be_v unchangeable_a incorruptible_a and_o eternal_a without_o begin_v of_o day_n or_o end_v of_o time_n and_o so_o be_v not_o the_o scripture_n answ_n 2._o nevertheless_o we_o prefer_v the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o they_o be_v give_v forth_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v a_o true_a declaration_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o word_n answ_n 3._o yet_o do_v we_o prefer_v christ_n jesus_n the_o light_n above_o the_o scripture_n for_o in_o all_o thing_n he_o must_v have_v the_o pre-eminence_n therefore_o say_v john_n the_o baptist_n i_o prefer_v he_o before_o i_o for_o he_o be_v before_o i_o though_o in_o appearance_n john_n be_v seem_o before_o christ_n before_o abraham_n be_v i_o be_o say_v he_o wherefore_o know_v that_o we_o build_v not_o upon_o the_o holy_a prophet_n and_o bless_a apostle_n their_o word_n work_n write_n and_o experience_n but_o we_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o the_o chief_a cornerstone_n so_o that_o we_o have_v not_o receive_v our_o light_n life_n peace_n comfort_n faith_n hope_n and_o assurance_n from_o the_o write_n of_o the_o saint_n but_o from_o he_o that_o be_v their_o light_n life_n hope_n root_n and_o foundation_n and_o have_v our_o teach_v from_o that_o light_n whereby_o abel_n enoch_n noah_n abraham_n isaac_n jacob_n and_o joseph_n walk_v with_o and_o please_v god_n long_o before_o any_o scriptural_a rule_n be_v manifest_v answ_n 4._o neither_o be_v the_o scripture_n the_o only_a rule_n to_o judge_v of_o doctrine_n for_o we_o know_v the_o scripture_n be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o therefore_o man_n in_o their_o carnal_a wisdom_n be_v put_v their_o several_a meaning_n upon_o one_o and_o the_o same_o scripture_n wherefore_o we_o say_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a judge_n of_o doctrine_n because_o he_o alone_o that_o give_v forth_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n 2.10_o 1_o cor._n 2.10_o for_o the_o spirit_n search_v all_o thing_n yea_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n answ_n 5._o nor_o yet_o do_v i_o believe_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n which_o christ_n make_v use_v of_o to_o overcome_v and_o repel_v the_o tempter_n in_o the_o wilderness_n for_o we_o observe_v satan_n plead_v scripture_n as_o well_o as_o christ_n till_o he_o take_v indeed_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v his_o divine_a power_n and_o command_v he_o say_v get_v thou_o behind_o i_o satan_n then_o the_o devil_n leave_v he_o but_o not_o before_o he_o be_v thus_o expel_v object_n 3._o but_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o light_n within_o be_v oppose_v by_o all_o the_o able_a learned_a divine_n so_o call_v in_o the_o nation_n yea_o the_o most_o eminent_a preacher_n among_o the_o presbyter_n independent_o and_o baptist_n do_v condemn_v it_o for_o erroneous_a and_o devilish_a delusion_n answ_n 1._o it_o be_v true_a this_o doctrine_n have_v be_v and_o be_v a_o stone_n of_o stumble_v &_o a_o rock_n of_o offence_n unto_o all_o sort_n &_o form_n of_o professor_n in_o the_o world_n especial_o the_o priest_n &_o preacher_n be_v most_o inveterate_o incense_v against_o it_o because_o the_o craft_n by_o which_o they_o have_v get_v great_a gain_n be_v hereby_o especial_o impair_v nevertheless_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o prevail_v against_o it_o the_o truth_n be_v strong_a and_o will_v prevail_v yea_o it_o do_v and_o will_v flourish_v in_o despite_n of_o all_o the_o scorn_n injury_n opposition_n and_o villainy_n of_o the_o world_n answ_n 2._o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a that_o god_n have_v hide_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a in_o the_o world_n and_o have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o babe_n behold_v therefore_o you_o despiser_n and_o wonder_n for_o this_o be_v the_o work_n which_o god_n have_v wrought_v in_o your_o day_n which_o you_o will_v not_o believe_v though_o it_o be_v declare_v unto_o you_o answ_n 3._o and_o as_o for_o those_o preacher_n among_o the_o presbyter_n etc._n etc._n who_o oppose_v this_o doctrine_n this_o i_o affirm_v and_o testify_v against_o they_o though_o they_o come_v in_o sheep_n clothing_n that_o be_v have_v get_v a_o more_o refine_a way_n of_o profession_n than_o other_o and_o cover_v themselves_o with_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n yet_o inward_o be_v they_o raven_a wolf_n they_o be_v inward_o raven_v from_o the_o light_n and_o life_n of_o those_o saint_n who_o word_n they_o have_v take_v up_o yea_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o