6._o his_o quotation_n out_o of_o gentile_a author_n as_o thales_n pythagoras_n socrates_n etc._n etc._n prove_v no_o more_o at_o most_o but_o that_o they_o acknowledge_v a_o inward_a law_n rule_n and_o principle_n of_o justice_n and_o moral_a virtue_n place_v in_o mankind_n but_o what_o say_v all_o this_o to_o prove_v that_o all_o mankind_n have_v or_o have_v a_o law_n or_o rule_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n nothing_o at_o all_o page_n 8._o arg._n 2._o he_o make_v a_o fresh_a assault_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n etc._n etc._n his_o argument_n be_v this_o if_o now_o the_o rule_n than_o ever_o the_o rule_n but_o they_o be_v not_o ever_o the_o rule_n therefore_o they_o can_v now_o be_v the_o rule_n that_o they_o be_v not_o ever_o the_o rule_n be_v grant_v that_o they_o be_v not_o therefore_o now_o the_o rule_n i_o shall_v prove_v say_v he_o thus_o if_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n people_n in_o all_o age_n be_v of_o one_o nature_n than_o the_o rule_n but_o of_o one_o nature_n but_o clear_v it_o be_v heb._n 11._o the_o faith_n have_v be_v but_o of_o one_o nature_n consequent_o the_o rule_n but_o of_o one_o nature_n in_o short_a if_o the_o holy_a ancient_n have_v faith_n before_o they_o have_v or_o write_v scripture_n they_o have_v a_o rule_n before_o they_o have_v or_o write_v scripture_n answ_n his_o whole_a way_n of_o argue_v here_o be_v extreme_o weak_a to_o detect_v which_o let_v he_o consider_v when_o it_o be_v common_o say_v the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v not_o mean_v simple_o and_o bare_o the_o write_a letter_n but_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o or_o by_o the_o write_a letter_n be_v the_o rule_n which_o at_o other_o time_n be_v thus_o express_v the_o word_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n or_o the_o reveal_v will_n and_o mind_n of_o god_n deliver_v to_o we_o by_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o christian_a faith_n etc._n etc._n and_o see_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o promise_a messiah_n and_o of_o eternal_a salvation_n through_o faith_n in_o he_o be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o essential_o and_o fundamental_o of_o it_o now_o as_o then_o and_o then_o as_o now_o without_o any_o substantial_a variation_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o as_o the_o doctrine_n now_o commit_v to_o writing_n be_v the_o same_o it_o be_v before_o it_o be_v in_o writing_n the_o rule_n be_v still_o the_o same_o and_o the_o faith_n be_v the_o same_o for_o substance_n and_o nature_n for_o the_o different_a manner_n of_o convey_v the_o doctrine_n make_v no_o essential_a difference_n either_o in_o the_o doctrine_n or_o faith_n and_o consequent_o nor_o a_o different_a rule_n as_o when_o the_o doctrine_n be_v deliver_v by_o preach_v or_o write_v to_o one_o nation_n in_o one_o language_n and_o to_o other_o nation_n in_o other_o language_n yet_o the_o doctrine_n may_v be_v still_o the_o same_o nor_o do_v it_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o doctrine_n that_o some_o have_v it_o by_o prophetical_a inspiration_n and_o revelation_n without_o any_o external_a medium_n and_o other_o have_v it_o by_o and_o through_o some_o external_a medium_n as_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o faithful_a man_n faithful_o convey_v through_o the_o several_a age_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n inward_o by_o his_o secret_a inspiration_n move_v the_o faithful_a to_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n preach_v to_o they_o by_o such_o faithful_a men._n and_o here_o i_o will_v have_v he_o to_o consider_v his_o great_a default_n in_o not_o distinguish_v the_o inspiration_n of_o god_n spirit_n the_o want_n of_o which_o lead_v he_o into_o so_o many_o by-path_n as_o if_o all_o divine_a inspiration_n be_v prophetical_a and_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o what_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n have_v as_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n whereas_o the_o scripture_n plain_o distinguish_v the_o various_a gift_n operation_n and_o ministration_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o god_n lord_n and_o spirit_n all_o which_o may_v be_v account_v divine_a inspiration_n be_v all_o prophet_n say_v paul_n 1_o cor._n 12.29_o intimate_v they_o be_v not_o all_o prophet_n who_o yet_o be_v true_a saint_n and_o believer_n all_o which_o have_v the_o same_o spirit_n inspire_v they_o all_o but_o not_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o kind_n of_o inspiration_n but_o far_o differ_v the_o prophetical_a inspiration_n teach_v they_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n without_o all_o outward_a teach_n of_o man_n but_o the_o inspiration_n of_o other_o faithful_a man_n who_o be_v not_o prophet_n do_v teach_v they_o the_o same_o doctrine_n by_o mean_n of_o outward_a teach_n of_o men._n section_n 4._o his_o three_o four_o and_o five_o argument_n answer_v page_n 9_o arg._n 3_o he_o frame_v a_o new_a argument_n here_o which_o he_o set_v out_o in_o a_o twofold_a dress_n i_o shall_v produce_v it_o in_o its_o best_a dress_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v such_o as_o the_o faith_n be_v such_o must_v the_o rule_n be_v but_o the_o faith_n be_v as_o before_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a therefore_o the_o rule_n must_v be_v inward_a and_o spiritual_a which_o no_o mere_a book_n can_v be_v answ_n here_o he_o take_v his_o consequence_n as_o grant_v without_o any_o offer_n of_o proof_n but_o it_o be_v altogether_o fallacious_a if_o by_o the_o term_n such_o he_o mean_v such_o every_o way_n and_o in_o all_o respect_n and_o universal_o such_o it_o will_v infer_v the_o great_a blasphemy_n ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la as_o to_o argue_v thus_o such_o as_o the_o faith_n be_v such_o must_v the_o rule_n be_v but_o the_o faith_n be_v a_o act_n or_o thing_n that_o have_v a_o beginning_n in_o time_n therefore_o the_o rule_n be_v a_o act_n or_o thing_n that_o have_v a_o beginning_n in_o time_n and_o that_o rule_v according_a to_o he_o be_v the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v god_n therefore_o god_n absit_fw-la blasphemia_fw-la have_v a_o beginning_n in_o time_n if_o by_o the_o term_n such_o he_o mean_v not_o such_o universal_o but_o only_o in_o some_o respect_n as_o because_o the_o faith_n be_v true_a and_o certain_a therefore_o the_o rule_n be_v such_o his_o proposition_n be_v grant_v but_o then_o the_o consequence_n will_v not_o follow_v that_o because_o the_o faith_n be_v inward_a the_o rule_n be_v only_o inward_a no_o more_o than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o because_o my_o sight_n of_o a_o object_n be_v in_o my_o eye_n that_o therefore_o the_o object_n be_v no_o where_o but_o in_o my_o eye_n he_o grant_v that_o until_o the_o son_n come_v the_o law_n outward_a be_v a_o rule_n pag._n 19_o and_o yet_o all_o those_o holy_a ancient_n who_o live_v before_o the_o son_n come_v have_v the_o true_a inward_a faith_n therefore_o they_o have_v the_o true_a inward_a rule_n and_o not_o the_o outward_a rule_n by_o his_o argument_n which_o destroy_v his_o former_a argument_n his_o syllogism_n transgress_v a_o certain_a rule_n in_o logic_n the_o major_a proposition_n in_o the_o first_o figure_n must_v not_o be_v particular_a page_n 8.9_o as_o to_o his_o authority_n and_o testimony_n out_o of_o justin_n martyr_n and_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n that_o socrates_n and_o heraclitus_n be_v christian_n as_o live_v with_o christ_n the_o word_n it_o may_v be_v suppose_v that_o justin_n martyr_n and_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n may_v thhink_v that_o they_o have_v faith_n in_o the_o promise_a messiah_n as_o abraham_n have_v nor_o have_v w.p._n prove_v the_o contrary_a and_o if_o they_o have_v that_o faith_n the_o rule_n of_o that_o faith_n be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o we_o to_o wit_n the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v still_o the_o same_o whither_o give_v by_o prophetical_a inspiration_n or_o by_o a_o outward_a ministry_n his_o quotation_n out_o of_o eusebius_n affirm_v that_o abraham_n and_o the_o ancient_a father_n be_v christian_n and_o his_o define_n a_o christian_n to_o be_v one_o that_o by_o the_o knowledge_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n excel_v in_o moderation_n of_o mind_n in_o righteousness_n and_o continency_n of_o life_n etc._n etc._n have_v not_o the_o least_o weight_n to_o confirm_v w._n p_n most_o false_a doctrine_n viz._n that_o deism_n and_o christianity_n be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o have_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o rule_n to_o wit_n the_o light_n as_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o common_a illumination_n for_o eubseius_n in_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o christian_a make_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n that_o whereby_o he_o excel_v in_o those_o virtue_n but_o can_v w.p._n prove_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n as_o god-man_n for_o remisiion_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n according_a
letter_n or_o leave_n of_o the_o book_n since_o the_o write_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o repository_n or_o ark_n where_o god_n law_n be_v preserve_v and_o to_o which_o a_o recourse_n ought_v frequent_o to_o be_v make_v to_o read_v therein_o for_o daily_a information_n and_o instruction_n yet_o the_o doctrine_n be_v not_o so_o limit_v or_o confine_v to_o the_o letter_n or_o leave_n of_o a_o book_n but_o that_o the_o same_o doctrine_n may_v be_v well_o and_o sound_o preach_v and_o believe_v where_o the_o book_n either_o have_v not_o come_v or_o by_o violence_n of_o man_n have_v be_v take_v away_o as_o it_o have_v be_v report_v that_o persecutor_n have_v take_v away_o the_o bible_n from_o some_o faithful_a martyr_n of_o christ_n but_o though_o they_o take_v the_o letter_n out_o of_o their_o hand_n they_o can_v not_o take_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o wit_n the_o doctrine_n and_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o out_o of_o their_o heart_n and_o so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v remember_v it_o be_v never_o my_o persuasion_n what_o w.p._n here_o lay_v down_o in_o his_o book_n by_o way_n of_o position_n that_o the_o light_n in_o every_o man_n conscience_n or_o the_o dictate_v and_o testimony_n of_o it_o abstract_o consider_v from_o the_o peculiar_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o christian_a men._n if_o any_o shall_v find_v that_o or_o the_o like_a doctrine_n in_o any_o of_o my_o book_n on_o the_o first_o intimation_n of_o it_o i_o declare_v i_o shall_v by_o god_n help_n be_v ready_a to_o retract_v it_o and_o condemn_v it_o as_o most_o erroneous_a and_o as_o a_o fundamental_a error_n for_o it_o be_v plain_a deism_n of_o which_o i_o have_v not_o the_o least_o remembrance_n that_o ever_o i_o be_v guilty_a as_o w.p._n have_v now_o plain_o manifest_v his_o deism_n in_o this_o book_n i_o have_v under_o examination_n section_n i._n the_o definition_n of_o