_o have_v say_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o that_o which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o paper_n before_o mention_v and_o so_o large_o answer_v
express_v by_o the_o apostle_n eph._n 5.25_o 26_o 27._o even_o as_o christ_n also_o love_v the_o church_n and_o give_v himself_o for_o it_o that_o he_o may_v sanctify_v and_o cleanse_v it_o with_o the_o wash_n of_o water_n by_o the_o word_n that_o he_o may_v present_v it_o to_o himself_o a_o glorious_a church_n not_o have_v spot_n or_o wrinkle_n or_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v holy_a and_o without_o blemish_n now_o if_o christ_n have_v real_o thus_o answer_v the_o thing_n he_o come_v for_o than_o the_o member_n of_o this_o church_n be_v not_o always_o sin_v in_o thought_n word_n and_o deed_n or_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n betwixt_o be_v sanctify_a and_o unsanctified_a clean_a and_o unclean_a holy_a and_o unholy_a be_v daily_o blemish_v with_o sin_n and_o be_v without_o blemish_n §_o vi_o four_o this_o doctrine_n render_v the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n the_o proof_n iv_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n the_o write_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o holy_a man_n altogether_o vseless_a and_o ineffectual_a as_o to_o the_o first_o eph._n 4.11_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v say_v to_o be_v give_v for_o the_o perfection_n of_o saint_n etc._n etc._n till_o we_o all_o come_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o a_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n now_o if_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v daily_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n than_o there_o can_v be_v no_o perfection_n for_o such_o as_o do_v so_o can_v be_v esteem_v perfect_a and_o if_o for_o effectuate_a this_o perfection_n in_o the_o saint_n the_o ministry_n be_v appoint_v and_o dispose_v of_o god_n saint_n pastor_n teacher_n and_o scripture_n be_v give_v for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n do_v not_o such_o as_o deny_v the_o possibility_n hereof_o render_v the_o ministry_n vseless_a and_o of_o no_o profit_n see_v there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o true_a use_v assign_v but_o to_o lead_v people_n out_o of_o sin_n into_o righteousness_n if_o so_o be_v these_o minister_n assure_v we_o that_o we_o need_v never_o expect_v to_o be_v deliver_v from_o it_o do_v not_o they_o render_v their_o own_o work_n needless_a what_o needs_o preach_v against_o sin_n for_o the_o reprove_v of_o which_o all_o preach_a be_v if_o it_o can_v never_o be_v forsake_v our_o adversary_n be_v exalter_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o word_n much_o cry_v up_o their_o usefulness_n and_o perfection_n now_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 2_o tim._n 3.17_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v for_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a and_o if_o this_o be_v deny_v to_o be_v attainable_a in_o this_o life_n than_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o no_o profit_n for_o in_o the_o other_o life_n we_o shall_v not_o have_v use_n for_o they_o it_o render_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o saint_n altogether_o vseless_a see_v themselves_o do_v confess_v they_o ought_v to_o pray_v daily_o that_o god_n will_v deliver_v they_o from_o evil_a and_o free_v they_o from_o sin_n by_o the_o help_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o grace_n while_o in_o this_o world_n but_o though_o we_o may_v suppose_v this_o absurdity_n to_o follow_v that_o their_o prayer_n be_v without_o faith_n yet_o be_v not_o that_o so_o much_o if_o it_o do_v not_o infer_v the_o like_a upon_o the_o holy_a apostle_n who_o pray_v earnest_o for_o this_o end_n and_o therefore_o not_o doubt_n believe_v it_o attainable_a col_n 4.12_o labour_v fervent_o for_o you_o in_o prayer_n that_o you_o may_v stand_v perfect_a etc._n etc._n 1_o thess._n 3.13_o &_o 5.23_o etc._n etc._n proof_n five_o §_o vii_o but_o five_o this_o doctrine_n be_v contrary_a to_o common_a reason_n and_o sense_n for_o the_o two_o opposite_a