The law and light within the most sure rule or light, which sheweth the right use and end of the Scripture, manifested in opposition to several false principles inserted in a book intitled Scripture light the most sure light, by William Bridge, the great pastor and Reverend Father, so accounted, of the Church at Yarmouth in Norfolk / confuted by George Whitehead.
         Whitehead, George, 1636?-1723.
      
       
         
           1662
        
      
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             The law and light within the most sure rule or light, which sheweth the right use and end of the Scripture, manifested in opposition to several false principles inserted in a book intitled Scripture light the most sure light, by William Bridge, the great pastor and Reverend Father, so accounted, of the Church at Yarmouth in Norfolk / confuted by George Whitehead.
             Whitehead, George, 1636?-1723.
          
           8 p.
           
             s.n.,
             [London :
             1662?]
          
           
             Caption title.
             Imprint suggested by Wing.
             Reproduction of original in the Union Theological Seminary Library.
          
        
      
    
     
       
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           Bridge, William, 1600?-1670. -- Scripture-light the most sure light.
           Puritans -- England -- Controversial literature.
           Society of Friends -- England -- Apologetic works.
           Dissenters, Religious -- England.
        
      
    
     
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           THE
           Law
           and
           Light
           WITHIN
           ,
           The
           most
           sure
           Rule
           or
           Light
           ,
           which
           sheweth
           the
           right
           use
           and
           end
           of
           the
           Scripture
           ,
           MANIFESTED
           In
           opposition
           to
           several
           false
           Principles
           inserted
           in
           a
           Book
           Intituled
           
             Scripture
             Light
             the
             most
             sure
             Light
             ,
          
           by
           
             William
             Bridge
          
           ,
           the
           Great
           Pastor
           and
           Reverend
           Father
           ,
           so
           accounted
           ,
           of
           the
           Church
           at
           Yarmouth
           in
           NORFOLK
           .
        
         
           Confuted
           by
           
             George
             Whitehead
          
           .
        
         
           HAving
           lately
           viewed
           part
           of
           
             William
             Bridge
          
           his
           Book
           aforesaid
           ,
           who
           hath
           long
           been
           esteemed
           an
           Eminent
           Teacher
           among
           many
           of
           the
           Professors
           ,
           and
           them
           called
           Independents
           in
           England
           ,
           and
           having
           in
           his
           Book
           found
           many
           false
           principles
           and
           sinful
           Doctrines
           ,
           contrary
           to
           the
           Scriptures
           of
           Truth
           ,
           it
           was
           upon
           me
           in
           the
           fear
           of
           the
           Lord
           to
           lay
           open
           some
           of
           his
           Principles
           ,
           that
           the
           Ignorant
           may
           be
           instructed
           ,
           and
           the
           Professors
           of
           Yarmouth
           and
           els-where
           may
           not
           trust
           in
           delusion
           nor
           in
           deluders
           ,
           but
           cease
           from
           man
           whose
           breath
           is
           in
           his
           nostrils
           ,
           and
           no
           longer
           esteem
           of
           any
           above
           what
           they
           are
           ,
           but
           turn
           to
           the
           Spirit
           of
           the
           Lord
           as
           it
           appears
           in
           them
           ,
           which
           Spirit
           searcheth
           all
           things
           ,
           and
           leadeth
           them
           into
           all
           truth
           who
           are
           willing
           to
           be
           guided
           by
           it
           ,
           whereby
           they
           may
           try
           all
           things
           ,
           both
           Spirits
           ,
           Doctrines
           and
           fruits
           ,
           and
           hold
           fast
           that
           which
           is
           good
           ,
           which
           Spirit
           they
           that
           hate
           it
           and
           resist
           the
           movings
           of
           it
           when
           it
           moves
           against
           their
           ungodlinesse
           and
           errours
           ,
           it
           will
           be
           a
           witnesse
           against
           them
           unto
           condemnation
           ,
           and
           they
           shall
           remain
           in
           darknesse
           ,
           and
           have
           their
           portion
           in
           darknesse
           ;
           So
           let
           the
           Professors
           and
           People
           of
           all
           sorts
           consider
           these
           things
           in
           the
           fear
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           First
           I
           shall
           lay
           down
           one
           particular
           for
           a
           truth
           which
           
             Wil.
             Bridge
          
           
           hath
           inserted
           in
           his
           book
           in
           p.
           12.
           but
           it
           is
           against
           himself
           &
           such
           as
           he
           is
           ,
           where
           he
           saith
           ,
        
         
           Pr.
           
             That
             a
             knowing
             learned
             man
             it
             may
             be
             can
             utter
             more
             of
             the
             Scripture
             then
             he
             feels
             ,
             but
             a
             good
             man
             feels
             more
             then
             he
             can
             utter
             .
          