general_a rule_n and_o faith_n give_v by_o w.p._n not_o to_o be_v allow_v because_o there_o be_v no_o such_o general_n rule_n and_o faith_n as_o he_o define_v before_o he_o come_v to_o his_o argument_n he_o give_v we_o his_o definition_n of_o general_a rule_n and_o faith_n by_o general_n rule_n say_v he_o we_o understand_v that_o constant_a measure_n by_o which_o man_n in_o all_o age_n have_v be_v enable_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n or_o error_n of_o doctrine_n and_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a of_o thought_n word_n or_o action_n answ_n here_o he_o undertake_v to_o define_v a_o thing_n that_o by_o the_o definition_n of_o it_o plain_o demonstrate_v that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o be_v nor_o ever_o be_v in_o any_o age_n of_o the_o world_n ever_o since_o the_o distinction_n betwixt_o god_n church_n and_o the_o world_n come_v to_o be_v i_o say_v ever_o since_o that_o distinction_n all_o mankind_n in_o all_o respect_n case_n and_o condition_n never_o have_v one_o general_n rule_n so_o his_o definition_n be_v as_o if_o one_o shall_v define_v a_o golden_a mountain_n or_o something_o that_o never_o yet_o have_v be_v since_o the_o distinction_n above_o mention_v possible_o in_o adam_n family_n for_o some_o time_n god_n only_o know_v how_o long_o all_o man_n belong_v to_o it_o have_v one_o rule_n universal_o but_o it_o be_v more_o than_o he_o can_v prove_v that_o this_o be_v only_o the_o light_n in_o every_o of_o their_o conscience_n by_o its_o common_a discovery_n for_o adam_n himself_o have_v special_a revelation_n whither_o by_o outward_a vision_n and_o a_o outward_a voice_n or_o only_o by_o internal_a inspiration_n be_v not_o necessary_a at_o present_a to_o determine_v which_o teach_v he_o to_o expect_v salvation_n by_o the_o promise_a seed_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o this_o doctrine_n no_o doubt_n he_o preach_v to_o his_o family_n that_o the_o light_n or_o common_a discovery_n of_o the_o light_n in_o every_o man_n conscience_n may_v be_v call_v a_o general_n rule_n of_o moral_a justice_n and_o temperance_n call_v by_o paul_n rom._n 1._o 19_o the_o law_n write_v in_o the_o heart_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o he_o grant_v but_o this_o general_a rule_n do_v not_o extend_v nor_o do_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n or_o a_o rule_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o promise_a seed_n of_o the_o woman_n the_o lamb_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o be_v slay_v and_o shall_v take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o see_v the_o light_n in_o every_o conscience_n teach_v nothing_o of_o this_o faith_n that_o in_o scripture_n be_v call_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n and_o the_o common_a faith_n to_o wit_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o all_o age_n therefore_o w.p._n in_o the_o very_a entry_n of_o his_o work_n make_v a_o great_a stumble_v and_o use_v a_o great_a fallacy_n as_o if_o all_o mankind_n ever_o since_o the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o nation_n to_o this_o day_n have_v one_o general_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n and_o that_o be_v the_o light_n in_o every_o conscience_n abstract_o consider_v from_o all_o external_n help_v and_o mean_n both_o of_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n let_v w.p._n tell_v we_o whether_o the_o light_n by_o its_o common_a discovery_n in_o every_o man_n conscience_n teach_v or_o give_v the_o command_n of_o sacrifice_v if_o he_o say_v god_n or_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v god_n teach_v they_o to_o sacrifice_n he_o shift_v the_o question_n which_o be_v not_o what_o god_n do_v teach_v by_o special_a revelation_n but_o what_o he_o do_v teach_v man_n general_o in_o all_o age_n by_o common_a illumination_n the_o dictate_v of_o which_o be_v in_o great_a part_n general_o the_o same_o to_o all_o man_n in_o all_o age_n but_o so_o be_v not_o that_o either_o of_o sacrifice_n or_o circumcision_n or_o many_o other_o thing_n that_o god_n command_v to_o some_o and_o not_o to_o other_o and_o to_o some_o in_o one_o age_n and_o not_o in_o another_o such_o a_o general_a rule_n of_o morality_n or_o moral_a justice_n have_v be_v be_v and_o ever_o will_v be_v in_o the_o world_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o for_o substance_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o faith_n of_o all_o the_o father_n noah_n abraham_n david_n &_o c._n it_o be_v easy_a to_o espy_v w._n p_n design_n in_o this_o his_o undertake_n if_o he_o can_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o general_n rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n to_o all_o mankind_n the_o next_o step_n be_v by_o good_a consequence_n that_o all_o mankind_n ought_v to_o have_v but_o one_o faith_n and_o one_o religion_n and_o that_o be_v deism_n and_o paganism_n with_o a_o witness_n the_o one_o faith_n that_o the_o scripture_n mention_v be_v not_o one_o faith_n of_o all_o mankind_n but_o one_o faith_n of_o god_n church_n which_o be_v call_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n when_o that_o bless_a time_n shall_v come_v that_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v outward_o preach_v to_o all_o nation_n as_o our_o saviour_n have_v foretell_v it_o shall_v be_v it_o be_v just_o hope_v that_o there_o will_v be_v a_o general_n rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n to_o all_o mankind_n that_o then_o shall_v live_v but_o to_o talk_v of_o such_o a_o thing_n now_o and_o to_o define_v a_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o and_o write_v a_o book_n about_o it_o be_v like_o t._n more_o be_v utopia_n page_n 4._o he_o be_v as_o unsuccessful_a and_o fallacious_a in_o his_o definition_n of_o faith_n by_o faith_n say_v he_o we_o understand_v a_o assent_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o such_o manner_n to_o the_o discovery_n make_v of_o god_n thereto_o as_o to_o resign_v up_o to_o god_n and_o have_v dependence_n upon_o he_o as_o the_o great_a creator_n and_o saviour_n of_o his_o people_n this_o definition_n of_o faith_n indeed_o suit_v well_o with_o the_o definition_n of_o his_o general_n rule_n of_o faith_n but_o there_o be_v many_o part_n of_o mankind_n that_o have_v not_o only_o a_o faith_n in_o god_n as_o the_o great_a creator_n the_o faith_n here_o only_o define_v by_o he_o but_o have_v a_o faith_n in_o christ_n too_o and_o in_o god_n the_o saviour_n and_o redeemer_n consider_v as_o in_o the_o person_n of_o a_o mediator_n who_o be_v both_o god_n and_o man_n by_o which_o faith_n in_o christ_n they_o have_v a_o most_o firm_a faith_n in_o god_n ground_v upon_o god_n promise_n which_o be_v all_o yea_o and_o amen_o in_o christ_n and_o here_o in_o w._n p_n definition_n of_o this_o pagan_a and_o deist_n faith_n he_o suppose_v that_o which_o will_v not_o be_v grant_v to_o he_o viz._n that_o any_o ever_o have_v such_o a_o faith_n in_o god_n as_o to_o resign_v up_o to_o god_n and_o have_v dependence_n upon_o he_o as_o the_o great_a creator_n and_o saviour_n of_o his_o people_n without_o all_o faith_n in_o christ_n
to_o eusebius_n sense_n page_n 9_o arg._n 5._o he_o proceed_v to_o a_o new_a argument_n against_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n if_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o general_a rule_n they_o must_v have_v always_o be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n ever_o since_o they_o be_v a_o rule_n but_o this_o say_v he_o be_v impossible_a since_o they_o be_v many_o hundred_o year_n in_o write_v and_o be_v now_o imperfect_a also_o as_o to_o number_v how_o then_o be_v they_o the_o perfect_a rule_n and_o if_o imperfect_a say_v he_o how_o can_v they_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n since_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v perfect_a answ_n this_o argument_n sure_o be_v very_o imfect_a as_o well_o as_o offensive_a so_o open_o to_o charge_v the_o holy_a scripture_n with_o imperfection_n be_v the_o common_a discovery_n by_o the_o light_n within_o give_v to_o all_o mankind_n a_o perfect_a discovery_n of_o all_o thing_n necessary_a give_v to_o all_o at_o once_o he_o grant_v it_o be_v not_o compare_v the_o light_n within_o to_o a_o schoolmaster_n that_o first_o teach_v the_o child_n to_o spell_n before_o he_o teach_v they_o to_o read_v chr._n quake_v page_n 18._o what_o if_o all_o or_o much_o that_o be_v either_o speak_v or_o write_v by_o prophetical_a inspiration_n be_v not_o at_o first_o extant_a this_o do_v no_o more_o argue_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v imperfect_a than_o that_o it_o argue_v that_o because_o our_o bless_a lord_n from_o the_o dimension_n of_o a_o child_n increase_v to_o the_o dimension_n of_o a_o man_n that_o therefore_o he_o be_v imperfect_a when_o a_o child_n whereas_o a_o child_n and_o a_o man_n have_v the_o same_o essential_a perfection_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n concern_v the_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n by_o the_o promise_a messiah_n be_v the_o same_o and_o have_v the_o same_o essential_a perfection_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o all_o age_n as_o it_o have_v now_o and_o one_o ten_o part_n yea_o perhaps_o much_o less_o than_o one_o hundred_o part_n of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v perfect_o contain_v all_o the_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n which_o yet_o make_v not_o the_o other_o part_n superfluous_a i_o will_v fain_o know_v if_o god_n almighty_n have_v give_v to_o w.p._n but_o a_o estate_n of_o one_o hundred_o a_o year_n may_v not_o that_o without_o more_o have_v be_v a_o full_a enough_o provision_n for_o he_o do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o the_o other_o hundred_o he_o have_v beside_o be_v superfluous_a beside_o if_o not_o only_o the_o number_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v increase_v beyond_o what_o it_o be_v at_o first_o and_o for_o many_o age_n after_o but_o that_o divers_a very_o profitable_a doctrine_n have_v be_v superadd_v to_o the_o fundamental_a and_o some_o new_a commandment_n give_v by_o god_n almighty_a to_o latter_a age_n that_o be_v not_o at_o first_o give_v do_v this_o argue_v any_o imperfection_n in_o the_o command_v of_o god_n but_o that_o new_a command_n be_v give_v to_o some_o in_o one_o age_n that_o be_v not_o give_v to_o other_o in_o former_a age_n w.p._n i_o think_v can_v deny_v yea_o that_o to_o abraham_n the_o commandment_n of_o circumcision_n be_v give_v in_o the_o ninety_o nine_o year_n of_o his_o age_n the_o scripture_n testimony_n be_v plain_a do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o the_o command_v former_o give_v he_o or_o the_o promise_n or_o his_o faith_n before_o that_o time_n be_v lame_a and_o imperfect_a if_o add_v new_a command_n by_o god_n himself_o to_o what_o be_v former_o give_v by_o he_o do_v not_o make_v the_o body_n of_o god_n commandment_n imperfect_a nor_o do_v add_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n by_o divine_a authority_n make_v the_o rule_n as_o first_o give_v imperfect_a yea_o w.p._n grant_n page_n 2._o that_o though_o man_n in_o all_o age_n have_v some_o knowledge_n of_o god_n yet_o not_o upon_o equal_a discovery_n and_o in_o his_o christian_a quaker_n page_n 18._o thing_n be_v necessary_a in_o reference_n to_o their_o proper_a time_n that_o may_v be_v requisite_a to_o morrow_n which_o be_v not_o to_o day_n if_o then_o all_o man_n have_v not_o the_o same_o discovery_n they_o have_v not_o the_o same_o general_a rule_n section_n 5._o his_o six_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n answer_v it_o be_v great_o worth_a our_o notice_v after_o that_o w.p._n have_v argue_v against_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n because_o they_o be_v not_o all_o give_v at_o once_o but_o at_o sundry_a time_n whence_o he_o infer_v their_o imperfection_n and_o consequent_o that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n yet_o in_o page_n 22_o he_o make_v the_o new_a creature_n or_o new_a creation_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o on_o the_o margin_n quote_v gal._n 6.16_o as_o many_o as_o walk_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n or_o in_o this_o rule_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o phil._n 3.16_o he_o say_v it_o must_v be_v understand_v let_v we_o walk_v in_o the_o same_o attainment_n and_o he_o say_v the_o rule_n mention_v phil._n 3.16_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o measure_n of_o attainment_n pray_v consider_v how_o his_o argument_n here_o for_o the_o new_a creature_n and_o measure_n of_o attainment_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n quite_o overthrow_v his_o argument_n against_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n because_o as_o he_o suggest_v they_o be_v imperfect_a they_o be_v not_o all_o give_v at_o once_o that_o one_o age_n of_o christianity_n shall_v have_v one_o rule_n and_o another_o age_n another_o rule_n he_o make_v it_o very_o absurd_a p._n 24._o but_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o attainment_n the_o same_o in_o all_o christian_n and_o in_o all_o age_n i_o suppose_v he_o will_v say_v nay_o then_o by_o his_o own_o argument_n the_o lesser_a attainment_n in_o some_o age_n and_o person_n be_v imperfect_a and_o therefore_o can_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o will_v he_o say_v the_o new_a creature_n have_v the_o same_o stature_n in_o all_o christian_n or_o will_v or_o can_v he_o say_v that_o the_o new_a creature_n be_v so_o perfect_a in_o he_o that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v add_v to_o it_o if_o nay_o then_o by_o his_o own_o argument_n it_o be_v imperfect_a and_o therefore_o not_o the_o rule_n and_o whereas_o he_o quote_v drusius_n on_o the_o margin_n to_o prove_v from_o gal._n 5.6_o that_o faith_n that_o work_v by_o love_n be_v the_o rule_n that_o be_v according_a to_o he_o faith_n be_v its_o own_o rule_n for_o the_o subject_n of_o his_o discourse_n be_v what_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v which_o one_o time_n he_o make_v to_o be_v faith_n itself_o p._n 22._o another_o time_n christ_n himself_o and_o the_o spirit_n a_o three_o time_n neither_o this_o nor_o that_o but_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n internal_a revelation_n and_o inspiration_n the_o eternal_a precept_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o man_n conscience_n there_o repeat_v and_o declare_v p._n 25._o but_o again_o how_o can_v the_o new_a creature_n be_v the_o general_n rule_n see_v all_o man_n have_v it_o not_o who_o have_v the_o scripture_n if_o because_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o general_a they_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n as_o w.p._n argue_v by_o the_o like_a reason_n the_o new_a creature_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n because_o not_o general_a and_o consequent_o by_o his_o way_n of_o reason_v all_o unregenerate_v person_n have_v no_o rule_n at_o all_o but_o if_o unregenerate_v person_n have_v a_o rule_n who_o have_v not_o the_o new_a creature_n bring_v forth_o in_o they_o then_o by_o his_o own_o way_n of_o argue_v against_o himself_o one_o part_n of_o mankind_n to_o wit_n the_o regenerate_v have_v one_o rule_n which_o be_v the_o new_a creature_n and_o the_o other_o part_n to_o wit_n the_o unregenerate_v which_o be_v common_o the_o great_a part_n have_v another_o but_o that_o according_a to_o he_o be_v absurd_a for_o then_o all_o have_v not_o one_o and_o the_o same_o general_a rule_n which_o he_o contend_v they_o ought_v to_o have_v that_o there_o be_v a_o general_a rule_n of_o moral_a honesty_n and_o justice_n give_v to_o all_o man_n the_o same_o which_o paul_n call_v the_o law_n write_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v grant_v but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o general_a law_n or_o rule_n of_o faith_n concern_v salvation_n by_o christ_n crucify_a be_v deny_v section_n 6._o whither_o the_o new_a creature_n mention_v gal._n 6.16_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o whither_o the_o doctrine_n be_v the_o rule_n to_o the_o new_a creature_n or_o the_o new_a creature_n the_o rule_n to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o which_o be_v the_o prior_n or_o principal_a rule_n as_o touch_v these_o
self-evidence_n but_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o depend_v on_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n the_o original_a author_n of_o they_o the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v inquire_v into_o be_v what_o be_v the_o great_a and_o most_o principal_a motive_n of_o credibility_n to_o move_v and_o effectual_o persuade_v the_o mind_n that_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n sure_o he_o who_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n can_v but_o assent_v to_o this_o proposition_n that_o whatever_o god_n have_v say_v be_v true_a that_o all_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v word_n of_o truth_n it_o have_v as_o immediate_a evidence_n to_o he_o that_o have_v the_o least_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o that_o the_o whole_a be_v great_a than_o the_o part_n that_o than_o which_o be_v only_o requisite_a to_o move_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o assent_v to_o any_o word_n deliver_v to_o we_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v to_o have_v a_o sufficient_a motive_n of_o credibility_n give_v we_o why_o we_o shall_v believe_v they_o to_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n know_v that_o all_o the_o word_n they_o deliver_v to_o man_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v infallible_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v general_o grant_v by_o all_o that_o own_o the_o truth_n of_o divine_a revelation_n the_o manner_n of_o their_o conveyance_n to_o their_o understanding_n be_v with_o such_o a_o divine_a power_n majesty_n and_o glory_n and_o make_v such_o a_o divine_a impression_n on_o they_o as_o infallible_o assure_v they_o and_o this_o many_o time_n without_o all_o miracle_n propose_v to_o their_o outward_a sense_n section_n 8._o that_o the_o faithful_a have_v as_o good_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o the_o ordinary_a inspiration_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o outward_a mean_n as_o the_o prophet_n have_v by_o extraordinary_a and_o prophetical_a the_o distinction_n betwixt_o they_o explain_v the_o great_a question_n therefore_o that_o remain_v now_o to_o be_v consider_v and_o resolve_v be_v whither_o the_o faithful_a can_v have_v and_o actual_o have_v not_o as_o good_a assurance_n in_o respect_n of_o all_o fundamental_o and_o essential_o of_o the_o christian_a faith_n at_o least_o that_o the_o word_n deliver_v by_o the_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o if_o they_o have_v receive_v they_o in_o the_o same_o way_n and_o manner_n as_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n receive_v they_o which_o be_v without_o any_o external_a medium_fw-la such_o as_o the_o ministry_n of_o man_n and_o book_n whereas_o the_o way_n that_o we_o now_o receive_v those_o word_n be_v by_o some_o external_a medium_fw-la to_o wit_n the_o ministry_n of_o man_n and_o book_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o insist_v upon_o the_o external_a motive_n of_o credibility_n take_v either_o from_o so_o many_o thousand_o of_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a of_o man_n in_o the_o several_a age_n of_o the_o world_n since_o the_o word_n be_v commit_v to_o writing_n who_o have_v receive_v and_o embrace_v they_o to_o be_v what_o real_o they_o be_v even_o the_o word_n of_o the_o live_n and_o true_a god_n or_o such_o as_o be_v take_v from_o the_o word_n themselves_o as_o outward_o deliver_v such_o as_o the_o simplicity_n purity_n majesty_n and_o efficacy_n of_o their_o doctrine_n the_o harmony_n of_o the_o several_a part_n the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o many_o prophecy_n contain_v in_o they_o the_o many_o other_o incomparable_a excellency_n of_o they_o the_o wonderful_a effect_n they_o have_v have_v on_o many_o thousand_o and_o million_o of_o man_n in_o be_v instrumental_a to_o their_o conversion_n from_o idolatry_n and_o ungodliness_n to_o true_a piety_n and_o sanctity_n all_o which_o be_v of_o great_a weight_n to_o convince_v the_o reason_n of_o man_n but_o because_o all_o this_o do_v amount_v to_o no_o more_o but_o a_o rational_a conviction_n and_o do_v not_o beget_v a_o divine_a assent_n or_o persuasion_n therefore_o i_o conclude_v with_o all_o orthodox_n and_o sound_v christian_n that_o our_o full_a persuasion_n and_o assurance_n of_o the_o infallible_a truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o they_o be_v from_o the_o inward_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o his_o internal_a and_o supernatural_a illumination_n inspiration_n and_o revelation_n and_o secret_a and_o most_o inward_a teach_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o sensible_a and_o perceptible_a impression_n seal_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o upon_o our_o heart_n and_o mind_n and_o here_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o guard_v against_o a_o twofold_a extreme_a that_o i_o find_v too_o many_o run_v into_o both_o great_o and_o dangerous_o erroneous_a the_o one_o be_v of_o some_o that_o grant_v indeed_o that_o the_o spirit_n do_v inward_o operate_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o more_o especial_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o faithful_a but_o this_o operation_n or_o agency_n and_o efficiency_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o will_v have_v it_o only_o to_o be_v effective_a and_o no-wise_a objective_n that_o be_v to_o say_v no-wise_a perceptible_a or_o sensible_a to_o the_o soul_n in_o which_o the_o spirit_n do_v so_o operate_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o some_o of_o they_o have_v call_v this_o internal_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n even_o in_o the_o faithful_a medium_fw-la incognitum_fw-la assentiendi_fw-la the_o which_o assertion_n be_v so_o repugnant_a to_o the_o scripture_n testimony_n in_o many_o place_n that_o hold_v forth_o the_o spirit_n internal_a operation_n and_o virtue_n to_o be_v as_o sensible_a upon_o the_o internal_a and_o spiritual_a sense_n of_o soul_n in_o any_o good_a degree_n inward_o quicken_v and_o make_v alive_a to_o god_n as_o the_o operation_n of_o outward_a light_n heatt_z cold_a or_o the_o most_o affect_a object_n of_o sight_n taste_n smell_a and_o feel_v be_v upon_o our_o outward_a and_o bodily_a sense_n and_o also_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o experience_n of_o many_o thousand_o of_o true_a experience_a christian_n i_o shall_v not_o insist_v here_o any_o further_a to_o refute_v it_o the_o other_o as_o dangerous_a and_o erroneous_a extreme_a be_v of_o such_o of_o who_o be_v w.p._n and_o his_o party_n as_o plain_o appear_v by_o what_o he_o lay_v down_o in_o this_o treatise_n and_o oft_o elsewhere_o in_o his_o book_n who_o hold_v that_o the_o manner_n and_o kind_a of_o the_o spirit_n internal_a inspiration_n revelation_n illumination_n and_o inward_a teach_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o which_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n have_v that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o whatever_o they_o think_v they_o have_v a_o divine_a knowledge_n and_o faith_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o medium_fw-la to_o the_o obtain_v this_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n must_v be_v give_v they_o as_o they_o be_v give_v to_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o wit_n without_o the_o external_a medium_fw-la of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o without_o any_o external_a teach_v whatsoever_o and_o that_o therefore_o their_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v divine_a have_v no_o dependence_n on_o the_o word_n deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o whatever_o they_o know_v or_o believe_v by_o a_o divine_a knowledge_n and_o faith_n it_o be_v whole_o from_o word_n inward_o give_v they_o from_o the_o spirit_n without_o all_o outward_a conveyance_n of_o man_n or_o book_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o w.p._n call_v his_o and_o his_o brethren_n rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n the_o eternal_a precept_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o man_n conscience_n but_o as_o for_o the_o precept_n and_o word_n outward_o deliver_v in_o scripture_n they_o be_v but_o to_o he_o what_o pythagoras_n and_o other_o philosopher_n quote_v by_o he_o page_z 6._o judge_v of_o other_o write_n to_o wit_n liveless_a precept_n hence_o many_o of_o his_o party_n have_v presume_v to_o call_v they_o a_o dead_a letter_n death_n and_o carnal_a yet_o page_n 25._o he_o be_v so_o yield_v and_o seem_o kind_a to_o the_o scripture_n that_o he_o grant_v they_o to_o be_v a_o subordinate_a secondary_a and_o declaratory_a rule_n such_o a_o subordinate_a secondary_a and_o declaratory_a rule_n say_v he_o we_o never_o say_v several_a part_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o here_o observe_v for_o all_o his_o profess_a kindness_n to_o the_o scripture_n he_o will_v not_o allow_v all_o the_o part_n of_o scripture_n but_o only_o some_o part_n of_o it_o to_o be_v so_o much_o as_o a_o subordinate_a secondary_a and_o declaratory_a rule_n though_o even_o the_o ceremonial_a precept_n he_o have_v as_o great_a reason_n to_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n though_o not_o of_o practice_n as_o touch_v the_o external_a type_n as_o true_o as_o any_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n but_o see_v every_o subordinate_a
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
he_o that_o never_o be_v in_o the_o country_n yet_o this_o prove_v not_o but_o that_o the_o geographical_a account_n of_o that_o country_n by_o word_n and_o map_n true_o and_o accurate_o give_v by_o man_n of_o great_a wisdom_n and_o sincerity_n be_v of_o great_a service_n and_o advantage_n both_o to_o stranger_n who_o desire_v to_o see_v the_o country_n and_o live_v in_o it_o and_o also_o to_o they_o that_o already_o live_v in_o it_o and_o for_o all_o the_o great_a conceit_n that_o w.p._n have_v of_o his_o knowledge_n of_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o regeneration_n by_o his_o experience_n of_o which_o he_o deny_v that_o the_o scripture_n have_v give_v he_o any_o information_n yet_o he_o be_v very_o ignorant_a of_o it_o still_o if_o he_o be_v of_o his_o former_a mind_n as_o he_o write_v in_o his_o preface_n to_o r._n b_n work_n that_o regeneration_n be_v a_o great_a mystery_n than_o god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n haddit_n w.p._n consult_v scripture_n it_o will_v have_v better_o inform_v he_o and_o to_o be_v sure_a the_o true_a experience_n of_o regeneration_n never_o teach_v he_o any_o such_o horrid_a and_o extreme_o false_a assertion_n page_n 31._o he_o say_v the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o prophecy_n of_o christ_n suffering_n be_v by_o extraordinary_a revelation_n not_o fall_v within_o the_o ordinary_a discovery_n that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o man_n salvation_n by_o which_o he_o show_v his_o power_n and_o faithfulness_n that_o he_o be_v god_n and_o can_v foretell_v and_o will_v bring_v to_o pass_v but_o therefore_o must_v there_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a light_n or_o spirit_n and_o not_o rather_o a_o extraordinary_a sight_n and_o sense_n from_o one_o and_o the_o same_o light_n and_o spirit_n in_o they_o answ_n first_o this_o quite_o overthrow_v his_o notion_n of_o a_o general_a rule_n that_o must_v be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o to_o all_o mankind_n for_o if_o the_o prophet_n have_v extraordinary_a revelation_n concern_v christ_n suffering_n which_o other_o man_n have_v not_o that_o extraordinary_a revelation_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n touch_v that_o matter_n which_o can_v not_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o they_o who_o have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o that_o thing_n second_o though_o the_o inward_a extraordinary_a revelation_n give_v to_o the_o prophet_n concern_v christ_n suffering_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o other_o of_o the_o faithful_a who_o be_v not_o prophet_n for_o their_o salvation_n yet_o the_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n of_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n by_o some_o other_o mean_n to_o wit_n by_o have_v the_o doctrine_n give_v to_o the_o prophet_n by_o extraordinary_a revelation_n preach_v or_o convey_v to_o the_o faithful_a by_o the_o ordinary_a outward_a mean_n of_o instruction_n which_o differ_v manner_n of_o conveyance_n make_v not_o any_o difference_n in_o the_o doctrine_n nor_o yet_o in_o the_o faith_n of_o it_o for_o matter_n and_o substance_n three_o that_o he_o make_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n suffering_n none_o of_o the_o absolute_a necessary_n to_o our_o christianity_n and_o salvation_n because_o not_o give_v to_o we_o as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o prophet_n by_o extraordinary_a revelation_n this_o plain_o give_v we_o a_o new_a and_o fresh_a instance_n of_o his_o deism_n and_o paganism_n appear_v with_o open_a face_n for_o if_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n suffering_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n because_o we_o have_v it_o not_o give_v we_o by_o extraordinary_a revelation_n as_o the_o prophet_n have_v which_o be_v a_o false_a consequence_n by_o the_o same_o reason_n not_o one_o of_o the_o twelve_o article_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n or_o any_o of_o the_o other_o creed_n call_v the_o nicene_n and_o athanasian_n nor_o any_o one_o of_o the_o peculiar_a doctrine_n and_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n though_o we_o hear_v they_o daily_o preach_v or_o may_v daily_o read_v they_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n because_o by_o his_o false_a inference_n not_o give_v we_o by_o extraordinary_a revelation_n and_o at_o this_o rate_n no_o more_o faith_n be_v necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n than_o what_o any_o infidel_n jew_n or_o mahometan_a or_o heathen_a may_v have_v by_o the_o common_a dictate_v of_o the_o light_n in_o every_o one_o of_o their_o conscience_n abstract_o consider_v without_o all_o mean_n of_o outward_a instruction_n by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a undermine_v of_o the_o whole_a christian_a religion_n and_o introduce_v deism_n and_o paganism_n in_o its_o room_n and_o be_v real_o a_o degree_n more_o remote_a from_o christianity_n than_o any_o pelagianism_n or_o socinianism_n four_o whereas_o he_o queri_v must_v there_o be_v therefore_o a_o extraordinary_a light_n or_o spirit_n and_o not_o rather_o a_o extraordinary_a sight_n or_o sense_n from_o one_o and_o the_o same_o light_n and_o spirit_n in_o they_o i_o answer_v take_v light_n and_o spirit_n in_o the_o high_a sense_n to_o signify_v god_n christ_n or_o the_o holy_a spirit_n it_o will_v not_o infer_v another_o light_n or_o spirit_n but_o another_o illumination_n inspiration_n and_o revelation_n as_o well_o as_o another_o sight_n and_o sense_n proceed_v from_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o from_o one_o and_o the_o same_o light_n original_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o teach_v there_o be_v diversity_n of_o operation_n administration_n and_o gift_n but_o one_o god_n one_o lord_n and_o one_o spirit_n but_o the_o word_n and_o term_n light_a and_o spirit_n sometime_o in_o scripture_n signify_v some_o internal_a act_n of_o illumination_n and_o operation_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o when_o we_o read_v of_o the_o seven_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n and_o that_o god_n be_v call_v the_o father_n of_o light_n this_o do_v not_o signify_v seven_o real_a distinct_a spirit_n of_o god_n but_o seven_o gift_n or_o virtue_n and_o operation_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o because_o there_o be_v several_a sort_n of_o illumination_n proceed_v from_o one_o light_n original_o which_o be_v god_n and_o the_o divine_a word_n therefore_o they_o be_v call_v light_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n full_o agreeable_a to_o scripture_n the_o prophet_n and_o all_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v have_v a_o extraordinary_a light_n and_o spirit_n as_o well_o as_o a_o extraordinary_a sight_n that_o other_o of_o the_o faithful_a have_v not_o or_o now_o have_v not_o and_o yet_o the_o faith_n the_o same_o for_o matter_n and_o substance_n for_o extraordinary_a revelation_n may_v be_v call_v extraordinary_a light_n well_o enough_o and_o also_o the_o faithful_a may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o extraordinary_a light_n and_o spirit_n that_o no_o infidel_n jew_n mahometan_n heathen_a or_o mere_a moralist_n deist_n or_o mere_a formal_a professor_n of_o christianity_n have_v to_o wit_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o diversity_n of_o the_o kind_n and_o sort_n of_o the_o illumination_n according_a to_o the_o differ_a subject_n that_o of_o the_o prophet_n differ_v from_o that_o of_o other_o faithful_a man_n that_o be_v not_o prophet_n who_o yet_o have_v the_o same_o faith_n though_o not_o convey_v by_o the_o same_o manner_n of_o illumination_n and_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o faithful_a differ_v from_o the_o common_a illumination_n give_v in_o common_a to_o mankind_n which_o in_o the_o respect_n abovementioned_a may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v three_o several_a light_n and_o spirit_n according_a to_o the_o three_o several_a subject_n all_o which_o be_v but_o original_o one_o and_o the_o same_o like_v to_o which_o we_o have_v a_o example_n in_o the_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n that_o remain_v the_o same_o in_o their_o nature_n yet_o according_a to_o the_o differ_a medium_n and_o subject_n of_o reception_n seem_v wonderful_o diversify_v so_o that_o pass_v through_o glass_n of_o several_a colour_n as_o green_a red_z blue_a and_o yellow_a the_o beam_n or_o ray_n will_v have_v these_o differ_a colour_n which_o diversity_n proceed_v not_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sunbeam_n but_o the_o differ_a medium_n and_o subject_n and_o thus_o also_o the_o same_o influence_n of_o the_o sun_n melt_v wax_n and_o harden_v clay_n and_o operate_n on_o a_o field_n where_o barley_n be_v sow_v contribute_v to_o produce_v a_o crop_n of_o barley_n but_o operate_a on_o a_o field_n where_o wheat_n be_v sow_v contribute_v to_o produce_v a_o crop_n of_o wheat_n from_o the_o differ_a seed_n and_o subject_n it_o work_v upon_o section_n 19_o his_o definition_n of_o the_o judge_n of_o controversy_n lame_a and_o fallacious_a as_o his_o definition_n of_o the_o general_a rule_n and_o faith_n in_o what_o sense_n the_o spirit_n be_v the_o judge_n of_o controversy_n quoad_fw-la nos_fw-la i.e._n as_o to_o we_o thus_o have_v go_v through_o and_o examine_v all_o that_o i_o have_v
observe_v in_o his_o book_n give_v his_o reason_n and_o argument_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n but_o the_o light_n in_o every_o conscience_n and_o have_v show_v the_o weakness_n yea_o the_o falsity_n of_o they_o i_o think_v it_o not_o necessary_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o his_o enlargement_n and_o amplification_n on_o his_o several_a argument_n but_o answer_n to_o the_o argument_n itself_o wherein_o its_o strength_n seem_v to_o lie_v i_o shall_v be_v brief_a in_o my_o examination_n and_o answer_n to_o his_o second_o part_n to_o wit_n concern_v the_o judge_n of_o controversy_n for_o because_o it_o have_v such_o a_o necessary_a connexion_n with_o the_o former_a the_o former_a be_v clear_o discuss_v the_o latter_a will_v easy_o be_v determine_v page_n 39_o he_o give_v we_o his_o explanation_n what_o he_o mean_v by_o these_o term_n judge_n and_o controversy_n a_o judge_n say_v he_o be_v one_o that_o have_v not_o only_a power_n to_o determine_v but_o discern_v to_o do_v it_o right_o controversy_n be_v a_o debate_n between_o two_o party_n about_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n to_o be_v determine_v by_o that_o judge_n but_o as_o he_o wrong_o state_v the_o question_n in_o the_o first_o part_n about_o the_o rule_n so_o here_o he_o be_v very_o short_a in_o state_v the_o controversy_n about_o the_o judge_n it_o be_v without_o all_o question_n among_o all_o that_o own_o that_o there_o be_v one_o great_a god_n almighty_a that_o he_o be_v the_o great_a and_o supreme_a judge_n of_o what_o be_v truth_n and_o what_o be_v not_o universal_o and_o that_o most_o perfect_o and_o infallible_o and_o all_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v own_o that_o christ_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n together_o with_o the_o father_n be_v that_o supreme_a judge_n as_o they_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o supreme_a god_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o all_o true_a christian_n own_o that_o christ_n as_o the_o son_n of_o man_n have_v all_o judgement_n commit_v to_o he_o and_o be_v both_o head_n and_o judge_n in_o his_o church_n now_o that_o wherein_o w.p._n be_v short_a in_o state_v the_o question_n here_o be_v that_o he_o do_v not_o assign_v the_o true_a rule_n whereby_o the_o judge_n to_o wit_n god_n christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n do_v give_v forth_o a_o definitive_a judgement_n to_o be_v understand_v and_o receive_v by_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n neither_o god_n nor_o christ_n nor_o the_o holy_a spirit_n need_v the_o scripture_n to_o give_v a_o judgement_n as_o to_o themselves_o their_o knowledge_n of_o what_o be_v truth_n and_o what_o be_v not_o so_o be_v whole_o independent_a from_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o question_n be_v to_o be_v thus_o state_v what_o rule_n standard_n or_o measure_n god_n christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n have_v give_v to_o the_o faithful_a in_o particular_a and_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o general_n since_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n be_v commit_v to_o writing_n whereby_o they_o may_v understand_v and_o know_v the_o true_a judgement_n and_o determination_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o supreme_a judge_n of_o controversy_n true_a it_o be_v that_o the_o lawgiver_n be_v the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o any_o point_n that_o may_v concern_v his_o own_o law_n and_o therefore_o as_o god_n be_v the_o lawmaker_n so_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a judge_n and_o interpreter_n of_o his_o law_n but_o as_o a_o earthly_a lawgiver_n suppose_v a_o earthly_a king_n with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o great_a counsel_n of_o the_o nation_n give_v forth_o his_o law_n to_o his_o subject_n if_o any_o controversy_n arise_v about_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o those_o law_n the_o king_n and_o his_o counsel_n that_o make_v those_o law_n be_v to_o determine_v the_o controversy_n by_o the_o law_n themselves_o one_o part_n of_o the_o law_n serve_v as_o a_o key_n to_o open_v what_o be_v hard_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o another_o part_n of_o it_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o this_o nation_n and_o common_o in_o all_o nation_n for_o the_o law_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v such_o a_o perfect_a law_n entire_a and_o complete_a that_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o need_v not_o be_v give_v by_o give_v forth_o any_o new_a law_n to_o give_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o former_a nor_o ought_v any_o subject_a to_o presume_v to_o give_v his_o private_a interpretation_n of_o the_o law_n by_o any_o private_a gloss_n or_o sense_n which_o he_o can_v demonstrate_v from_o the_o law_n itself_o and_o as_o it_o be_v thus_o as_o to_o the_o law_n of_o man_n how_o much_o more_o be_v it_o so_o as_o to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o law_n of_o man_n indeed_o receive_v frequent_o new_a addition_n and_o alteration_n and_o yet_o this_o can_v be_v do_v but_o by_o public_a authority_n but_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n that_o god_n have_v give_v to_o the_o faithful_a and_o to_o his_o church_n now_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v so_o full_a perfect_a and_o comprehensive_a that_o be_v full_o sufficient_a without_o any_o addition_n and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o it_o may_v please_v god_n to_o give_v forth_o any_o new_a law_n to_o his_o church_n it_o must_v be_v allow_v that_o there_o must_v be_v the_o same_o evidence_n and_o ground_n of_o receive_v they_o to_o be_v such_o as_o be_v give_v for_o the_o old_a testament_n by_o moses_n and_o for_o the_o new_a testament_n by_o christ_n now_o have_v w.p._n fair_o state_v the_o question_n he_o shall_v have_v state_v it_o thus_o whither_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n who_o judgement_n and_o determination_n be_v all_o one_o with_o that_o of_o christ_n and_o the_o father_n do_v give_v his_o judgement_n to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n of_o it_o by_o any_o other_o law_n or_o rule_n measure_n or_o standard_n than_o what_o be_v already_o to_o befound_a in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n whether_o relate_v to_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o positive_a precept_n of_o reveal_v and_o institute_v religion_n by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o whither_o the_o spirit_n give_v this_o judgement_n not_o by_o the_o doctrine_n and_o precept_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o by_o the_o common_a discovery_n and_o dictate_v of_o the_o light_n within_o every_o man_n conscience_n which_o be_v common_o the_o same_o and_o of_o the_o same_o extent_n in_o all_o mankind_n be_v they_o jew_n and_o mahometan_n and_o paynim_n abroad_o or_o deist_n at_o home_n here_o in_o england_n or_o elsewhere_o or_o last_o whither_o by_o any_o new_a particular_a discovery_n revelation_n or_o dictate_v and_o new_a precept_n of_o the_o spirit_n not_o former_o give_v either_o to_o mankind_n in_o general_n or_o to_o the_o church_n in_o particular_a to_o the_o first_o all_o sound_a christian_n agree_v the_o second_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o w.p._n and_o those_o of_o his_o brethren_n of_o the_o second_o day_n meet_v that_o have_v approve_v his_o book_n the_o three_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a teacher_n and_o leader_n that_o first_o arise_v among_o the_o quaker_n that_o do_v affirm_v they_o have_v new_a command_n give_v from_o the_o spirit_n by_o immediate_a revelation_n from_o heaven_n some_o of_o which_o be_v neither_o the_o common_a dictate_v of_o the_o light_n in_o every_o conscience_n of_o mankind_n nor_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n either_o express_o or_o by_o any_o necessary_a consequence_n from_o they_o and_o indeed_o the_o first_o teacher_n and_o leader_n among_o that_o people_n do_v not_o think_v it_o worth_a while_n to_o prove_v their_o doctrine_n or_o warrant_v their_o interpretation_n by_o consequence_n from_o scripture_n but_o the_o general_a proof_n be_v this_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n unto_o you_o for_o g.f._n see_v his_o journal_n plain_o tell_v that_o when_o he_o first_o come_v forth_o he_o be_v command_v of_o god_n to_o say_v thou_o and_o thou_o to_o every_o man_n to_o who_o he_o speak_v and_o not_o to_o put_v off_o his_o hat_n to_o any_o also_o the_o set_n up_o of_o woman_n government_n in_o their_o meeting_n distinct_a from_o the_o man_n by_o the_o more_o devout_a sort_n who_o do_v think_v and_o still_o think_v that_o g.f._n be_v a_o prophet_n as_o immediate_o send_v as_o moses_n or_o any_o other_o be_v judge_v to_o have_v be_v by_o a_o divine_a authority_n and_o power_n in_o g.f._n without_o any_o dependence_n on_o scripture_n rule_n or_o seek_v to_o fish_v it_o by_o consequence_n from_o scripture_n and_o pray_v what_o need_n be_v there_o to_o bring_v scripture_n proof_n for_o any_o thing_n that_o man_n either_o believe_v or_o practice_v either_o by_o consequence_n or_o express_a word_n see_v that_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o either_o faith_n or_o practice_n but_o
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
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
