6._o his_o quotation_n out_o of_o gentile_a author_n as_o thales_n pythagoras_n socrates_n etc._n etc._n prove_v no_o more_o at_o most_o but_o that_o they_o acknowledge_v a_o inward_a law_n rule_n and_o principle_n of_o justice_n and_o moral_a virtue_n place_v in_o mankind_n but_o what_o say_v all_o this_o to_o prove_v that_o all_o mankind_n have_v or_o have_v a_o law_n or_o rule_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n nothing_o at_o all_o page_n 8._o arg._n 2._o he_o make_v a_o fresh_a assault_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n etc._n etc._n his_o argument_n be_v this_o if_o now_o the_o rule_n than_o ever_o the_o rule_n but_o they_o be_v not_o ever_o the_o rule_n therefore_o they_o can_v now_o be_v the_o rule_n that_o they_o be_v not_o ever_o the_o rule_n be_v grant_v that_o they_o be_v not_o therefore_o now_o the_o rule_n i_o shall_v prove_v say_v he_o thus_o if_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n people_n in_o all_o age_n be_v of_o one_o nature_n than_o the_o rule_n but_o of_o one_o nature_n but_o clear_v it_o be_v heb._n 11._o the_o faith_n have_v be_v but_o of_o one_o nature_n consequent_o the_o rule_n but_o of_o one_o nature_n in_o short_a if_o the_o holy_a ancient_n have_v faith_n before_o they_o have_v or_o write_v scripture_n they_o have_v a_o rule_n before_o they_o have_v or_o write_v scripture_n answ_n his_o whole_a way_n of_o argue_v here_o be_v extreme_o weak_a to_o detect_v which_o let_v he_o consider_v when_o it_o be_v common_o say_v the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v not_o mean_v simple_o and_o bare_o the_o write_a letter_n but_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o or_o by_o the_o write_a letter_n be_v the_o rule_n which_o at_o other_o time_n be_v thus_o express_v the_o word_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n or_o the_o reveal_v will_n and_o mind_n of_o god_n deliver_v to_o we_o by_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o christian_a faith_n etc._n etc._n and_o see_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o promise_a messiah_n and_o of_o eternal_a salvation_n through_o faith_n in_o he_o be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o essential_o and_o fundamental_o of_o it_o now_o as_o then_o and_o then_o as_o now_o without_o any_o substantial_a variation_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o as_o the_o doctrine_n now_o commit_v to_o writing_n be_v the_o same_o it_o be_v before_o it_o be_v in_o writing_n the_o rule_n be_v still_o the_o same_o and_o the_o faith_n be_v the_o same_o for_o substance_n and_o nature_n for_o the_o different_a manner_n of_o convey_v the_o doctrine_n make_v no_o essential_a difference_n either_o in_o the_o doctrine_n or_o faith_n and_o consequent_o nor_o a_o different_a rule_n as_o when_o the_o doctrine_n be_v deliver_v by_o preach_v or_o write_v to_o one_o nation_n in_o one_o language_n and_o to_o other_o nation_n in_o other_o language_n yet_o the_o doctrine_n may_v be_v still_o the_o same_o nor_o do_v it_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o doctrine_n that_o some_o have_v it_o by_o prophetical_a inspiration_n and_o revelation_n without_o any_o external_a medium_n and_o other_o have_v it_o by_o and_o through_o some_o external_a medium_n as_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o faithful_a man_n faithful_o convey_v through_o the_o several_a age_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n inward_o by_o his_o secret_a inspiration_n move_v the_o faithful_a to_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n preach_v to_o they_o by_o such_o faithful_a men._n and_o here_o i_o will_v have_v he_o to_o consider_v his_o great_a default_n in_o not_o distinguish_v the_o inspiration_n of_o god_n spirit_n the_o want_n of_o which_o lead_v he_o into_o so_o many_o by-path_n as_o if_o all_o divine_a inspiration_n be_v prophetical_a and_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o what_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n have_v as_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n whereas_o the_o scripture_n plain_o distinguish_v the_o various_a gift_n operation_n and_o ministration_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o god_n lord_n and_o spirit_n all_o which_o may_v be_v account_v divine_a inspiration_n be_v all_o prophet_n say_v paul_n 1_o cor._n 12.29_o intimate_v they_o be_v not_o all_o prophet_n who_o yet_o be_v true_a saint_n and_o believer_n all_o which_o have_v the_o same_o spirit_n inspire_v they_o all_o but_o not_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o kind_n of_o inspiration_n but_o far_o differ_v the_o prophetical_a inspiration_n teach_v they_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n without_o all_o outward_a teach_n of_o man_n but_o the_o inspiration_n of_o other_o faithful_a man_n who_o be_v not_o prophet_n do_v teach_v they_o the_o same_o doctrine_n by_o mean_n of_o outward_a teach_n of_o men._n section_n 4._o his_o three_o four_o and_o five_o argument_n answer_v page_n 9_o arg._n 3_o he_o frame_v a_o new_a argument_n here_o which_o he_o set_v out_o in_o a_o twofold_a dress_n i_o shall_v produce_v it_o in_o its_o best_a dress_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v such_o as_o the_o faith_n be_v such_o must_v the_o rule_n be_v but_o the_o faith_n be_v as_o before_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a therefore_o the_o rule_n must_v be_v inward_a and_o spiritual_a which_o no_o mere_a book_n can_v be_v answ_n here_o he_o take_v his_o consequence_n as_o grant_v without_o any_o offer_n of_o proof_n but_o it_o be_v altogether_o fallacious_a if_o by_o the_o term_n such_o he_o mean_v such_o every_o way_n and_o in_o all_o respect_n and_o universal_o such_o it_o will_v infer_v the_o great_a blasphemy_n ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la as_o to_o argue_v thus_o such_o as_o the_o faith_n be_v such_o must_v the_o rule_n be_v but_o the_o faith_n be_v a_o act_n or_o thing_n that_o have_v a_o beginning_n in_o time_n therefore_o the_o rule_n be_v a_o act_n or_o thing_n that_o have_v a_o beginning_n in_o time_n and_o that_o rule_v according_a to_o he_o be_v the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v god_n therefore_o god_n absit_fw-la blasphemia_fw-la have_v a_o beginning_n in_o time_n if_o by_o the_o term_n such_o he_o mean_v not_o such_o universal_o but_o only_o in_o some_o respect_n as_o because_o the_o faith_n be_v true_a and_o certain_a therefore_o the_o rule_n be_v such_o his_o proposition_n be_v grant_v but_o then_o the_o consequence_n will_v not_o follow_v that_o because_o the_o faith_n be_v inward_a the_o rule_n be_v only_o inward_a no_o more_o than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o because_o my_o sight_n of_o a_o object_n be_v in_o my_o eye_n that_o therefore_o the_o object_n be_v no_o where_o but_o in_o my_o eye_n he_o grant_v that_o until_o the_o son_n come_v the_o law_n outward_a be_v a_o rule_n pag._n 19_o and_o yet_o all_o those_o holy_a ancient_n who_o live_v before_o the_o son_n come_v have_v the_o true_a inward_a faith_n therefore_o they_o have_v the_o true_a inward_a rule_n and_o not_o the_o outward_a rule_n by_o his_o argument_n which_o destroy_v his_o former_a argument_n his_o syllogism_n transgress_v a_o certain_a rule_n in_o logic_n the_o major_a proposition_n in_o the_o first_o figure_n must_v not_o be_v particular_a page_n 8.9_o as_o to_o his_o authority_n and_o testimony_n out_o of_o justin_n martyr_n and_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n that_o socrates_n and_o heraclitus_n be_v christian_n as_o live_v with_o christ_n the_o word_n it_o may_v be_v suppose_v that_o justin_n martyr_n and_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n may_v thhink_v that_o they_o have_v faith_n in_o the_o promise_a messiah_n as_o abraham_n have_v nor_o have_v w.p._n prove_v the_o contrary_a and_o if_o they_o have_v that_o faith_n the_o rule_n of_o that_o faith_n be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o we_o to_o wit_n the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v still_o the_o same_o whither_o give_v by_o prophetical_a inspiration_n or_o by_o a_o outward_a ministry_n his_o quotation_n out_o of_o eusebius_n affirm_v that_o abraham_n and_o the_o ancient_a father_n be_v christian_n and_o his_o define_n a_o christian_n to_o be_v one_o that_o by_o the_o knowledge_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n excel_v in_o moderation_n of_o mind_n in_o righteousness_n and_o continency_n of_o life_n etc._n etc._n have_v not_o the_o least_o weight_n to_o confirm_v w._n p_n most_o false_a doctrine_n viz._n that_o deism_n and_o christianity_n be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o have_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o rule_n to_o wit_n the_o light_n as_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o common_a illumination_n for_o eubseius_n in_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o christian_a make_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n that_o whereby_o he_o excel_v in_o those_o virtue_n but_o can_v w.p._n prove_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n as_o god-man_n for_o remisiion_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n according_a
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 spirit_n have_v give_v they_o of_o their_o truth_n much_o or_o indeed_o most_o of_o all_o this_o be_v again_o deny_v by_o w.p._n tell_v we_o in_o answer_n to_o that_o objection_n page_n 32._o this_o light_n you_o speak_v of_o can_v not_o tell_v you_o which_o way_n sin_n come_v into_o the_o world_n that_o there_o be_v a_o adam_n and_o eve_n that_o they_o fall_v after_o that_o manner_n and_o that_o sin_n so_o enter_v the_o world_n that_o christ_n be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n suffer_v death_n and_o rise_v again_o etc._n etc._n he_o roundly_o answer_v that_o inasmuch_o as_o a_o account_n of_o those_o thing_n have_v be_v already_o reveal_v and_o be_v extant_a therefore_o any_o new_a revelation_n of_o such_o thing_n be_v not_o need_v i_o answer_v how_o not_o need_v and_o yet_o certain_a to_o you_o upon_o the_o spirit_n inward_a evidence_n and_o testimony_n and_o to_o none_o but_o you_o and_o such_o as_o you_o who_o pretend_v to_o the_o same_o revelation_n with_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n however_o see_v he_o grant_v he_o and_o his_o brethren_n have_v no_o revelation_n from_o the_o light_n within_o they_o that_o christ_n be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n suffer_v death_n and_o rise_v again_o therefore_o he_o must_v needs_o confess_v all_o these_o thing_n concern_v christ_n birth_n death_n resurrection_n be_v uncertain_a to_o they_o and_o so_o no_o matter_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o then_o see_v other_o christian_n believe_v these_o thing_n upon_o a_o inward_a evidence_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n though_o not_o by_o the_o same_o revelation_n in_o kind_a or_o specie_fw-la with_o that_o of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n yet_o by_o way_n of_o seal_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o as_o above_z explain_v the_o proper_a consequence_n of_o which_o be_v this_o that_o all_o these_o great_a thing_n record_v in_o scripture_n concern_v christ_n birth_n of_o a_o virgin_n his_o have_v die_v for_o our_o sin_n his_o resurrection_n ascension_n and_o intercession_n for_o we_o in_o heaven_n be_v altogether_o uncertain_a upon_o the_o quaker_n foundation_n because_o as_o w.p._n confess_v not_o inward_o reveal_v to_o they_o which_o yet_o be_v certain_a upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o true_a christian_n to_o wit_n the_o inward_a testimony_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o way_n of_o seal_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o as_o by_o a_o objective_a medium_n as_o above_o explain_v but_o why_o be_v not_o these_o thing_n concern_v christ_n birth_n death_n reveal_v to_o the_o quaker_n by_o w._n p_n confession_n why_o because_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v they_o be_v none_o of_o the_o eternal_a precept_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o man_n teach_v some_o few_o thing_n of_o own_v a_o great_a god_n almighty_a and_o some_o few_o moral_a principle_n of_o temperance_n and_o justice_n as_o do_v as_o we_o will_v be_v do_v by_o this_o be_v the_o quaker_n evangelium_fw-la eternum_fw-la their_o everlasting_a gospel_n whatever_o be_v more_o be_v unnecessary_a and_o superfluous_a page_n 32._o he_o say_v to_o say_v the_o light_n or_o spirit_n can_v not_o do_v it_o viz._n reveal_v that_o christ_n be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n suffer_v death_n and_o rise_v again_o etc._n etc._n be_v blasphemous_a as_o well_o as_o absurd_a answ_n i_o know_v none_o that_o say_v the_o spirit_n or_o god_n and_o christ_n consider_v as_o the_o light_n can_v not_o do_v it_o but_o that_o be_v not_o the_o question_n what_o the_o spirit_n can_v do_v or_o what_o the_o light_n within_o take_v it_o in_o the_o high_a sense_n as_o to_o signify_v the_o divine_a word_n can_v or_o can_v do_v but_o the_o proper_a state_n of_o the_o question_n be_v whither_o the_o spirit_n or_o light_v within_o have_v give_v general_o any_o such_o revelation_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o if_o he_o have_v not_o give_v and_o that_o to_o all_o man_n then_o to_o be_v sure_a even_o by_o w._n p_n confession_n such_o revelation_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n for_o it_o be_v not_o what_o god_n who_o be_v light_n or_o the_o spirit_n can_v reveal_v but_o what_o he_o have_v reveal_v that_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o do_v ordinary_o reveal_v and_o see_v the_o quaker_n as_o w.p._n have_v grant_v have_v no_o inward_a revelation_n of_o these_o thing_n viz._n that_o christ_n be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o their_o faith_n or_o creed_n for_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n have_v not_o teach_v it_o they_o if_o any_o have_v say_v the_o light_n within_o every_o man_n can_v reveal_v these_o thing_n they_o do_v not_o mean_v by_o the_o light_n within_o either_o christ_n or_o the_o spirit_n but_o that_o common_a illumination_n that_o be_v in_o all_o man_n that_o be_v neither_o christ_n nor_o the_o spirit_n but_o yet_o be_v a_o gift_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n section_n 17._o his_o proof_n out_o of_o the_o father_n and_o primitive_a protestant_n for_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n all_o fallacious_a a_o instance_n of_o calvin_n quote_v by_o he_o in_o some_o passage_n of_o his_o institution_n express_o to_o the_o contrary_n whither_o the_o esseni_n pythagoras_n clinias_n and_o the_o scythian_n before_o our_o saviour_n incarnation_n think_v swear_v unlawful_a from_o the_o light_n within_o as_o for_o these_o many_o author_n some_o father_n and_o other_o late_a protestant_a author_n that_o he_o quote_v in_o confirmation_n of_o his_o assertion_n viz._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 none_o of_o all_o these_o quotation_n which_o i_o have_v diligent_o read_v and_o consider_v say_v any_o such_o thing_n viz._n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n or_o that_o the_o light_n in_o every_o conscience_n be_v that_o rule_n either_o he_o be_v very_o ignorant_a and_o unacquainted_a in_o calvin_n and_o beza_n wriing_n and_o other_o protestant_n or_o very_o unfair_a to_o quote_v they_o when_o he_o can_v but_o know_v in_o his_o conscience_n if_o he_o be_v acquaint_v with_o they_o that_o all_o those_o protestant_a author_n do_v zeolous_o contend_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n and_o though_o they_o do_v zealous_o assert_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o spirit_n internal_a evidence_n and_o testimony_n to_o seal_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o give_v the_o understanding_n of_o it_o yet_o none_o of_o they_o all_o that_o he_o have_v quote_v say_v or_o hold_v that_o the_o spirit_n or_o light_n in_o every_o conscience_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n ay_o rememno_fw-la such_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o they_o and_o yet_o i_o suppose_v i_o know_v their_o doctrine_n as_o well_o as_o he_o and_o be_v it_o needful_a i_o can_v produce_v sufficient_a testimony_n from_o their_o book_n that_o he_o have_v manifest_o wrong_v they_o but_o he_o who_o take_v so_o great_a liberty_n to_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n no_o wonder_n if_o he_o make_v bold_a to_o do_v the_o same_o with_o these_o man_n write_n his_o quotation_n out_o of_o calvin_n be_v this_o inst_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 8._o it_o be_v necessary_a the_o same_o spirit_n that_o speak_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o prophet_n shall_v pierce_v into_o our_o heart_n to_o persuade_v we_o that_o they_o faithful_o deliver_v that_o which_o be_v commit_v to_o they_o of_o god_n this_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o calvin_n deny_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n have_v express_o teach_v that_o they_o be_v but_o to_o show_v how_o little_o acquaint_v w.p._n be_v with_o calvin_n doctrine_n in_o this_o point_n who_o he_o have_v quote_v for_o he_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n or_o write_v word_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o light_n in_o every_o conscience_n or_o the_o spirit_n abstract_o consider_v from_o the_o write_a word_n or_o how_o unfair_a and_o fallacious_a in_o so_o do_v if_o acquaint_v with_o his_o write_n i_o shall_v give_v some_o passage_n out_o of_o his_o institution_n that_o be_v in_o english_a 4_o for_o when_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n for_o its_o weakness_n can_v by_o no_o way_n come_v to_o god_n unless_o help_v and_o assist_v by_o his_o holy_a word_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o all_o man_n the_o jew_n except_v do_v walk_v in_o vanity_n and_o error_n because_o they_o seek_v god_n without_o the_o word_n thus_o we_o see_v according_a to_o calvin_n how_o necessary_a be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o wit_n the_o doctrine_n outward_o deliver_v of_o god_n to_o man_n by_o the_o holy_a prophet_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o god_n out_o of_o error_n and_o vanity_n for_o by_o the_o holy_a word_n it_o be_v manifest_a calvin_n mean_v not_o the_o