        
         
           Answ.
           This
           is
           a
           Testimony
           against
           himself
           and
           his
           Brethren
           the
           Priests
           ,
           who
           are
           learned
           men
           ,
           who
           utter
           many
           things
           not
           in
           the
           true
           feeling
           which
           the
           good
           man
           is
           in
           ;
           so
           they
           are
           not
           the
           good
           men
           ,
           for
           they
           walk
           contrary
           to
           that
           which
           should
           bring
           them
           into
           the
           feeling
           of
           truth
           in
           the
           inward
           parts
           ;
           &
           I
           shall
           here
           prove
           that
           
             William
             Bridge
          
           is
           out
           of
           the
           true
           feeling
           when
           he
           utters
           such
           Doctrines
           as
           he
           hath
           done
           contrary
           to
           the
           truth
           .
        
         
           Pr.
           From
           2
           Pet.
           1.19
           .
           
             We
             have
             also
             a
             more
             sure
             word
             of
             prophecy
             whereunto
             ye
             do
             well
             to
             take
             heed
             ,
          
           W.
           Bridge
           saith
           
             the
             Apostle
             doth
             here
             prefer
             the
             written
             word
             before
             a
             revelation
             from
             heaven
             ,
             now
             if
             he
             do
             prefer
             it
             before
             a
             Divine
             Revelation
             ,
             then
             it
             is
             not
             to
             give
             place
             to
             the
             dawning
             of
             some
             special
             Light
             and
             Revela●ion
             in
             the
             heart
             ,
          
           p.
           4.
           
        
         
           Answ.
           In
           this
           he
           hath
           both
           perverted
           the
           Scripture
           &
           affirmed
           that
           which
           is
           fals
           ,
           for
           the
           Apostles
           preferred
           Divine
           Revelation
           before
           the
           writings
           ,
           as
           having
           the
           things
           of
           God
           revealed
           in
           them
           ,
           before
           they
           spoke
           them
           forth
           or
           wrot
           of
           them
           ,
           and
           Peter
           saith
           ,
           
             The
             prophecy
             came
             not
             in
             old
             time
             by
             the
             will
             of
             man
             ,
             but
             holy
             men
             of
             God
             spake
             as
             they
             were
             moved
             by
             the
             holy
             Ghost
             ,
          
           2
           Pet.
           ●
           .
           2●
           .
           so
           that
           they
           first
           had
           the
           prophesies
           of
           Scripture
           revealed
           in
           them
           by
           the
           holy
           Ghost
           before
           they
           were
           written
           ,
           and
           that
           word
           which
           the
           Apostle
           directs
           to
           was
           the
           word
           of
           prophecy
           which
           was
           before
           the
           words
           were
           written
           ,
           nigh
           in
           the
           heart
           ,
           and
           gave
           place
           to
           the
           dawning
           of
           a
           special
           Light
           and
           Revelation
           in
           their
           hearts
           ,
           for
           it
           led
           them
           to
           the
           dawning
           of
           the
           day
           and
           the
           arising
           of
           the
           day-star
           in
           their
           hearts
           which
           was
           Christ
           ,
           for
           whose
           Revelation
           they
           hoped
           through
           the
           word
           or
           spirit
           of
           prophecy
           in
           them
           ,
           and
           such
           did
           not
           deny
           the
           giving
           place
           to
           the
           dawning
           of
           the
           special
           Light
           and
           Revelation
           in
           the
           heart
           ,
           as
           
             W.
             Bridge
          
           in
           his
           blindness
           hath
           done
           ,
           see
           Mat.
           11.27
           .
           1
           Pet.
           1.13
           .
           2
           Pet.
           ●
           .
           19
           .
        
         
           Pr.
           He
           saith
           p.
           9.
           
           
             I
             le
             tell
             you
          
           sayes
           the
           Apostle
           
             what
             ye
             shall
             do
             whilest
             ye
             are
             in
             the
             dark
             ,
             even
             take
             heed
             to
             the
             word
             written
             .
          
        
         
           Ans.
           That
           's
           false
           ,
           the
           Apostle
           sayes
           no
           such
           words
           ,
           neither
           saies
           he
           the
           word
           is
           written
           but
           living
           ,
           and
           they
           were
           to
           take
           heed
           to
           the
           word
           of
           prophecy
           which
           they
           had
           as
           a
           Light
           that
           shined
           in
           a
           dark
           place
           ,
           until
           the
           day-star
           arose
           in
           their
           hearts
           ;
           now
           they
           that
           are
           in
           the
           dark
           do
           not
           understand
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           then
           how
           should
           they
           take
           heed
           to
           that
           they
           know
           not
           ?
           but
           
           the
           light
           in
           the
           heart
           which
           shineth
           in
           darknesse
           ,
           before
           it
           shine
           out
           of
           darknesse
           it
           gives
           the
           true
           understanding
           ;
           Again
           