of_o these_o tract_n if_o w.p._n say_v it_o be_v because_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o light_n within_o be_v much_o gainsay_v among_o man_n and_o the_o dictate_v of_o it_o grievous_o pervert_v and_o make_v contradictory_n if_o both_o party_n even_o among_o the_o quaker_n themselves_o may_v be_v believe_v g._n f_o and_o his_o party_n when_o alive_a and_o now_o w._n p's_n and_o g._n w_n party_n judge_v that_o which_o john_n story_n and_o his_o party_n believe_v to_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o the_o light_n within_o to_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o a_o false_a spirit_n and_o they_o judge_v the_o like_a of_o they_o therefore_o book_n and_o tract_n have_v be_v multiply_v among_o themselves_o and_o as_o good_a and_o much_o better_a reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o so_o many_o true_o pious_a and_o edify_a tract_n have_v be_v write_v by_o many_o godly_a man_n to_o vindicate_v both_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o true_a light_n within_o in_o all_o the_o faithful_a and_o also_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n without_o this_o as_o the_o rule_n and_o that_o as_o the_o principal_a teacher_n agent_n and_o efficient_a work_v with_o and_o by_o the_o rule_n and_o yet_o none_o of_o the_o two_o how_o much_o ever_o sufficient_a exclude_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n god-man_n without_o we_o from_o be_v our_o all_o sufficient_a saviour_n each_o be_v sufficient_a in_o their_o own_o order_n and_o manner_n of_o act_v as_o concern_v such_o gentile_n to_o who_o the_o offer_n of_o faith_n have_v not_o be_v make_v neither_o by_o man_n nor_o write_n none_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o rule_n to_o they_o but_o as_o they_o have_v no_o outward_a rule_n of_o christian_a faith_n so_o nor_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o have_v the_o christian_a faith_n itself_o if_o any_o have_v it_o they_o have_v it_o not_o by_o the_o common_a illumination_n but_o by_o some_o miraculous_a and_o extraordinary_a manner_n unknown_a to_o we_o and_o how_o god_n dispose_v of_o the_o more_o sober_a and_o virtuous_a among_o they_o do_v not_o at_o all_o reach_n the_o present_a controversy_n which_o be_v not_o whither_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n to_o all_o mankind_n that_o ever_o live_v or_o now_o live_v but_o whither_o it_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n to_o they_o who_o have_v they_o or_o may_v have_v they_o by_o some_o possible_a mean_n page_n 16._o arg_n 13._o whereas_o he_o say_v do_v not_o your_o own_o language_n and_o practice_n prove_v its_o viz._n the_o scripture_n insufficiency_n to_o that_o end_n at_o what_o time_n you_o both_o exhort_v to_o and_o go_v in_o secret_a to_o seek_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o or_o that_o important_a affair_n why_o do_v not_o you_o turn_v to_o chapter_n and_o verse_n for_o satisfaction_n if_o the_o scripture_n be_v appoint_v of_o god_n for_o the_o general_n rule_n ans_fw-fr this_o argument_n have_v also_o as_o great_a force_n or_o rather_o much_o great_a against_o the_o light_n within_o be_v the_o general_n rule_n for_o do_v none_o of_o the_o friend_n both_o exhort_v to_o and_o go_v in_o secret_a to_o seek_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o or_o that_o important_a affair_n why_o do_v they_o not_o turn_v to_o the_o light_n within_o to_o be_v forthwith_o without_o all_o prayer_n or_o wait_v inform_v and_o satisfy_v if_o they_o do_v not_o yea_o if_o w.p._n do_v not_o both_o he_o and_o they_o be_v woeful_o deceive_v by_o neglect_v prayer_n and_o wait_v on_o god_n to_o receive_v satisfaction_n in_o this_o or_o that_o important_a affair_n but_o if_o they_o find_v their_o need_n both_o for_o prayer_n and_o wait_v for_o direction_n then_o let_v he_o answer_v his_o own_o argument_n and_o make_v due_a application_n but_o to_o give_v a_o positive_a and_o direct_a answer_n if_o it_o be_v either_o a_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n or_o precept_n that_o any_o christian_a want_n due_a instruction_n and_o direction_n in_o they_o may_v both_o pray_v and_o read_v and_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o meditate_v jad_n wait_v for_o god_n inward_a illumination_n and_o inspiration_n to_o give_v they_o a_o right_a understanding_n and_o they_o may_v expect_v it_o will_v be_v give_v they_o if_o they_o sincere_o seek_v it_o and_o use_v all_o due_a endeavour_n and_o mean_n to_o attain_v it_o one_o of_o which_o be_v to_o consult_v and_o use_v the_o advice_n of_o other_o who_o they_o have_v cause_n to_o judge_v spiritual_o more_o enlighten_v than_o themselves_o if_o it_o be_v in_o case_n that_o be_v neither_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n nor_o precept_n but_o where_o the_o matter_n be_v by_o itself_o indifferent_a and_o neither_o simple_o command_v nor_o forbid_v as_o many_o such_o case_n there_o be_v they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o pray_v and_o wait_v for_o direction_n and_o it_o may_v please_v god_n to_o give_v it_o to_o they_o by_o some_o secret_a motion_n impulse_n or_o impression_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n which_o may_v sufficient_o satisfy_v they_o 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
ordinary_a way_n it_o work_v in_o the_o faithful_a accompany_v the_o outward_a word_n and_o by_o mean_n thereof_o the_o which_o inward_a word_n voice_n and_o teach_v proper_o and_o strict_o speak_v be_v not_o any_o singular_a new_a or_o differ_a form_n of_o word_n but_o rather_o a_o divine_a power_n light_n and_o life_n quicken_a enlighten_v and_o strengthen_v the_o understanding_n and_o heart_n of_o man_n spiritual_o and_o save_o to_o understand_v the_o divine_a doctrine_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n outward_o deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o give_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o faithful_a at_o time_n a_o divine_a sense_n sight_n and_o taste_n of_o god_n divine_a power_n love_n and_o life_n call_v in_o scripture_n a_o taste_n of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o of_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v which_o sight_n sense_n and_o taste_n and_o spiritual_a feel_n be_v indeed_o beyond_o all_o that_o can_v be_v either_o utter_v with_o the_o mouth_n hear_v with_o the_o ear_n or_o conceive_v in_o the_o mind_n in_o or_o by_o any_o form_n of_o word_n as_o the_o outward_a sight_n sense_n taste_v and_o feel_v of_o outward_a delightful_a object_n be_v beyond_o all_o word_n and_o report_n of_o they_o as_o the_o scripture_n say_v eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v nor_o have_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n to_o conceive_v the_o good_a thing_n that_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o but_o as_o say_v the_o apostle_n paul_n god_n have_v reveal_v they_o to_o we_o to_o wit_n to_o the_o faithful_a by_o his_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 2.9_o 10._o isaiah_n 64.4_o viz._n in_o a_o earnest_n and_o first_o fruit_n the_o harvest_n and_o full_a fruition_n be_v reserve_v for_o the_o future_a state_n and_o here_o again_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v what_o be_v the_o rule_n whereby_o to_o know_v sure_o the_o true_a divine_a enjoyment_n as_o above_o describe_v from_o the_o false_a and_o counterfeit_a that_o may_v be_v nothing_o other_o than_o satan_n transforming_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v improper_a in_o this_o case_n to_o ask_v what_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o practice_n because_o this_o high_a divine_a enjoyment_n be_v proper_o speak_v neither_o a_o act_n of_o faith_n nor_o practice_n though_o it_o be_v a_o proper_a consequent_a and_o concomitant_a of_o sound_a faith_n and_o godly_a and_o virtuous_a practice_n for_o as_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o outward_a sight_n hear_v and_o taste_n no_o form_n of_o word_n can_v be_v a_o rule_n to_o a_o man_n to_o teach_v he_o how_o to_o see_v hear_v or_o taste_v but_o the_o sound_a disposition_n of_o the_o organ_n of_o those_o sense_n and_o the_o due_a application_n of_o the_o object_n be_v all_o that_o be_v requisite_a to_o enable_v a_o man_n to_o know_v what_o he_o certain_o see_v hear_v and_o taste_v so_o when_o the_o spiritual_a sense_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v awaken_v by_o the_o quicken_a power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o mind_n fit_o and_o due_o dispose_v whatever_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a object_n be_v present_v to_o that_o soul_n and_o mind_n it_o natural_o and_o necessary_o apprehend_v they_o by_o its_o spiritual_a sense_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o spiritual_a organ_n of_o the_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a man_n the_o best_a and_o fit_a disposition_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o mind_n make_v it_o capable_a for_o such_o divine_a enjoyment_n be_v internal_a purity_n of_o heart_n as_o our_o saviour_n have_v teach_v we_o say_v bless_a be_v the_o pure_a in_o heart_n for_o they_o shall_v see_v god_n that_o be_v always_o accompany_v with_o a_o sound_a faith_n ground_v upon_o the_o sound_n and_o wholesome_a doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o though_o no_o form_n of_o word_n can_v be_v a_o rule_n a_o priori_fw-la whereby_o to_o discern_v true_a enjoyment_n from_o false_a and_o counterfeit_a yet_o a_o posteriori_fw-la that_o be_v by_o the_o consequent_n and_o effect_n they_o may_v soon_o and_o quick_o be_v discern_v if_o due_o examine_v by_o the_o infallible_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n even_o as_o a_o posteriori_fw-la or_o consequential_o a_o man_n may_v know_v whither_o what_o he_o apprehend_v he_o see_v hear_v or_o taste_v outward_o be_v real_a or_o imaginary_a section_n 14._o diverse_a place_n of_o scripture_n explain_v and_o rescue_v from_o his_o corrupt_a gloss_n and_o interpretation_n but_o before_o i_o finish_v my_o answer_n to_o this_o his_o last_o argument_n i_o think_v fit_a to_o take_v notice_n how_o he_o have_v pervert_v misconstrue_v and_o misapply_v all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o the_o place_n of_o scripture_n above_o recite_v out_o of_o his_o page_n 21_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o light_n in_o every_o man_n conscience_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n to_o every_o man_n and_o that_o without_o any_o necessary_a super-addition_n without_o or_o within_o man_n be_v they_o jew_n mahometan_n infidel_n christian_n they_o have_v all_o but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n as_o they_o have_v one_o and_o the_o same_o creator_n for_o indeed_o not_o one_o of_o these_o place_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o with_o respect_n to_o that_o part_n of_o mankind_n that_o live_v or_o now_o live_v in_o pure_a heathenism_n or_o gentilism_n but_o such_o as_o be_v or_o be_v profess_v member_n of_o god_n church_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v when_o our_o saviour_n be_v bodily_a present_n on_o earth_n