principle_n whereof_o the_o one_o rule_n in_o the_o child_n of_o darkness_n together_o darkness_n and_o light_n sin_n and_o righteousness_n inconsistent_a together_o the_o other_o in_o the_o child_n of_o light_n be_v sin_n and_o righteousness_n and_o as_o they_o be_v respective_o leaven_v and_o act_v by_o they_o so_o they_o be_v account_v either_o as_o reprobate_v or_o justify_v see_v it_o be_v abomination_n in_o the_o sight_n 17.15_o sight_n prov._n 17.15_o of_o god_n either_o to_o justify_v the_o wicked_a or_o condemn_v the_o just._n now_o to_o say_v that_o man_n can_v be_v so_o leaven_v with_o the_o one_o as_o to_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o other_o be_v in_o plain_a word_n to_o affirm_v that_o sin_n and_o righteousness_n be_v consistent_a and_o that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v true_o term_v righteous_a though_o he_o be_v daily_o sin_v in_o every_o thing_n he_o do_v and_o then_o what_o difference_n betwixt_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v not_o this_o to_o fall_v into_o that_o great_a abomination_n of_o put_v light_n for_o darkness_n and_o call_v good_a evil_n and_o evil_a good_a since_o they_o say_v the_o very_o best_a action_n of_o god_n child_n be_v defile_v and_o pollute_v and_o that_o those_o that_o sin_n daily_o in_o thought_n word_n and_o deed_n be_v good_a man_n and_o woman_n the_o saint_n and_o holy_a servant_n of_o the_o holy_a pure_a god_n can_v there_o be_v any_o thing_n more_o repugnant_a than_o this_o to_o common_a reason_n since_o the_o subject_n be_v still_o denominate_v from_o that_o accident_n that_o do_v most_o influence_n it_o as_o a_o wall_n be_v call_v white_a when_o there_o be_v much_o whiteness_n and_o black_a when_o there_o be_v much_o blackness_n and_o such_o like_a but_o when_o there_o be_v more_o vnrighteousness_n in_o a_o man_n than_o righteousness_n that_o man_n ought_v rather_o to_o be_v denominate_v unrighteous_a than_o righteous_a scripture_n if_o all_o daily_a sin_n where_o be_v the_o righteous_a man_n then_o speak_v of_o in_o scripture_n then_o sure_o if_o every_o man_n sin_n daily_o in_o thought_n word_n and_o deed_n and_o that_o in_o his_o sin_n there_o be_v no_o righteousness_n at_o all_o and_o that_o all_o his_o righteous_a action_n be_v pollute_v and_o mix_v with_o sin_n than_o there_o be_v in_o every_o man_n more_o vnrighteousness_n than_o righteousness_n and_o so_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v call_v righteous_a no_o man_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v sanctify_v or_o wash_v where_o be_v then_o the_o child_n of_o god_n where_o be_v the_o purify_a one_o where_o be_v they_o who_o be_v sometime_o unholy_a but_o now_o holy_a that_o sometime_o be_v darkness_n but_o now_o be_v light_a in_o the_o lord_n there_o can_v none_o such_o be_v find_v then_o at_o this_o rate_n except_o that_o vnrighteousness_n be_v esteem_v so_o and_o be_v not_o this_o to_o fall_v into_o that_o abomination_n abovementioned_a of_o justify_v the_o ungodly_a this_o certain_o land_n in_o that_o horrid_a blasphemy_n of_o the_o ranter_n that_o affirm_v there_o be_v no_o difference_n betwixt_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o that_o all_o be_v one_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n i_o can_v show_v many_o more_o gross_a absurdity_n evil_a consequence_n and_o manifest_a contradiction_n ply_v in_o this_o sinful_a doctrine_n but_o this_o may_v suffice_v at_o present_a by_o which_o also_o in_o a_o good_a measure_n libertine_n the_o blasphemy_n of_o the_o ranter_n or_o libertine_n the_o probation_n of_o the_o truth_n we_o affirm_v be_v advance_v yet_o nevertheless_o for_o the_o further_o evidence_v of_o it_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n propose_v by_o i_o to_o wit_n to_o prove_v this_o from_o several_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n §_o viii_o and_o first_o i_o prove_v it_o from_o the_o peremptory_a positive_a command_n of_o sect._n two_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n see_v this_o be_v a_o maxim_n engrave_v in_o every_o man_n proof_n i_o heart_n natural_o that_o no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o