Anna c. He is not a Iewe which is one outward neither is that Circumcision which is outward in the flesh But he is a Iewe which is one within and the circumcision is of the hart whose praise is not of meÌ„ but of God Rom. 2 28 29. Now how God in the time of Poperie the publick Ministerie of the word being corrupted had his inuisible Church is thus declared There were a coÌ„pany of baptized Infants which were a great part of the Church but Note By this declaration it appeares tâ—at we doe not condemne our godly ancestours who liued in the time of Poperie the Church was neuer at any time without baptized children seeing that Baptisme euen vnder the raigne of Antichrist remained in the Church There were alwaies godly intelligeÌ„t meÌ„ which gaine-said the Pope sometimes openâ—y sometimes secretly See the booke intiâ—uled Catalâ—gus testium veritatis and those who gaine-said him had them which approâ—ed their iudgement although by reason of the tyrannie of the Bishops of Rome they durst not openly make profession thereof There were also many simple men whose harts were more pure thaÌ„ were the mouthes of their teachers The simpler sort had the chiefe fundamentall points of Christian Religion in the Lords praier the Creede and the ten Commaundements whereby they might bee instructed to a true faith a right inuocating of God and an holy life They heard the Passion of Christ read out of the stories of the Euangelists as also the rehearsing of the Gospels They might therfore out of the text neglecting the glosses of their Preachers learn those things which are necessarie to saluation They confirmed their faith by receauing the holy Supper of the Lord which though it was maimed of the one kinde the cup being quite taken froÌ„ them yet were not they in fault who were coÌ„strained to endure that tyrannie The Masse and other idolatrous seruice by the speciall prouidence of God were celebrated in the Latine tongue for which cause the Lay people were the lesse partakers of their idolatrie which vnderstoode not what was done They had Christ the foundation It is credible therefore that in their agonie the stubble that was built vpon the foundation was consumed but theÌ„selues saued as it were by the fire of tentation tribulation 1 Cor. 3. Contrariwise our Aduersaries reason 1 Yee are the light of the World a City that Note 〈◊〉 this 〈◊〉 our Aduersaries should proue that the church is onely visible but they proue nothing els but that the church is visible which is not questioned is set on an hill cannot be hid also no man lighteth a candle and putteth it vnder a bushell c. Mat. 5 14 15. therefore the Church is visible Ans 1. I graunt the whole reason if by the Church be meant the externall publick Ministerie 2 It is a fallacie from that which is spoken in some respect to the same taken absolutely for in that the Church is said to be visible that is true in some respect onely that is not in respect of the inward man but of the outward publick Ministerie 2 That the Church is visible and that the Church is inuisible be contradictories therefore if it be granted that the Church is visible the inuisible is ouerthrowne Ans Contradictions are not vnlesse they be spoken of the same things and in the same respect but that Church is called visible in one respect and inuisible in another for it is visible in respect of the externall companie of them that heare the Word and vse the Sacraments but it is inuisible in respect of the inward man and true faith which is knowne to God alone as before I said 3 Vnlesse the Church bee visible there will not bee an apparent and free accesse to the Church for any man which ought notwithstanding continually to be so Answer 1. There is an equiuocation in the worde Church First it is taken for the publick Ministerie of the Word and Sacraments and so I grant the whole reason Secondly it is taken for those which doe truly beleeue the Word and rightly vse the Sacraments and so the conclusion is to be denied 2 By that which hath beene saiâ— it appeareth that the Antecedent speaketh of the former the consequent of the later acceptioÌ„ of the Church and so there bee foure termes in the Syllogisme 4 Christ bids vs heare the Church Matthew 18. Which if it bee inuisible cannot bee found out Answer 1. I answere to this reason as to the former 2 Our Aduersaries haue more in the conclusion than in the premisses For thus much followeth that there is a certaine visible church or that in some meaning the church is visible but that there is onely a visible Church there is neuer a word in the place cited 5 The Fathers did oppose the authoritie of the visible Church against Heretikes therefore there must needes be a visible Church Ans 1. It is a fallacie supposing that for a cause which is