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 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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 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without_o make_v that_o impression_n motion_n or_o impulse_n the_o rule_n of_o either_o faith_n or_o obedience_n see_v the_o matter_n be_v neither_o a_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n nor_o precept_n wherein_o either_o faith_n or_o obedience_n as_o touch_v that_o particular_a be_v concern_v but_o a_o motion_n or_o impulse_n simple_o from_o god_n upon_o the_o will_n can_v be_v proper_o call_v a_o rule_n because_o as_o be_v abovesaid_a a_o rule_n proper_o speak_v be_v a_o form_n of_o word_n and_o proposition_n either_o outward_o express_v or_o inward_o conceive_v to_o which_o the_o intellect_n either_o assent_v or_o dissent_v and_o if_o any_o true_a christian_a find_v such_o a_o motion_n or_o impulse_n on_o his_o will_n if_o after_o examination_n he_o find_v that_o it_o do_v not_o incline_v he_o to_o any_o thing_n either_o contradictory_n to_o scripture_n or_o true_a reason_n he_o be_v in_o no_o great_a danger_n to_o yield_v to_o it_o and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o yield_v to_o it_o upon_o just_a suspicion_n or_o fear_n that_o it_o be_v not_o of_o god_n it_o will_v not_o be_v charge_v to_o be_v a_o sin_n upon_o he_o for_o nothing_o be_v sin_n but_o a_o transgression_n of_o god_n law_n page_n 19_o the_o law_n outward_a say_v he_o as_o a_o rule_n be_v but_o as_o moses_n till_o the_o son_n come_v the_o servant_n abide_v not_o in_o the_o house_n for_o ever_o the_o write_a law_n hold_v its_o place_n but_o till_o the_o inward_a rise_n in_o more_o glory_n and_o brightness_n or_o rather_o till_o people_n become_v more_o capable_a of_o be_v turn_v to_o it_o and_o live_v with_o and_o in_o it_o answ_n have_v not_o mankind_n general_o the_o light_n within_o they_o under_o moses_n how_o come_v it_o then_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n to_o they_o and_o do_v not_o dismiss_v the_o write_a law_n but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o write_v nor_o outward_a law_n give_v by_o christ_n under_o the_o gospel_n than_o all_o that_o he_o teach_v outward_o and_o for_o which_o he_o send_v his_o spirit_n upon_o the_o apostle_n to_o bring_v it_o all_o to_o their_o remembrance_n and_o to_o move_v they_o to_o commit_v it_o to_o write_v yea_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n write_n must_v be_v dismiss_v and_o turn_v out_o of_o the_o church_n the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o be_v ishmael_n and_o his_o mother_n out_o of_o abraham_n house_n because_o by_o his_o most_o false_a argue_n the_o write_a law_n give_v by_o christ_n and_o the_o holy-ghost_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v as_o much_o the_o servant_n as_o the_o old_a covenant_n be_v o_o the_o vanity_n and_o folly_n of_o this_o manner_n of_o argue_v which_o whole_o make_v void_a christ_n prophetical_a and_o kingly_a office_n as_o he_o be_v outward_o send_v in_o the_o flesh_n by_o the_o father_n to_o give_v a_o more_o full_a and_o clear_a discovery_n of_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n as_o the_o great_a prophet_n and_o to_o give_v forth_o his_o royal_a law_n to_o the_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o king_n and_o head_n thereof_o but_o he_o further_o enlarge_v upon_o this_o argument_n p._n 17._o tell_v we_o there_o be_v a_o thousand_o case_n in_o which_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v our_o plain_n and_o distinct_a rule_n and_o guide_n and_o he_o add_v on_o the_o margin_n there_o be_v not_o lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n any_o general_a rule_n how_o to_o answer_v before_o magistrate_n and_o to_o act_v in_o time_n of_o suffering_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v first_o he_o do_v not_o well_o to_o confound_v rule_n and_o guide_n it_o be_v grant_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o guide_n teacher_n and_o leader_n of_o the_o faithful_a but_o it_o do_v not_o therefore_o follow_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n i._n e._n the_o many_o excellent_a instruction_n precept_n and_o example_n give_v we_o therein_o for_o
the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n in_o all_o estate_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n use_v as_o his_o instrument_n to_o guide_v we_o in_o all_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n but_o he_o may_v have_v tell_v we_o some_o of_o those_o thousand_o case_n in_o which_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v our_o plain_a and_o distinct_a rule_n whereby_o to_o know_v either_o our_o duty_n to_o perform_v it_o or_o what_o be_v prohibit_v that_o we_o may_v avoid_v it_o though_o we_o have_v the_o inward_a assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o enlighten_v our_o mind_n and_o set_v before_o they_o on_o all_o necessary_a occasion_n and_o emergency_n such_o scripture_n precept_n and_o prohibition_n as_o suit_n with_o the_o present_a occasion_n but_o if_o the_o case_n be_v of_o thing_n in_o themselves_o simple_o indifferent_a i._n e._n neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v either_o by_o any_o precept_n of_o god_n or_o just_a precept_n and_o law_n of_o our_o superior_n we_o be_v leave_v to_o our_o choice_n according_a as_o our_o rational_a faculty_n and_o christian_a prudence_n shall_v direct_v we_o a_o due_a regard_n over_o all_o be_v have_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o that_o whatever_o we_o do_v be_v do_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o true_a love_n and_o charity_n which_o be_v general_a rule_n plain_o give_v we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o particular_a application_n of_o which_o in_o all_o particular_a case_n whither_o in_o relation_n to_o superior_n inferior_n or_o equal_n the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o his_o special_a illumination_n in_o our_o heart_n will_v teach_v we_o as_o we_o faithful_o pray_v and_o wait_v for_o they_o without_o the_o need_n of_o any_o other_o general_a or_o particular_a rule_n than_o what_o already_o be_v give_v we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n therefore_o in_o opposition_n to_o this_o extravagant_a and_o rash_a assertion_n of_o w._n p_o that_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_a and_o distinct_a rule_n i_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o case_n respect_v our_o duty_n either_o towards_o god_n ourselves_o or_o our_o neighbour_n but_o plain_a instruction_n and_o precept_n be_v give_v we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n concern_v the_o same_o but_o we_o still_o need_v the_o grace_n and_o guidance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n to_o give_v we_o the_o spiritual_a discovery_n of_o they_o and_o to_o enable_v we_o right_o to_o practice_v they_o sure_o david_n have_v a_o far_o better_a and_o great_a esteem_n of_o god_n law_n precept_n and_o testimony_n even_o as_o outward_o deliver_v by_o moses_n and_o also_o by_o himself_o than_o w.p._n have_v concern_v which_o he_o say_v psal_n 119.24_o thy_o testimony_n also_o be_v my_o delight_n and_o my_o counsellor_n though_o david_n be_v a_o prophet_n yet_o as_o king_n over_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n he_o be_v command_v of_o god_n to_o write_v he_o a_o copy_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o a_o book_n which_o be_v to_o be_v with_o he_o and_o he_o be_v to_o read_v therein_o all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n that_o he_o may_v learn_v to_o fear_v the_o lord_n his_o god_n to_o keep_v all_o the_o word_n of_o that_o law_n and_o these_o statute_n to_o do_v they_o &c_n &c_n deut._n 17.18_o 19_o 20._o and_o yet_o david_n be_v high_o illuminate_v and_o inspire_v far_o above_o w.p._n or_o any_o of_o his_o brethren_n but_o the_o write_a law_n be_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o action_n as_o well_o as_o of_o other_o men._n nor_o can_v david_n have_v excuse_v himself_o from_o take_v the_o write_a law_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o life_n because_o he_o have_v it_o in_o his_o heart_n and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v no_o excuse_n to_o david_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v to_o any_o christian_a now_o king_n or_o subject_a that_o because_o they_o have_v the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o the_o spirit_n put_v in_o their_o inward_a part_n according_a to_o god_n promise_n in_o the_o new_a covenant_n that_o therefore_o the_o law_n of_o god_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n that_o be_v of_o a_o moral_a concern_v even_o as_o outward_o deliver_v do_v not_o bind_v they_o which_o be_v in_o very_a deed_n to_o take_v away_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o make_v void_a the_o prophetical_a and_o kingly_a office_n of_o christ_n yea_o and_o the_o office_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n also_o who_o inspire_v the_o holy_a penman_n to_o commit_v they_o to_o write_v and_o it_o be_v no_o less_o extravagant_a and_o rash_a in_o w.p._n to_o assert_v that_o 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 for_o though_o no_o particular_a word_n be_v give_v we_o limit_v and_o determine_v we_o what_o to_o say_v yet_o the_o general_a matter_n of_o our_o duty_n be_v plain_o lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n what_o and_o how_o to_o answer_v before_o magistrate_n as_o that_o of_o peter_n and_o john_n act_v 4.19_o how_o that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o obey_v god_n than_o man_n and_o that_o of_o the_o three_o child_n to_o king_n nebuchadnezzer_n dan._n 3.17_o 18._o and_o how_o to_o act_v in_o time_n of_o suffer_v we_o have_v both_o excellent_a command_n and_o example_n in_o scripture_n as_o mat._n 10.28_o 1_o pet._n 2.20_o 1_o pet._n 4.16_o luke_n 23.34_o act_n 7.59_o 60._o but_o see_v he_o do_v so_o peremptory_o require_v a_o general_a rule_n to_o suit_v all_o case_n as_o well_o as_o all_o person_n of_o mankind_n otherwise_o it_o can_v not_o be_v general_a which_o yet_o he_o will_v have_v it_o to_o be_v what_o those_o dictate_v or_o revelation_n of_o the_o light_n in_o every_o conscience_n be_v of_o jew_n mahometan_n and_o christian_n that_o can_v give_v such_o plain_a direction_n to_o all_o person_n in_o all_o case_n which_o the_o scripture_n can_v give_v i_o desire_v he_o to_o tell_v at_o least_o some_o of_o they_o if_o he_o do_v not_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n he_o can_v and_o that_o consequent_o his_o argument_n be_v vain_a for_o the_o light_n or_o spirit_n abstract_o consider_v without_o all_o revelation_n can_v be_v no_o rule_n section_n 13._o his_o fourteen_o argument_n which_o he_o call_v his_o eight_o answer_v page_n 120._o after_o he_o have_v give_v thirteen_o reason_n and_o all_o false_a one_o enough_o as_o i_o think_v i_o have_v sufficient_o show_v he_o come_v to_o that_o he_o call_v his_o eight_o reason_n after_o his_o former_a thirteen_o at_o least_o why_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v the_o rule_n under_o the_o new_a covenant_n which_o be_v this_o christ_n the_o spiritual_a leader_n of_o a_o spiritual_a israel_n write_v his_o spiritual_a law_n in_o the_o heart_n as_o moses_n the_o outward_a israel_n leader_n write_v the_o law_n upon_o table_n of_o stone_n this_o be_v god_n promise_n and_o the_o privilege_n and_o blessing_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n that_o as_o the_o outward_a jew_n have_v a_o outward_a law_n for_o a_o directory_n the_o inward_a jew_n shall_v have_v a_o inward_a law_n for_o his_o directory_n and_o as_o the_o outward_a jew_n have_v a_o outward_a priest_n at_o who_o mouth_n be_v aught_o to_o seek_v the_o law_n so_o the_o jew_n inward_a and_o circumcision_n in_o spirit_n have_v a_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a highpriest_n who_o lip_n preserve_v knowledge_n at_o who_o mouth_n he_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o law_n of_o life_n the_o king_n ruler_n judge_n lawgiver_n highpriest_n law_n rule_n be_v all_o spiritual_a so_o the_o scripture_n inform_v we_o my_o kingdom_n say_v christ_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n again_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v within_o luk._n 17.20_o 21._o i_o will_v write_v my_o law_n in_o their_o heart_n they_o shall_v be_v all_o teach_v of_o i_o heb._n 8.10_o quote_v rev._n 21.3_o joel_n 2.28_o tit._n 2.11_o 12._o job_n 32.8_o rom._n 1.19_o and_n here_o again_o he_o false_o quote_v the_o word_n whatever_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n etc._n etc._n gal._n 5.16_o 1_o john_n 1.7_o isa_n 2.5_o rev._n 21._o 23._o gal._n 6.15_o 16._o as_o also_o he_o quote_v undue_o 1_v cor._n 12.7_o put_v a_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o a_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n answ_n 1._o if_o the_o light_n within_o be_v a_o general_a rule_n to_o mankind_n than_o the_o outward_a israel_n have_v it_o as_o well_o as_o the_o inward_a israel_n where_o be_v then_o the_o distinction_n and_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o 2._o if_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o inward_a israel_n be_v within_o and_o the_o highpriest_n within_o then_o as_o the_o inward_a israel_n have_v no_o rule_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o life_n but_o the_o light_n in_o the_o conscience_n so_o they_o have_v no_o highpriest_n
