consider_v as_o god-man_n if_o by_o the_o saviour_n of_o his_o people_n he_o mean_v such_o a_o saviour_n as_o save_v they_o with_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o make_v they_o heir_n of_o god_n and_o co_n heir_n with_o christ_n i_o say_v without_o all_o faith_n either_o explicit_a or_o implicit_a that_o some_o of_o the_o gentile_n who_o endeavour_v to_o live_v up_o to_o some_o moral_a principle_n discover_v to_o they_o by_o the_o light_n in_o their_o conscience_n and_o the_o improvement_n that_o their_o reasonable_a faculty_n make_v be_v enlighten_v thereby_o by_o view_v the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o general_a providence_n have_v a_o kind_n of_o faith_n and_o hope_n in_o god_n that_o prompt_v they_o to_o expect_v temporal_a blessing_n and_o some_o temporal_a reward_n from_o the_o observation_n they_o can_v make_v that_o divine_a providence_n do_v ordinary_o bestow_v such_o blessing_n upon_o man_n that_o be_v moral_o honest_a may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v grant_v but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n and_o of_o the_o heir_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n that_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o faithful_a word_n of_o god_n and_o his_o faithful_a promise_n first_o deliver_v to_o his_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o by_o they_o to_o we_o even_o such_o a_o word_n of_o faith_n as_o that_o it_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n 1_o tim._n 1.15_o for_o to_o he_o give_v all_o the_o prophet_n witness_n as_o peter_n preach_v to_o cornelius_n that_o whoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v receive_v remission_n of_o sin_n act_n 10.43_o god_n promise_n come_v not_o to_o man_n nor_o ever_o come_v to_o they_o by_o the_o common_a dictate_v of_o the_o light_n within_o whither_o they_o call_v it_o god_n or_o the_o word_n or_o the_o spirit_n there_o be_v diversity_n of_o operation_n gift_n and_o ministration_n inward_a as_o well_o as_o outward_a of_o one_o god_n one_o lord_n and_o one_o spirit_n who_o be_v over_o all_o in_o all_o and_o through_o all_o it_o be_v but_o a_o faint_a hope_n and_o faith_n that_o man_n can_v have_v in_o god_n without_o the_o promise_n and_o without_o all_o special_a revelation_n the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n goodness_n discoverable_a by_o the_o light_n in_o every_o conscience_n in_o the_o work_v of_o creation_n and_o providence_n may_v give_v man_n that_o be_v moral_o honest_a some_o probable_a faith_n that_o he_o will_v be_v favourable_a to_o they_o but_o the_o infallible_a ground_n of_o certainty_n concern_v eternal_a life_n and_o salvation_n none_o ever_o have_v or_o can_v have_v without_o the_o promise_n and_o special_a revelation_n for_o all_o the_o light_n and_o knowledge_n that_o the_o ephesian_a gentile_n have_v in_o their_o mere_a gentile_a state_n paul_n tell_v that_o at_o that_o time_n they_o be_v without_o hope_n and_o without_o the_o promise_n and_o alien_n and_o stranger_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n eph._n 2.12_o a_o indigent_a man_n that_o know_v a_o good_a man_n that_o be_v able_a to_o help_v he_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o sure_a that_o he_o will_v help_v he_o unless_o he_o have_v his_o promise_n and_o some_o particular_a intimation_n of_o his_o mind_n but_o if_o he_o have_v that_o than_o his_o faith_n have_v sure_a foot_n but_o the_o faithful_a have_v not_o only_a god_n word_n and_o promise_n but_o confirm_v by_o his_o oath_n that_o by_o two_o immutable_a thing_n they_o may_v have_v strong_a confidence_n and_o hope_v that_o be_v as_o a_o anchor_n sure_a and_o steadfast_a and_o which_o enter_v within_o the_o veil_n whither_o the_o forerunner_n have_v go_v but_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o this_o sort_n of_o faith_n that_o i_o can_v find_v as_o any-wise_a necessary_a or_o essential_a to_o the_o religion_n here_o describe_v in_o this_o treatise_n of_o w.p._n but_o pure_a deism_n and_o at_o best_a refine_a paganism_n all_o along_o as_o will_v further_o appear_v in_o what_o follow_v i_o find_v in_o page_n 50_o of_o the_o same_o treatise_n a_o quite_o differ_v definition_n of_o faith_n which_o if_o not_o plain_o contradictory_n to_o the_o former_a