consider_v as_o god-man_n if_o by_o the_o saviour_n of_o his_o people_n he_o mean_v such_o a_o saviour_n as_o save_v they_o with_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o make_v they_o heir_n of_o god_n and_o co_n heir_n with_o christ_n i_o say_v without_o all_o faith_n either_o explicit_a or_o implicit_a that_o some_o of_o the_o gentile_n who_o endeavour_v to_o live_v up_o to_o some_o moral_a principle_n discover_v to_o they_o by_o the_o light_n in_o their_o conscience_n and_o the_o improvement_n that_o their_o reasonable_a faculty_n make_v be_v enlighten_v thereby_o by_o view_v the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o general_a providence_n have_v a_o kind_n of_o faith_n and_o hope_n in_o god_n that_o prompt_v they_o to_o expect_v temporal_a blessing_n and_o some_o temporal_a reward_n from_o the_o observation_n they_o can_v make_v that_o divine_a providence_n do_v ordinary_o bestow_v such_o blessing_n upon_o man_n that_o be_v moral_o honest_a may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v grant_v but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n and_o of_o the_o heir_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n that_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o faithful_a word_n of_o god_n and_o his_o faithful_a promise_n first_o deliver_v to_o his_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o by_o they_o to_o we_o even_o such_o a_o word_n of_o faith_n as_o that_o it_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n 1_o tim._n 1.15_o for_o to_o he_o give_v all_o the_o prophet_n witness_n as_o peter_n preach_v to_o cornelius_n that_o whoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v receive_v remission_n of_o sin_n act_n 10.43_o god_n promise_n come_v not_o to_o man_n nor_o ever_o come_v to_o they_o by_o the_o common_a dictate_v of_o the_o light_n within_o whither_o they_o call_v it_o god_n or_o the_o word_n or_o the_o spirit_n there_o be_v diversity_n of_o operation_n gift_n and_o ministration_n inward_a as_o well_o as_o outward_a of_o one_o god_n one_o lord_n and_o one_o spirit_n who_o be_v over_o all_o in_o all_o and_o through_o all_o it_o be_v but_o a_o faint_a hope_n and_o faith_n that_o man_n can_v have_v in_o god_n without_o the_o promise_n and_o without_o all_o special_a revelation_n the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n goodness_n discoverable_a by_o the_o light_n in_o every_o conscience_n in_o the_o work_v of_o creation_n and_o providence_n may_v give_v man_n that_o be_v moral_o honest_a some_o probable_a faith_n that_o he_o will_v be_v favourable_a to_o they_o but_o the_o infallible_a ground_n of_o certainty_n concern_v eternal_a life_n and_o salvation_n none_o ever_o have_v or_o can_v have_v without_o the_o promise_n and_o special_a revelation_n for_o all_o the_o light_n and_o knowledge_n that_o the_o ephesian_a gentile_n have_v in_o their_o mere_a gentile_a state_n paul_n tell_v that_o at_o that_o time_n they_o be_v without_o hope_n and_o without_o the_o promise_n and_o alien_n and_o stranger_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n eph._n 2.12_o a_o indigent_a man_n that_o know_v a_o good_a man_n that_o be_v able_a to_o help_v he_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o sure_a that_o he_o will_v help_v he_o unless_o he_o have_v his_o promise_n and_o some_o particular_a intimation_n of_o his_o mind_n but_o if_o he_o have_v that_o than_o his_o faith_n have_v sure_a foot_n but_o the_o faithful_a have_v not_o only_a god_n word_n and_o promise_n but_o confirm_v by_o his_o oath_n that_o by_o two_o immutable_a thing_n they_o may_v have_v strong_a confidence_n and_o hope_v that_o be_v as_o a_o anchor_n sure_a and_o steadfast_a and_o which_o enter_v within_o the_o veil_n whither_o the_o forerunner_n have_v go_v but_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o this_o sort_n of_o faith_n that_o i_o can_v find_v as_o any-wise_a necessary_a or_o essential_a to_o the_o religion_n here_o describe_v in_o this_o treatise_n of_o w.p._n but_o pure_a deism_n and_o at_o best_a refine_a paganism_n all_o along_o as_o will_v further_o appear_v in_o what_o follow_v i_o find_v in_o page_n 50_o of_o the_o same_o treatise_n a_o quite_o differ_v definition_n of_o faith_n which_o if_o not_o plain_o contradictory_n to_o the_o former_a be_v very_o disingenous_a and_o full_a of_o equivocation_n but_o whatever_o way_n it_o be_v take_v if_o he_o adhere_v to_o it_o and_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v a_o proper_a definition_n where_o the_o definition_n itself_o in_o the_o part_n of_o it_o aught_o to_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o thing_n define_v and_o such_o as_o the_o thing_n define_v can_v be_v without_o it_o yield_v as_o sufficient_a argument_n against_o his_o position_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 his_o definition_n be_v this_o faith_n be_v yield_v up_o to_o the_o requiring_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o we_o in_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v past_a through_o the_o son_n of_o his_o love_n and_o life_n everlasting_a several_a thing_n be_v faulty_a in_o this_o definition_n first_o that_o he_o confound_v the_o effect_n or_o concomitant_a of_o faith_n with_o faith_n itself_o for_o the_o yield_n up_o or_o resignation_n to_o god_n requiring_n be_v rather_o a_o effect_n or_o concomitant_a of_o faith_n than_o faith_n itself_o especial_o in_o the_o present_a case_n as_o it_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o rule_n which_o determine_v what_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v or_o assent_v unto_o upon_o the_o credit_n of_o divine_a authority_n second_o that_o he_o make_v remission_n of_o sin_n to_o be_v antecedent_n and_o prior_n to_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o error_n of_o the_o antinomian_o and_o plain_o contradictory_n to_o the_o scripture_n that_o hold_v forth_o both_o repentance_n and_o faith_n to_o be_v necessary_a requisite_n in_o order_n to_o forgiveness_n three_o that_o he_o make_v full_a assurance_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n to_o be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n whereas_o there_o be_v a_o faith_n of_o adhesion_n that_o be_v true_a faith_n that_o many_o of_o the_o faithful_a have_v who_o have_v not_o arrive_v to_o that_o full_a assurance_n but_o that_o which_o i_o principal_o notify_v in_o this_o his_o last_o definition_n be_v that_o he_o make_v this_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n to_o be_v through_o the_o son_n of_o god_n love_n where_o that_o the_o equivocation_n and_o fallacy_n may_v be_v discover_v i_o ask_v he_o what_o he_o mean_v by_o the_o son_n of_o his_o love_n through_o which_o this_o assurance_n if_o remission_n of_o sin_n be_v obtain_v if_o he_o mean_v by_o the_o son_n of_o his_o love_n only_o the_o light_n within_o every_o man_n conscience_n it_o be_v a_o palpable_a equivocation_n and_o insert_v on_o purpose_n to_o deceive_v the_o christian_a reader_n who_o general_o by_o man_n have_v remission_n of_o sin_n through_o the_o son_n of_o god_n love_n do_v understand_v the_o son_n of_o god_n love_n to_o be_v the_o word_n incarnate_a to_o wit_n jesus_n christ_n god-man_n as_o he_o die_v for_o our_o sin_n by_o his_o death_n to_o purchase_v to_o we_o the_o pardon_n of_o they_o but_o this_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v the_o true_a scripture_n sense_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o true_a christian_n w.p._n do_v not_o admit_v if_o he_o adhere_v to_o what_o he_o have_v say_v both_o here_o and_o in_o his_o other_o book_n for_o in_o his_o serious_a apology_n page_n 146._o he_o say_v in_o behalf_n of_o himself_o and_o brethren_n that_o that_o outward_a person_n that_o suffer_v at_o jerusalem_n be_v proper_o the_o son_n of_o god_n we_o utter_o deny_v and_o here_o in_o this_o book_n he_o make_v it_o not_o any_o of_o the_o absolute_a necessary_n in_o religion_n but_o some_o considerable_a matter_n superad_v p._n 44._o 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 but_o which_o way_n soever_o he_o understand_v these_o word_n the_o son_n of_o god_n love_n see_v he_o make_v the_o rule_n of_o every_o man_n faith_n not_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n declare_v his_o promise_n of_o forgiveness_n as_o outward_o deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o the_o light_n in_o every_o man_n conscience_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o give_v we_o some_o better_a proof_n than_o his_o simple_a affirmation_n that_o the_o light_n in_o every_o man_n conscience_n or_o indeed_o in_o any_o man_n conscience_n reveal_v to_o he_o god_n will_n to_o forgive_v sin_n without_o all_o special_a revelation_n or_o declaration_n of_o god_n will_n as_o contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n see_v the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v hold_v it_o forth_o as_o one_o of_o the_o great_a secret_n and_o mystery_n of_o god_n will_n declare_v to_o man_n by_o the_o special_a revelation_n of_o the_o holy_a
word_n and_o doctrine_n do_v not_o depend_v on_o the_o church_n nor_o be_v build_v on_o the_o church_n but_o the_o church_n depend_v on_o it_o and_o be_v build_v thereupon_o eph._n 2.20_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n and_o great_a foundation_n of_o both_o section_n 7._o the_o rule_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n must_v be_v a_o doctrine_n which_o set_v before_o our_o mind_n all_o the_o credenda_fw-la or_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o certain_a proposition_n concern_v which_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n can_v give_v a_o judgement_n affirmative_a or_o negative_a again_o that_o the_o doctrine_n be_v the_o most_o perfect_a rule_n be_v compare_v with_o the_o new_a creature_n or_o work_n of_o sanctification_n be_v evident_a because_o so_o far_o a_o man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o more_o sanctify_a and_o redeem_v the_o more_o that_o his_o faith_n love_n hope_v humility_n patience_n temperance_n justice_n and_o other_o virtue_n come_v up_o to_o a_o conformity_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n faithful_o declare_v to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o notwithstanding_o the_o high_a pretension_n of_o some_o among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n to_o perfection_n yet_o i_o appeal_v to_o w._n p_n conscience_n if_o he_o can_v or_o dare_v say_v or_o think_v that_o his_o sanctity_n or_o virtue_n come_v up_o to_o a_o full_a conformity_n to_o the_o holy_a precept_n deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v his_o faith_n as_o great_a as_o the_o doctrine_n give_v we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n require_v it_o to_o be_v be_v his_o love_n as_o perfect_v perfect_a and_o complete_a be_v his_o meekness_n patience_n and_o humility_n justice_n temperance_n and_o piety_n equal_a to_o the_o height_n breadth_n depth_n and_o length_n of_o all_o god_n command_n even_o as_o outward_o deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n i_o trust_v he_o have_v so_o much_o discretion_n as_o to_o say_v nay_o then_o let_v he_o not_o exalt_v his_o sanctity_n or_o work_v of_o the_o new_a creature_n wrought_v in_o he_o above_o the_o sanctity_n of_o the_o holy_a doctrine_n and_o precept_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n make_v his_o sanctity_n or_o new_a creature_n in_o he_o superior_a or_o primary_n rule_n to_o the_o doctrine_n but_o let_v the_o doctrine_n have_v its_o due_a place_n to_o be_v a_o superior_a and_o primary_n rule_n to_o his_o sanctity_n or_o work_v of_o the_o new_a creature_n wrought_v in_o he_o let_v his_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o other_o virtue_n if_o he_o have_v they_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o subject_v thereunto_o but_o let_v not_o the_o doctrine_n be_v subject_v unto_o his_o faith_n and_o virtue_n which_o be_v far_o inferior_a to_o the_o purity_n spirituality_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o doctrine_n but_o if_o he_o will_v say_v the_o new_a creature_n in_o he_o be_v the_o great_a and_o high_a and_o most_o perfect_a rule_n whereby_o to_o square_v his_o faith_n and_o life_n it_o follow_v that_o he_o be_v arrive_v at_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o holiness_n for_o what_o can_v be_v beyond_o or_o above_o the_o high_a and_o most_o perfect_a rule_n of_o sanctity_n but_o again_o the_o great_a sanctity_n that_o be_v possible_a of_o man_n or_o angel_n simple_o consider_v can_v not_o have_v give_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n incarnation_n and_o of_o our_o redemption_n by_o he_o without_o a_o divine_a revelation_n therefore_o the_o sanctity_n or_o new_a creature_n in_o the_o holy_a of_o man_n can_v not_o be_v to_o they_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o touch_v these_o mystery_n if_o he_o will_v say_v there_o be_v a_o high_a and_o more_o perfect_a rule_n of_o sanctity_n than_o the_o new_a creature_n wrought_v in_o he_o let_v he_o tell_v we_o what_o it_o be_v if_o not_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o law_n precept_n and_o commandment_n deliver_v there_o if_o he_o say_v the_o light_n within_o or_o christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n within_o be_v that_o high_a and_o most_o perfect_a rule_n of_o sanctity_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v the_o spirit_n or_o light_v within_o abstract_o consider_v can_v be_v proper_o a_o rule_n i_o say_v abstract_o consider_v from_o the_o doctrine_n and_o precept_n deliver_v by_o the_o spirit_n whither_o internal_o without_o any_o external_a medium_fw-la or_o external_o by_o some_o external_a