that_o which_o be_v impossible_a since_o than_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v command_v we_o to_o keep_v all_o the_o commandment_n and_o to_o be_v perfect_a in_o this_o respect_n it_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o so_o to_o do_v commandment_n be_v you_o perfect_a etc._n etc._n keâ—p_v my_o commandment_n now_o that_o this_o be_v thus_o command_v without_o any_o commentary_n or_o consequence_n be_v evident_o apparent_a from_o these_o plain_a testimony_n matth._n 5.48_o 7.21_o john_n 13.17_o 1_o cor._n 7.19_o 2_o cor._n 13.11_o 1_o john_n 2.3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o &_o 3.2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o these_o scripture_n intimate_v a_o positive_a command_n for_o it_o they_o declare_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o as_o if_o they_o have_v purposely_o be_v write_v to_o answer_v the_o objection_n of_o our_o opposer_n they_o show_v the_o folly_n of_o those_o that_o will_v esteem_v themselves_o child_n or_o friend_n of_o god_n while_o they_o do_v otherwise_o second_o it_o be_v possible_a because_o we_o receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o law_n thereof_o
up_o out_o of_o their_o grave_n out_o of_o condescension_n to_o any_o so_o i_o say_v the_o same_o as_o of_o water-baptism_n it_o be_v once_o dead_a and_o bury_v be_v not_o again_o to_o be_v raise_v up_o now_o after_o the_o apostasy_n p._n g._n i_o prove_v that_o water-baptism_n be_v think_v needful_a even_o to_o those_o that_o be_v baptise_a with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n can_v any_o man_n forbid_v water_n etc._n etc._n as_o paul_n say_v act_n 10._o g._n k._n say_v peter_n not_z paul_n p._n g._n peter_n i_o say_v not_z paul_n r._n b._n that_o prove_v not_o all_o that_o it_o be_v do_v by_o necessity_n but_o to_o condescend_v to_o their_o weakness_n about_o this_o time_n the_o praeses_fw-la and._n th._n go_v forth_o say_v it_o be_v now_o five_o a_o clock_n the_o time_n appoint_v for_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o dispute_n and_o so_o go_v away_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o argument_n far_o urge_v g._n k._n praeses_fw-la al._n skein_n i_o see_v there_o be_v like_a to_o be_v no_o more_o here_o but_o confusion_n see_v the_o other_o praeses_fw-la be_v go_v i_o shall_v only_o propose_v this_o just_a and_o reasonable_a desire_n to_o these_o student_n that_o since_o we_o have_v give_v they_o a_o fair_a opportunity_n to_o impugn_v and_o oppose_v our_o principle_n they_o also_o will_v promise_v we_o another_o day_n to_o impugn_v and_o oppose_v they_o stud._n when_o we_o set_v out_o thesis_n than_o you_o shall_v have_v a_o opportunity_n to_o impugn_v they_o g._n k._n your_o thesis_n be_v set_v out_o already_o for_o your_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v your_o thesis_n which_o i_o offer_v to_o impugn_v stud._n our_o faith_n be_v establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o nation_n and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v call_v in_o question_n r._n b._n that_o it_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v the_o thing_n under_o debate_n and_o as_o for_o the_o law_n of_o the_o nation_n so_o be_v the_o popish_a faith_n in_o italy_n and_o spain_n and_o 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that_o i_o be_v allow_v to_o oppose_v and_o impugn_v your_o principle_n stud._n no_o no._n the_o confusion_n and_o tumult_n increase_a through_o the_o remove_n of_o the_o praeses_fw-la a._n th._n and_o divers_a of_o the_o sober_a people_n and_o the_o student_n vain_o boast_v of_o their_o victory_n laugh_v clamour_v and_o make_v a_o noise_n and_o tell_v they_o will_v cause_v to_o be_v publish_v in_o print_n their_o imaginary_a victory_n occasion_v such_o lightness_n and_o rudeness_n in_o a_o rabble_n of_o the_o gross_a sort_n that_o be_v without_o the_o bar_n that_o lay_v hold_n on_o a_o heap_n of_o turff_n they_o throw_v many_o of_o they_o against_o we_o without_o offer_v the_o least_o violence_n to_o our_o opposer_n on_o the_o other_o side_n so_o that_o have_v beat_v divers_a with_o hard_a turff_n peates_n and_o also_o