and_o as_o the_o christian_n be_v and_o now_o be_v except_v that_o one_o place_n rom._n 1.19_o which_o as_o i_o have_v above_o note_v he_o false_o quote_v render_v it_o whatsoever_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n which_o as_o the_o english_a translation_n do_v not_o so_o word_n nor_o do_v the_o greek_a bear_v it_o and_o the_o falseness_n of_o it_o i_o have_v above_o describe_v as_o for_o the_o say_n of_o our_o saviour_n my_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n which_o be_v the_o first_o of_o those_o quotation_n above_o give_v can_v it_o be_v suppose_v that_o by_o his_o kingdom_n there_o he_o mean_v nothing_o but_o the_o light_n in_o every_o man_n conscience_n he_o offer_v not_o the_o least_o proof_n of_o it_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n in_o scripture_n otherwise_o call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n have_v diverse_a signification_n sometime_o it_o signify_v his_o church_n that_o be_v call_v a_o kingdom_n of_o priest_n sometime_o his_o rule_n and_o government_n in_o and_o over_o his_o church_n by_o his_o law_n and_o precept_n and_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o manifold_a gift_n and_o grace_n and_o sometime_o the_o gospel_n with_o the_o blessing_n thereof_o that_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o where_o christ_n say_v to_o the_o jew_n the_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o they_o matt._n 21.43_o as_o have_v be_v according_o fulfil_v though_o still_o they_o have_v the_o common_a illumination_n of_o the_o light_n within_o they_o and_o sometime_o it_o signify_v his_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n in_o the_o future_a state_n after_o death_n this_o next_o quotation_n be_v out_o of_o luke_n 17.20_o 21._o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v within_o you_o which_o also_o he_o false_o quote_v leave_v out_o the_o word_n you_o so_o make_v it_o universal_a to_o serve_v his_o design_n for_o a_o proof_n that_o the_o light_n in_o every_o man_n conscience_n be_v that_o which_o be_v mean_v by_o christ_n in_o this_o place_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n i_o grant_v god_n have_v a_o universal_a providential_a kingdom_n in_o and_o over_o all_o his_o creature_n and_o more_o particular_o in_o and_o over_o all_o mankind_n according_a to_o psal_n 103.19_o and_o his_o kingdom_n rule_v over_o all_o or_o in_o all_o and_o that_o his_o providential_a kingdom_n among_o man_n be_v administer_v in_o great_a part_n by_o mean_n of_o the_o common_a illumination_n in_o and_o over_o all_o man_n but_o the_o kingdom_n as_o it_o be_v here_o understand_v luke_n 17.20_o 21._o be_v not_o his_o providential_a kingdom_n but_o a_o new_a administration_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o many_o be_v look_v for_o and_o expect_v which_o make_v the_o pharisee_n ask_v when_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n shall_v come_v sure_o as_o they_o mean_v not_o to_o ask_v when_o his_o providential_a kingdom_n shall_v come_v or_o when_o shall_v man_n begin_v to_o have_v something_o to_o reprove_v or_o convince_v they_o for_o common_a sin_n in_o their_o conscience_n nor_o do_v christ_n mean_v it_o so_o but_o of_o some_o more_o excellent_a dispensation_n by_o his_o doctrine_n and_o preach_v which_o the_o pharisee_n have_v hear_v as_o well_o as_o other_o and_o therefore_o it_o may_v well_o be_v say_v to_o be_v not_o only_o among_o they_o as_o some_o translate_v it_o but_o
they_o speak_v that_o god_n be_v manifest_v extraordinary_o in_o the_o flesh_n that_o he_o give_v his_o life_n for_o the_o world_n that_o such_o as_o believe_v and_o obey_v his_o grace_n in_o their_o heart_n receive_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o life_n everlasting_a first_o it_o be_v needful_a he_o shall_v explain_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o these_o word_n that_o he_o give_v his_o life_n whither_o the_o life_n of_o the_o man_n christ_n without_o we_o or_o the_o blood_n which_o be_v the_o life_n and_o that_o life_n be_v the_o light_n within_o as_o he_o have_v be_v hear_v to_o preach_v and_o be_v according_a to_o his_o book_n and_o what_o mean_v he_o by_o the_o word_n believe_v whither_o to_o believe_v that_o christ_n die_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o rose_z again_o well_o in_o charity_n i_o will_v suppose_v this_o to_o be_v his_o meaning_n otherwise_o he_o will_v great_o equivocate_v but_o still_o all_o this_o belief_n be_v none_o of_o the_o absolute_a necessary_n in_o religion_n they_o be_v some_o considerable_a matter_n superad_v superad_v to_o what_o to_o the_o scripture_n nay_o they_o be_v the_o chief_a doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o again_o i_o ask_v superad_v to_o what_o why_o to_o the_o light_n within_o its_o dictate_v but_o be_v they_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v since_o they_o be_v supernumerary_n and_o superad_v to_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o light_n in_o every_o conscience_n yea_o say_v w.p._n page_n 35._o where_o the_o history_n have_v reach_v and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v make_v a_o conviction_n upon_o the_o conscience_n well_o then_o if_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v where_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v make_v this_o conviction_n upon_o the_o conscience_n this_o conviction_n be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o general_a light_n in_o every_o conscience_n but_o somewhat_o superad_v and_o therefore_o the_o general_a light_n in_o the_o conscience_n be_v not_o the_o perfect_a and_o complete_a rule_n but_o what_o if_o the_o spirit_n make_v not_o this_o conviction_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o some_o who_o have_v the_o scripture_n which_o he_o call_v the_o history_n be_v he_o sure_a the_o spirit_n will_v make_v it_o or_o do_v make_v it_o on_o every_o conscience_n to_o who_o the_o history_n reach_v if_o he_o say_v yea_o he_o throw_v down_o his_o fabric_n with_o his_o own_o word_n for_o if_o so_o this_o conviction_n make_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n on_o the_o conscience_n must_v be_v a_o part_n yea_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o all_o who_o have_v the_o scripture_n because_o the_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o many_o more_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v than_o these_o few_o eternal_a precept_n as_o he_o call_v they_o of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o conscience_n and_o though_o w.p._n here_o seem_v to_o render_v they_o excusable_a to_o who_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n death_n have_v reach_v and_o yet_o believe_v it_o not_o on_o who_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v not_o make_v a_o conviction_n yet_o in_o his_o treatise_n of_o spiritual_a liberty_n he_o call_v it_o a_o loose_a plea_n to_o pretend_v want_n of_o conviction_n for_o not_o obey_v g._n f_n order_n and_o tend_v to_o ranterism_n but_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v the_o spirit_n do_v not_o work_v this_o conviction_n upon_o many_o that_o the_o history_n reach_v as_o his_o word_n import_v than_o they_o be_v leave_v at_o liberty_n whither_o to_o believe_v they_o at_o all_o without_o all_o sin_n or_o danger_n thus_o we_o may_v see_v what_o sort_n of_o faith_n he_o and_o his_o brethren_n have_v of_o the_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n viz._n a_o unnecessary_a faith_n to_o have_v it_o or_o not_o have_v it_o be_v all_o a_o case_n if_o they_o have_v it_o not_o it_o be_v not_o their_o sin_n their_o primary_n rule_v the_o light_n within_o they_o tell_v they_o nothing_o of_o it_o but_o then_o why_o shall_v the_o secondary_a rule_n tell_v they_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n as_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o copy_n but_o what_o be_v in_o the_o original_a so_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o secondary_a rule_n the_o scripture_n at_o this_o rate_n but_o what_o be_v in_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o light_n within_o and_o therefore_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v not_o in_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o light_n within_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o secondary_a rule_n thus_o we_o may_v see_v of_o what_o little_a value_n the_o scripture_n be_v and_o must_v be_v with_o he_o and_o his_o party_n by_o this_o his_o way_n of_o argue_v and_o answer_v objection_n but_o note_n reader_n how_o in_o his_o forego_v word_n i_o have_v faithful_o quote_v he_o make_v the_o believe_a and_o obey_v god_n grace_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o life_n everlasting_a to_o be_v none_o of_o the_o absolute_a necessary_n of_o religion_n but_o superad_v as_o some_o of_o they_o speak_v here_o be_v obedience_n to_o god_n grace_n make_v as_o unnecessary_a by_o w.p._n as_o faith_n in_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v outward_o manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n what_o think_v g.w._n and_o his_o brethren_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v it_o not_o plain_a antinomianism_n yea_o plain_a ranterism_n section_n 16._o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o certain_o know_v and_o believe_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o w.p._n and_o his_o party_n among_o the_o quaker_n but_o be_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o orthodox_n christian_n the_o question_n wrong_o state_v by_o w.p._n about_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o light_n or_o spirit_n of_o god_n within_o which_o be_v not_o what_o he_o can_v reveal_v but_o what_o he_o do_v reveal_v without_o the_o outward_a mean_n of_o instruction_n page_n 23._o he_o labour_v to_o turn_v off_o that_o objection_n against_o he_o of_o his_o argue_v from_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o can_v be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n by_o answer_v the_o scripture_n be_v uncertain_a upon_o their_o foundation_n but_o not_o upon_o we_o we_o will_v have_v they_o receive_v say_v he_o upon_o the_o spirit_n testimony_n and_o evidence_n which_o give_v they_o forth_o i_o answer_v and_o so_o will_v all_o true_a christian_n but_o the_o difference_n be_v great_a in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o and_o his_o define_n this_o testimony_n or_o evidence_n which_o he_o and_o his_o brethren_n will_v have_v whole_o to_o be_v by_o prophetical_a and_o apostolical_a inspiration_n the_o same_o in_o specie_fw-la and_o kind_a with_o what_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n have_v give_v they_o a_o new_a repetition_n of_o the_o same_o article_n and_o precept_n and_o all_o this_o only_a from_o the_o light_n within_o as_o it_o be_v a_o common_a dispensation_n to_o all_o mankind_n the_o falsity_n of_o which_o common_a experience_n as_o well_o as_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n do_v sufficient_o prove_v for_o if_o the_o light_n within_o they_o do_v de_fw-la novo_fw-la give_v w.p._n and_o his_o brethren_n the_o revelation_n of_o all_o or_o most_o of_o these_o