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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
reason_n argument_n faith_n scripture_n 2,476 5 5.8173 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A47133 The deism of William Penn and his brethren destructive to the Christian religion, exposed and plainly laid open in the examination and refutation of his late reprinted book called, A discourse of the general rule of faith and practise and judge of controversie, wherein he contendeth that the Holy Scriptures are not the rule of faith and life, but that the light in the conscience of every man is that rule / by George Keith. Keith, George, 1639?-1716. 1699 (1699) Wing K156; ESTC R6589 71,572 164

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to_o every_o man_n to_o who_o he_o speak_v and_o not_o to_o put_v off_o his_o hat_n to_o any_o also_o the_o set_n up_o of_o woman_n government_n in_o their_o meeting_n distinct_a from_o the_o man_n by_o the_o more_o devout_a sort_n who_o do_v think_v and_o still_o think_v that_o g.f._n be_v a_o prophet_n as_o immediate_o send_v as_o moses_n or_o any_o other_o be_v judge_v to_o have_v be_v by_o a_o divine_a authority_n and_o power_n in_o g.f._n without_o any_o dependence_n on_o scripture_n rule_n or_o seek_v to_o fish_v it_o by_o consequence_n from_o scripture_n and_o pray_v what_o need_n be_v there_o to_o bring_v scripture_n proof_n for_o any_o thing_n that_o man_n either_o believe_v or_o practice_v either_o by_o consequence_n or_o express_a word_n see_v that_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o either_o faith_n or_o practice_n but_o
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why_o we_o shall_v believe_v they_o to_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n know_v that_o all_o the_o word_n they_o deliver_v to_o man_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v infallible_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v general_o grant_v by_o all_o that_o own_o the_o truth_n of_o divine_a revelation_n the_o manner_n of_o their_o conveyance_n to_o their_o understanding_n be_v with_o such_o a_o divine_a power_n majesty_n and_o glory_n and_o make_v such_o a_o divine_a impression_n on_o they_o as_o infallible_o assure_v they_o and_o this_o many_o time_n without_o all_o miracle_n propose_v to_o their_o outward_a sense_n section_n 8._o that_o the_o faithful_a have_v as_o good_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o the_o ordinary_a inspiration_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o outward_a mean_n as_o the_o prophet_n have_v by_o extraordinary_a and_o prophetical_a the_o distinction_n betwixt_o they_o explain_v the_o great_a question_n therefore_o that_o remain_v now_o to_o be_v consider_v and_o resolve_v be_v whither_o the_o faithful_a can_v have_v and_o actual_o have_v not_o as_o good_a assurance_n in_o respect_n of_o all_o fundamental_o and_o essential_o of_o the_o christian_a faith_n at_o least_o that_o the_o word_n deliver_v by_o the_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o if_o they_o have_v receive_v they_o in_o the_o same_o way_n and_o manner_n as_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n receive_v they_o which_o be_v without_o any_o external_a medium_fw-la such_o as_o the_o ministry_n of_o man_n and_o book_n whereas_o the_o way_n that_o we_o now_o receive_v those_o word_n be_v by_o some_o external_a medium_fw-la to_o wit_n the_o ministry_n of_o man_n and_o book_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o insist_v upon_o the_o external_a motive_n of_o credibility_n take_v either_o from_o so_o many_o thousand_o of_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a of_o man_n in_o the_o several_a age_n of_o the_o world_n since_o the_o word_n be_v commit_v to_o writing_n who_o have_v receive_v and_o embrace_v they_o to_o be_v what_o real_o they_o be_v even_o the_o word_n of_o the_o live_n and_o true_a god_n or_o such_o as_o be_v take_v from_o the_o word_n themselves_o as_o outward_o deliver_v such_o as_o the_o simplicity_n purity_n majesty_n and_o efficacy_n of_o their_o doctrine_n the_o harmony_n of_o the_o several_a part_n the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o many_o prophecy_n contain_v in_o they_o the_o many_o other_o incomparable_a excellency_n of_o they_o the_o wonderful_a effect_n they_o have_v have_v on_o many_o thousand_o and_o million_o of_o man_n in_o be_v instrumental_a to_o their_o conversion_n from_o idolatry_n and_o ungodliness_n to_o true_a piety_n and_o sanctity_n all_o which_o be_v of_o great_a weight_n to_o convince_v the_o reason_n of_o man_n but_o because_o all_o this_o do_v amount_v to_o no_o more_o but_o a_o rational_a conviction_n and_o do_v not_o beget_v a_o divine_a assent_n or_o persuasion_n therefore_o i_o conclude_v with_o all_o orthodox_n and_o sound_v christian_n that_o our_o full_a persuasion_n and_o assurance_n of_o the_o infallible_a truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o they_o be_v from_o the_o inward_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o his_o internal_a and_o supernatural_a illumination_n inspiration_n and_o revelation_n and_o secret_a and_o most_o inward_a teach_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o sensible_a and_o perceptible_a impression_n seal_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o upon_o our_o heart_n and_o mind_n and_o here_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o guard_v against_o a_o twofold_a extreme_a that_o i_o find_v too_o many_o run_v into_o both_o great_o and_o dangerous_o erroneous_a the_o one_o be_v of_o some_o that_o grant_v indeed_o that_o the_o spirit_n do_v inward_o operate_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o more_o especial_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o faithful_a but_o this_o operation_n or_o agency_n and_o efficiency_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o will_v have_v it_o only_o to_o be_v effective_a and_o no-wise_a objective_n that_o be_v to_o say_v no-wise_a perceptible_a or_o sensible_a to_o the_o soul_n in_o which_o the_o spirit_n do_v so_o operate_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o some_o of_o they_o have_v call_v this_o internal_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n even_o in_o the_o faithful_a medium_fw-la incognitum_fw-la assentiendi_fw-la the_o