even_o in_o they_o to_o wit_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o kingdom_n together_o with_o which_o some_o inward_a seed_n of_o light_n may_v have_v be_v sow_v in_o some_o of_o their_o heart_n by_o his_o ministry_n beyond_o and_o above_o the_o common_a illumination_n but_o what_o proof_n be_v this_o that_o the_o gentile_n have_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o they_o in_o this_o sense_n who_o never_o to_o this_o day_n hear_v christ_n or_o any_o of_o his_o minister_n nor_o receive_v any_o gospel_n doctrine_n by_o any_o outward_a testimony_n by_o voice_n or_o writing_n and_o heb._n 8.10_o compare_v with_o jer._n 31.33_o and_o all_o the_o other_o place_n do_v whole_o respect_v that_o part_n of_o mankind_n to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v outward_o preach_v and_o for_o most_o part_n such_o who_o do_v believe_v it_o or_o be_v in_o due_a time_n to_o believe_v it_o as_o that_o note_a place_n titus_n 2.11_o 12._o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o have_v appear_v to_o all_o can_v be_v understand_v the_o common_a light_n or_o illumination_n in_o all_o because_o v_o 13._o it_o be_v such_o a_o grace_n that_o teach_v such_o who_o give_v up_o to_o be_v teach_v by_o it_o and_o obey_v it_o to_o look_v for_o that_o bless_a hope_n and_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n who_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o to_o die_v for_o we_o that_o by_o his_o death_n and_o precious_a blood_n outward_o shed_v for_o we_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n now_o can_v w.p._n or_o any_o of_o his_o deist_n brethren_n prove_v that_o any_o jew_n mahometan_n heathen_a or_o deist_n that_o obey_v the_o dictate_v of_o the_o light_n within_o be_v teach_v thereby_o to_o look_v for_o this_o glorious_a appear_v of_o jesus_n christ_n when_o he_o shall_v come_v in_o his_o glorify_a manhood_n to_o judge_v the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a for_o that_o no_o doubt_n be_v the_o glorious_a appear_v here_o mean_v the_o most_o obedient_a of_o his_o jewish_a mahometan_n brethren_n to_o the_o light_n within_o they_o and_o the_o most_o strict_a and_o exact_a deist_n here_o in_o england_n will_v tell_v he_o they_o believe_v no_o such_o thing_n their_o light_n within_o they_o have_v teach_v they_o no_o such_o faith_n nor_o hope_n yea_o cornelius_n that_o be_v a_o most_o excellent_a gentile_n for_o virtue_n and_o i_o suppose_v in_o his_o gentile_a state_n surpass_v for_o piety_n and_o virtue_n the_o best_a deist_n in_o england_n be_v not_o teach_v by_o the_o light_n that_o be_v former_o in_o he_o in_o his_o gentile_a state_n to_o believe_v remission_n of_o sin_n through_o faith_n in_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n who_o the_o jew_n hang_v on_o a_o tree_n etc._n etc._n but_o be_v inform_v by_o the_o angel_n to_o send_v for_o peter_n to_o preach_v this_o jesus_n to_o he_o nor_o do_v the_o angel_n direct_v he_o to_o the_o light_n in_o he_o simple_o for_o information_n but_o to_o the_o apostle_n peter_n without_o he_o that_o by_o mean_n of_o his_o ministry_n he_o may_v receive_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o the_o special_a illumination_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o according_o be_v fulfil_v and_o as_o to_o the_o word_n jer._n 31.34_o compare_v with_o heb._n 8.11_o they_o shall_v not_o teach_v every_o man_n his_o neighbour_n and_o every_o man_n his_o brother_n say_v know_v the_o lord_n for_o all_o shall_v know_v i_o from_o the_o least_o to_o the_o great_a this_o promise_n do_v only_o belong_v to_o the_o child_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n to_o wit_n the_o member_n of_o christ_n catholic_n church_n and_o not_o to_o all_o mankind_n therefore_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o the_o common_a illumination_n in_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n nor_o of_o many_o thousand_o live_v under_o a_o visible_a profession_n of_o christianity_n who_o be_v not_o so_o teach_v of_o god_n that_o they_o need_v not_o a_o man_n to_o teach_v they_o or_o to_o say_v know_v the_o lord_n for_o to_o be_v so_o teach_v be_v a_o high_a state_n and_o the_o word_n have_v 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he_o and_o what_o though_o christ_n leave_v nothing_o in_o write_v by_o himself_o for_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n as_o w.p._n argue_v what_o his_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n commit_v to_o write_v by_o his_o inspiration_n be_v sufficient_a why_o it_o shall_v be_v receive_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o be_v the_o outward_a instrument_n whereby_o faith_n be_v wrought_v in_o we_o and_o whereby_o we_o may_v be_v help_v through_o the_o spirit_n inward_a illumination_n and_o assistance_n how_o to_o discern_v what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a doctrine_n and_o what_o we_o be_v to_o practice_v but_o it_o be_v very_o strange_a what_o he_o further_o say_v that_o have_v he_o intend_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o follower_n to_o have_v be_v a_o write_a rule_n note_n a_o write_a rule_n he_o will_v have_v leave_v it_o upon_o record_n with_o all_o punctuality_n this_o must_v be_v believe_v and_o that_o do_v on_o pain_n of_o eternal_a death_n his_o word_n plain_o import_v as_o if_o such_o punctuality_n have_v not_o be_v record_v but_o as_o if_o people_n who_o read_v the_o scripture_n or_o hear_v they_o ever_o so_o true_o expound_v be_v leave_v at_o liberty_n to_o believe_v this_o or_o the_o other_o thing_n or_o not_o belive_o it_o though_o write_v and_o command_v and_o also_o to_o do_v or_o not_o do_v without_o any_o danger_n of_o damnation_n whereas_o the_o plain_a word_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v record_v by_o mark_n 16.16_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v believe_v not_o what_o sure_o both_o what_o christ_n preach_v and_o what_o his_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n be_v inspire_v to_o write_v by_o his_o spirit_n to_o who_o those_o write_n shall_v come_v for_o other_o to_o who_o they_o have_v not_o come_v their_o sin_n against_o the_o law_n and_o light_n in_o their_o conscience_n be_v sufficient_a to_o render_v they_o without_o excuse_n but_o say_v he_o nor_o do_v his_o follower_n write_v in_o the_o method_n of_o a_o rule_n how_o know_v he_o that_o be_v he_o so_o great_a a_o master_n of_o method_n so_o as_o that_o he_o can_v prove_v they_o write_v not_o in_o the_o method_n of_o a_o rule_n what_o say_v he_o to_o christ_n sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n and_o his_o other_o sermon_n record_v by_o the_o four_o evangelist_n which_o alone_o though_o we_o have_v no_o other_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v a_o sufficient_a rule_n both_o of_o faith_n and_o life_n which_o yet_o make_v not_o the_o other_o part_n superfluous_a it_o be_v a_o good_a say_n abundance_n of_o the_o law_n break_v not_o the_o law_n as_o god_n way_n be_v not_o as_o man_n way_n so_o god_n method_n in_o deliver_v we_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n be_v not_o as_o man_n method_n and_o what_o say_v he_o to_o luke_n who_o luk._n 1.13_o declare_v that_o have_v have_v perfect_a understanding_n of_o all_o thing_n from_o the_o very_a first_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o he_o to_o write_v they_o in_o order_n and_o say_v john_n john_n 20.31_o these_o be_v write_v that_o you_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o believe_v you_o may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n it_o be_v strange_a that_o a_o quaker_n shall_v argue_v against_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n for_o want_v the_o method_n of_o a_o rule_n who_o may_v be_v think_v very_o improper_a judge_n of_o method_n be_v so_o immethodical_a themselves_o both_o in_o write_v and_o preach_v and_o cry_v out_o against_o other_o for_o method_n and_o yet_o now_o the_o scripture_n must_v be_v reject_v from_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n for_o not_o be_v write_v in_o the_o method_n of_o a_o rule_n if_o w.p._n must_v be_v believe_v
another_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n than_o what_o be_v the_o true_a rule_n indeed_o if_o he_o persist_v in_o so_o do_v he_o will_v not_o only_o bring_v his_o own_o blood_n upon_o himself_o but_o the_o blood_n of_o many_o other_o that_o be_v and_o may_v be_v mislead_v by_o he_o and_o whether_o he_o will_v yet_o better_o consider_v it_o or_o not_o which_o i_o hearty_o wish_v and_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v be_v please_v to_o open_v his_o eye_n and_o give_v he_o repentance_n and_o a_o better_a understanding_n it_o be_v a_o plain_a case_n that_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n be_v very_o necessary_a yea_o so_o necessary_a that_o the_o danger_n for_o want_v of_o it_o be_v perish_v or_o destruction_n yet_o i_o mean_v not_o that_o every_o error_n in_o circumstance_n about_o the_o true_a rule_n be_v of_o that_o danger_n or_o that_o some_o loose_a and_o indeliberate_a expression_n that_o some_o have_v use_v in_o preach_v or_o print_n while_o their_o mean_v have_v be_v more_o sound_a than_o their_o word_n even_o about_o the_o rule_n be_v of_o that_o consequence_n it_o have_v happen_v to_o some_o well-meaning_a people_n as_o it_o have_v happen_v to_o myself_o that_o they_o and_o i_o have_v both_o speak_v and_o write_v unadvised_o as_o in_o some_o other_o matter_n so_o in_o this_o run_v along_o or_o rather_o be_v carry_v along_o with_o the_o stream_n of_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a friend_n so_o call_v of_o the_o ministry_n in_o assert_v both_o in_o speech_n and_o print_n too_o frequent_o that_o the_o spirit_n within_o mean_v the_o inward_a evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o touch_v the_o great_a matter_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o practice_n be_v the_o principal_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n wherein_o i_o acknowledge_v my_o error_n and_o great_a mistake_n and_o do_v here_o particular_o retract_v it_o notwithstanding_o the_o general_a retractation_n i_o have_v late_o make_v in_o my_o late_a book_n call_v g._n k_o k_o s_z explication_n and_o retractation_n but_o though_o i_o be_v then_o in_o a_o error_n and_o under_o a_o great_a mistake_n in_o