not For they did not oppose the authority of the Church against the Heritikes for that it was either visible or inuisible but because at that time it preserued the sacred bookes and the sincere profession of the Doctrine 2 Neither did the Fathers seeke to represse the Heritikes by the onely authoritie of the Church but stroue against them with the authoritie of the Scripture Question 3. Whether the Church may erre Our Aduersaries denie it hoping that if it appeare as in truth it doth that the Church in ancient times was at Rome and if that the Church cannot erre that they shall easily without any adoe free themselues from all crime of falshoode by the bare name of the Church being free from all errour But we denie it for these reasons Because the promises of preseruing the purity of the Church are conditionall and not absolute as if yee continue in my word yee are verily my Disciples Ioh 8. 31. Because where the thing doth testifie the contrarie there no plea hath place But we haue examples ready at hand both in the olde and new Testament that the Church hath erred 1. The Church of the olde Testament aâ— concerning the publick Ministerie hath often erred as in the Wildernes when iâ— worshipped the Calfe in the time of the Iudges it oftentimes fell away from the true seruice of God The like happeneâ— vnder the gouernment of King Ahab iâ— the time of Ieremie and of Christs comming in the flesh 2. In the new Testament the Church erred 1 In the Church of Corinth many doubted of the Resurrection of the dead 2 The Galathians swarued from the Apostolick doctrine of Paul in the article of Iustification 3 The Church of Pergamus fauoured the Nicholaitans Reuelation 2 15. 3. At this day the Church of Rome doth erre in many things which hereafter shall be made to appeare as cleare as the noon day The particular members of the Church are not free from error as it is plaine that Peter
what is this to the purpose 5 Manie things are held and defended in the Church that is of Rome which are not in the Scriptures Answ For this verie cause they are forgeries deseruedly for the reasons before alleadged to be reiected 6 There are in the most auncient Councels which are approved and allowed on both parts constitutions which are not comprised in scripture but are receiued as being deâ—â—uered by the Church Ans 1 These constitutions belong to order and comelinesse and are not matters of faith Therfore this is nothing to the purpose 2 Neither are they proposed by the Councells as meritorious of eternall life but as things indifferent 3 And in Councells which wee approue of wee receiue those things onely which are not contrarie to the Word of God 7 Christ never commanded to abstaine from that which is strangled which notwithstanding the Apostles commanded Acts. 15 29. Nay they were abrogated and afterward brought vp by the Apostles Answ It is a fallacie from that which is spoken in some respect to the same taken absolutely and in all respects For the Apostles did not require this as a thing necessarie to saluation but did ordaine in some respect according to the rule of charitie in favour of the weake ones who might bee offended at Christian libertie vsed vnseasonably But the Papists contend for such constitutions as they make necessarie It is therefore an argument from that which is necessarie by an accident and speciall occasion to that which is of it selfe absolutely necessarie QVESTION 3. The question is what kinde of workes those bee which our Aduersaries doe call workes of supererogation Our Aduersaries commende them highly as making men perfect but wee haue some things to except against them both in generall and in particular as That which they presuppose as a grounde is Error 1 false that is that we can performe more than is required of vs by the lawe When yee haue done all things which are commanded you say wee are vnprofitable seruants Luke 17 10. It is contrarie to the article of sanctification which dooth not grant to any man in this life a perfect plenarie fulfilling of the lawe much lesse anie workes of supererogation Whereof wee shall speake in the next Chapter following Contrariwise our Aduersaries doe reason thus 1 Christ sayth if thou shalt supererogate anie thing c. Luke 10 35. Therefore he had reference heere to workes of supererogation Ans 1 In controuersed points of Religion wee may not play with allegories which haue no ground in Scripture 2. Christ doth there extoll the charitie of the Samaritanâ— who before had giuen money to the hoste to make prouision for the wounded man and with all promised him that if heâ— spent more in prouiding for him hee would repaie it But what is this to workes of supererogation 2 I fulfill the rest of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his bodies sake which is the Church Colos 1 24. Ans He speaketh nothing of the perfecte keeping of the lawe much lesse of workes of supererogation but of that parcell of the Crosse which God layeth vpon the shoulders of the Church and the members thereof to bee borne of them that they may bee made like to the image of his Sonne Romans 8 29 For the meaning of Paul is onely this since that certaine afflictions are allotted to the CHVRCH that himselfe beareth a great part of them that the measure of sufferings may bee fulfilled in the mysticall bodie of Christ And what is this to the works of supererogation They faine that Christ hath brought vs a Error 2 new and more perfect lawe by adioyning Euangelicall councells to the lawe which is very false Because manie of those things which they call councells are indeed commandements and the explication of the morall law wherof manie also are comprised in the Lawe of Moses where the tenne Commandements are explained Christ was not a Lawgiuer but a Mediatour 1 The Lawe was given by Moses but grace and truth by Iesus Christ Ioh 1 17. 2 And therefore that hee should not seeme a Law giuer Christ iudgeth no man Ioh 8 15. 3 Therefore the preaching of the Gospell not of the Lawe is called the preaching of Christ and the Ministerie of reconciliation 2 Corinthians 5 18 19 20. This false assertion of our Aduersaries savoureth of Mahometisme For Mahomet in his Alcoran saith that Moses gave not so perfect a law that Christ gaue a more perfect law for that no man could bee saued by the â—awe of Moses but that Mahomet hath giuen a most perfect and absolute law Change this last name of Mahomet into the name of S Francis Saint Dominicke c. and it wil be the verie same thing Our Aduersaries reckon Povertie amongst Euangelicall Councells and workes of supererogation 3 Pouerty but falsely Because it is not a councell but a commandement that when neede so requireth we Mat 8 19 20 c 10 37 38 c. Lu 18 29 c. should part with al the goods of this life nay life it selfe for Christs sake But the Moonkish pouertie is farre from this The Moonkish pouertie is but a mockerie For therein the sweate of the browes layed vpoÌ„ everie man in his calling is changed for yearely and most certaine renenews and pensions for terme of life Contrariwise our aduersaries doe reason 1 CHRIST sayd to the young man who asked a councell of perfection If thou wilt bee perfect goe and sell all c Matt 19 21. Marke 10 20. Ans The whole text doth make it plaine that Christ woulde represse and pull downe the proude yong Pharisee that swelled with perswasion of his owne perfection and that he meant nothing lesse than to teach that perfection did consist in povertie Neither would Christ by this answer prescribe a common rule of attaining to perfection But as God prooued Abrahams obedience when he commanded him to offer his sonn which yet he would not haue done so Christ by enioining the young man poverty would bring to light his disobedience and idolatrous worshipping of money That so it might appeare that hee loued riches more than God and that therefore he lyed in bragging that he had kept the lawe They ground the counsell of vowed chastitie 4 Chastitie vpon the words of Paul Concerning virgins I haue no commaundement of the Lord but I give counsell 1. Corint 7 25 and he thas is able to receaue this let him receaue it Matthew 19 â—2 Ans 1. Pauls counsell in this place was not concerning perfection or of obtaining of eternall life but his counsell was fitted to the present necessitie that is for feare of persecution it is not then to the purpose 2 Paul left this counsell free at their owne choise neither did he lay a snare on their coÌ„sciences Wherein there is no agreement with the moonkish vowed chastitie 3. Christ Matthew 19 handleth nothing of the perfection of man but onely teacheth that
volume of Controuersies betweene the Protestants and the Papists CHAP. 1. Of the holy Scriptures The holy Scripture alone is the Iudge of all controuersies which arise in the Church and the most certaine rule of truth REASONS THE Prophet Isaie sendes vs in deciding of coÌ„trouersies of Religion to the law and to the testimonie Isai 8. 20. that is to the holy Scripture Christ in the controuersie of his person â—nd doctrine saith to the Pharisies Search â—he Scriptures c. they are they which teâ—tifie of mee Ioh. 5 39. Saint Paul greatly commendeth the holy Scriptures vnto vs saying The whole Scripture is giuen by inspiration of God and is profitable to teach to improue to correct and instruct in righteousnes that the man of God may bee absolute being made perfect vnto euery good worke 2 Timoth 3 16 17. The Citizens of Beraea iudged of Pauls Sermons opinions out of the Scriptures whether Paul taught such things as were agreeable to the holy Scriptures and are for that cause commended Act 17 11. Christ answered out of the Scriptures to the questions of the Pharisies Matthew 19 4 c. of the Sadducees Matth 22 31 c. of the perfect fulfilling of the law Luke 10. 