A vindication of the Animadversions on Fiat lux

as the Jews apply the same term unto their Oral Law. And therefore, as I said before, I crave your pardon, for supposing my Inference confirmed by your Concession, wherein I fear I was mistaken, and only desire you that for the future, you would speak your mind plainly, and candidly, as it becomes a Christian and Lover of Truth to do. But my Assertion I esteem never the worse, though it have not the happiness to enjoy your approbation; especially considering that in the particular Instances mentioned, there are many things delivered in Scripture, inconsistent with, and destructive of your notions about them, sufficient to exterminate them from the Confines of the City of God. 6. Suppose the matters in difference do really belong unto Religion and the worship of God, and that the Difference lies only in mens various Conceptions of them, you ask, Can the Scripture alone of its self decide the business? What do you mean by alone of its self? If you mean, without mens application of themselves unto it, and subjecting of their Consciences unto its Authoritative decisions; neither it, nor any thing else, can do it. The matter its self is perfectly stated in the Scripture, whether any men take notice of it or no: but their various apprehensions about it, must be regulated by their applications unto it, in the way mentioned. On ⟨p. 104⟩this only Supposition, that those who are at variance about things which really appertain unto the Religion of Jesus Christ, will refer the determination of them unto the Scripture, and bring the Conceptions of their minds to be regulated thereby; standing unto its Arbitriment, it is able alone and of its self to end all their differences, and settle them all in the Truth. This hath been proved unto you a thousand times, and confirmed by most clear Testimonies of the Scripture its self, with Arguments taken from its Nature, Perfection, and the End of its giving forth unto men; as also from the practise of our Lord Jesus and his Apostles, with their directions and commands given unto us for the same Purpose; from the Practise of the First Churches, with innumerable Testimonies of the Ancient Fathers and Doctors. Neither can this be denied without that horrible Derogation from its Perfection and Plenitude, so reverenced by them of old, which is objected unto you, for your so doing.

as the Jews apply the same term unto their Orall Law. And therefore, as I said before, I crave your pardon, for supposing my Inference confirmed by your Concession, wherein I fear I was mistaken, and only desire you that for the future, you would speak your mind plainly, and candidly, as it becomes a Christian and Lover of Truth to do. But my Assertion I esteem never the worse, though it have not the happiness to enjoy your approbation; especially considering that in the particular Instances mentioned, there are many things delivered in Scripture, inconsistent with, and destructive of your notions about them, sufficient to exterminate them from the Confines of the City of God. 6. Suppose the matters in difference do really belong unto Religion and the worship of God, and that the Difference lyes only in mens various Conceptions of them, you ask, Can the Scripture alone of its self decide the business? What do you mean by alone of its self? If you mean, without mens application of themselves unto it, and subjecting of their Consciences unto its Authoritative decisions; neither it, nor any thing else, can do it. The matter its self is perfectly stated in the Scripture, whether any men take notice of it or no: but their various apprehensions about it, must be regulated by their applications unto it, in the way mentioned. On