with_o stone_n r._n b._n with_o divers_a other_o friend_n receive_v several_a knock_n in_o his_o head_n and_o be_v wound_v in_o his_o hand_n with_o a_o stone_n while_o 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hear_v to_o which_o add_v his_o forwardness_n in_o his_o blasphemous_a assertion_n above_o observe_v let_v the_o discreet_a and_o judicious_a hearer_n judge_v a._n shir._n say_v he_o will_v overturn_v quakerism_n and_o he_o hope_v in_o so_o do_v to_o have_v his_o end_n j._n l._n that_o he_o may_v not_o miss_v to_o hit_v as_o he_o think_v g._n k._n say_v it_o seem_v he_o be_v a_o aberdeen_n be_v man_n and_o will_v take_v his_o word_n again_o which_o be_v note_v by_o g._n k._n as_o be_v a_o reflection_n upon_o the_o city_n where_o j._n l._n himself_o be_v bear_v which_o g._n k._n be_v not_o also_o a._n shir._n laugh_v and_o raise_v lightness_n call_v upon_o g._n k._n speak_v some_o word_n if_o there_o be_v a_o notar_n that_o he_o may_v take_v instrument_n to_o which_o r._n b._n answer_v that_o he_o desire_v the_o notar_n may_v take_v instrument_n how_o divinity-student_n and_o master_n of_o art_n that_o be_v prepare_v themselves_o for_o the_o ministry_n be_v so_o light_a and_o vnserious_a in_o religious_a matter_n etc._n etc._n but_o however_o if_o they_o have_v get_v such_o a_o victory_n as_o they_o boast_v of_o how_o be_v that_o consistent_a with_o what_o we_o be_v inform_v of_o and_o be_v noise_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o city_n that_o jo._n menzies_n their_o master_n go_v within_o a_o day_n or_o two_o to_o desire_v the_o bishop_n to_o complain_v to_o the_o primate_n and_o king_n council_n and_o procure_v we_o to_o be_v punish_v for_o hold_v the_o dispute_n and_o a_o order_n that_o none_o such_o further_o be_v admit_v and_o indeed_o if_o the_o scholar_n have_v prove_v so_o good_a disputant_n we_o think_v the_o master_n can_v in_o reason_n reason_n refuse_v this_o follow_a offer_n r._n
prejudice_n against_o such_o book_n be_v because_o so_o much_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o they_o against_o my_o old_a error_n for_o i_o can_v but_o know_v say_v he_o that_o whoever_o read_v these_o must_v see_v my_o nakedness_n and_o folly_n without_o much_o study_n as_o for_o this_o imagination_n we_o must_v take_v it_o with_o much_o more_o upon_o trust_n but_o this_o help_n to_o prove_v the_o needlesness_n of_o his_o large_a examination_n ¶_o 6._o at_o his_o usual_a rate_n of_o pervert_v he_o go_v on_o to_o say_v that_o the_o account_v i_o make_v of_o all_o the_o learned_a man_n of_o the_o world_n be_v that_o they_o be_v scribe_n and_o disputer_n of_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n but_o for_o proof_n of_o this_o we_o have_v nothing_o he_o confess_v the_o word_n to_o be_v those_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o how_o he_o prove_v that_o i_o have_v a_o different_a mean_v from_o the_o apostle_n i_o know_v not_o after_o he_o have_v commend_v his_o learned_a man_n and_o load_v the_o quaker_n with_o reproach_n he_o conclude_v this_o paragraph_n page_n 8._o with_o another_o falsehood_n and_o yet_o he_o will_v have_v it_o remark_v to_o wit_n that_o according_a to_o my_o judgement_n the_o pure_a and_o naked_a truth_n of_o god_n be_v never_o unfold_v nor_o declare_v until_o the_o generation_n of_o the_o quaker_n arise_v but_o where_o he_o find_v i_o say_v so_o he_o tell_v not_o and_o indeed_o can_v since_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v never_o assert_v by_o i_o for_o answer_v to_o my_o say_n that_o god_n have_v lay_v aside_o the_o wise_a and_o learned_a and_o make_v use_v of_o illiterate_a man_n as_o to_z letter-learning_n after_o he_o say_v it_o be_v affirm_v without_o proof_n not_o consider_v how_o improper_a it_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v any_o formal_a probation_n upon_o the_o occasion_n and_o manner_n it_o be_v deliver_v he_o give_v we_o divers_a citation_n out_o of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n warn_v against_o seducer_n all_o which_o i_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v true_a but_o the_o 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hard_o for_o he_o