26 27. of his diuinitie out of Psalme 110 Matthew 22 43 44. Whereas hee might haue confuted and confounded them with his miracles alone The Apostles confirmed all their assertions out of the Scriptures as did also the Euangelists Matthew speaketh often of the fulfilling of the Prophets and so decides the greatest controuersie that euer was concerning the Messias out of the writings of the Prophets So Peter also prooueth out of the holy Scripture that Iesus is the promised Messias the Sauiour of the worlde Acts 2 25 c. And Chapter 3. verse 18 c. and Chapter 4 verse 11 25 c. and Chap. 10 verse 43 Stephen fighteth against his aduersaries the Priests Pharisies Scribes with the weapons of the Scripture Acts 7. Paul in the controuersie of Religion which he had with the Iewes prouokes to the law and the writings of the Prophets Acts 24 14 and 26 22 27. The same Paul gathered the doctrine of Iustification out of the Scripture Romanes 1 2 3 4 and 10 Chapters Galath 3 and 4 Chapter and cleareth the controuersie of the person of our Sauiour out of the Scriptures Ephesians 4. Peter draweth Baptisme 1 Peter 3. 21 And other controuersed points betwixt the Iewes and the Christians out of the Scripture of the old â—estament The Epistle to the Hebrewesis wholly heerein occupied to proue the greatest controuersie of his time concerning Christ the only true high Priest out of the Scripture of the old Testament The same did likewise the ancient Fathers in the Church of God who confuted the Heretikes out of the holy Scripture and the ancient godly Counsels ouerthrew the Heretikes not by the opinions of men but by testimonies of the holy Scripture dulie waighed The Position of our Aduersaries The holy Scripture alone cannot be the Iudge of controuersies Their reasons are Because it is insufficient and containeth not all things which pertaine to faith Because it is obscure Because it is vncertaine and may be drawne either to this or that side Hence arise these questions following The first question Whether the Scripture be insufficient They affirme we denie that it is insufficient and that for these testimonies following These things are written saith Iohn that you might beleeue that Iesus is the Christ the Sonne of God and that in belieuing you might haue life through his name Ioh. 20. 31. Therefore those which belieue may attaine euerlasting life by those thinges which are left writteÌ„ in the holy Scriptures and so the Scripture is sufficient for the saluation of men Thou hast knowne the holy Scriptures of a childe saith Paul to Timothie which are able to make thee wise to saluation 2. Timothie 3. 15. All things that I haue heard of my Father haue I made knowne to you Iohn 15 15. The holy Scripture doth mâ—ke â—he man of God absolute and perfect to euery good worke 2 Timo 3 17. I kept back nothing but shewed you all the counsell of God Act 20 27. There can be moued no controuersie of Religion for which the Scripture hath not afore hand prouided a deciding or determining sentence therefore Saint Paul in the controuersie of Iustification calleth the Scripture prouident or fore-seeing Galath 3 8. Contrariwise our Aduersaries reason thus 1 The Apostles taught many things which are not written Answer 1. This is a begging of the question for this same thing is it which is denied Now a doubtfull thing ought not to bee proued by an other as doubtfull 2 The contrarie heereto is contained in the places of Scriptures before alleadged 3 The Apostles should heereby be conuinced of vnfaithfulnes as hauing kept back things necessary to saluation 4 Moreouer there is extant not one onely writing of an Apostle or Euangelist but more that that which is not contained in one may plainely be seene in other of the Apostles writings 2 I haue yet many thinges to say vnto you but you cannot beare them now Ioh. 16 12 Answer 1. It is a fallacie from that which is saide in some particular respect to the same spoken absolutely and generally in all respects for Christ speaketh of his Apostles not yet illuminated by his holy Spirit but he speaks not of them as beeing endued with the holie Ghost in the day of Pentecost That which the worde Now dooth plainely declare 2. While our Aduersaries argue from the Apostles not enlightened to the Church instructed by the writings of the Apostles there arise in the Syllogisme foure termes 3 Besides it was one manner of knowledge which the Apostles had before the day of Pentecost and an other after the receiuing of the holy Ghost therefore