the_o divine_a nature_n and_o universality_n of_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o be_v confirm_v together_o chap._n iii_o sect._n 1_o how_o this_o scripture_n be_v wrest_v sect._n 2._o that_o it_o be_v a_o natural_a light_n sect._n 3_o that_o it_o light_v not_o all_o sect._n 4._o that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o doctrine_n and_o life_n of_o christ_n when_o in_o flesh_n all_o answer_v and_o its_o divinity_n and_o universality_n prove_v §_o 1._o but_o though_o there_o be_v no_o passage_n or_o proposition_n to_o be_v find_v in_o holy_a scripture_n in_o which_o mankind_n be_v more_o interest_v or_o that_o be_v more_o clear_o lay_v down_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n than_o this_o i_o have_v produce_v yet_o hardly_o have_v any_o place_n be_v more_o industrious_o wrest_v from_o its_o true_a and_o plain_a sense_n especial_o since_o this_o people_n have_v lay_v any_o stress_n upon_o it_o in_o defence_n of_o their_o testimony_n of_o the_o light_n within_o some_o will_v have_v it_o to_o be_v but_o a_o natural_a light_n or_o a_o part_n of_o man_n nature_n though_o it_o be_v the_o very_a life_n of_o the_o word_n by_o which_o the_o world_n be_v make_v and_o wrap_v within_o those_o verse_n which_o only_o concern_v his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n but_o because_o i_o will_v be_v understand_v and_o treat_v of_o thing_n with_o all_o plainness_n i_o will_v open_v the_o term_n of_o the_o objection_n as_o well_o as_o i_o can_v and_o then_o give_v my_o answer_n to_o it_o §_o 2._o if_o by_o natural_a be_v mean_v a_o create_a thing_n as_o man_n be_v or_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v requisite_a to_o the_o composition_n of_o man_n i_o deny_v it_o the_o text_n be_v express_o against_o it_o and_o say_v the_o light_n with_o which_o man_n be_v light_v be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v with_o god_n and_o be_v god_n but_o if_o by_o natural_a be_v only_o intend_v that_o the_o light_n come_v along_o with_o we_o into_o the_o world_n or_o that_o we_o have_v it_o as_o sure_a as_o we_o be_v bear_v or_o have_v nature_n and_o be_v the_o light_n of_o our_o nature_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o understanding_n and_o be_v not_o the_o result_n of_o any_o revelation_n from_o without_o as_o by_o angel_n or_o man_n then_o we_o mean_v and_o intend_v the_o same_o thing_n for_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o man_n to_o have_v a_o supernatural_a light_n and_o for_o the_o creature_n to_o be_v light_v by_o a_o uncreated_a light_n as_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o create_a word_n and_o do_v people_n but_o consider_v the_o constitution_n of_o man_n it_o will_v conduce_v much_o to_o preserve_v or_o deliver_v they_o from_o any_o dilemma_n upon_o this_o account_n for_o man_n can_v no_o more_o be_v a_o light_n to_o his_o mind_n than_o he_o be_v to_o his_o body_n he_o have_v the_o capacity_n of_o see_v object_n when_o he_o have_v the_o help_n of_o light_n but_o can_v be_v a_o light_n to_o himself_o by_o which_o to_o see_v they_o wherefore_o as_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o firmament_n be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o body_n and_o give_v we_o discern_v in_o our_o temporal_a affair_n so_o the_o life_n of_o the_o word_n be_v the_o glorious_a light_n and_o sun_n of_o the_o soul_n our_o intellectual_a luminary_n that_o inform_v our_o mind_n and_o give_v we_o true_a judgement_n and_o distinction_n about_o those_o thing_n that_o more_o immediate_o concern_v our_o better_a inward_a and_o eternal_a man._n §_o 3._o but_o other_o will_v have_v this_o text_n read_v thus_o not_o that_o the_o word_n enlighten_v all_o mankind_n but_o that_o all_o who_o be_v enlighten_v be_v enlighten_v by_o he_o thereby_o not_o only_a narrow_n and_o abuse_v the_o text_n but_o render_v god_n partial_a and_o so_o severe_a to_o his_o creature_n as_o to_o leave_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n in_o darkness_n without_o the_o mean_n or_o opportunity_n of_o salvation_n though_o we_o be_v assure_v from_o the_o scripture_n that_o all_o have_v light_a 9_o that_o 12._o christ_n be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o 6._o he_o die_v for_o all_o yea_o the_o 15._o ungodly_a and_o that_o god_n desire_v not_o the_o 4._o death_n of_o any_o but_o rather_o that_o all_o shall_v repent_v and_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n and_o be_v save_v and_o 12._o that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n etc._n etc._n §_o 4._o there_o be_v a_o three_o sort_n that_o will_v needs_o have_v it_o understand_v not_o of_o any_o illumination_n by_o a_o divine_a light_n or_o spirit_n in_o man_n but_o by_o the_o doctrine_n christ_n preach_v and_o the_o life_n and_o example_n he_o live_v and_o lead_v in_o the_o world_n and_o which_o yet_o neither_o reach_v the_o thousand_o part_n of_o mankind_n nor_o can_v consist_v with_o what_o the_o apostle_n john_n intend_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o history_n which_o whole_o relate_v to_o what_o christ_n be_v before_o he_o take_v flesh_n or_o at_o least_o what_o he_o be_v to_o the_o soul_n by_o his_o immediate_a inshining_n and_o influence_n it_o be_v most_o true_a christ_n be_v in_o a_o sense_n the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n in_o that_o very_a appearance_n and_o shine_v forth_o by_o his_o heavenly_a doctrine_n many_o admirable_a miracle_n and_o his_o self-denying_a life_n and_o death_n but_o still_o that_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o he_o be_v and_o be_v that_o spiritual_a light_n which_o shine_v more_o or_o less_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o men._n for_o as_o he_o be_v a_o light_n in_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n he_o be_v only_o a_o light_n in_o a_o more_o excellent_a sense_n than_o he_o speak_v of_o to_o his_o disciple_n when_o he_o say_v you_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n but_o christ_n the_o word_n enlighten_v they_o and_o enlighten_v we_o and_o enlighten_v all_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n which_o he_o can_v not_o be_v say_v to_o do_v if_o we_o only_o regard_v his_o personal_a and_o outward_a appearance_n for_o in_o that_o sense_n it_o be_v long_o since_o he_o be_v that_o light_n but_o in_o this_o he_o be_v continual_o so_o in_o that_o respect_n he_o be_v remote_a but_o in_o this_o sense_n he_o be_v present_a and_o immediate_a else_o we_o shall_v render_v the_o text_n that_o be_v the_o true_a light_n which_o do_v lighten_v instead_o of_o which_o light_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o that_o the_o evangelist_n may_v be_v so_o understand_v as_o we_o speak_v he_o refer_v to_o this_o as_o a_o evidence_n of_o his_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o not_o john_n for_o who_o many_o people_n have_v much_o reverence_n for_o verse_n 8._o he_o say_v of_o john_n he_o be_v not_o that_o light_n but_o be_v send_v to_o bear_v witness_n of_o that_o light_n now_o come_v his_o proof_n and_o our_o testimony_n that_o be_v the_o true_a light_n which_o light_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n which_o be_v not_o john_n nor_o any_o else_o but_o the_o word_n that_o be_v with_o god_n and_o be_v god_n the_o evangelist_n do_v not_o describe_v he_o by_o his_o fast_v forty_o day_n preach_v so_o many_o sermon_n work_v so_o many_o miracle_n and_o live_v so_o holy_a a_o life_n and_o after_o all_o so_o patient_o suffer_v death_n which_o yet_o christ_n do_v thereby_o to_o prove_v he_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n but_o say_v the_o evangelist_n that_o be_v the_o true_a light_n the_o word_n in_o flesh_n the_o messiah_n and_o not_o john_n or_o any_o else_o which_o light_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n so_o that_o christ_n be_v manifest_v and_o distinguish_v by_o give_v light_n and_o indeed_o so_o be_v all_o his_o follower_n from_o other_o people_n by_o receive_v and_o obey_v it_o there_o be_v many_o other_o scripture_n of_o both_o testament_n that_o refer_v to_o the_o light_n within_o either_o express_o or_o implicit_o which_o for_o brevity_n sake_n i_o shall_v wave_v recite_v but_o the_o reader_n will_v find_v some_o direction_n in_o the_o margin_n 8._o which_o will_v guide_v he_o to_o they_o chap._n iu._n sect._n 1_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o light_n within_o it_o give_v discern_v sect._n 2._o it_o manifest_v god_n sect._n 3_o it_o give_v life_n to_o the_o soul_n sect._n 4._o it_o be_v the_o apostolical_a message_n sect._n 5._o objection_n answer_v about_o two_o light_n sect._n 6._o about_o natural_a and_o spiritual_a light_n not_o two_o darkness_n within_o therefore_o not_o two_o light_n within_o sect._n 7._o the_o apostle_n john_n answer_v the_o objection_n full_o the_o light_n the_o same_o 1_o john_n 2._o 8_o 9_o §_o 1._o the_o three_o thing_n be_v the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o this_o light_n for_o the_o end_n for_o which_o god_n have_v give_v it_o viz._n to_o