my_o way_n of_o word_v the_o matter_n and_o darken_v too_o much_o and_o cloud_v in_o my_o understanding_n in_o that_o very_a point_n yet_o i_o crave_v leave_n of_o my_o reader_n to_o show_v that_o even_o then_o my_o error_n be_v not_o fundamental_a nor_o such_o as_o this_o be_v of_o w._n penn'_v and_o his_o brethren_n who_o error_n in_o the_o case_n have_v carry_v they_o to_o plain_a deism_n my_o mistake_n chief_o consist_v in_o this_o in_o confound_v the_o term_n rule_n of_o faith_n with_o the_o term_n inward_a objective_n medium_fw-la which_o i_o ought_v to_o have_v distinguish_v for_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o proper_o speak_v that_o formal_a object_n of_o faith_n call_v by_o some_o objectum_fw-la formale_a quo_fw-la or_o objective_n medium_fw-la and_o motive_n of_o credibility_n but_o the_o material_a object_n of_o faith_n to_o wit_n all_o the_o credenda_fw-la or_o thing_n in_o scripture_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v believe_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o instead_o of_o say_v the_o spirit_n inward_a evidence_n and_o testimony_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o principal_a rule_n i_o shall_v have_v say_v it_o be_v the_o principal_a objective_n medium_fw-la of_o credibility_n which_o as_o i_o then_o do_v believe_v and_o assert_v so_o i_o do_v still_o and_o hope_v never_o to_o retract_v it_o and_o therefore_o while_o i_o continue_v adhere_v to_o this_o persuasion_n i_o remain_v as_o to_o the_o main_a the_o same_o i_o be_v in_o my_o judgement_n as_o when_o i_o write_v my_o former_a book_n touch_v these_o matter_n my_o chief_a bend_a and_o zeal_n be_v against_o that_o which_o i_o judge_v a_o very_a erroneous_a opinion_n and_o hurtful_a hold_v by_o some_o count_v learned_a man_n and_o which_o i_o judge_v still_o that_o so_o it_o be_v to_o wit_n that_o the_o inward_a evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o faithful_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v only_o effective_a and_o not_o objective_n and_o i_o plead_v warm_o that_o the_o spirit_n inward_a evidence_n otherwise_o call_v testimony_n witness_v inspiration_n illumination_n or_o operation_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v not_o only_o effective_a but_o objective_n also_o to_o wit_n by_o way_n of_o formal_a object_n or_o objective_n medium_fw-la and_o motive_n of_o credibility_n and_o this_o i_o reckon_v then_o and_o do_v still_o the_o great_a certainty_n and_o assurance_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a authority_n and_o infallible_o true_a wherein_o i_o know_v and_o still_o know_v i_o have_v the_o best_a protestant_a author_n both_o for_o piety_n and_o solid_a learning_n on_o my_o side_n as_o also_o my_o feel_n and_o experience_n to_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n grace_n i_o say_v it_o in_o the_o case_n have_v confirm_v i_o though_o i_o know_v some_o call_v learned_a man_n who_o have_v more_o of_o that_o call_v divinity_n learn_v in_o their_o head_n than_o in_o their_o heart_n do_v contradict_v it_o yea_o to_o a_o degree_n of_o ridicul_v it_o under_o the_o name_n of_o fanaticism_n and_o enthusiasm_n not_o well_o regard_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o worthy_a and_o judicious_a ancestor_n who_o in_o the_o article_n of_o the_o church_n have_v express_o mention_v the_o feel_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o his_o operation_n and_o motion_n but_o i_o err_v in_o call_v this_o either_o inward_a feel_n or_o the_o object_n of_o it_o the_o principal_a rule_n for_o proper_o and_o right_o speak_v it_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o principal_a motive_n of_o credibility_n that_o which_o be_v only_o strict_o and_o proper_o speak_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n especial_o respect_v the_o great_a fundamental_o and_o essential_o thereof_o to_o give_v a_o preference_n to_o the_o inward_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o his_o writing_n his_o law_n in_o the_o heart_n to_o the_o same_o law_n as_o write_v on_o leaf_n of_o paper_n and_o to_o the_o experimental_a part_n of_o christianity_n above_o all_o that_o can_v be_v outward_o tell_v or_o hear_v or_o read_v i_o think_v no_o true_a christian_n will_v deny_v but_o when_o it_o be_v ask_v which_o be_v the_o great_a rule_n the_o inward_a or_o the_o outward_a they_o compare_v thing_n that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v that_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v either_o the_o great_a rule_n or_o the_o lesser_a which_o be_v proper_o speak_v no_o rule_n at_o all_o but_o the_o move_a or_o impulsive_a cause_n that_o move_v and_o incline_v i_o to_o take_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v my_o rule_n be_v infallible_o true_a and_o of_o divine_a authority_n and_o whoever_o be_v yet_o in_o the_o same_o mistake_n and_o error_n that_o i_o then_o be_v in_o god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v judge_v so_o uncharitable_o of_o they_o as_o to_o conclude_v they_o err_v fundamental_o for_o want_v of_o not_o give_v right_a name_n to_o thing_n or_o not_o have_v so_o clear_a inward_a idea_n and_o conception_n of_o they_o when_o as_o to_o the_o main_a they_o mean_v well_o i_o be_o bold_a to_o appeal_v to_o my_o book_n from_o first_o to_o last_o whither_o according_a to_o the_o strain_n and_o intent_n in_o all_o that_o i_o have_v print_v on_o that_o subject_a i_o have_v not_o always_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n crucify_a and_o remission_n of_o sin_n by_o his_o blood_n and_o other_o doctrinal_a principle_n of_o christianity_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v by_o we_o for_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o outward_o convey_v to_o we_o by_o preach_v or_o read_v be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n whereby_o god_n work_v faith_n and_o conversion_n and_o regeneration_n in_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o that_o therefore_o so_o long_o as_o we_o live_v we_o be_v not_o to_o lay_v aside_o either_o that_o or_o any_o outward_a mean_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n that_o god_n have_v afford_v and_o how_o far_o i_o have_v former_o deny_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n i_o mean_v that_o as_o it_o be_v not_o the_o letter_n or_o write_n so_o nor_o the_o doctrine_n as_o simple_o and_o whole_o limit_v and_o confine_v to_o the_o letter_n as_o if_o it_o shall_v happen_v by_o divine_a providence_n that_o a_o person_n or_o company_n of_o person_n shall_v have_v the_o holy_a bible_n by_o violence_n take_v from_o they_o or_o not_o have_v it_o in_o any_o language_n they_o can_v understand_v that_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o possible_a state_n of_o salvation_n for_o though_o in_o god_n ordinary_a way_n the_o
spirit_n through_o his_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n even_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o free_a justification_n by_o jesus_n christ_n through_o faith_n in_o he_o and_o not_o by_o any_o work_n or_o obedience_n that_o either_o the_o jew_n do_v perform_v to_o the_o outward_a law_n or_o the_o gentile_a do_v perform_v to_o the_o law_n write_v in_o the_o heart_n when_o peter_n preach_v remission_n of_o sin_n by_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n who_o the_o jew_n hang_v on_o the_o tree_n to_o cornelius_n he_o confirm_v this_o doctrine_n not_o from_o the_o eternal_a precept_n in_o every_o man_n conscience_n or_o the_o common_a dictate_v of_o the_o light_n in_o every_o man_n but_o from_o the_o general_a testimony_n of_o the_o prophet_n act_n 10.43_o to_o he_o say_v peter_n give_v all_o the_o prophet_n witness_n that_o through_o his_o name_n whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v receive_v remission_n of_o sin_n but_o according_a to_o w._n p_n doctrine_n the_o apostle_n peter_n shall_v have_v say_v to_o he_o the_o light_n in_o every_o conscience_n give_v the_o dictate_v of_o that_o light_n in_o every_o conscience_n witness_n that_o whosoever_o give_v up_o to_o the_o requiring_n of_o the_o light_n in_o they_o without_o all_o faith_n in_o christ_n god-man_n without_o they_o shall_v receive_v the_o remission_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o see_v whatever_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v teach_v we_o all_o that_o be_v needful_a to_o salvation_n by_o itself_o as_o w.p._n argue_v he_o must_v prove_v that_o the_o light_n in_o every_o man_n conscience_n dictate_v to_o he_o this_o proposition_n that_o be_v thou_o shall_v confess_v with_o thy_o mouth_n the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o believe_v in_o thy_o heart_n that_o god_n have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a thou_o shall_v be_v save_v rom._n 10.9_o or_o if_o it_o do_v dictate_v some_o other_o way_n than_o this_o than_o that_o and_o the_o like_a place_n of_o scripture_n contradict_v the_o dictate_v of_o the_o light_n within_o but_o that_o this_o proposition_n lay_v down_o rom._n 10.9_o be_v no_o dictate_v of_o the_o light_n within_o in_o man_n conscience_n be_v evident_a from_o w._n p_n plain_a confession_n p._n 32_o 33._o who_o say_v that_o the_o light_n within_o shall_v tell_v we_o that_o christ_n suffer_v death_n and_o rose_n again_o be_v not_o need_v inasmuch_o as_o a_o account_n of_o that_o be_v extant_a in_o scripture_n whereby_o it_o plain_o appear_v he_o hold_v it_o not_o needful_a to_o our_o salvation_n to_o believe_v that_o proposition_n rom._n 10.9_o see_v the_o light_n within_o that_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n do_v not_o reveal_v it_o and_o such_o revelation_n be_v not_o necessary_a and_o consequent_o according_a to_o he_o the_o belief_n of_o that_o proposition_n rom._n 10.9_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o any_o for_o salvation_n and_o if_o that_o be_v not_o necessary_a by_o the_o same_o method_n of_o argument_n according_a to_o w.p._n nor_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o all_o the_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o be_v not_o the_o common_a dictate_v of_o the_o light_n in_o every_o conscience_n the_o only_a use_n of_o the_o whole_a scripture_n according_a to_o w.p._n be_v mere_o historical_a which_o though_o perhaps_o true_a be_v nowise_o necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o but_o we_o be_v leave_v at_o liberty_n to_o believe_v or_o disbelieve_v all_o and_o every_o part_n of_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n without_o any_o danger_n to_o our_o salvation_n except_v these_o few_o absolute_a necessary_n that_o the_o light_n within_o every_o conscience_n teach_v we_o as_o well_o as_o the_o scripture_n but_o none_o of_o all_o the_o twelve_o article_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n according_a to_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n or_o the_o common_a receive_v sense_n of_o all_o true_a christian_n be_v teach_v by_o the_o light_n within_o without_o the_o external_a revelation_n of_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o according_a to_o w.p._n the_o belief_n of_o none_o of_o these_o twelve_o article_n be_v necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n the_o which_o be_v the_o plain_a import_n of_o w._n p_n doctrine_n lay_v down_o in_o his_o book_n whither_o it_o be_v not_o plain_a deism_n appear_v with_o open_a face_n i_o appeal_v to_o all_o sincere_a christian_n section_n 2._o his_o argument_n from_o scripture_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 and_o life_n answer_v he_o begin_v with_o his_o proof_n page_n 4._o that_o the_o light_n in_o every_o man_n conscience_n be_v the_o general_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n from_o matt._n 11.27_o and_o 1_o cor._n 2.11_o he_o argue_v that_o because_o the_o father_n can_v be_v know_v but_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o son_n and_o holy_a spirit_n consequent_o that_o