which_o assertion_n be_v so_o repugnant_a to_o the_o scripture_n testimony_n in_o many_o place_n that_o hold_v forth_o the_o spirit_n internal_a operation_n and_o virtue_n to_o be_v as_o sensible_a upon_o the_o internal_a and_o spiritual_a sense_n of_o soul_n in_o any_o good_a degree_n inward_o quicken_v and_o make_v alive_a to_o god_n as_o the_o operation_n of_o outward_a light_n heatt_z cold_a or_o the_o most_o affect_a object_n of_o sight_n taste_n smell_a and_o feel_v be_v upon_o our_o outward_a and_o bodily_a sense_n and_o also_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o experience_n of_o many_o thousand_o of_o true_a experience_a christian_n i_o shall_v not_o insist_v here_o any_o further_a to_o refute_v it_o the_o other_o as_o dangerous_a and_o erroneous_a extreme_a be_v of_o such_o of_o who_o be_v w.p._n and_o his_o party_n as_o plain_o appear_v by_o what_o he_o lay_v down_o in_o this_o treatise_n and_o oft_o elsewhere_o in_o his_o book_n who_o hold_v that_o the_o manner_n and_o kind_a of_o the_o spirit_n internal_a inspiration_n revelation_n illumination_n and_o inward_a teach_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o which_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n have_v that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o whatever_o they_o think_v they_o have_v a_o divine_a knowledge_n and_o faith_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o medium_fw-la to_o the_o obtain_v this_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n must_v be_v give_v they_o as_o they_o be_v give_v to_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o wit_n without_o the_o external_a medium_fw-la of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o without_o any_o external_a teach_v whatsoever_o and_o that_o therefore_o their_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v divine_a have_v no_o dependence_n on_o the_o word_n deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o whatever_o they_o know_v or_o believe_v by_o a_o divine_a knowledge_n and_o faith_n it_o be_v whole_o from_o word_n inward_o give_v they_o from_o the_o spirit_n without_o all_o outward_a conveyance_n of_o man_n or_o book_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o w.p._n call_v his_o and_o his_o brethren_n rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n the_o eternal_a precept_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o man_n conscience_n but_o as_o for_o the_o precept_n and_o word_n outward_o deliver_v in_o scripture_n they_o be_v but_o to_o he_o what_o pythagoras_n and_o other_o philosopher_n quote_v by_o he_o page_z 6._o judge_v of_o other_o write_n to_o wit_n liveless_a precept_n hence_o many_o of_o his_o party_n have_v presume_v to_o call_v they_o a_o dead_a letter_n death_n and_o carnal_a yet_o page_n 25._o he_o be_v so_o yield_v and_o seem_o kind_a to_o the_o scripture_n that_o he_o grant_v they_o to_o be_v a_o subordinate_a secondary_a and_o declaratory_a rule_n such_o a_o subordinate_a secondary_a and_o declaratory_a rule_n say_v he_o we_o never_o say_v several_a part_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o here_o observe_v for_o all_o his_o profess_a kindness_n to_o the_o scripture_n he_o will_v not_o allow_v all_o the_o part_n of_o scripture_n but_o only_o some_o part_n of_o it_o to_o be_v so_o much_o as_o a_o subordinate_a secondary_a and_o declaratory_a rule_n though_o even_o the_o ceremonial_a precept_n he_o have_v as_o great_a reason_n to_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n though_o not_o of_o practice_n as_o touch_v the_o external_a type_n as_o true_o as_o any_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n but_o see_v every_o subordinate_a
the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n in_o all_o estate_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n use_v as_o his_o instrument_n to_o guide_v we_o in_o all_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n but_o he_o may_v have_v tell_v we_o some_o of_o those_o thousand_o case_n in_o which_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v our_o plain_a and_o distinct_a rule_n whereby_o to_o know_v either_o our_o duty_n to_o perform_v it_o or_o what_o be_v prohibit_v that_o we_o may_v avoid_v it_o though_o we_o have_v the_o inward_a assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o enlighten_v our_o mind_n and_o set_v before_o they_o on_o all_o necessary_a occasion_n and_o emergency_n such_o scripture_n precept_n and_o prohibition_n as_o suit_n with_o the_o present_a occasion_n but_o if_o the_o case_n be_v of_o thing_n in_o themselves_o simple_o indifferent_a i._n e._n neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v either_o by_o any_o precept_n of_o god_n or_o just_a precept_n and_o law_n of_o our_o superior_n we_o be_v leave_v to_o our_o choice_n according_a as_o our_o rational_a faculty_n and_o christian_a prudence_n shall_v direct_v we_o a_o due_a regard_n over_o all_o be_v have_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o that_o whatever_o we_o do_v be_v do_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o true_a love_n and_o charity_n which_o be_v general_a rule_n plain_o give_v we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o particular_a application_n of_o which_o in_o all_o particular_a case_n whither_o in_o relation_n to_o superior_n inferior_n or_o equal_n the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o his_o special_a illumination_n in_o our_o heart_n will_v teach_v we_o as_o we_o faithful_o pray_v and_o wait_v for_o they_o without_o the_o need_n of_o any_o other_o general_a or_o particular_a rule_n than_o what_o already_o be_v give_v we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n therefore_o in_o opposition_n to_o this_o extravagant_a and_o rash_a assertion_n of_o w._n p_o that_o there_o be_v a_o thousand_o case_n in_o which_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v our_o plain_a and_o distinct_a rule_n i_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o case_n respect_v our_o duty_n either_o towards_o god_n ourselves_o or_o our_o neighbour_n but_o plain_a instruction_n and_o precept_n be_v give_v we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n concern_v the_o same_o but_o we_o still_o need_v the_o grace_n and_o guidance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n to_o give_v we_o the_o