lead_v and_o guide_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o blessedness_n in_o order_n to_o which_o the_o first_o thing_n it_o do_v in_o and_o for_o man_n be_v to_o give_v he_o a_o true_a sight_n or_o discern_v of_o himself_o what_o he_o be_v and_o what_o he_o do_v that_o he_o may_v see_v and_o know_v his_o own_o condition_n and_o what_o judgement_n to_o make_v of_o himself_o with_o respect_n to_o religion_n and_o a_o future_a estate_n of_o which_o let_v we_o hear_v what_o the_o word_n himself_o say_v that_o can_v err_v as_o john_n relate_v it_o chap._n 3._o 20_o 21._o for_o every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n neither_o come_v to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v but_o he_o that_o do_v truth_n come_v to_o the_o light_n that_o his_o deed_n may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v wrought_v in_o god_n a_o most_o pregnant_a instance_n of_o the_o virtue_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o light_n first_o it_o be_v that_o which_o man_n ought_v to_o examine_v themselves_o by_o second_o it_o give_v a_o true_a discern_v betwixt_o good_a and_o bad_a what_o be_v of_o god_n from_o what_o be_v not_o of_o god_n and_o last_o it_o be_v a_o judge_n and_o condemn_v or_o acquit_v reprove_v or_o comfort_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n as_o he_o reject_v or_o obey_v it_o that_o must_v needs_o be_v divine_a and_o efficacious_a which_o be_v able_a to_o discover_v to_o man_n what_o be_v of_o god_n from_o what_o be_v not_o of_o god_n and_o which_o give_v he_o a_o distinct_a knowledge_n in_o himself_o of_o what_o be_v wrought_v in_o god_n from_o what_o be_v not_o wrought_v in_o god_n by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o this_o place_n do_v not_o only_o regard_v the_o discovery_n of_o man_n and_o his_o work_n but_o in_o some_o measure_n it_o manifest_v god_n and_o his_o work_n also_o which_o be_v yet_o something_o high_o for_o as_o much_o as_o it_o give_v the_o obedient_a man_n a_o discovery_n of_o what_o be_v wrought_v or_o perform_v by_o god_n power_n and_o after_o his_o will_n from_o what_o be_v the_o mere_a work_n of_o the_o creature_n of_o himself_o if_o it_o can_v not_o manifest_a god_n it_o can_v not_o tell_v man_n what_o be_v god_n mind_n nor_o give_v he_o such_o a_o ground_a sense_n and_o discern_v of_o the_o rise_v nature_n and_o tendency_n of_o the_o work_n of_o his_o mind_n or_o inward_a man_n as_o be_v both_o express_v and_o abundant_o imply_v in_o this_o passage_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o if_o it_o reveal_v god_n to_o be_v sure_a it_o manifest_v christ_n that_o flow_v and_o come_v from_o god_n who_o then_o will_v oppose_v or_o slight_v this_o bless_a light_n §_o 2._o but_o that_o this_o light_n do_v manifest_a god_n be_v yet_o evident_a from_o rom._n 1._o 19_o because_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_a in_o man_n for_o god_n have_v show_v it_o unto_o they_o a_o universal_a proposition_n and_o we_o have_v the_o apostle_n word_n for_o it_o who_o be_v one_o of_o a_o thousand_o and_o inspire_v on_o purpose_n to_o tell_v we_o the_o truth_n let_v it_o then_o have_v its_o due_a weight_n with_o we_o if_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_a in_o man_n the_o people_n call_v quaker_n can_v certain_o be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n in_o preach_v up_o the_o light_n within_o without_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v manifest_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o say_v the_o same_o apostle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n eph._n 5._o 13._o whatsoever_o do_v make_v manifest_a be_v light_n well_o then_o may_v they_o call_v this_o light_n within_o a_o manifestation_n or_o appearance_n of_o god_n that_o show_v in_o and_o to_o man_n all_o that_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n a_o passage_n much_o like_o unto_o this_o be_v that_o of_o the_o prophet_n micah_n chap._n 6._o 8._o god_n have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o do_v the_o lord_n require_v of_o thou_o but_o to_o do_v just_o and_o to_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n god_n have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n it_o be_v very_o emphatical_a but_o how_o have_v he_o show_v he_o why_o by_o his_o light_n in_o the_o conscience_n which_o the_o wicked_a rebel_n against_o job_n 24._o 13._o who_o for_o that_o cause_n know_v not_o the_o way_n nor_o abide_v in_o the_o path_n thereof_o for_o its_o way_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o all_o its_o path_n be_v peace_n to_o they_o that_o obey_v it_o §_o 3._o but_o the_o light_n give_v the_o light_n of_o life_n which_o be_v eternal_a life_n to_o they_o that_o receive_v and_o obey_v it_o thus_o say_v the_o bless_a saviour_n of_o the_o world_n 12._o i_o be_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n he_o that_o follw_v i_o shall_v not_o abide_v in_o darkness_n but_o shall_v have_v the_o light_n of_o life_n now_o he_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n because_o he_o light_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o they_o that_o obey_v that_o light_n obey_v he_o and_o therefore_o have_v the_o light_n of_o life_n that_o be_v the_o light_n become_v eternal_a life_n to_o the_o soul_n that_o as_o it_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v the_o light_n in_o man_n so_o it_o become_v the_o life_n in_o man_n through_o his_o obedience_n to_o it_o as_o his_o heavenly_a light_n §_o 4._o furthermore_o this_o light_n be_v the_o very_a ground_n of_o the_o apostolical_a message_n as_o the_o belove_a disciple_n assure_v we_o this_o then_o be_v the_o message_n 7._o which_o we_o have_v hear_v of_o he_o and_o declare_v unto_o you_o that_o god_n be_v light_a and_o in_o he_o be_v no_o darkness_n at_o all_o if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o and_o walk_v in_o darkness_n we_o lie_v and_o do_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o if_o we_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n as_o he_o be_v in_o the_o light_n we_o have_v fellowship_n one_o with_o another_o and_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o sin_n which_o be_v so_o comprehensive_a of_o the_o virtue_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o light_n in_o reference_n to_o man_n that_o there_o be_v little_a need_n that_o more_o shall_v be_v say_v upon_o it_o for_o as_o much_o as_o first_o it_o reveal_v god_n and_o that_o god_n himself_o be_v light_n second_o it_o discover_v darkness_n from_o light_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o fellowship_n between_o they_o three_o that_o man_n ought_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n four_o that_o it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o obtain_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o sanctification_n from_o it_o five_o that_o it_o be_v the_o mean_n to_o have_v peace_n and_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o his_o people_n his_o true_a church_n redeem_v from_o the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n §_o 5._o some_o perhaps_o may_v object_n as_o indeed_o it_o have_v be_v more_o than_o once_o object_v upon_o we_o that_o this_o be_v another_o light_n not_o that_o light_n wherewith_o every_o man_n be_v enlighten_v but_o the_o same_o apostle_n in_o his_o evangelical_n history_n tell_v we_o that_o in_o the_o word_n be_v life_n and_o the_o life_n be_v the_o light_n of_o man_n and_o that_o that_o very_a light_n that_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o word_n be_v the_o true_a light_n which_o light_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n john_n 1._o 4_o 9_o where_o be_v there_o as_o plain_v a_o text_n to_o be_v find_v against_o the_o sufficiency_n as_o well_o as_o universality_n of_o the_o light_n within_o or_o a_o plain_a for_o any_o article_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o god_n have_v the_o belove_a disciple_n intend_v two_o light_n in_o his_o evangelical_n history_n and_o his_o epistle_n to_o be_v sure_a he_o will_v have_v note_v to_o we_o his_o distinction_n but_o we_o read_v of_o none_o and_o by_o the_o property_n ascribe_v in_o each_o write_n we_o have_v â—eason_n to_o conclude_v he_o mean_v the_o same_o §_o 6._o but_o if_o any_o shall_v yet_o object_n that_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o spiritual_a light_n and_o that_o we_o be_v but_o a_o natural_a one_o i_o shall_v desire_v they_o to_o do_v two_o thing_n one_a to_o prove_v that_o a_o natural_a light_n as_o they_o phrase_v it_o do_v manifest_a god_n other_o then_o as_o i_o have_v before_o explain_v and_o allow_v since_o whatever_o be_v part_n of_o man_n in_o his_o constitution_n but_o especial_o in_o his_o degeneracy_n from_o god_n be_v so_o far_o from_o yield_v he_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n that_o it_o can_v right_o reprove_v or_o discover_v that_o which_o offend_v he_o without_o the_o light_n we_o speak_v of_o and_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o what_o we_o call_v divine_a and_o some_o mistaken_o call_v natural_a light_n can_v