meidum_n nothing_o proper_o can_v be_v a_o rule_n of_o christian_a faith_n as_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o peculiar_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o that_o doctrine_n which_o set_v before_o our_o mind_n certain_a proposition_n of_o truth_n to_o which_o the_o mind_n can_v and_o aught_o to_o assent_v from_o sufficient_a motive_n of_o credibility_n which_o w.p._n from_o his_o own_o definition_n of_o faith_n must_v allow_v for_o he_o define_v faith_n page_n 4._o to_o be_v a_o assent_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o such_o manner_n to_o the_o discovery_n make_v of_o god_n thereto_o as_o to_o resign_v up_o to_o god_n and_o have_v dependence_n on_o he_o as_o the_o great_a creator_n and_o saviour_n of_o his_o people_n where_o note_n that_o he_o whole_o pass_v by_o christ_n consider_v as_o god-man_n from_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o his_o faith_n be_v no_o other_o but_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o mere_a deist_n now_o see_v he_o define_v faith_n to_o be_v a_o assent_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o certain_a discovery_n make_v of_o god_n thereto_o etc._n etc._n these_o discovery_n must_v be_v certain_a proposition_n set_v before_o the_o mind_n in_o some_o form_n of_o word_n mental_o conceive_v and_o apprehend_v for_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o mind_n or_o intellect_n of_o man_n be_v such_o that_o it_o can_v judge_v what_o be_v true_a or_o false_a but_o as_o the_o truth_n be_v set_v before_o it_o in_o certain_a proposition_n consistng_a of_o word_n at_o least_o internal_o conceive_v and_o apprehend_v for_o the_o assent_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v a_o judgement_n of_o the_o mind_n form_v whereby_o it_o judge_v this_o or_o that_o to_o be_v true_a and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o true_a judgement_n it_o must_v have_v some_o proposition_n consist_v of_o word_n concern_v which_o it_o be_v enable_v either_o to_o affirm_v or_o deny_v what_o be_v real_o true_a as_o the_o mind_n can_v assent_v to_o this_o great_a truth_n that_o god_n be_v not_o a_o body_n but_o by_o a_o negative_a proposition_n consist_v of_o some_o word_n which_o be_v a_o negative_a judgement_n nor_o can_v it_o assent_v to_o this_o other_o proposition_n that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n but_o by_o a_o affirmative_a proposition_n consist_v of_o some_o word_n at_o least_o internal_o conceive_v call_v by_o some_o idea_n which_o be_v a_o affirmative_a judgement_n and_o therefore_o so_o far_o as_o faith_n be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o intellect_n and_o a_o assent_n of_o the_o mind_n it_o must_v needs_o have_v some_o word_n at_o least_o internal_o propose_v to_o it_o whereby_o it_o be_v capable_a to_o give_v a_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o it_o judge_v and_o see_v in_o matter_n pure_o of_o faith_n the_o mind_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o give_v a_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o without_o some_o sufficient_a motive_n of_o credibility_n as_o that_o they_o be_v give_v of_o god_n who_o be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o can_v lie_v nor_o deceive_v from_o these_o consideration_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o as_o there_o can_v be_v no_o assent_n of_o the_o mind_n or_o intellect_n without_o word_n or_o idea_n so_o there_o can_v be_v no_o faith_n without_o they_o and_o consequent_o that_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v certain_a proposition_n consist_v of_o word_n and_o sentence_n such_o as_o god_n deliver_v to_o the_o prophet_n and_o which_o be_v record_v in_o scripture_n such_o be_v that_o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n that_o a_o virgin_n shall_v conceive_v and_o bare_a a_o son_n and_o that_o son_n shall_v be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n that_o by_o his_o death_n he_o shall_v reconcile_v we_o unto_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a on_o the_o three_o day_n and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v there_o remain_v appear_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n for_o we_o our_o mighty_a advocate_n and_o intercessor_n until_o he_o come_v again_o to_o judge_v the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a etc._n etc._n how_o can_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n assent_v to_o these_o great_a truth_n without_o word_n at_o least_o internal_o conceive_v if_o he_o can_v as_o every_o intelligent_a person_n must_v acknowledge_v than_o those_o very_a word_n as_o they_o lie_v in_o a_o certain_a series_n and_o order_n of_o proposition_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o faith_n but_o see_v these_o word_n have_v no_o
self-evidence_n but_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o depend_v on_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n the_o original_a author_n of_o they_o the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v inquire_v into_o be_v what_o be_v the_o great_a and_o most_o principal_a motive_n of_o credibility_n to_o move_v and_o effectual_o persuade_v the_o mind_n that_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n sure_o he_o who_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n can_v but_o assent_v to_o this_o proposition_n that_o whatever_o god_n have_v say_v be_v true_a that_o all_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v word_n of_o truth_n it_o have_v as_o immediate_a evidence_n to_o he_o that_o have_v the_o least_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o that_o the_o whole_a be_v great_a than_o the_o part_n that_o than_o which_o be_v only_o requisite_a to_o move_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o assent_v to_o any_o word_n deliver_v to_o we_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v to_o have_v a_o sufficient_a motive_n of_o credibility_n give_v we_o 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
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 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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 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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
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
light_n within_o which_o all_o mankind_n have_v as_o well_o as_o the_o jew_n but_o the_o outward_a word_n of_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o the_o prophet_n according_a to_o psal_n 147.19_o he_o show_v his_o word_n unto_o jacob_n etc._n etc._n the_o which_o external_a word_n he_o call_v sect._n 1_o aliud_fw-la &_o melius_fw-la adminiculum_fw-la i._n e._n another_o and_o better_a help_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o direct_v we_o right_o to_o the_o creator_n of_o the_o world_n compare_v it_o with_o whatever_o other_o help_v god_n have_v give_v to_o mankind_n without_o they_o or_o within_o they_o which_o he_o call_v communia_fw-la illa_fw-la documenta_fw-la those_o common_a document_n the_o which_o external_a word_n he_o say_v be_v rectior_fw-la &_o certior_fw-la ad_fw-la ipsum_fw-la cognoscendum_fw-la nota_fw-la i._n e._n a_o more_o right_a and_o more_o sure_a mark_n whereby_o to_o know_v he_o which_o also_o he_o call_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o eternal_a verity_n and_o cap._n 9_o sect._n 1._o l._n 1._o inst_n he_o call_v they_o nebulones_n i._n e._n knave_n and_o charge_v they_o with_o nefarious_a sacrilege_n that_o divide_v the_o word_n to_o wit_n the_o external_a word_n from_o the_o spirit_n which_o god_n have_v join_v together_o by_o a_o inviolable_a bond_n and_o in_o the_o title_n of_o that_o chapter_n he_o call_v they_o fanatic_n and_o say_v they_o overthrow_v all_o the_o principle_n of_o piety_n who_o despise_v the_o scripture_n to_o wit_n consider_v as_o the_o rule_n flee_v over_o to_o revelation_n pretend_v to_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o spirit_n without_o the_o external_a word_n where_o it_o be_v evident_a he_o do_v not_o mean_a that_o whoever_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o outward_a word_n be_v sufficient_o teach_v without_o the_o spirit_n but_o that_o whoever_o be_v teach_v save_o to_o know_v god_n as_o the_o creator_n or_o christ_n the_o redeemer_n they_o be_v teach_v of_o the_o spirit_n with_o and_o by_o the_o external_a word_n as_o the_o instrument_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o he_o have_v give_v to_o we_o for_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n not_o that_o it_o be_v the_o rule_n to_o the_o spirit_n but_o the_o rule_n to_o we_o of_o the_o spirit_n give_v and_o prepare_v and_o which_o he_o persuade_v we_o to_o be_v truth_n by_o his_o secret_a operation_n in_o we_o and_o as_o unfair_a and_o fallacious_a as_o w.p._n have_v be_v in_o wrest_v misapply_v and_o abuse_v calvin_n word_n to_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v not_o of_o another_o mind_n than_o w.p._n viz._n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n he_o be_v as_o unfair_a absurd_a and_o fallacious_a in_o his_o quote_v other_o late_a protestant_a author_n as_o bish_n jewel_n dr._n ames_n dr._n owen_n all_o which_o be_v sufficient_o know_v by_o their_o book_n to_o be_v of_o a_o contrary_a mind_n as_o much_o as_o one_o thing_n can_v be_v to_o another_o the_o quotation_n indeed_o take_v out_o of_o those_o author_n prove_v that_o they_o do_v assert_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o spirit_n inward_a operation_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o his_o internal_a illumination_n to_o give_v the_o save_v understanding_n of_o they_o as_o particular_o the_o quotation_n give_v out_o of_o j._n calvin_n instit_n lib._n 1._o c._n 8._o who_o give_v the_o sense_n of_o all_o those_o author_n and_o indeed_o of_o all_o true_a christian_n viz._n it_o be_v necessary_a the_o same_o spirit_n that_o speak_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o prophet_n shall_v pierce_v into_o our_o heart_n to_o persuade_v we_o that_o they_o faithful_o deliver_v that_o which_o be_v commit_v to_o they_o of_o god_n which_o he_o illustrate_v by_o the_o word_n obsignare_fw-la elsewhere_o in_o that_o book_n that_o be_v by_o seal_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o but_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o this_o inward_a obsignation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n even_o in_o calvin_n sense_n or_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o that_o rule_n page_n 36_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o w.p._n shall_v bring_v a_o proof_n against_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o swear_v from_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o light_n within_o some_o jew_n long_o before_o christ_n come_v to_o wit_n the_o esseni_n that_o when_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n make_v it_o lawful_a to_o swear_v in_o some_o case_n if_o w.p._n believe_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v dictate_v these_o scripture_n that_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o the_o esseni_n shall_v teach_v they_o that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a even_o while_o the_o moysaicall_a dispensation_n be_v yet_o stand_v but_o how_o prove_v he_o that_o the_o esseni_n do_v think_v swear_v unlawful_a from_o a_o conviction_n of_o the_o light_n within_o they_o when_o other_o of_o the_o most_o faithful_a of_o the_o jew_n both_o then_o and_o before_o that_o time_n do_v judge_n swear_v lawful_a and_o that_o from_o the_o declare_a and_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o come_v from_o the_o light_n within_o in_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n that_o be_v in_o force_n until_o christ_n suffer_v as_o to_o all_o the_o other_o part_n of_o it_o if_o he_o will_v allow_v that_o the_o eternal_a precept_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o conscience_n command_v one_o thing_n to_o some_o and_o the_o quite_o contradictory_n to_o another_o sure_o at_o this_o rate_n the_o light_n within_o must_v be_v a_o very_a uncertain_a rule_n for_o by_o this_o concession_n one_o may_v take_v the_o liberty_n to_o say_v his_o light_n within_o command_v he_o to_o kill_v to_o steal_v to_o commit_v adultery_n though_o the_o same_o light_n in_o another_o forbid_v it_o i_o have_v think_v that_o by_o the_o eterprecept_n in_o the_o conscience_n w.p._n have_v mean_v those_o unchangeable_a precept_n and_o law_n of_o justice_n and_o temperance_n &c_n &c_n which_o in_o all_o age_n have_v be_v the_o same_o to_o all_o man_n and_o 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allow_v swear_v in_o a_o judicial_a way_n levit._n 5._o that_o be_v then_o in_o force_n second_o suppose_v they_o be_v against_o all_o swear_v that_o they_o have_v this_o from_o the_o light_n within_o they_o it_o be_v much_o more_o probable_a it_o be_v a_o erroneous_a opinion_n in_o they_o which_o can_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o light_n within_o otherwise_o it_o have_v contradict_v the_o stand_a law_n of_o god_n without_o then_o in_o force_n which_o not_o only_o allow_v swear_v but_o command_v it_o upon_o necessary_a occasion_n and_o as_o idle_a and_o impertinent_a be_v his_o instance_n of_o pythagoras_n the_o scythian_n in_o king_n alexander_n time_n and_o clinias_n all_o which_o live_v some_o hundred_o of_o year_n before_o christ_n come_v in_o the_o flesh_n now_o if_o swear_v be_v lawful_a by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n among_o the_o jew_n in_o those_o age_n how_o can_v we_o suppose_v it_o unlawful_a among_o the_o gentile_n since_o i_o know_v not_o one_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v that_o the_o light_n in_o any_o gentile_a do_v condemn_v what_o the_o light_n within_o or_o law_n of_o god_n without_o in_o the_o jew_n do_v justify_v for_o this_o be_v to_o set_v light_n against_o light_n it_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n if_o some_o in_o these_o ancient_a time_n be_v against_o swear_v but_o the_o question_n be_v whither_o it_o be_v the_o light_n in_o they_o that_o teach_v they_o so_o or_o rather_o whither_o it_o be_v not_o a_o erroneous_a opinion_n like_o that_o of_o not_o eat_v flesh_n say_v to_o be_v teach_v also_o by_o pythagoras_n be_v that_o think_v w.p._n from_o the_o light_n within_o if_o so_o how_o do_v the_o light_n in_o he_o allow_v he_o to_o eat_v it_o and_o to_o take_v his_o liberty_n in_o diverse_a thing_n that_o the_o severity_n of_o pythagoras_n doctrine_n do_v not_o