             William
             Bridge
          
           is
           exceeding
           dark
           in
           counting
           the
           word
           of
           prophesie
           the
           writing
           or
           Scriptures
           of
           the
           Prophets
           ,
           for
           the
           Apostles
           words
           or
           writings
           which
           testifies
           of
           Christ
           as
           he
           is
           come
           are
           as
           sure
           as
           the
           Prophets
           writings
           (
           or
           more
           )
           so
           that
           if
           he
           had
           intended
           the
           more
           sure
           word
           to
           be
           the
           Scriptures
           without
           ,
           he
           would
           rather
           have
           said
           ye
           have
           a
           more
           sure
           word
           of
           the
           Apostles
           to
           take
           heed
           unto
           ;
           and
           again
           ,
           the
           Scriptures
           doth
           not
           shine
           to
           them
           that
           are
           in
           darknesse
           ,
           because
           they
           understand
           them
           not
           ,
           but
           the
           light
           shineth
           in
           darknesse
           though
           the
           darknesse
           comprehends
           it
           not
           ,
           and
           the
           least
           measure
           of
           the
           light
           of
           Christ
           being
           waited
           in
           by
           any
           one
           ,
           it
           prophesies
           of
           a
           greater
           manifestation
           of
           light
           ,
           and
           leads
           them
           that
           believe
           in
           it
           to
           the
           Revelation
           of
           Christ
           ,
           the
           power
           and
           glory
           of
           the
           Father
           ,
           so
           that
           this
           light
           in
           them
           is
           more
           sure
           to
           them
           then
           a
           voice
           or
           vision
           which
           another
           hath
           heard
           or
           seen
           which
           they
           have
           not
           ,
           a
           manifestation
           of
           which
           light
           or
           spirit
           is
           given
           to
           every
           man
           to
           profit
           withal
           ,
           John
           1.4
           ,
           5.9
           .
           2
           Cor.
           4
           6
        
         
           Pr.
           In
           page
           7.
           he
           saith
           ,
           
             A
             good
             man
             may
             live
             and
             dwell
             in
             a
             place
             or
             Town
             where
             no
             means
             of
             grace
             are
             ,
             in
             a
             poor
             dark
             ignorant
             corner
             of
             the
             World.
             
          
        
         
           Ans.
           This
           is
           false
           Doctrine
           ,
           for
           the
           Grace
           of
           God
           which
           brings
           salvation
           hath
           appeared
           unto
           all
           men
           ,
           Titus
           2.11
           .
           and
           this
           grace
           is
           not
           without
           some
           means
           of
           it
           as
           it
           doth
           convince
           of
           sin
           ,
           and
           teacheth
           to
           deny
           ungodliness
           and
           worldly
           lusts
           ,
           and
           it
           appears
           with
           the
           means
           of
           it
           as
           to
           convince
           of
           sin
           and
           to
           teach
           righteousnesse
           ,
           as
           thousands
           do
           and
           shall
           witnesse
           ,
           and
           they
           who
           will
           not
           be
           taught
           by
           it
           ,
           with
           it
           they
           shall
           be
           left
           without
           excuse
           .
        
         
           Pr.
           In
           page
           7.
           he
           saith
           ,
           
             David
             thirsted
             after
             Ordinances
             ,
             saying
             ,
             my
             soul
             thirsteth
             after
             thee
             O
             God
             to
             see
             thy
             Power
             and
             thy
             Glory
             ,
          
           Ps.
           63.1
           ,
           2.
           
        
         
           
             Ans.
             David
          
           in
           thirsting
           after
           God
           and
           his
           power
           and
           glory
           ,
           thirsted
           after
           that
           which
           is
           beyond
           all
           carnal
           or
           visible
           Ordinances
           ,
           and
           shall
           remain
           when
           all
           such
           your
           Ordinances
           shall
           fail
           and
           have
           an
           end
           ;
           but
           now
           see
           how
           plainly
           
             William
             Bridge
          
           hath
           in
           this
           contradicted
           himself
           ,
           for
           if
           the
           Scripture
           be
           preferred
           before
           Revelation
           from
           Heaven
           ,
           and
           be
           not
           to
           give
           place
           to
           such
           a
           Revelation
           in
           the
           heart
           as
           he
           hath
           affirmed
           ,
           then
           what
           needed
           David
           have
           thirsted
           to
           see
           the
           Power
           and
           Glory
           of
           God
           ,
           for
           that
           is
           revealed
           in
           the
           hearts
           of
           believers
           ,
           Eph.
           3.20
           .
        
         
           Pr.
           In
           page
           9.
           and
           10.
           
           
             A
             very
             good
             man
             may
             be
             much
             in
             the
             dark
             ,
             (
             temptation
             time
             is
             a
             dark
             time
             )
             yet
             this
             Scripture
             light
             he
             hath
             alwayes
             by
             him
             ,
             to
             the
             law
             and
             to
             the
             Testimony
             .
          
