Abraham Anderson on the right of private judgment

[Reformed Covenanter]

What direct proof have we that every man should exercise a judgment of discretion for himself? Ans. (1.) Various commands and exhortations amount to this; as John v. 39; Rom. xiv. 5, “Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind;” 1 Thess. v. 21, “Prove all things,” &c., and, (2) Approved examples; as Acts xvii. 11. (3.) Inference from duties enjoined; as 1 John iv. 1, “Try the spirits,” &c., which cannot be done but by comparing them with the Scriptures for ourselves. (4.) From our accountability under privileges; and because that accountability cannot be borne by the church, so as to relieve the private person. (5.) From the promise of the Holy Spirit to individuals, with the word; as John xiv. 26; xvi. 13; 2 Thess. ii. 13.

For the reference, see:

Abraham Anderson on the right of private judgment

What direct proof have we that every man should exercise a judgment of discretion for himself? Ans. (1.) Various commands and exhortations amount to this; as John v. 39; Rom. xiv. 5, “Let every man…

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[RamistThomist]

Even Catholics use private judgment to try to discern Francis's statements, itself no mean feat.