observe_v in_o his_o book_n give_v his_o reason_n and_o argument_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n but_o the_o light_n in_o every_o conscience_n and_o have_v show_v the_o weakness_n yea_o the_o falsity_n of_o they_o i_o think_v it_o not_o necessary_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o his_o enlargement_n and_o amplification_n on_o his_o several_a argument_n but_o answer_n to_o the_o argument_n itself_o wherein_o its_o strength_n seem_v to_o lie_v i_o shall_v be_v brief_a in_o my_o examination_n and_o answer_n to_o his_o second_o part_n to_o wit_n concern_v the_o judge_n of_o controversy_n for_o because_o it_o have_v such_o a_o necessary_a connexion_n with_o the_o former_a the_o former_a be_v clear_o discuss_v the_o latter_a will_v easy_o be_v determine_v page_n 39_o he_o give_v we_o his_o explanation_n what_o he_o mean_v by_o these_o term_n judge_n and_o controversy_n a_o judge_n say_v he_o be_v one_o that_o have_v not_o only_a power_n to_o determine_v 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have_v all_o judgement_n commit_v to_o he_o and_o be_v both_o head_n and_o judge_n in_o his_o church_n now_o that_o wherein_o w.p._n be_v short_a in_o state_v the_o question_n here_o be_v that_o he_o do_v not_o assign_v the_o true_a rule_n whereby_o the_o judge_n to_o wit_n god_n christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n do_v give_v forth_o a_o definitive_a judgement_n to_o be_v understand_v and_o receive_v by_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n neither_o god_n nor_o christ_n nor_o the_o holy_a spirit_n need_v the_o scripture_n to_o give_v a_o judgement_n as_o to_o themselves_o their_o knowledge_n of_o what_o be_v truth_n and_o what_o be_v not_o so_o be_v whole_o independent_a from_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o question_n be_v to_o be_v thus_o state_v what_o rule_n standard_n or_o measure_n god_n christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n have_v give_v to_o the_o faithful_a in_o particular_a and_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o general_n since_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n be_v commit_v to_o writing_n whereby_o they_o may_v understand_v and_o know_v the_o true_a judgement_n and_o determination_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o supreme_a judge_n of_o controversy_n true_a it_o be_v that_o the_o lawgiver_n be_v the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o any_o point_n that_o may_v concern_v his_o own_o law_n and_o therefore_o as_o god_n be_v the_o lawmaker_n so_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a judge_n and_o interpreter_n of_o his_o law_n but_o as_o a_o earthly_a lawgiver_n suppose_v a_o earthly_a king_n with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o great_a counsel_n of_o the_o nation_n give_v forth_o his_o law_n to_o his_o subject_n if_o any_o controversy_n arise_v about_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o those_o law_n the_o king_n and_o his_o counsel_n that_o make_v those_o law_n be_v to_o determine_v the_o controversy_n by_o the_o law_n themselves_o one_o part_n of_o the_o law_n serve_v as_o a_o key_n to_o open_v what_o be_v hard_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o another_o part_n of_o it_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o this_o nation_n and_o common_o in_o all_o nation_n for_o the_o law_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v such_o a_o perfect_a law_n entire_a and_o complete_a that_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o need_v not_o be_v give_v by_o give_v forth_o any_o new_a law_n to_o give_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o former_a nor_o ought_v any_o subject_a to_o presume_v to_o give_v his_o private_a interpretation_n of_o the_o law_n by_o any_o private_a gloss_n or_o sense_n which_o he_o can_v demonstrate_v from_o the_o law_n itself_o and_o as_o it_o be_v thus_o as_o to_o the_o law_n of_o man_n how_o much_o more_o be_v it_o so_o as_o to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o law_n of_o man_n indeed_o receive_v frequent_o new_a addition_n and_o alteration_n and_o yet_o this_o can_v be_v do_v but_o by_o public_a authority_n but_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n that_o god_n have_v give_v to_o the_o faithful_a and_o to_o his_o church_n now_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n 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precept_n of_o reveal_v and_o institute_v religion_n by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o whither_o the_o spirit_n give_v this_o judgement_n not_o by_o the_o doctrine_n and_o precept_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o by_o the_o common_a discovery_n and_o dictate_v of_o the_o light_n within_o every_o man_n conscience_n which_o be_v common_o the_o same_o and_o of_o the_o same_o extent_n in_o all_o mankind_n be_v they_o jew_n and_o mahometan_n and_o paynim_n abroad_o or_o deist_n at_o home_n here_o in_o england_n or_o elsewhere_o or_o last_o whither_o by_o any_o new_a particular_a discovery_n revelation_n or_o dictate_v and_o new_a precept_n of_o the_o spirit_n not_o former_o give_v either_o to_o mankind_n in_o general_n or_o to_o the_o church_n in_o particular_a to_o the_o first_o all_o sound_a christian_n agree_v the_o second_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o w.p._n and_o those_o of_o his_o brethren_n of_o the_o second_o day_n meet_v that_o have_v approve_v his_o book_n the_o three_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a teacher_n and_o leader_n that_o first_o arise_v among_o the_o quaker_n that_o do_v affirm_v they_o have_v new_a command_n give_v from_o the_o spirit_n by_o immediate_a revelation_n from_o heaven_n some_o of_o which_o be_v neither_o the_o common_a dictate_v of_o the_o light_n in_o every_o conscience_n of_o mankind_n nor_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n either_o express_o or_o by_o any_o necessary_a consequence_n from_o they_o and_o indeed_o the_o first_o teacher_n and_o leader_n among_o that_o people_n do_v not_o think_v it_o worth_a while_n to_o prove_v their_o doctrine_n or_o warrant_v their_o interpretation_n by_o consequence_n from_o scripture_n but_o the_o general_a proof_n be_v this_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n unto_o you_o for_o g.f._n see_v his_o journal_n plain_o tell_v that_o when_o he_o first_o come_v forth_o he_o be_v command_v of_o god_n to_o say_v thou_o and_o thou_o to_o every_o man_n to_o who_o he_o speak_v and_o not_o to_o put_v off_o his_o hat_n to_o any_o also_o the_o set_n up_o of_o woman_n government_n in_o their_o meeting_n distinct_a from_o the_o man_n by_o the_o more_o devout_a sort_n who_o do_v think_v and_o still_o think_v that_o g.f._n be_v a_o prophet_n as_o immediate_o send_v as_o moses_n or_o any_o other_o be_v judge_v to_o have_v be_v by_o a_o divine_a authority_n and_o power_n in_o g.f._n without_o any_o dependence_n on_o scripture_n rule_n or_o seek_v to_o fish_v it_o by_o consequence_n from_o scripture_n and_o pray_v what_o need_n be_v there_o to_o bring_v scripture_n proof_n for_o any_o thing_n that_o man_n either_o believe_v or_o practice_v either_o by_o consequence_n or_o express_a word_n see_v that_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o either_o faith_n or_o practice_n but_o
need_v only_o pretend_v a_o revelation_n for_o that_o and_o all_o the_o other_o matter_n in_o controversy_n betwixt_o protestant_n and_o papist_n to_o justify_v he_o and_o prove_v he_o to_o be_v no_o changeling_n and_o at_o this_o rate_n of_o w._n p_n argue_v not_o only_o all_o the_o peculiar_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v whole_o uncertain_a and_o papist_n socinian_o and_o arian_n and_o other_o the_o worst_a of_o heretic_n that_o oppugn_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o faith_n may_v happen_v to_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o these_o call_v the_o orthodox_n to_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n but_o the_o great_a fundamental_a of_o the_o quaker_n be_v overthrow_v and_o render_v uncertain_a also_o yea_o this_o very_a position_n that_o he_o labour_v so_o much_o to_o establish_v that_o not_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o light_n in_o every_o man_n conscience_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n to_o every_o man._n for_o this_o position_n of_o he_o be_v not_o literal_o and_o express_o in_o the_o scripture_n so_o that_o according_a to_o w.p._n not_o the_o scripture_n but_o he_o and_o his_o brethren_n interpretation_n must_v determine_v this_o controversy_n and_o this_o can_v be_v do_v without_o extraordinary_a revelation_n it_o be_v none_o of_o those_o thing_n that_o fall_v within_o the_o ordinary_a discovery_n of_o man_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o light_n in_o every_o man_n conscience_n be_v christ_n and_o god_n for_o then_o christ_n will_v be_v god_n and_o the_o socinian_o will_v be_v blasphemer_n that_o deny_v he_o so_o to_o be_v by_o all_o which_o it_o evident_o appear_v that_o this_o argument_n of_o w.p._n not_o only_o render_v all_o the_o peculiar_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n mere_a scepticism_n and_o uncertainty_n but_o the_o great_a fundamental_a of_o the_o quaker_n as_o concern_v the_o light_n be_v christ_n in_o they_o and_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n to_o be_v equal_o scepticism_n and_o uncertainty_n but_o that_o he_o say_v christ_n divinity_n be_v leave_v undetermined_a in_o scripture_n literal_o and_o express_o be_v false_a for_o it_o be_v in_o several_a place_n literal_o and_o express_o affirm_v that_o christ_n be_v god_n and_o that_o and_o many_o other_o truth_n suppose_v not_o literal_o and_o express_o mention_v in_o scripture_n yet_o by_o good_a and_o necessary_a consequence_n without_o all_o extraordinary_a revelation_n from_o plain_a place_n of_o scripture_n can_v be_v certain_o infer_v and_o if_o he_o will_v not_o allow_v that_o there_o be_v any_o certainty_n by_o argue_v from_o the_o scripture_n by_o consequence_n of_o true_a reason_n his_o whole_a discourse_n in_o this_o his_o book_n that_o i_o be_o now_o answer_v be_v disallowable_a for_o he_o have_v not_o bring_v one_o place_n of_o scripture_n that_o literal_o and_o express_o say_v the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o that_o the_o light_n in_o every_o man_n conscience_n be_v and_o he_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o extraordinary_a revelation_n in_o the_o case_n and_o if_o he_o do_v of_o shall_v he_o must_v give_v we_o leave_v to_o distrust_v he_o until_o he_o bring_v sufficient_a evidence_n for_o it_o which_o i_o believe_v he_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o do_v yea_o the_o falsity_n of_o his_o reason_n by_o way_n of_o consequence_n to_o prove_v his_o position_n that_o not_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o light_n in_o every_o man_n conscience_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n be_v evident_o apparent_a from_o the_o answer_v already_o give_v and_o suppose_v he_o shall_v pretend_v to_o extraordinary_a revelation_n in_o the_o case_n and_o that_o that_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o his_o certainty_n and_o rule_n of_o his_o faith_n even_o that_o pretence_n destroy_v his_o fabric_n for_o see_v all_o man_n have_v not_o that_o extraordinary_a revelation_n it_o can_v be_v a_o general_a rule_n if_o he_o say_v the_o common_a discovery_n that_o every_o man_n have_v teach_v he_o sufficient_o without_o either_o scripture_n or_o extraordinary_a revelation_n that_o the_o light_n in_o every_o man_n conscience_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n i_o answer_v how_o can_v that_o be_v unless_o it_o be_v a_o self-evident_a proposition_n as_o that_o the_o whole_a be_v great_a than_o the_o part_n and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o self-evident_a proposition_n why_o have_v w.p._n take_v so_o great_a pain_n to_o prove_v it_o man_n common_o think_v it_o needless_a to_o prove_v any_o self-evident_a proposition_n and_o proper_o speak_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v prove_v but_o if_o his_o say_a position_n have_v no_o self-evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o how_o shall_v it_o be_v prove_v not_o from_o scripture_n for_o that_o will_v make_v the_o scripture_n the_o rule_n nor_o from_o humane_a reason_n for_o that_o will_v make_v humane_a reason_n the_o rule_n which_o w.p._n seem_v not_o to_o set_v up_o for_o the_o rule_n it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o light_n in_o every_o man_n conscience_n in_o respect_n of_o some_o moral_a principle_n of_o justice_n and_o temperance_n have_v a_o self_n evidence_n and_o so_o far_o be_v a_o rule_n but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o christian_n be_v deny_v and_o by_o whatever_o medium_fw-la he_o prove_v it_o that_o must_v be_v his_o rule_n by_o his_o manner_n of_o argue_v which_o run_v he_o into_o the_o like_a vicious_a circle_n as_o the_o papist_n be_v run_v into_o when_o they_o prove_v the_o certainty_n of_o tradition_n by_o the_o church_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o church_n by_o tradition_n so_o w.p._n prove_v that_o the_o light_n within_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n by_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o light_n within_o section_n 20._o his_o proposal_n of_o the_o way_n to_o determine_v all_o controversy_n destructive_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n le_fw-fr we_o in_o deism_n and_o heathenism_n to_o overspread_v the_o world_n a_o remedy_n worse_o than_o the_o disease_n his_o misrepresentation_n of_o sound_a protestant_n and_o false_a and_o uncharitable_a judgement_n of_o they_o several_a scripture_n place_n that_o prove_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n to_o all_o christian_a people_n i_o confess_v he_o have_v one_o very_o notable_a and_o plausible_a answer_n to_o a_o objection_n make_v by_o himself_o p._n 44._o be_v it_o as_o true_a as_o seem_o fair_a and_o plausible_a the_o objection_n be_v this_o how_o will_v this_o determine_v controversy_n viz_o to_o cast_v away_o the_o scripture_n from_o be_v the_o general_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n and_o to_o set_v up_o the_o light_n in_o every_o man_n conscience_n according_a to_o the_o general_a discovery_n it_o give_v to_o all_o mankind_n and_o allay_v the_o fury_n of_o debate_n that_o be_v on_o foot_n in_o the_o world_n he_o answer_v roundly_o nothing_o like_o it_o if_o man_n adhere_v to_o it_o but_o first_o be_v it_o true_a it_o will_v have_v this_o mischievous_a and_o yet_o most_o necessary_a consequence_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n will_v be_v utter_o lose_v so_o far_o as_o it_o have_v any_o peculiarity_n or_o peculiar_a dignity_n worth_a and_o advantage_n above_o deism_n or_o paganism_n a_o rare_a cure_n indeed_o that_o w.p._n here_o prescribe_v to_o all_o christendom_n to_o heal_v their_o breach_n and_o end_v the_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n betwixt_o the_o worst_a sort_n of_o heretic_n and_o the_o most_o orthodox_n christian_n and_o betwixt_o papist_n and_o protestant_n such_o a_o remedy_n here_o prescribe_v by_o he_o be_v worse_a than_o the_o disease_n he_o say_v most_o persuasion_n he_o shall_v have_v come_v out_o more_o plain_o with_o his_o expedient_a say_v most_o heretic_n arian_n nestorian_n sabellian_n eutychian_o and_o they_o of_o the_o oppose_a side_n call_v orthodox_n yea_o papist_n and_o protestant_n agree_o in_o his_o general_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n that_o be_v they_o own_o the_o common_a and_o general_a dictate_v of_o the_o light_n in_o the_o conscience_n and_o so_o do_v the_o civilise_a part_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n of_o mankind_n and_o agree_v about_o what_o he_o make_v the_o absolute_a necessary_n viz_o that_o god_n be_v that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o that_o the_o way_n of_o god_n be_v a_o way_n of_o purity_n patience_n meekness_n etc._n etc._n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n now_o all_o heretic_n common_o few_o i_o think_v except_v own_o these_o general_n and_o many_o of_o they_o have_v moral_a life_n be_v this_o enough_o to_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n though_o they_o deny_v the_o lord_n that_o buy_v they_o with_o his_o precious_a blood_n as_o he_o outward_o suffer_v on_o the_o cross_n on_o this_o pretence_n that_o their_o general_a rule_n set_v up_o here_o by_o w.p._n teach_v they_o nothing_o of_o any_o such_o lord_n that_o buy_v they_o
etc._n etc._n which_o say_v he_o can_v not_o be_v without_o the_o light_n of_o his_o son_n shine_v in_o man_n conscience_n therefore_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o conscience_n must_v needs_o have_v be_v the_o general_n rule_n etc._n etc._n answ_n his_o consequence_n be_v again_o deny_v which_o he_o do_v not_o prove_v it_o have_v the_o same_o defect_n with_o his_o forego_v proof_n that_o he_o confound_v the_o author_n and_o efficient_a cause_n of_o faith_n with_o the_o rule_n which_o be_v the_o instrumental_a cause_n thereof_o but_o let_v it_o be_v further_o consider_v what_o the_o follow_a word_n be_v not_o mention_v by_o w.p._n here_o and_o let_v they_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o forego_n word_n ver._n 7._o will_v the_o lord_n be_v please_v with_o thousand_o of_o ram_n or_o with_o ten_o thousand_o of_o river_n of_o oil_n shall_v i_o give_v my_o first_o bear_v for_o my_o transgression_n the_o fruit_n of_o my_o body_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o my_o soul_n ver._n 8._o he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o do_v the_o lord_n require_v of_o thou_o but_o to_o do_v just_o and_o love_v mercy_n and_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n and_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o the_o word_n at_o least_o have_v a_o comparative_a sense_n as_o intimate_v that_o justice_n mercy_n and_o humility_n or_o humble_a walk_v with_o god_n be_v more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o god_n law_n than_o all_o outward_a sacrifice_n be_v but_o do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o god_n do_v not_o require_v those_o outward_a sacrifice_n then_o to_o be_v offer_v up_o or_o that_o god_n do_v not_o require_v faith_n in_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n that_o he_o do_v command_v they_o and_o if_o such_o a_o faith_n be_v then_o require_v of_o they_o which_o the_o common_a dictate_v of_o the_o light_n in_o every_o conscience_n do_v not_o teach_v they_o but_o special_a revelation_n by_o the_o like_a reason_n it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n the_o great_a sacrifice_n as_o he_o be_v outward_o to_o be_v offer_v up_o of_o which_o all_o the_o outward_a sacrifice_n be_v type_n be_v also_o require_v by_o the_o lord_n from_o that_o people_n the_o which_o faith_n all_o the_o faithful_a than_o have_v and_o by_o which_o faith_n they_o receive_v the_o remission_n of_o their_o sin_n according_a to_o act_n 10_o 43._o but_o see_v the_o light_n within_o every_o man_n give_v they_o not_o this_o faith_n nor_o teach_v it_o they_o it_o evident_o follow_v that_o the_o light_n within_o every_o man_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n it_o may_v be_v further_o say_v that_o the_o word_n micah_n 6.8_o 9_o if_o they_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v with_o respect_n to_o mere_a heathen_n and_o gentile_n who_o have_v not_o the_o external_n word_n may_v imply_v that_o no_o more_o be_v require_v of_o they_o than_o those_o general_a thing_n which_o the_o law_n or_o light_n in_o they_o do_v teach_v they_o and_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n they_o have_v but_o these_o word_n seem_v not_o to_o be_v speak_v with_o respect_n to_o mere_a gentile_n but_o rather_o to_o they_o that_o be_v by_o profession_n the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o though_o neither_o faith_n nor_o repentance_n nor_o many_o other_o evangelical_n virtue_n and_o duty_n be_v there_o express_v yet_o without_o doubt_n they_o be_v employ_v as_o well_o as_o where_o faith_n be_v only_o express_v in_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n love_n and_o other_o virtue_n be_v employ_v and_o indeed_o by_o the_o like_a fallacy_n w.p._n may_v infer_v that_o our_o whole_a religion_n consist_v in_o practise_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o 2d_o table_n from_o james_n word_n pure_a and_o undefiled_a religion_n be_v to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o the_o widow_n and_o to_o keep_v unspotted_a from_o the_o world_n and_o that_o consequent_o he_o that_o do_v this_o though_o he_o practise_v none_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o first_o table_n he_o have_v religion_n enough_o yea_o though_o he_o have_v no_o faith_n in_o god_n no_o fear_n of_o he_o nor_o love_n to_o he_o if_o he_o be_v charitable_a and_o temperate_a as_o it_o have_v be_v report_v some_o atheist_n have_v be_v page_n 5._o his_o next_o argument_n be_v it_o be_v by_o this_o law_n that_o enoch_n noah_n abraham_n melchisideck_n abimilech_n job_n jethro_n etc._n etc._n walk_v and_o be_v accept_v as_o say_v jreneus_n and_o tertullian_n they_o wâ—re_v just_o by_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n than_o be_v it_o their_o rule_n too_o and_o in_o that_o just_a state_n answ_n this_o argument_n have_v several_a defect_n in_o it_o 1._o to_o argue_v from_o a_o law_n or_o rule_n of_o moral_a justice_n to_o a_o law_n or_o rule_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n the_o promise_a messiah_n without_o which_o faith_n there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o salvation_n in_o all_o the_o scripture_n second_o that_o he_o jumble_v abimelech_n and_o jethro_n none_o of_o which_o be_v prophet_n with_o abraham_n and_o other_o that_o be_v prophet_n and_o have_v extraordinary_a revelation_n concern_v the_o messiah_n three_o that_o he_o make_v no_o distinction_n betwixt_o what_o the_o light_n or_o word_n do_v reveal_v common_o in_o all_o man_n by_o the_o common_a illumination_n and_o what_o that_o same_o word_n do_v reveal_v to_o the_o prophet_n and_o by_o they_o to_o the_o faithful_a by_o special_a revelation_n and_o illumination_n and_o indeed_o all_o his_o argument_n be_v in_o great_a part_n build_v on_o this_o fallacy_n of_o not_o distinguish_v but_o confound_v the_o common_a or_o general_a illumination_n give_v to_o all_o man_n from_o the_o special_a and_o extraordinary_a give_v to_o some_o that_o the_o common_a illumination_n of_o the_o divine_a word_n be_v to_o the_o patriarch_n abraham_n noah_n etc._n etc._n a_o law_n or_o rule_n of_o justice_n be_v grant_v but_o that_o it_o be_v to_o they_o a_o law_n or_o rule_n of_o faith_n whereby_o they_o believe_v in_o the_o promise_a messiah_n be_v deny_v for_o that_o be_v a_o special_a revelation_n that_o be_v the_o law_n or_o rule_n of_o that_o faith_n and_o not_o the_o common_a illumination_n though_o both_o common_a and_o special_a be_v and_o be_v from_o the_o same_o divine_a word_n yet_o this_o hinder_v not_o their_o