spiritual_a discovery_n of_o they_o and_o to_o enable_v we_o right_o to_o practice_v they_o sure_o david_n have_v a_o far_o better_a and_o great_a esteem_n of_o god_n law_n precept_n and_o testimony_n even_o as_o outward_o deliver_v by_o moses_n and_o also_o by_o himself_o than_o w.p._n have_v concern_v which_o he_o say_v psal_n 119.24_o thy_o testimony_n also_o be_v my_o delight_n and_o my_o counsellor_n though_o david_n be_v a_o prophet_n yet_o as_o king_n over_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n he_o be_v command_v of_o god_n to_o write_v he_o a_o copy_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o a_o book_n which_o be_v to_o be_v with_o he_o and_o he_o be_v to_o read_v therein_o all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n that_o he_o may_v learn_v to_o fear_v the_o lord_n his_o god_n to_o keep_v all_o the_o word_n of_o that_o law_n and_o these_o statute_n to_o do_v they_o &c_n &c_n deut._n 17.18_o 19_o 20._o and_o yet_o david_n be_v high_o illuminate_v and_o inspire_v far_o above_o w.p._n or_o any_o of_o his_o brethren_n but_o the_o write_a law_n be_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o action_n as_o well_o as_o of_o other_o men._n nor_o can_v david_n have_v excuse_v himself_o from_o take_v the_o write_a law_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o life_n because_o he_o have_v it_o in_o his_o heart_n and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v no_o excuse_n to_o david_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v to_o any_o christian_a now_o king_n or_o subject_a that_o because_o they_o have_v the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o the_o spirit_n put_v in_o their_o inward_a part_n according_a to_o god_n promise_n in_o the_o new_a covenant_n that_o therefore_o the_o law_n of_o god_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n that_o be_v of_o a_o moral_a concern_v even_o as_o outward_o deliver_v do_v not_o bind_v they_o which_o be_v in_o very_a deed_n to_o take_v away_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o make_v void_a the_o prophetical_a and_o kingly_a office_n of_o christ_n yea_o and_o the_o office_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n also_o who_o inspire_v the_o holy_a penman_n to_o commit_v they_o to_o write_v and_o it_o be_v no_o less_o extravagant_a and_o rash_a in_o w.p._n to_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v not_o lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n any_o general_a rule_n how_o to_o answer_v before_o magistrate_n and_o to_o act_v in_o time_n of_o suffering_n for_o though_o no_o particular_a word_n be_v give_v we_o limit_v and_o determine_v we_o what_o to_o say_v yet_o the_o general_a matter_n of_o our_o duty_n be_v plain_o lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n what_o and_o how_o to_o answer_v before_o magistrate_n as_o that_o of_o peter_n and_o john_n act_v 4.19_o how_o that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o obey_v god_n than_o man_n and_o that_o of_o the_o three_o child_n to_o king_n nebuchadnezzer_n dan._n 3.17_o 18._o and_o how_o to_o act_v in_o time_n of_o suffer_v we_o have_v both_o excellent_a command_n and_o example_n in_o scripture_n as_o mat._n 10.28_o 1_o pet._n 2.20_o 1_o pet._n 4.16_o luke_n 23.34_o act_n 7.59_o 60._o but_o see_v he_o do_v so_o peremptory_o require_v a_o general_a rule_n to_o suit_v all_o case_n as_o well_o as_o all_o person_n of_o mankind_n otherwise_o it_o can_v not_o be_v general_a which_o yet_o he_o will_v have_v it_o to_o be_v what_o those_o dictate_v or_o revelation_n of_o the_o light_n in_o every_o conscience_n be_v of_o jew_n mahometan_n and_o christian_n that_o can_v give_v such_o plain_a direction_n to_o all_o person_n in_o all_o case_n which_o the_o scripture_n can_v give_v i_o desire_v he_o to_o tell_v at_o least_o some_o of_o they_o if_o he_o do_v not_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n he_o can_v and_o that_o consequent_o his_o argument_n be_v vain_a for_o the_o light_n or_o spirit_n abstract_o consider_v without_o all_o revelation_n can_v be_v no_o rule_n section_n 13._o his_o fourteen_o argument_n which_o he_o call_v his_o eight_o answer_v page_n 120._o after_o he_o have_v give_v thirteen_o reason_n and_o all_o false_a one_o enough_o as_o i_o think_v i_o have_v sufficient_o show_v he_o come_v to_o that_o he_o call_v his_o eight_o reason_n after_o his_o former_a thirteen_o at_o least_o why_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v the_o rule_n under_o the_o new_a covenant_n which_o be_v this_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 directory_n the_o inward_a jew_n shall_v have_v a_o inward_a law_n for_o his_o directory_n and_o as_o the_o outward_a jew_n have_v a_o outward_a priest_n at_o who_o mouth_n be_v aught_o to_o seek_v the_o law_n so_o the_o jew_n inward_a and_o circumcision_n in_o spirit_n have_v a_o inward_a and_o 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 the_o law_n of_o life_n the_o king_n ruler_n judge_n lawgiver_n highpriest_n law_n rule_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 of_o this_o world_n again_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v within_o luk._n 17.20_o 21._o i_o will_v write_v my_o law_n in_o their_o heart_n they_o shall_v be_v all_o teach_v of_o i_o heb._n 8.10_o quote_v rev._n 21.3_o joel_n 2.28_o tit._n 2.11_o 12._o job_n 32.8_o rom._n 1.19_o and_n here_o again_o he_o false_o quote_v the_o word_n whatever_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n etc._n etc._n gal._n 5.16_o 1_o john_n 1.7_o isa_n 2.5_o rev._n 21._o 23._o gal._n 6.15_o 16._o as_o also_o he_o quote_v undue_o 1_v cor._n 12.7_o put_v a_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o a_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n answ_n 1._o if_o the_o light_n within_o be_v a_o general_a rule_n to_o mankind_n than_o the_o outward_a israel_n have_v it_o as_o well_o as_o the_o inward_a israel_n where_o be_v then_o the_o distinction_n and_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o 2._o if_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o inward_a israel_n be_v within_o and_o the_o highpriest_n within_o then_o as_o the_o inward_a israel_n have_v no_o rule_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o life_n but_o the_o light_n in_o the_o conscience_n so_o they_o have_v no_o highpriest_n