allow_v what_o if_o any_o now_o shall_v say_v that_o the_o light_n within_o they_o forbid_v they_o to_o eat_v flesh_n how_o can_v w.p._n convince_v they_o of_o their_o error_n if_o he_o bring_v paul_n word_n or_o any_o other_o scripture_n word_n to_o his_o conviction_n may_v he_o not_o answer_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o w.p._n have_v confirm_v he_o by_o his_o late_a book_n that_o say_v the_o same_o and_o if_o the_o light_n within_o in_o the_o esseni_fw-la may_v contradict_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n why_o may_v not_o the_o light_n within_o in_o a_o quaker_n contradict_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n both_o be_v give_v from_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o bind_v to_o the_o jew_n before_o christ_n incarnation_n as_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v to_o the_o christian_n since_o and_o how_o can_v w.p._n prove_v that_o polygamy_n be_v against_o the_o light_n within_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o new_a testament_n forbid_v it_o but_o what_o then_o by_o w._n p_n doctrine_n the_o great_a thing_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v not_o necessary_a absolute_o to_o be_v believe_v but_o upon_o conviction_n of_o the_o spirit_n i._n e._n upon_o a_o new_a revelation_n as_o that_o christ_n be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n die_v for_o our_o sin_n etc._n etc._n and_o he_o plain_o tell_v we_o any_o such_o new_a revelation_n be_v not_o necessary_a if_o this_o be_v not_o to_o turn_v people_n loose_v and_o to_o run_v they_o into_o great_a confusion_n light_n against_o light_n and_o spirit_n against_o spirit_n while_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v deny_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n yea_o a_o rule_n i_o leave_v to_o the_o sober_a and_o intelligent_a to_o judge_v section_n 18._o a_o correction_n of_o a_o say_v of_o w.p._n scandalous_a and_o offensive_a to_o christian_a ear_n that_o man_n be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v inform_v of_o the_o knowledge_n and_o experience_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n from_o our_o saviour_n word_n to_o nicomedus_fw-la john_n 3_o nor_o can_v that_o scripture_n be_v my_o rule_n say_v he_o in_o that_o heavenly_a travel_n etc._n etc._n neither_o can_v any_o other_o write_v whatever_n page_n 29._o here_o i_o find_v one_o passage_n more_o in_o this_o book_n of_o w._n p_n that_o i_o be_o sure_a great_o derogate_v from_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v just_o offensive_a to_o christian_a ear_n have_v quote_v our_o saviour_n word_n to_o nicodemus_n that_o he_o say_v may_v be_v credit_v historical_o that_o unless_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n john_n 3_o but_o what_o be_v that_o say_v he_o to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o experience_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n that_o they_o be_v never_o like_a to_o be_v inform_v of_o there_o nor_o can_v that_o scripture_n be_v my_o rule_n in_o that_o heavenly_a travel_n respect_v the_o many_o and_o wonderful_a trial_n and_o exercise_n that_o be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o way_n to_o it_o neither_o can_v any_o other_o write_v whatever_n this_o only_a be_v the_o office_n of_o that_o spirit_n and_o word_n immortal_a by_o which_o we_o be_v beget_v again_o i_o answer_v here_o he_o exclude_v not_o only_o that_o place_n above_o mention_v but_o the_o whole_a scripture_n from_o be_v instrumental_a to_o our_o information_n and_o plain_o deny_v that_o any_o can_v be_v inform_v of_o it_o there_o this_o be_v indeed_o to_o make_v it_o not_o only_o not_o the_o rule_n but_o not_o a_o rule_n in_o this_o great_a case_n but_o his_o assertion_n be_v extreme_o false_a the_o place_n quote_v john_n 3.3_o 5._o inform_v we_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o regeneration_n and_o the_o follow_a word_n inform_v we_o of_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n how_o it_o be_v wrought_v to_o wit_n by_o the_o spirit_n as_o the_o principal_a efficient_a and_o by_o faith_n in_o the_o son_n of_o man_n as_o the_o instrumental_a cause_n v._n 14_o 15_o 16._o and_o this_o faith_n be_v wrought_v instrumental_o by_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n call_v by_o paul_n rom._n 6.17_o the_o form_n or_o pattern_n of_o doctrine_n whereunto_o the_o believe_a roman_n be_v deliver_v as_o the_o metal_n that_o be_v melt_v into_o the_o mould_n that_o frame_v it_o into_o a_o vessel_n and_o will_v w.p._n say_v that_o his_o and_o his_o brethren_n preach_a and_o word_n inform_v people_n nothing_o of_o regeneration_n nor_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o and_o the_o several_a step_n in_o the_o progress_n of_o it_o if_o not_o their_o preach_v so_o much_o of_o the_o new_a birth_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o at_o least_o as_o they_o think_v be_v very_o unprofitable_a but_o if_o they_o think_v their_o preach_a profitable_a to_o inform_v concern_v regeneration_n and_o manner_n of_o it_o than_o their_o preach_a must_v be_v better_a than_o the_o whole_a scripture_n have_v he_o say_v the_o scripture_n without_o the_o 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of_o truth_n and_o peter_n say_v they_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n by_o the_o exceed_a great_a and_o precious_a promise_n which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n through_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o as_o false_a it_o be_v what_o he_o say_v that_o experience_n to_o wit_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n must_v go_v before_o all_o doctrinal_a scripture_n mean_v the_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o same_o before_o it_o be_v write_v this_o be_v to_o set_v the_o cart_n before_o the_o horse_n as_o the_o proverb_n be_v or_o the_o fruit_n before_o the_o seed_n be_v man_n regenerate_v in_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n or_o rather_o be_v they_o not_o renew_v in_o knowledge_n and_o this_o knowledge_n do_v it_o not_o presuppose_v some_o doctrinal_a principle_n of_o which_o man_n must_v be_v first_o convince_v have_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o great_a love_n of_o god_n in_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n outward_o to_o die_v for_o we_o and_o inward_o to_o enlighten_v we_o no_o influence_n on_o our_o regeneration_n be_v adam_n regenerate_v before_o god_n give_v he_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o woman_n seed_n after_o his_o fall_n by_o his_o assertion_n it_o must_v be_v so_o which_o be_v wonderful_a ignorance_n be_v he_o so_o little_o acquaint_v with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o not_o to_o have_v see_v the_o lineament_n step_n and_o progress_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n fair_o delineate_v and_o the_o whole_a manner_n of_o it_o as_o clear_o as_o any_o country_n can_v be_v delineate_v in_o the_o fair_a map_n with_o all_o the_o several_a road_n but_o as_o the_o map_n can_v be_v of_o no_o use_n to_o a_o blind_a man_n though_o to_o a_o see_v it_o be_v of_o great_a use_n so_o to_o a_o man_n who_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v in_o some_o measure_n enlighten_v the_o scripture_n be_v as_o serviceable_a as_o a_o map_n to_o a_o traveller_n yea_o and_o much_o more_o they_o be_v real_o the_o instrument_n of_o the_o spirit_n both_o for_o convince_a and_o convert_v man_n and_o the_o rule_n according_a to_o which_o the_o spirit_n lead_v they_o in_o the_o various_a step_n of_o it_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o experience_n of_o regeneration_n in_o who_o it_o be_v wrought_v be_v much_o more_o than_o any_o verbal_a account_n of_o it_o by_o the_o best_a of_o word_n and_o give_v a_o man_n in_o some_o respect_n a_o more_o satisfactory_a knowledge_n of_o it_o than_o any_o man_n can_v have_v by_o scripture_n word_n or_o any_o word_n whatsoever_o who_o be_v not_o himself_o regenerate_v as_o the_o sight_n of_o a_o country_n be_v more_o and_o give_v a_o man_n a_o more_o satisfactory_a account_n of_o it_o than_o all_o verbal_a description_n or_o map_n can_v do_v to_o
the_o deism_n of_o william_n penn_n and_o his_o brethren_n destructive_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n expose_v and_o plain_o lay_v open_a in_o the_o examination_n and_o refutation_n of_o his_o late_a reprint_v book_n call_v a_o discourse_n of_o the_o general_n rule_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n and_o judge_n of_o controversy_n wherein_o he_o contend_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n but_o that_o the_o light_n in_o the_o conscience_n of_o every_o man_n be_v that_o rule_n by_o george_n keith_n london_n print_v for_o brab_n aylmer_n at_o the_o three_o pigeon_n against_o the_o royal_a exchange_n in_o cornhill_n 1699._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o christian_n protestant_n reader_n christian_n reader_n i_o have_v be_v concern_v more_o earnest_o and_o ample_o to_o treat_v on_o this_o subject_a in_o the_o follow_a treatise_n to_o refute_v that_o grand_a error_n of_o william_n penn_n and_o his_o brethren_n who_o make_v it_o their_o great_a fundamental_a that_o the_o light_n within_o with_o respect_n only_o to_o its_o ordinary_a and_o common_a discovery_n give_v to_o all_o mankind_n to_o christian_n jew_n mahometan_n and_o heathen_n of_o all_o sort_n protestant_n and_o papist_n be_v the_o general_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n to_o they_o all_o so_o that_o all_o under_o these_o several_a denomination_n be_v true_a and_o good_a christian_n and_o aught_o to_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v one_o another_o as_o christian_a brethren_n and_o member_n of_o one_o catholic_n or_o universal_a church_n if_o they_o obey_v and_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o common_a and_o ordinary_a dictate_v thereof_o without_o all_o superadded_a revelation_n external_n or_o internal_a of_o christ_n without_o as_o god_n and_o man_n in_o one_o person_n but_o their_o constant_a practice_n do_v evident_o contradict_v their_o principle_n for_o though_o they_o have_v acknowledge_v that_o such_o the_o heathen_n who_o be_v or_o now_o be_v obedient_a to_o the_o common_a discovery_n of_o the_o light_n within_o they_o without_o all_o faith_n in_o christ_n without_o they_o be_v their_o christian_a brethren_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n they_o may_v conclude_v jew_n and_o mahometan_n who_o be_v obedient_a to_o their_o light_n within_o to_o be_v such_o yet_o general_o they_o disow_v all_o christian_a protestant_n among_o who_o they_o live_v be_v they_o ever_o so_o just_a and_o sober_a and_o obedient_a to_o their_o light_n within_o they_o if_o they_o come_v not_o under_o their_o profession_n and_o circumstance_n to_o be_v christian_n and_o thus_o as_o some_o have_v well_o observe_v they_o christianise_v the_o heathen_n and_o heathenise_n the_o christian_n call_v they_o all_o the_o world_n people_n but_o themselves_o they_o call_v the_o child_n of_o light_n the_o elect_a people_n of_o god_n and_o say_v of_o themselves_o they_o be_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o none_o but_o they_o and_o their_o deist_n and_o heathen_a brethren_n and_o 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it_o be_v alarm_a to_o take_v special_a notice_n of_o and_o strict_o to_o examine_v detect_v and_o refute_v the_o which_o whither_o effectual_o do_v or_o not_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o free_a and_o impartial_a judgement_n of_o the_o intelligent_a christian_a protestant_n reader_n their_o print_n it_o at_o this_o juncture_n do_v not_o a_o little_a argue_v their_o great_a imprudence_n in_o lay_v themselves_o so_o open_a to_o be_v rank_a deist_n while_o they_o at_o the_o same_o time_n pretend_v to_o hold_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n that_o be_v point_n blank_a incosistent_n therewith_o and_o great_a boldness_n that_o they_o be_v not_o ashamed_a in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o world_n to_o say_v and_o unsay_v and_o to_o be_v profess_v deist_n and_o christian_n at_o once_o which_o be_v as_o great_a a_o chimaera_n or_o impossibility_n as_o for_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n to_o be_v horse_n and_o man_n at_o once_o i_o mean_v not_o one_o part_n horse_n and_o another_o part_n man_n for_o 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another_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n than_o what_o be_v the_o true_a rule_n indeed_o if_o he_o persist_v in_o so_o do_v he_o will_v not_o only_o bring_v his_o own_o blood_n upon_o himself_o but_o the_o blood_n of_o many_o other_o that_o be_v and_o may_v be_v mislead_v by_o he_o and_o whether_o he_o will_v yet_o better_o consider_v it_o or_o not_o which_o i_o hearty_o wish_v and_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v be_v please_v to_o open_v his_o eye_n and_o give_v he_o repentance_n and_o a_o better_a understanding_n it_o be_v a_o plain_a case_n that_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n be_v very_o necessary_a yea_o so_o necessary_a that_o the_o danger_n for_o want_v of_o it_o be_v perish_v or_o destruction_n yet_o i_o mean_v not_o that_o every_o error_n in_o circumstance_n about_o the_o true_a rule_n be_v of_o that_o danger_n or_o that_o some_o loose_a and_o indeliberate_a expression_n that_o some_o have_v use_v in_o preach_v or_o print_n while_o 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all_o the_o credenda_fw-la or_o thing_n in_o scripture_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v believe_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o instead_o of_o say_v the_o spirit_n inward_a evidence_n and_o testimony_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o principal_a rule_n i_o shall_v have_v say_v it_o be_v the_o principal_a objective_n medium_fw-la of_o credibility_n which_o as_o i_o then_o do_v believe_v and_o assert_v so_o i_o do_v still_o and_o hope_v never_o to_o retract_v it_o and_o therefore_o while_o i_o continue_v adhere_v to_o this_o persuasion_n i_o remain_v as_o to_o the_o main_a the_o same_o i_o be_v in_o my_o judgement_n as_o when_o i_o write_v my_o former_a book_n touch_v these_o matter_n my_o chief_a bend_a and_o zeal_n be_v against_o that_o which_o i_o judge_v a_o very_a erroneous_a opinion_n and_o hurtful_a hold_v by_o some_o count_v learned_a man_n and_o which_o i_o judge_v still_o that_o so_o it_o be_v to_o wit_n that_o the_o inward_a evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n 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learned_a man_n who_o have_v more_o of_o that_o call_v divinity_n learn_v in_o their_o head_n than_o in_o their_o heart_n do_v contradict_v it_o yea_o to_o a_o degree_n of_o ridicul_v it_o under_o the_o name_n of_o fanaticism_n and_o enthusiasm_n not_o well_o regard_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o worthy_a and_o judicious_a ancestor_n who_o in_o the_o article_n of_o the_o church_n have_v express_o mention_v the_o feel_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o his_o operation_n and_o motion_n but_o i_o err_v in_o call_v this_o either_o inward_a feel_n or_o the_o object_n of_o it_o the_o principal_a rule_n for_o proper_o and_o right_o speak_v it_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o principal_a motive_n of_o credibility_n that_o which_o be_v only_o strict_o and_o proper_o speak_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n especial_o respect_v the_o great_a fundamental_o and_o essential_o thereof_o to_o give_v a_o preference_n to_o the_o inward_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o his_o writing_n his_o law_n in_o the_o heart_n to_o the_o same_o law_n as_o write_v on_o leaf_n of_o paper_n and_o to_o the_o experimental_a part_n of_o christianity_n above_o all_o that_o can_v be_v outward_o tell_v or_o hear_v or_o read_v i_o think_v no_o true_a christian_n will_v deny_v but_o when_o it_o be_v ask_v which_o be_v the_o great_a rule_n the_o inward_a or_o the_o outward_a they_o compare_v thing_n that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v that_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v either_o the_o great_a rule_n or_o the_o lesser_a which_o be_v proper_o speak_v no_o rule_n at_o all_o but_o the_o move_a or_o impulsive_a cause_n that_o move_v and_o incline_v i_o to_o take_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v my_o rule_n be_v infallible_o true_a and_o of_o divine_a authority_n and_o whoever_o be_v yet_o in_o the_o same_o mistake_n and_o error_n that_o i_o then_o be_v in_o god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v judge_v so_o uncharitable_o of_o they_o as_o to_o conclude_v they_o err_v fundamental_o for_o want_v of_o not_o give_v right_a name_n to_o thing_n or_o not_o have_v so_o clear_a inward_a idea_n and_o conception_n of_o they_o when_o as_o to_o the_o main_a they_o mean_v well_o i_o be_o bold_a to_o appeal_v to_o my_o book_n from_o first_o to_o last_o whither_o according_a to_o the_o strain_n and_o intent_n in_o all_o that_o i_o have_v print_v on_o that_o subject_a i_o have_v not_o always_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n crucify_a and_o remission_n of_o sin_n by_o his_o blood_n and_o other_o doctrinal_a principle_n of_o christianity_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v by_o we_o for_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o outward_o convey_v to_o we_o by_o preach_v or_o read_v be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n whereby_o god_n work_v faith_n and_o conversion_n and_o regeneration_n in_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o that_o therefore_o so_o long_o as_o we_o live_v we_o be_v not_o to_o lay_v aside_o either_o that_o or_o any_o outward_a mean_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n that_o god_n have_v afford_v and_o how_o far_o i_o have_v former_o deny_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n i_o mean_v that_o as_o it_o be_v not_o the_o letter_n or_o write_n so_o nor_o the_o doctrine_n as_o simple_o and_o whole_o limit_v and_o confine_v to_o the_o letter_n as_o if_o it_o shall_v happen_v by_o divine_a providence_n that_o a_o person_n or_o company_n of_o person_n shall_v have_v the_o holy_a bible_n by_o violence_n take_v from_o they_o or_o not_o have_v it_o in_o any_o language_n they_o can_v understand_v that_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o possible_a state_n of_o salvation_n for_o though_o in_o god_n ordinary_a way_n the_o