these different thinges ought not to bee confounded 3 Other thinges saith Saint Paul will I set in order when I come 1 Corinthians 11 34 therefore Paul did not write all things Answer Paul speakes of indifferent Ceremonies in the Church not of articles of Religion necessarie to saluation Their Argument therefore as the saying is is from the staffe to the corner 4 Manie thinges are not contained in the holy Scripture which are necessarie to faith Ans 1. This we denie it is the very thing in question therefore it is a begging of the question 2. Our Aduersaries play with the word Faith for they meane not a true and sauing faith whereof our question is but in a large sence they take the word Faith vnfitlie wrapping in the word Faith euery friuolous toy long after the Apostles time as it were yesterday obtruded vpon the Church of Christ and so from the two-fold signification of the word Faith there arise foure termes which hinder that there can be no iust conclusion 5 The Scripture saith nothing of Christs descension into hell Answere That is most false for the
Scripture saith thou wilt not leaue my soule in hell Psalm 16 10. The sorrowes of hell compassed mee about Psalm 18. But that these Psalmes speake not of Dauid but of Christ our Aduersaries themselues cannot denie seeing the former is alleaged of Saint Peter expreslie in his Sermon of Christ Acts 2 27. 6 The Scripture sayth nothing of the perpetual Virginitie of Marie of a certainty Therefore it is insufficient Ans 1. Be it neuer so much that the scripture say nothing at all of the perpetuall Virginitie of Marie yet might it not therefore be said to be insufficient to our saluation for we are not hereby saved because we believe that Marie after the birth of Christ remained a Virgin but because we believe in Christ who according to the Scripture Isai 7. 14 was borne of a Virgin 2. The perpetuall Virginitie of Marie may bee shewed by the phrase of Scripture where it sayth And hee knew her not Vntill She had brought forth The word Vntill doth note also perpetuitie as the Raven returned not vntill the waters were dried vp vpon the Earth Genesis 8. 7. which Raven yet never returned at all 7 Manie things are rightly believed although they be not contained in the Scriptures as the words Trinitie Essence Person c. Ans 1. A thing is sayd to bee contained in the Scriptures two manner of waves according to the letter and according to the sâ—nse by a good consequence Or sometimes the things onely sometimes together with the things the wordes signifying the things are expressed also So the thing of Trinitie and Persons in the Deitie the Scripture expresseth Mat 3 16 17 28 19. Althogh the very words be not coÌ„tained there 2 We are not heerby saved for that wee vse and approve these words which were invented for a more easie and plaine waye of teaching but for that we steadfastly believe the thing it self which is found in the scriptures 8 There are many bookes lost as the Epistle to the Laodiceans c. Therefore the Scripture cannot be sufficient to saluation Ans 1 There are yet remaining other bookes which are sufficient 2 S. Iohn sayth of his Gospell alone that it containeth all things necessarie to saluation Ioh 20 31 9 The Canon of the holy Scripture which is a thing necessarie to saluation is not contained in the holy Scriptures Ans 1. The Canon is a thing necessary not of it selfe but by an accident to wit because heritickes had forged certaine counterfaite bookes which if they had not done there had been no need of a Canon 2 The true Canon is the perpetuall rule of truth which is comprised in the Scripture For therfore false counterfaite bookes are not received because they contradict the Scripture and the truth neither do agree with the authenticke Canonicall bookes 3 And the Church of Christ could for 300. yeares almost discerne the true Scriptures froÌ„ the counterfaite before the Fathers had composed the Canon and catalogue of holy writte The Canon therefore is not simply necessary and is contained after a sort in the Scripture 10 Hee shall bee called a Nazarite Mat 2 23. but this is not contained in the writings of the olde Testament Ans Yes this is typically spoken of Christ in the person of Sampson Iudg 13 5. And our Aduersaries if they be well in their witts will not reiect the types of Christ set out in the olde Testament Question 2. Whether the Scripture be obscure We deny they affirme We say it is plain for these reasons The Lawe of the LORD is perfect conuerting the soule the testimonic of the Lord is sure and giveth Wisedome to the simple Psalm 19 7 Nothing of all which the Scripture could effect especially to the simple if it were obscure The commandement of the Lord is pure and giveth light to the eyes verse 8 Thy Word is a Lanterne to my feete and a Light vnto my path Psal 119 105. Wee have a most sure worde of the Prophets to the which you doe well that you take heede as vnto a light that shineth in a darke place c. 2 Pet. 1. 