light_n metioned_a john_n 1.3_o or_o spirit_n must_v have_v be_v the_o general_a rule_n of_o man_n knowledge_n faith_n and_o obedience_n with_o respect_n to_o god_n answ_n his_o consequence_n be_v deny_v he_o give_v no_o proof_n of_o it_o yea_o it_o be_v manifest_o false_a and_o to_o discover_v its_o fallacy_n observe_v how_o he_o confound_v the_o efficient_a cause_n and_o author_n of_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n with_o the_o rule_n which_o he_o ought_v to_o distinguish_v he_o may_v as_o well_o argue_v no_o man_n see_v what_o hour_n it_o be_v on_o a_o sundial_a but_o by_o the_o sun_n and_o consequent_o the_o sun_n and_o not_o the_o dyal_n be_v the_o rule_n whereby_o he_o know_v the_o hour_n page_n 5._o his_o next_o argument_n be_v from_o eph._n 5.13_o whatever_o make_v manifest_a be_v light_a therefore_o the_o light_n in_o the_o conscience_n be_v the_o general_a rule_n answ_n the_o consequence_n again_o be_v deny_v it_o have_v the_o same_o defect_n as_o the_o former_a as_o will_v appear_v by_o form_v the_o like_a argument_n whatever_o make_v manifest_v a_o outward_a object_n to_o our_o eye_n be_v some_o outward_a light_n of_o sun_n moon_n or_o candle_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o that_o alone_o without_o the_o object_n manifest_v it_o and_o also_o without_o the_o organ_n of_o sight_n who_o see_v not_o the_o fallacy_n of_o this_o argument_n and_o as_o much_o he_o may_v see_v the_o fallacy_n of_o the_o other_o the_o next_o place_n of_o scripture_n he_o argue_v from_o be_v rom._n 1.19_o which_o he_o false_o quote_v as_o i_o have_v observe_v he_o have_v misquote_v this_o place_n both_o here_o and_o in_o pag._n 21_o for_o thus_o he_o quote_v it_o whatever_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v make_v manifest_a within_o for_o god_n who_o be_v light_n have_v show_v it_o unto_o they_o but_o let_v the_o place_n itself_o be_v consider_v and_o it_o say_v not_o whatever_o but_o what_o be_v to_o be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_a in_o they_o to_o wit_n the_o gentile_n or_o heathen_a nation_n who_o have_v not_o the_o peculiar_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n reveal_v to_o they_o or_o preach_v among_o they_o and_o that_o the_o word_n what_o be_v to_o be_v know_v of_o god_n can_v be_v mean_v of_o whatever_o can_n or_o be_v to_o be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_a in_o they_o as_o the_o text_n do_v not_o say_v it_o so_o it_o be_v a_o manifest_a falsehood_n it_o can_v be_v say_v of_o the_o best_a christian_n â—hat_n whatever_o be_v to_o be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v make_v manifest_a in_o they_o for_o the_o best_a know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o there_o be_v still_o more_o to_o be_v know_v of_o god_n even_o in_o the_o best_a of_o christian_n than_o what_o be_v at_o present_a reveal_v or_o make_v manifest_a in_o they_o and_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a from_o the_o follow_a word_n what_o paul_n mean_v by_o that_o say_n what_o be_v to_o be_v know_v of_o god_n or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d viz._n the_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n which_o be_v make_v manifest_a partly_o by_o the_o thing_n make_v or_o create_v without_o man_n and_o partly_o by_o some_o divine_a illumination_n within_o they_o but_o do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o because_o those_o heathen_n have_v some_o knowledge_n of_o the_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n that_o therefore_o they_o know_v all_o the_o fundamental_a princile_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o no_o mean_n more_o than_o it_o follow_v that_o w.p._n know_v some_o thing_n of_o england_n and_o some_o other_o country_n partly_o by_o history_n and_o partly_o by_o his_o sight_n of_o they_o therefore_o he_o know_v the_o whole_a earth_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v habitable_a he_o bring_v another_o proof_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 and_o life_n from_o micah_n 6.8_o he_o have_v show_v unto_o thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o god_n require_v of_o thou_o
and_o secondary_a rule_n presupposeth_a a_o primary_n rule_n which_o have_v no_o dependence_n on_o the_o secondary_a though_o the_o secondary_a be_v whole_o from_o the_o primary_n as_o the_o transcript_n be_v whole_o from_o the_o original_a but_o the_o original_a be_v entire_o complete_a and_o perfect_a without_o the_o copy_n or_o transcript_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o according_a to_o he_o he_o have_v all_o what_o he_o think_v to_o be_v a_o divine_a knowledge_n and_o faith_n whole_o from_o his_o primary_n rule_n and_o nothing_o from_o the_o scripture_n which_o he_o call_v the_o secondary_a for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o primary_n rule_n be_v that_o it_o teach_v all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v divine_o know_v or_o believe_v without_o the_o need_n or_o help_v of_o any_o secondary_a rule_n otherwise_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v primary_n nor_o shall_v the_o scripture_n in_o that_o case_n be_v a_o subordinate_a rule_n but_o coordinate_a and_o of_o equal_a dignity_n necessity_n and_o use_v with_o what_o he_o call_v the_o primary_n for_o whatever_o be_v a_o primary_n full_a adequate_a and_o perfect_a rule_n such_o as_o he_o will_v have_v only_o the_o light_n within_o or_o by_o whatever_o other_o name_n he_o design_v it_o it_o must_v propose_v to_o he_o all_o the_o credenda_fw-la and_o agenda_fw-la i._n e._n all_o thing_n he_o ought_v to_o believe_v and_o practice_v without_o any_o other_o rule_n whatsoever_o and_o yet_o in_o contradiction_n to_o his_o own_o doctrine_n he_o grant_v p._n 25._o that_o by_o and_o through_o the_o scripture_n as_o some_o instrument_n this_o great_a and_o universal_a rule_n which_o he_o will_v have_v to_o be_v the_o live_n spiritual_a immediate_a omnipresent_v discover_v order_v spirit_n of_o god_n may_v convey_v its_o direction_n judge_v reader_n if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o contradiction_n to_o his_o former_a doctrine_n and_o a_o great_a impertinency_n sure_o as_o he_o who_o have_v the_o original_a have_v no_o need_n of_o the_o copy_n nor_o great_a use_n of_o it_o for_o himself_o so_o if_o w.p._n have_v such_o a_o perfect_a complete_a primary_n rule_n that_o teach_v he_o without_o scripture_n all_o what_o he_o ought_v to_o know_v believe_v or_o practice_v i_o can_v understand_v of_o what_o great_a use_n the_o scripture_n can_v be_v unto_o he_o or_o at_o least_o it_o be_v of_o no_o necessity_n to_o he_o this_o primary_n rule_n have_v teach_v he_o all_o beforehand_o otherwise_o it_o be_v not_o primary_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n have_v the_o spirit_n inward_a teach_n to_o be_v their_o primary_n rule_n in_o what_o they_o deliver_v as_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o yet_o they_o make_v use_v of_o the_o scripture_n such_o as_o be_v pen_v before_o they_o i_o answer_v because_o neither_o the_o prophet_n nor_o apostle_n be_v teach_v in_o all_o thing_n that_o they_o believe_v and_o practise_v by_o the_o spirit_n inward_a teach_n as_o the_o primary_n rule_n but_o only_o in_o what_o they_o speak_v or_o write_v as_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n in_o other_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v not_o by_o prophetical_a inspiration_n the_o scripture_n what_o be_v then_o extant_a of_o it_o be_v the_o primary_n rule_n to_o they_o as_o well_o as_o to_o other_o of_o the_o faithful_a who_o be_v neither_o prophet_n nor_o apostle_n section_n 9_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o faith_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o principal_a efficient_a beget_v and_o work_v in_o the_o faithful_a by_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o it_o bring_v confusion_n and_o derogate_v from_o the_o spirit_n to_o make_v the_o spirit_n the_o rule_n arg._n 6._o another_o of_o w._n p_n great_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n p._n 13._o be_v how_o shall_v i_o be_v assure_v say_v he_o that_o these_o scripture_n come_v from_o god_n if_o with_o the_o spirit_n that_o give_v they_o forth_o which_o search_v the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n a_o measure_n of_o which_o be_v give_v to_o i_o to_o profit_v withal_o than_o it_o be_v most_o congruous_a to_o call_v the_o spirit_n by_o way_n of_o excellency_n and_o not_o the_o scripture_n the_o rule_n i_o answer_v deny_v his_o consequence_n it_o be_v indeed_o allow_v that_o it_o be_v congruous_a for_o that_o cause_n to_o call_v the_o spirit_n the_o principal_a efficient_a and_o move_a cause_n together_o with_o christ_n and_o god_n the_o father_n but_o most_o incongruous_a false_a and_o pernicious_a to_o make_v he_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o give_v the_o due_a honour_n and_o excellency_n to_o the_o spirit_n so_o to_o do_v that_o it_o derogate_v from_o his_o honour_n and_o excellency_n for_o it_o confound_v the_o efficient_a cause_n with_o the_o instrument_n and_o be_v as_o absurd_a as_o to_o say_v the_o square_a or_o carpenter_n rule_n that_o the_o carpenter_n work_v with_o that_o be_v but_o of_o wood_n be_v the_o carpenter_n himself_o which_o be_v extreme_o false_a it_o be_v no_o derogation_n from_o the_o spirit_n to_o say_v that_o he_o use_v the_o rule_n or_o instrument_n of_o his_o own_o prepare_v whereby_o to_o frame_v and_o fashion_v we_o according_a to_o his_o good_a pleasure_n as_o the_o carpenter_n use_v his_o square_n or_o rule_n to_o frame_v his_o piece_n of_o wood_n to_o put_v into_o a_o building_n and_o for_o the_o better_a clear_n of_o the_o matter_n a_o little_a further_o when_o all_o orthodox_n christian_n writer_n say_v that_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o scripture_n come_v from_o god_n with_o or_o by_o the_o spirit_n that_o give_v they_o forth_o they_o mean_v not_o that_o the_o spirit_n inward_a testimony_n or_o witness_n to_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v any_o new_a or_o repeat_v testimony_n of_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v not_o necessary_a but_o only_o by_o way_n of_o put_v a_o seal_n on_o a_o deed_n or_o bond_n together_o with_o the_o hand_n or_o subscription_n of_o he_o that_o give_v the_o deed_n or_o bond_n which_o hand_n and_o seal_n confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o bond_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o tell_v what_o the_o content_n of_o the_o deed_n or_o bond_n be_v nor_o be_v it_o necessary_a it_o shall_v the_o deed_n or_o bond_n itself_o tell_v the_o content_n of_o it_o and_o to_o use_v the_o school_n distinction_n a_o little_a in_o the_o case_n the_o doctrine_n and_o word_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o material_a object_n of_o faith_n to_o wit_n quod_fw-la creditur_fw-la i_o e._n what_o be_v believe_v but_o the_o spirit_n inward_a testimony_n seal_n or_o impulse_n and_o motion_n which_o carry_v in_o it_o a_o peculiar_a evidence_n that_o none_o know_v but_o he_o who_o have_v it_o be_v the_o formal_a object_n of_o faith_n to_o wit_n propter_fw-la quod_fw-la creditur_fw-la that_o inward_a motion_n and_o influence_n impression_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o sensible_o and_o perceptible_o move_v the_o faithful_a to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o be_v this_o controversy_n about_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n a_o logomachy_n or_o strife_n of_o word_n as_o some_o may_v ignorant_o suppose_v but_o a_o most_o material_a case_n and_o of_o most_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o exclude_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o great_a and_o bless_a mean_n that_o god_n have_v appoint_v we_o for_o beget_v true_a faith_n knowledge_n and_o obedience_n in_o we_o through_o the_o mighty_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o if_o what_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v appoint_v we_o to_o be_v the_o mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o our_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n and_o practise_v and_o the_o rule_n whereby_o to_o discern_v truth_n from_o error_n right_o from_o wrong_n with_o the_o spirit_n internal_a illumination_n we_o prove_v neglectful_a of_o it_o to_o wit_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o the_o frequent_a use_n of_o they_o by_o read_v hear_v meditation_n and_o prayer_n we_o provoke_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o depart_v from_o we_o and_o to_o leave_v we_o to_o our_o vain_a imagination_n and_o satan_n suggestion_n and_o delusion_n to_o be_v receive_v by_o we_o as_o divine_a revelation_n and_o inspiration_n as_o have_v happen_v to_o many_o to_o their_o unspeakable_a hurt_n again_o as_o the_o spirit_n nor_o yet_o his_o internal_a inspiration_n or_o illumination_n and_o revelation_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o principal_a efficient_a of_o it_o and_o his_o internal_a inspiration_n illumination_n and_o revelation_n be_v the_o objective_n medium_fw-la move_v the_o mind_n to_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n nor_o