distinction_n as_o all_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n have_v one_o creator_n and_o author_n of_o their_o be_v yet_o this_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o the_o creature_n be_v wide_o distinct_a one_o from_o another_o section_n 3._o his_o first_o and_o second_o argument_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n answer_v page_n 5._o in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o plead_v that_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v the_o rule_n argue_v thus_o arg._n 1._o how_o can_v they_o be_v the_o general_a rule_n that_o have_v not_o be_v general_a answ_n he_o be_v still_o guilty_a of_o confound_v and_o jumble_v thing_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v distinguish_v 1._o none_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o general_a rule_n if_o by_o a_o general_a rule_n he_o mean_v a_o rule_n actual_o oblige_v all_o man_n whosoever_o for_o the_o scripture_n oblige_v none_o but_o such_o who_o either_o have_v they_o or_o at_o least_o can_v by_o some_o possible_a mean_n have_v they_o 2._o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o law_n or_o illumination_n that_o be_v in_o all_o man_n be_v the_o general_a law_n or_o rule_n of_o justice_n and_o morality_n to_o all_o men._n but_o what_o then_o will_v it_o follow_v that_o christian_n have_v no_o other_o rule_n but_o that_o of_o moral_a justice_n 3._o he_o ought_v to_o have_v distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o general_a law_n or_o rule_n of_o justice_n give_v to_o all_o mankind_n and_o the_o general_a superadded_a law_n and_o rule_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o practice_n give_v in_o general_a to_o christian_n but_o for_o want_v of_o this_o distinction_n he_o deceive_v himself_o and_o seek_v to_o deceive_v other_o with_o fallacious_a argument_n page_n 6._o he_o bring_v a_o objection_n thus_o but_o grant_v that_o the_o light_n within_o be_v so_o viz._n the_o general_a rule_n before_o scripture_n be_v extant_a yet_o etc._n etc._n answ_n he_o suppose_v that_o to_o be_v grant_v which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v grant_v viz._n that_o the_o common_a illumination_n before_o scripture_n be_v extant_a be_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a who_o live_v and_o die_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o promise_a messiah_n by_o who_o they_o believe_v to_o have_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n this_o be_v altogether_o deny_v for_o this_o faith_n they_o have_v not_o by_o the_o common_a illumination_n but_o by_o special_a revelation_n give_v to_o some_o by_o prophecy_n and_o to_o other_o by_o mean_n of_o their_o prophecy_n page_n
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 search_v the_o scripture_n and_o meditate_v jad_n wait_v for_o god_n inward_a illumination_n and_o inspiration_n to_o give_v they_o a_o right_a understanding_n and_o they_o may_v expect_v it_o will_v be_v give_v they_o if_o they_o sincere_o seek_v it_o and_o use_v all_o due_a endeavour_n and_o mean_n to_o attain_v it_o one_o of_o which_o be_v to_o consult_v and_o use_v the_o advice_n of_o other_o who_o they_o have_v cause_n to_o judge_v spiritual_o more_o enlighten_v than_o themselves_o if_o it_o be_v in_o case_n that_o be_v neither_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n nor_o precept_n but_o where_o the_o matter_n be_v by_o itself_o indifferent_a and_o neither_o simple_o command_v nor_o forbid_v as_o many_o such_o case_n there_o be_v they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o pray_v and_o wait_v for_o direction_n and_o it_o may_v please_v god_n to_o give_v it_o to_o they_o by_o some_o secret_a motion_n impulse_n or_o impression_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n which_o may_v sufficient_o satisfy_v they_o 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
ordinary_a way_n it_o work_v in_o the_o faithful_a accompany_v the_o outward_a word_n and_o by_o mean_n thereof_o the_o which_o inward_a word_n voice_n and_o teach_v proper_o and_o strict_o speak_v be_v not_o any_o singular_a new_a or_o differ_a form_n of_o word_n but_o rather_o a_o divine_a power_n light_n and_o life_n quicken_a enlighten_v and_o strengthen_v the_o understanding_n and_o heart_n of_o man_n spiritual_o and_o save_o to_o understand_v the_o divine_a doctrine_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n outward_o deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o give_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o faithful_a at_o time_n a_o divine_a sense_n sight_n and_o taste_n of_o god_n divine_a power_n love_n and_o life_n call_v in_o scripture_n a_o taste_n of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o of_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v which_o sight_n sense_n and_o taste_n and_o spiritual_a feel_n be_v indeed_o beyond_o all_o that_o can_v be_v either_o utter_v with_o the_o mouth_n hear_v with_o the_o ear_n or_o conceive_v in_o the_o mind_n in_o or_o by_o any_o form_n of_o word_n as_o the_o outward_a sight_n sense_n taste_v and_o feel_v of_o outward_a delightful_a object_n be_v beyond_o all_o word_n and_o report_n of_o they_o as_o the_o scripture_n say_v eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v nor_o have_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n to_o conceive_v the_o good_a thing_n that_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o but_o as_o say_v the_o apostle_n paul_n god_n have_v reveal_v they_o to_o we_o to_o wit_n to_o the_o faithful_a by_o his_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 2.9_o 10._o isaiah_n 64.4_o viz._n in_o a_o earnest_n and_o first_o fruit_n the_o harvest_n and_o full_a fruition_n be_v reserve_v for_o the_o future_a state_n and_o here_o again_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v what_o be_v the_o rule_n whereby_o to_o know_v sure_o the_o true_a divine_a enjoyment_n as_o above_o describe_v from_o the_o false_a and_o counterfeit_a that_o may_v be_v nothing_o other_o than_o satan_n transforming_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v improper_a in_o this_o case_n to_o ask_v what_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o practice_n because_o this_o high_a divine_a enjoyment_n be_v proper_o speak_v neither_o a_o act_n of_o faith_n nor_o practice_n though_o it_o be_v a_o proper_a consequent_a and_o concomitant_a of_o sound_a faith_n and_o godly_a and_o virtuous_a practice_n for_o as_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o outward_a sight_n hear_v and_o taste_n no_o form_n of_o word_n can_v be_v a_o rule_n to_o a_o man_n to_o teach_v he_o how_o to_o see_v hear_v or_o taste_v but_o the_o sound_a disposition_n of_o the_o organ_n of_o those_o sense_n and_o the_o due_a application_n of_o the_o object_n be_v all_o that_o be_v requisite_a to_o enable_v a_o man_n to_o know_v what_o he_o certain_o see_v hear_v and_o taste_v so_o when_o the_o spiritual_a sense_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v awaken_v by_o the_o quicken_a power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o mind_n fit_o and_o due_o dispose_v whatever_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a object_n be_v present_v to_o that_o soul_n and_o mind_n it_o natural_o and_o necessary_o apprehend_v they_o by_o its_o spiritual_a sense_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o spiritual_a organ_n of_o the_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a man_n the_o best_a and_o fit_a disposition_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o mind_n make_v it_o capable_a for_o such_o divine_a enjoyment_n be_v internal_a purity_n of_o heart_n as_o our_o saviour_n have_v teach_v we_o say_v bless_a be_v the_o pure_a