be_v very_o disingenous_a and_o full_a of_o equivocation_n but_o whatever_o way_n it_o be_v take_v if_o he_o adhere_v to_o it_o and_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v a_o proper_a definition_n where_o the_o definition_n itself_o in_o the_o part_n of_o it_o aught_o to_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o thing_n define_v and_o such_o as_o the_o thing_n define_v can_v be_v without_o it_o yield_v as_o sufficient_a argument_n against_o his_o position_n that_o the_o light_n in_o every_o man_n conscience_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n his_o definition_n be_v this_o faith_n be_v yield_v up_o to_o the_o requiring_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o we_o in_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v past_a through_o the_o son_n of_o his_o love_n and_o life_n everlasting_a several_a thing_n be_v faulty_a in_o this_o definition_n first_o that_o he_o confound_v the_o effect_n or_o concomitant_a of_o faith_n with_o faith_n itself_o for_o the_o yield_n up_o or_o resignation_n to_o god_n requiring_n be_v rather_o a_o effect_n or_o concomitant_a of_o faith_n than_o faith_n itself_o especial_o in_o the_o present_a case_n as_o it_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o rule_n which_o determine_v what_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v or_o assent_v unto_o upon_o the_o credit_n of_o divine_a authority_n second_o that_o he_o make_v remission_n of_o sin_n to_o be_v antecedent_n and_o prior_n to_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o error_n of_o the_o antinomian_o and_o plain_o contradictory_n to_o the_o scripture_n that_o hold_v forth_o both_o repentance_n and_o faith_n to_o be_v necessary_a requisite_n in_o order_n to_o forgiveness_n three_o that_o he_o make_v full_a assurance_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n to_o be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n whereas_o there_o be_v a_o faith_n of_o adhesion_n that_o be_v true_a faith_n that_o many_o of_o the_o faithful_a have_v who_o have_v not_o arrive_v to_o that_o full_a assurance_n but_o that_o which_o i_o principal_o notify_v in_o this_o his_o last_o definition_n be_v that_o he_o make_v this_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n to_o be_v through_o the_o son_n of_o god_n love_n where_o that_o the_o equivocation_n and_o fallacy_n may_v be_v discover_v i_o ask_v he_o what_o he_o mean_v by_o the_o son_n of_o his_o love_n through_o which_o this_o assurance_n if_o remission_n of_o sin_n be_v obtain_v if_o he_o mean_v by_o the_o son_n of_o his_o love_n only_o the_o light_n within_o every_o man_n conscience_n it_o be_v a_o palpable_a equivocation_n and_o insert_v on_o purpose_n to_o deceive_v the_o christian_a reader_n who_o general_o by_o man_n have_v remission_n of_o sin_n through_o the_o son_n of_o god_n love_n do_v understand_v the_o son_n of_o god_n love_n to_o be_v the_o word_n incarnate_a to_o wit_n jesus_n christ_n god-man_n as_o he_o die_v for_o our_o sin_n by_o his_o death_n to_o purchase_v to_o we_o the_o pardon_n of_o they_o but_o this_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v the_o true_a scripture_n sense_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o true_a christian_n w.p._n do_v not_o admit_v if_o he_o adhere_v to_o what_o he_o have_v say_v both_o here_o and_o in_o his_o other_o book_n for_o in_o his_o serious_a apology_n page_n 146._o he_o say_v in_o behalf_n of_o himself_o and_o brethren_n that_o that_o outward_a person_n that_o suffer_v at_o jerusalem_n be_v proper_o the_o son_n of_o god_n we_o utter_o deny_v and_o here_o in_o this_o book_n he_o make_v it_o not_o any_o of_o the_o absolute_a necessary_n in_o religion_n but_o some_o considerable_a matter_n superad_v p._n 44._o that_o god_n be_v manifest_v extraordinary_o in_o the_o flesh_n that_o he_o give_v his_o life_n for_o the_o world_n that_o such_o as_o believe_v and_o obey_v his_o grace_n in_o their_o heart_n receive_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o life_n everlasting_a but_o which_o way_n soever_o he_o understand_v these_o word_n the_o son_n of_o god_n love_n see_v he_o make_v the_o rule_n of_o every_o man_n faith_n not_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n declare_v his_o promise_n of_o forgiveness_n as_o