prove_v against_o the_o best_a of_o they_o that_o they_o live_v in_o sin_n and_o plead_v for_o it_o answ_n 4._o whoever_o deny_v reproach_n and_o oppose_v this_o doctrine_n be_v none_o of_o christ_n minister_n as_o will_v appear_v from_o a_o due_a examination_n of_o their_o call_n doctrine_n and_o practice_n who_o send_v they_o god_n or_o man_n what_o do_v they_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o the_o word_n of_o man_n be_v their_o life_n and_o conversation_n humble_a meek_n self-denying_a and_o heavenly_a or_o be_v it_o not_o proud_a fierce_a self-seeking_a and_o worldly_a now_o our_o lord_n jesus_n have_v leave_v upon_o record_n one_o infallible_a rule_n whereby_o we_o may_v know_v which_o be_v true_a gospel-minister_n and_o which_o be_v not_o and_o as_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o christ_n be_v a_o true_a gospel-minister_n so_o it_o be_v expect_v that_o all_o gospel-minister_n be_v like_o he_o in_o their_o measure_n for_o say_v christ_n to_o his_o father_n as_o thou_o send_v i_o into_o the_o world_n so_o have_v i_o send_v they_o into_o the_o world_n joh._n 17._o and_o when_o he_o send_v forth_o his_o disciple_n to_o they_o he_o say_v as_o the_o father_n send_v i_o even_o so_o send_v i_o you_o hereby_o than_o it_o will_v easy_o be_v discern_v that_o these_o preacher_n who_o so_o bitter_o rage_n and_o rail_v against_o the_o light_n within_o be_v never_o a_o one_o of_o they_o christ_n minister_n but_o idol-shepherd_n liar_n and_o false_a prophet_n qualification_n 1._o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o know_v to_o be_v so_o before_o he_o undertake_v or_o exercise_v in_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o lord_n foresee_v what_o after_o come_v to_o pass_v by_o people_n run_v into_o several_a opinion_n and_o doctrine_n of_o man_n give_v this_o charge_n and_o testimony_n from_o heaven_n say_v this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v hear_v he_o in_o like_a manner_n every_o true_a believer_n be_v a_o son_n of_o god_n generate_v of_o the_o immortal_a seed_n bear_v anew_o by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n make_v a_o real_a partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n live_v in_o and_o have_v union_n with_o god_n through_o faith_n in_o christ_n for_o to_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o he_o give_v power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n qualif_n 2._o he_o be_v immeasurable_o anoint_v with_o the_o spirit_n and_o be_v know_v to_o be_v so_o for_o say_v john_n he_o that_o send_v i_o to_o baptize_v the_o same_o say_v unto_o i_o on_o whosoever_o thou_o shall_v see_v the_o spirit_n descend_v and_o remain_v the_o same_o be_v he_o so_o may_v true_a gospel-minister_n be_v know_v for_o they_o be_v as_o real_o anoint_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n as_o christ_n be_v though_o not_o so_o equal_o yea_o every_o believe_a soul_n be_v endue_v with_o this_o spirit_n these_o be_v the_o anoint_v once_o of_o the_o lord_n and_o whoever_o want_v this_o spirit_n they_o be_v none_o of_o he_o and_o as_o christ_n command_v his_o disciple_n to_o abide_v at_o jerusalem_n till_o they_o have_v receive_v this_o unction_n so_o whoever_o undertake_v to_o preach_v before_o they_o have_v receive_v this_o power_n from_o the_o lord_n they_o run_v and_o he_o send_v they_o not_o qualif_n 2._o he_o endure_v and_o conquer_v the_o assault_n and_o temptation_n of_o satan_n in_o the_o wilderness_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o sonship_n and_o unction_n before_o he_o be_v ever_o know_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o like_a manner_n all_o the_o true_a child_n of_o god_n be_v take_v into_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n in_o his_o trial_n temptation_n and_o suffering_n but_o especial_o such_o as_o have_v be_v call_v unto_o more_o eminent_a &_o public_a work_n have_v meet_v with_o great_a conflict_n wraftling_n and_o temptation_n that_o they_o may_v be_v keep_v humble_a before_o the_o lord_n and_o also_o be_v fit_o dispose_v to_o speak_v a_o word_n in_o due_a season_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o such_o as_o be_v bring_v under_o the_o same_o trouble_v qualif_n 4._o in_o the_o power_n virtue_n and_o strength_n of_o his_o sonship_n unction_n and_o conquest_n he_o go_v out_o and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n that_o be_v proclaim_v glad_a tiding_n of_o the_o grace_n and_o