in_o heart_n for_o they_o shall_v see_v god_n that_o be_v always_o accompany_v with_o a_o sound_a faith_n ground_v upon_o the_o sound_n and_o wholesome_a doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o though_o no_o form_n of_o word_n can_v be_v a_o rule_n a_o priori_fw-la whereby_o to_o discern_v true_a enjoyment_n from_o false_a and_o counterfeit_a yet_o a_o posteriori_fw-la that_o be_v by_o the_o consequent_n and_o effect_n they_o may_v soon_o and_o quick_o be_v discern_v if_o due_o examine_v by_o the_o infallible_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n even_o as_o a_o posteriori_fw-la or_o consequential_o a_o man_n may_v know_v whither_o what_o he_o apprehend_v he_o see_v hear_v or_o taste_v outward_o be_v real_a or_o imaginary_a section_n 14._o diverse_a place_n of_o scripture_n explain_v and_o rescue_v from_o his_o corrupt_a gloss_n and_o interpretation_n but_o before_o i_o finish_v my_o answer_n to_o this_o his_o last_o argument_n i_o think_v fit_a to_o take_v notice_n how_o he_o have_v pervert_v misconstrue_v and_o misapply_v all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o the_o place_n of_o scripture_n above_o recite_v out_o of_o his_o page_n 21_o to_o prove_v that_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 and_o that_o without_o any_o necessary_a super-addition_n without_o or_o within_o man_n be_v they_o jew_n mahometan_n infidel_n christian_n they_o have_v all_o but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n as_o they_o have_v one_o and_o the_o same_o creator_n for_o indeed_o not_o one_o of_o these_o place_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o with_o respect_n to_o that_o part_n of_o mankind_n that_o live_v or_o now_o live_v in_o pure_a heathenism_n or_o gentilism_n but_o such_o as_o be_v or_o be_v profess_v member_n of_o god_n church_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v when_o our_o saviour_n be_v bodily_a present_n on_o earth_n and_o as_o the_o christian_n be_v and_o now_o be_v except_v that_o one_o place_n rom._n 1.19_o which_o as_o i_o have_v above_o note_v he_o false_o quote_v render_v it_o whatsoever_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n which_o as_o the_o english_a translation_n do_v not_o so_o word_n nor_o do_v the_o greek_a bear_v it_o and_o the_o falseness_n of_o it_o i_o have_v above_o describe_v as_o for_o the_o say_n of_o our_o saviour_n my_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n which_o be_v the_o first_o of_o those_o quotation_n above_o give_v can_v it_o be_v suppose_v that_o by_o his_o kingdom_n there_o he_o mean_v nothing_o but_o the_o light_n in_o every_o man_n conscience_n he_o offer_v not_o the_o least_o proof_n of_o it_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n in_o scripture_n otherwise_o call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n have_v diverse_a signification_n sometime_o it_o signify_v his_o church_n that_o be_v call_v a_o kingdom_n of_o priest_n sometime_o his_o rule_n and_o government_n in_o and_o over_o his_o church_n by_o his_o law_n and_o precept_n and_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o manifold_a gift_n and_o grace_n and_o sometime_o the_o gospel_n with_o the_o blessing_n thereof_o that_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o where_o christ_n say_v to_o the_o jew_n the_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o they_o matt._n 21.43_o as_o have_v be_v according_o fulfil_v though_o still_o they_o have_v the_o common_a illumination_n of_o the_o light_n within_o they_o and_o sometime_o it_o signify_v his_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n in_o the_o future_a state_n after_o death_n this_o next_o quotation_n be_v out_o of_o luke_n 17.20_o 21._o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v within_o you_o which_o also_o he_o false_o quote_v leave_v out_o the_o word_n you_o so_o make_v it_o universal_a to_o serve_v his_o design_n for_o a_o proof_n that_o the_o light_n in_o every_o man_n conscience_n be_v that_o which_o be_v mean_v by_o christ_n in_o this_o place_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n i_o grant_v god_n have_v a_o universal_a providential_a kingdom_n in_o and_o over_o all_o his_o creature_n and_o more_o particular_o in_o and_o over_o all_o mankind_n according_a to_o psal_n 103.19_o and_o his_o kingdom_n rule_v over_o all_o or_o in_o all_o and_o that_o his_o providential_a kingdom_n among_o man_n be_v administer_v in_o great_a part_n by_o mean_n of_o the_o common_a illumination_n in_o and_o over_o all_o man_n but_o the_o kingdom_n as_o it_o be_v here_o understand_v luke_n 17.20_o 21._o be_v not_o his_o providential_a kingdom_n but_o a_o new_a administration_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o many_o be_v look_v for_o and_o expect_v which_o make_v the_o pharisee_n ask_v when_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n shall_v come_v sure_o as_o they_o mean_v not_o to_o ask_v when_o his_o providential_a kingdom_n shall_v come_v or_o when_o shall_v man_n begin_v to_o have_v something_o to_o reprove_v or_o convince_v they_o for_o common_a sin_n in_o their_o conscience_n nor_o do_v christ_n mean_v it_o so_o but_o of_o some_o more_o excellent_a dispensation_n by_o his_o doctrine_n and_o preach_v which_o the_o pharisee_n have_v hear_v as_o well_o as_o other_o and_o therefore_o it_o may_v well_o be_v say_v to_o be_v not_o only_o among_o they_o as_o some_o translate_v it_o but_o
they_o speak_v 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 first_o it_o be_v needful_a he_o shall_v explain_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o these_o word_n that_o he_o give_v his_o life_n whither_o the_o life_n of_o the_o man_n christ_n without_o we_o or_o the_o blood_n which_o be_v the_o life_n and_o that_o life_n be_v the_o light_n within_o as_o he_o have_v be_v hear_v to_o preach_v and_o be_v according_a to_o his_o book_n and_o what_o mean_v he_o by_o the_o word_n believe_v whither_o to_o believe_v that_o christ_n die_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o rose_z again_o well_o in_o charity_n i_o will_v suppose_v this_o to_o be_v his_o meaning_n otherwise_o he_o will_v great_o equivocate_v but_o still_o all_o this_o belief_n be_v none_o of_o the_o absolute_a necessary_n in_o religion_n they_o be_v some_o considerable_a matter_n superad_v superad_v to_o what_o to_o the_o scripture_n nay_o they_o be_v the_o chief_a doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o again_o i_o ask_v superad_v to_o what_o why_o to_o the_o light_n within_o its_o dictate_v but_o be_v they_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v since_o they_o be_v supernumerary_n and_o superad_v to_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o light_n in_o every_o conscience_n yea_o say_v w.p._n page_n 35._o where_o the_o history_n have_v reach_v and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v make_v a_o conviction_n upon_o the_o conscience_n well_o then_o if_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v where_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v make_v this_o conviction_n upon_o the_o conscience_n this_o conviction_n be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o general_a light_n in_o every_o conscience_n but_o somewhat_o superad_v and_o therefore_o the_o general_a light_n in_o the_o conscience_n be_v not_o the_o perfect_a and_o complete_a rule_n but_o what_o if_o the_o spirit_n make_v not_o this_o conviction_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o some_o who_o have_v the_o scripture_n which_o he_o call_v the_o history_n be_v he_o sure_a the_o spirit_n will_v make_v it_o or_o do_v make_v it_o on_o every_o conscience_n to_o who_o the_o history_n reach_v if_o he_o say_v yea_o he_o throw_v down_o his_o fabric_n with_o his_o own_o word_n for_o if_o so_o this_o conviction_n make_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n on_o the_o conscience_n must_v be_v a_o part_n yea_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o all_o who_o have_v the_o scripture_n because_o the_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o many_o more_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v than_o these_o few_o eternal_a precept_n as_o he_o call_v they_o of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o conscience_n and_o though_o w.p._n here_o seem_v to_o render_v they_o excusable_a to_o who_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n death_n have_v reach_v and_o yet_o believe_v it_o not_o on_o who_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v not_o make_v a_o conviction_n yet_o in_o his_o treatise_n of_o spiritual_a liberty_n he_o call_v it_o a_o loose_a plea_n to_o pretend_v want_n of_o conviction_n for_o not_o obey_v g._n f_n order_n and_o tend_v to_o ranterism_n but_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v the_o spirit_n do_v not_o work_v this_o conviction_n upon_o many_o that_o the_o history_n reach_v as_o his_o word_n import_v than_o they_o be_v leave_v at_o liberty_n whither_o to_o believe_v they_o at_o all_o without_o all_o sin_n or_o danger_n thus_o we_o may_v see_v what_o sort_n of_o faith_n he_o and_o his_o brethren_n have_v of_o the_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n viz._n a_o unnecessary_a faith_n to_o have_v it_o or_o not_o have_v it_o be_v all_o a_o case_n if_o they_o have_v it_o not_o it_o be_v not_o their_o sin_n their_o primary_n rule_v the_o light_n within_o they_o tell_v they_o nothing_o of_o it_o but_o then_o why_o shall_v the_o secondary_a rule_n tell_v they_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n as_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o copy_n but_o what_o be_v in_o the_o original_a so_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o secondary_a rule_n the_o scripture_n at_o this_o rate_n but_o what_o be_v in_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o light_n within_o and_o therefore_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v not_o in_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o light_n within_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o secondary_a rule_n thus_o we_o may_v see_v of_o what_o little_a value_n the_o scripture_n be_v and_o must_v be_v with_o he_o and_o his_o party_n by_o this_o his_o way_n of_o argue_v and_o answer_v objection_n but_o note_n reader_n how_o in_o his_o forego_v word_n i_o have_v faithful_o quote_v he_o make_v the_o believe_a and_o obey_v god_n grace_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o life_n everlasting_a to_o be_v none_o of_o the_o absolute_a necessary_n of_o religion_n but_o superad_v as_o some_o of_o they_o speak_v here_o be_v obedience_n to_o god_n grace_n make_v as_o unnecessary_a by_o w.p._n as_o faith_n in_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v outward_o manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n what_o think_v g.w._n and_o his_o brethren_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v it_o not_o plain_a antinomianism_n yea_o plain_a ranterism_n section_n 16._o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o certain_o know_v and_o believe_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o w.p._n and_o his_o party_n among_o the_o quaker_n but_o be_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o orthodox_n christian_n the_o question_n wrong_o state_v by_o w.p._n about_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o light_n or_o spirit_n of_o god_n within_o which_o be_v not_o what_o he_o can_v reveal_v but_o what_o he_o do_v reveal_v without_o the_o outward_a mean_n of_o instruction_n page_n 23._o he_o labour_v to_o turn_v off_o that_o objection_n against_o he_o of_o his_o argue_v from_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o can_v be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n by_o answer_v the_o scripture_n be_v uncertain_a upon_o their_o foundation_n but_o not_o upon_o we_o we_o will_v have_v they_o receive_v say_v he_o upon_o the_o spirit_n testimony_n and_o evidence_n which_o give_v they_o forth_o i_o answer_v and_o so_o will_v all_o true_a christian_n but_o the_o difference_n be_v great_a in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o and_o his_o define_n this_o testimony_n or_o evidence_n which_o he_o and_o his_o brethren_n will_v have_v whole_o to_o be_v by_o prophetical_a and_o apostolical_a inspiration_n the_o same_o in_o specie_fw-la and_o kind_a with_o what_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n have_v give_v they_o a_o new_a repetition_n of_o the_o same_o article_n and_o precept_n and_o all_o this_o only_a from_o the_o light_n within_o as_o it_o be_v a_o common_a dispensation_n to_o all_o mankind_n the_o falsity_n of_o which_o common_a experience_n as_o well_o as_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n do_v sufficient_o prove_v for_o if_o the_o light_n within_o they_o do_v de_fw-la novo_fw-la give_v w.p._n and_o his_o brethren_n the_o revelation_n of_o all_o or_o most_o of_o these_o peculiar_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n why_o shall_v they_o have_v it_o more_o than_o jew_n mahometan_n deist_n and_o heathen_n many_o of_o who_o they_o account_v have_v be_v and_o be_v faithful_a and_o obedient_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o light_n within_o they_o beside_o if_o more_o be_v reveal_v to_o the_o quaker_n by_o the_o common_a light_n within_o than_o to_o other_o part_n of_o mankind_n who_o have_v not_o the_o scripture_n they_o must_v needs_o grant_v their_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v more_o large_a and_o full_a than_o that_o in_o other_o and_o consequent_o not_o be_v so_o perfect_a in_o other_o as_o in_o they_o it_o be_v no_o general_a rule_n of_o faith_n for_o thus_o he_o argue_v against_o the_o scripture_n but_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o whole_o uncertain_a upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o other_o christian_n and_o so_o certain_a upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o quaker_n from_o their_o pretence_n to_o the_o same_o divine_a inspiration_n that_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n have_v they_o will_v wonderful_o oblige_v the_o christian_a world_n if_o we_o can_v believe_v they_o to_o tell_v we_o from_o their_o infallibility_n what_o translation_n be_v best_a or_o rather_o to_o give_v we_o a_o new_a translation_n by_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o which_o of_o all_o the_o copy_n and_o various_a jection_n be_v true_a but_o that_o this_o be_v a_o groundless_a and_o empty_a brag_n be_v too_o apparent_a while_o their_o ignorance_n and_o gross_a perversion_n of_o scripture_n and_o false_a interpretation_n be_v great_a than_o any_o other_o in_o christendom_n as_o can_v easy_o be_v prove_v but_o in_o contradiction_n to_o all_o this_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v certain_a upon_o the_o quaker_n foundation_n from_o the_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o revelation_n that_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