letter_n or_o leave_n of_o the_o book_n since_o the_o write_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o repository_n or_o ark_n where_o god_n law_n be_v preserve_v and_o to_o which_o a_o recourse_n ought_v frequent_o to_o be_v make_v to_o read_v therein_o for_o daily_a information_n and_o instruction_n yet_o the_o doctrine_n be_v not_o so_o limit_v or_o confine_v to_o the_o letter_n or_o leave_n of_o a_o book_n but_o that_o the_o same_o doctrine_n may_v be_v well_o and_o sound_o preach_v and_o believe_v where_o the_o book_n either_o have_v not_o come_v or_o by_o violence_n of_o man_n have_v be_v take_v away_o as_o it_o have_v be_v report_v that_o persecutor_n have_v take_v away_o the_o bible_n from_o some_o faithful_a martyr_n of_o christ_n but_o though_o they_o take_v the_o letter_n out_o of_o their_o hand_n they_o can_v not_o take_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o wit_n the_o doctrine_n and_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o out_o of_o their_o heart_n and_o so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v remember_v it_o be_v never_o my_o persuasion_n what_o w.p._n here_o lay_v down_o in_o his_o book_n by_o way_n of_o position_n that_o the_o light_n in_o every_o man_n conscience_n or_o the_o dictate_v and_o testimony_n of_o it_o abstract_o consider_v from_o the_o peculiar_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o christian_a men._n if_o any_o shall_v find_v that_o or_o the_o like_a doctrine_n in_o any_o of_o my_o book_n on_o the_o first_o intimation_n of_o it_o i_o declare_v i_o shall_v by_o god_n help_n be_v ready_a to_o retract_v it_o and_o condemn_v it_o as_o most_o erroneous_a and_o as_o a_o fundamental_a error_n for_o it_o be_v plain_a deism_n of_o which_o i_o have_v not_o the_o least_o remembrance_n that_o ever_o i_o be_v guilty_a as_o w.p._n have_v now_o plain_o manifest_v his_o deism_n in_o this_o book_n i_o have_v under_o examination_n section_n i._n the_o definition_n of_o general_a rule_n and_o faith_n give_v by_o w.p._n not_o to_o be_v allow_v because_o there_o be_v no_o such_o general_n rule_n and_o faith_n as_o he_o define_v before_o he_o come_v to_o his_o argument_n he_o give_v we_o his_o definition_n of_o general_a rule_n and_o faith_n by_o general_n rule_n say_v he_o we_o understand_v that_o constant_a measure_n by_o which_o man_n in_o all_o age_n have_v be_v enable_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n or_o error_n of_o doctrine_n and_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a of_o thought_n word_n or_o action_n answ_n here_o he_o undertake_v to_o define_v a_o thing_n that_o by_o the_o definition_n of_o it_o plain_o demonstrate_v that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o be_v nor_o ever_o be_v in_o any_o age_n of_o the_o world_n ever_o since_o the_o distinction_n betwixt_o god_n church_n and_o the_o world_n come_v to_o be_v i_o say_v ever_o since_o that_o distinction_n all_o mankind_n in_o all_o respect_n case_n and_o condition_n never_o have_v one_o general_n rule_n so_o his_o definition_n be_v as_o if_o one_o shall_v define_v a_o golden_a mountain_n or_o something_o that_o never_o yet_o have_v be_v since_o the_o distinction_n above_o mention_v possible_o in_o adam_n family_n for_o some_o time_n god_n only_o know_v how_o long_o all_o man_n belong_v to_o it_o have_v one_o rule_n universal_o but_o it_o be_v more_o than_o he_o can_v prove_v that_o this_o be_v only_o the_o light_n in_o every_o of_o their_o conscience_n by_o its_o common_a discovery_n for_o adam_n himself_o have_v special_a revelation_n whither_o by_o outward_a vision_n and_o a_o outward_a voice_n or_o only_o by_o internal_a inspiration_n be_v not_o necessary_a at_o present_a to_o determine_v which_o teach_v he_o to_o expect_v salvation_n by_o the_o promise_a seed_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o this_o doctrine_n no_o doubt_n he_o preach_v to_o his_o family_n that_o the_o light_n or_o common_a discovery_n of_o the_o light_n in_o every_o man_n conscience_n may_v be_v call_v a_o general_n rule_n of_o moral_a justice_n and_o temperance_n call_v by_o paul_n rom._n 1._o 19_o the_o law_n write_v in_o the_o heart_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o he_o grant_v but_o this_o general_a rule_n do_v not_o extend_v nor_o do_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n or_o a_o rule_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o promise_a seed_n of_o the_o woman_n the_o lamb_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o be_v slay_v and_o shall_v take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o see_v the_o light_n in_o every_o conscience_n teach_v nothing_o of_o this_o faith_n that_o in_o scripture_n be_v call_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n and_o the_o common_a faith_n to_o wit_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o all_o age_n therefore_o w.p._n in_o the_o very_a entry_n of_o his_o work_n make_v a_o great_a stumble_v and_o use_v a_o great_a fallacy_n as_o if_o all_o mankind_n ever_o since_o the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o nation_n to_o this_o day_n have_v one_o general_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n and_o that_o be_v the_o light_n in_o every_o conscience_n abstract_o consider_v 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there_o will_v be_v a_o general_n rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n to_o all_o mankind_n that_o then_o shall_v live_v but_o to_o talk_v of_o such_o a_o thing_n now_o and_o to_o define_v a_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o and_o write_v a_o book_n about_o it_o be_v like_o t._n more_o be_v utopia_n page_n 4._o he_o be_v as_o unsuccessful_a and_o fallacious_a in_o his_o definition_n of_o faith_n by_o faith_n say_v he_o we_o understand_v a_o assent_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o such_o manner_n to_o the_o discovery_n make_v of_o god_n thereto_o as_o to_o resign_v up_o to_o god_n and_o have_v dependence_n upon_o he_o as_o the_o great_a creator_n and_o saviour_n of_o his_o people_n this_o definition_n of_o faith_n indeed_o suit_v well_o with_o the_o definition_n of_o his_o general_n rule_n of_o faith_n but_o there_o be_v many_o part_n of_o mankind_n that_o have_v not_o only_o a_o faith_n in_o god_n as_o the_o great_a creator_n the_o faith_n here_o only_o define_v by_o he_o but_o have_v a_o faith_n in_o christ_n too_o and_o in_o god_n the_o saviour_n and_o redeemer_n consider_v as_o in_o the_o person_n of_o a_o mediator_n who_o be_v both_o god_n and_o man_n by_o which_o faith_n in_o christ_n they_o have_v a_o most_o firm_a faith_n in_o god_n ground_v upon_o god_n promise_n which_o be_v all_o yea_o and_o amen_o in_o christ_n and_o here_o in_o w._n p_n definition_n of_o this_o pagan_a and_o deist_n faith_n he_o suppose_v that_o which_o will_v not_o be_v grant_v to_o he_o viz._n that_o any_o ever_o have_v such_o a_o faith_n in_o god_n as_o to_o resign_v up_o to_o god_n and_o have_v dependence_n upon_o he_o as_o the_o great_a creator_n and_o saviour_n of_o his_o people_n without_o all_o faith_n in_o christ_n
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
to_o eusebius_n sense_n page_n 9_o arg._n 5._o he_o proceed_v to_o a_o new_a argument_n against_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n if_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o general_a rule_n they_o must_v have_v always_o be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n ever_o since_o they_o be_v a_o rule_n but_o this_o say_v he_o be_v impossible_a since_o they_o be_v many_o hundred_o year_n in_o write_v and_o be_v now_o imperfect_a also_o as_o to_o number_v how_o then_o be_v they_o the_o perfect_a rule_n and_o if_o imperfect_a say_v he_o how_o can_v they_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n since_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v perfect_a answ_n this_o argument_n sure_o be_v very_o imfect_a as_o well_o as_o offensive_a so_o open_o to_o charge_v the_o holy_a scripture_n with_o imperfection_n be_v the_o common_a discovery_n by_o the_o light_n within_o give_v to_o all_o mankind_n a_o perfect_a discovery_n of_o all_o thing_n necessary_a give_v to_o all_o at_o once_o he_o grant_v it_o be_v not_o compare_v the_o light_n within_o to_o a_o schoolmaster_n that_o first_o teach_v the_o child_n to_o spell_n before_o he_o teach_v they_o to_o read_v chr._n quake_v page_n 18._o what_o if_o all_o or_o much_o that_o be_v either_o speak_v or_o write_v by_o prophetical_a inspiration_n be_v not_o at_o first_o extant_a this_o do_v no_o more_o argue_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v imperfect_a than_o that_o it_o argue_v that_o because_o our_o bless_a lord_n from_o the_o dimension_n of_o a_o child_n increase_v to_o the_o dimension_n of_o a_o man_n that_o therefore_o he_o be_v imperfect_a when_o a_o child_n whereas_o a_o child_n and_o a_o man_n have_v the_o same_o essential_a perfection_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n concern_v the_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n by_o the_o promise_a messiah_n be_v the_o same_o and_o have_v the_o same_o essential_a perfection_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o all_o age_n as_o it_o have_v now_o and_o one_o ten_o part_n yea_o perhaps_o much_o less_o than_o one_o hundred_o part_n of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v perfect_o contain_v all_o the_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n which_o yet_o make_v not_o the_o other_o part_n superfluous_a i_o will_v fain_o know_v if_o god_n almighty_n have_v give_v to_o w.p._n but_o a_o estate_n of_o one_o hundred_o a_o year_n may_v not_o that_o without_o more_o have_v be_v a_o full_a enough_o provision_n for_o he_o do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o the_o other_o hundred_o he_o have_v beside_o be_v superfluous_a beside_o if_o not_o only_o the_o number_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v increase_v beyond_o what_o it_o be_v at_o first_o and_o for_o many_o age_n after_o but_o that_o divers_a very_o profitable_a doctrine_n have_v be_v superadd_v to_o the_o fundamental_a and_o some_o new_a commandment_n give_v by_o god_n almighty_a to_o latter_a age_n that_o be_v not_o at_o first_o give_v do_v this_o argue_v any_o imperfection_n in_o the_o command_v of_o god_n but_o that_o new_a command_n be_v give_v to_o some_o in_o one_o age_n that_o be_v not_o give_v to_o other_o in_o former_a age_n w.p._n i_o think_v can_v deny_v yea_o that_o to_o abraham_n the_o commandment_n of_o circumcision_n be_v give_v in_o the_o ninety_o nine_o year_n of_o his_o age_n the_o scripture_n testimony_n be_v plain_a do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o the_o command_v former_o give_v he_o or_o the_o promise_n or_o his_o faith_n before_o that_o time_n be_v lame_a and_o imperfect_a if_o add_v new_a command_n by_o god_n himself_o to_o what_o be_v former_o give_v by_o he_o do_v not_o make_v the_o body_n of_o god_n commandment_n imperfect_a nor_o do_v add_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n by_o divine_a authority_n make_v the_o rule_n as_o first_o give_v imperfect_a yea_o w.p._n grant_n page_n 2._o that_o though_o man_n in_o all_o age_n have_v some_o knowledge_n of_o god_n yet_o not_o upon_o equal_a discovery_n and_o in_o his_o christian_a quaker_n page_n 18._o thing_n be_v necessary_a in_o reference_n to_o their_o proper_a time_n that_o may_v be_v requisite_a to_o morrow_n which_o be_v not_o to_o day_n if_o then_o all_o man_n have_v not_o the_o same_o discovery_n they_o have_v not_o the_o same_o general_a rule_n section_n 5._o his_o six_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n answer_v it_o be_v great_o worth_a our_o notice_v after_o that_o w.p._n have_v argue_v against_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n because_o they_o be_v not_o all_o give_v at_o once_o but_o at_o sundry_a time_n whence_o he_o infer_v their_o imperfection_n and_o consequent_o that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n yet_o in_o page_n 22_o he_o make_v the_o new_a creature_n or_o new_a creation_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o on_o the_o margin_n quote_v gal._n 6.16_o as_o many_o as_o walk_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n or_o in_o this_o rule_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o phil._n 3.16_o he_o say_v it_o must_v be_v understand_v let_v we_o walk_v in_o the_o same_o attainment_n and_o he_o say_v the_o rule_n mention_v phil._n 3.16_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o measure_n of_o attainment_n pray_v consider_v how_o his_o argument_n here_o for_o the_o new_a creature_n and_o measure_n of_o attainment_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n quite_o overthrow_v his_o argument_n against_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n because_o as_o he_o suggest_v they_o be_v imperfect_a they_o be_v not_o all_o give_v at_o once_o that_o one_o age_n of_o christianity_n shall_v have_v one_o rule_n and_o another_o age_n another_o rule_n he_o make_v it_o very_o absurd_a p._n 24._o but_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o attainment_n the_o same_o in_o all_o christian_n and_o in_o all_o age_n i_o suppose_v he_o will_v say_v nay_o then_o by_o his_o own_o argument_n the_o lesser_a attainment_n in_o some_o age_n and_o person_n be_v imperfect_a and_o therefore_o 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in_o man_n conscience_n there_o repeat_v and_o declare_v p._n 25._o but_o again_o how_o can_v the_o new_a creature_n be_v the_o general_n rule_n see_v all_o man_n have_v it_o not_o who_o have_v the_o scripture_n if_o because_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o general_a they_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n as_o w.p._n argue_v by_o the_o like_a reason_n the_o new_a creature_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n because_o not_o general_a and_o consequent_o by_o his_o way_n of_o reason_v all_o unregenerate_v person_n have_v no_o rule_n at_o all_o but_o if_o unregenerate_v person_n have_v a_o rule_n who_o have_v not_o the_o new_a creature_n bring_v forth_o in_o they_o then_o by_o his_o own_o way_n of_o argue_v against_o himself_o one_o part_n of_o mankind_n to_o wit_n the_o regenerate_v have_v one_o rule_n which_o be_v the_o new_a creature_n and_o the_o other_o part_n to_o wit_n the_o unregenerate_v which_o be_v common_o the_o great_a part_n have_v another_o but_o that_o according_a to_o he_o be_v absurd_a for_o then_o all_o have_v not_o one_o and_o the_o same_o general_a rule_n which_o he_o contend_v they_o ought_v to_o have_v that_o there_o be_v a_o general_a rule_n of_o moral_a honesty_n and_o justice_n give_v to_o all_o man_n the_o same_o which_o paul_n call_v the_o law_n write_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v grant_v but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o general_a law_n or_o rule_n of_o faith_n concern_v salvation_n by_o christ_n crucify_a be_v deny_v section_n 6._o whither_o the_o new_a creature_n mention_v gal._n 6.16_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o whither_o the_o doctrine_n be_v the_o rule_n to_o the_o new_a creature_n or_o the_o new_a creature_n the_o rule_n to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o which_o be_v the_o prior_n or_o principal_a rule_n as_o touch_v these_o