not_o ashamed_a to_o deny_v that_o christ_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n indeed_o both_o they_o and_o their_o grandmother_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v willing_a to_o confess_v that_o christ_n be_v come_v but_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a that_o every_o soul_n that_o confess_v not_o that_o christ_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n the_o same_o be_v antichrist_n 3._o they_o fear_v not_o daily_o to_o blaspheme_n the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n but_o call_v it_o a_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n and_o a_o spirit_n of_o error_n and_o most_o presumptuous_o say_v of_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v guide_v teach_v and_o anoint_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o they_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o devil_n 4._o they_o trample_v under_o foot_n the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n count_v it_o a_o weak_a and_o unholy_a thing_n while_o they_o impudent_o affirm_v that_o the_o best_a of_o god_n saint_n yea_o if_o he_o have_v no_o pure_a saint_n than_o they_o be_v can_v be_v free_a from_o sin_n whilst_o they_o breathe_v upon_o earth_n when_o the_o scripture_n witness_v that_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n cleanse_v from_o all_o sin_n 5._o they_o preach_v another_o gospel_n now_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a that_o if_o any_o man_n or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n unto_o we_o than_o what_o we_o have_v already_o receive_v let_v he_o be_v accurse_v gal._n 1.9_o now_o how_o can_v you_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o they_o know_v not_o what_o the_o true_a gospel_n be_v for_o say_v paul_n i_o certify_v unto_o you_o brethren_n that_o the_o gospel_n which_o i_o preach_v be_v not_o after_o man_n for_o i_o neither_o receive_v it_o neither_o be_v i_o teach_v it_o of_o man_n but_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o your_o teacher_n deny_v any_o such_o revelation_n in_o these_o day_n wherefore_o it_o be_v hereby_o evident_a that_o they_o be_v thief_n creep_v in_o some_o other_o way_n and_o bring_v another_o gospel_n then_o that_o whereof_o paul_n be_v a_o minister_n as_o he_o witness_v to_o the_o collossian_o chap._n 1.23_o say_v be_v not_o move_v from_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o you_o have_v hear_v and_o which_o be_v preach_v in_o every_o creature_n under_o heaven_n creatura_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o universa_fw-la creatura_fw-la whereof_o i_o paul_n be_o a_o minister_n and_o this_o be_v the_o word_n of_o faith_n which_o we_o preach_v even_o christ_n the_o word_n who_o be_v in_o thy_o heart_n and_o in_o thy_o mouth_n say_v paul_n rom._n 10._o which_o all_o have_v hear_v and_o the_o sound_v thereof_o be_v go_v through_o the_o whole_a world_n but_o these_o man_n labour_v to_o pervert_v the_o gospel_n and_o turn_v man_n from_o it_o say_v that_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n in_o every_o man_n conscience_n be_v not_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n 6._o they_o have_v indeed_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o want_v the_o power_n and_o well_o for_o they_o if_o that_o be_v the_o worst_a but_o they_o magnify_v and_o cry_v up_o a_o form_n and_o utter_o reject_v despise_v and_o deny_v the_o power_n which_o be_v the_o immortal_a seed_n christ_n jesus_n the_o light_n within_o and_o from_o such_o we_o be_v command_v to_o turn_v away_o their_o prayer_n and_o sermon_n be_v make_v contrive_v study_a and_o compose_v in_o their_o own_o time_n will_n and_o wisdom_n but_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o life_n power_n and_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n and_o deny_v that_o christ_n speak_v in_o any_o which_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o do_v not_o speak_v in_o they_o they_o cry_v up_o and_o plead_v earnest_o for_o water-baptism_n which_o christ_n never_o administer_v institute_v or_o command_v to_o be_v administer_v and_o yet_o they_o call_v it_o christ_n ordinance_n some_o say_n without_o this_o no_o salvation_n and_o the_o rest_n say_v with_o such_o as_o wilful_o neglect_v this_o have_v no_o communion_n but_o if_o they_o have_v ever_o undergo_v and_o feel_v the_o powerful_a lively_a purify_n and_o thorough_o cleanse_v efficacy_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v baptism_n they_o will_v know_v it_o sufficient_a without_o the_o help_n of_o their_o dead_a cold_a idolise_v waterworks_a they_o be_v great_o affect_v with_o that_o bread_n and_o wine_n which_o after_o breathe_v upon_o by_o the_o pastor_n be_v not_o common_a but_o be-sainted_n and_o so_o come_v to_o be_v call_v the_o lord_n supper_n it_o