and_o secondary_a rule_n presupposeth_a a_o primary_n rule_n which_o have_v no_o dependence_n on_o the_o secondary_a though_o the_o secondary_a be_v whole_o from_o the_o primary_n as_o the_o transcript_n be_v whole_o from_o the_o original_a but_o the_o original_a be_v entire_o complete_a and_o perfect_a without_o the_o copy_n or_o transcript_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o according_a to_o he_o he_o have_v all_o what_o he_o think_v to_o be_v a_o divine_a knowledge_n and_o faith_n whole_o from_o his_o primary_n rule_n and_o nothing_o from_o the_o scripture_n which_o he_o call_v the_o secondary_a for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o primary_n rule_n be_v that_o it_o teach_v all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v divine_o know_v or_o believe_v without_o the_o need_n or_o help_v of_o any_o secondary_a rule_n otherwise_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v primary_n nor_o shall_v the_o scripture_n in_o that_o case_n be_v a_o subordinate_a rule_n but_o coordinate_a and_o of_o equal_a dignity_n necessity_n and_o use_v with_o what_o he_o call_v the_o primary_n for_o whatever_o be_v a_o primary_n full_a adequate_a and_o perfect_a rule_n such_o as_o he_o will_v have_v only_o the_o light_n within_o or_o by_o whatever_o other_o name_n he_o design_v it_o it_o must_v propose_v to_o he_o all_o the_o credenda_fw-la and_o agenda_fw-la i._n e._n all_o thing_n he_o ought_v to_o believe_v and_o practice_v without_o any_o other_o rule_n whatsoever_o and_o yet_o in_o contradiction_n to_o his_o own_o doctrine_n he_o grant_v p._n 25._o that_o by_o and_o through_o the_o scripture_n as_o some_o instrument_n this_o great_a and_o universal_a rule_n which_o he_o will_v have_v to_o be_v the_o live_n spiritual_a immediate_a omnipresent_v discover_v order_v spirit_n of_o god_n may_v convey_v its_o direction_n judge_v reader_n if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o contradiction_n to_o his_o former_a doctrine_n and_o a_o great_a impertinency_n sure_o as_o he_o who_o have_v the_o original_a have_v no_o need_n of_o the_o copy_n nor_o great_a use_n of_o it_o for_o himself_o so_o if_o w.p._n have_v such_o a_o perfect_a complete_a primary_n rule_n that_o teach_v he_o without_o scripture_n all_o what_o he_o ought_v to_o know_v believe_v or_o practice_v i_o can_v understand_v of_o what_o great_a use_n the_o scripture_n can_v be_v unto_o he_o or_o at_o least_o it_o be_v of_o no_o necessity_n to_o he_o this_o primary_n rule_n have_v teach_v he_o all_o beforehand_o otherwise_o it_o be_v not_o primary_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n have_v the_o spirit_n inward_a teach_n to_o be_v their_o primary_n rule_n in_o what_o they_o deliver_v as_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o yet_o they_o make_v use_v of_o the_o scripture_n such_o as_o be_v pen_v before_o they_o i_o answer_v because_o neither_o the_o prophet_n nor_o apostle_n be_v teach_v in_o all_o thing_n that_o they_o believe_v and_o practise_v by_o the_o spirit_n inward_a teach_n as_o the_o primary_n rule_n but_o only_o in_o what_o they_o speak_v or_o write_v as_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n in_o other_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v not_o by_o prophetical_a inspiration_n the_o scripture_n what_o be_v then_o extant_a of_o it_o be_v the_o primary_n rule_n to_o they_o as_o well_o as_o to_o other_o of_o the_o faithful_a who_o be_v neither_o prophet_n nor_o apostle_n section_n 9_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o faith_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o principal_a efficient_a beget_v and_o work_v in_o the_o faithful_a by_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o it_o bring_v confusion_n and_o derogate_v from_o the_o spirit_n to_o make_v the_o spirit_n the_o rule_n arg._n 6._o another_o of_o w._n p_n great_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n p._n 13._o be_v how_o shall_v i_o be_v assure_v say_v he_o that_o these_o scripture_n come_v from_o god_n 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 than_o it_o be_v 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 i_o answer_v deny_v his_o consequence_n it_o be_v indeed_o allow_v that_o it_o be_v congruous_a for_o that_o cause_n to_o call_v the_o spirit_n the_o principal_a efficient_a and_o move_a cause_n together_o with_o christ_n and_o god_n the_o father_n but_o most_o incongruous_a false_a and_o pernicious_a to_o make_v he_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o give_v the_o due_a honour_n and_o excellency_n to_o the_o spirit_n so_o to_o do_v that_o it_o derogate_v from_o his_o honour_n and_o excellency_n for_o it_o confound_v the_o efficient_a cause_n with_o the_o instrument_n and_o be_v as_o absurd_a as_o to_o say_v the_o square_a or_o carpenter_n rule_n that_o the_o carpenter_n work_v with_o that_o be_v but_o of_o wood_n be_v the_o carpenter_n himself_o which_o be_v extreme_o false_a it_o be_v no_o derogation_n from_o the_o spirit_n to_o say_v that_o he_o use_v the_o rule_n or_o instrument_n of_o his_o own_o prepare_v whereby_o to_o frame_v and_o fashion_v we_o according_a to_o his_o good_a pleasure_n as_o the_o carpenter_n use_v his_o square_n or_o rule_n to_o frame_v his_o piece_n of_o wood_n to_o put_v into_o a_o building_n and_o for_o the_o better_a clear_n of_o the_o matter_n a_o little_a further_o when_o all_o orthodox_n christian_n writer_n say_v that_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o scripture_n come_v from_o god_n with_o or_o by_o the_o spirit_n that_o give_v they_o forth_o they_o mean_v not_o that_o the_o spirit_n inward_a testimony_n or_o witness_n to_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v any_o new_a or_o repeat_v testimony_n of_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v not_o necessary_a but_o only_o by_o way_n of_o put_v a_o seal_n on_o a_o deed_n or_o bond_n together_o with_o the_o hand_n or_o subscription_n of_o he_o that_o give_v the_o deed_n or_o bond_n which_o hand_n and_o seal_n confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o bond_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o tell_v what_o the_o content_n of_o the_o deed_n or_o bond_n be_v nor_o be_v it_o necessary_a it_o shall_v the_o deed_n or_o bond_n itself_o tell_v the_o content_n of_o it_o and_o to_o use_v the_o school_n distinction_n a_o little_a in_o the_o case_n the_o doctrine_n and_o word_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o material_a object_n of_o faith_n to_o wit_n quod_fw-la creditur_fw-la i_o e._n what_o be_v believe_v but_o the_o spirit_n inward_a testimony_n seal_n or_o impulse_n and_o motion_n which_o carry_v in_o it_o a_o peculiar_a evidence_n that_o none_o know_v but_o he_o who_o have_v it_o be_v the_o formal_a object_n of_o faith_n to_o wit_n propter_fw-la quod_fw-la creditur_fw-la that_o inward_a motion_n and_o influence_n impression_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o sensible_o and_o perceptible_o move_v the_o faithful_a to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o be_v this_o controversy_n about_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n a_o logomachy_n or_o strife_n of_o word_n as_o some_o may_v ignorant_o suppose_v but_o a_o most_o material_a case_n and_o of_o most_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o exclude_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o great_a and_o bless_a mean_n that_o god_n have_v appoint_v we_o for_o beget_v true_a faith_n knowledge_n and_o obedience_n in_o we_o through_o the_o mighty_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o if_o what_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v appoint_v we_o to_o be_v the_o mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o our_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n and_o practise_v and_o the_o rule_n whereby_o to_o discern_v truth_n from_o error_n right_o from_o wrong_n with_o the_o spirit_n internal_a illumination_n we_o prove_v neglectful_a of_o it_o to_o wit_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o the_o frequent_a use_n of_o they_o by_o read_v hear_v meditation_n and_o prayer_n we_o provoke_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o depart_v from_o we_o and_o to_o leave_v we_o to_o our_o vain_a imagination_n and_o satan_n suggestion_n and_o delusion_n to_o be_v receive_v by_o we_o as_o divine_a revelation_n and_o inspiration_n as_o have_v happen_v to_o many_o to_o their_o unspeakable_a hurt_n again_o as_o the_o spirit_n nor_o yet_o his_o internal_a inspiration_n or_o illumination_n and_o revelation_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o principal_a efficient_a of_o it_o and_o his_o internal_a inspiration_n illumination_n and_o revelation_n be_v the_o objective_n medium_fw-la move_v the_o mind_n to_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n nor_o