the_o material_a object_n of_o it_o so_o nor_o be_v the_o spirit_n internal_a illumination_n inspiration_n and_o revelation_n the_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n but_o that_o which_o enlighten_v the_o understanding_n and_o open_v the_o spiritual_a eye_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n or_o so_o much_o of_o it_o at_o least_o as_o contain_v the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n and_o beget_v a_o save_v sanctify_a and_o savoury_a knowledge_n of_o they_o without_o any_o other_o rule_n than_o the_o scripture_n itself_o for_o as_o when_o our_o eye_n be_v open_v and_o receive_v outward_a light_n to_o see_v a_o object_n we_o need_v no_o new_a object_n whereby_o to_o see_v the_o object_n propose_v but_o that_o our_o sight_n be_v strengthen_v and_o enlighten_v so_o in_o receive_v a_o spiritual_a understanding_n of_o scripture_n truth_n we_o need_v no_o other_o rule_n either_o outward_a or_o inward_a but_o the_o scripture_n itself_o only_o we_o need_v the_o spirit_n inward_a illumination_n inspiration_n and_o revelation_n to_o assist_v and_o help_v we_o to_o a_o save_v understanding_n of_o they_o by_o way_n of_o a_o objective_n medium_fw-la section_n 10._o his_o seven_o argument_n against_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n from_o his_o argue_v that_o they_o be_v obscure_a and_o have_v not_o the_o method_n of_o a_o rule_n answer_v page_n 10._o arg._n 7._o another_o reason_n he_o give_v which_o he_o call_v his_o three_o reason_n be_v from_o the_o obscurity_n of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v not_o plain_o but_o to_o the_o spiritual_a man_n they_o seem_v not_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o frame_n to_o have_v be_v compile_v and_o deliver_v as_o the_o general_a rule_n and_o entire_a body_n of_o faith_n but_o rather_o write_a upon_o particular_a occasion_n and_o emergency_n the_o doctrine_n be_v scatter_v throughout_o the_o scripture_n insomuch_o that_o those_o society_n who_o have_v give_v forth_o verbal_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n have_v be_v necessitate_v to_o toss_v they_o to_o and_o fro_o search_v here_o and_o search_v there_o to_o lay_v down_o this_o or_o the_o other_o principle_n beside_o here_o they_o be_v proper_a there_o metaphorical_a in_o one_o place_n literal_o in_o another_o mystical_o to_o be_v accept_v and_o after_o diverse_a other_o word_n of_o complaint_n against_o their_o be_v the_o rule_n he_o conclude_v thus_o peter_n say_v of_o paul_n write_n that_o in_o many_o thing_n they_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v therefore_o not_o such_o a_o rule_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v plain_a proper_a and_o intelligible_a answ_n reader_n what_o think_v thou_o of_o this_o sort_n of_o language_n in_o derogation_n from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n what_o if_o i_o shall_v say_v of_o w._n p_n and_o all_o his_o brethren_n write_n what_o he_o here_o say_v of_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o be_v neither_o plain_n proper_a nor_o intelligible_a will_v he_o not_o account_v that_o say_n a_o derogation_n from_o they_o if_o this_o be_v not_o to_o prefer_v the_o friend_n write_n to_o the_o scripture_n in_o these_o man_n esteem_n let_v the_o impartial_a judge_n most_o of_o which_o have_v the_o advantage_n above_o the_o scripture_n by_o his_o argue_v the_o scripture_n be_v write_v upon_o particular_a occasion_n but_o some_o of_o their_o book_n at_o least_o design_o write_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o doctrine_n be_v scatter_v here_o and_o there_o but_o in_o w._n p'_v and_o g._n w_n book_n the_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n be_v in_o excellent_a order_n and_o lie_v together_o paul_n write_n in_o many_o thing_n be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o beside_o they_o be_v original_o write_v in_o greek_a which_o many_o understand_v not_o and_o we_o have_v not_o the_o autographa_fw-la but_o copy_n and_o of_o these_o great_a variety_n and_o difference_n as_o he_o argue_v against_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o other_o that_o be_v not_o one_o with_o they_o in_o make_v the_o spirit_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n p._n 23._o but_o we_o have_v the_o autographa_fw-la or_o at_o least_o the_o first_o print_v copy_n of_o g.w._n and_o w.p._n without_o any_o variation_n or_o difference_n in_o matter_n and_o which_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n their_o write_n be_v the_o dictate_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n original_o in_o english_a whereas_o we_o have_v nothing_o of_o the_o scripture_n original_o in_o english_a but_o the_o whole_a be_v a_o translation_n very_o imperfect_a and_o differ_v from_o other_o translation_n both_o of_o english_a and_o other_o language_n and_o which_o be_v best_a the_o unlearned_a know_v not_o at_o all_o and_o even_o the_o learned_a many_o time_n be_v not_o certain_a all_o which_o give_v the_o advantage_n by_o very_o far_o to_o the_o write_n of_o the_o friend_n above_o the_o scripture_n upon_o the_o supposition_n that_o they_o be_v the_o immediate_a dictate_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o these_o man_n do_v not_o suppose_v but_o positive_o affirm_v many_o of_o they_o to_o be_v especial_o such_o as_o they_o say_v be_v give_v forth_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n but_o suppose_v divers_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v upon_o particular_a occasion_n and_o emergency_n as_o to_o man_n yet_o many_o other_o part_n be_v write_v design_o and_o intentional_o for_o general_a instruction_n to_o all_o the_o faithful_a and_o these_o so_o write_v contain_v all_o the_o essential_o and_o fundamental_o of_o christian_a faith_n and_o practice_n and_o even_o these_o writ_n upon_o particular_a occasion_n and_o emergency_n seem_o to_o man_n accidental_a or_o occasional_a yet_o with_o respect_n to_o god_n be_v design_v by_o he_o for_o a_o general_a good_a without_o who_o wise_a and_o all-ruling_a provividence_n nothing_o can_v happen_v what_o seem_v more_o occasional_a than_o joseph_n be_v sell_v into_o egypt_n yet_o god_n almighty_a have_v a_o glorious_a design_n in_o it_o though_o he_o be_v neither_o the_o author_n nor_o approver_n of_o their_o envy_n who_o sell_v he_o but_o be_v it_o any_o prejudice_n against_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n that_o they_o must_v be_v search_v to_o find_v out_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o they_o or_o that_o some_o place_n be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v though_o all_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v sufficient_o plain_a to_o all_o the_o faithful_a who_o be_v spiritual_o enlighten_v to_o understand_v they_o do_v not_o the_o like_a objection_n as_o much_o and_o rather_o much_o more_o lie_v against_o the_o light_n within_o all_o man_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n for_o except_v the_o common_a principle_n of_o moral_a justice_n and_o temperance_n all_o other_o thing_n relate_v either_o to_o faith_n or_o life_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o peculiar_a doctrine_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v at_o all_o in_o the_o light_n within_o every_o man_n abstract_o and_o by_o itself_o consider_v otherwise_o if_o w.p._n be_v they_o be_v let_v he_o tell_v i_o what_o one_o peculiar_a doctrine_n of_o christian_a religion_n or_o peculiar_a precept_n of_o it_o distinct_a from_o deism_n or_o gentile_a religion_n have_v the_o light_n within_o he_o teach_v he_o if_o he_o say_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v one_o great_a god_n almighty_a that_o command_v he_o to_o be_v honest_a just_a and_o temperate_a i_o say_v these_o be_v not_o peculiar_a doctrine_n and_o precept_n of_o christianity_n but_o common_a to_o it_o with_o deism_n and_o if_o he_o have_v no_o other_o principle_n or_o precept_n teach_v he_o by_o the_o light_n within_o but_o what_o every_o deist_n mahometan_n or_o jew_n who_o be_v enemy_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n have_v then_o let_v he_o speak_v out_o yet_o more_o plain_o though_o i_o think_v he_o have_v speak_v very_o plain_a already_o if_o the_o light_n within_o he_o have_v teach_v he_o any_o other_o principle_n or_o precept_n than_o what_o deist_n jew_n and_o mahometan_n have_v let_v he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o may_v convince_v we_o that_o the_o light_n within_o every_o man_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o not_o the_o scripture_n without_o but_o let_v he_o not_o only_o tell_v we_o so_o but_o give_v we_o some_o effectual_a reason_n to_o convince_v any_o ratinal_a man_n that_o the_o light_n within_o he_o only_o have_v teach_v he_o that_o peculiar_a principle_n and_o precept_n of_o christian_a religion_n without_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o much_o as_o instrumental_a in_o his_o be_v so_o teach_v for_o all_o orthodox_n christian_n by_o affirm_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n they_o give_v no_o more_o to_o the_o scripture_n but_o to_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o give_v all_o save_v knowledge_n and_o faith_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o if_o he_o allow_v they_o in_o god_n ordinary_a way_n to_o be_v the_o
instrument_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o give_v he_o and_o we_o all_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o mystery_n peculiar_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n he_o have_v all_o this_o time_n be_v fight_v with_o his_o own_o shadow_n for_o if_o so_o he_o agree_v with_o they_o all_o from_o who_o he_o seek_v so_o much_o to_o differ_v and_o write_v against_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v reveal_v in_o every_o man_n all_o necessary_a truth_n be_v grant_v by_o all_o christian_n but_o the_o question_n be_v not_o what_o he_o can_v do_v but_o what_o he_o do_v in_o god_n ordinary_a way_n of_o work_v section_n 11._o his_o eight_o argument_n answer_v that_o the_o scripture_n can_v give_v faith_n therefore_o they_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o his_o nine_o ten_o argument_n answer_v page_n 11._o arg._n 8._o his_o four_o argument_n as_o he_o number_v they_o against_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n be_v because_o the_o scripture_n can_v give_v faith_n therefore_o be_v can_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n ans_fw-fr the_o consequence_n be_v deny_v and_o he_o give_v no_o offer_n of_o proof_n for_o it_o his_o argument_n be_v as_o weak_a as_o to_o argue_v a_o carpenter_n rule_n or_o square_n can_v build_v a_o house_n therefore_o it_o can_v be_v a_o rule_n or_o instrument_n for_o he_o to_o work_v by_o in_o build_v a_o house_n this_o his_o way_n of_o argue_v destroy_v all_o use_n of_o service_n of_o instrument_n and_o secondary_a cause_n the_o like_a failure_n have_v his_o argue_v against_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o practice_n arg._n 9_o because_o it_o can_v distinguish_v of_o itself_o in_o all_o case_n what_o ought_v to_o be_v practise_v and_o what_o not_o well_o but_o what_o if_o it_o can_v of_o itself_o as_o the_o carpenter_n rule_n can_v of_o itself_o as_o measure_v one_o piece_n of_o wood_n more_o than_o another_o without_o the_o hand_n of_o he_o that_o use_v it_o do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o the_o rule_n can_v do_v it_o when_o apply_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o man_n himself_o page_n 12._o this_o say_v he_o be_v the_o case_n of_o christ_n disciple_n who_o have_v no_o particular_a rule_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o the_o abolish_n of_o some_o part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n religion_n on_o the_o contrary_n they_o may_v have_v plead_v for_o the_o perpetuity_n of_o it_o for_o instance_n god_n give_v cirumcision_n as_o a_o sign_n for_o ever_o answ_n by_o his_o favour_n he_o be_v mistake_v in_o say_v they_o have_v no_o such_o particular_a rule_n for_o the_o abolish_n he_o shall_v rather_o have_v say_v expire_a of_o some_o part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n religion_n let_v he_o read_v jer._n 3.16_o and_o 31.31_o 32._o compare_v with_o heb._n 8.8_o and_o he_o may_v find_v the_o contrary_a the_o word_n for_o ever_o in_o the_o place_n mention_v by_o he_o in_o relation_n to_o circumcision_n and_o other_o jewish_a type_n signify_v not_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n far_o less_o endless_o but_o for_o a_o certain_a limit_a time_n as_o the_o jew_n themselves_o confess_v at_o time_n it_o so_o signify_v yea_o and_o some_o of_o the_o most_o judicious_a of_o they_o have_v confess_v they_o be_v to_o cease_v before_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n in_o his_o ten_o argument_n he_o but_o too_o much_o gratify_v his_o deist_n brethren_n and_o profane_a atheist_n by_o his_o bring_v their_o and_o other_o popish_a argument_n against_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n page_n 13._o as_o that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o the_o original_a because_o that_o be_v not_o extant_a nor_o in_o the_o copy_n because_o there_o be_v thirty_o and_o above_o in_o number_n and_o it_o be_v undetermined_a and_o for_o aught_o we_o see_v say_v he_o indeterminable_a and_o the_o variety_n of_o readins_n among_o those_o copy_n amount_v to_o several_a thousand_o and_o if_o the_o copy_n can_v how_o can_v the_o translation_n say_v he_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o so_o go_v on_o dispute_v against_o the_o translation_n be_v the_o rule_n and_o then_o argue_v against_o their_o be_v the_o rule_n from_o diverse_a of_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v reject_v by_o some_o and_o receive_v by_o other_o all_o which_o plea_n both_o of_o deist_n and_o papist_n have_v be_v abundant_o answer_v by_o protestant_a writer_n see_v dr._n tillâ—tson's_n book_n call_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n in_o answer_n to_o j.s._n a_o papist_n whole_a argument_n against_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v so_o much_o of_o the_o same_o sort_n with_o these_o here_o of_o w.p._n as_o if_o he_o have_v take_v they_o from_o he_o and_o the_o inward_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n sufficient_o assert_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n without_o take_v away_o from_o they_o their_o due_a honour_n use_v and_o service_n of_o their_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o yet_o w.p._n labour_n to_o rob_v they_o of_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o exalt_v the_o spirit_n but_o real_o be_v a_o degrade_n and_o dishonour_v both_o as_o be_v above_o prove_v beside_o the_o great_a mischief_n it_o cause_v in_o cast_v all_o people_n who_o believe_v w.p._n and_o his_o party_n loose_a from_o the_o scripture_n that_o satan_n may_v have_v the_o more_o advantage_n over_o they_o to_o deceive_v they_o as_o he_o have_v woeful_o do_v for_o if_o the_o whole_a scripture_n and_o every_o part_n of_o they_o be_v not_o to_o they_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n they_o may_v choose_v what_o to_o believe_v and_o what_o not_o to_o be_v believe_v and_o to_o believe_v no_o more_o than_o what_o the_o spirit_n within_o which_o as_o it_o may_v be_v and_o often_o be_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n teach_v they_o to_o believe_v for_o they_o may_v hence_o infer_v since_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v the_o primary_n rule_n teach_v they_o not_o to_o believe_v any_o such_o doctrine_n or_o precept_n it_o be_v but_o spurious_a and_o apocryphal_a and_o no_o part_n of_o the_o secondary_a rule_n as_o sometime_o they_o be_v please_v to_o call_v it_o though_o the_o distinction_n of_o primary_n and_o secondary_a rule_n will_v not_o be_v find_v in_o their_o first_o author_n for_o then_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n and_o the_o only_a mean_n and_o the_o scripture_n be_v carnal_a and_o the_o dead_a letter_n and_o liâ—eless_a precept_n as_o w.p._n seem_v to_o call_v they_o else_o why_o do_v he_o quote_v philo_n and_o phythagoras_n and_o other_o that_o call_v all_o outward_a precept_n such_o section_n 12._o his_o eleven_o twelve_o and_o thirteen_o argument_n answer_v arg._n 11._o his_o eight_o argument_n be_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n because_o they_o can_v be_v the_o rule_n in_o their_o translation_n page_n 26._o suppose_v the_o ancient_a copy_n be_v exact_a it_o can_v be_v the_o rule_n to_o far_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n indeed_o say_v he_o to_o none_o but_o learned_a man_n which_o neither_o answer_v the_o promise_n relate_v to_o gospel-time_n which_o be_v universal_a nor_o the_o necessity_n of_o all_o mankind_n for_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n ans_fw-fr why_o not_o in_o their_o translation_n by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o above_o declare_v it_o may_v be_v suppose_v that_o w._n p_n learning_n be_v not_o so_o great_a that_o he_o need_v not_o the_o translation_n as_o well_o as_o other_o man_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o translation_n and_o all_o the_o various_a copy_n and_o readins_n make_v not_o the_o least_o alteration_n in_o any_o of_o the_o fundamental_a or_o essential_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n yea_o scarce_o in_o any_o much_o material_a whatsoever_o arg._n 12._o his_o nine_o argument_n be_v from_o those_o voluminous_a discourse_n of_o case_n of_o conscience_n that_o be_v extant_a among_o we_o for_o say_v he_o have_v the_o scripture_n be_v as_o sufficient_a note_v hear_v his_o fling_n at_o their_o sufficiency_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n require_v there_o have_v be_v no_o need_n of_o such_o tract_n answ_n this_o argument_n equal_o fight_v against_o the_o light_n within_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n for_o if_o it_o actual_o do_v all_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n require_v then_o pray_v what_o need_n have_v there_o be_v of_o so_o many_o tract_n of_o the_o quaker_n write_n about_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n as_o well_o as_o case_n of_o conscience_n which_o have_v amount_v to_o a_o prodigious_a number_n within_o these_o fifty_o year_n see_v all_o man_n have_v the_o same_o light_n within_o they_o to_o be_v the_o same_o rule_n in_o all_o be_v not_o that_o sufficient_a without_o any_o
without_o they_o but_o only_o within_o they_o that_o be_v the_o light_n in_o the_o conscience_n and_o so_o there_o be_v no_o highpriest_n without_o we_o nor_o no_o heaven_n without_o we_o into_o which_o the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n be_v go_v nor_o king_n christ_n without_o we_o but_o only_o within_o we_o for_o to_o say_v he_o be_v both_o without_o we_o and_o within_o we_o also_o will_v spoil_v w._n p_n argument_n altogether_o and_o mar_v his_o analogy_n betwixt_o the_o law_n without_o under_o moses_n and_o the_o law_n within_o under_o christ_n the_o highpriest_n without_o then_o and_o the_o highpriest_n within_o now_o if_o he_o grant_v there_o be_v a_o highpriest_n without_o we_o and_o who_o be_v also_o king_n as_o well_o as_o priest_n and_o that_o he_o be_v more_o without_o we_o than_o within_o we_o as_o all_o true_a christian_n believe_v who_o have_v not_o the_o fullness_n within_o they_o but_o receive_v of_o his_o fullness_n and_o grace_n for_o grace_n and_o therefore_o that_o fullness_n be_v in_o the_o man_n christ_n without_o they_o he_o must_v also_o grant_v that_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v as_o well_o without_o we_o as_o within_o we_o and_o so_o his_o argument_n be_v spoil_v but_o that_o he_o will_v be_v loath_a to_o grant_v for_o then_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o he_o and_o his_o brethren_n be_v pluck_v up_o by_o the_o root_n by_o confess_v to_o the_o man_n christ_n a_o highpriest_n without_o we_o or_o king_n without_o we_o which_o will_v necessary_o infer_v the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o faith_n deliver_v we_o by_o christ_n without_o we_o be_v not_o within_o we_o only_o but_o without_o we_o also_o as_o christ_n the_o lawgiver_n be_v thus_o we_o see_v for_o love_n of_o their_o suppose_v rule_v of_o faith_n only_o within_o they_o w.p._n and_o his_o brethren_n who_o approve_v his_o book_n abandon_v and_o reject_v utter_o any_o christ_n highpriest_n or_o king_n without_o they_o as_o also_o he_o have_v do_v in_o his_o christian_a quaker_n where_o he_o will_v have_v p._n 97._o the_o lamb_n without_o in_o the_o passover_n to_o show_v forth_o the_o lamb_n within_o to_o wit_n the_o light_n in_o the_o conscience_n but_o not_o the_o lamb_n christ_n without_o as_o he_o be_v outward_o slay_v and_o yet_o w.p._n for_o all_o this_o have_v say_v in_o his_o late_a answer_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o cork_n that_o the_o quaker_n differ_v little_a in_o doctrine_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n set_v aside_o some_o school_n term_n and_o in_o his_o answer_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o cork_n p._n 97._o he_o say_v we_o i._n e._n he_o and_o his_o brethren_n plain_o and_o entire_o believe_v the_o truth_n contain_v in_o the_o creed_n common_o call_v the_o apostle_n creed_n but_o possible_o some_o fallacy_n be_v latent_fw-la here_o also_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v they_o believe_v the_o truth_n contain_a in_o the_o jew_n talmud_n or_o turk_n alcoran_n for_o doubtless_o there_o be_v some_o truth_n contain_v in_o they_o both_o but_o many_o falsehood_n and_o so_o he_o may_v think_v there_o be_v in_o that_o creed_n for_o all_o his_o seem_a fair_a confession_n to_o it_o and_o i_o offer_v to_o prove_v they_o have_v disbelieved_a they_o all_o but_o how_o this_o consist_v with_o their_o have_v only_o their_o high_a priest_n king_n and_o prophet_n within_o they_o as_o they_o have_v the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n only_o within_o they_o as_o w.p._n here_o do_v argue_v i_o leave_v to_o the_o intelligent_a to_o judge_n and_o whither_o this_o palpable_a contradiction_n betray_v not_o their_o great_a disingenuity_n consider_v that_o they_o will_v not_o grant_v that_o they_o be_v in_o any_o one_o point_n change_v in_o their_o faith_n or_o doctrine_n from_o what_o they_o be_v ever_o since_o they_o be_v a_o people_n but_o as_o god_n and_o truth_n be_v the_o same_o so_o his_o people_n to_o wit_n the_o quaker_n be_v the_o same_o as_o they_o have_v in_o so_o many_o express_a word_n