need_v only_o pretend_v a_o revelation_n for_o that_o and_o all_o the_o other_o matter_n in_o controversy_n betwixt_o protestant_n and_o papist_n to_o justify_v he_o and_o prove_v he_o to_o be_v no_o changeling_n and_o at_o this_o rate_n of_o w._n p_n argue_v not_o only_o all_o the_o peculiar_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v whole_o uncertain_a and_o papist_n socinian_o and_o arian_n and_o other_o the_o worst_a of_o heretic_n that_o oppugn_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o faith_n may_v happen_v to_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o these_o call_v the_o orthodox_n to_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n but_o the_o great_a fundamental_a of_o the_o quaker_n be_v overthrow_v and_o render_v uncertain_a also_o yea_o this_o very_a position_n that_o he_o labour_v so_o much_o to_o establish_v that_o not_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o light_n in_o every_o man_n conscience_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n to_o every_o man._n for_o this_o position_n of_o he_o be_v not_o literal_o and_o 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some_o moral_a principle_n of_o justice_n and_o temperance_n have_v a_o self_n evidence_n and_o so_o far_o be_v a_o rule_n but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o christian_n be_v deny_v and_o by_o whatever_o medium_fw-la he_o prove_v it_o that_o must_v be_v his_o rule_n by_o his_o manner_n of_o argue_v which_o run_v he_o into_o the_o like_a vicious_a circle_n as_o the_o papist_n be_v run_v into_o when_o they_o prove_v the_o certainty_n of_o tradition_n by_o the_o church_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o church_n by_o tradition_n so_o w.p._n prove_v that_o the_o light_n within_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n by_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o light_n within_o section_n 20._o his_o proposal_n of_o the_o way_n to_o determine_v all_o controversy_n destructive_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n le_fw-fr we_o in_o deism_n and_o heathenism_n to_o overspread_v the_o world_n a_o remedy_n worse_o than_o the_o disease_n his_o misrepresentation_n of_o sound_a protestant_n and_o false_a and_o uncharitable_a judgement_n of_o they_o several_a scripture_n place_n that_o prove_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n to_o all_o christian_a people_n i_o confess_v he_o have_v one_o very_o notable_a and_o plausible_a answer_n to_o a_o objection_n make_v by_o himself_o p._n 44._o be_v it_o as_o true_a as_o seem_o fair_a and_o plausible_a the_o objection_n be_v this_o how_o will_v this_o determine_v controversy_n viz_o to_o cast_v away_o the_o scripture_n from_o be_v the_o general_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n and_o to_o set_v up_o the_o light_n in_o every_o man_n conscience_n according_a to_o the_o general_a discovery_n it_o give_v to_o all_o mankind_n and_o allay_v the_o fury_n of_o debate_n that_o be_v on_o foot_n in_o the_o world_n he_o answer_v roundly_o nothing_o like_o it_o if_o man_n adhere_v to_o it_o but_o first_o be_v it_o true_a it_o will_v have_v this_o mischievous_a and_o yet_o most_o necessary_a consequence_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n will_v be_v utter_o lose_v so_o far_o as_o it_o have_v any_o peculiarity_n or_o peculiar_a dignity_n worth_a and_o advantage_n above_o deism_n or_o paganism_n a_o rare_a cure_n indeed_o that_o w.p._n here_o prescribe_v to_o all_o christendom_n to_o heal_v their_o breach_n and_o end_v the_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n betwixt_o the_o worst_a sort_n of_o heretic_n and_o the_o most_o orthodox_n christian_n and_o betwixt_o papist_n and_o protestant_n such_o a_o remedy_n here_o prescribe_v by_o he_o be_v worse_a than_o the_o disease_n he_o say_v most_o persuasion_n he_o shall_v have_v come_v out_o more_o plain_o with_o his_o expedient_a say_v most_o heretic_n arian_n nestorian_n sabellian_n eutychian_o and_o they_o of_o the_o oppose_a side_n call_v orthodox_n yea_o papist_n and_o protestant_n agree_o in_o his_o general_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n that_o be_v they_o own_o the_o common_a and_o general_a dictate_v of_o the_o light_n in_o the_o conscience_n and_o so_o do_v the_o civilise_a part_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n of_o mankind_n and_o agree_v about_o what_o he_o make_v the_o absolute_a necessary_n viz_o that_o god_n be_v that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o that_o the_o way_n of_o god_n be_v a_o way_n of_o purity_n patience_n meekness_n etc._n etc._n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n now_o all_o heretic_n common_o few_o i_o think_v except_v own_o these_o general_n and_o many_o of_o they_o have_v moral_a life_n be_v this_o enough_o to_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n though_o they_o deny_v the_o lord_n that_o buy_v they_o with_o his_o precious_a blood_n as_o he_o outward_o suffer_v on_o the_o cross_n on_o this_o pretence_n that_o their_o general_a rule_n set_v up_o here_o by_o w.p._n teach_v they_o nothing_o of_o any_o such_o lord_n that_o buy_v they_o
of_o these_o tract_n if_o w.p._n say_v it_o be_v because_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o light_n within_o be_v much_o gainsay_v among_o man_n and_o the_o dictate_v of_o it_o grievous_o pervert_v and_o make_v contradictory_n if_o both_o party_n even_o among_o the_o quaker_n themselves_o may_v be_v believe_v g._n f_o and_o his_o party_n when_o alive_a and_o now_o w._n p's_n and_o g._n w_n party_n judge_v that_o which_o john_n story_n and_o his_o party_n believe_v to_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o the_o light_n within_o to_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o a_o false_a spirit_n and_o they_o judge_v the_o like_a of_o they_o therefore_o book_n and_o tract_n have_v be_v multiply_v among_o themselves_o and_o as_o good_a and_o much_o better_a reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o so_o many_o true_o pious_a and_o edify_a tract_n have_v be_v write_v by_o many_o godly_a man_n to_o vindicate_v both_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o true_a light_n within_o in_o all_o the_o faithful_a and_o also_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n without_o this_o