to_o prove_v it_o as_o he_o may_v think_v it_o for_o such_o who_o strong_o affirm_v their_o great_a idol_n the_o covenant_n be_v contrive_v at_o rome_n and_o come_v from_o thence_o as_o for_o his_o reflection_n upon_o our_o church_n as_o be_v all_o eye_n and_o ear_n it_o will_v be_v proper_a to_o speak_v of_o it_o in_o its_o own_o place_n next_o to_o prove_v the_o position_n of_o the_o quaker_n to_o be_v such_o as_o overturn_v and_o destroy_v the_o gospel_n he_o bring_v page_n 11._o divers_a citation_n out_o of_o mr._n norton_n and_o mr._n stalham_n as_o he_o term_v they_o add_v more_n may_v be_v have_v out_o of_o mr._n hicks_n book_n j._n b.'s_n false_a witness_n contribute_v to_o his_o bulky_a book_n but_o such_o witness_n will_v have_v small_a credit_n with_o impartial_a reader_n if_o he_o himself_o have_v deal_v impartial_o he_o shall_v have_v first_o read_v our_o answer_n to_o they_o ere_o he_o have_v give_v they_o such_o authority_n it_o be_v easy_a for_o i_o 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be_v carp_n he_o make_v a_o noise_n that_o joh._n 17.3_o cite_v by_o i_o so_o much_o of_o the_o sentence_n be_v not_o set_v down_o in_o the_o first_o as_o second_o edition_n what_o a_o pitiful_a cavil_v this_o be_v the_o reader_n may_v easy_o judge_v since_o the_o place_n be_v note_v it_o be_v enough_o though_o never_o a_o word_n have_v be_v set_v down_o but_o this_o with_o he_o be_v a_o bad_a omen_n let_v the_o judicious_a judge_n of_o this_o man_n judgement_n in_o the_o matter_n but_o because_o he_o can_v quarrel_v at_o what_o be_v say_v he_o will_v quarrel_v that_o so_o much_o be_v not_o say_v as_o he_o judge_v meet_v but_o he_o may_v be_v please_v to_o understand_v that_o i_o judge_v myself_o under_o no_o necessity_n to_o advise_v with_o he_o what_o be_v needful_a for_o i_o to_o write_v but_o say_v he_o since_o i_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o teach_v the_o whole_a world_n it_o be_v strange_a it_o shall_v be_v so_o natural_a for_o this_o man_n to_o write_v untruth_n since_o i_o direct_v 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he_o ought_v not_o but_o as_o to_o these_o which_o be_v indeed_o own_v by_o we_o thou_o will_v find_v they_o at_o large_a vindicate_v by_o scripture_n and_o reason_n either_o in_o my_o apology_n or_o in_o this_o treatise_n i_o can_v have_v make_v a_o further_a remark_n in_o this_o his_o index_n to_o show_v thou_o how_o many_o of_o they_o he_o set_v down_o as_o our_o assertion_n be_v not_o nor_o ever_o be_v assert_v by_o any_o of_o we_o nor_o by_o he_o affirm_v to_o be_v so_o where_o he_o have_v they_o in_o his_o book_n but_o only_o his_o own_o mere_a conjecture_n and_o consequence_n but_o i_o be_o loath_a to_o detain_v thou_o any_o long_o in_o this_o by_o look_v the_o page_n to_o which_o he_o refer_v thou_o may_v easy_o observe_v it_o year_n 1686_o the_o possibility_n &_o necessity_n of_o the_o inward_a and_o immediate_a revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o foundation_n and_o ground_n of_o true_a faith_n prove_v in_o a_o letter_n write_v in_o latin_a to_o a_o person_n of_o quality_n in_o holland_n and_o now_o also_o put_v into_o english_a by_o r._n b._n advertisement_n to_o the_o reader_n this_o serve_v to_o inform_v thou_o that_o it_o be_v above_o seven_o year_n since_o this_o epistle_n be_v print_v in_o latin_a the_o person_n to_o who_o it_o be_v write_v the_o heer_n paet_v be_v a_o man_n of_o no_o mean_a account_n both_o in_o the_o learned_a and_o politic_a world_n the_o conference_n i_o have_v with_o he_o be_v late_o after_o his_o return_n from_o spain_n where_o he_o have_v be_v ambassador_n from_o the_o unite_a netherlands_o i_o discourse_v with_o he_o on_o the_o same_o subject_a last_o year_n at_o london_n where_o he_o be_v one_o of_o the_o commissioner_n for_o the_o dutch_a east-indian_a company_n but_o can_v not_o find_v he_o propose_v any_o thing_n new_a nor_o what_o i_o can_v conceive_v have_v any_o weight_n towards_o a_o reply_n what_o his_o reason_n be_v not_o to_o prosecute_v this_o matter_n further_o i_o shall_v not_o determine_v but_o thus_o far_o he_o ready_o yield_v that_o he_o have_v be_v mistake_v in_o his_o notion_n of_o the_o