        
         
         
           Ans.
           A
           very
           good
           man
           is
           born
           of
           God
           and
           walketh
           in
           the
           light
           ,
           and
           though
           he
           be
           tempted
           entereth
           not
           into
           the
           temptation
           ,
           for
           
             the
             wicked
             one
             toucheth
             him
             not
             ,
          
           as
           John
           said
           ,
           and
           that
           is
           the
           most
           sure
           light
           to
           him
           which
           keepeth
           him
           out
           of
           temptations
           ,
           which
           light
           was
           before
           the
           Scriptures
           were
           ,
           and
           the
           Law
           is
           light
           ,
           and
           the
           testimony
           is
           the
           Spirit
           of
           prophesie
           which
           was
           in
           the
           Saints
           before
           they
           wrote
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           which
           are
           not
           the
           light
           but
           testifie
           of
           it
           .
        
         
           Pr.
           page
           7.
           
           Joseph
           when
           Mary
           
             was
             first
             with
             child
             ,
             he
             did
             not
             know
             what
             to
             do
             in
             the
             case
             till
             the
             Angel
             of
             the
             Lord
             appeared
             to
             him
             .
          
        
         
           Ans.
           Which
           flatly
           contradicts
           his
           former
           words
           ,
           for
           then
           the
           Angel
           of
           the
           Lord
           and
           what
           he
           revealed
           to
           Joseph
           was
           more
           sure
           to
           him
           then
           the
           Scriptures
           of
           the
           Prophets
           ,
           for
           they
           did
           but
           foretell
           of
           Christ
           ,
           but
           the
           Angel
           convinced
           Joseph
           concerning
           Christ
           ,
           that
           he
           must
           not
           put
           away
           his
           wife
           as
           he
           would
           have
           done
           ,
           as
           by
           the
           Scripture
           ,
           touching
           fornication
           which
           she
           was
           not
           guilty
           of
           ,
           as
           the
           Angel
           convinced
           him
           ,
           Mat.
           1.19
           .
           so
           that
           Revelation
           was
           more
           sure
           then
           the
           Scripture
           .
        
         
           Pr.
           page
           10.
           
           
             Wicked
             men
             have
             the
             light
             of
             the
             Scripture
             as
             a
             blind
             man
             hath
             the
             Sun
             ,
             the
             Sun
             is
             in
             the
             firmament
             over
             the
             head
             of
             the
             blind
             man
             ,
             yet
             it
             is
             not
             light
             to
             him
             .
          
        
         
           Ans.
           Here
           again
           
             William
             Bridge
          
           hath
           contradicted
           himself
           ,
           for
           then
           the
           Scripture
           is
           not
           the
           most
           sure
           light
           to
           the
           wicked
           ,
           because
           the
           wicked
           are
           as
           far
           from
           understanding
           the
           Scripture
           ,
           as
           the
           blinde
           man
           is
           from
           seeing
           the
           light
           of
           the
           Sun
           ,
           by
           this
           mans
           words
           ,
           and
           yet
           he
           bids
           them
           that
           are
           wicked
           in
           the
           dark
           
             take
             heed
             to
             the
             word
             written
             ,
          
           which
           is
           no
           better
           then
           to
           bid
           a
           blind
           man
           follow
           the
           light
           of
           the
           Sun
           ,
           but
           that
           is
           the
           most
           sure
           light
           which
           shineth
           in
           the
           hearts
           ,
           and
           opens
           the
           blinde
           mans
           eyes
           ,
           and
           brings
           to
           Divine
           Revelation
           ,
           which
           the
           Scripture
           without
           doth
           not
           ,
           but
           testifies
           of
           the
           light
           and
           of
           Revelations
           ,
           which
           the
           light
           of
           Christ
           brings
           to
           .
        
         
           Pr.
           page
           12.
           
           
             The
             Scripture
             light
             is
             the
             most
             excellent
             safe
             and
             sure
             light
             ,
             it
             is
             the
             light
             of
             lights
             ;
             there
             are
             many
             false
             lights
             in
             the
             world
             .
          
        
         
           Ans.
           God
           is
           the
           light
           of
           lights
           ,
           the
           Father
           of
           lights
           ,
           James
           1.17
           .
           and
           not
           the
           Scripture
           ,
           for
           it
           is
           the
           writing
           not
           the
           light
           ,
           and
           if
           God
           be
           the
           Fountain
           of
           lights
           ,
           from
           whence
           did
           these
           false
           l●ghts
           come
           ?
           surely
           
             William
             Bridge
          
           hath
           spoken
           here
           much
           out
           of
           the
           feeling
           ,
           for
           that
           which
           is
           false
           is
           not
           the
           Light
           ,
           though
           deceit
           may
           transform
           like
           the
           light
           ,
           but
           no
           deceit
           is
           really
           light
           .
        
         
           Pr.
           page
           12.
           