outward_o deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o the_o light_n in_o every_o man_n conscience_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o give_v we_o some_o better_a proof_n than_o his_o simple_a affirmation_n that_o the_o light_n in_o every_o man_n conscience_n or_o indeed_o in_o any_o man_n conscience_n reveal_v to_o he_o god_n will_n to_o forgive_v sin_n without_o all_o special_a revelation_n or_o declaration_n of_o god_n will_n as_o contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n see_v the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v hold_v it_o forth_o as_o one_o of_o the_o great_a secret_n and_o mystery_n of_o god_n will_n declare_v to_o man_n by_o the_o special_a revelation_n of_o the_o holy_a
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
etc._n etc._n which_o say_v he_o can_v not_o be_v without_o the_o light_n of_o his_o son_n shine_v in_o man_n conscience_n therefore_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o conscience_n must_v needs_o have_v be_v the_o general_n rule_n etc._n etc._n answ_n his_o consequence_n be_v again_o deny_v which_o he_o do_v not_o prove_v it_o have_v the_o same_o defect_n with_o his_o forego_v proof_n that_o he_o confound_v the_o author_n and_o efficient_a cause_n of_o faith_n with_o the_o rule_n which_o be_v the_o instrumental_a cause_n thereof_o but_o let_v it_o be_v further_o consider_v what_o the_o follow_a word_n be_v not_o mention_v by_o w.p._n here_o and_o let_v they_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o forego_n word_n ver._n 7._o will_v the_o lord_n be_v please_v with_o thousand_o of_o ram_n or_o with_o ten_o thousand_o of_o river_n of_o oil_n shall_v i_o give_v my_o first_o bear_v for_o my_o transgression_n the_o fruit_n of_o my_o body_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o my_o soul_n ver._n 8._o he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o do_v the_o lord_n require_v of_o thou_o but_o to_o do_v just_o and_o love_v mercy_n and_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n and_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o the_o word_n at_o least_o have_v a_o comparative_a sense_n as_o intimate_v that_o justice_n mercy_n and_o humility_n or_o humble_a walk_v with_o god_n be_v more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o god_n law_n than_o all_o outward_a sacrifice_n be_v but_o do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o god_n do_v not_o require_v those_o outward_a sacrifice_n then_o to_o be_v offer_v up_o or_o that_o god_n do_v not_o require_v faith_n in_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n that_o he_o do_v command_v they_o and_o if_o such_o a_o faith_n be_v then_o require_v of_o they_o which_o the_o common_a dictate_v of_o the_o light_n in_o every_o conscience_n do_v not_o teach_v they_o but_o special_a revelation_n by_o the_o like_a reason_n it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n the_o great_a sacrifice_n as_o he_o be_v outward_o to_o be_v offer_v up_o of_o which_o all_o the_o outward_a sacrifice_n be_v type_n be_v also_o require_v by_o the_o lord_n from_o that_o people_n the_o which_o faith_n all_o the_o faithful_a than_o have_v and_o by_o which_o faith_n they_o receive_v the_o remission_n of_o their_o sin_n according_a to_o act_n 10_o 43._o but_o see_v the_o light_n within_o every_o man_n give_v they_o not_o this_o faith_n nor_o teach_v it_o they_o it_o evident_o follow_v that_o the_o light_n within_o every_o man_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n it_o may_v be_v further_o say_v that_o the_o word_n micah_n 6.8_o 9_o if_o they_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v with_o respect_n to_o mere_a heathen_n and_o gentile_n who_o have_v not_o the_o external_n word_n may_v imply_v that_o no_o more_o be_v require_v of_o they_o than_o those_o general_a thing_n which_o the_o law_n or_o light_n in_o they_o do_v teach_v they_o and_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n they_o have_v but_o these_o word_n seem_v not_o to_o be_v speak_v with_o respect_n to_o mere_a gentile_n but_o rather_o to_o they_o that_o be_v by_o profession_n the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o though_o neither_o faith_n nor_o repentance_n nor_o many_o other_o evangelical_n virtue_n and_o duty_n