not_o occasion_v any_o misapprehension_n or_o confusion_n in_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o reader_n i_o will_v have_v he_o know_v that_o they_o always_o mean_v by_o those_o term_n or_o denomination_n not_o a_o other_o but_o the_o same_o principle_n before_o mention_v which_o as_o i_o say_v though_o it_o be_v in_o man_n be_v not_o of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n and_o therefore_o divine_a and_o one_o in_o itself_o though_o diverse_o express_v by_o the_o holy_a man_n according_a to_o the_o various_a manifestation_n and_o operation_n thereof_o §_o 4._o it_o be_v to_o this_o principle_n of_o light_n life_n and_o grace_n that_o this_o people_n refer_v all_o for_o they_o say_v it_o be_v the_o great_a agent_n in_o religion_n that_o without_o which_o there_o be_v no_o conviction_n so_o no_o conversion_n 5._o or_o regeneration_n and_o consequent_o no_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o say_v there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a sight_n of_o sin_n nor_o sorrow_n for_o it_o and_o therefore_o no_o forsake_v or_o overcome_v of_o it_o or_o remission_n or_o justification_n from_o it_o a_o necessary_a and_o powerful_a principle_n indeed_o when_o neither_o sanctification_n nor_o justification_n can_v be_v have_v without_o it_o in_o short_a there_o be_v no_o become_v virtuous_a holy_a and_o good_a without_o this_o principle_n no_o acceptance_n with_o god_n nor_o peace_n of_o soul_n but_o through_o it_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o the_o reason_n of_o so_o much_o irreligion_n among_o christian_n so_o much_o superstition_n instead_o of_o devotion_n and_o so_o much_o profession_n without_o enjoyment_n and_o so_o little_a heart-reformation_n be_v because_o people_n in_o religion_n overlook_a this_o principle_n and_o leave_v it_o behind_o they_o they_o will_v be_v religious_a without_o it_o and_o christian_n without_o it_o though_o this_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o make_v they_o so_o indeed_o so_o natural_a it_o be_v to_o man_n in_o his_o degenerate_a estate_n to_o prefer_v sacrifice_n before_o obedience_n and_o to_o make_v prayer_n go_v for_o practice_n and_o so_o flatter_v himself_o to_o hope_n by_o ceremonial_a and_o bodily_a service_n to_o excuse_v himself_o with_o god_n from_o the_o strict_a discipline_n of_o this_o principle_n in_o the_o soul_n which_o lead_v man_n to_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n deny_v self_n and_o do_v that_o which_o god_n require_v of_o he_o and_o that_o be_v every_o man_n true_a religion_n and_o every_o such_o man_n be_v true_o religious_a that_o be_v he_o be_v holy_a humble_a patient_n meek_n merciful_a just_a kind_a and_o charitable_a which_o they_o say_v no_o man_n can_v make_v himself_o but_o that_o this_o principle_n will_v make_v all_o they_o so_o that_o will_v embrace_v the_o conviction_n and_o teach_n of_o it_o be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o true_a religion_n in_o man_n and_o the_o good-seed_n from_o whence_o all_o good_a fruit_n proceed_v to_o sum_v up_o what_o they_o say_v upon_o the_o nature_n and_o virtue_n of_o it_o as_o content_n of_o that_o which_o follow_v they_o declare_v that_o this_o principle_n be_v first_o divine_a second_o universal_a three_o efficacious_a in_o that_o it_o give_v man._n first_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o himself_o and_o therein_o a_o sight_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o disobedience_n to_o it_o second_o it_o beget_v a_o true_a sense_n and_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n in_o those_o that_o serious_o regard_v the_o conviction_n of_o it_o three_o it_o enable_v they_o to_o forsake_v sin_n and_o sanctify_v from_o it_o four_o it_o apply_v god_n mercy_n in_o christ_n for_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v past_a unto_o justification_n upon_o such_o sincere_a repentance_n and_o obedience_n five_o it_o give_v the_o faithful_a perseverance_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n and_o the_o assurance_n of_o blessedness_n world_n without_o end_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o which_o they_o call_v in_o a_o threefold_a evidence_n first_o the_o scripture_n which_o give_v a_o ample_a witness_n especial_o those_o of_o the_o new_a and_o better_a testament_n second_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o in_o itself_o and_o last_o a_o general_n experience_n in_o great_a measure_n but_o particular_o their_o own_o make_v credible_a by_o the_o good_a fruit_n they_o have_v bring_v forth_o and_o the_o answer_n god_n have_v give_v to_o their_o ministry_n which_o to_o impartial_a observer_n have_v commend_v the_o principle_n and_o give_v i_o occasion_n to_o abstract_n their_o history_n in_o divers_a particular_n for_o a_o conclusion_n to_o this_o little_a treatise_n chap._n ii_o sect._n 1_o the_o evidence_n of_o scripture_n for_o that_o principle_n john_n 1._o 4_o 9_o sect._n 2._o it_o be_v divinity_n sect._n 3_o all_o thing_n create_v by_o it_o sect._n 4._o what_o it_o be_v to_o man_n as_o to_z salvation_n §_o 1._o i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o bless_a scripture_n of_o truth_n for_o this_o divine_a principle_n and_o that_o under_o the_o name_n of_o light_n the_o first_o and_o most_o common_a word_n use_v by_o they_o to_o express_v and_o denominate_v this_o principle_n by_o as_o well_o as_o most_o apt_a and_o proper_a in_o this_o dark_a state_n of_o the_o world_n john_n 1._o 1._o in_o the_o beginning_n be_v the_o word_n and_o the_o word_n be_v with_o god_n and_o the_o word_n be_v god_n ver._n 3._o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o ver._n 4._o in_o he_o be_v life_n and_o that_o life_n be_v the_o light_n of_o men._n ver._n 9_o that_o be_v the_o true_a light_n which_o light_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n §_o 2._o i_o have_v begin_v with_o he_o that_o begin_v his_o history_n with_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n the_o most_o belove_a disciple_n and_o long_a liver_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o he_o that_o for_o his_o excel_a knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n in_o heavenly_a thing_n be_v just_o entitle_v john_n the_o divine_a he_o tell_v we_o first_o what_o he_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n viz._n the_o word_n in_o the_o beginning_n be_v the_o word_n and_o though_o that_o show_v what_o the_o word_n must_v be_v yet_o he_o add_v and_o explain_v that_o the_o word_n be_v with_o god_n and_o be_v god_n lest_o any_o shall_v doubt_v of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o word_n or_o have_v low_a thought_n of_o he_o than_o he_o deserve_v the_o word_n then_o be_v divine_a and_o a_o apt_a term_n it_o be_v that_o the_o evangelist_n style_v he_o by_o since_o it_o be_v so_o great_a a_o expression_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n to_o men._n §_o 3._o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o if_o so_o he_o want_v no_o power_n and_o if_o we_o be_v make_v by_o he_o we_o must_v be_v new_o make_v by_o he_o too_o or_o we_o can_v never_o enjoy_v god_n his_o power_n show_v his_o dignity_n and_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v too_o hard_a for_o such_o a_o sufficiency_n as_o make_v all_o thing_n and_o without_o which_o nothing_o be_v make_v that_o be_v make_v as_o man_n maker_n must_v be_v his_o husband_n so_o his_o creator_n must_v be_v his_o redeemer_n also_o §_o 4._o in_o he_o be_v life_n and_o the_o life_n be_v the_o light_n of_o men._n this_o be_v ouâ—_n point_n the_o evangelist_n first_o begin_v with_o the_o nature_n and_o be_v of_o the_o word_n from_o thence_o he_o descend_v to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o word_n and_o last_o than_o he_o tell_v we_o what_o the_o word_n be_v with_o respect_n to_o man_n above_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o creation_n viz._n the_o word_n be_v life_n and_o the_o life_n be_v the_o light_n of_o men._n the_o relation_n must_v be_v very_o near_a and_o intimate_v when_o the_o very_a life_n of_o the_o word_n that_o be_v with_o god_n and_o be_v god_n be_v the_o light_n of_o man_n as_o if_o man_n be_v next_o to_o the_o word_n and_o above_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o work_n for_o it_o be_v not_o say_v so_o of_o any_o other_o creature_n man_n can_v want_v light_a then_o no_o not_o a_o divine_a light_n for_o if_o this_o be_v not_o divine_a that_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o divine_a word_n there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n at_o all_o as_o divine_a or_o supernatural_a light_n and_o life_n and_o the_o text_n do_v not_o only_o prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o light_n but_o the_o universality_n of_o it_o also_o because_o the_o man_n mention_v in_o it_o be_v mankind_n which_o be_v yet_o more_o distinct_o express_v in_o the_o 9th_o verse_n that_o be_v the_o true_a light_n which_o light_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n imply_v that_o he_o that_o light_v not_o mankind_n be_v not_o that_o true_a light_n and_o therefore_o john_n be_v not_o that_o light_n but_o bear_v witness_n of_o he_o that_o be_v who_o light_v every_o man_n to_o wit_n the_o word_n that_o take_v flesh_n so_o that_o both_o
compare_v with_o those_o of_o the_o light_n sect._n 3_o the_o light_n and_o grace_n flow_v from_o the_o same_o principle_n prove_v by_o their_o agree_a property_n sect._n 4._o a_o objection_n answer_v sect._n 5._o difference_n in_o manifestation_n or_o operation_n especial_o in_o gospel-time_n but_o not_o in_o principle_n illustrated_n obj._n but_o some_o may_v say_v we_o can_v willing_o allow_v to_o the_o spirit_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o peculiar_a blessing_n of_o the_o new_a and_o second_a covenant_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n all_o that_o which_o you_o ascribe_v to_o the_o light_n within_o but_o except_o it_o appear_v to_o we_o that_o this_o light_n be_v the_o same_o in_o nature_n with_o the_o spirit_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o can_v easy_o bring_v ourselves_o to_o believe_v what_o you_o say_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o light_n within_o answ_n this_o objection_n at_o first_o look_v seem_v to_o carry_v weight_n with_o it_o but_o upon_o a_o just_a and_o serious_a review_n it_o will_v appear_v to_o have_v more_o word_n than_o matter_n show_v than_o substance_n yet_o because_o it_o give_v occasion_n to_o solve_v scruple_n that_o may_v be_v fling_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o simple_a i_o shall_v attend_v it_o throughout_o i_o say_v then_o if_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o property_n be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o light_n within_o be_v the_o same_o with_o those_o that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o that_o those_o several_a term_n or_o epithytes_n be_v only_o to_o express_v the_o divers_a manifestation_n or_o operation_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o principle_n than_o it_o will_v not_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o this_o light_n within_o be_v divine_a and_o efficacious_a as_o we_o have_v assert_v it_o now_o that_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o spirit_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o tend_v to_o the_o same_o end_n which_o be_v to_o bring_v people_n to_o god_n let_v the_o property_n of_o the_o light_n be_v compare_v with_o those_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n i_o say_v they_o be_v the_o same_o in_o that_o first_o the_o light_n proceed_v from_o the_o one_o word_n and_o one_o life_n of_o that_o one_o word_n 4._o which_o be_v with_o god_n and_o be_v god_n 9_o second_o it_o be_v universal_a it_o light_v every_o man._n three_o it_o give_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o fellowship_n with_o he_o rom._n 1._o 19_o john_n 3._o 21._o 1_o john_n 1._o 5_o 6._o four_o it_o manifest_v and_o reprove_v evil_a john_n 3._o 20._o eph._n 5._o 13._o five_o it_o be_v make_v the_o rule_n and_o guide_n of_o christian_a walk_v psalm_n 43._o 3._o john_n 8._o 12._o eph._n 5._o 13_o 15._o six_o it_o be_v the_o path_n for_o god_n people_n to_o go_v in_o psalm_n 119._o 105._o prov._n 4._o 18._o isa_n 2._o 5._o 1_o john_n 1._o 7._o rev._n 24._o 23._o and_o the_o nation_n of_o they_o that_o be_v save_v shall_v walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o lamb._n last_o it_o be_v the_o armour_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n against_o satan_n psalm_n 27._o 1._o the_o lord_n be_v my_o light_n who_o shall_v i_o fear_v rom._n 13._o 12._o let_v we_o put_v on_o the_o armour_n of_o light_n §_o 2._o now_o let_v all_o this_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o property_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o their_o agreement_n will_v be_v very_o manifest_a first_o it_o proceed_v from_o god_n because_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n rom._n 6._o 11._o second_o it_o be_v universal_a it_o strive_v with_o the_o old_a world_n gen._n 6._o 3._o then_o to_o be_v sure_a with_o the_o new_a one_o every_o one_o have_v a_o measure_n of_o it_o give_v to_o profit_n withal_o 1_o cor._n 12._o 7._o three_o it_o reveal_v god_n job_n 32._o 8._o 1_o cor._n 2._o 10_o 11._o four_o it_o reprove_v sin_n john_n 16._o 8._o five_o it_o be_v a_o rule_n and_o guide_n for_o the_o childten_v of_o god_n to_o walk_v by_o rom._n 8._o 14._o six_o it_o be_v also_o the_o path_n they_o be_v to_o walk_v in_o rom._n 8._o 1._o gal._n 5._o 15._o walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n last_o this_o be_v not_o all_o it_o be_v likewise_o the_o spiritual_a weapon_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a eph._n 6._o 17._o take_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n after_o this_o i_o hope_v none_o will_v deny_v that_o this_o light_n and_o this_o spirit_n must_v be_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o nature_n that_o work_n one_o and_o the_o same_o effect_n and_o tend_v evident_o to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o holy_a end_n §_o 3._o and_o what_o be_v say_v of_o the_o light_n and_o spirit_n may_v also_o very_o well_o be_v say_v of_o the_o light_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o that_o first_o the_o grace_n flow_v from_o christ_n the_o word_n that_o take_v flesh_n as_o well_o as_o the_o light_n 16._o for_o as_o in_o he_o be_v life_n and_o that_o life_n the_o light_n of_o man_n so_o he_o be_v full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n and_o of_o his_o fullness_n have_v all_o we_o receive_v and_o grace_n for_o grace_n second_o it_o be_v universal_a both_o from_o this_o text_n and_o what_o the_o apostle_n to_o titus_n teach_v 12._o for_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v to_o all_o men._n three_o it_o manifest_v evil_a for_o if_o it_o teach_v to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n it_o must_v needs_o detect_v they_o and_o so_o say_v the_o text._n four_o it_o reveal_v godliness_n and_o consequent_o it_o must_v manifest_v god_n five_o it_o be_v a_o instructor_n and_o guide_n for_o say_v the_o apostle_n it_o teach_v to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o herein_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o life_n tit._n 2._o 11_o 12._o six_o it_o be_v to_o all_o that_o receive_v it_o all_o that_o they_o can_v need_v or_o desire_n 2_o cor._n 12._o 9_o my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o a_o high_a testimony_n from_o heaven_n to_o the_o power_n of_o this_o teach_v and_o save_v grace_n under_o the_o strong_a temptation_n §_o 4._o obj._n but_o there_o be_v little_a mention_n make_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o none_o of_o the_o grace_n before_o christ_n come_n and_o therefore_o the_o spirit_n as_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o especial_o the_o grace_n must_v be_v another_o and_o a_o noble_a thing_n than_o the_o light_n within_o ans_fw-fr by_o no_o mean_n another_o thing_n but_o another_o name_n from_o another_o manifestation_n or_o operation_n of_o the_o same_o principle_n it_o be_v call_v light_n from_o the_o distinction_n and_o discern_v it_o give_v let_v there_o be_v light_n and_o there_o be_v light_a say_v god_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o old_a world_n so_o there_o be_v first_o light_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o new_a creation_n of_o god_n in_o man._n it_o be_v call_v spirit_n because_o it_o give_v life_n sense_n motion_n and_o vigour_n and_o it_o be_v as_o often_o mention_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a as_o new_a testament_n which_o every_o reader_n may_v see_v if_o he_o will_v but_o please_v to_o look_v into_o his_o scripture_n concordance_n thus_o god_n spirit_n strive_v with_o the_o old_a world_n gen._n 6._o 3._o and_o with_o israel_n in_o the_o wilderness_n neh._n 9_o 30._o and_o david_n ask_v in_o the_o agony_n of_o his_o soul_n whither_o shall_v i_o go_v from_o thy_o spirit_n psalm_n 139._o 7._o and_o the_o prophet_n often_o feel_v it_o it_o be_v style_v grace_n not_o from_o its_o be_v another_o principle_n but_o because_o it_o be_v a_o full_a dispensation_n of_o the_o virtue_n and_o power_n of_o the_o same_o divine_a principle_n and_o that_o be_v pure_o god_n favour_n and_o mercy_n and_o not_o man_n merit_n be_v apt_o and_o deserve_o call_v the_o grace_n favour_n or_o goodwill_n of_o god_n to_o undeserving_a man._n the_o wind_n do_v not_o always_o blow_v fresh_a nor_o heaven_n send_v down_o its_o rain_n free_o nor_o the_o sun_n shine_v forth_o clear_o shall_v we_o therefore_o say_v it_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o wind_n rain_n or_o light_n when_o it_o blow_v rains_n or_o shine_v but_o a_o little_a as_o when_o it_o blow_v rains_n or_o shine_v much_o it_o be_v certain_o the_o same_o in_o nature_n and_o kind_a and_o so_o be_v this_o bless_a principle_n under_o all_o its_o several_a dispensation_n manifestation_n and_o operation_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o man_n soul_n ever_o since_o thâ—_n world_n begin_v §_o 5._o but_o this_o be_v most_o free_o humble_o and_o thankful_o acknowledge_v by_o we_o that_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o clear_a