quaker_n for_o he_o find_v they_o can_v make_v a_o reasonable_a plea_n for_o the_o foundation_n of_o their_o religion_n upon_o my_o read_n it_o over_o again_o i_o find_v a_o inclination_n in_o myself_o and_o be_v persuade_v by_o some_o friend_n to_o publish_v it_o in_o a_o language_n more_o obvious_a to_o all_o my_o country_n men._n it_o be_v a_o question_n now_o frequent_o toss_v revelation_n the_o ground_n of_o faith_n and_o its_o foundation_n revelation_n what_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o faith_n and_o when_o the_o matter_n be_v sift_v to_o the_o bottom_n it_o resolve_v in_o tradition_n or_o revelation_n for_o those_o who_o lie_v claim_v to_o the_o scripture_n and_o will_v make_v it_o the_o foundation_n of_o their_o faith_n do_v resolve_v it_o but_o in_o a_o tradition_n when_o the_o motive_n of_o credibility_n be_v inquire_v into_o since_o the_o 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outward_a policy_n of_o the_o world_n from_o whence_o have_v flow_v that_o monster_n persecution_n in_o short_a the_o matter_n be_v easy_o drive_v into_o this_o narrow_a compass_n we_o believe_v either_o because_o of_o a_o outward_a or_o inward_a testimony_n that_o be_v because_o it_o be_v outward_o deliver_v to_o we_o or_o inward_o reveal_v to_o we_o for_o my_o part_n i_o think_v the_o papist_n do_v wise_o in_o plead_v for_o infallibility_n for_o certain_o the_o true_a church_n never_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v without_o it_o and_o the_o protestant_n do_v honest_o in_o not_o claim_v it_o because_o they_o be_v sensible_a they_o want_v it_o i_o shall_v therefore_o desire_v the_o one_o to_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v infallible_a and_o advise_v the_o other_o to_o believe_v they_o may_v and_o seek_v after_o it_o but_o i_o be_o sure_a neither_o the_o one_o be_v nor_o the_o other_o can_v without_o immediate_a divine_a revelation_n therefore_o as_o to_o deny_v revelation_n be_v a_o bad_a way_n to_o prove_v infallibility_n so_o to_o deny_v infallibility_n be_v a_o bad_a way_n to_o make_v a_o reformation_n since_o they_o who_o do_v reform_v have_v need_n to_o be_v certain_a they_o be_v do_v so_o the_o assert_v of_o infallibility_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o error_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o the_o pretend_v to_o it_o when_o they_o have_v it_o not_o and_o place_v it_o where_o they_o shall_v not_o but_o since_o those_o who_o oppose_v immediate_a revelation_n do_v it_o on_o the_o account_n that_o they_o reckon_v it_o either_o impossible_a or_o unnecessary_a i_o hope_v there_o will_v be_v as_o much_o find_v in_o this_o epistle_n as_o will_v evince_v the_o contrary_a i_o have_v now_o exceed_v the_o limit_n of_o a_o advertisement_n but_o be_v know_v not_o to_o be_v a_o man_n of_o form_n i_o hope_v my_o reader_n will_v excuse_v i_o to_o who_o i_o wish_v true_a certainty_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o bid_v he_o hearty_o farewell_n the_o 9_o of_o octob._n 1686._o robert_n barclay_n my_o friend_n albeit_o i_o judge_v i_o do_v full_o answer_v to_o all_o thy_o argument_n in_o that_o conference_n we_o have_v concern_v the_o necessity_n and_o possibility_n of_o inward_a immediate_a revelation_n and_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o true_a faith_n from_o thence_o proceed_v nevertheless_o because_o after_o we_o have_v make_v a_o end_n and_o be_v part_v thou_o will_v needs_o remit_v to_o my_o further_a consideration_n the_o strength_n of_o thy_o argument_n as_o that_o in_o which_o thou_o suppose_v the_o very_o hang_v of_o the_o question_n to_o lie_v that_o i_o may_v satisfy_v thy_o desire_n and_o that_o the_o truth_n may_v more_o appear_v i_o do_v further_o consider_v of_o it_o but_o the_o more_o i_o weigh_v it_o i_o find_v it_o the_o weak_a and_o therefore_o that_o thou_o thyself_o may_v make_v the_o true_a judgement_n of_o it_o i_o think_v meet_v to_o send_v thou_o my_o further_a consideration_n thereon_o which_o i_o have_v do_v ere_o now_o have_v not_o i_o both_o at_o london_n and_o elsewhere_o be_v divert_v by_o other_o necessary_a occasion_n wherein_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o