as_o the_o rule_n and_o that_o as_o the_o principal_a teacher_n agent_n and_o efficient_a work_v with_o and_o by_o the_o rule_n and_o yet_o none_o of_o the_o two_o how_o much_o ever_o sufficient_a exclude_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n god-man_n without_o we_o from_o be_v our_o all_o sufficient_a saviour_n each_o be_v sufficient_a in_o their_o own_o order_n and_o manner_n of_o act_v as_o concern_v such_o gentile_n to_o who_o the_o offer_n of_o faith_n have_v not_o be_v make_v neither_o by_o man_n nor_o write_n none_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o rule_n to_o they_o but_o as_o they_o have_v no_o outward_a rule_n of_o christian_a faith_n so_o nor_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o have_v the_o christian_a faith_n itself_o if_o any_o have_v it_o they_o have_v it_o not_o by_o the_o common_a illumination_n but_o by_o some_o miraculous_a and_o extraordinary_a manner_n unknown_a to_o we_o and_o how_o god_n dispose_v of_o the_o more_o sober_a and_o virtuous_a among_o they_o do_v not_o at_o all_o reach_n the_o present_a controversy_n which_o be_v not_o whither_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n to_o all_o mankind_n that_o ever_o live_v or_o now_o live_v but_o whither_o it_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n to_o they_o who_o have_v they_o or_o may_v have_v they_o by_o some_o possible_a mean_n page_n 16._o arg_n 13._o whereas_o he_o say_v do_v not_o your_o own_o language_n and_o practice_n prove_v its_o viz._n the_o scripture_n 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 ans_fw-fr this_o argument_n have_v also_o as_o great_a force_n or_o rather_o much_o great_a against_o the_o light_n within_o be_v the_o general_n rule_n for_o do_v none_o of_o the_o friend_n 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 they_o not_o turn_v to_o the_o light_n within_o to_o be_v forthwith_o without_o all_o prayer_n or_o wait_v inform_v and_o satisfy_v if_o they_o do_v not_o yea_o if_o w.p._n do_v not_o both_o he_o and_o they_o be_v woeful_o deceive_v by_o neglect_v prayer_n and_o wait_v on_o god_n to_o receive_v satisfaction_n in_o this_o or_o that_o important_a affair_n but_o if_o they_o find_v their_o need_n both_o for_o prayer_n and_o wait_v for_o direction_n then_o let_v he_o answer_v his_o own_o argument_n and_o make_v due_a application_n but_o to_o give_v a_o positive_a and_o direct_a answer_n if_o it_o be_v either_o a_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n or_o precept_n that_o any_o christian_a want_n due_a instruction_n and_o direction_n in_o they_o may_v both_o pray_v and_o read_v and_o 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without_o make_v that_o impression_n motion_n or_o impulse_n the_o rule_n of_o either_o faith_n or_o obedience_n see_v the_o matter_n be_v neither_o a_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n nor_o precept_n wherein_o either_o faith_n or_o obedience_n as_o touch_v that_o particular_a be_v concern_v but_o a_o motion_n or_o impulse_n simple_o from_o god_n upon_o the_o will_n can_v be_v proper_o call_v a_o rule_n because_o as_o be_v abovesaid_a a_o rule_n proper_o speak_v be_v a_o form_n of_o word_n and_o proposition_n either_o outward_o express_v or_o inward_o conceive_v to_o which_o the_o intellect_n either_o assent_v or_o dissent_v and_o if_o any_o true_a christian_a find_v such_o a_o motion_n or_o impulse_n on_o his_o will_n if_o after_o examination_n he_o find_v that_o it_o do_v not_o incline_v he_o to_o any_o thing_n either_o contradictory_n to_o scripture_n or_o true_a reason_n he_o be_v in_o no_o great_a danger_n to_o yield_v to_o it_o and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o yield_v to_o it_o upon_o just_a suspicion_n or_o fear_n that_o it_o be_v not_o of_o god_n it_o will_v not_o be_v charge_v to_o be_v a_o sin_n upon_o he_o for_o nothing_o be_v sin_n but_o a_o transgression_n of_o god_n law_n page_n 19_o the_o law_n outward_a say_v he_o as_o a_o rule_n be_v but_o as_o moses_n till_o the_o son_n come_v the_o servant_n abide_v not_o in_o the_o house_n for_o ever_o the_o write_a law_n hold_v its_o place_n but_o till_o 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 capable_a of_o be_v turn_v to_o it_o and_o live_v with_o and_o in_o it_o answ_n have_v not_o mankind_n general_o the_o light_n within_o they_o under_o moses_n how_o come_v it_o then_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n to_o they_o and_o do_v not_o dismiss_v the_o write_a law_n but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o write_v nor_o outward_a law_n give_v by_o christ_n under_o the_o gospel_n than_o all_o that_o he_o teach_v outward_o and_o for_o which_o he_o send_v his_o spirit_n upon_o the_o apostle_n to_o bring_v it_o all_o to_o their_o remembrance_n and_o to_o move_v they_o to_o commit_v it_o to_o write_v yea_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n write_n must_v be_v dismiss_v and_o turn_v out_o of_o the_o church_n the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o be_v ishmael_n and_o his_o mother_n out_o of_o abraham_n house_n because_o by_o his_o most_o false_a argue_n the_o write_a law_n give_v by_o christ_n and_o the_o holy-ghost_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v as_o much_o the_o servant_n as_o the_o old_a covenant_n be_v o_o the_o vanity_n and_o folly_n of_o this_o manner_n of_o argue_v which_o whole_o make_v void_a christ_n prophetical_a and_o kingly_a office_n as_o he_o be_v outward_o send_v in_o the_o flesh_n by_o the_o father_n to_o give_v a_o more_o full_a and_o clear_a discovery_n of_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n as_o the_o great_a prophet_n and_o to_o give_v forth_o his_o royal_a law_n to_o the_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o king_n and_o head_n thereof_o but_o he_o further_o enlarge_v upon_o this_o argument_n p._n 17._o tell_v we_o there_o be_v a_o thousand_o case_n in_o which_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v our_o plain_n and_o distinct_a rule_n and_o guide_n and_o he_o add_v on_o the_o margin_n there_o be_v not_o lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n any_o general_a rule_n how_o to_o answer_v before_o magistrate_n and_o to_o act_v in_o time_n of_o suffering_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v first_o he_o do_v not_o well_o to_o confound_v rule_n and_o guide_n it_o be_v grant_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o guide_n teacher_n and_o leader_n of_o the_o faithful_a but_o it_o do_v not_o therefore_o follow_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n i._n e._n the_o many_o excellent_a instruction_n precept_n and_o example_n give_v we_o therein_o for_o