be_v evident_a hereby_o that_o they_o never_o do_v eat_v of_o that_o flesh_n which_o be_v bread_n indeed_o nor_o drink_v of_o that_o blood_n which_o be_v drink_v indeed_o now_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o all_o picture_n image_n shadow_n resemblance_n figure_n and_o representation_n which_o any_o people_n live_v in_o and_o plead_v for_o do_v clear_o argue_v that_o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o power_n life_n and_o substance_n yea_o whole_o ignorant_a of_o his_o live_a presence_n in_o who_o be_v hide_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n and_o as_o they_o believe_v in_o one_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o they_o out_o of_o their_o view_n and_o knowledge_n so_o be_v it_o very_o convenient_a they_o think_v to_o necessitate_v these_o carnal_a ordinance_n to_o reduce_v their_o unmindful_a and_o forgetful_a thought_n into_o more_o serious_a remembrance_n till_o he_o come_v and_o yet_o these_o man_n will_v condemn_v the_o papist_n though_o they_o be_v far_o short_a of_o their_o devotion_n in_o this_o very_a thing_n and_o so_o be_v they_o see_v in_o the_o light_n to_o be_v wolf_n in_o sheep_n clothing_n raven_v from_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o those_o saint_n who_o they_o be_v imitate_v upon_o the_o stage_n of_o their_o formal_a profession_n wherefore_o my_o dear_a frieds_n come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o be_v you_o separate_v lest_o you_o be_v drink_v with_o the_o wine_n of_o their_o fornication_n for_o very_o the_o lord_n be_v rise_v to_o plead_v his_o own_o cause_n and_o be_v a_o swift_a witness_n against_o these_o sorcerer_n who_o be_v sport_v themselves_o in_o the_o day_n time_n and_o as_o those_o soldier_n regard_v not_o a_o crucify_a jesus_n so_o near_o they_o but_o their_o mind_n be_v take_v up_o in_o part_v &_o cast_v lot_n for_o his_o raiment_n so_o these_o man_n be_v so_o exercise_v in_o the_o outside_n of_o religion_n ordinance_n so_o call_v and_o worship_n that_o they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v with_o the_o inside_n which_o be_v the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n even_o christ_n within_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n answ_n 5._o and_o last_o as_o i_o have_v plain_o declare_v the_o reason_n of_o my_o depart_n from_o your_o assembly_n so_o shall_v i_o witness_v faithful_o to_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v know_v and_o practise_v by_o the_o holy_a people_n of_o god_n call_v quaker_n with_o who_o i_o now_o walk_v and_o of_o who_o i_o declare_v and_o testify_v first_o that_o they_o be_v build_v and_o root_v in_o &_o upon_o the_o right_a foundation_n even_o christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n who_o be_v their_o wisdom_n righteousness_n sanctification_n and_o redemption_n in_o who_o alone_o they_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n and_o save_v that_o root_n from_o whence_o they_o receive_v life_n nourishment_n power_n and_o growth_n be_v the_o only_a foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n the_o rock_n of_o age_n the_o stone_n which_o your_o builder_n and_o theiâ—_n brethren_n the_o priest_n ever_o reject_v disallow_v and_o set_v at_o nought_o which_o be_v christ_n in_o we_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n whereupon_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o we_o differ_v in_o the_o root_n from_o all_o the_o people_n in_o the_o world_n though_o of_o several_a form_n and_o persuasion_n for_o plain_o the_o papist_n prelate_n presbyter_n baptist_n and_o independent_o though_o they_o all_o differ_v in_o their_o form_n appearance_n and_o circumstantial_a opinion_n yet_o do_v they_o all_o agree_v and_o meet_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o faith_n foundation_n and_o root_n the_o word_n write_n declaration_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o saint_n record_v in_o scripture_n be_v the_o foundation_n and_o ground_n of_o all_o the_o profess_v people_n in_o the_o world_n and_o all_o of_o they_o be_v stranger_n to_o that_o one_o spirit_n that_o give_v forth_o the_o scripture_n be_v run_v into_o several_a sect_n and_o opinion_n as_o they_o do_v carnal_o understand_v and_o conceive_v they_o have_v rule_n and_o teach_v in_o the_o bible_n but_o however_o they_o will_v own_v no_o other_o light_n law_n gospel_n rule_n revelation_n and_o word_n of_o god_n but_o their_o bibles_n but_o now_o this_o peculiar_a people_n who_o the_o lord_n have_v gather_v from_o among_o all_o the_o babylonish_n confusion_n and_o division_n under_o heaven_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n
understand_v full_o what_o we_o hold_v before_o thou_o contend_v against_o we_o lest_o if_o thou_o want_v this_o patience_n and_o wisdom_n thou_o oppose_v not_o so_o much_o our_o judgement_n as_o thy_o own_o conceit_n better_a it_o be_v to_o hear_v a_o man_n mind_n with_o meekness_n then_o hasty_o to_o guess_v at_o it_o answ_n 6._o be_v not_o wed_v to_o thy_o own_o opinion_n nor_o wise_a in_o thy_o own_o conceit_n so_o as_o to_o build_v upon_o thy_o own_o or_o other_o man_n judgement_n and_o rest_v satisfy_v therein_o because_o it_o be_v strengthen_v by_o multitude_n custom_n and_o antiquity_n for_o undoubted_o many_o have_v err_v gross_o in_o those_o thing_n they_o have_v think_v themselves_o infallible_a better_a it_o be_v to_o cleave_v to_o the_o clear_a and_o naked_a truth_n of_o god_n alone_o then_o to_o follow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o eminent_a professor_n in_o the_o world_n when_o they_o hold_v not_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n answ_n 7._o reproach_v not_o this_o doctrine_n say_v it_o be_v new_a and_o strange_a or_o that_o thou_o never_o hear_v it_o so_o before_o for_o this_o discover_v thy_o ignorance_n rather_o than_o my_o error_n and_o that_o which_o at_o present_a seem_v to_o thou_o to_o be_v a_o new_a error_n be_v right_o examine_v by_o the_o scripture_n will_v prove_v a_o old_a truth_n if_o therefore_o thou_o will_v needs_o reject_v whatsoever_o favour_n of_o novelty_n how_o shall_v the_o truth_n we_o yet_o know_v not_o be_v bring_v in_o and_o the_o ignorance_n which_o yet_o remain_v be_v purge_v out_o answ_n 8._o this_o be_v the_o same_o doctrine_n which_o be_v preach_v by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o holy_a prophet_n &_o apostle_n since_o the_o world_n begin_v and_o which_o be_v believe_v and_o obey_v by_o all_o the_o faithful_a saint_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n since_o the_o creation_n the_o same_o which_o the_o lord_n give_v in_o charge_n to_o the_o israelite_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o moses_n say_v behold_v i_o send_v my_o angel_n before_o thou_o to_o keep_v thou_o in_o the_o way_n 23.20_o exod._n 23.20_o and_o to_o bring_v thou_o into_o the_o place_n which_o i_o have_v prepare_v beware_v of_o he_o and_o obey_v his_o voice_n provoak_v he_o not_o for_o he_o will_v not_o pardon_v your_o transgression_n for_o my_o name_n be_v in_o he_o but_o if_o thou_o shall_v indeed_o obey_v his_o voice_n and_o do_v all_o that_o i_o speak_v then_o will_v i_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o thy_o enemy_n and_o a_o adversary_n to_o thy_o adversary_n 15.30_o numb_a 15.30_o but_o the_o soul_n that_o do_v aught_o presumtuous_o reproach_v the_o lord_n and_o shall_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o his_o people_n because_o he_o despise_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n now_o what_o be_v this_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v not_o the_o scripture_n for_o there_o be_v no_o bible_n many_o year_n after_o that_o time_n 119.9.105_o deut._n 30.11_o to_o 14._o psal_n 119.9.105_o but_o the_o ligt_n within_o it_o be_v not_o hide_v from_o thou_o neither_o be_v it_o far_o off_o but_o the_o word_n be_v very_o nigh_o unto_o thou_o even_o in_o thy_o heart_n &_o in_o thy_o mouth_n that_o thou_o shall_v hear_v it_o and_o do_v it_o wherefore_o david_n affifirm_v that_o if_o a_o young_a man_n take_v heed_n to_o this_o word_n he_o shall_v cleanse_v his_o way_n thereby_o and_o call_v it_o a_o lamp_n to_o his_o foot_n and_o a_o light_n to_o his_o path_n this_o be_v also_o testify_v by_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n thou_o shall_v hear_v a_o word_n behind_o thou_o 30.21_o isa_n 30.21_o say_v this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v in_o it_o in_o which_o path_n the_o wayfaring_a man_n though_o fool_n can_v err_v and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v confirm_v this_o doctrine_n 26._o mat._n 6.35_o lu._n 17.21_o act_n 3.22_o we_o 23_o 26._o say_v seek_v first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n which_o kingdom_n he_o tell_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v within_o they_o thus_o peter_n preach_v christ_n the_o light_n for_o moses_n true_o say_v unto_o the_o father_n a_o prophet_n shall_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n raise_v up_o unto_o you_o he_o shall_v you_o hear_v in_o all_o thing_n and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o every_o soul_n that_o hear_v not_o that_o prophet_n shall_v be_v cut_v off_o etc._n etc._n wherefore_o unto_o you_o first_o god_n have_v raise_v up_o