A second true defence of the mere nonconformists against the untrue accusations, reasonings, and…A second true defence of the meer nonconformists against the untrue accusations, reasonings, and…

Pag. 216. 217. [1. It is agreed on both sides that the Scriptures do contain in them the unquestionable will of that God whom we are bound to serve, and it being the end of devotion (as it ought to be of our lives) to serve him, what is there, the mind of any one who sincerely desires to do it, can be more inquisitive after or satisfied in, than the rules God himself hath given for his own service. Because it is so easily a matter for men to mistake in the ways they choose to serve him in: I see the world divided more scarce about any thing than this: Pag. 218. Can any man imagine a better way, if it could be hoped for, than that God himself should interpose, and declare his own mind, according to what way they ought to serve him! And this is acknowledged to be done already by all Christians in the Scriptures, and after all this must not all persons concerned be allowed to enquire into that which is owned to be the will of God, or do they think that ordinary people that understand not Latin and Greek ought not to be concerned what becomes of their Souls? If they be and do in good earnest desire to know how to please God and serve him, what directions will they give him? They must do as they are bidden] true, say they, if we were to worship you for Gods, we would do as you bid us: for we think it fitting to serve God in his own way: But we would know whether that God whom we serve, hath given us any Rules for his worship or no. How shall we know whether we keep them or not, or will you take upon you the guilt of our sins in disobeying his will? This seems to be a very just and reasonable request, and I fear it will one day fall heavy on those who conceal that which they confess to be the will of God, from the knowledge of the people.

Pag. 216. 217. [1. It is agreed on both sides that the Scriptures do cont•ine in them the unquestionable will of that God whom we are bound to serve, and it being the end of devotion (as it ought to be of our lives) to serve him, what is there, the mind of any one who sincerely desires to do it, can be more inquisitive after or satisfyed in, than the rules God himself hath given for his own service. Because it is so easly a matter for men to mistake in the waies they choose to serve him in: I see the world divided more scarce about any thing than this: Pag. 218. Can any man imagine a better way, if it could be hoped for, than that God himself should enterpose, and declare his own mind, according to what way they ought to serve him! And this is acknowledged to be done already by all Christians in the Scriptures, and after all this must not all persons concerned be allowed to enquire into that which is owned to be the will of God, or do they think that ordinary people that understand not Latine and Greek ought not to be concerned what becomes of their Souls? If they be and do in good earnest desire to know how to please God and serve him, what directions will they give him? They must do as they are bidden] true, say they, if we were to worship you for Gods, we would do as you bid us: for we think it fitting to serve God in his own way: But we would know whether that God whom we serve, hath given us any Rules for his worship or no. How shall we know whether we keep them or not, or will you take upon you the guilt of our sins in disobeying his will? This seems to be a very just and reasonable request, and I fear it will one day fall heavy on those who conceale that which they confess to be the will of God, from the knowledge of the people.