thou_o will_v perceive_v a_o full_a and_o distinct_a answer_n to_o thy_o argument_n but_o if_o thou_o can_v not_o as_o yet_o yield_v to_o the_o truth_n or_o think_v my_o answer_n in_o any_o part_n to_o be_v defective_a so_o that_o there_o yet_o remain_v with_o thou_o any_o matter_n of_o doubt_n or_o scruple_n i_o do_v earnest_o desire_v thou_o that_o as_o i_o for_o thy_o sake_n and_o out_o of_o love_n to_o the_o truth_n have_v not_o be_v want_v to_o examine_v thy_o argument_n and_o to_o transmit_v to_o thou_o my_o consideration_n thereon_o so_o thou_o may_v give_v thyself_o the_o trouble_n to_o write_v and_o send_v i_o what_o thou_o haft_n further_o to_o say_v which_o my_o friend_n n._n n._n who_o deliver_v
thou_o this_o will_v at_o what_o time_n thou_o shall_v appoint_v receive_v from_o thou_o and_o transmit_v to_o i_o thy_o letter_n that_o at_o last_o the_o truth_n may_v appear_v where_o it_o be_v and_o that_o the_o whole_a matter_n may_v the_o more_o clear_o be_v understand_v it_o will_v be_v fit_a in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o propose_v thy_o argument_n whereby_o thou_o oppose_v the_o immediate_a revelation_n of_o god_n in_o the_o saint_n thence_o conclude_v thou_o have_v full_o overturn_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n which_o argument_n of_o thou_o be_v argument_n h._n p_n objection_n against_o immediate_a revelation_n state_v by_o way_n of_o argument_n that_o since_o as_o thou_o judge_v the_o be_v and_o substance_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o and_o faith_n concern_v the_o birth_n life_n death_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o christ_n jesus_n thou_o consider_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o christian_a 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matter_n of_o fact_n whether_o of_o a_o thing_n do_v or_o to_o be_v do_v unless_o there_o be_v add_v some_o miracle_n obvious_a to_o the_o outward_a sense_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v ascertain_v that_o that_o revelation_n come_v from_o g0d_n and_o this_o thou_o endeavoure_v also_o to_o prove_v from_o the_o scripture_n argument_n the_o proof_n of_o the_o argument_n rom._n 10._o where_o the_o apostle_n say_v faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o because_o the_o apostle_n speak_v afterward_o of_o those_o who_o be_v send_v in_o the_o plural_a number_n thence_o thou_o conclude_v that_o to_o be_v speak_v of_o outward_a preach_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o man_n and_o since_o the_o apostle_n use_v a_o question_n say_v how_o shall_v they_o believe_v unless_o they_o hear_v thou_o gather_v from_o the_o induction_n and_o connexion_n of_o the_o text_n that_o the_o apostle_n treat_v only_o of_o outward_a hear_n thence_o conclude_v that_o without_o outward_a hear_v faith_n can_v be_v produce_v and_o therefore_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o immediate_a revelation_n by_o the_o simple_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o mind_n unless_o there_o be_v somewhat_o propose_v to_o the_o outward_a sense_n before_o i_o proceed_v to_o a_o direct_a answer_n to_o this_o argument_n some_o thing_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v premise_v first_o then_o that_o be_v false_o suppose_v christ._n the_o christian_a religion_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o historical_a knowledge_n of_o christ._n that_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n consist_v in_o the_o historical_a faith_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o birth_n death_n life_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o christ._n that_o faith_n and_o historical_a knowledge_n be_v indeed_o a_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o not_o such_o a_o essential_a part_n as_o that_o without_o which_o the_o christian_a religion_n can_v consist_v but_o a_o integral_a part_n which_o go_v to_o the_o complete_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o the_o hand_n or_o foot_n of_o a_o man_n be_v integral_a part_n of_o a_o man_n without_o which_o nevertheless_o a_o man_n may_v exist_v but_o not_o a_o entire_a and_o