his_o son_n jesus_n send_v he_o to_o bless_v you_o in_o turn_v every_o one_o of_o you_o from_o his_o iniquity_n 26.18_o act_n 26.18_o and_o thus_o pauâ—_n be_v send_v to_o turn_v man_n from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n now_o be_v not_o this_o darkness_n within_o and_o the_o light_n within_o and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o inward_a turning_n 17.27_o act_n 17.27_o to_o seek_v the_o lord_n if_o happy_o they_o may_v fâ—el_v after_o he_o and_o find_v he_o though_o he_o be_v not_o far_o from_o every_o one_o of_o we_o and_o do_v not_o james_n turn_v man_n to_o the_o light_n within_o write_v to_o sinner_n 1.21_o jam._n 1.21_o such_o as_o be_v in_o filthiness_n and_o superfluity_n of_o naughtiness_n do_v not_o he_o bid_v they_o receive_v with_o meekness_n the_o engraft_a word_n which_o be_v able_a to_o save_v their_o soul_n which_o peter_n call_v the_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n 1.19_o 2_o pet._n 1.19_o unto_o which_o you_o do_v well_o to_o give_v heed_n as_o unto_o a_o light_n that_o shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n but_o most_o take_v the_o word_n for_o the_o scripture_n but_o we_o know_v no_o word_n but_o christ_n jesus_n the_o light_n and_o his_o name_n only_o be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o god_n therefore_o say_v not_o in_o thy_o heart_n who_o shall_v bring_v and_o reveal_v christ_n unto_o we_o for_o the_o word_n be_v nigh_o thou_o even_o in_o thy_o heart_n and_o in_o thy_o mouth_n now_o this_o word_n be_v christ_n the_o true_a light_n in_o every_o man_n 12.36_o joh._n 12.36_o wherefore_o say_v our_o lord_n jesus_n while_o you_o have_v the_o light_n believe_v in_o the_o light_n that_o you_o may_v be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o light_n as_o abel_n be_v guide_v by_o this_o light_n through_o faith_n be_v enable_v to_o offer_v up_o a_o more_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n than_o cain_n in_o obedience_n to_o this_o enoch_n walk_v with_o and_o please_v god_n by_o this_o noah_n be_v warn_v move_v with_o fear_n prepare_v a_o ark_n for_o the_o save_n of_o his_o house_n by_o this_o be_v abraham_n call_v to_o leave_v his_o own_o country_n and_o his_o father_n house_n and_o in_o obedience_n to_o this_o he_o depart_v not_o know_v whether_o he_o go_v joseph_n be_v guide_v by_o this_o withstand_v the_o temptation_n of_o his_o mrs_n though_o enforce_v with_o importunity_n pleasure_n profit_n &_o secrecy_n hereby_o moses_n choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v affliction_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n then_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n esteem_v the_o reproach_n of_o christ_n great_a riches_n than_o the_o treasure_n of_o egypt_n and_o endure_v as_o see_v he_o that_o be_v invisible_a and_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v more_o for_o the_o time_n will_v fail_v to_o tell_v of_o gideon_n barak_n samson_n jepthah_n david_n samuel_n and_o of_o the_o prophet_n who_o by_o faith_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o light_n subdue_a kingdom_n wrought_v righteousness_n obtain_v promise_n stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o lion_n quench_v the_o violence_n of_o fire_n some_o be_v torture_v not_o accept_v deliverance_n other_o have_v trial_n of_o cruel_a mock_n scourge_n bond_n and_o imprisonment_n and_o death_n and_o be_v still_o the_o same_o at_o this_o day_n for_o the_o light_n within_o be_v the_o true_a shepherd_n voice_n which_o all_o the_o lamb_n of_o christ_n hear_v obey_v and_o follow_v to_o the_o hazard_n of_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o object_n 2._o but_o thou_o deny_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n to_o judge_v of_o doctrine_n and_o a_o sure_a weapon_n to_o resist_v satan_n and_o confute_v his_o minister_n for_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o christ_n make_v use_v of_o no_o other_o mean_n to_o overcome_v the_o tempter_n but_o only_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n answ_n 1_o plain_o i_o deny_v the_o scripture_n be_v either_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n i_o own_o and_o witness_n that_o it_o be_v sharp_a than_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n like_o a_o hammer_n and_o a_o fire_n the_o axe_n at_o the_o root_n of_o every_o corrupt_a tree_n and_o so_o be_v not_o the_o scripture_n yea_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n
