Explain how a 19th‑century Quaker reply weighs Scripture, Spirit, and authority.
This concise defense argues that the Scriptures are not the sole, primary rule of faith, and it emphasizes the inward testimony of the Spirit as a guiding force alongside biblical texts. It engages with Thomas Bewley’s pamphlet and with Robert Barclay’s writings to explore how early Friends understood divine guidance and the right place of holy writings.
This edition presents a pointed critique of privately circulated doctrine and argues for a public, reasoned discourse on faith, practice, and the role of Scripture within the Christian life. It threads together quotations, theological comparisons, and historical notes to illuminate how believers in this tradition have historically balanced inward revelation with outward scripture.
- Understand the tension between inward spiritual guidance and external biblical authority.
- See how Robert Barclay’s views are used in a modern critique and defense.
- Follow a historical debate about how Scripture should guide belief and practice.
- Learn how the author situates this discussion within a broader Quaker perspective.
Ideal for readers of religious history, 19th‑century theological debates, and discussions about how Spirit and Scripture interact in shaping faith and practice.