place_n of_o scripture_n quote_v by_o he_o touch_v the_o rule_n as_o gal._n 6.16_o phil._n 3.16_o 2_o cor._n 10._o 13_o 15._o none_o of_o they_o all_o say_v either_o that_o the_o light_n within_o or_o the_o new_a creature_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n nor_o do_v he_o give_v any_o proof_n by_o any_o true_a consequence_n that_o it_o be_v and_o here_o by_o the_o way_n w.p._n shall_v be_v put_v in_o mind_n to_o prove_v what_o he_o assert_n by_o plain_a scripture_n without_o consequence_n which_o his_o brethren_n common_o allow_v not_o of_o but_o when_o any_o of_o their_o opponent_n argue_v with_o they_o by_o consequence_n however_o so_o fair_a they_o will_v not_o allow_v of_o they_o and_o yet_o throughout_o this_o whole_a treatise_n of_o w.p._n he_o bring_v not_o one_o argument_n from_o express_a scripture_n to_o prove_v his_o matter_n but_o proceed_v all_o along_o by_o consequence_n not_o one_o of_o which_o be_v fair_o and_o true_o infer_v as_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o 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lay_v down_o in_o word_n but_o how_o as_o law_n there_o be_v understand_v not_o proper_o a_o law_n or_o precept_n inform_v the_o understanding_n but_o metaphorical_o as_o it_o be_v a_o inward_a power_n have_v a_o mighty_a impulse_n upon_o the_o will_n of_o a_o good_a man_n even_o as_o the_o love_n of_o vice_n be_v a_o mighty_a law_n that_o act_n with_o a_o mighty_a impulse_n on_o the_o will_n of_o a_o bad_a and_o vicious_a man_n hence_o as_o the_o one_o may_v be_v understand_v to_o be_v even_o in_o the_o scripture_n sense_n the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n jesus_n so_o the_o other_o may_v be_v understand_v to_o be_v the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n law_n in_o both_o these_o respect_n be_v understand_v not_o proper_o but_o metaphorical_o as_o when_o we_o common_o say_v god_n almighty_a the_o great_a author_n and_o creator_n of_o nature_n have_v give_v a_o law_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o every_o thing_n as_o weight_n to_o stone_n and_o metal_n whereby_o they_o be_v move_v downward_o and_o levity_n to_o fire_n whereby_o it_o be_v move_v upward_o but_o whither_o these_o motion_n proceed_v from_o a_o inward_a or_o external_a cause_n in_o these_o natural_a body_n be_v not_o the_o proper_a matter_n of_o debate_n here_o only_o the_o instance_n be_v give_v to_o show_v that_o law_n have_v common_o a_o metaphorical_a sense_n as_o well_o as_o proper_a and_o so_o have_v the_o word_n or_o term_n rule_n and_o i_o suppose_v w.p._n though_o perhaps_o not_o much_o acquaint_v with_o school-distinction_n have_v hear_v of_o the_o distinction_n of_o a_o rule_n into_o regula_n regulus_fw-la and_o regula_n regulata_n i._n e._n the_o rule_n rule_v and_o the_o rule_n rule_v at_o least_o of_o the_o primary_n and_o secondary_a rule_n for_o he_o have_v allow_v in_o this_o treatise_n that_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v call_v a_o secondary_a rule_n at_o least_o in_o several_a part_n of_o they_o and_o why_o may_v not_o much_o rather_o the_o new_a creature_n or_o work_v of_o sanctification_n be_v call_v a_o secondary_a rule_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n consist_v of_o many_o excellent_a precept_n and_o promise_n and_o other_o gospel_n truth_n the_o primary_n rule_n yea_o that_o it_o be_v so_o be_v evident_o prove_v because_o the_o new_a creature_n itself_o to_o wit_n the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v instrumental_o wrought_v by_o the_o form_n of_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_v by_o and_o with_o the_o say_a form_n of_o doctrine_n be_v the_o principal_a agent_n and_o efficient_a according_a to_o rom._n 6.17_o you_o have_v obey_v from_o the_o heart_n that_o form_n of_o doctrine_n which_o be_v deliver_v unto_o you_o or_o as_o the_o better_a translation_n be_v out_o of_o the_o greek_a unto_o or_o into_o which_o you_o be_v deliver_v the_o word_n translate_v form_n be_v type_n signify_v pattern_n mould_n or_o 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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 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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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instrument_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o give_v he_o and_o we_o all_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o mystery_n peculiar_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n he_o have_v all_o this_o time_n be_v fight_v with_o his_o own_o shadow_n for_o if_o so_o he_o agree_v with_o they_o all_o from_o who_o he_o seek_v so_o much_o to_o differ_v and_o write_v against_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v reveal_v in_o every_o man_n all_o necessary_a truth_n be_v grant_v by_o all_o christian_n but_o the_o question_n be_v not_o what_o he_o can_v do_v but_o what_o he_o do_v in_o god_n ordinary_a way_n of_o work_v section_n 11._o his_o eight_o argument_n answer_v that_o the_o scripture_n can_v give_v faith_n therefore_o they_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o his_o nine_o ten_o argument_n answer_v page_n 11._o arg._n 8._o his_o four_o argument_n as_o he_o number_v they_o against_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n be_v because_o the_o scripture_n can_v give_v faith_n therefore_o be_v can_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n ans_fw-fr the_o consequence_n be_v deny_v and_o he_o give_v no_o offer_n of_o proof_n for_o it_o his_o argument_n be_v as_o weak_a as_o to_o argue_v a_o carpenter_n rule_n or_o square_n can_v build_v a_o house_n therefore_o it_o can_v be_v a_o rule_n or_o instrument_n for_o he_o to_o work_v by_o in_o build_v a_o house_n this_o his_o way_n of_o argue_v destroy_v all_o use_n of_o service_n of_o instrument_n and_o secondary_a cause_n the_o like_a failure_n have_v his_o argue_v against_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o practice_n arg._n 9_o because_o it_o can_v distinguish_v of_o itself_o in_o all_o case_n what_o ought_v to_o be_v practise_v and_o what_o not_o well_o but_o what_o if_o it_o can_v of_o itself_o as_o the_o carpenter_n rule_n can_v of_o itself_o as_o measure_v one_o piece_n of_o wood_n more_o than_o another_o without_o the_o hand_n of_o he_o that_o use_v it_o do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o the_o rule_n can_v do_v it_o when_o apply_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o man_n himself_o page_n 12._o this_o say_v he_o be_v the_o case_n of_o christ_n disciple_n who_o have_v no_o particular_a rule_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o the_o abolish_n of_o some_o part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n religion_n on_o the_o contrary_n they_o may_v have_v plead_v for_o the_o perpetuity_n of_o it_o for_o instance_n god_n give_v cirumcision_n as_o a_o sign_n for_o ever_o answ_n by_o his_o favour_n he_o be_v mistake_v in_o say_v they_o have_v no_o such_o particular_a rule_n for_o the_o abolish_n he_o shall_v rather_o have_v say_v expire_a of_o some_o part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n religion_n let_v he_o read_v jer._n 3.16_o and_o 31.31_o 32._o compare_v with_o heb._n 8.8_o and_o he_o may_v find_v the_o contrary_a the_o word_n for_o ever_o in_o the_o place_n mention_v by_o he_o in_o relation_n to_o circumcision_n and_o other_o jewish_a type_n signify_v not_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n far_o less_o endless_o but_o for_o a_o certain_a limit_a time_n as_o the_o jew_n themselves_o confess_v at_o time_n it_o so_o signify_v yea_o and_o some_o of_o the_o most_o judicious_a of_o they_o have_v confess_v they_o be_v to_o cease_v before_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n in_o his_o ten_o argument_n he_o but_o too_o much_o gratify_v his_o deist_n brethren_n and_o profane_a atheist_n by_o his_o bring_v their_o and_o other_o popish_a argument_n against_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n page_n 13._o as_o that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o the_o original_a because_o that_o be_v not_o extant_a nor_o in_o the_o copy_n because_o there_o be_v thirty_o and_o above_o in_o number_n and_o it_o be_v undetermined_a and_o for_o aught_o we_o see_v say_v he_o indeterminable_a and_o the_o variety_n of_o readins_n among_o those_o copy_n amount_v to_o several_a thousand_o and_o if_o the_o copy_n can_v how_o can_v the_o translation_n say_v he_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o so_o go_v on_o dispute_v against_o the_o 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they_o of_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o exalt_v the_o spirit_n but_o real_o be_v a_o degrade_n and_o dishonour_v both_o as_o be_v above_o prove_v beside_o the_o great_a mischief_n it_o cause_v in_o cast_v all_o people_n who_o believe_v w.p._n and_o his_o party_n loose_a from_o the_o scripture_n that_o satan_n may_v have_v the_o more_o advantage_n over_o they_o to_o deceive_v they_o as_o he_o have_v woeful_o do_v for_o if_o the_o whole_a scripture_n and_o every_o part_n of_o they_o be_v not_o to_o they_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n they_o may_v choose_v what_o to_o believe_v and_o what_o not_o to_o be_v believe_v and_o to_o believe_v no_o more_o than_o what_o the_o spirit_n within_o which_o as_o it_o may_v be_v and_o often_o be_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n teach_v they_o to_o believe_v for_o they_o may_v hence_o infer_v since_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v the_o primary_n rule_n teach_v they_o not_o to_o believe_v any_o such_o doctrine_n or_o precept_n it_o be_v but_o spurious_a and_o apocryphal_a and_o no_o part_n of_o the_o secondary_a rule_n as_o sometime_o they_o be_v please_v to_o call_v it_o though_o the_o distinction_n of_o primary_n and_o secondary_a rule_n will_v not_o be_v find_v in_o their_o first_o author_n for_o then_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n and_o the_o only_a mean_n and_o the_o scripture_n be_v carnal_a and_o the_o dead_a letter_n and_o liâ—eless_a precept_n as_o w.p._n seem_v to_o call_v they_o else_o why_o do_v he_o quote_v philo_n and_o phythagoras_n and_o other_o that_o call_v all_o outward_a precept_n such_o section_n 12._o his_o eleven_o twelve_o and_o thirteen_o argument_n answer_v arg._n 11._o his_o eight_o argument_n be_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n because_o they_o can_v be_v the_o rule_n in_o their_o translation_n page_n 26._o suppose_v the_o ancient_a copy_n be_v exact_a it_o can_v be_v the_o rule_n to_o far_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n indeed_o say_v he_o to_o none_o 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their_o sufficiency_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n require_v there_o have_v be_v no_o need_n of_o such_o tract_n answ_n this_o argument_n equal_o fight_v against_o the_o light_n within_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n for_o if_o it_o actual_o do_v all_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n require_v then_o pray_v what_o need_n have_v there_o be_v of_o so_o many_o tract_n of_o the_o quaker_n write_n about_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n as_o well_o as_o case_n of_o conscience_n which_o have_v amount_v to_o a_o prodigious_a number_n within_o these_o fifty_o year_n see_v all_o man_n have_v the_o same_o light_n within_o they_o to_o be_v the_o same_o rule_n in_o all_o be_v not_o that_o sufficient_a without_o any_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
without_o they_o but_o only_o within_o they_o that_o be_v the_o light_n in_o the_o conscience_n and_o so_o there_o be_v no_o highpriest_n without_o we_o nor_o no_o heaven_n without_o we_o into_o which_o the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n be_v go_v nor_o king_n christ_n without_o we_o but_o only_o within_o we_o for_o to_o say_v he_o be_v both_o without_o we_o and_o within_o we_o also_o will_v spoil_v w._n p_n argument_n altogether_o and_o mar_v his_o analogy_n betwixt_o the_o law_n without_o under_o moses_n and_o the_o law_n within_o under_o christ_n the_o highpriest_n without_o then_o and_o the_o highpriest_n within_o now_o if_o he_o grant_v there_o be_v a_o highpriest_n without_o we_o and_o who_o be_v also_o king_n as_o well_o as_o priest_n and_o that_o he_o be_v more_o without_o we_o than_o within_o we_o as_o all_o true_a christian_n believe_v who_o have_v not_o the_o fullness_n within_o they_o but_o receive_v of_o his_o fullness_n and_o grace_n for_o grace_n and_o therefore_o that_o fullness_n be_v in_o the_o man_n christ_n without_o they_o he_o must_v also_o grant_v that_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v as_o well_o without_o we_o as_o within_o we_o and_o so_o his_o argument_n be_v spoil_v but_o that_o he_o will_v be_v loath_a to_o grant_v for_o then_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o he_o and_o his_o brethren_n be_v pluck_v up_o by_o the_o root_n by_o confess_v to_o the_o man_n christ_n a_o highpriest_n without_o we_o or_o king_n without_o we_o which_o will_v necessary_o infer_v the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o faith_n deliver_v we_o by_o christ_n without_o we_o be_v not_o within_o we_o only_o but_o without_o we_o also_o as_o christ_n the_o lawgiver_n be_v thus_o we_o see_v for_o love_n of_o their_o suppose_v rule_v of_o faith_n only_o within_o they_o w.p._n and_o his_o brethren_n who_o approve_v his_o book_n abandon_v and_o reject_v utter_o any_o christ_n highpriest_n or_o king_n without_o they_o as_o also_o he_o have_v do_v in_o his_o christian_a quaker_n where_o he_o will_v have_v p._n 97._o the_o lamb_n without_o in_o the_o passover_n to_o show_v forth_o the_o lamb_n within_o to_o wit_n the_o light_n in_o the_o conscience_n but_o not_o the_o lamb_n christ_n without_o as_o he_o be_v outward_o slay_v and_o yet_o w.p._n for_o all_o this_o have_v say_v in_o his_o late_a answer_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o cork_n that_o the_o quaker_n differ_v little_a in_o doctrine_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n set_v aside_o some_o school_n term_n and_o in_o his_o answer_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o cork_n p._n 97._o he_o say_v we_o i._n e._n he_o and_o his_o brethren_n plain_o and_o entire_o believe_v the_o truth_n contain_v in_o the_o creed_n common_o call_v the_o apostle_n creed_n but_o possible_o some_o fallacy_n be_v latent_fw-la here_o also_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v they_o believe_v the_o truth_n contain_a in_o the_o jew_n talmud_n or_o turk_n alcoran_n for_o doubtless_o there_o be_v some_o truth_n contain_v in_o they_o both_o but_o many_o falsehood_n and_o so_o he_o may_v think_v there_o be_v in_o that_o creed_n for_o all_o his_o seem_a fair_a confession_n to_o it_o and_o i_o offer_v to_o prove_v they_o have_v disbelieved_a they_o all_o but_o how_o this_o consist_v with_o their_o have_v only_o their_o high_a priest_n king_n and_o prophet_n within_o they_o as_o they_o have_v the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n only_o within_o they_o as_o w.p._n here_o do_v argue_v i_o leave_v to_o the_o intelligent_a to_o judge_n and_o whither_o this_o palpable_a contradiction_n betray_v not_o their_o great_a disingenuity_n consider_v that_o they_o will_v not_o grant_v that_o they_o be_v in_o any_o one_o point_n change_v in_o their_o faith_n or_o doctrine_n from_o what_o they_o be_v ever_o since_o they_o be_v a_o people_n but_o as_o god_n and_o truth_n be_v the_o same_o so_o his_o people_n to_o wit_n the_o quaker_n be_v the_o same_o as_o they_o have_v in_o so_o many_o express_a word_n late_o print_v in_o the_o book_n call_v the_o quaker_n clear_v etc._n etc._n 3._o as_o concern_v the_o several_a place_n of_o scripture_n quote_v by_o he_o that_o he_o bring_v