whereas_o the_o best_a skilful_a in_o the_o method_n of_o teach_v both_o pious_a and_o learned_a have_v not_o only_o great_o esteem_v but_o high_o admire_v the_o method_n of_o the_o scripture_n even_o when_o it_o seem_v least_o to_o have_v method_n and_o most_o especial_o the_o method_n of_o our_o saviour_n sermon_n record_v in_o the_o four_o evangelist_n and_o of_o that_o most_o excellent_a form_n of_o prayer_n he_o teach_v his_o disciple_n and_o if_o the_o scripture_n must_v be_v reject_v from_o be_v not_o only_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n but_o a_o write_a rule_n as_o his_o express_a word_n above_o note_a be_v though_o in_o contradiction_n to_o himself_o who_o elsewhere_o call_v they_o a_o rule_n but_o not_o the_o rule_n now_o he_o will_v neither_o have_v they_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n nor_o a_o write_a rule_n for_o want_v of_o the_o method_n of_o a_o rule_n he_o may_v quarrel_v against_o diverse_a part_n of_o god_n creation_n as_o not_o be_v place_v in_o that_o method_n and_o order_n that_o his_o wisdom_n think_v meet_v sure_o i_o be_o some_o atheist_n have_v argue_v at_o such_o like_a rate_n against_o the_o world_n be_v create_v by_o a_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n because_o as_o they_o imagine_v thing_n lie_v in_o great_a disorder_n throughout_o the_o visible_a world_n here_o a_o spot_n of_o the_o earth_n fruitful_a there_o a_o great_a part_n of_o it_o unfruitful_a and_o uninhabitable_a some_o part_n have_v too_o much_o water_n that_o drown_v the_o dry_a land_n overflow_v city_n fruitful_a field_n and_o pleasant_a meadow_n other_o part_n be_v scorch_v with_o drought_n and_o uninhabitable_a for_o want_v of_o water_n other_o large_a part_n not_o fit_a for_o habitation_n for_o cold._n also_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n towards_o mankind_n be_v great_o dispute_v by_o atheist_n because_o of_o that_o seem_a disorder_n and_o want_v of_o method_n in_o thing_n and_o event_n that_o happen_v to_o man_n of_o all_o sort_n virtuous_a man_n neglect_v oppress_a afflict_a and_o vicious_a man_n exalt_v honour_a and_o praise_v it_o be_v a_o great_a default_n in_o w.p._n thus_o to_o argue_v against_o the_o scripture_n for_o want_v of_o method_n as_o be_v the_o rule_n wherein_o he_o too_o much_o resemble_v the_o atheist_n argue_v against_o the_o way_n and_o method_n of_o divine_a providence_n from_o thence_o conclude_v there_o be_v no_o rule_n of_o divine_a providence_n in_o the_o world_n as_o w.p._n conclude_v there_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n section_n 15._o whither_o the_o law_n and_o precept_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n as_o write_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v bind_v the_o faithful_a to_o obedience_n w.p._n his_o absolute_a necessary_n of_o religion_n no_o other_o but_o what_o be_v general_o own_v by_o infidel_n jew_n mahomitan_n deist_n and_o the_o great_a heretic_n have_v thus_o finish_v my_o answer_n to_o his_o argument_n against_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n yea_o not_o only_o against_o be_v the_o rule_n but_o a_o rule_n as_o above_o note_v in_o contradiction_n to_o himself_o who_o sometime_o call_v they_o a_o rule_n to_o wit_n a_o subordinate_a secondary_a and_o declaratory_a rule_n but_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o allow_v this_o to_o the_o whole_a scripture_n but_o that_o several_a part_n of_o it_o be_v so_o that_o be_v so_o much_o of_o it_o as_o heathen_n and_o deist_n have_v teach_v they_o by_o the_o light_n within_o to_o wit_n precept_n of_o moral_a honesty_n etc._n etc._n but_o salvation_n by_o christ_n crucify_a and_o remission_n of_o sin_n by_o his_o blood_n be_v not_o teach_v they_o by_o their_o light_n within_o therefore_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o secondary_a rule_n to_o w.p._n and_o his_o deist_n brethren_n the_o unsoundness_n of_o which_o distinction_n i_o have_v above_o show_v i_o shall_v now_o brief_o point_v at_o some_o other_o impertinency_n in_o his_o book_n now_o before_o i_o and_o so_o conclude_v page_n 25._o we_o confess_v say_v he_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o obedience_n viz._n to_o the_o precept_n write_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o mere_o because_o they_o be_v write_v for_o that_o be_v legal_a but_o because_o they_o be_v the_o eternal_a precept_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o man_n conscience_n here_o divers_a thing_n need_v correction_n first_o i_o know_v none_o that_o ever_o say_v that_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o obedience_n to_o those_o precept_n be_v mere_o because_o they_o be_v write_v but_o chief_o and_o principal_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v and_o obey_v they_o be_v the_o command_v of_o god_n but_o though_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o obedience_n to_o they_o be_v not_o mere_o that_o they_o be_v write_v yet_o be_v now_o write_v and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v so_o appoint_v it_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v write_v and_o the_o writer_n be_v inspire_v to_o that_o very_a purpose_n to_o write_v they_o for_o our_o instruction_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v believe_v they_o and_o obey_v they_o we_o ought_v both_o to_o believe_v they_o and_o obey_v they_o as_o they_o be_v outward_o write_v otherwise_o if_o their_o deliverance_n to_o we_o by_o writing_n have_v no_o influence_n on_o we_o to_o believe_v they_o and_o obey_v they_o we_o may_v whole_o disregard_n they_o as_o such_o and_o only_a mind_n those_o eternal_a precept_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o he_o term_v they_o in_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n to_o wit_n jew_n mahometan_n heathen_n deist_n again_o that_o he_o say_v it_o be_v legal_a to_o obey_v they_o mere_o because_o write_v i_o see_v not_o how_o it_o be_v legal_a for_o the_o law_n do_v not_o command_v