late_o print_v in_o the_o book_n call_v the_o quaker_n clear_v etc._n etc._n 3._o as_o concern_v the_o several_a place_n of_o scripture_n quote_v by_o he_o that_o he_o bring_v to_o prove_v the_o inward_a teach_n of_o god_n christ_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o god_n write_v his_o law_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o faithful_a all_o this_o be_v grant_v by_o all_o sound_a christian_n but_o that_o be_v not_o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o controversy_n betwixt_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n and_o their_o opponent_n but_o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o controversy_n be_v this_o whither_o the_o inward_a teach_n of_o god_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n come_v to_o believer_n without_o all_o outward_a mean_n and_o without_o all_o outward_a ministry_n and_o service_n of_o man_n or_o book_n and_o whither_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o believer_n have_v in_o they_o put_v in_o they_o yea_o and_o write_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o the_o lord_n himself_o be_v without_o all_o outward_a instruction_n and_o teach_v or_o service_n of_o man_n or_o book_n or_o whither_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n within_o in_o respect_n of_o all_o the_o peculiar_a doctrine_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o so_o to_o speak_v a_o transcript_n or_o copy_n from_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o faith_n without_o we_o as_o deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o therefore_o may_v be_v call_v the_o original_a as_o to_o we_o though_o that_o original_a law_n and_o rule_n without_o we_o come_v from_o a_o inward_a original_a in_o the_o holy_a prophet_n and_o in_o the_o man_n christ_n and_o his_o holy_a evangelist_n and_o apostle_n which_o yet_o have_v a_o high_a original_a to_o wit_n the_o archetypal_a law_n as_o it_o be_v in_o god_n before_o the_o copy_n or_o transcript_n of_o it_o come_v to_o be_v in_o the_o prophet_n and_o from_o they_o commit_v to_o write_v outward_o and_o from_o that_o outward_a writing_n transfer_v and_o transcribe_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o faithful_a where_o it_o become_v a_o inward_a law_n or_o rule_n in_o they_o and_o thus_o the_o faithful_a have_v the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o faith_n both_o without_o they_o and_o within_o they_o first_o without_o they_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n next_o within_o they_o put_v in_o they_o by_o the_o lord_n in_o their_o heart_n by_o mean_n of_o outward_a instruction_n as_o preach_v read_v etc._n etc._n and_o if_o the_o question_n be_v ask_v whither_o be_v best_a to_o have_v it_o without_o they_o or_o within_o they_o i_o answer_v to_o have_v it_o both_o way_n be_v very_o necessary_a for_o in_o god_n ordinary_a way_n of_o work_a we_o can_v have_v it_o within_o we_o if_o we_o have_v it_o not_o first_o without_o we_o no_o more_o than_o we_o can_v have_v food_n within_o we_o if_o we_o have_v it_o not_o first_o without_o we_o for_o as_o our_o outward_a and_o bodily_a food_n that_o nourish_v our_o body_n come_v into_o our_o body_n from_o without_o we_o by_o the_o door_n so_o to_o speak_v of_o our_o mouth_n so_o the_o wholesome_a doctrine_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n by_o christ_n our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o redeemer_n by_o mean_n of_o which_o our_o soul_n and_o inward_a man_n be_v nourish_v be_v accompany_v with_o the_o divine_a influence_n of_o the_o grace_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n come_v into_o our_o soul_n by_o the_o door_n of_o our_o outward_a hear_v and_o read_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n again_o though_o there_o be_v ever_o so_o good_a food_n and_o ever_o so_o plentiful_a without_o we_o yet_o if_o we_o receive_v it_o not_o within_o we_o it_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v nourish_v we_o and_o as_o the_o clean_a beast_n under_o the_o law_n do_v chew_v the_o cud_n of_o what_o they_o do_v eat_v for_o their_o nourishment_n so_o the_o faithful_a what_o they_o outward_o hear_v and_o read_v of_o god_n word_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n must_v meditate_v upon_o inward_o for_o their_o spiritual_a food_n thus_o the_o great_a necessity_n of_o have_v the_o law_n and_o word_n of_o god_n both_o without_o we_o and_o within_o we_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o life_n be_v evident_o apparent_a so_o long_o as_o we_o live_v in_o these_o mortal_a body_n and_o therefore_o god_n have_v appoint_v and_o christ_n have_v give_v a_o outward_a ministry_n together_o with_o his_o other_o gift_n and_o grace_n to_o his_o church_n to_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o his_o last_o come_n but_o again_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v be_v there_o not_o a_o internal_a word_n voice_n or_o teach_v of_o christ_n distinct_a from_o the_o outward_a word_n voice_n and_o teach_v that_o outward_o sound_v in_o our_o outward_a ear_n i_o answer_v there_o be_v but_o in_o god_n
whereas_o the_o best_a skilful_a in_o the_o method_n of_o teach_v both_o pious_a and_o learned_a have_v not_o only_o great_o esteem_v but_o high_o admire_v the_o method_n of_o the_o scripture_n even_o when_o it_o seem_v least_o to_o have_v method_n and_o most_o especial_o the_o method_n of_o our_o saviour_n sermon_n record_v in_o the_o four_o evangelist_n and_o of_o that_o most_o excellent_a form_n of_o prayer_n he_o teach_v his_o disciple_n and_o if_o the_o scripture_n must_v be_v reject_v from_o be_v not_o only_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n but_o a_o write_a rule_n as_o his_o express_a word_n above_o note_a be_v though_o in_o contradiction_n to_o himself_o who_o elsewhere_o call_v they_o a_o rule_n but_o not_o the_o rule_n now_o he_o will_v neither_o have_v they_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n nor_o a_o write_a rule_n for_o want_v of_o the_o method_n of_o a_o rule_n he_o may_v quarrel_v against_o diverse_a part_n of_o god_n creation_n as_o not_o be_v place_v in_o that_o method_n and_o order_n that_o his_o wisdom_n think_v meet_v sure_o i_o be_o some_o atheist_n have_v argue_v at_o such_o like_a rate_n against_o the_o world_n be_v create_v by_o a_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n because_o as_o they_o imagine_v thing_n lie_v in_o great_a disorder_n throughout_o the_o visible_a world_n here_o a_o spot_n of_o the_o earth_n fruitful_a there_o a_o great_a part_n of_o it_o unfruitful_a and_o uninhabitable_a some_o part_n have_v too_o much_o water_n that_o drown_v the_o dry_a land_n overflow_v city_n fruitful_a field_n and_o pleasant_a meadow_n other_o part_n be_v scorch_v with_o drought_n and_o uninhabitable_a for_o want_v of_o water_n other_o large_a part_n not_o fit_a for_o habitation_n for_o cold._n also_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n towards_o mankind_n be_v great_o dispute_v by_o atheist_n because_o of_o that_o seem_a disorder_n and_o want_v of_o method_n in_o thing_n and_o event_n that_o happen_v to_o man_n of_o all_o sort_n virtuous_a man_n neglect_v oppress_a afflict_a and_o vicious_a man_n exalt_v honour_a and_o praise_v it_o be_v a_o great_a default_n in_o w.p._n thus_o to_o argue_v against_o the_o scripture_n for_o want_v of_o method_n as_o be_v the_o rule_n wherein_o he_o too_o much_o resemble_v the_o atheist_n argue_v against_o the_o way_n and_o method_n of_o divine_a providence_n from_o thence_o conclude_v there_o be_v no_o rule_n of_o divine_a providence_n in_o the_o world_n as_o w.p._n conclude_v there_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n section_n 15._o whither_o the_o law_n and_o precept_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n as_o write_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v bind_v the_o faithful_a to_o obedience_n w.p._n his_o absolute_a necessary_n of_o religion_n no_o other_o but_o what_o be_v general_o own_v by_o infidel_n jew_n mahomitan_n deist_n and_o the_o great_a heretic_n have_v thus_o finish_v my_o answer_n to_o his_o argument_n against_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n yea_o not_o only_o against_o be_v the_o rule_n but_o a_o rule_n as_o above_o note_v in_o contradiction_n to_o himself_o who_o sometime_o call_v they_o a_o rule_n to_o wit_n a_o subordinate_a secondary_a and_o declaratory_a rule_n but_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o allow_v this_o to_o the_o whole_a scripture_n but_o that_o several_a part_n of_o it_o be_v so_o that_o be_v so_o much_o of_o it_o as_o heathen_n and_o deist_n have_v teach_v they_o by_o the_o light_n within_o to_o wit_n precept_n of_o moral_a honesty_n etc._n etc._n but_o salvation_n by_o christ_n crucify_a and_o remission_n of_o sin_n by_o his_o blood_n be_v not_o teach_v they_o by_o their_o light_n within_o therefore_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o secondary_a rule_n to_o w.p._n and_o his_o deist_n brethren_n the_o unsoundness_n of_o which_o distinction_n i_o have_v above_o show_v i_o shall_v now_o brief_o point_v at_o some_o other_o impertinency_n in_o his_o book_n now_o before_o i_o and_o so_o conclude_v page_n 25._o we_o confess_v say_v he_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o obedience_n viz._n to_o the_o precept_n write_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o mere_o because_o they_o be_v write_v for_o that_o be_v legal_a but_o because_o they_o be_v the_o eternal_a precept_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o man_n conscience_n here_o divers_a thing_n need_v correction_n first_o i_o know_v none_o that_o ever_o say_v that_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o obedience_n to_o those_o precept_n be_v mere_o because_o they_o be_v write_v but_o chief_o and_o principal_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v and_o obey_v they_o be_v the_o command_v of_o god_n but_o though_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o obedience_n to_o they_o be_v not_o mere_o that_o they_o be_v write_v yet_o be_v now_o write_v and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v so_o appoint_v it_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v write_v and_o the_o writer_n be_v inspire_v to_o that_o very_a purpose_n to_o write_v they_o for_o our_o instruction_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v believe_v they_o and_o obey_v they_o we_o ought_v both_o to_o believe_v they_o and_o obey_v they_o as_o they_o be_v outward_o write_v otherwise_o if_o their_o deliverance_n to_o we_o by_o writing_n have_v no_o influence_n on_o we_o to_o believe_v they_o and_o obey_v they_o we_o may_v whole_o disregard_n they_o as_o such_o and_o only_a mind_n those_o eternal_a precept_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o he_o term_v they_o in_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n to_o wit_n jew_n mahometan_n heathen_n deist_n again_o that_o he_o say_v it_o be_v legal_a to_o obey_v they_o mere_o because_o write_v i_o see_v not_o how_o it_o be_v legal_a for_o the_o law_n do_v not_o command_v they_o to_o obey_v they_o mere_o as_o write_v but_o because_o they_o be_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n but_o to_o reject_v they_o as_o have_v any_o influence_n on_o we_o or_o lay_v any_o obligation_n on_o we_o as_o write_v be_v to_o reject_v christ_n prophetical_a and_o kingly_a office_n a_o part_n of_o which_o be_v to_o inspire_v his_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n to_o commit_v they_o to_o writing_n but_o again_o that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v obey_v for_o a_o rule_n or_o the_o rule_n but_o the_o eternal_a precept_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o man_n conscience_n as_o he_o affirm_v this_o indeed_o make_v a_o very_a short_a and_o near_a way_n to_o heaven_n be_v it_o as_o true_a as_o short_a and_o near_o he_o seem_v to_o give_v