           
             In
             looking
             in
             the
             Scripture
             ,
             this
             great
             looking-glass
             ,
             ye
             see
             the
             truth
             ▪
             that
             are
             therein
             contained
             concerning
             God
             and
             Christ
             ,
             there
             
             is
             God
             seen
             especially
             ,
             and
             Christ
             seen
             ,
             there
             also
             you
             see
             your selves
             and
             your
             own
             dirty
             face
             ,
             this
             is
             that
             manifesting
             light
             under
             Christ.
             
          
        
         
           Ans.
           Here
           is
           confusion
           and
           false
           Doctrines
           added
           to
           confusion
           ,
           for
           if
           the
           wicked
           have
           the
           Scripture
           but
           as
           the
           blind
           man
           hath
           the
           Sun
           ,
           how
           should
           they
           see
           their
           dirty
           faces
           in
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           or
           see
           the
           truth
           ,
           or
           God
           or
           Christ
           in
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           when
           
             the
             Heaven
             of
             Heavens
             cannot
             contain
             God
             ,
          
           1
           Kings
           8.27
           .
           much
           less
           the
           Scripture
           ,
           and
           he
           that
           would
           here
           divide
           the
           Scripture
           light
           from
           Christ
           ,
           as
           if
           the
           Scripture
           light
           were
           one
           and
           Revelation
           were
           another
           ,
           he
           is
           blind
           ,
           for
           the
           Light
           which
           the
           Saints
           have
           in
           Scripture
           is
           in
           them
           ,
           and
           is
           the
           light
           of
           Christ
           ,
           without
           which
           the
           Scriptures
           cannot
           be
           understood
           ,
           so
           that
           is
           the
           manifesting
           light
           which
           gives
           the
           true
           understanding
           of
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           and
           the
           Letter
           or
           Writing
           not
           the
           light
           .
        
         
           Pr.
           page
           15.
           
           
             Scripture
             Light
             is
             the
             highest
             Light
             ,
             Scripture
             Dispensation
             the
             highest
             Dispensation
             ,
             the
             Dispensation
             of
             Visions
             and
             Revelations
             was
             of
             a
             lower
             rank
             .
          
        
         
           Ans.
           Herein
           hath
           
             William
             Bridge
          
           both
           shewen
           his
           ignorance
           and
           contradicted
           his
           brethren
           the
           Priests
           ,
           for
           many
           of
           the
           Priests
           do
           account
           the
           Dispensation
           of
           the
           Prophets
           and
           Apostles
           of
           Christ
           ,
           which
           was
           a
           dispensation
           of
           visions
           and
           revelations
           ,
           far
           higher
           then
           theirs
           who
           now
           have
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           but
           do
           not
           own
           revelations
           to
           be
           manifest
           in
           these
           dayes
           ,
           when
           as
           
             no
             man
             knoweth
             the
             Father
             but
             the
             Son
             ,
             and
             he
             to
             whom
             the
             Son
             will
             reveal
             him
             ,
             Mat.
          
           11.27
           .
           so
           
             William
             Bridge
          
           in
           his
           counting
           visions
           and
           revelations
           of
           a
           lower
           rank
           then
           the
           Scripture
           ,
           he
           might
           as
           well
           say
           that
           the
           knowledge
           of
           God
           and
           Christ
           which
           is
           revealed
           ,
           is
           lower
           then
           the
           letter
           ,
           when
           as
           they
           were
           in
           a
           Scripture
           dispensation
           ,
           and
           had
           the
           letter
           of
           the
           Law
           and
           Prophets
           who
           persecuted
           Christ
           ,
           and
           Paul
           was
           there
           when
           a
           persecutor
           ,
           but
           when
           he
           received
           the
           dispensation
           of
           God
           given
           him
           by
           revelation
           ,
           whereby
           he
           was
           made
           a
           Minister
           ,
           he
           knew
           that
           which
           was
           above
           or
           beyond
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           even
           Christ
           revealed
           in
           him
           the
           mystery
           ,
           and
           so
           preached
           him
           unto
           the
           Gentiles
           ,
           and
           did
           not
           sleight
           divine
           revelation
           ,
           nor
           set
           the
           letter
           above
           it
           as
           
             William
             Bridge
          
           hath
           done
           ,
           Gal.
           1.
           
           Col.
           1.27
           .
           2
           Cor.
           13.5
           .
        
         
           Pr.
           page
           15.
           
           
             If
             God
             should
             now
             speak
             unto
             you
             by
             Visions
             or
             Visional
             Revelations
             ,
             how
             would
             you
             know
             that
             this
             were
             the
             voice
             of
             God
             but
             by
             the
             Scripture
             ,
             and
             who
             doth
             not
             know
             that
             the
             Devil
             will
             speak
             an
             hundred
             truths
             .
          