they_o to_o obey_v they_o mere_o as_o write_v but_o because_o they_o be_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n but_o to_o reject_v they_o as_o have_v any_o influence_n on_o we_o or_o lay_v any_o obligation_n on_o we_o as_o write_v be_v to_o reject_v christ_n prophetical_a and_o kingly_a office_n a_o part_n of_o which_o be_v to_o inspire_v his_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n to_o commit_v they_o to_o writing_n but_o again_o that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v obey_v for_o a_o rule_n or_o the_o rule_n but_o the_o eternal_a precept_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o man_n conscience_n as_o he_o affirm_v this_o indeed_o make_v a_o very_a short_a and_o near_a way_n to_o heaven_n be_v it_o as_o true_a as_o short_a and_o near_o he_o seem_v to_o give_v we_o a_o account_n what_o these_o eternal_a precept_n be_v page_z 44._o but_o most_o persuasion_n say_v he_o 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 rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o that_o the_o way_n of_o god_n be_v a_o way_n of_o purity_n patience_n meekness_n etc._n etc._n without_o which_o no_o man_n can_v see_v the_o lord_n answ_n note_v well_o reader_n these_o few_o thing_n that_o every_o deist_n jew_n and_o mahometan_n that_o be_v sober_a and_o rational_a will_v acknowledge_v be_v all_o the_o absolute_a necessary_n in_o religion_n that_o he_o lay_v down_o but_o how_o false_o do_v he_o allege_v that_o most_o persuasion_n be_v agree_v that_o these_o without_o all_o the_o article_n peculiar_a to_o the_o christian_a faith_n as_o concern_v the_o holy_a trinity_n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o word_n the_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o sacrifice_n on_o the_o cross_n to_o divine_a justice_n etc._n etc._n in_o a_o word_n all_o the_o twelve_o article_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n be_v all_o the_o absolute_a necessary_n in_o religion_n be_v the_o whole_a christian_a catholic_n church_n of_o christ_n throughout_o the_o world_n in_o all_o age_n no_o considerable_a part_n of_o mankind_n have_v religious_a persuasion_n or_o if_o they_o be_v let_v he_o tell_v we_o what_o part_n of_o christ_n catholic_n church_n ever_o hold_v or_o do_v now_o hold_v that_o none_o of_o all_o the_o twelve_o article_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n or_o few_o of_o they_o be_v the_o absolute_a necessary_n in_o religion_n together_o with_o other_o moral_a part_n relate_v to_o moral_a virtue_n i_o think_v he_o can_v tell_v we_o scarce_o any_o but_o such_o as_o may_v be_v just_o doubt_v or_o disow_v to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n if_o he_o bring_v in_o himself_o and_o his_o party_n and_o deist_n brethren_n he_o but_o beg_v the_o question_n to_o say_v they_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n while_o they_o deny_v the_o great_a fundamental_o of_o her_o religion_n to_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a but_o let_v we_o hear_v he_o further_o in_o the_o same_o page_n he_o say_v nay_o they_o accord_n in_o some_o considerable_a matter_n super_fw-la add_v as_o some_o of_o
the_o light_n in_o every_o conscience_n as_o w.p._n say_v here_o in_o this_o book_n or_o some_o new_a revelation_n or_o discovery_n that_o neither_o jew_n nor_o turk_n nor_o other_o deist_n have_v nor_o all_o christendom_n but_o only_o and_o alone_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n but_o if_o these_o new_a revelation_n be_v their_o rule_n in_o the_o case_n it_o quite_o overturns_a w._n p_n fabric_n of_o set_v up_o a_o general_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n in_o every_o man_n conscience_n for_o a_o new_a revelation_n that_o only_o one_o part_n of_o mankind_n have_v can_v be_v a_o general_a rule_n w.p._n make_v not_o the_o light_n within_o which_o he_o will_v have_v to_o be_v the_o spirit_n or_o god_n himself_o or_o christ_n in_o every_o man_n abstract_o consider_v from_o the_o inward_a discovery_n dictate_v and_o precept_n there_o deliver_v to_o be_v the_o general_a rule_n which_o he_o call_v the_o eternal_a precept_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o conscience_n and_o the_o noble_a precept_n write_v in_o man_n heart_n phrase_n that_o he_o have_v borrow_v from_o some_o heathen_a writer_n as_o pythagoras_n and_o sophocles_n and_o which_o be_v to_o be_v own_v in_o their_o place_n to_o be_v such_o and_o to_o be_v a_o general_a rule_n of_o moral_a justice_n and_o temperance_n as_o be_v above_o own_v but_o not_o either_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n with_o respect_n to_o its_o peculiar_a doctrine_n and_o precept_n nor_o indeed_o so_o much_o as_o any_o rule_n at_o all_o in_o that_o state_n nor_o indeed_o be_v it_o at_o all_o proper_a to_o call_v the_o spirit_n the_o rule_n in_o his_o sense_n but_o rather_o the_o dictate_v and_o discovery_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o w.p._n call_v sometime_o revelation_n to_o wit_n internal_a and_o the_o internal_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n eternal_a precept_n and_o noble_a law_n write_v in_o all_o man_n heart_n for_o the_o spirit_n abstract_o consider_v from_o all_o internal_a and_o external_n discovery_n revelation_n and_o testimony_n teach_v man_n nothing_o at_o all_o and_o therefore_o can_v be_v no_o rule_n to_o they_o as_o such_o and_o see_v w.p._n have_v cast_v away_o the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n even_o to_o we_o christian_n that_o be_v all_z and_o every_o one_o of_o the_o peculiar_a doctrine_n and_o precept_n of_o christianity_n that_o be_v to_o be_v sure_o no_o part_n of_o those_o eternal_a precept_n and_o law_n write_v in_o all_o man_n conscience_n not_o one_o of_o they_o nor_o all_o of_o those_o peculiar_a doctrine_n and_o precept_n be_v so_o much_o as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o christian_n rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n for_o if_o it_o be_v than_o the_o christian_n the_o deist_n the_o mahometan_n and_o infidel_n jew_n shall_v not_o have_v one_o general_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n which_o he_o contend_v for_o page_n 41._o he_o propose_v a_o objection_n and_o pretend_v to_o solve_v it_o obj._n but_o be_v not_o the_o scripture_n the_o judge_n of_o controversy_n he_o shall_v