we_o a_o account_n what_o these_o eternal_a precept_n be_v page_z 44._o but_o most_o persuasion_n say_v he_o be_v agree_v about_o the_o absolute_a necessary_n in_o religion_n from_o that_o light_n and_o witness_v god_n have_v place_v in_o man_n conscience_n viz._n that_o god_n be_v that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o that_o the_o way_n of_o god_n be_v a_o way_n of_o purity_n patience_n meekness_n etc._n etc._n without_o which_o no_o man_n can_v see_v the_o lord_n answ_n note_v well_o reader_n these_o few_o thing_n that_o every_o deist_n jew_n and_o mahometan_n that_o be_v sober_a and_o rational_a will_v acknowledge_v be_v all_o the_o absolute_a necessary_n in_o religion_n that_o he_o lay_v down_o but_o how_o false_o do_v he_o allege_v that_o most_o persuasion_n be_v agree_v that_o these_o without_o all_o the_o article_n peculiar_a to_o the_o christian_a faith_n as_o concern_v the_o holy_a trinity_n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o word_n the_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o sacrifice_n on_o the_o cross_n to_o divine_a justice_n etc._n etc._n in_o a_o word_n all_o the_o twelve_o article_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n be_v all_o the_o absolute_a necessary_n in_o religion_n be_v the_o whole_a christian_a catholic_n church_n of_o christ_n throughout_o the_o world_n in_o all_o age_n no_o considerable_a part_n of_o mankind_n have_v religious_a persuasion_n or_o if_o they_o be_v let_v he_o tell_v we_o what_o part_n of_o christ_n catholic_n church_n ever_o hold_v or_o do_v now_o hold_v that_o none_o of_o all_o the_o twelve_o article_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n or_o few_o of_o they_o be_v the_o absolute_a necessary_n in_o religion_n together_o with_o other_o moral_a part_n relate_v to_o moral_a virtue_n i_o think_v he_o can_v tell_v we_o scarce_o any_o but_o such_o as_o may_v be_v just_o doubt_v or_o disow_v to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n if_o he_o bring_v in_o himself_o and_o his_o party_n and_o deist_n brethren_n he_o but_o beg_v the_o question_n to_o say_v they_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n while_o they_o deny_v the_o great_a fundamental_o of_o her_o religion_n to_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a but_o let_v we_o hear_v he_o further_o in_o the_o same_o page_n he_o say_v nay_o they_o accord_n in_o some_o considerable_a matter_n super_fw-la add_v as_o some_o of_o
the_o light_n in_o every_o conscience_n as_o w.p._n say_v here_o in_o this_o book_n or_o some_o new_a revelation_n or_o discovery_n that_o neither_o jew_n nor_o turk_n nor_o other_o deist_n have_v nor_o all_o christendom_n but_o only_o and_o alone_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n but_o if_o these_o new_a revelation_n be_v their_o rule_n in_o the_o case_n it_o quite_o overturns_a w._n p_n fabric_n of_o set_v up_o a_o general_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n in_o every_o man_n conscience_n for_o a_o new_a revelation_n that_o only_o one_o part_n of_o mankind_n have_v can_v be_v a_o general_a rule_n w.p._n make_v not_o the_o light_n within_o which_o he_o will_v have_v to_o be_v the_o spirit_n or_o god_n himself_o or_o christ_n in_o every_o man_n abstract_o consider_v from_o the_o inward_a discovery_n dictate_v and_o precept_n there_o deliver_v to_o be_v the_o general_a rule_n which_o he_o call_v the_o eternal_a precept_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o conscience_n and_o the_o noble_a precept_n write_v in_o man_n heart_n phrase_n that_o he_o have_v borrow_v from_o some_o heathen_a writer_n as_o pythagoras_n and_o sophocles_n and_o which_o be_v to_o be_v own_v in_o their_o place_n to_o be_v such_o and_o to_o be_v a_o general_a rule_n of_o moral_a justice_n and_o temperance_n as_o be_v above_o own_v but_o not_o either_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n with_o respect_n to_o its_o peculiar_a doctrine_n and_o precept_n nor_o indeed_o so_o much_o as_o any_o rule_n at_o all_o in_o that_o state_n nor_o indeed_o be_v it_o at_o all_o proper_a to_o call_v the_o spirit_n the_o rule_n in_o his_o sense_n but_o rather_o the_o dictate_v and_o discovery_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o w.p._n call_v sometime_o revelation_n to_o wit_n internal_a and_o the_o internal_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n eternal_a precept_n and_o noble_a law_n write_v in_o all_o man_n heart_n for_o the_o spirit_n abstract_o consider_v from_o all_o internal_a and_o external_n discovery_n revelation_n and_o testimony_n teach_v man_n nothing_o at_o all_o and_o therefore_o can_v be_v no_o rule_n to_o they_o as_o such_o and_o see_v w.p._n have_v cast_v away_o the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n even_o to_o we_o christian_n that_o be_v all_z and_o every_o one_o of_o the_o peculiar_a doctrine_n and_o precept_n of_o christianity_n that_o be_v to_o be_v sure_o no_o part_n of_o those_o eternal_a precept_n and_o law_n write_v in_o all_o man_n conscience_n not_o one_o of_o they_o nor_o all_o of_o those_o peculiar_a doctrine_n and_o precept_n be_v so_o much_o as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o christian_n rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n for_o if_o it_o be_v than_o the_o christian_n the_o deist_n the_o mahometan_n and_o infidel_n jew_n shall_v not_o have_v one_o general_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n which_o he_o contend_v for_o page_n 41._o he_o propose_v a_o objection_n and_o pretend_v to_o solve_v it_o obj._n but_o be_v not_o the_o scripture_n the_o judge_n of_o controversy_n he_o shall_v rather_o have_v make_v the_o objection_n run_v thus_o be_v not_o the_o scripture_n the_o rule_n whereby_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n who_o be_v proper_o the_o judge_n do_v by_o his_o inward_a ordinary_a illumination_n in_o the_o faithful_a determine_v the_o controversy_n in_o all_o the_o necessary_a thing_n of_o salvation_n yea_o and_o also_o in_o many_o other_o thing_n though_o not_o absolute_o necessary_a yet_o very_o profitable_a he_o answer_v how_o can_v that_o be_v since_o the_o question_n most_o time_n arise_v about_o the_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n i_o reply_v yet_o still_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o proper_a rule_n to_o determine_v the_o controversy_n even_o when_o the_o question_n arise_v about_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n because_o what_o seem_v obscure_a in_o some_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v open_v and_o make_v plain_a by_o other_o plain_a place_n of_o scripture_n treat_v on_o the_o same_o subject_a that_o be_v as_o a_o key_n to_o open_v they_o with_o out_o any_o other_o rule_n than_o the_o scripture_n itself_o only_o there_o be_v need_n of_o the_o spirit_n internal_a illumination_n and_o assistance_n to_o help_v we_o to_o use_v that_o key_n especial_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o they_o he_o proceed_v in_o his_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n say_v be_v there_o any_o place_n to_o wit_n in_o scripture_n tell_v we_o without_o interpretation_n whither_o the_o socinian_n or_o trinitarian_n be_v in_o the_o right_n in_o their_o differ_a apprehension_n of_o the_o three_o that_o bear_v record_n etc._n etc._n also_o the_o homousian_a and_o arian_n about_o christ_n divinity_n or_o the_o papist_n or_o protestant_n about_o transubstantiation_n if_o then_o thing_n be_v leave_v undefined_a and_o undetermined_a i_o mean_v literal_o and_o express_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o the_o question_n arise_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o word_n do_v the_o scripture_n determine_v which_o of_o these_o interpreter_n hit_v the_o mark_n from_o all_o which_o he_o conclude_v that_o not_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o interpretation_n must_v decide_v the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n and_o that_o interpretation_n must_v be_v give_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o be_v a_o true_a and_o infallible_a interpretation_n answ_n see_v that_o interpretation_n according_a to_o w.p._n can_v be_v give_v from_o the_o spirit_n without_o a_o extraordinary_a revelation_n the_o thing_n in_o controversy_n be_v such_o according_a to_o w._n p_n phrase_n and_o confession_n p._n 31._o as_o fall_v not_o within_o the_o ordinary_a discovery_n that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o man_n salvation_n and_o that_o w.p._n also_o grant_v that_o he_o and_o his_o brethren_n have_v no_o such_o extraordinary_a revelation_n for_o it_o be_v not_o needful_a be_v none_o of_o the_o absolute_a necessary_n to_o our_o salvation_n p._n 33._o it_o evident_o follow_v that_o neither_o w.p._n nor_o any_o of_o his_o brethren_n nor_o indeed_o any_o other_o man_n now_o live_v whatsoever_o have_v any_o certainty_n whither_o the_o socinian_n or_o trinitarian_n be_v in_o the_o right_a that_o be_v whither_o christ_n be_v god_n and_o whither_o christ_n have_v any_o existence_n before_o mary_n and_o whither_o christ_n be_v in_o any_o of_o the_o faithful_a yea_o or_o nay_o yea_o w.p._n have_v no_o certainty_n of_o this_o fundamental_a principle_n that_o christ_n be_v in_o he_o or_o in_o any_o of_o his_o brethren_n the_o great_a reason_n of_o their_o assertion_n that_o christ_n be_v in_o they_o be_v that_o christ_n be_v god_n so_o that_o if_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a from_o scripture_n that_o christ_n be_v god_n and_o if_o the_o socinian_n doctrine_n shall_v prove_v true_a that_o christ_n be_v only_o a_o man_n it_o will_v evident_o follow_v as_o i_o think_v w.p._n will_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v utter_o false_a that_o christ_n be_v in_o any_o man_n whatsoever_o and_o that_o that_o light_a that_o be_v in_o man_n even_o the_o most_o faithful_a be_v not_o christ_n for_o how_o can_v that_o which_o be_v only_o a_o mere_a man_n and_o a_o mere_a creature_n as_o the_o socinian_o say_v that_o christ_n only_o be_v be_v in_o all_o men._n again_o if_o it_o can_v be_v determine_v from_o scripture_n without_o extraordinary_a revelation_n which_o w.p._n grant_n neither_o he_o nor_o his_o brethren_n have_v as_o touch_v these_o matter_n whither_o the_o arian_n or_o the_o homonsians_n be_v in_o the_o right_a it_o evident_o follow_v that_o neither_o w.p._n nor_o his_o brethren_n be_v certain_a whither_o the_o word_n mention_v john_n 1.1_o be_v any_o other_o than_o a_o mere_a creature_n and_o consequent_o they_o be_v not_o certain_a but_o that_o they_o themselves_o be_v idolater_n who_o give_v any_o divine_a worship_n to_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v that_o word_n also_o if_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a from_o scripture_n whither_o the_o papist_n or_o protestant_n be_v in_o the_o right_n about_o transubstantiation_n without_o extraordinary_a revelation_n according_a to_o w._n p_n way_n of_o argue_v if_o the_o papist_n shall_v happen_v to_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o w.p._n by_o his_o confession_n know_v nothing_o to_o the_o contrary_n but_o that_o they_o be_v he_o and_o his_o brethren_n shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o horrid_a contempt_n and_o blasphemy_n to_o call_v that_o which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n nothing_o but_o bread_n and_o be_v not_o this_o assertion_n of_o w.p._n a_o fair_a inlet_n to_o popery_n that_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o determine_v express_o without_o interpretation_n and_o that_o interpretation_n can_v be_v have_v without_o new_a revelation_n whither_o the_o papist_n doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n be_v true_a so_o that_o to_o he_o at_o present_a it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o indifferency_n and_o if_o w.p._n shall_v turn_n papist_n or_o suppose_v he_o to_o be_v one_o when_o he_o declare_v himself_o he_o