the_o material_a object_n of_o it_o so_o nor_o be_v the_o spirit_n internal_a illumination_n inspiration_n and_o revelation_n the_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n but_o that_o which_o enlighten_v the_o understanding_n and_o open_v the_o spiritual_a eye_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n or_o so_o much_o of_o it_o at_o least_o as_o contain_v the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n and_o beget_v a_o save_v sanctify_a and_o savoury_a knowledge_n of_o they_o without_o any_o other_o rule_n than_o the_o scripture_n itself_o for_o as_o when_o our_o eye_n be_v open_v and_o receive_v outward_a light_n to_o see_v a_o object_n we_o need_v no_o new_a object_n whereby_o to_o see_v the_o object_n propose_v but_o that_o our_o sight_n be_v strengthen_v and_o enlighten_v so_o in_o receive_v a_o spiritual_a understanding_n of_o scripture_n truth_n we_o need_v no_o other_o rule_n either_o outward_a or_o inward_a but_o the_o scripture_n itself_o only_o we_o 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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_v here_o and_o search_v there_o to_o lay_v down_o this_o or_o the_o other_o principle_n beside_o here_o they_o be_v proper_a there_o metaphorical_a in_o one_o place_n literal_o in_o another_o mystical_o to_o be_v accept_v and_o after_o diverse_a other_o word_n of_o complaint_n against_o their_o be_v the_o rule_n he_o conclude_v 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 answ_n reader_n what_o think_v thou_o of_o this_o sort_n of_o language_n in_o derogation_n from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n what_o if_o i_o shall_v say_v of_o w._n p_n and_o all_o his_o brethren_n write_n what_o he_o here_o say_v of_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o be_v neither_o plain_n proper_a nor_o intelligible_a will_v he_o not_o account_v that_o say_n a_o derogation_n from_o they_o if_o this_o be_v not_o to_o prefer_v the_o friend_n write_n to_o the_o scripture_n in_o these_o man_n esteem_n let_v the_o impartial_a judge_n most_o of_o which_o have_v the_o advantage_n above_o the_o scripture_n by_o his_o argue_v the_o scripture_n be_v write_v upon_o particular_a occasion_n but_o some_o of_o their_o book_n at_o least_o design_o write_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o doctrine_n be_v scatter_v here_o and_o there_o but_o in_o w._n p'_v and_o g._n w_n book_n the_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n be_v in_o excellent_a order_n and_o lie_v together_o paul_n write_n in_o many_o thing_n be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o beside_o they_o be_v original_o write_v in_o greek_a which_o many_o understand_v not_o and_o we_o have_v not_o the_o autographa_fw-la but_o copy_n and_o of_o these_o great_a variety_n and_o difference_n as_o he_o argue_v against_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o other_o that_o be_v not_o one_o with_o they_o in_o make_v the_o spirit_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n p._n 23._o but_o we_o have_v the_o autographa_fw-la or_o at_o least_o the_o first_o print_v copy_n of_o g.w._n and_o w.p._n without_o any_o variation_n or_o difference_n in_o matter_n and_o which_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n their_o write_n be_v the_o dictate_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n original_o in_o english_a whereas_o we_o have_v nothing_o of_o the_o scripture_n original_o in_o english_a but_o the_o whole_a be_v a_o translation_n very_o imperfect_a and_o differ_v from_o other_o translation_n both_o of_o english_a and_o other_o language_n and_o which_o be_v best_a the_o unlearned_a know_v not_o at_o all_o and_o even_o the_o learned_a many_o time_n be_v not_o certain_a all_o which_o give_v the_o advantage_n by_o very_o far_o to_o the_o write_n of_o the_o friend_n above_o the_o scripture_n upon_o the_o supposition_n that_o they_o be_v the_o immediate_a dictate_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o these_o man_n do_v not_o suppose_v but_o positive_o affirm_v many_o of_o they_o to_o be_v especial_o such_o as_o they_o say_v be_v give_v forth_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n but_o suppose_v divers_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v upon_o particular_a occasion_n and_o emergency_n as_o to_o man_n yet_o many_o other_o part_n be_v write_v design_o and_o intentional_o for_o general_a instruction_n to_o all_o the_o faithful_a and_o these_o so_o write_v contain_v all_o the_o essential_o and_o fundamental_o of_o christian_a faith_n and_o practice_n and_o even_o these_o writ_n upon_o particular_a occasion_n and_o emergency_n seem_o to_o man_n accidental_a or_o occasional_a yet_o with_o respect_n to_o god_n be_v design_v by_o he_o for_o a_o general_a good_a without_o who_o wise_a and_o all-ruling_a provividence_n nothing_o can_v happen_v what_o seem_v more_o occasional_a than_o joseph_n be_v sell_v into_o egypt_n yet_o god_n almighty_a have_v a_o glorious_a design_n in_o it_o 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within_o every_o man_n abstract_o and_o by_o itself_o consider_v otherwise_o if_o w.p._n be_v they_o be_v let_v he_o tell_v i_o what_o one_o peculiar_a doctrine_n of_o christian_a religion_n or_o peculiar_a precept_n of_o it_o distinct_a from_o deism_n or_o gentile_a religion_n have_v the_o light_n within_o he_o teach_v he_o if_o he_o say_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v one_o great_a god_n almighty_a that_o command_v he_o to_o be_v honest_a just_a and_o temperate_a i_o say_v these_o be_v not_o peculiar_a doctrine_n and_o precept_n of_o christianity_n but_o common_a to_o it_o with_o deism_n and_o if_o he_o have_v no_o other_o principle_n or_o precept_n teach_v he_o by_o the_o light_n within_o but_o what_o every_o deist_n mahometan_n or_o jew_n who_o be_v enemy_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n have_v then_o let_v he_o speak_v out_o yet_o more_o plain_o though_o i_o think_v he_o have_v speak_v very_o plain_a already_o if_o the_o light_n within_o he_o have_v teach_v he_o any_o other_o principle_n or_o precept_n than_o what_o deist_n jew_n and_o mahometan_n have_v let_v he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o may_v convince_v we_o that_o the_o light_n within_o every_o man_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o not_o the_o scripture_n without_o but_o let_v he_o not_o only_o tell_v we_o so_o but_o give_v we_o some_o effectual_a reason_n to_o convince_v any_o ratinal_a man_n that_o the_o light_n within_o he_o only_o have_v teach_v he_o that_o peculiar_a principle_n and_o precept_n of_o christian_a religion_n without_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o much_o as_o instrumental_a in_o his_o be_v so_o teach_v for_o all_o orthodox_n christian_n by_o affirm_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n they_o give_v no_o more_o to_o the_o scripture_n but_o to_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o give_v all_o save_v knowledge_n and_o faith_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o if_o he_o allow_v they_o in_o god_n ordinary_a way_n to_o be_v the_o