can_v subsist_v without_o it_o which_o make_v david_n break_v forth_o in_o his_o expostulation_n with_o god_n whither_o shall_v i_o go_v from_o thy_o spirit_n or_o whither_o shall_v i_o flee_v from_o thy_o presence_n psalm_n 139._o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o imply_v it_o be_v every_o where_o though_o not_o every_o where_o nor_o at_o every_o time_n alike_o if_o i_o go_v to_o heaven_n to_o hell_n or_o beyond_o the_o sea_n even_o there_o shall_v thy_o hand_n lead_v i_o and_o thy_o right_a hand_n shall_v hold_v i_o that_o be_v there_o will_v this_o divine_a word_n this_o light_n of_o man_n this_o spirit_n of_o god_n find_v i_o lead_v i_o help_v i_o and_o comfort_v i_o for_o it_o be_v with_o i_o where_o ever_o i_o be_o and_o where_o ever_o i_o go_v in_o one_o respect_n or_o other_o prov._n 6._o 22._o when_o thou_o go_v it_o shall_v lead_v thou_o when_o thou_o sleep_v it_o shall_v keep_v thou_o and_o when_o thou_o awake_v it_o shall_v talk_v with_o thou_o and_o i_o can_v no_o more_o get_v rid_v of_o it_o if_o i_o will_v then_o of_o myself_o or_o my_o own_o nature_n so_o present_v it_o be_v with_o i_o and_o so_o close_o it_o stick_v unto_o i_o isa_n 43._o 2._o when_o thou_o pass_v through_o the_o water_n i_o will_v be_v with_o thou_o and_o through_o the_o river_n they_o shall_v not_o overflow_v thou_o when_o thou_o walk_v through_o the_o fire_n thou_o shall_v not_o be_v burn_v neither_o shall_v the_o flame_n kindle_v upon_o thou_o david_n know_v it_o and_o therefore_o have_v a_o great_a value_n for_o it_o in_o thy_o light_n shall_v we_o see_v light_n or_o we_o shall_v be_v enlighten_v by_o thy_o light_n thou_o will_v light_v my_o candle_n 9_o the_o lord_n my_o god_n 28._o will_v lighten_v my_o darkness_n again_o the_o lord_n be_v my_o light_n 1._o who_o shall_v i_o fear_v it_o be_v his_o armour_n against_o all_o danger_n it_o take_v fear_n away_o from_o he_o and_o he_o be_v undaunted_a because_o he_o be_v safe_a in_o the_o way_n of_o it_o of_o the_o same_o bless_a word_n he_o say_v elsewhere_o it_o be_v a_o lamp_n unto_o my_o foot_n and_o a_o lantern_n to_o my_o path_n in_o short_a a_o light_n to_o he_o in_o his_o way_n to_o blessedness_n §_o 3._o obj._n but_o if_o the_o jew_n have_v this_o light_n it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o the_o gentile_n have_v it_o also_o but_o by_o your_o doctrine_n all_o have_v it_o answ_n yes_o and_o it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o this_o doctrine_n which_o we_o profess_v that_o god_n love_n be_v therein_o hold_v forth_o to_o all._n and_o beside_o the_o text_n cite_v in_o general_a and_o that_o be_v as_o full_a and_o positive_a as_o can_v be_v express_v the_o apostle_n be_v very_o particular_a in_o the_o second_o chapter_n of_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n that_o the_o gentile_n have_v not_o the_o law_n do_v by_o nature_n the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n 17._o and_o be_v a_o law_n unto_o themselves_o that_o be_v they_o have_v not_o a_o outward_a law_n circumstance_v as_o the_o jew_n have_v but_o they_o have_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o therefore_o may_v well_o be_v a_o law_n to_o themselves_o that_o have_v the_o law_n in_o themselves_o and_o so_o have_v the_o jew_n too_o but_o then_o they_o have_v great_a outward_a help_n to_o quicken_v their_o obedience_n to_o it_o such_o as_o god_n afford_v not_o unto_o any_o other_o nation_n and_o therefore_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gentile_n or_o uncircumcision_n be_v say_v to_o be_v by_o nature_n or_o natural_o because_o it_o be_v without_o those_o additional_a external_n and_o extraordinary_a ministry_n and_o help_n which_o the_o jew_n have_v to_o provoke_v they_o to_o their_o duty_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o lessen_v the_o obedient_a gentile_n that_o it_o exalt_v they_o in_o the_o apostle_n judgement_n because_o though_o they_o have_v less_o advantage_n than_o the_o jew_n yet_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n be_v make_v so_o much_o the_o more_o evident_a by_o the_o good_a life_n they_o live_v in_o the_o world_n he_o add_v their_o conscience_n bear_v witness_n or_o as_o it_o may_v be_v render_v witness_v with_o they_o and_o their_o thought_n mean_a while_n accuse_v or_o else_o excuse_v one_o another_o in_o the_o day_n when_o god_n shall_v judge_v the_o secret_n of_o all_o heart_n by_o jesus_n christ_n according_a to_o my_o gospel_n which_o present_v we_o with_o four_o thing_n to_o our_o point_n and_o worth_a our_o serious_a reflection_n first_o that_o the_o gentile_n have_v the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n second_o that_o their_o conscience_n be_v a_o allow_a witness_n or_o evidence_n about_o duty_n three_o that_o the_o judgement_n make_v thereby_o shall_v be_v confirm_v by_o the_o apostle_n gospel_n at_o the_o great_a day_n and_o therefore_o valid_a and_o irreversible_a four_o that_o this_o can_v not_o be_v if_o the_o light_n of_o this_o conscience_n be_v not_o a_o divine_a and_o sufficient_a light_n for_o conscience_n true_o speak_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o sense_n a_o man_n have_v or_o judgement_n he_o make_v of_o his_o duty_n to_o god_n according_a to_o the_o understanding_n god_n give_v he_o of_o his_o will._n and_o that_o no_o ill_a but_o a_o true_a and_o scriptural_a use_n may_v be_v make_v of_o this_o word_n conscience_n i_o limit_v it_o to_o duty_n and_o that_o to_o a_o virtuous_a and_o holy_a life_n as_o the_o apostle_n evident_o do_v about_o which_o we_o can_v miss_v or_o dispute_v read_v verse_n 7_o 8_o and_o 9_o it_o be_v to_o that_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n desire_v to_o be_v make_v manifest_a for_o they_o dare_v to_o stand_v the_o judgement_n of_o conscience_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o doctrine_n they_o preach_v and_o press_v upon_o men._n the_o belove_a disciple_n also_o make_v it_o a_o judge_n of_o man_n present_a and_o future_a state_n under_o the_o term_n heart_n for_o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o god_n be_v great_a than_o our_o heart_n 22_o and_o know_v all_o thing_n belove_a if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n plain_n and_o strong_a word_n and_o what_o be_v they_o about_o but_o whether_o we_o love_v god_n in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o how_o must_v that_o appear_v why_o in_o keep_v his_o commandment_n which_o be_v live_v up_o to_o what_o we_o know_v and_o if_o any_o desire_n to_o satisfy_v themselves_o far_a of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o gentile_n let_v they_o read_v plato_n seneca_n plutarch_n epictetus_n marcus_n aurelius_n antoninus_n and_o the_o like_a gentile_a writer_n they_o will_v also_o find_v many_o of_o their_o say_n collect_v in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o a_o book_n call_v the_o christian_a quaker_n and_o compare_v with_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n not_o for_o their_o authority_n but_o agreeableness_n in_o they_o they_o may_v discern_v many_o excellent_a truth_n and_o taste_v great_a love_n and_o devotion_n to_o virtue_n a_o fruit_n that_o grow_v upon_o no_o tree_n but_o that_o of_o life_n in_o no_o age_n or_o nation_n some_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a writer_n of_o the_o first_o age_n such_o as_o justin_n martyr_n origen_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n etc._n etc._n bear_v they_o great_a respect_n and_o think_v it_o no_o lessen_v to_o the_o reputation_n of_o christianity_n that_o it_o be_v defend_v in_o many_o gentile_a author_n as_o well_o as_o that_o they_o use_v and_o urge_v they_o to_o engage_v their_o follower_n to_o the_o faith_n as_o paul_n do_v the_o athenian_n with_o their_o own_o poet_n chap._n vii_o sect._n 1_o a_o objection_n answer_v about_o the_o various_a dispensation_n of_o god_n the_o principle_n the_o same_o sect._n 2._o god_n work_n of_o a_o piece_n and_o truth_n the_o same_o under_o divers_a shape_v sect._n 3_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o prevalency_n of_o idolatry_n sect._n 4._o the_o quaker_n testimony_n the_o best_a antidote_n against_o it_o viz._n walk_v by_o a_o divine_a principle_n in_o man._n sect._n 5._o it_o be_v god_n end_n in_o all_o his_o manifestation_n that_o man_n may_v be_v god_n image_n and_o delight_n §_o 1._o obj._n but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v if_o it_o be_v one_o principle_n why_o so_o many_o mode_n and_o shape_v of_o religion_n since_o the_o world_n begin_v for_o the_o patriarchal_a moysaicall_a and_o christian_n have_v their_o great_a difference_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o what_o have_v befall_v the_o christian_a since_o the_o publication_n of_o it_o to_o the_o world_n answ_n i_o know_v not_o proper_o they_o may_v be_v call_v divers_a religion_n that_o assert_v the_o true_a god_n for_o the_o object_n of_o worship_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o only_a saviour_n and_o the_o light_n or_o spirit_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o