goodwill_n of_o god_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o preach_v peace_n to_o the_o brokenhearted_a testify_v the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n in_o send_v his_o son_n to_o they_o to_o open_v their_o blind_a eye_n and_o recover_v they_o out_o of_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n exhort_v man_n to_o believe_v in_o the_o light_n lest_o eternal_a darkness_n come_v upon_o they_o and_o all_o that_o be_v do_v in_o his_o ministry_n be_v not_o from_o any_o outward_a encouragement_n or_o reward_n but_o move_v only_o hereunto_o from_o the_o tenderness_n of_o his_o pity_n and_o compassion_n to_o poor_a sinner_n so_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n all_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v true_a minister_n of_o the_o same_o gospel_n and_o publish_v it_o free_o in_o the_o constraining_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o lay_v a_o necessity_n upon_o they_o to_o minister_v free_o without_o expectation_n of_o gift_n and_o reward_n but_o do_v they_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o gospel-minister_n who_o preach_v another_o doctrine_n then_o what_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n ever_o do_v confident_o affirm_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o light_n within_o or_o to_o say_v the_o light_n in_o every_o man_n conscience_n be_v the_o light_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v blasphemy_n but_o tell_v man_n that_o light_n which_o do_v convince_v they_o of_o sin_n be_v not_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n but_o natural_a conscience_n and_o therefore_o not_o able_a to_o sanctify_v and_o save_v such_o as_o believe_v in_o it_o and_o obey_v it_o and_o yet_o they_o say_v there_o be_v some_o who_o they_o call_v saint_n and_o believer_n in_o who_o there_o be_v true_a save_v light_n but_o as_o for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n they_o be_v altogether_o destitute_a hereof_o and_o yet_o though_o they_o make_v a_o seem_a distinction_n between_o saint_n and_o sinner_n yet_o they_o themselves_o confess_v they_o be_v sinner_n yea_o and_o believe_v that_o they_o must_v be_v so_o while_o they_o breath_n upon_o earth_n and_o thus_o be_v people_n hold_v in_o ignorance_n unbelief_n and_o confusion_n their_o blind_a guide_n have_v cause_v they_o to_o err_v from_o the_o truth_n for_o very_o this_o have_v be_v and_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o these_o eminent_a men._n qualif_n 5._o that_o gospel_n which_o jesus_n christ_n have_v preach_v and_o witness_v to_o in_o his_o holy_a life_n he_o confirm_v and_o seal_v by_o his_o death_n in_o his_o blood_n now_o this_o last_o be_v that_o which_o crown_v and_o complete_v his_o ministry_n and_o the_o same_o spirit_n be_v in_o all_o the_o faithful_a at_o this_o day_n whereby_o christ_n minister_n be_v enable_v to_o declare_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o the_o eternal_a word_n without_o the_o help_n and_o assistance_n of_o acquire_v part_n art_n and_o study_n for_o to_o such_o say_v christ_n it_o be_v not_o you_o that_o speak_v but_o the_o spirit_n which_o speak_v in_o you_o and_o thus_o declare_v what_o they_o have_v see_v taste_v and_o handle_v of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n they_o be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o their_o work_n nor_o afraid_a of_o man_n neither_o will_v they_o conceal_v their_o meeting_n in_o time_n of_o great_a danger_n nor_o slip_v out_o at_o back-door_n to_o avoid_v suffering_n but_o be_v in_o a_o continual_a readiness_n and_o preparedness_n to_o forsake_v all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o rather_o than_o to_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o the_o work_n of_o god_n or_o in_o the_o least_o to_o prove_v unfaithful_a by_o deny_v or_o betray_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n wherefore_o now_o consider_v these_o thing_n all_o you_o admirer_n of_o man_n and_o give_v place_n to_o the_o witness_n of_o god_n in_o your_o own_o conscience_n and_o see_v if_o one_o of_o your_o gift_a brethren_n pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v thus_o qualify_v object_n 4._o but_o the_o scripture_n be_v very_o plain_a that_o unbeliever_n and_o reprobate_n be_v without_o christ_n as_o in_o ephes_n 2.12_o and_o 2_o cor._n 13_o 5._o wherefore_o though_o we_o do_v believe_v that_o christ_n be_v in_o every_o believer_n yet_o we_o can_v understand_v that_o the_o light_n in_o every_o man_n be_v the_o light_n of_o christ._n answ_n 1._o indeed_o one_o of_o these_o scripture_n at_o first_o appearance_n seem_v to_o contradict_v all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v before_o it_o will_v be_v therefore_o necessary_a to_o speak_v to_o they_o several_o that_o in_o ephes_n 