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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
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 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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 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priority_n in_o point_n of_o a_o rule_n to_o the_o new_a creature_n so_o that_o the_o doctrine_n to_o wit_n the_o doctrinal_a word_n and_o word_n of_o god_n give_v by_o god_n and_o christ_n to_o the_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o by_o they_o to_o other_o man_n who_o by_o mean_n thereof_o be_v convert_v and_o inward_o renew_v regenerate_v and_o sanctify_v through_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o the_o principal_a efficient_a be_v the_o rule_n to_o the_o new_a creature_n and_o not_o the_o new_a creature_n the_o rule_n to_o the_o doctrine_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o wit_n the_o doctrinal_a word_n or_o word_n of_o doctrine_n be_v by_o a_o metaphor_n call_v seed_n in_o scripture_n for_o of_o seed_n plant_n tree_n and_o animal_n be_v produce_v and_o see_v according_a to_o scripture_n faith_n be_v wrought_v by_o hear_v the_o word_n outward_o preach_v in_o god_n ordinary_a way_n and_o that_o word_n be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n give_v original_o by_o god_n and_o christ_n to_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o by_o they_o to_o we_o it_o evident_o follow_v that_o faith_n or_o the_o new_a creature_n be_v not_o a_o rule_n to_o the_o doctrine_n but_o the_o doctrine_n be_v a_o rule_n to_o the_o faith_n and_o consequent_o the_o doctrine_n be_v the_o primary_n rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n but_o not_o that_o faith_n and_o life_n be_v the_o primary_n rule_n or_o any_o rule_n at_o all_o to_o the_o doctrine_n even_o as_o in_o natural_a generation_n the_o seed_n be_v before_o the_o birth_n and_o fruit_n so_o be_v the_o doctrine_n before_o the_o faith_n and_o before_o the_o person_n that_o be_v the_o believer_n or_o saint_n and_o regenerate_v person_n as_o such_o and_o before_o the_o church_n for_o the_o
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
of_o these_o tract_n if_o w.p._n say_v it_o be_v because_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o light_n within_o be_v much_o gainsay_v among_o man_n and_o the_o dictate_v of_o it_o grievous_o pervert_v and_o make_v contradictory_n if_o both_o party_n even_o among_o the_o quaker_n themselves_o may_v be_v believe_v g._n f_o and_o his_o party_n when_o alive_a and_o now_o w._n p's_n and_o g._n w_n party_n judge_v that_o which_o john_n story_n and_o his_o party_n believe_v to_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o the_o light_n within_o to_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o a_o false_a spirit_n and_o they_o judge_v the_o like_a of_o they_o therefore_o book_n and_o tract_n have_v be_v multiply_v among_o themselves_o and_o as_o good_a and_o much_o better_a reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o so_o many_o true_o pious_a and_o edify_a tract_n have_v be_v write_v by_o many_o godly_a man_n to_o vindicate_v both_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o true_a light_n within_o in_o all_o the_o faithful_a and_o also_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n without_o this_o as_o the_o rule_n and_o that_o as_o the_o principal_a teacher_n agent_n and_o efficient_a work_v with_o and_o by_o the_o rule_n and_o yet_o none_o of_o the_o two_o how_o much_o ever_o sufficient_a exclude_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n god-man_n without_o we_o from_o be_v our_o all_o sufficient_a saviour_n each_o be_v sufficient_a in_o their_o own_o order_n and_o manner_n of_o act_v as_o concern_v such_o gentile_n to_o who_o the_o offer_n of_o faith_n have_v not_o be_v make_v neither_o by_o man_n nor_o write_n none_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o rule_n to_o they_o but_o as_o they_o have_v no_o outward_a rule_n of_o christian_a faith_n so_o nor_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o have_v the_o christian_a faith_n itself_o if_o any_o have_v it_o they_o have_v it_o not_o by_o the_o common_a illumination_n but_o by_o some_o miraculous_a and_o extraordinary_a manner_n unknown_a to_o we_o and_o how_o god_n dispose_v of_o the_o more_o sober_a and_o virtuous_a among_o they_o do_v not_o at_o all_o reach_n the_o present_a controversy_n which_o be_v not_o whither_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n to_o all_o mankind_n that_o ever_o live_v or_o now_o live_v but_o whither_o it_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n to_o they_o who_o have_v they_o or_o may_v have_v they_o by_o some_o possible_a mean_n page_n 16._o arg_n 13._o whereas_o he_o say_v do_v not_o your_o own_o language_n and_o practice_n prove_v its_o viz._n the_o scripture_n insufficiency_n to_o that_o end_n at_o what_o time_n you_o both_o exhort_v to_o and_o go_v in_o secret_a to_o seek_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o or_o that_o important_a affair_n why_o do_v not_o you_o turn_v to_o chapter_n and_o verse_n for_o satisfaction_n if_o the_o scripture_n be_v appoint_v of_o god_n for_o the_o general_n rule_n ans_fw-fr this_o argument_n have_v also_o as_o great_a force_n or_o rather_o much_o great_a against_o the_o light_n within_o be_v the_o general_n rule_n for_o do_v none_o of_o the_o friend_n both_o exhort_v to_o and_o go_v in_o secret_a to_o seek_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o or_o that_o important_a affair_n why_o do_v they_o not_o turn_v to_o the_o light_n within_o to_o be_v forthwith_o without_o all_o prayer_n or_o wait_v inform_v and_o satisfy_v if_o they_o do_v not_o yea_o if_o w.p._n do_v not_o both_o he_o and_o they_o be_v woeful_o deceive_v by_o neglect_v prayer_n and_o wait_v on_o god_n to_o receive_v satisfaction_n in_o this_o or_o that_o important_a affair_n but_o if_o they_o find_v their_o need_n both_o for_o prayer_n and_o wait_v for_o direction_n then_o let_v he_o answer_v his_o own_o argument_n and_o make_v due_a application_n but_o to_o give_v a_o positive_a and_o direct_a answer_n if_o it_o be_v either_o a_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n or_o precept_n that_o any_o christian_a want_n due_a instruction_n and_o direction_n in_o they_o may_v both_o pray_v and_o read_v and_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o meditate_v jad_n wait_v for_o god_n inward_a illumination_n and_o inspiration_n to_o give_v they_o a_o right_a understanding_n and_o they_o may_v expect_v it_o will_v be_v give_v they_o if_o they_o sincere_o seek_v it_o and_o use_v all_o due_a endeavour_n and_o mean_n to_o attain_v it_o one_o of_o which_o be_v to_o consult_v and_o use_v the_o advice_n of_o other_o who_o they_o have_v cause_n to_o judge_v spiritual_o more_o enlighten_v than_o themselves_o if_o it_o be_v in_o case_n that_o be_v neither_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n nor_o precept_n but_o where_o the_o matter_n be_v by_o itself_o indifferent_a and_o neither_o simple_o command_v nor_o forbid_v as_o many_o such_o case_n there_o be_v they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o pray_v and_o wait_v for_o direction_n and_o it_o may_v please_v god_n to_o give_v it_o to_o they_o by_o some_o secret_a motion_n impulse_n or_o impression_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n which_o may_v sufficient_o satisfy_v they_o 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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