complete_a man._n second_o scripture_n the_o historical_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o common_o manifest_v to_o we_o but_o by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n if_o by_o immediate_a revelation_n be_v understand_v such_o a_o revelation_n of_o god_n as_o beget_v in_o our_o soul_n a_o historical_a faith_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o birth_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n without_o the_o mean_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o do_v not_o contend_v for_o such_o a_o revelation_n as_o common_o give_v or_o to_o be_v expect_v by_o we_o or_o any_o other_o christian_n for_o albeit_o many_o other_o evangelical_n truth_n be_v manifest_v to_o we_o by_o the_o immediate_a manifestation_n of_o god_n not_o use_v the_o scripture_n as_o the_o mean_n yet_o the_o historical_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o common_o 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scripture_n or_o meditate_v therein_o three_o scripture_n three_o god_n can_v manifest_v the_o historical_a truth_n of_o christ_n to_o our_o mind_n without_o the_o scripture_n nevertheless_o we_o do_v firm_o assert_v that_o god_n can_v most_o easy_o clear_o and_o certain_o manifest_v to_o our_o mind_n the_o historical_a truth_n of_o christ_n birth_n etc._n etc._n when_o it_o so_o please_v he_o even_o without_o the_o scripture_n or_o any_o other_o outward_a mean_n and_o because_o this_o argument_n seem_v to_o be_v form_v against_o the_o possibility_n of_o such_o a_o revelation_n therefore_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o discuss_v it_o but_o first_o thou_o may_v mind_v that_o the_o prophet_n who_o foretell_v christ_n come_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o be_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n and_o afterward_o to_o suffer_v death_n do_v know_v these_o truth_n of_o fact_n by_o the_o inward_a inspiration_n of_o god_n without_o outward_a mean_n for_o which_o see_v 1_o pet._n 1.10_o 11._o now_o that_o which_o have_v be_v may_v be_v four_o this_o argument_n do_v at_o most_o conclude_v that_o we_o can_v know_v natural_o any_o truth_n of_o fact_n knowledge_n a_o contingent_a truth_n may_v be_v know_v by_o a_o supernatural_a knowledge_n but_o by_o the_o relation_n of_o another_o without_o we_o or_o by_o the_o perception_n of_o the_o outward_a sense_n because_o there_o be_v natural_o in_o our_o mind_n no_o idea_n concern_v contingent_a truth_n and_o every_o truth_n of_o fact_n be_v a_o contingent_a truth_n as_o there_o be_v of_o necessary_a truth_n this_o then_o prove_v that_o we_o can_v natural_o know_v any_o contingent_a truth_n but_o by_o the_o relation_n of_o another_o or_o perception_n of_o the_o outward_a sense_n but_o that_o hinder_v not_o but_o we_o may_v know_v a_o contingent_a truth_n by_o a_o supernatural_a knowledge_n god_n supply_v the_o place_n of_o a_o outward_a relator_n who_o be_v so_o true_a that_o he_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v believe_v since_o god_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o truth_n man._n the_o form_n of_o revelation_n be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n inward_o speak_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o man._n five_o when_o god_n do_v make_v know_v unto_o man_n any_o matter_n of_o fact_n by_o divine_a immediate_a revelation_n or_o inspiration_n god_n speak_v as_o to_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o inward_a man_n or_o as_o by_o his_o finger_n write_v it_o therein_o two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o such_o a_o immediate_a revelation_n 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d materiale_n the_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o thing_n reveal_v which_o be_v contingent_a 2_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d formale_a the_o form_n or_o mode_n how_o the_o revelation_n be_v make_v which_o form_n be_v a_o inward_a divine_a and_o supernatural_a revelation_n which_o be_v the_o voice_n or_o speech_n of_o god_n inward_o speak_v to_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o inward_a man_n or_o mind_n of_o man_n