do_v both_o two_o if_o this_o light_n be_v natural_a notwithstanding_o it_o do_v manifest_v our_o duty_n and_o reprove_v our_o disobedience_n to_o god_n they_o will_v do_v well_o to_o assign_v we_o some_o certain_a medium_fw-la or_o way_n whereby_o we_o may_v true_o discern_v and_o distinguish_v between_o the_o manifestation_n and_o reproof_n of_o the_o natural_a light_n within_o from_o those_o of_o the_o divine_a light_n within_o since_o they_o allow_v the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n and_o reproof_n of_o evil_a as_o well_o to_o the_o one_o as_o to_o the_o other_o let_v they_o give_v we_o but_o one_o scripture_n that_o distinguish_v between_o a_o natural_a and_o a_o spiritual_a light_n within_o they_o may_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n talk_v of_o a_o natural_a and_o spiritual_a darkness_n within_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v a_o natural_a proper_a darkness_n to_o wit_n the_o night_n of_o the_o outward_a world_n and_o there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a darkness_n viz._n the_o cloud_a and_o benight_a understand_n of_o man_n through_o disobedience_n to_o the_o light_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o let_v they_o assign_v we_o a_o three_o if_o they_o can_v people_z use_v indeed_o to_o say_v improper_o of_o blind_a man_n they_o be_v dark_a we_o may_v call_v a_o natural_a or_o idiot_n so_o if_o we_o will_v but_o where_o be_v there_o another_o darkness_n of_o the_o understanding_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n if_o they_o can_v i_o say_v find_v that_o in_o and_o about_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n they_o do_v something_o christ_n distinguish_v not_o between_o darkness_n and_o darkness_n or_o light_n and_o light_n in_o any_o such_o sense_n nor_o do_v any_o of_o his_o disciple_n yet_o both_o have_v frequent_o speak_v of_o darkness_n and_o light_n what_o difference_n pray_v do_v the_o scripture_n put_v between_o spiritual_a darkness_n and_o darkness_n mention_v in_o these_o place_n luke_n 1._o 7_o 9_o mat._n 4._o 16._o john_n 1._o 5._o john_n 3._o 19_o john_n 8._o 12_o 31_o 46._o 1_o thess_n 5._o 4._o 1_o john_n 1._o 6._o acts._n 26._o 18._o rom._n 13._o 12._o 2_o cor._n 6._o 14_o 22._o eph._n 5._o 8._o col._n 1._o 13._o upon_o the_o strict_a comparison_n of_o they_o i_o find_v none_o it_o be_v all_o one_o spiritual_a darkness_n neither_o be_v there_o so_o much_o as_o one_o scripture_n that_o afford_v we_o a_o distinction_n between_o light_n within_o and_o light_z within_z or_o that_o there_o be_v real_o two_o light_n from_o god_n in_o man_n that_o regard_n religion_n peruse_v mat._n 4._o 16._o luke_n 2._o 32._o chap._n 15._o 8._o john_n 1._o 4_o 5_o 7_o 8_o 9_o chap._n 3._o 19_o 20_o 21._o chap._n 8._o 12._o act_n 26._o 18._o rom._n 13._o 12._o 2_o cor._n 4._o 6._o chap._n 6._o 14._o eph._n 5._o 8_o 13._o col._n 1._o 12._o 1_o thess_n 5._o 5._o 1_o tim._n 6._o 16._o 1_o pet._n 2._o 9_o 1_o john_n 1._o 5_o 7._o chap._n 2._o 8._o rev._n 21._o 23_o 24._o chap._n 22._o 5._o and_o we_o believe_v the_o great_a opposer_n to_o our_o assertion_n will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o sever_v light_n from_o light_n or_o find_v out_o two_o light_n within_o in_o the_o passage_n here_o mention_v or_o any_o other_o to_o direct_v man_n in_o his_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o his_o neighbour_n and_o if_o he_o can_v pray_v let_v he_o forbear_v his_o mean_a thought_n and_o word_n of_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o man_n as_o man_n guide_n in_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o man._n for_o as_o he_o must_v yield_v to_o we_o that_o the_o light_n manifest_v evil_a and_o reprove_v for_o it_o so_o do_v christ_n himself_o teach_v we_o of_o the_o light_n john_n 3._o 20._o for_o every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n neither_o come_v unto_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n plain_o say_v eph._n 5._o 13._o but_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v reprove_v be_v make_v manifest_a by_o the_o light_n therefore_o there_o be_v not_o two_o distinct_a light_n within_o but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o manifest_v reprove_v and_o teach_v light_n within_o and_o this_o the_o apostle_n john_n in_o his_o first_o epistle_n make_v plain_a beyond_o all_o exception_n to_o all_o considerate_a people_n first_o in_o that_o he_o call_v god_n light_n chap._n 1._o 5._o second_o in_o that_o he_o put_v no_o medium_fw-la or_o three_o thing_n between_o that_o light_n and_o darkness_n verse_n 6._o if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o and_o walk_v in_o darkness_n we_o lie_v etc._n etc._n intimate_v that_o man_n must_v walk_v either_o in_o light_n or_o darkness_n and_o not_o in_o a_o three_o or_o other_o state_n or_o region_n i_o be_o sure_a that_o which_o manifest_v and_o reprove_v darkness_n can_v be_v darkness_n this_o all_o man_n must_v confess_v §_o 7._o and_o as_o if_o the_o apostle_n john_n will_v have_v anticipate_v their_o objection_n viz._n it_o be_v true_a your_o light_n within_o reprove_v for_o evil_a but_o it_o be_v not_o therefore_o the_o divine_a light_n which_o lead_v into_o high_a thing_n and_o which_o come_v by_o the_o gospel_n he_o thus_o express_v himself_o 1_o john_n ch._n 2._o 8_o 9_o the_o darkness_n be_v and_o the_o true_a light_n now_o shine_v he_o that_o say_v he_o be_v in_o the_o light_n and_o hate_v his_o brother_n be_v in_o darkness_n even_o until_o now_o which_o be_v not_o another_o light_n than_o that_o mention_v before_o chap._n 1._o for_o as_o light_n be_v put_v there_o in_o opposition_n to_o darkness_n so_o light_v here_o be_v put_v in_o opposition_n to_o darkness_n and_o as_o the_o darkness_n be_v the_o same_o so_o must_v the_o light_n be_v the_o same_o wherefore_o we_o may_v plain_o see_v that_o it_o be_v not_o another_o light_n then_o that_o which_o reprove_v a_o man_n for_o hate_v his_o brother_n which_o bring_v a_o man_n into_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o to_o the_o blood_n of_o cleanse_v as_o the_o next_o verse_n speak_v therefore_o that_o light_n which_o reprove_v a_o man_n for_o hate_v his_o brother_n be_v of_o a_o divine_a and_o efficacious_a nature_n in_o short_a that_o light_n which_o be_v opposite_a to_o and_o reprove_v spiritual_a darkness_n in_o man_n and_o woman_n be_v a_o spiritual_a light_n but_o such_o a_o light_n be_v that_o which_o we_o confess_v testify_v to_o and_o maintain_v therefore_o it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a light_n it_o be_v also_o worth_a our_o notice_n that_o the_o apostle_n use_v the_o same_o manner_n of_o expression_n here_o chap._n 2._o 8._o the_o true_a light_n shine_v that_o he_o do_v in_o his_o evangelical_n history_n chap._n 1._o 9_o that_o be_v the_o true_a light_n intimate_v the_o same_o divine_a word_n or_o true_a light_n now_o shine_v and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o same_o true_a light_n in_o his_o account_n that_o reprove_v such_o as_o hate_v their_o brethren_n consequently_n that_o light_n that_o so_o reprove_v they_o be_v the_o true_a light_n and_o strange_a it_o be_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n but_o especial_o his_o belove_a one_o shall_v so_o often_o make_v that_o very_a light_n which_o stoop_v to_o the_o low_a step_n of_o immorality_n and_o to_o the_o reproof_n of_o the_o gross_a evil_n to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o same_o divine_a light_n in_o a_o far_a degree_n of_o manifestation_n which_o bring_v such_o as_o follow_v it_o to_o the_o light_n of_o life_n to_o the_o blood_n of_o cleanse_v and_o to_o have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o one_o with_o another_o nay_o not_o only_o so_o but_o the_o apostle_n make_v a_o man_n be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n to_o depend_v upon_o his_o answer_v of_o this_o light_n in_o a_o palpable_a and_o common_a case_n viz._n not_o hate_v of_o his_o brother_n and_o that_o yet_o any_o shall_v shut_v their_o eye_n so_o fast_o against_o behold_v the_o virtue_n of_o it_o as_o to_o conclude_v it_o a_o natural_a and_o insufficient_a light_n be_v both_o vnscriptural_a and_o unreasonable_a shall_v we_o slight_v it_o because_o we_o come_v so_o easy_o by_o it_o and_o it_o be_v so_o familiar_a and_o domestic_a to_o we_o or_o make_v its_o be_v so_o common_a a_o argument_n to_o undervalue_v so_o inestimable_a a_o mercy_n what_o be_v more_o common_a than_o light_n and_o air_n and_o water_n and_o shall_v we_o therefore_o contemn_v they_o or_o prize_v they_o prize_v they_o certain_o as_o what_o we_o can_v live_v nor_o live_v comfortable_o without_o the_o more_o general_a the_o mercy_n be_v the_o great_a and_o therefore_o the_o great_a obligation_n upon_o man_n to_o live_v humble_o and_o thankful_o for_o it_o and_o to_o those_o alone_a that_o do_v so_o be_v its_o divine_a secret_n reveal_v chap._n v._n sect._n 1_o the_o light_n the_o same_o with_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v of_o god_n prove_v by_o its_o property_n sect._n 2._o the_o property_n of_o the_o spirit_n