to_o prove_v the_o inward_a teach_n of_o god_n christ_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o god_n write_v his_o law_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o faithful_a all_o this_o be_v grant_v by_o all_o sound_a christian_n but_o that_o be_v not_o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o controversy_n betwixt_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n and_o their_o opponent_n but_o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o controversy_n be_v this_o whither_o the_o inward_a teach_n of_o god_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n come_v to_o believer_n without_o all_o outward_a mean_n and_o without_o all_o outward_a ministry_n and_o service_n of_o man_n or_o book_n and_o whither_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o believer_n have_v in_o they_o put_v in_o they_o yea_o and_o write_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o the_o lord_n himself_o be_v without_o all_o outward_a instruction_n and_o teach_v or_o service_n of_o man_n or_o book_n or_o whither_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n within_o in_o respect_n of_o all_o the_o peculiar_a doctrine_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o so_o to_o speak_v a_o transcript_n or_o copy_n from_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o faith_n without_o we_o as_o deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o therefore_o may_v be_v call_v the_o original_a as_o to_o we_o though_o that_o original_a law_n and_o rule_n without_o we_o come_v from_o a_o inward_a original_a in_o the_o holy_a prophet_n and_o in_o the_o man_n christ_n and_o his_o holy_a evangelist_n and_o apostle_n which_o yet_o have_v a_o high_a original_a to_o wit_n the_o archetypal_a law_n as_o it_o be_v in_o god_n before_o the_o copy_n or_o transcript_n of_o it_o come_v to_o be_v in_o the_o prophet_n and_o from_o they_o commit_v to_o write_v outward_o and_o from_o that_o outward_a writing_n transfer_v and_o 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even_o in_o they_o to_o wit_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o kingdom_n together_o with_o which_o some_o inward_a seed_n of_o light_n may_v have_v be_v sow_v in_o some_o of_o their_o heart_n by_o his_o ministry_n beyond_o and_o above_o the_o common_a illumination_n but_o what_o proof_n be_v this_o that_o the_o gentile_n have_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o they_o in_o this_o sense_n who_o never_o to_o this_o day_n hear_v christ_n or_o any_o of_o his_o minister_n nor_o receive_v any_o gospel_n doctrine_n by_o any_o outward_a testimony_n by_o voice_n or_o writing_n and_o heb._n 8.10_o compare_v with_o jer._n 31.33_o and_o all_o the_o other_o place_n do_v whole_o respect_v that_o part_n of_o mankind_n to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v outward_o preach_v and_o for_o most_o part_n such_o who_o do_v believe_v it_o or_o be_v in_o due_a time_n to_o believe_v it_o as_o that_o note_a place_n titus_n 2.11_o 12._o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o have_v appear_v to_o all_o can_v be_v understand_v the_o common_a light_n or_o illumination_n in_o all_o because_o v_o 13._o it_o be_v such_o a_o grace_n that_o teach_v such_o who_o give_v up_o to_o be_v teach_v by_o it_o and_o obey_v it_o to_o look_v for_o that_o bless_a hope_n and_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n who_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o to_o die_v for_o we_o that_o by_o his_o death_n and_o precious_a blood_n outward_o shed_v for_o we_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n now_o can_v w.p._n or_o any_o of_o his_o deist_n brethren_n prove_v that_o any_o jew_n mahometan_n heathen_a or_o deist_n that_o obey_v the_o dictate_v of_o the_o light_n within_o be_v teach_v thereby_o to_o look_v for_o this_o glorious_a appear_v of_o jesus_n christ_n when_o he_o shall_v come_v in_o his_o glorify_a manhood_n to_o judge_v the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a for_o that_o no_o doubt_n be_v the_o glorious_a appear_v here_o mean_v the_o most_o obedient_a of_o his_o jewish_a 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ministry_n he_o may_v receive_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o the_o special_a illumination_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o according_o be_v fulfil_v and_o as_o to_o the_o word_n jer._n 31.34_o compare_v with_o heb._n 8.11_o they_o shall_v not_o teach_v every_o man_n his_o neighbour_n and_o every_o man_n his_o brother_n say_v know_v the_o lord_n for_o all_o shall_v know_v i_o from_o the_o least_o to_o the_o great_a this_o promise_n do_v only_o belong_v to_o the_o child_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n to_o wit_n the_o member_n of_o christ_n catholic_n church_n and_o not_o to_o all_o mankind_n therefore_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o the_o common_a illumination_n in_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n nor_o of_o many_o thousand_o live_v under_o a_o visible_a profession_n of_o christianity_n who_o be_v not_o so_o teach_v of_o god_n that_o they_o need_v not_o a_o man_n to_o teach_v they_o or_o to_o say_v know_v the_o lord_n for_o to_o be_v so_o teach_v be_v a_o high_a state_n and_o the_o word_n have_v 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he_o and_o what_o though_o christ_n leave_v nothing_o in_o write_v by_o himself_o for_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n as_o w.p._n argue_v what_o his_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n commit_v to_o write_v by_o his_o inspiration_n be_v sufficient_a why_o it_o shall_v be_v receive_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o be_v the_o outward_a instrument_n whereby_o faith_n be_v wrought_v in_o we_o and_o whereby_o we_o may_v be_v help_v through_o the_o spirit_n inward_a illumination_n and_o assistance_n how_o to_o discern_v what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a doctrine_n and_o what_o we_o be_v to_o practice_v but_o it_o be_v very_o strange_a what_o he_o further_o say_v that_o have_v he_o intend_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o follower_n to_o have_v be_v a_o write_a rule_n note_n a_o write_a rule_n he_o will_v have_v leave_v it_o upon_o record_n with_o all_o punctuality_n this_o must_v be_v believe_v and_o that_o do_v on_o pain_n of_o eternal_a death_n his_o word_n plain_o import_v as_o if_o such_o punctuality_n have_v not_o be_v record_v but_o as_o if_o people_n who_o read_v the_o scripture_n or_o hear_v they_o ever_o so_o true_o expound_v be_v leave_v at_o liberty_n to_o believe_v this_o or_o the_o other_o thing_n or_o not_o belive_o it_o though_o write_v and_o command_v and_o also_o to_o do_v or_o not_o do_v without_o any_o danger_n of_o damnation_n whereas_o the_o plain_a word_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v record_v by_o mark_n 16.16_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v believe_v not_o what_o sure_o both_o what_o christ_n preach_v and_o what_o his_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n be_v inspire_v to_o write_v by_o his_o spirit_n to_o who_o those_o write_n shall_v come_v for_o other_o to_o who_o they_o have_v not_o come_v their_o sin_n against_o the_o law_n and_o light_n in_o their_o conscience_n be_v sufficient_a to_o render_v they_o without_o excuse_n but_o say_v he_o nor_o do_v his_o follower_n write_v in_o the_o method_n of_o a_o rule_n how_o know_v he_o that_o be_v he_o so_o great_a a_o master_n of_o method_n so_o as_o that_o he_o can_v prove_v they_o write_v not_o in_o the_o method_n of_o a_o rule_n what_o say_v he_o to_o christ_n sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n and_o his_o other_o sermon_n record_v by_o the_o four_o evangelist_n which_o alone_o though_o we_o have_v no_o other_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v a_o sufficient_a rule_n both_o of_o faith_n and_o life_n which_o yet_o make_v not_o the_o other_o part_n superfluous_a it_o be_v a_o good_a say_n abundance_n of_o the_o law_n break_v not_o the_o law_n as_o god_n way_n be_v not_o as_o man_n way_n so_o god_n method_n in_o deliver_v we_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n be_v not_o as_o man_n method_n and_o what_o say_v he_o to_o luke_n who_o luk._n 1.13_o declare_v that_o have_v have_v perfect_a understanding_n of_o all_o thing_n from_o the_o very_a first_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o he_o to_o write_v they_o in_o order_n and_o say_v john_n john_n 20.31_o these_o be_v write_v that_o you_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o believe_v you_o may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n it_o be_v strange_a that_o a_o quaker_n shall_v argue_v against_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n for_o want_v the_o method_n of_o a_o rule_n who_o may_v be_v think_v very_o improper_a judge_n of_o method_n be_v so_o immethodical_a themselves_o both_o in_o write_v and_o preach_v and_o cry_v out_o against_o other_o for_o method_n and_o yet_o now_o the_o scripture_n must_v be_v reject_v from_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n for_o not_o be_v write_v in_o the_o method_n of_o a_o rule_n if_o w.p._n must_v be_v believe_v
he_o that_o never_o be_v in_o the_o country_n yet_o this_o prove_v not_o but_o that_o the_o geographical_a account_n of_o that_o country_n by_o word_n and_o map_n true_o and_o accurate_o give_v by_o man_n of_o great_a wisdom_n and_o sincerity_n be_v of_o great_a service_n and_o advantage_n both_o to_o stranger_n who_o desire_v to_o see_v the_o country_n and_o live_v in_o it_o and_o also_o to_o they_o that_o already_o live_v in_o it_o and_o for_o all_o the_o great_a conceit_n that_o w.p._n have_v of_o his_o knowledge_n of_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o regeneration_n by_o his_o experience_n of_o which_o he_o deny_v that_o the_o scripture_n have_v give_v he_o any_o information_n yet_o he_o be_v very_o ignorant_a of_o it_o still_o if_o he_o be_v of_o his_o former_a mind_n as_o he_o write_v in_o his_o preface_n to_o r._n b_n work_n that_o regeneration_n be_v a_o great_a mystery_n than_o god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n haddit_n w.p._n consult_v scripture_n it_o will_v have_v better_o inform_v he_o and_o to_o be_v sure_a the_o true_a experience_n of_o regeneration_n never_o teach_v he_o any_o such_o horrid_a and_o extreme_o false_a assertion_n page_n 31._o he_o say_v the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o prophecy_n of_o christ_n suffering_n be_v by_o extraordinary_a revelation_n not_o fall_v within_o the_o ordinary_a discovery_n that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o man_n salvation_n by_o which_o he_o show_v his_o power_n and_o faithfulness_n that_o he_o be_v god_n and_o can_v foretell_v and_o will_v bring_v to_o pass_v but_o therefore_o must_v there_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a light_n or_o spirit_n and_o not_o rather_o a_o extraordinary_a sight_n and_o sense_n from_o one_o and_o the_o same_o light_n and_o spirit_n in_o they_o answ_n first_o this_o quite_o overthrow_v his_o notion_n of_o a_o general_a rule_n that_o must_v be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o to_o all_o mankind_n for_o if_o the_o prophet_n have_v extraordinary_a revelation_n concern_v christ_n suffering_n which_o other_o man_n have_v not_o that_o extraordinary_a revelation_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n touch_v that_o matter_n which_o can_v not_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o they_o who_o have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o that_o thing_n second_o though_o the_o inward_a extraordinary_a revelation_n give_v to_o the_o prophet_n concern_v christ_n suffering_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o other_o of_o the_o faithful_a who_o be_v not_o prophet_n for_o their_o salvation_n yet_o the_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n of_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n by_o some_o other_o mean_n to_o wit_n by_o have_v the_o doctrine_n give_v to_o the_o prophet_n by_o extraordinary_a revelation_n preach_v or_o convey_v to_o the_o faithful_a by_o the_o ordinary_a outward_a mean_n of_o instruction_n which_o differ_v manner_n of_o conveyance_n make_v not_o any_o difference_n in_o the_o doctrine_n nor_o yet_o in_o the_o faith_n of_o it_o for_o matter_n and_o substance_n three_o that_o he_o make_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n suffering_n none_o of_o the_o absolute_a necessary_n to_o our_o christianity_n and_o salvation_n because_o not_o give_v to_o we_o as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o prophet_n by_o extraordinary_a revelation_n this_o plain_o give_v we_o a_o new_a and_o fresh_a instance_n of_o his_o deism_n and_o paganism_n appear_v with_o open_a face_n for_o if_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n suffering_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n because_o we_o have_v it_o not_o give_v we_o by_o extraordinary_a revelation_n as_o the_o prophet_n have_v which_o be_v a_o false_a consequence_n by_o the_o same_o reason_n not_o one_o of_o the_o twelve_o article_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n or_o any_o of_o the_o other_o creed_n call_v the_o nicene_n and_o athanasian_n nor_o any_o one_o of_o the_o peculiar_a doctrine_n and_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n though_o we_o hear_v they_o daily_o preach_v or_o may_v daily_o read_v they_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n because_o by_o his_o false_a inference_n not_o give_v we_o by_o extraordinary_a revelation_n and_o at_o this_o rate_n no_o more_o faith_n be_v necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n than_o what_o any_o infidel_n jew_n or_o mahometan_a or_o heathen_a may_v have_v by_o the_o common_a dictate_v of_o the_o light_n in_o every_o one_o of_o their_o conscience_n abstract_o consider_v without_o all_o mean_n of_o outward_a instruction_n by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a undermine_v of_o the_o whole_a christian_a religion_n and_o introduce_v deism_n and_o paganism_n in_o its_o room_n and_o be_v real_o a_o degree_n more_o remote_a from_o christianity_n than_o any_o pelagianism_n or_o socinianism_n four_o whereas_o he_o queri_v must_v there_o be_v therefore_o a_o extraordinary_a light_n or_o spirit_n and_o not_o rather_o a_o extraordinary_a sight_n or_o sense_n from_o one_o and_o the_o same_o light_n and_o spirit_n in_o they_o i_o answer_v take_v light_n and_o spirit_n in_o the_o high_a sense_n to_o signify_v god_n christ_n or_o the_o holy_a spirit_n it_o will_v not_o infer_v another_o light_n or_o spirit_n but_o another_o illumination_n inspiration_n and_o revelation_n as_o well_o as_o another_o sight_n and_o sense_n proceed_v from_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o from_o one_o and_o the_o same_o light_n original_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o teach_v there_o be_v diversity_n of_o operation_n administration_n and_o gift_n but_o one_o god_n one_o lord_n and_o one_o spirit_n but_o the_o word_n and_o term_n light_a and_o spirit_n sometime_o in_o scripture_n signify_v some_o internal_a act_n of_o illumination_n and_o operation_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o when_o we_o read_v of_o the_o seven_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n and_o that_o god_n be_v call_v the_o father_n of_o light_n this_o do_v not_o signify_v seven_o real_a distinct_a spirit_n of_o god_n but_o seven_o gift_n or_o virtue_n and_o operation_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o because_o there_o be_v several_a sort_n of_o illumination_n proceed_v from_o one_o light_n original_o which_o be_v god_n and_o the_o divine_a word_n therefore_o they_o be_v call_v light_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n full_o agreeable_a to_o scripture_n the_o prophet_n and_o all_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v have_v a_o extraordinary_a light_n and_o spirit_n as_o well_o as_o a_o extraordinary_a sight_n that_o other_o