A brief vindication of the non-conformists from the charge of schism as it was…A brief vindication of the non-conformists from the charge of schisme as it was…

especially not from them who usually attend on their Ministry, who are most likely to read their Books with Diligence; But this hath been spoken unto before.

In these things we seek for no shelter nor countenance from what is pleaded by any concerning the obliging Power of an erroneous Conscience, which the Reverend Author insists on; pag. 42, 43, 44. For we acknowledge no Rule of Conscience in these things which concern Churches, their State, Power, Order and Worship, but Divine Revelation only, that is, the Scripture, the written Word of God; and sure enough we are, that we are not deceived in the choice of our Rule, so as that we desire no greater Assurance in any concerns of Religion. And by the Scripture as our Rule we understand both the express words of it, and whatever may by just and lawful consequence be educed from them. This Rule we attend unto, and enquire into the Mind of God in it, with all the Diligence we are able, and in the use of all the means, that are usually and truly pleaded as necessary unto the Attainment of a right understanding thereof. And if any one can inform us of any thing required of us thereby, which yet we have not received, we shall with all readiness comply therewithal. We have no prejudices, no outward Temptations, that should bias our Minds and Inclinations, unto those Principles and Practices on them, which we judge our selves guided and directed unto by this Rule; but all such considerations as might be taken from the most moderate desires, even of Food and Raiment, do lye against us. We are hereon fully satisfied, that we have attained that knowledge in the Mind of God about these things, as will preserve us from Evil or Sin against him, from being Hurtful or Useless unto the rest of Mankind, if we submit unto the Light and conduct of it, Wherefore we seek no relief in, we plead no excuse from the Obligation of an Erroneous Conscience; but do abide by it that our Consciences are rightly informed in these things; and then it is confessed on all hands, what is their Power, and what their force to oblige us, with respect unto all humane commands.

In these things we seek for no shelter nor countenance from what is pleaded by any concerning the obliging Power of an erronious Conscience, which the Reverend Author insists on; pag. 42, 43, 44. For we acknowledge no Rule of Conscience in these things which concern Churches, their State, Power, Order and Worship, but Divine Revelation only, that is, the Scripture, the written Word of God; and sure enough we are, that we are not deceived in the choice of our Rule, so as that we desire no greater Assurance in any concerns of Religion. And by the Scripture as our Rule we understand both the express words of it, and whatever may by just and lawful consequence be educed from them. This Rule we attend unto, and enquire into the Mind of God in it, with all the Diligence we are able, and in the use of all the means, that are usually and truly pleaded as necessary unto the Attainment of a right understanding thereof. And if any one can inform us of any thing required of us thereby, which yet we have not received, we shall with all readiness comply therewithal. We have no prejudices, no outward Temptations, that should biass our Minds and Inclinations, unto those Principles and Practices on them, which we judge our selves guided and directed unto by this Rule; but all such considerations as might be taken from the most moderate desires, even of Food and Raiment, do lye against us. We are hereon fully satisfied, that we have attained that knowledge in the Mind of God about these things, as will preserve us from Evil or Sin against him, from being Hurtful or Useless unto the rest of Mankind, if we submit unto the Light and conduct of it, Wherefore we seek no relief in, we plead no excuse from the Obligation of an Erroneous Conscience; but do abide by it that our Consciences are rightly informed in these things; and then it is confessed on all hands, what is their Power, and what their force to oblige us, with respect unto all humane commands.