gift_v by_o god_n teach_v and_o influence_v by_o his_o heavenly_a spirit_n that_o can_v be_v qualify_v for_o so_o great_a so_o inward_a and_o so_o spiritual_a a_o work_n §_o 4._o minister_n of_o christ_n be_v his_o witness_n and_o the_o credit_n of_o a_o witness_n be_v that_o he_o have_v hear_v see_v or_o handle_v and_o thus_o the_o belove_a disciple_n state_n the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o their_o mission_n and_o ministry_n 1_o john_n 1._o 1_o 3._o that_o which_o we_o have_v hear_v which_o we_o have_v see_v with_o our_o eye_n which_o we_o have_v look_v upon_o and_o our_o hand_n have_v handle_v that_o declare_v we_o unto_o you_o that_o your_o fellowship_n may_v be_v with_o we_o and_o true_o our_o fellowship_n be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n i_o say_v if_o christ_n minister_n be_v his_o witness_n they_o must_v know_v what_o they_o speak_v that_o be_v they_o must_v have_v experience_v and_o past_a through_o those_o state_n and_o condition_n they_o preach_v of_o and_o practical_o know_v those_o truth_n they_o declare_v of_o to_o the_o people_n or_o they_o come_v not_o in_o by_o the_o door_n but_o over_o the_o wall_n and_o be_v thief_n and_o robber_n he_o that_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n come_v in_o at_o the_o door_n christ_n jesus_n and_o have_v his_o admission_n and_o approbation_n from_o he_o anoint_v by_o he_o the_o alone_a high_a priest_n of_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n he_o it_o be_v that_o breath_n and_o lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o his_o own_o minister_n he_o anoint_v they_o and_o recruit_n their_o cruice_n and_o renew_v their_o horn_n with_o oil_n that_o they_o may_v have_v it_o fresh_a and_o fresh_a for_o every_o occasion_n and_o service_n he_o call_v they_o to_o and_o engage_v they_o in_o §_o 5._o nor_o be_v this_o all_o but_o as_o they_o receive_v free_o free_o they_o give_v they_o do_v not_o teach_v for_o hire_n divine_a for_o money_n nor_o preach_v for_o gift_n or_o reward_n it_o be_v christ_n holy_a command_n to_o his_o minister_n to_o give_v free_o and_o it_o be_v our_o practice_n and_o true_o we_o can_v but_o admire_v that_o this_o shall_v be_v make_v a_o fault_n and_o that_o preach_v for_o hire_n shall_v not_o be_v see_v to_o be_v one_o yea_o a_o mark_n of_o false_a prophet_n when_o it_o have_v be_v so_o frequent_o and_o severe_o cry_v out_o upon_o by_o the_o true_a prophet_n of_o god_n in_o former_a time_n i_o will_v not_o be_v uncharitable_a but_o the_o guilty_a be_v desire_v to_o call_v to_o mind_n who_o it_o be_v that_o offer_a money_n to_o be_v make_v a_o minister_n and_o what_o it_o be_v for_o if_o not_o to_o get_v money_n and_o make_v a_o trade_n or_o livelihood_n by_o it_o and_o what_o answer_n he_o meet_v with_o from_o the_o apostle_n peter_n act_v 8._o 18_o 19_o 20._o the_o lord_n touch_v the_o heart_n of_o those_o that_o be_v give_v money_n to_o be_v make_v minister_n in_o order_n to_o live_v by_o their_o preach_v that_o they_o may_v see_v what_o ground_n it_o be_v they_o build_v upon_o and_o repent_v and_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n that_o they_o may_v find_v mercy_n and_o become_v live_a witness_n of_o his_o power_n and_o goodness_n in_o their_o own_o soul_n so_o may_v they_o be_v enable_v to_o tell_v other_o what_o god_n have_v do_v for_o they_o which_o be_v the_o root_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o true_a ministry_n and_o this_o ministry_n it_o be_v that_o god_n do_v bless_n i_o can_v say_v much_o on_o this_o subject_a but_o let_v what_o have_v be_v say_v suffice_v at_o this_o time_n only_o i_o can_v but_o observe_v that_o where_o any_o religion_n have_v a_o strong_a temptation_n of_o gain_n to_o induce_v man_n to_o be_v minister_n there_o be_v great_a danger_n of_o their_o run_a fast_a to_o that_o call_v than_o become_v a_o true_a gospel-minister_n §_o 1._o object_n but_o do_v not_o this_o sort_n of_o ministry_n and_o worship_n tend_v to_o make_v people_n careless_a and_o spiritual_a pride_n in_o other_o may_v it_o not_o give_v a_o occasion_n to_o great_a mischief_n and_o irreligion_n answ_n by_o no_o mean_n for_o when_o people_n be_v of_o age_n they_o of_o right_a expect_v their_o inheritance_n and_o the_o end_n of_o all_o word_n be_v to_o bring_v people_n to_o the_o great_a word_n and_o then_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v accomplish_v they_o shall_v be_v all_o teach_v of_o i_o 14._o from_o the_o least_o to_o the_o great_a and_o in_o righteousness_n pray_v mark_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v establish_v and_o great_a shall_v be_v their_o peace_n to_o this_o of_o the_o evangelical_n prophet_n the_o belove_a disciple_n agree_v and_o which_o be_v a_o full_a answer_n to_o the_o objection_n these_o thing_n have_v i_o write_v unto_o you_o concern_v they_o that_o seduce_v you_o 27._o but_o the_o anoint_v which_o you_o have_v receive_v of_o he_o abide_v in_o you_o and_o you_o need_v not_o that_o any_o man_n teach_v you_o but_o as_o the_o same_o anoint_v teach_v you_o of_o all_o thing_n and_o be_v truth_n and_o be_v no_o lie_n and_o even_o as_o it_o have_v teach_v you_o you_o shall_v abide_v in_o he_o in_o which_o three_o thing_n be_v observable_a one_a that_o he_o write_v his_o epistle_n upon_o a_o extraordinary_a occasion_n viz._n to_o prevent_v their_o delusion_n 2_o that_o he_o assert_v a_o near_o and_o superior_a minister_n than_o himself_o viz._n the_o anoint_v or_o grace_n they_o have_v receive_v and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o that_o particular_a exigency_n but_o in_o all_o case_n that_o may_v attend_v they_o three_o that_o if_o they_o do_v but_o take_v heed_n to_o the_o teach_n of_o it_o they_o will_v have_v no_o need_n of_o man_n direction_n or_o fear_v of_o his_o seducing_n at_o least_o of_o no_o ministry_n that_o come_v not_o from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o anoint_v though_o i_o rather_o take_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o high_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n 2_o thess_n 4._o 9_o thus_o also_o the_o apostle_n paul_n to_o the_o thessalonian_n but_o as_o touch_v brotherly_a love_n you_o need_v not_o that_o i_o write_v unto_o you_o for_o you_o yourselves_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n to_o love_v one_o another_o but_o help_n be_v useful_a and_o a_o great_a blessing_n if_o from_o god_n such_o be_v john_n the_o baptist_n but_o remember_v he_o point_v all_o to_o christ_n john_n 1._o 26._o lo_o the_o lamb_n of_o god_n i_o baptise_v you_o with_o water_n but_o he_o shall_v baptise_v you_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n mat._n 3._o 11._o and_o so_o the_o true_a ministry_n do_v and_o while_o people_n be_v sensual_a and_o under_o such_o a_o eclipse_n by_o the_o interposition_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n god_n be_v please_v to_o send_v forth_o his_o enlighten_v servant_n to_o awaken_v and_o turn_v they_o from_o the_o darkness_n to_o the_o light_n in_o themselves_o that_o through_o obedience_n to_o it_o they_o may_v come_v to_o be_v child_n of_o the_o light_n john_n 12._o 36_o and_o have_v their_o fellowship_n one_o with_o another_o in_o it_o and_o a_o inheritance_n at_o last_o with_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n for_o ever_o and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o way_n god_n have_v take_v to_o call_v and_o gather_v people_n so_o a_o live_n and_o holy_a ministry_n be_v of_o great_a advantage_n to_o watch_v over_o and_o build_v up_o the_o young_a and_o comfort_n and_o establish_v the_o feeble_a and_o simple_a one_o but_o still_o i_o say_v the_o more_o inward_a the_o less_o outward_a the_o more_o people_n come_v to_o be_v teach_v immediate_o of_o god_n by_o the_o light_n of_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n in_o their_o heart_n the_o less_o need_n of_o outward_a mean_n read_v isa_n 16._o 19_o 20._o which_o be_v hold_v by_o all_o to_o be_v a_o gospel_n promise_n and_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n there_o as_o general_a understand_v to_o mean_v the_o external_a mean_n in_o the_o church_n compare_v they_o with_o john_n 1._o 13._o rom._n 1._o 19_o 1_o cor._n 2._o 11_o 15._o 1_o thes_n 4._o 9_o 1_o john_n 2._o 20_o 27._o rev._n 21._o 22_o 23_o 24._o all_o which_o point_v at_o what_o we_o assert_v of_o the_o sufficiency_n and_o glorious_a privilege_n of_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a teach_n and_o most_o certain_o as_o man_n grow_v in_o grace_n and_o know_v the_o anoint_v of_o the_o word_n in_o themselves_o the_o dispensation_n will_v be_v less_o in_o word_n though_o in_o word_n and_o more_o in_o life_n and_o preach_v will_n in_o great_a measure_n be_v turn_v into_o praise_v and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n more_o into_o walk_v with_o than_o talk_v of_o god_n for_o that_o be_v worship_n indeed_o that_o bow_n to_o his_o will_n at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o place_n the_o true_a the_o high_a worship_n man_n be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o world_n and_o