of_o the_o faithful_a have_v not_o or_o now_o have_v not_o and_o yet_o the_o faith_n the_o same_o for_o matter_n and_o substance_n for_o extraordinary_a revelation_n may_v be_v call_v extraordinary_a light_n well_o enough_o and_o also_o the_o faithful_a may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o extraordinary_a light_n and_o spirit_n that_o no_o infidel_n jew_n mahometan_n heathen_a or_o mere_a moralist_n deist_n or_o mere_a formal_a professor_n of_o christianity_n have_v to_o wit_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o diversity_n of_o the_o kind_n and_o sort_n of_o the_o illumination_n according_a to_o the_o differ_a subject_n that_o of_o the_o prophet_n differ_v from_o that_o of_o other_o faithful_a man_n that_o be_v not_o prophet_n who_o yet_o have_v the_o same_o faith_n though_o not_o convey_v by_o the_o same_o manner_n of_o illumination_n and_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o faithful_a differ_v from_o the_o common_a illumination_n give_v in_o common_a to_o mankind_n which_o in_o the_o respect_n abovementioned_a may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v three_o several_a light_n and_o spirit_n according_a to_o the_o three_o several_a subject_n all_o which_o be_v but_o original_o one_o and_o the_o same_o like_v to_o which_o we_o have_v a_o example_n in_o the_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n that_o remain_v the_o same_o in_o their_o nature_n yet_o according_a to_o the_o differ_a medium_n and_o subject_n of_o reception_n seem_v wonderful_o diversify_v so_o that_o pass_v through_o glass_n of_o several_a colour_n as_o green_a red_z blue_a and_o yellow_a the_o beam_n or_o ray_n will_v have_v these_o differ_a colour_n which_o diversity_n proceed_v not_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sunbeam_n but_o the_o differ_a medium_n and_o subject_n and_o thus_o also_o the_o same_o influence_n of_o the_o sun_n melt_v wax_n and_o harden_v clay_n and_o operate_n on_o a_o field_n where_o barley_n be_v sow_v contribute_v to_o produce_v a_o crop_n of_o barley_n but_o operate_a on_o a_o field_n where_o wheat_n be_v sow_v contribute_v to_o produce_v a_o crop_n of_o wheat_n from_o the_o differ_a seed_n and_o subject_n it_o work_v upon_o section_n 19_o his_o definition_n of_o the_o judge_n of_o controversy_n lame_a and_o fallacious_a as_o his_o definition_n of_o the_o general_a rule_n and_o faith_n in_o what_o sense_n the_o spirit_n be_v the_o judge_n of_o controversy_n quoad_fw-la nos_fw-la i.e._n as_o to_o we_o thus_o have_v go_v through_o and_o examine_v all_o that_o i_o have_v
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 be_v so_o full_a perfect_a and_o comprehensive_a that_o be_v full_o sufficient_a without_o any_o addition_n and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o it_o may_v please_v god_n to_o give_v forth_o any_o new_a law_n to_o his_o church_n it_o must_v be_v allow_v that_o there_o must_v be_v the_o same_o evidence_n and_o ground_n of_o receive_v they_o to_o be_v such_o as_o be_v give_v for_o the_o old_a testament_n by_o moses_n and_o for_o the_o new_a testament_n by_o christ_n now_o have_v w.p._n fair_o state_v the_o question_n he_o shall_v have_v state_v it_o thus_o whither_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n who_o judgement_n and_o determination_n be_v all_o one_o with_o that_o of_o christ_n and_o the_o father_n do_v give_v his_o judgement_n to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n of_o it_o by_o any_o other_o law_n or_o rule_n measure_n or_o standard_n than_o what_o be_v already_o to_o befound_a in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n whether_o relate_v to_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o positive_a 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
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
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
with_o any_o blood_n outward_o shed_v for_o they_o be_v not_o this_o the_o ready_a way_n to_o open_v the_o floodgate_n and_o to_o let_v in_o deism_n and_o heathenism_n to_o overrun_v not_o only_a england_n but_o all_o christendom_n and_o not_o only_o to_o destroy_v the_o protestant_n christian_n religion_n but_o any_o remain_v of_o christian_a doctrine_n that_o be_v in_o the_o popish_a country_n but_o from_o this_o cure_n of_o w.p._n we_o have_v all_o great_a cause_n to_o pray_v good_a lord_n deliver_v we_o but_o nor_o will_v this_o cure_n he_o propose_v be_v successful_a upon_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o his_o general_a rule_n if_o universal_o receive_v for_o a_o rule_n the_o heathen_a philosopher_n many_o of_o who_o profess_a and_o own_v the_o light_n in_o every_o conscience_n as_o it_o do_v enlighten_v their_o reason_n yet_o how_o many_o great_a controversy_n be_v there_o among_o they_o notwithstanding_o and_o oft_o great_a heat_n and_o animosity_n and_o if_o this_o cure_n of_o w.p._n be_v so_o effectual_a how_o come_v it_o that_o it_o have_v not_o heal_v the_o breach_n and_o great_a controversy_n that_o have_v be_v on_o foot_n these_o forty_o year_n chief_o about_o g._n fox_n order_n his_o party_n contend_v that_o they_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o the_o light_n both_o in_o g.f._n and_o all_o his_o follower_n the_o other_o party_n as_o strong_o deny_v it_o that_o they_o be_v any_o dictate_v of_o the_o true_a light_n within_o and_o let_v w.p._n tell_v we_o when_o any_o such_o controversy_n arise_v which_o be_v the_o true_a dictate_v of_o the_o light_n and_o true_a spirit_n abstract_o consider_v from_o the_o scripture_n what_o shall_v be_v the_o cure_n in_o that_o case_n he_o seem_v indeed_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o this_o in_o page_n 42._o answ_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n as_o well_o say_v gualt_n cradock_n the_o way_n to_o know_v whither_o the_o spirit_n be_v in_o we_o be_v its_o own_o evidence_n and_o that_o be_v the_o way_n to_o know_v it_o in_o other_o too_o and_o the_o man_n that_o have_v the_o spirit_n may_v know_v the_o spirit_n in_o another_o there_o be_v say_v he_o a_o kind_a of_o sagacity_n in_o the_o saint_n to_o this_o purpose_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v where_o the_o spirit_n doctrine_n which_o be_v the_o doctrine_n both_o of_o christ_n and_o the_o father_n go_v along_o with_o the_o spirit_n according_a to_o isaiah_n 59_o 21._o and_o many_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n there_o be_v a_o great_a truth_n in_o it_o but_o whatever_o spirit_n either_o teach_v another_o doctrine_n or_o draw_v man_n away_o from_o the_o necessary_a belief_n of_o christ_n death_n in_o the_o flesh_n in_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o other_o fundamental_a principle_n peculiar_a to_o christianity_n be_v not_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o christ_n whatever_o unity_n or_o sagacity_n w.p._n and_o his_o brethren_n may_v think_v they_o have_v to_o know_v it_o in_o one_o another_o while_o he_o and_o they_o make_v nothing_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o light_n in_o every_o conscience_n john_n 2.9_o which_o teach_v not_o this_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n nor_o propose_v this_o great_a object_n of_o faith_n to_o wit_n christ_n crucify_a to_o the_o conscience_n they_o destroy_v all_o necessity_n of_o that_o faith_n as_o concern_v in_o our_o salvation_n however_o with_o plausible_a show_n he_o and_o they_o will_v say_v it_o be_v necessary_a where_o the_o history_n as_o he_o term_v it_o have_v reach_v but_o how_o not_o for_o salvation_n but_o historical_o as_o we_o believe_v the_o history_n of_o alexander_n or_o julius_n cesar_n or_o as_o w.p._n and_o his_o brethren_n pretend_v to_o believe_v g._n f_n journal_n the_o difficulty_n that_o he_o move_v p._n 41._o about_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n be_v easy_o resolve_v without_o any_o new_a material_a object_n of_o faith_n if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v acknowledge_v inward_o to_o enlighten_v the_o understanding_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o that_o they_o faithful_o receive_v the_o same_o it_o will_v infallible_o give_v to_o all_o the_o faithful_a so_o much_o of_o the_o true_a knowledge_n and_o faith_n of_o all_o scripture_n doctrine_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n page_n 46._o as_o unfair_a and_o fallacious_a as_o he_o have_v be_v in_o his_o definition_n and_o argument_n about_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n no_o less_o unfair_a and_o fallacious_a be_v he_o in_o his_o represent_v many_o orthodox_n and_o sincere_a protestant_n as_o if_o they_o judge_v the_o quaker_n for_o their_o assert_v a_o unerring_a certain_a or_o infallible_a judgement_n in_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n this_o be_v a_o very_a unfair_a representation_n of_o they_o the_o question_n lie_v not_o about_o a_o unerring_a certain_a and_o infallible_a judgement_n give_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o all_o the_o faithful_a in_o the_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o they_o full_o assert_v but_o the_o question_n lie_v here_o whither_o they_o have_v this_o infallible_a judgement_n either_o by_o the_o common_a discovery_n and_o dictate_v of_o the_o light_n in_o every_o man_n conscience_n or_o by_o any_o new_a discovery_n of_o the_o spirit_n abstract_o and_o separate_o consider_v from_o the_o scripture_n so_o that_o the_o doctrine_n as_o deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n or_o instrument_n whereby_o the_o spirit_n work_v or_o beget_v this_o infallible_a judgement_n in_o they_o in_o all_o the_o necessary_a thing_n of_o salvation_n which_o â—et_a be_v more_o and_o other_o than_o those_o assign_v by_o w.p._n to_o wit_n faith_n in_o christ_n crucify_v and_o raise_v again_o and_o other_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n a_o second_o part_n of_o the_o question_n be_v whither_o all_o or_o any_o of_o the_o quaker_n when_o meet_v in_o their_o yearly_o meeting_n or_o any_o other_o meeting_n or_o the_o most_o enlighten_v among_o they_o have_v a_o infallible_a judgement_n give_v they_o in_o all_o thing_n as_o their_o chief_a teacher_n have_v assert_v so_o that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o infallible_a in_o the_o most_o necessary_a thing_n but_o in_o other_o thing_n yea_o in_o all_o that_o they_o have_v give_v forth_o either_o in_o preach_v or_o write_v as_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o with_o a_o authority_n the_o same_o in_o kind_n with_o the_o prophet_n as_o w.p._n do_v in_o the_o concluâ—ion_n of_o this_o book_n where_o he_o pretend_v that_o he_o have_v a_o message_n to_o tell_v they_o and_o that_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o truth_n and_o that_o be_v page_z 48._o that_o man_n unregenerate_v for_o all_o their_o external_a imitation_n of_o the_o ancient_n in_o some_o temporary_a and_o figurative_a part_n of_o worship_n will_v never_o be_v accept_v but_o this_o be_v no_o extraordinary_a revelation_n it_o be_v a_o doctrine_n that_o be_v daily_o teach_v and_o general_o believe_v among_o all_o true_a christian_n that_o never_o be_v under_o the_o profession_n of_o quaker_n but_o the_o fallacy_n be_v here_o that_o all_o be_v unregenerate_a in_o his_o sense_n who_o own_o that_o what_o they_o be_v teach_v and_o help_v to_o believe_v know_v or_o practice_v be_v by_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o life_n and_o instrument_n of_o the_o spirit_n prepare_v and_o give_v they_o the_o spirit_n himself_o be_v the_o principal_a efficient_a author_n and_o cause_n and_o primary_n principle_n of_o their_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o practice_n yet_o all_o this_o be_v judge_v by_o w.p._n here_o in_o his_o conclusion_n to_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o literal_a knowledge_n historical_a faith_n and_o outward_a religion_n that_o be_v but_o as_o the_o old_a heaven_n that_o be_v to_o be_v wrap_v up_o as_o a_o scroul_n and_o the_o old_a wine_n and_o bottle_n that_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n for_o which_o uncharitable_a and_o false_a judgement_n i_o hearty_o pray_v god_n that_o he_o may_v forgive_v he_o and_o give_v he_o a_o better_a understanding_n and_o reclaim_v he_o if_o it_o be_v the_o bless_a will_n of_o god_n from_o those_o most_o dangerous_a error_n he_o be_v entangle_v in_o and_o especial_o from_o this_o that_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o his_o other_o error_n to_o wit_n his_o deism_n and_o set_v up_o the_o light_n within_o or_o spirit_n or_o whatever_o he_o call_v iâ—_n abstract_o and_o separate_o from_o christ_n doctrine_n and_o word_n even_o those_o divine_a oracle_n and_o word_n which_o the_o father_n give_v to_o christ_n and_o christ_n give_v they_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o the_o apostle_n john_n 17.8_o and_o by_o the_o same_o holy_a spirit_n by_o mean_n of_o the_o apostle_n writing_n have_v give_v to_o all_o the_o faithful_a since_o thus_o divide_v what_o god_n and_o christ_n have_v join_v together_o sure_o this_o can_v be_v the_o true_a light_n nor_o spirit_n in_o he_o or_o his_o brethren_n that_o lead_v away_o people_n from_o hear_v the_o true_a shepherd_n voice_n either_o as_o it_o be_v outward_o sound_v in_o the_o outward_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n outward_o preach_v or_o as_o it_o be_v inward_o sound_v and_o echo_a by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o teach_v the_o faithful_a to_o believe_v the_o same_o doctrine_n that_o be_v outward_o deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n my_o sheep_n say_v christ_n hear_v my_o voice_n they_o that_o draw_v from_o christ_n doctrine_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n to_o every_o true_a christian_a draw_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o from_o his_o voice_n whatever_o seem_v pretence_n they_o fallacious_o make_v to_o exalt_v the_o spirit_n by_o reject_v that_o instrument_n to_o wit_n the_o rule_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o which_o the_o spirit_n do_v both_o enlighten_v the_o faithful_a and_o beget_v faith_n and_o hope_n and_o love_n in_o they_o by_o the_o precious_a oracle_n and_o testimony_n therein_o contain_v and_o also_o do_v refresh_v quicken_v and_o comfort_v they_o if_o the_o spirit_n and_o his_o divine_a influence_n be_v the_o wine_n that_o refresh_v and_o cherish_v they_o the_o scripture_n so_o to_o speak_v be_v the_o flagon_n that_o convey_v it_o to_o they_o according_a to_o the_o word_n in_o the_o song_n cant._n 2.5_o stay_v i_o with_o flagon_n comfort_v i_o with_o apple_n and_o many_o other_o plain_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n that_o hold_v forth_o in_o god_n ordinary_a way_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o outward_o deliver_v to_o be_v the_o mean_n and_o therefore_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o the_o spirit_n do_v both_o teach_v and_o also_o quicken_v comfort_n and_o strengthen_v they_o such_o as_o these_o follow_a place_n which_o i_o recommend_v to_o w.p._n and_o his_o brethren_n consideration_n psal_n 19.7_o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o prov._n 6.23_o psal_n 119._o 4_o 5_o 6_o 18_o 49_o 50_o 105._o psal_n 147.19_o 20._o isaiah_n 8.20.59.21_o john_n 10.3_o john_n 17.8_o 20._o john_n 20.31_o john_n 5_o 39_o act_n 10.44_o rom._n 16.17_o rom._n 16.25.26_o gal._n 3.2_o eph._n 1.13_o 1_o thes_n 1.5_o 1_o tim._n 4.16_o 2_o tim._n 1.13_o 2_o tim._n 2.20_o 2_o tim._n 3.15_o 16_o 17._o 28_o of_o the_o first_o month_n 1699._o g._n k._n finis_fw-la nam_fw-la cum_fw-la humana_fw-la mens_fw-la pro_fw-la sua_fw-la imbecillitate_fw-la pervenire_fw-la ad_fw-la deum_fw-la nullo_n modo_fw-la queat_fw-la nisi_fw-la sacro_fw-la ejus_fw-la verbo_fw-la adjuta_fw-la &_o sublevata_fw-la omnes_fw-la tunc_fw-la mortales_fw-la exceptis_fw-la judaeis_n quia_fw-la deum_fw-la sine_fw-la verbo_fw-la querebant_fw-la necesse_fw-la fuit_fw-la in_o vanitate_fw-la atque_fw-la errore_fw-la versari_fw-la calvin_n instit_n lib._n 1._o c._n 6_o s._n 4_o