peculiar_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n why_o shall_v they_o have_v it_o more_o than_o jew_n mahometan_n deist_n and_o heathen_n many_o of_o who_o they_o account_v have_v be_v and_o be_v faithful_a and_o obedient_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o light_n within_o they_o beside_o if_o more_o be_v reveal_v to_o the_o quaker_n by_o the_o common_a light_n within_o than_o to_o other_o part_n of_o mankind_n who_o have_v not_o the_o scripture_n they_o must_v needs_o grant_v their_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v more_o large_a and_o full_a than_o that_o in_o other_o and_o consequent_o not_o be_v so_o perfect_a in_o other_o as_o in_o they_o it_o be_v no_o general_a rule_n of_o faith_n for_o thus_o he_o argue_v against_o the_o scripture_n but_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o whole_o uncertain_a upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o other_o christian_n and_o so_o certain_a upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o quaker_n from_o their_o pretence_n to_o the_o same_o divine_a inspiration_n that_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n have_v they_o will_v wonderful_o oblige_v the_o christian_a world_n if_o we_o can_v believe_v they_o to_o tell_v we_o from_o their_o infallibility_n what_o translation_n be_v best_a or_o rather_o to_o give_v we_o a_o new_a translation_n by_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o which_o of_o all_o the_o copy_n and_o various_a jection_n be_v true_a but_o that_o this_o be_v a_o groundless_a and_o empty_a brag_n be_v too_o apparent_a while_o their_o ignorance_n and_o gross_a perversion_n of_o scripture_n and_o false_a interpretation_n be_v great_a than_o any_o other_o in_o christendom_n as_o can_v easy_o be_v prove_v but_o in_o contradiction_n to_o all_o this_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v certain_a upon_o the_o quaker_n foundation_n from_o the_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o revelation_n that_o
the_o spirit_n have_v give_v they_o of_o their_o truth_n much_o or_o indeed_o most_o of_o all_o this_o be_v again_o deny_v by_o w.p._n tell_v we_o in_o answer_n to_o that_o objection_n page_n 32._o this_o light_n you_o speak_v of_o can_v not_o tell_v you_o which_o way_n sin_n come_v into_o the_o world_n that_o there_o be_v a_o adam_n and_o eve_n that_o they_o fall_v after_o that_o manner_n and_o that_o sin_n so_o enter_v the_o world_n that_o christ_n be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n suffer_v death_n and_o rise_v again_o etc._n etc._n he_o roundly_o answer_v that_o inasmuch_o as_o a_o account_n of_o those_o thing_n have_v be_v already_o reveal_v and_o be_v extant_a therefore_o any_o new_a revelation_n of_o such_o thing_n be_v not_o need_v i_o answer_v how_o not_o need_v and_o yet_o certain_a to_o you_o upon_o the_o spirit_n inward_a evidence_n and_o testimony_n and_o to_o none_o but_o you_o and_o such_o as_o you_o who_o pretend_v to_o the_o same_o revelation_n with_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n however_o see_v he_o grant_v he_o and_o his_o brethren_n have_v no_o revelation_n from_o the_o light_n within_o they_o that_o christ_n be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n suffer_v death_n and_o rise_v again_o therefore_o he_o must_v needs_o confess_v all_o these_o thing_n concern_v christ_n birth_n death_n resurrection_n be_v uncertain_a to_o they_o and_o so_o no_o matter_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o then_o see_v other_o christian_n believe_v these_o thing_n upon_o a_o inward_a evidence_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n though_o not_o by_o the_o same_o revelation_n in_o kind_a or_o specie_fw-la with_o that_o of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n yet_o by_o way_n of_o seal_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o as_o above_z explain_v the_o proper_a consequence_n of_o which_o be_v this_o that_o all_o these_o great_a thing_n record_v in_o scripture_n concern_v christ_n birth_n of_o a_o virgin_n his_o have_v die_v for_o our_o sin_n his_o resurrection_n ascension_n and_o intercession_n for_o we_o in_o heaven_n be_v altogether_o uncertain_a upon_o the_o quaker_n foundation_n because_o as_o w.p._n confess_v not_o inward_o reveal_v to_o they_o which_o yet_o be_v certain_a upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o true_a christian_n to_o wit_n the_o inward_a testimony_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o way_n of_o seal_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o as_o by_o a_o objective_a medium_n as_o above_o explain_v but_o why_o be_v not_o these_o thing_n concern_v christ_n birth_n death_n reveal_v to_o the_o quaker_n by_o w._n p_n confession_n why_o because_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v they_o be_v none_o of_o the_o eternal_a precept_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o man_n teach_v some_o few_o thing_n of_o own_v a_o great_a god_n almighty_a and_o some_o few_o moral_a principle_n of_o temperance_n and_o justice_n as_o do_v as_o we_o will_v be_v do_v by_o this_o be_v the_o quaker_n evangelium_fw-la eternum_fw-la their_o everlasting_a gospel_n whatever_o be_v more_o be_v unnecessary_a and_o superfluous_a page_n 32._o he_o say_v to_o say_v the_o light_n or_o spirit_n can_v not_o do_v it_o viz._n reveal_v that_o christ_n be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n suffer_v death_n and_o rise_v again_o etc._n etc._n be_v blasphemous_a as_o well_o as_o absurd_a answ_n i_o know_v none_o that_o say_v the_o spirit_n or_o god_n and_o christ_n consider_v as_o the_o light_n can_v not_o do_v it_o but_o that_o be_v not_o the_o question_n what_o the_o spirit_n can_v do_v or_o what_o the_o light_n within_o take_v it_o in_o the_o high_a sense_n as_o to_o signify_v the_o divine_a word_n can_v or_o can_v do_v but_o the_o proper_a state_n of_o the_o question_n be_v whither_o the_o spirit_n or_o light_v within_o have_v give_v general_o any_o such_o revelation_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o if_o he_o have_v not_o give_v and_o that_o to_o all_o man_n then_o to_o be_v sure_a even_o by_o w._n p_n confession_n such_o revelation_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n for_o it_o be_v not_o what_o god_n who_o be_v light_n or_o the_o spirit_n can_v reveal_v but_o what_o he_o have_v reveal_v that_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o do_v ordinary_o reveal_v and_o see_v the_o quaker_n as_o w.p._n have_v grant_v have_v no_o inward_a revelation_n of_o these_o thing_n viz._n that_o christ_n be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o their_o faith_n or_o creed_n for_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n have_v not_o teach_v it_o they_o if_o any_o have_v say_v the_o light_n within_o every_o man_n can_v reveal_v these_o thing_n they_o do_v not_o mean_v by_o the_o light_n within_o either_o christ_n or_o the_o spirit_n but_o that_o common_a illumination_n that_o be_v in_o all_o man_n that_o be_v neither_o christ_n nor_o the_o spirit_n but_o yet_o be_v a_o gift_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n section_n 17._o his_o proof_n out_o of_o the_o father_n and_o primitive_a protestant_n for_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n all_o fallacious_a a_o instance_n of_o calvin_n quote_v by_o he_o in_o some_o passage_n of_o his_o institution_n express_o to_o the_o contrary_n whither_o the_o esseni_n pythagoras_n clinias_n and_o the_o scythian_n before_o our_o saviour_n incarnation_n think_v swear_v unlawful_a from_o the_o light_n within_o as_o for_o these_o many_o author_n some_o father_n and_o other_o late_a protestant_a author_n that_o he_o quote_v in_o confirmation_n of_o his_o assertion_n viz._n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n but_o the_o light_n in_o every_o conscience_n none_o of_o all_o these_o quotation_n which_o i_o have_v diligent_o read_v and_o consider_v say_v any_o such_o thing_n viz._n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n or_o that_o the_o light_n in_o every_o conscience_n be_v that_o rule_n either_o he_o be_v very_o ignorant_a and_o unacquainted_a in_o calvin_n and_o beza_n wriing_n and_o other_o protestant_n or_o very_o unfair_a to_o quote_v they_o when_o he_o can_v but_o know_v in_o his_o conscience_n if_o he_o be_v acquaint_v with_o they_o that_o all_o those_o protestant_a author_n do_v zeolous_o contend_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n and_o though_o they_o do_v zealous_o assert_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o spirit_n internal_a evidence_n and_o testimony_n to_o seal_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o give_v the_o understanding_n of_o it_o yet_o none_o of_o they_o all_o that_o he_o have_v quote_v say_v or_o hold_v that_o the_o spirit_n or_o light_n in_o every_o conscience_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n ay_o rememno_fw-la such_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o they_o and_o yet_o i_o suppose_v i_o know_v their_o doctrine_n as_o well_o as_o he_o and_o be_v it_o needful_a i_o can_v produce_v sufficient_a testimony_n from_o their_o book_n that_o he_o have_v manifest_o wrong_v they_o but_o he_o who_o take_v so_o great_a liberty_n to_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n no_o wonder_n if_o he_o make_v bold_a to_o do_v the_o same_o with_o these_o man_n write_n his_o quotation_n out_o of_o calvin_n be_v this_o inst_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 8._o it_o be_v necessary_a the_o same_o spirit_n that_o speak_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o prophet_n shall_v pierce_v into_o our_o heart_n to_o persuade_v we_o that_o they_o faithful_o deliver_v that_o which_o be_v commit_v to_o they_o of_o god_n this_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o calvin_n deny_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n have_v express_o teach_v that_o they_o be_v but_o to_o show_v how_o little_o acquaint_v w.p._n be_v with_o calvin_n doctrine_n in_o this_o point_n who_o he_o have_v quote_v for_o he_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n or_o write_v word_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o light_n in_o every_o conscience_n or_o the_o spirit_n abstract_o consider_v from_o the_o write_a word_n or_o how_o unfair_a and_o fallacious_a in_o so_o do_v if_o acquaint_v with_o his_o write_n i_o shall_v give_v some_o passage_n out_o of_o his_o institution_n that_o be_v in_o english_a 4_o for_o when_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n for_o its_o weakness_n can_v by_o no_o way_n come_v to_o god_n unless_o help_v and_o assist_v by_o his_o holy_a word_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o all_o man_n the_o jew_n except_v do_v walk_v in_o vanity_n and_o error_n because_o they_o seek_v god_n without_o the_o word_n thus_o we_o see_v according_a to_o calvin_n how_o necessary_a be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o wit_n the_o doctrine_n outward_o deliver_v of_o god_n to_o man_n by_o the_o holy_a prophet_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o god_n out_o of_o error_n and_o vanity_n for_o by_o the_o holy_a word_n it_o be_v manifest_a calvin_n mean_v not_o the_o