be_v there_o express_v yet_o without_o doubt_n they_o be_v employ_v as_o well_o as_o where_o faith_n be_v only_o express_v in_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n love_n and_o other_o virtue_n be_v employ_v and_o indeed_o by_o the_o like_a fallacy_n w.p._n may_v infer_v that_o our_o whole_a religion_n consist_v in_o practise_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o 2d_o table_n from_o james_n word_n pure_a and_o undefiled_a religion_n be_v to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o the_o widow_n and_o to_o keep_v unspotted_a from_o the_o world_n and_o that_o consequent_o he_o that_o do_v this_o though_o he_o practise_v none_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o first_o table_n he_o have_v religion_n enough_o yea_o though_o he_o have_v no_o faith_n in_o god_n no_o fear_n of_o he_o nor_o love_n to_o he_o if_o he_o be_v charitable_a and_o temperate_a as_o it_o have_v be_v report_v some_o atheist_n have_v be_v page_n 5._o his_o next_o argument_n be_v it_o be_v by_o this_o law_n that_o enoch_n noah_n abraham_n melchisideck_n abimilech_n job_n jethro_n etc._n etc._n walk_v and_o be_v accept_v as_o say_v jreneus_n and_o tertullian_n they_o wâ—re_v just_o by_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n than_o be_v it_o their_o rule_n too_o and_o in_o that_o just_a state_n answ_n this_o argument_n have_v several_a defect_n in_o it_o 1._o to_o argue_v from_o a_o law_n or_o rule_n of_o moral_a justice_n to_o a_o law_n or_o rule_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n the_o promise_a messiah_n without_o which_o faith_n there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o salvation_n in_o all_o the_o scripture_n second_o that_o he_o jumble_v abimelech_n and_o jethro_n none_o of_o which_o be_v prophet_n with_o abraham_n and_o other_o that_o be_v prophet_n and_o have_v extraordinary_a revelation_n concern_v the_o messiah_n three_o that_o he_o make_v no_o distinction_n betwixt_o what_o the_o light_n or_o word_n do_v reveal_v common_o in_o all_o man_n by_o the_o common_a illumination_n and_o what_o that_o same_o word_n do_v reveal_v to_o the_o prophet_n and_o by_o they_o to_o the_o faithful_a by_o special_a revelation_n and_o illumination_n and_o indeed_o all_o his_o argument_n be_v in_o great_a part_n build_v on_o this_o fallacy_n of_o not_o distinguish_v but_o confound_v the_o common_a or_o general_a illumination_n give_v to_o all_o man_n from_o the_o special_a and_o extraordinary_a give_v to_o some_o that_o the_o common_a illumination_n of_o the_o divine_a word_n be_v to_o the_o patriarch_n abraham_n noah_n etc._n etc._n a_o law_n or_o rule_n of_o justice_n be_v grant_v but_o that_o it_o be_v to_o they_o a_o law_n or_o rule_n of_o faith_n whereby_o they_o believe_v in_o the_o promise_a messiah_n be_v deny_v for_o that_o be_v a_o special_a revelation_n that_o be_v the_o law_n or_o rule_n of_o that_o faith_n and_o not_o the_o common_a illumination_n though_o both_o common_a and_o special_a be_v and_o be_v from_o the_o same_o divine_a word_n yet_o this_o hinder_v not_o their_o distinction_n as_o all_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n have_v one_o creator_n and_o author_n of_o their_o be_v yet_o this_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o the_o creature_n be_v wide_o distinct_a one_o from_o another_o section_n 3._o his_o first_o and_o second_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 answer_v page_n 5._o in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o plead_v that_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v the_o rule_n argue_v thus_o arg._n 1._o how_o can_v they_o be_v the_o general_a rule_n that_o have_v not_o be_v general_a answ_n he_o be_v still_o guilty_a of_o confound_v and_o jumble_v thing_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v distinguish_v 1._o none_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o general_a rule_n if_o by_o a_o general_a rule_n he_o mean_v a_o rule_n actual_o oblige_v all_o man_n whosoever_o for_o the_o scripture_n oblige_v none_o but_o such_o who_o either_o have_v they_o or_o at_o least_o can_v by_o some_o possible_a mean_n have_v they_o 2._o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o law_n or_o illumination_n that_o be_v in_o all_o man_n be_v the_o general_a law_n or_o rule_n of_o justice_n and_o morality_n to_o all_o men._n but_o what_o then_o will_v it_o follow_v that_o christian_n have_v no_o other_o rule_n but_o that_o of_o moral_a justice_n 3._o he_o ought_v to_o have_v distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o general_a law_n or_o rule_n of_o justice_n give_v to_o all_o mankind_n and_o the_o general_a superadded_a law_n and_o rule_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o practice_n give_v in_o general_a to_o christian_n but_o for_o want_v of_o this_o distinction_n he_o deceive_v himself_o and_o seek_v to_o deceive_v other_o with_o fallacious_a argument_n page_n 6._o he_o bring_v a_o objection_n thus_o but_o grant_v that_o the_o light_n within_o be_v so_o viz._n the_o general_a rule_n before_o scripture_n be_v extant_a yet_o etc._n etc._n answ_n he_o suppose_v that_o to_o be_v grant_v which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v grant_v viz._n that_o the_o common_a illumination_n before_o scripture_n be_v extant_a be_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a who_o live_v and_o die_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o promise_a messiah_n by_o who_o they_o believe_v to_o have_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n this_o be_v altogether_o deny_v for_o this_o faith_n they_o have_v not_o by_o the_o common_a illumination_n but_o by_o special_a revelation_n give_v to_o some_o by_o prophecy_n and_o to_o other_o by_o mean_n of_o their_o prophecy_n page_n
even_o in_o they_o to_o wit_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o kingdom_n together_o with_o which_o some_o inward_a seed_n of_o light_n may_v have_v be_v sow_v in_o some_o of_o their_o heart_n by_o his_o ministry_n beyond_o and_o above_o the_o common_a illumination_n but_o what_o proof_n be_v this_o that_o the_o gentile_n have_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o they_o in_o this_o sense_n who_o never_o to_o this_o day_n hear_v christ_n or_o any_o of_o his_o minister_n nor_o receive_v any_o gospel_n doctrine_n by_o any_o outward_a testimony_n by_o voice_n or_o writing_n and_o heb._n 8.10_o compare_v with_o jer._n 31.33_o and_o all_o the_o other_o place_n do_v whole_o respect_v that_o part_n of_o mankind_n to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v outward_o preach_v and_o for_o most_o part_n such_o who_o do_v believe_v it_o or_o be_v in_o due_a time_n to_o believe_v it_o as_o that_o note_a place_n titus_n 2.11_o 12._o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o have_v appear_v to_o all_o can_v be_v understand_v the_o common_a light_n or_o illumination_n in_o all_o because_o v_o 13._o it_o be_v such_o a_o grace_n that_o teach_v such_o who_o give_v up_o to_o be_v teach_v by_o it_o and_o obey_v it_o to_o look_v for_o that_o bless_a hope_n and_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n who_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o to_o die_v for_o we_o that_o by_o his_o death_n and_o precious_a blood_n outward_o shed_v for_o we_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n now_o can_v w.p._n or_o any_o of_o his_o deist_n brethren_n prove_v that_o any_o jew_n mahometan_n heathen_a or_o deist_n that_o obey_v the_o dictate_v of_o the_o light_n within_o be_v teach_v thereby_o to_o look_v for_o this_o glorious_a appear_v of_o jesus_n christ_n when_o he_o shall_v come_v in_o his_o glorify_a manhood_n to_o judge_v the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a for_o that_o no_o doubt_n be_v the_o glorious_a appear_v here_o mean_v the_o most_o obedient_a of_o his_o jewish_a 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ministry_n he_o may_v receive_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o the_o special_a illumination_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o according_o be_v fulfil_v and_o as_o to_o the_o word_n jer._n 31.34_o compare_v with_o heb._n 8.11_o they_o shall_v not_o teach_v every_o man_n his_o neighbour_n and_o every_o man_n his_o brother_n say_v know_v the_o lord_n for_o all_o shall_v know_v i_o from_o the_o least_o to_o the_o great_a this_o promise_n do_v only_o belong_v to_o the_o child_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n to_o wit_n the_o member_n of_o christ_n catholic_n church_n and_o not_o to_o all_o mankind_n therefore_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o the_o common_a illumination_n in_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n nor_o of_o many_o thousand_o live_v under_o a_o visible_a profession_n of_o christianity_n who_o be_v not_o so_o teach_v of_o god_n that_o they_o need_v not_o a_o man_n to_o teach_v they_o or_o to_o say_v know_v the_o lord_n for_o to_o be_v so_o teach_v be_v a_o high_a state_n and_o the_o word_n have_v their_o full_a and_o perfect_a accomplishment_n in_o the_o future_a state_n though_o in_o part_n here_o and_o comparative_o they_o have_v their_o present_a fulfil_n as_o often_o indeed_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n have_v a_o comparative_a meaning_n beside_o that_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o that_o high_a degree_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n above_o describe_v that_o be_v a_o divine_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n by_o spiritual_a sensation_n sight_n and_o taste_n one_o man_n can_v teach_v it_o to_o another_o for_o it_o surpass_v all_o word_n either_o utter_v or_o conceive_v as_o one_o man_n can_v teach_v another_o that_o be_v blind_a to_o see_v or_o deaf_a to_o hear_v or_o that_o have_v not_o his_o taste_n to_o savour_n though_o as_o to_o the_o doctrinal_a knowledge_n he_o may_v teach_v he_o and_o by_o mean_n of_o that_o teach_v be_v make_v instrumental_a by_o the_o blessing_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o open_v his_o spiritual_a eye_n and_o excite_v those_o spiritual_a sensation_n in_o he_o and_o what_o though_o christ_n leave_v nothing_o in_o write_v by_o himself_o for_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n as_o w.p._n argue_v what_o his_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n commit_v to_o write_v by_o his_o inspiration_n be_v sufficient_a why_o it_o shall_v be_v receive_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o be_v the_o outward_a instrument_n whereby_o faith_n be_v wrought_v in_o we_o and_o whereby_o we_o may_v be_v help_v through_o the_o spirit_n inward_a illumination_n and_o assistance_n how_o to_o discern_v what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a doctrine_n and_o what_o we_o be_v to_o practice_v but_o it_o be_v very_o strange_a what_o he_o further_o say_v that_o have_v he_o intend_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o follower_n to_o have_v be_v a_o write_a rule_n note_n a_o write_a rule_n he_o will_v have_v leave_v it_o upon_o record_n with_o all_o punctuality_n this_o must_v be_v believe_v and_o that_o do_v on_o pain_n of_o eternal_a death_n his_o word_n plain_o import_v as_o if_o such_o punctuality_n have_v not_o be_v record_v but_o as_o if_o people_n who_o read_v the_o scripture_n or_o hear_v they_o ever_o so_o true_o expound_v be_v leave_v at_o liberty_n to_o believe_v this_o or_o the_o other_o thing_n or_o not_o belive_o it_o though_o write_v and_o command_v and_o also_o to_o do_v or_o not_o do_v without_o any_o danger_n of_o damnation_n whereas_o the_o plain_a word_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v record_v by_o mark_n 16.16_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v believe_v not_o what_o sure_o both_o what_o christ_n preach_v and_o what_o his_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n be_v inspire_v to_o write_v by_o his_o spirit_n to_o who_o those_o write_n shall_v come_v for_o other_o to_o who_o they_o have_v not_o come_v their_o sin_n against_o the_o law_n and_o light_n in_o their_o conscience_n be_v sufficient_a to_o render_v they_o without_o excuse_n but_o say_v he_o nor_o do_v his_o follower_n write_v in_o the_o method_n of_o a_o rule_n how_o know_v he_o that_o be_v he_o so_o great_a a_o master_n of_o method_n so_o as_o that_o he_o can_v prove_v they_o write_v not_o in_o the_o method_n of_o a_o rule_n what_o say_v he_o to_o christ_n sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n and_o his_o other_o sermon_n record_v by_o the_o four_o evangelist_n which_o alone_o though_o we_o have_v no_o other_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v a_o sufficient_a rule_n both_o of_o faith_n and_o life_n which_o yet_o make_v not_o the_o other_o part_n superfluous_a it_o be_v a_o good_a say_n abundance_n of_o the_o law_n break_v not_o the_o law_n as_o god_n way_n be_v not_o as_o man_n way_n so_o god_n method_n in_o deliver_v we_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n be_v not_o as_o man_n method_n and_o what_o say_v he_o to_o luke_n who_o luk._n 1.13_o declare_v that_o have_v have_v perfect_a understanding_n of_o all_o thing_n from_o the_o very_a first_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o he_o to_o write_v they_o in_o order_n and_o say_v john_n john_n 20.31_o these_o be_v write_v that_o you_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o believe_v you_o may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n it_o be_v strange_a that_o a_o quaker_n shall_v argue_v against_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n for_o want_v the_o method_n of_o a_o rule_n who_o may_v be_v think_v very_o improper_a judge_n of_o method_n be_v so_o immethodical_a themselves_o both_o in_o write_v and_o preach_v and_o cry_v out_o against_o other_o for_o method_n and_o yet_o now_o the_o scripture_n must_v be_v reject_v from_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n for_o not_o be_v write_v in_o the_o method_n of_o a_o rule_n if_o w.p._n must_v be_v believe_v
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
allow_v what_o if_o any_o now_o shall_v say_v that_o the_o light_n within_o they_o forbid_v they_o to_o eat_v flesh_n how_o can_v w.p._n convince_v they_o of_o their_o error_n if_o he_o bring_v paul_n word_n or_o any_o other_o scripture_n word_n to_o his_o conviction_n may_v he_o not_o answer_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o w.p._n have_v confirm_v he_o by_o his_o late_a book_n that_o say_v the_o same_o and_o if_o the_o light_n within_o in_o the_o esseni_fw-la may_v contradict_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n why_o may_v not_o the_o light_n within_o in_o a_o quaker_n contradict_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n both_o be_v give_v from_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o bind_v to_o the_o jew_n before_o christ_n incarnation_n as_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v to_o the_o christian_n since_o and_o how_o can_v w.p._n prove_v that_o polygamy_n be_v against_o the_o light_n within_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o new_a testament_n forbid_v it_o but_o what_o then_o by_o w._n p_n doctrine_n the_o great_a thing_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v not_o necessary_a absolute_o to_o be_v believe_v but_o upon_o conviction_n of_o the_o spirit_n i._n e._n upon_o a_o new_a revelation_n as_o that_o christ_n be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n die_v for_o our_o sin_n etc._n etc._n and_o he_o plain_o tell_v we_o any_o such_o new_a revelation_n be_v not_o necessary_a if_o this_o be_v not_o to_o turn_v people_n loose_v and_o to_o run_v they_o into_o great_a confusion_n light_n against_o light_n and_o spirit_n against_o spirit_n while_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v deny_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n yea_o a_o rule_n i_o leave_v to_o the_o sober_a and_o intelligent_a to_o judge_v section_n 18._o a_o correction_n of_o a_o say_v of_o w.p._n scandalous_a and_o offensive_a to_o christian_a ear_n that_o man_n be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v inform_v of_o the_o knowledge_n and_o experience_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n from_o our_o saviour_n word_n to_o nicomedus_fw-la john_n 3_o nor_o can_v that_o scripture_n be_v my_o rule_n say_v he_o in_o that_o heavenly_a travel_n etc._n etc._n neither_o can_v any_o other_o write_v whatever_n page_n 29._o here_o i_o find_v one_o passage_n more_o in_o this_o book_n of_o w._n p_n that_o i_o be_o sure_a great_o derogate_v from_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v just_o offensive_a to_o christian_a ear_n have_v quote_v our_o saviour_n word_n to_o nicodemus_n that_o he_o say_v may_v be_v credit_v historical_o that_o unless_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n john_n 3_o but_o what_o be_v that_o say_v he_o to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o experience_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n that_o they_o be_v never_o like_a to_o be_v inform_v of_o there_o nor_o can_v that_o scripture_n be_v my_o rule_n in_o that_o heavenly_a travel_n respect_v the_o many_o and_o wonderful_a trial_n and_o exercise_n that_o be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o way_n to_o it_o neither_o can_v any_o other_o write_v whatever_n this_o only_a be_v the_o office_n of_o that_o spirit_n and_o word_n immortal_a by_o which_o we_o be_v beget_v again_o i_o answer_v here_o he_o exclude_v not_o only_o that_o place_n above_o mention_v but_o the_o whole_a scripture_n from_o be_v instrumental_a to_o our_o information_n and_o plain_o deny_v that_o any_o can_v be_v inform_v of_o it_o there_o this_o be_v indeed_o to_o make_v it_o not_o only_o not_o the_o rule_n but_o not_o a_o rule_n in_o this_o great_a case_n but_o his_o assertion_n be_v extreme_o false_a the_o place_n quote_v john_n 3.3_o 5._o inform_v we_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o regeneration_n and_o the_o follow_a word_n inform_v we_o of_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n how_o it_o be_v wrought_v to_o wit_n by_o the_o spirit_n as_o the_o principal_a efficient_a and_o by_o faith_n in_o the_o son_n of_o man_n as_o the_o instrumental_a cause_n v._n 14_o 15_o 16._o and_o this_o faith_n be_v wrought_v instrumental_o by_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n call_v by_o paul_n rom._n 6.17_o the_o form_n or_o pattern_n of_o doctrine_n whereunto_o the_o believe_a roman_n be_v deliver_v as_o the_o metal_n that_o be_v melt_v into_o the_o mould_n that_o frame_v it_o into_o a_o vessel_n and_o will_v w.p._n say_v that_o his_o and_o his_o brethren_n preach_a and_o word_n inform_v people_n nothing_o of_o regeneration_n nor_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o and_o the_o several_a step_n in_o the_o progress_n of_o it_o if_o not_o their_o preach_v so_o much_o of_o the_o new_a birth_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o at_o least_o as_o they_o think_v be_v very_o unprofitable_a but_o if_o they_o think_v their_o preach_a profitable_a to_o inform_v concern_v regeneration_n and_o manner_n of_o it_o than_o their_o preach_a must_v be_v better_a than_o the_o whole_a scripture_n have_v he_o say_v the_o scripture_n without_o the_o spirit_n can_v guide_v or_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o regeneration_n nor_o be_v instrumental_a towards_o it_o without_o the_o same_o he_o have_v not_o be_v to_o blame_v all_o true_a christian_n say_v the_o same_o but_o to_o exclude_v the_o scripture_n that_o be_v the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n from_o be_v so_o much_o as_o a_o organ_n or_o instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o the_o spirit_n give_v efficacy_n to_o it_o be_v extreme_o false_a and_o erroneous_a and_o contradict_v the_o scripture_n testimony_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o thousand_o who_o can_v set_v to_o their_o seal_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v make_v the_o scripture_n to_o wit_n the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o they_o instrumental_a both_o to_o their_o conviction_n and_o conversion_n sure_o james_n be_v of_o another_o mind_n than_o w.p._n who_o say_v that_o the_o faithful_a be_v beget_v of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o peter_n say_v they_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n by_o the_o exceed_a great_a and_o precious_a promise_n which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n through_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o as_o false_a it_o be_v what_o he_o say_v that_o experience_n to_o wit_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n must_v go_v before_o all_o doctrinal_a scripture_n mean_v the_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o same_o before_o it_o be_v write_v this_o be_v to_o set_v the_o cart_n before_o the_o horse_n as_o the_o proverb_n be_v or_o the_o fruit_n before_o the_o seed_n be_v man_n regenerate_v in_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n or_o rather_o be_v they_o not_o renew_v in_o knowledge_n and_o this_o knowledge_n do_v it_o not_o presuppose_v some_o doctrinal_a principle_n of_o which_o man_n must_v be_v first_o convince_v have_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o great_a love_n of_o god_n in_o send_v his_o son_n into_o 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