rather_o have_v make_v the_o objection_n run_v thus_o be_v not_o the_o scripture_n the_o rule_n whereby_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n who_o be_v proper_o the_o judge_n do_v by_o his_o inward_a ordinary_a illumination_n in_o the_o faithful_a determine_v the_o controversy_n in_o all_o the_o necessary_a thing_n of_o salvation_n yea_o and_o also_o in_o many_o other_o thing_n though_o not_o absolute_o necessary_a yet_o very_o profitable_a he_o answer_v how_o can_v that_o be_v since_o the_o question_n most_o time_n arise_v about_o the_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n i_o reply_v yet_o still_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o proper_a rule_n to_o determine_v the_o controversy_n even_o when_o the_o question_n arise_v about_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n because_o what_o seem_v obscure_a in_o some_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v open_v and_o make_v plain_a by_o other_o plain_a place_n of_o scripture_n treat_v on_o the_o same_o subject_a that_o be_v as_o a_o key_n to_o open_v they_o with_o out_o any_o other_o rule_n than_o the_o scripture_n itself_o only_o there_o be_v need_n of_o the_o spirit_n internal_a illumination_n and_o assistance_n to_o help_v we_o to_o use_v that_o key_n especial_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o they_o he_o proceed_v in_o his_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n say_v be_v there_o any_o place_n to_o wit_n in_o scripture_n tell_v we_o without_o interpretation_n whither_o the_o socinian_n or_o trinitarian_n be_v in_o the_o right_n in_o their_o differ_a apprehension_n of_o the_o three_o that_o bear_v record_n etc._n etc._n also_o the_o homousian_a and_o arian_n about_o christ_n divinity_n or_o the_o papist_n or_o protestant_n about_o transubstantiation_n if_o then_o thing_n be_v leave_v undefined_a and_o undetermined_a i_o mean_v literal_o and_o express_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o the_o question_n arise_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o word_n do_v the_o scripture_n determine_v which_o of_o these_o interpreter_n hit_v the_o mark_n from_o all_o which_o he_o conclude_v that_o not_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o interpretation_n must_v decide_v the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n and_o that_o interpretation_n must_v be_v give_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o be_v a_o true_a and_o infallible_a interpretation_n answ_n see_v that_o interpretation_n according_a to_o w.p._n can_v be_v give_v from_o the_o spirit_n without_o a_o extraordinary_a revelation_n the_o thing_n in_o controversy_n be_v such_o according_a to_o w._n p_n phrase_n and_o confession_n p._n 31._o as_o fall_v not_o within_o the_o ordinary_a discovery_n that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o man_n salvation_n and_o that_o w.p._n also_o grant_v that_o he_o and_o his_o brethren_n have_v no_o such_o extraordinary_a revelation_n for_o it_o be_v not_o needful_a be_v none_o of_o the_o absolute_a necessary_n to_o our_o salvation_n p._n 33._o it_o evident_o follow_v that_o neither_o w.p._n nor_o any_o of_o his_o brethren_n nor_o indeed_o any_o other_o man_n now_o live_v whatsoever_o have_v any_o certainty_n whither_o the_o socinian_n or_o trinitarian_n be_v in_o the_o right_a that_o be_v whither_o christ_n be_v god_n and_o whither_o christ_n have_v any_o existence_n before_o mary_n and_o whither_o christ_n be_v in_o any_o of_o the_o faithful_a yea_o or_o nay_o yea_o w.p._n have_v no_o certainty_n of_o this_o fundamental_a principle_n that_o christ_n be_v in_o he_o or_o in_o any_o of_o his_o brethren_n the_o great_a reason_n of_o their_o assertion_n that_o christ_n be_v in_o they_o be_v that_o christ_n be_v god_n so_o that_o if_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a from_o scripture_n that_o christ_n be_v god_n and_o if_o the_o socinian_n doctrine_n shall_v prove_v true_a that_o christ_n be_v only_o a_o man_n it_o will_v evident_o follow_v as_o i_o think_v w.p._n will_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v utter_o false_a that_o christ_n be_v in_o any_o man_n whatsoever_o and_o that_o that_o light_a that_o be_v in_o man_n even_o the_o most_o faithful_a be_v not_o christ_n for_o how_o can_v that_o which_o be_v only_o a_o mere_a man_n and_o a_o mere_a creature_n as_o the_o socinian_o say_v that_o christ_n only_o be_v be_v in_o all_o men._n again_o if_o it_o can_v be_v determine_v from_o scripture_n without_o extraordinary_a revelation_n which_o w.p._n grant_n neither_o he_o nor_o his_o brethren_n have_v as_o touch_v these_o matter_n whither_o the_o arian_n or_o the_o homonsians_n be_v in_o the_o right_a it_o evident_o follow_v that_o neither_o w.p._n nor_o his_o brethren_n be_v certain_a whither_o the_o word_n mention_v john_n 1.1_o be_v any_o other_o than_o a_o mere_a creature_n and_o consequent_o they_o be_v not_o certain_a but_o that_o they_o themselves_o be_v idolater_n who_o give_v any_o divine_a worship_n to_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v that_o word_n also_o if_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a from_o scripture_n whither_o the_o papist_n or_o protestant_n be_v in_o the_o right_n about_o transubstantiation_n without_o extraordinary_a revelation_n according_a to_o w._n p_n way_n of_o argue_v if_o the_o papist_n shall_v happen_v to_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o w.p._n by_o his_o confession_n know_v nothing_o to_o the_o contrary_n but_o that_o they_o be_v he_o and_o his_o brethren_n shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o horrid_a contempt_n and_o blasphemy_n to_o call_v that_o which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n nothing_o but_o bread_n and_o be_v not_o this_o assertion_n of_o w.p._n a_o fair_a inlet_n to_o popery_n that_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o determine_v express_o without_o interpretation_n and_o that_o interpretation_n can_v be_v have_v without_o new_a revelation_n whither_o the_o papist_n doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n be_v true_a so_o that_o to_o he_o at_o present_a it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o indifferency_n and_o if_o w.p._n shall_v turn_n papist_n or_o suppose_v he_o to_o be_v one_o when_o he_o declare_v himself_o he_o