it_o be_v that_o conformity_n that_o give_v communion_n and_o there_o be_v no_o fellowship_n with_o god_n no_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n to_o be_v enjoy_v no_o peace_n and_o assurance_n to_o be_v have_v further_o than_o there_o be_v obedience_n to_o his_o will_n and_o a_o faithfulness_n to_o his_o word_n according_a to_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o light_n thereof_o in_o the_o heart_n i_o say_v this_o be_v the_o true_a and_o high_a state_n of_o worship_n for_o set_a day_n and_o place_n with_o all_o the_o solemnity_n of_o they_o be_v most_o in_o request_n in_o the_o weak_a dispensation_n altar_n ark_n and_o temple_n sabbath_n and_o festival_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o every_o day_n be_v alike_o and_o every_o place_n be_v alike_o 20._o but_o if_o there_o be_v a_o dedication_n let_v it_o be_v to_o the_o lord_n thus_o the_o apostle_n but_o he_o plain_o show_v a_o state_n beyond_o it_o for_o to_o live_v with_o he_o be_v christ_n and_o to_o dye_n be_v gain_n for_o the_o life_n he_o live_v be_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o he_o that_o live_v but_o christ_n that_o live_v in_o he_o that_o be_v that_o rule_v conduct_v and_o bear_v sway_n in_o he_o which_o be_v the_o true_a christian_a life_n the_o supersensual_a life_n the_o life_n of_o conversion_n and_o regeneration_n to_o which_o all_o the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n and_o ministry_n of_o his_o servant_n have_v ever_o tend_v as_o the_o consummation_n of_o god_n work_n for_o man_n happiness_n here_o every_o man_n be_v a_o temple_n and_o every_o family_n a_o church_n and_o every_o place_n be_v a_o meetingplace_n and_o every_o visit_v a_o meeting_n and_o yet_o a_o little_a while_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o yet_o more_o and_o more_o and_o a_o people_n the_o lord_n be_v now_o prepare_v to_o enter_v into_o this_o sabbath_n or_o degree_n of_o rest_n not_o that_o we_o will_v be_v think_v to_o undervalue_v public_a and_o solemn_a meeting_n we_o have_v they_o all_o over_o the_o nation_n where_o the_o lord_n have_v call_v we_o yea_o though_o but_o two_o or_o three_o of_o we_o be_v in_o a_o corner_n of_o a_o county_n we_o meet_v as_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v the_o saint_n of_o his_o time_n and_o reprove_v such_o as_o neglect_v to_o assemble_v themselves_o but_o yet_o show_v we_o unto_o thou_o o_o reader_n a_o more_o excellent_a way_n of_o worship_n for_o many_o may_v come_v to_o those_o meeting_n and_o go_v away_o carnal_a dead_a and_o dry_v but_o the_o worshipper_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n who_o heart_n bow_v who_o mind_n adore_v the_o eternal_a god_n that_o be_v a_o spirit_n in_o and_o by_o his_o spirit_n such_o as_o conform_v to_o his_o will_n and_o walk_v with_o he_o in_o a_o spiritual_a life_n they_o be_v the_o true_a constant_n living_n and_o acceptable_a worshipper_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o meeting_n or_o out_o of_o meeting_n and_o as_o with_o such_o all_o outward_a assembly_n be_v great_o comfortable_a so_o also_o do_v we_o meet_v for_o a_o public_a testimony_n of_o religion_n and_o worship_n and_o for_o the_o edification_n and_o encouragement_n of_o those_o that_o be_v yet_o young_a in_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o call_v and_o gather_v other_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o who_o be_v yet_o go_v astray_o and_o bless_v be_v god_n it_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a since_o many_o be_v thereby_o add_v to_o the_o church_n that_o we_o hope_v and_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v chap._n xi_o sect._n 1_o against_o tithe_n sect._n 2._o against_o all_o swear_v sect._n 3_o against_o war_n among_o christian_n sect._n 4._o against_o salutation_n of_o the_o time_n sect._n 5._o and_o for_o plainness_n of_o speech_n sect._n 6._o against_o mix_a marriage_n sect._n 7._o and_o for_o plainness_n in_o apparel_n etc._n etc._n no_o sport_n and_o pastime_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o this_o world_n sect._n 8._o of_o observe_v day_n sect._n 9_o of_o care_n of_o poor_a peace_n and_o conversation_n §_o 1._o and_o as_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o call_v we_o from_o a_o human_a ministry_n so_o we_o can_v for_o conscience-sake_n support_v and_o maintain_v it_o and_o upon_o that_o score_n and_o not_o out_o of_o humour_n or_o covetousness_n we_o refuse_v to_o pay_v tithe_n or_o suchlike_a pretend_a due_n concern_v which_o many_o book_n have_v be_v write_v in_o our_o defence_n we_o can_v support_v what_o we_o can_v approve_v but_o have_v a_o testimony_n against_o for_o thereby_o we_o shall_v be_v find_v inconsistent_a with_o ourselves_o §_o 2._o we_o dare_v not_o swear_v because_o christ_n forbid_v it_o mat._n 5._o 34_o 37._o and_o james_n his_o true_a follower_n it_o be_v needless_a as_o well_o as_o evil_a for_o the_o reason_n of_o swear_v be_v untruth_n that_o man_n yea_o be_v not_o yea_o swear_v be_v use_v to_o awe_v man_n to_o truth_n speak_v and_o to_o give_v other_o satisfaction_n that_o what_o be_v swear_v be_v true_a but_o the_o true_a christian_n yea_o be_v yea_o the_o end_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v answer_v and_o therefore_o the_o use_n of_o it_o be_v needless_a superfluous_a and_o come_v of_o evil._n the_o apostle_n james_n teach_v the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o the_o primitive_a christian_n practise_v it_o as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o book_n of_o martyr_n as_o also_o the_o early_a and_o best_a of_o the_o reformer_n §_o 3._o we_o also_o believe_v that_o war_n ought_v to_o cease_v among_o the_o follower_n of_o the_o lamb_n christ_n jesus_n who_o teach_v his_o disciple_n to_o forgive_v and_o love_v their_o enemy_n and_o not_o to_o war_n against_o they_o and_o kill_v they_o and_o that_o therefore_o the_o weapon_n of_o his_o true_a follower_n be_v not_o carnal_a but_o spiritual_a yet_o mighty_a through_o god_n to_o cut_v down_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n and_o dethrone_v he_o that_o be_v the_o author_n thereof_o and_o as_o this_o be_v the_o most_o christian_n so_o the_o most_o rational_a way_n love_n and_o persuasion_n have_v more_o force_n than_o weapon_n of_o war._n nor_o will_v the_o worst_a of_o man_n easy_o be_v bring_v to_o hurt_v those_o that_o they_o real_o think_v love_v they_o it_o be_v that_o love_n and_o patience_n must_v in_o the_o end_n have_v the_o victory_n §_o 4._o we_o dare_v not_o give_v worldly_a honour_n or_o use_v the_o frequent_a and_o modish_a salutation_n of_o the_o time_n see_v plain_o that_o vanity_n pride_n and_o ostentation_n belong_v to_o they_o christ_n also_o forbid_v they_o in_o his_o day_n and_o make_v the_o love_n of_o they_o a_o mark_v of_o declension_n from_o the_o simplicity_n of_o pure_a time_n and_o his_o disciple_n and_o their_o follower_n be_v observe_v to_o have_v obey_v their_o master_n precept_n it_o be_v not_o to_o distinguish_v ourselves_o a_o party_n or_o out_o of_o pride_n ill-breeding_a or_o humour_n but_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o sight_n and_o sense_n we_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n of_o the_o evil_a rise_n and_o tendency_n thereof_o §_o 5._o for_o the_o same_o reason_n we_o have_v return_v to_o the_o first_o plainness_n of_o speech_n viz._n thou_o and_o thou_o to_o a_o single_a person_n which_o though_o men_n give_v no_o other_o to_o god_n they_o will_v hardly_o endure_v it_o from_o we_o it_o have_v be_v a_o great_a test_n upon_o pride_n and_o show_v the_o blind_a and_o weak_a inside_n of_o many_o this_o also_o be_v out_o of_o pure_a conscience_n whatever_o people_n may_v think_v or_o say_v of_o we_o for_o it_o we_o may_v be_v despise_v and_o have_v be_v so_o often_o yea_o very_o evil_o entreat_v but_o we_o be_v now_o better_o know_v and_o people_n better_o inform_v in_o short_a it_o be_v also_o both_o scripture_n and_o grammar_n and_o we_o have_v propriety_n of_o speech_n for_o it_o as_o well_o as_o peace_n in_o it_o §_o 6._o we_o can_v allow_v of_o mix_v marriage_n that_o be_v to_o join_v with_o such_o as_o be_v not_o of_o our_o society_n but_o oppose_v and_o disow_v they_o if_o at_o any_o time_n any_o of_o our_o profession_n so_o gross_o err_v from_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o communion_n yet_o restore_v they_o upon_o sincere_a repentance_n but_o not_o disjoin_v they_o the_o book_n i_o write_v of_o the_o rise_n and_o progress_n of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n be_v more_o full_a and_o express_v herein_o §_o 7._o plainness_n in_o apparel_n and_o furniture_n be_v another_o testimony_n peculiar_a to_o we_o in_o the_o degree_n we_o have_v bear_v it_o to_o the_o world_n as_o also_o few_o word_n and_o be_v at_o a_o word_n likewise_o temperance_n in_o food_n and_o abstinence_n from_o the_o recreation_n and_o pastime_n of_o the_o world_n all_o which_o we_o have_v be_v teach_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n