19. Contrariwise our Aduersaries reason thus 1 Many sayings in the Scripture are very obscure Ans 1. We may not dispute from a part to the whole saving only particularly and of meere particulars no conclusion wil follow 2. Some things be obscure in the Scripture not of themselues but accidentally and the vaile that covers the eyes of the Iewes and other infidels is the cause thereof the word 2 Co 3 15 is not the cause 3. That which is spoken more obscurely in one place is explained more clearely in an other And so by conference of places the clearenes of the Scripture appeareth 2 Saint Peter sayth that in Pauls Epistles there be some things hard to bee vnderstood 2. Pet. 3. 16. Ans 1. Some things are hard to bee vnderstood therefore not all Heere the former answere fits this obiection that is that those things which are written of Paul more briefely and some what obscurely in one place are in other places most fully explained 2. Peter layes the fault of the obscurity vpon the vnlearned and vnstable which wrest and peruert the Word of God Now nothing was ever so plainly delivered which may not bee wrested by the frowarde to a wrong sence which is apparent in the outragious dealings of Heritikes Neither yet is the Scripture for that cause to be accused of obscuritie 3. Over and besides the greek text saith not that either the Epistles of Saint Paul or the maner of his teaching which he vseth in his Epistles is obscure but only thus much it sayth that Paul doth intreate of not onely such things as are plaine and easie for everie one to conceive but that he doth not let passe in handling of things necessarie to beknoweÌ„ such things as have in them some difficultie Which to bee so the nature of the Greeke Article En Hois which cannot answere or agree with the Antecedent En autais but with peri Toutoon accordingly also as Xantes Pagninus and Arias Montanus both of them Papists and Men very skilfull in the tongues have translated this place 3 In the Scripture are handled many things most obscure and such as cannot be found out by the wit of man to reason seeme very absurde Ans 1. They be obscure absurd to the reason of the naturall man but not to faith 2 It is not all one to say obscure things are haÌ„dled in the scriptures things are handled in the scriptures obscurely For theÌ„ by the same reason euery explication of an obscuritie should be it selfe nothing else but obscurity 4 The Greeke Hebrue Phrases breed obscurity Ans 1 To them that know not the tongues they be obscure Therefore that is but accidentally 2 This inconuenience is easily remedied by the knowledge of the tongues 3 Therefore the Primitive Church had the gifts of tongues And at this day by the singular
blessing of God there are many excellent men indued with the knowledge of the tongues who do fitly properly expound the Phrases of the Scriptures 5 There be some customes of the former ages vnknowen vnto vs as that which is said 1 Cor. 15 29. of them which are baptized for dead Ans 1. Some therefore not the whole Scripture The argument therefore goes from a part to the whole 2 Those things pertaine not to faith but to some speciall Ceremonies of the Ancients which faith is never a whit the worse if it know not 6 The Scripture handleth heavenly and high matters such as our reason cannot comprehend Ans 1. By faith wee believe the heavens were made Heb 11 3. 2. The Scripture as much as may be descendeth downe and applieth it selfe to vs and our capacitie 3. Many things are simply to be believed which in this life wee know but in parte but in that which is to come wee shall know fully 7 Some things are handled mistically as the Revelation Ans 1 Such are not Articles of faith therefore wee may be ignorant of them without losse of Saluation 8 Some cannot beare strong meate Therefore in the Scripture some things are plaine and some things are not plaine Ans 1. This is an Argument from a particular to a Generall on this fashion Some things are not vnderstood of all therefore all the Scripture is to be accused of obscuritie 2. Because the weaker sort cannot beare stroÌ„g meate the faulte is not in the meate but in their weakenesse Therefore heere is the fallacie whcih Logicians call fallacia accidentis And the stronger in tracte of time may expound the obscure things to the weaker Question 3. Whether the Scripture bee vncertaine and pliable to any sense Our Aduersaries affirme wee denie it Because If the Scripture bee plyable to any side then it will follow that either God coulde not or would not speake more distinctly