The principal Rule of Christians under the Gospel is not an outward Letter, nor Law outwardly written and delivered, but an inward spiritual Law, engraven in the Heart, the Law of the Spirit of Life, the Word that is nigh in the Heart and in the Mouth.
But the Letter of the Scripture is outward, of itself a dead Thing, a mere Declaration of good Things, but not the Things themselves:
The Scripture not the Rule.Therefore it is not, nor can be, the chief or principal Rule of Christians.
§. III.
But in that there are numberless Things, with regard to their Circumstances, which particular Christians may be concerned in, for which there can be no particular Rule had in the Scriptures:
Therefore the Scriptures cannot be a Rule to them.
I shall give an Instance in two or three Particulars to prove this Proposition. It is not to be doubted but some Men are particularly called to some particular Services; their being not found in which, though the Act be no general positive Duty, yet in so far as it may be required of them, is a great Sin to omit; forasmuch as God is zealous of his Glory, and every Act of Disobedience to his Will manifested, is enough not only to hinder one greatly from that Comfort and inward Peace which otherwise he might have, but also bringeth Condemnation.
As for Instance, Some are called to the Ministry of the Word: Paul saith, There was a Necessity upon him to preach the Gospel, wo unto me, if I preach not.
If it be necessary that there be now Ministers of the Church, as well as then, then there is the same Necessity upon some, more than upon others, to occupy this Place; which Necessity, as it may be incumbent upon particular Persons, the Scripture neither doth nor can declare.
Object.If it be said, That the Qualifications of a Minister are found in the Scripture, and by applying these Qualifications to myself, I may know whether I be fit for such a Place or not: