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 but_o discern_v to_o do_v it_o right_o controversy_n be_v a_o debate_n between_o two_o party_n about_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n to_o be_v determine_v by_o that_o judge_n but_o as_o he_o wrong_o state_v the_o question_n in_o the_o first_o part_n about_o the_o rule_n so_o here_o he_o be_v very_o short_a in_o state_v the_o controversy_n about_o the_o judge_n it_o be_v without_o all_o question_n among_o all_o that_o own_o that_o there_o be_v one_o great_a god_n almighty_a that_o he_o be_v the_o great_a and_o supreme_a judge_n of_o what_o be_v truth_n and_o what_o be_v not_o universal_o and_o that_o most_o perfect_o and_o infallible_o and_o all_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v own_o that_o christ_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n together_o with_o the_o father_n be_v that_o supreme_a judge_n as_o they_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o supreme_a god_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o all_o true_a christian_n own_o that_o christ_n as_o the_o son_n of_o man_n 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
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
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
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 spirit_n can_v guide_v or_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o regeneration_n nor_o be_v instrumental_a towards_o it_o without_o the_o same_o he_o have_v not_o be_v to_o blame_v all_o true_a christian_n say_v the_o same_o but_o to_o exclude_v the_o scripture_n that_o be_v the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n from_o be_v so_o much_o as_o a_o organ_n or_o instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o the_o spirit_n give_v efficacy_n to_o it_o be_v extreme_o false_a and_o erroneous_a and_o contradict_v the_o scripture_n testimony_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o thousand_o who_o can_v set_v to_o their_o seal_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v make_v the_o scripture_n to_o wit_n the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o they_o instrumental_a both_o to_o their_o conviction_n and_o conversion_n sure_o james_n be_v of_o another_o mind_n than_o w.p._n who_o say_v that_o the_o faithful_a be_v beget_v of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n by_o the_o word_n 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