that his minde might bee vnderstood Neither of which can bee sayde without great blasphemy Wee have a most sure word of the Prophets not flexible and vncertaine 2 Peter 1. The Word of our God shall stand for ever Isay 40 8. But we could not rely vpon the word of God as most true most certain if the Scripture were flexible Heauen and Earth shall passe away but my word shall not passe away Luke 21 33. If wee must belieue this word then doubtlesse it must not be flexible doubtfull and mutable Contrariwise our Aduersaries reason thus 1 In expounding of the sayings of Scripture the best Interpreters the fathers of the church doe not agree therefore the Scripture may bee drawne into diuers sences and meanings Answ The Scripture is not the cause thereof which remaines alwaies the same both for Simil. As if the motion of the stars should therfore be said to varie to change for that Alphonsus Pâ—olomie haue not hit vpoÌ„ the truest motion words meaning but the cause is the weaknes of mans iudgement Whence it coÌ„meth that one vnderstands more than an other that one hath more clearenes of iudgment than an other that one is more or lesse furnished with knowledge of tongues than an other or doth lesse diligently compare places of Scripture together and waigh the things themselues by their necessary circumstances antecedents coÌ„sequents what went before what comes after so then the Scripture is not flexible but mans iudgment is diuers therfore let vs chuse the better and refuse the worse 2 But all Heretiks do alleage for themselues the Scriptures Ans I answer 1 as to the former obiection 2 That happens not by the fault of the Scripture but the fault is in Heretikes as S. Peter saith for that they wrest and offer violence to the Scriptures haling their opinions into the Scriptures 3 Vnlesse the Scripture were certaine and free from flexibilitie it could not confute any heresie therfore it is not vncertaine 3 The Copies of the bookes of Scripture might be corrupted by the Scriueners and such as copied them out or by the Iewes Answer From what may be to what is is no good argument 2 By comparing of ancient Copies as also by the Analogie of faith if any be corrupted they may be amended 3 Againe heere is the fallacie which they call fallacia accidentis wheras the Scripture seemes to be flexible and vncertaine but of it selfe it is not but by an accident to wit through some mens negligence 4 But the Hebrue Copy in many places agrees not with the translation of the seuenty Interpreters therfore it is corrupted by the Iewes Ans That disagreeing hinders not the certainty of the Scriptures for the translation of the seuentie Interpreters is not of absolute authority in the Church of God neither is to bee compared or opposed to the Hebrew Bible whereto as to the fountaine in the diuersitie of translations we must euer haue recourse And who can assure vs that that which comonly goes now a-daies vnder their name is the right translation of the seuentie wheras it may euidently be shewed that a great part of the Latine translation of the Bible is not Hieroms which notwithstanding is thrust vpon the Church of God vnder the name of S. Hierome for this the barbarousnes of the Latine translation and ignorance of the Hebrew tongue as also the diuersitie of the stile in diuers places compared together doe apparently in many places conuince CHAP. 2. VVHether the Scriptures ought to bee read of the Lay-people Our Aduersaries denie and wee affirme it for these reasons Because the Scripture dooth make a man â—bsolute perfect to euery good work Lay men haue need of it for this purpose as well â—s the Clergie 2 Timoth 3 17. The Lord commanded that the King who is a ciuill person should read in the book of the law all the daies of his life Deut. 17. The Epistles of the Apostles were written not onely to Bishops and Clergie men but to Lay men too as appeareth by the Epistle of Paul to the Galatians wherein he warneth his Hearers that they discerne betweene false and true teachers So both the former and later Epistle to the Corinthians speaketh manie things to Lay men So likewise the Epistle of S. Iohn where the Apostle saith I write vnto you litle children c. I write vnto you fathers c. I write vnto you young men I write vnto you Babes c. 1 Iohn 2 12 13 14. Peter wrieth to the Elect strangers dispersed abroad If therfore Epistles bee written to Lay men why should they not also be read of Lay men The brethren of the rich glutton were Lay-men whoÌ„ notwithstanding Abraham sendeth to Moses and the Prophets Luke 6. 29. This was fore-told by Isay They shall be all so Lay men too taught of God Isai 54 13. We haue examples hereof in the Scriptures 1 of the Eunuch who reade Isai the Prophet Act 8 28. 2 Then of the Beraeans Act