        
         
           Ans.
           Here
           his
           grose
           ignorance
           of
           the
           voice
           of
           God
           is
           seen
           ,
           for
           
           God
           is
           able
           to
           manifest
           his
           own
           voice
           to
           them
           that
           have
           not
           the
           Scriptures
           without
           ,
           as
           he
           did
           before
           they
           were
           written
           ,
           and
           the
           sheep
           of
           Christ
           knows
           and
           hears
           his
           voice
           ;
           what
           doth
           
             William
             Bridge
          
           believe
           that
           the
           Sheep
           of
           Christ
           must
           all
           go
           to
           the
           Scripture
           without
           ,
           and
           try
           his
           voice
           thereby
           ,
           when
           the
           devil
           can
           speak
           Scripture
           or
           a
           hundred
           truths
           ?
           then
           what
           must
           try
           the
           devils
           voice
           ,
           and
           how
           then
           must
           they
           try
           voyces
           and
           spirits
           that
           cannot
           read
           the
           Scriptures
           ;
           now
           all
           that
           own
           the
           Spirit
           of
           Truth
           which
           searcheth
           all
           things
           ,
           whereby
           words
           voyces
           and
           Spirits
           are
           to
           be
           tryed
           ,
           they
           may
           soon
           see
           the
           Priests
           ignorance
           in
           these
           things
           .
        
         
           Pr.
           Pag.
           18.
           
           
             I
             am
             to
             be
             so
             far
             from
             desiring
             God
             to
             speak
             in
             this
             way
             of
             a
             vision
             ,
             as
             I
             am
             bound
             rather
             to
             be
             backward
             to
             it
             .
          
        
         
           Ans.
           Here
           
             William
             Bridge
          
           his
           desires
           are
           contrary
           to
           the
           true
           Ministers
           desires
           ,
           for
           they
           went
           on
           to
           Visions
           and
           Revelations
           ,
           and
           preached
           what
           God
           had
           revealed
           by
           his
           word
           in
           them
           ,
           but
           in
           this
           he
           hath
           manifested
           himselfe
           to
           be
           like
           the
           Priests
           of
           old
           ,
           from
           whom
           the
           vision
           was
           departed
           ,
           and
           the
           day
           was
           become
           dark
           over
           them
           that
           they
           might
           not
           have
           a
           Vision
           ,
           and
           where
           there
           is
           no
           vision
           the
           People
           perish
           ,
           Mica
           3.
           2
           
           Cor.
           12.1
           .
        
         
           Pr.
           Pag.
           18.
           
           
             If
             any
             have
             a
             revelation
             to
             try
             or
             confirme
             any
             Gospel
             doctrine
             ,
             't
             is
             a
             delusion
             of
             Satan
             .
          
        
         
           Ans.
           Which
           is
           quite
           contrary
           to
           the
           Apostles
           doctrine
           ,
           for
           they
           taught
           them
           that
           had
           revelation
           to
           try
           all
           things
           and
           hold
           fast
           that
           which
           is
           good
           .
           1
           Thes.
           5.21
           .
           And
           by
           the
           revelation
           of
           Christ
           they
           witnessed
           the
           doctrine
           of
           the
           Gospel
           confirmed
           and
           fulfilled
           in
           them
           ,
           and
           this
           is
           no
           delusion
           ,
           so
           that
           this
           Priest
           might
           as
           well
           have
           said
           that
           the
           knowledge
           of
           God
           is
           a
           delusion
           ,
           for
           it
           comes
           by
           revelation
           and
           confirmes
           Gospel
           doctrine
           .
        
         
           Pr.
           Pag.
           27.
           
           He
           saith
           
             the
             Light
             and
             Law
             within
             us
             here
             is
             Imperfect
             ,
             the
             Law
             of
             Grace
             within
             ,
             &
             the
             Light
             within
             is
             not
             able
             to
             convince
             others
             .
          
        
         
           Ans.
           Which
           are
           both
           false
           ,
           for
           the
           Law
           and
           Light
           of
           the
           Lord
           is
           perfect
           ,
           and
           by
           this
           Light
           within
           are
           many
           convinc'd
           of
           their
           evil
           deeds
           ,
           and
           reproved
           for
           them
           ,
           and
           things
           that
           are
           reproved
           are
           made
           manifest
           by
           the
           Light
           ,
           &
           who
           ever
           speaks
           to
           the
           convincing
           others
           it
           must
           be
           from
           the
           Light
           within
           which
           is
           perfect
           ,
           as
           every
           gift
           of
           God
           is
           perfect
           ,
           Eph.
           5.13
           .
           Col.
           3.16
           .
        
         
           Pr.
           
             Though
             the
             Law
             and
             Light
             and
             Spirit
             within
             us
             be
             a
             principle
             of
             good
             ,
             yet
             it
             is
             not
             the
             Rule
             of
             our
             goodness
             or
             Lives
             .
          