2.12_o plain_o affirm_v that_o before_o conversion_n they_o be_v without_o god_n and_o without_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n and_o true_o i_o can_v witness_v this_o scripture_n fulfil_v in_o my_o own_o particular_a for_o i_o know_v the_o time_n when_o i_o be_v without_o christ_n and_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n when_o i_o live_v in_o sinful_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n fulfil_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n with_o greediness_n i_o live_v then_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n in_o the_o world_n yea_o without_o any_o awful_a respect_n to_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o yet_o i_o can_v as_o true_o affirm_v that_o at_o that_o time_n the_o light_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o i_o testify_v against_o my_o iniquity_n and_o this_o may_v seem_v a_o mystery_n that_o a_o measure_n of_o his_o light_n shall_v be_v within_o a_o man_n when_o that_o man_n be_v without_o christ_n yet_o i_o have_v experience_v the_o truth_n hereof_o and_o therefore_o testify_v that_o its_o one_o thing_n for_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v in_o a_o man_n and_o another_o thing_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v in_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v the_o light_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v in_o a_o man_n and_o yet_o that_o man_n out_o of_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n whereupon_o i_o affirm_v and_o declare_v that_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o every_o man_n but_o no_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n till_o he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n and_o as_o to_o that_o other_o scripture_n 2_o cor._n 13.5_o know_v you_o not_o your_o own_o self_n how_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o you_o except_o you_o be_v reprobate_n this_o place_n do_v not_o at_o all_o oppose_v what_o before_o have_v be_v write_v if_o it_o be_v serious_o consider_v but_o do_v great_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n if_o therefore_o by_o reprobate_n be_v intend_v such_o as_o have_v sin_v out_o the_o day_n of_o grace_n and_o do_v despite_n to_o the_o strive_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o the_o old_a world_n do_v yea_o and_o as_o those_o eminent_a professor_n who_o stephen_n reprove_v say_v you_o stiff-necked_a and_o uncircumcised_a in_o heart_n and_o ear_n you_o do_v always_o resist_v the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o your_o father_n do_v so_o do_v you_o act_v 7.51_o and_o as_o jerusalem_n which_o remain_v impenitent_a in_o the_o day_n of_o visitation_n till_o the_o thing_n of_o her_o peace_n be_v hide_v from_o her_o eye_n luke_n 19.42_o and_o as_o those_o guest_n which_o have_v be_v often_o invite_v and_o yet_o refuse_v to_o come_v make_v light_n of_o those_o many_o renew_v and_o reiterated_a tender_v of_o grace_n entreat_v the_o messenger_n spiteful_o and_o slay_v they_o wherefore_o the_o king_n be_v wroth_a and_o protest_v against_o they_o that_o none_o of_o those_o murderer_n shall_v taste_v of_o his_o supper_n mat._n 22._o or_o like_o that_o figtree_n which_o the_o master_n of_o the_o vineyard_n when_o he_o have_v come_v three_o year_n expect_v fruit_n and_o find_v none_o require_v the_o dresser_n to_o cut_v it_o down_o and_o cast_v it_o into_o the_o fire_n luke_n 13.7_o and_o like_o those_o who_o have_v taste_v 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 but_o after_o to_o fall_v away_o and_o crucify_v to_o themselves_o the_o son_n of_o god_n afresh_o &_o put_v he_o to_o open_a shame_n these_o bring_v forth_o thorn_n &_o briar_n be_v reject_v and_o be_v nigh_o unto_o curse_v who_o end_n be_v to_o be_v burn_v heb._n 6.7_o 8._o and_o such_o as_o the_o lord_n complain_v of_o by_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n say_v they_o be_v all_o grievous_a revolter_n walk_v with_o slander_n they_o be_v brass_n and_o iron_n they_o be_v all_o corrupter_n the_o bellows_o be_v burn_v the_o lead_n be_v consume_v of_o the_o fire_n the_o founder_n melt_v in_o vain_a for_o the_o wicked_a be_v not_o pluck_v away_o reprobate_a silver_n shall_v man_n call_v they_o because_o the_o lord_n have_v reject_v they_o jer._n 6.29_o and_o the_o spirit_n speak_v express_o that_o some_o shall_v depart_v from_o the_o faith_n give_v heed_n to_o seduce_a spirit_n and_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n speak_v lie_n in_o hypocrisy_n have_v their_o conscience_n sear_v with_o a_o hot_a iron_n and_o so_o be_v past_o feel_v 1_o tim_n 4.2_o now_o