        
         
           Ans.
           Herein
           
             William
             Bridge
          
           hath
           plainly
           contradicted
           himself
           ,
           for
           he
           confesseth
           in
           pag.
           28
           
             that
             the
             inward
             Law
             and
             Light
             discovers
             those
             heaps
             of
             sin
             that
             are
             in
             the
             Soul
             ,
             and
             doth
             not
             onely
             incline
             a
             man
             unto
             
             what
             is
             good
             ,
             but
             it
             inables
             him
             thereunto
          
           ;
           then
           I
           say
           ,
           that
           the
           inward
           Light
           both
           discovering
           sin
           ,
           and
           inclining
           and
           inabling
           man
           to
           that
           which
           is
           good
           ,
           it
           must
           be
           the
           rule
           of
           their
           Lives
           ,
           for
           the
           Spirit
           of
           Truth
           leadeth
           into
           all
           truth
           ,
           John
           1.6.13
           .
           which
           is
           more
           then
           the
           Scripture
           will
           do
           ,
           though
           we
           truly
           own
           the
           Sripture
           in
           its
           place
           as
           it
           testifies
           of
           the
           Truth
           ,
           and
           against
           sin
           in
           the
           generall
           ,
           yet
           the
           Light
           within
           must
           be
           the
           more
           sure
           Rule
           ,
           for
           it
           shewes
           unto
           particular
           men
           their
           particular
           sins
           ,
           and
           shews
           unto
           them
           wherein
           they
           are
           guilty
           ,
           and
           opens
           their
           eyes
           and
           sheweth
           them
           the
           way
           to
           Life
           which
           is
           Christ
           ,
           who
           enlightens
           every
           man
           coming
           into
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           this
           is
           more
           then
           all
           outward
           words
           or
           writings
           .
        
         
           Pr.
           In
           pag.
           29
           ,
           
             William
             Bridge
          
           saith
           ,
           
             If
             the
             Law
             and
             Light
             and
             Spirit
             that
             is
             in
             me
             be
             my
             rule
             ,
             then
             I
             may
             do
             any
             thing
             without
             sin
             ,
             I
             may
             whore
             ,
             be
             drunk
             ,
             steal
             or
             any
             thing
             without
             sin
             ,
             but
             the
             Law
             ,
             Light
             and
             Spirit
             may
             command
             me
             to
             do
             such
             things
             as
             these
             .
          
        
         
           Ans.
           Here
           's
           heaps
           of
           confusion
           &
           horrible
           blasphemy
           ,
           for
           before
           he
           confessed
           
             that
             the
             inward
             Law
             and
             Light
             doth
             both
             incline
             a
             man
             to
             what
             is
             good
             ,
             and
             inables
             him
             to
             it
             ,
             and
             that
             it
             is
             a
             great
             help
             to
             us
             in
             our
             way
             to
             Life
             ,
          
           and
           against
           this
           
             William
             Bridge
          
           in
           pag.
           29
           saith
           ,
           that
           the
           Law
           or
           Light
           or
           Spirit
           within
           you
           is
           Christ
           in
           you
           ,
           so
           you
           may
           see
           how
           horribly
           he
           hath
           blasphemed
           against
           Christ
           ,
           in
           making
           him
           the
           author
           or
           commander
           of
           whoredome
           ,
           drunkenness
           and
           stealing
           ,
           as
           by
           his
           words
           appeare
           ,
           when
           as
           Christ
           condemns
           all
           unrighteousness
           ,
           and
           all
           that
           own
           Christ
           in
           them
           for
           their
           guide
           and
           rule
           ,
           they
           witness
           that
           he
           is
           come
           to
           condemn
           sin
           in
           the
           flesh
           ,
           and
           not
           to
           lead
           them
           into
           whoredome
           and
           drunkenness
           ,
           nor
           any
           sin
           ,
           for
           he
           purgeth
           throughly
           them
           that
           receive
           him
           ,
           Mat.
           1.21
           .
           and
           3.12
           .
           Rom
           8.1
           ,
           2
           ,
           ●
           .
        
         
           Pr.
           
             If
             the
             Law
             and
             Light
             and
             Spirit
             that
             is
             in
             me
             be
             my
             Rule
             ,
             then
             I
             am
             my
             own
             rule
             ,
             and
             so
             I
             am
             God.
             
          
        
         
           Ans.
           This
           is
           false
           and
           absurd
           ,
           and
           contradicts
           his
           own
           words
           ,
           for
           he
           confessed
           that
           the
           Law
           or
           Light
           or
           Spirit
           within
           is
           Christ
           ,
           now
           then
           if
           Christ
           be
           my
           Rule
           ,
           I
           am
           not
           my
           own
           Rule
           ,
           nor
           am
           I
           God
           ;
           for
           he
           that
           hath
           Christ
           to
           rule
           him
           ,
           is
           not
           ruled
           by
           himselfe
           but
           by
           Christ
           in
           him
           ,
           whereby
           he
           is
           come
           to
           deny
           himselfe
           and
           to
           follow
           Christ.
           
        
         
           Pr.
           Pag.
           30
           ,
           He
           saith
           ,
           
             the
             Scripture
             is
             the
             first
             ground
             of
             our
             Faith
             and
             Hope
             .
          
        
         
           Ans.
           Then
           Christ
           is
           not
           your
           ground
           nor
           hope
           who
           are
           out
           of
           the
           Apostles
           doctrine
           ,
           for
           they
           witnessed
           that
           another
           foundation
           
           could
           no
           man
           lay
           then
           that
           which
           is
           laid
           ,
           which
           is
           Christ
           ,
           who
           was
           in
           them
           their
           hope
           ,
           and
           the
           Author
           and
           Finisher
           of
           their
           faith
           ,
           1
           Cor.
           3.
           
           ●1
           .
           Heb.
           12.2
           .
        
         
           Pr.
           Pag.
           32.
           
           
             Humane
             Reason
             is
             a
             beam
             of
             Divine
             wisdom
             ,
             yet
             if
             it
             be
             not
             inlightened
             with
             a
             higher
             Light
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             it
             cannot
             reach
             unto
             the
             things
             of
             God.
             
          
        
         
           Ans.
           Here
           's
           both
           falsehood
           and
           absurdity
           ,
           for
           a
           beam
           of
           Divine
           Wisdom
           is
           not
           Humane
           but
           Divine
           ,
           as
           the
           Wisdom
           is
           from
           whence
           it
           comes
           ,
           and
           a
           beam
           of
           Divine
           Wisdom
           need
           not
           higher
           light
           then
           that
           Wisdom
           ,
           by
           which
           Wisdom
           the
           things
           of
           God
           are
           reached
           and
           known
           ,
           now
           he
           is
           exceeding
           blinde
           who
           cannot
           discern
           Humane
           reason
           which
           is
           earthly
           and
           corruptible
           ,
           from
           the
           Divine
           Wisdom
           ,
           which
           is
           Incorruptible
           and
           eternall
           .
        
         
           Pr.
           Pag.
           33.
           
           
             T
             is
             Revelation
             Light
             from
             the
             Gospel
             that
             doth
             bring
             to
             Heaven
             .
          
        
         
           Ans.
           So
           now
           at
           length
           he
           hath
           granted
           to
           the
           Truth
           ;
           but
           in
           this
           he
           hath
           overthrown
           all
           his
           former
           doctrine
           against
           revelation
           ,
           wherein
           he
           did
           set
           the
           Scripture
           above
           Revelation
           ,
           and
           would
           not
           have
           Scripture
           to
           give
           place
           to
           the
           dawning
           of
           the
           speciall
           Light
           and
           Revelation
           in
           the
           heart
           ;
           But
           now
           is
           the
           Light
           of
           the
           Gospel
           which
           is
           the
           power
           of
           God
           revealed
           in
           His
           People
           ,
           which
           hath
           discovered
           the
           blindness
           and
           Ignorance
           of
           all
           such
           blind
           leaders
           who
           are
           ignorant
           of
           the
           Light
           and
           Law
           of
           God
           within
           ,
           and
           who
           are
           against
           the
           knowledge
           of
           God
           in
           their
           preaching
           against
           Divine
           revelation
           ,
           concerning
           which
           
             William
             Bridge
          
           hath
           so
           largely
           shewen
           his
           grosse
           darkness
           and
           blasphemies
           ;
           And
           this
           may
           be
           a
           warning
           to
           all
           his
           hearers
           ,
           &
           all
           professors
           who
           are
           not
           wilfully
           blind
           to
           be
           awakened
           and
           cease
           from
           such
           blind
           watchmen
           and
           pastors
           ,
           who
           have
           long
           fed
           themselves
           and
           not
           the
           flocks
           ,
           and
           come
           to
           Christ
           the
           true
           Shepherd
           and
           Pastor
           who
           will
           feed
           his
           flock
           Himselfe
           .
        
         
           This
           in
           tender
           love
           was
           I
           moved
           to
           give
           forth
           for
           the
           simple
           ones
           sake
           that
           they
           may
           be
           undeceived
           ;
           and
           let
           none
           at
           the
           reading
           hereof
           be
           offended
           at
           what
           I
           have
           charged
           against
           
             William
             Bridge
          
           aforesaid
           ,
           for
           I
           am
           willing
           (
           if
           the
           Lord
           so
           order
           me
           ,
           and
           give
           me
           an
           oportunity
           )
           publickly
           to
           prove
           that
           he
           leads
           the
           people
           besides
           the
           wayes
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           teacheth
           errour
           in
           stead
           of
           Truth
           ;
           this
           I
           am
           willing
           to
           prove
           to
           his
           face
           if
           the
           Lord
           so
           order
           me
           ,
           if
           
             William
             Bridge
          
           would
           stand
           a
           fair
           dispute
           with
           me
           publikly
           ,
           and
           stand
           to
           his
           own
           doctrines
           ;
           many
           more
           of
           whose
           false
           doctrines
           I
           could
           manifest
           in
           his
           book
           ,
           which
           at
           present
           I
           omit
        
         
           THE
           END
           .