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reader_n and_o convictive_a of_o the_o adversary_n farewell_n from_o your_o much_o devote_a j.h.b.n._n higham_n april_n 29._o 1652._o a_o perplex_v question_n or_o a_o doubtful_a case_n of_o conscience_n of_o a_o certain_a preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n our_o religion_n be_v our_o faith_n faith_n either_o save_v or_o condemn_v just_o ought_v we_o therefore_o to_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v and_o prove_v our_o faith_n but_o now_o there_o arise_v a_o great_a doubt_n to_o i_o and_o other_o of_o the_o simple_a sort_n of_o christian_n whether_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o to_o have_v a_o infallible_a certainty_n of_o our_o faith_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o so_o consequent_o to_o rely_v on_o and_o trust_v to_o this_o faith_n as_o to_o a_o unshaken_a foundation_n the_o reason_n of_o our_o doubt_n be_v this_o both_o papist_n and_o calvinist_n hold_v contrary_a opinion_n do_v maintain_v and_o prove_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o they_o suppose_v the_o contrary_a 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scripture_n nor_o propose_v it_o only_o but_o to_o call_v it_o a_o perplex_a question_n and_o a_o doubtful_a case_n of_o conscience_n be_v so_o unshamefast_a a_o course_n as_o in_o my_o judgement_n it_o become_v none_o but_o such_o a_o one_o as_o have_v a_o moor_n forehead_n and_o can_v be_v ashamed_a yet_o i_o consider_v the_o condition_n of_o these_o present_a time_n in_o germany_n where_o the_o antichristian_a congregation_n have_v confederated_a themselves_o and_o take_v counsel_n against_o god_n secretary_n and_o as_o pharaoh_n pursue_v the_o israelite_n think_v to_o overtake_v they_o and_o that_o their_o lust_n shall_v be_v satisfy_v upon_o they_o so_o these_o have_v not_o only_o think_v so_o but_o do_v so_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o that_o some_o weak_a preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v fall_v into_o their_o hand_n and_o be_v so_o charm_v with_o fear_n or_o hope_n or_o both_o as_o to_o be_v draw_v unto_o their_o lure_n and_o bring_v to_o do_v they_o this_o piece_n of_o service_n as_o to_o propose_v such_o a_o question_n and_o name_v the_o child_n after_o this_o manner_n for_o these_o time_n be_v the_o very_a hour_n and_o power_n of_o darkness_n and_o satan_n be_v not_o yet_o bind_v though_o we_o trust_v his_o bind_n be_v not_o far_o off_o and_o it_o be_v not_o strange_a that_o man_n shall_v be_v give_v over_o to_o believe_v lie_n and_o to_o become_v some_o jesuit_n proctor_n call_v man_n to_o relieve_v a_o scrupulous_a and_o perplex_a conscience_n and_o to_o entreat_v all_o christian_n especial_o the_o calvinist_n divine_v and_o preacher_n with_o all_o due_a respect_n to_o give_v a_o solution_n to_o this_o propose_a question_n and_o this_o in_o dutch_a whereas_o i_o have_v think_v that_o this_o question_n have_v neither_o be_v life_n or_o motion_n in_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n but_o only_o in_o this_o our_o england_n well_o let_v we_o consider_v wherein_o the_o perplexity_n of_o this_o question_n consist_v or_o what_o it_o be_v that_o make_v it_o disc_n our_o religion_n be_v our_o faith_n faith_n either_o save_v or_o condemus_fw-la just_o ought_v we_o therefore_o to_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v and_o prove_v our_o faith_n cansid_n the_o first_o proposition_n that_o our_o religion_n be_v our_o faith_n be_v bring_v in_o to_o no_o purpose_n the_o argument_n here_o use_v subsist_v well_o enough_o without_o it_o such_o as_o it_o be_v the_o faith_n that_o save_v be_v a_o act_n in_o man_n but_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v prove_v be_v no_o act_n in_o man_n but_o the_o object_n of_o that_o act_n the_o thing_n believe_v what_o conscience_n the_o author_n of_o this_o discourse_n have_v i_o know_v not_o but_o i_o doubt_v he_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v but_o of_o little_a wit_n disc_n but_o now_o there_o arise_v a_o great_a doubt_n to_o i_o and_o other_o of_o the_o simple_a sort_n of_o christian_n whether_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o to_o have_v a_o infallible_a certainty_n of_o our_o faith_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o so_o consequent_o to_o rely_v and_o trust_v to_o this_o faith_n as_o to_o a_o unshaken_a foundation_n consideration_n let_v my_o faith_n be_v never_o so_o certain_a and_o my_o repentance_n and_o good_a work_n never_o so_o sincere_a i_o trust_v neither_o to_o the_o one_o nor_o to_o the_o other_o christ_n be_v the_o rock_n and_o foundation_n whereupon_o god_n church_n be_v build_v upon_o which_o we_o be_v build_v by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o in_o he_o alone_o i_o trust_v both_o for_o the_o keep_n of_o i_o in_o this_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o for_o the_o bring_n of_o i_o thereby_o unto_o salvation_n as_o paul_n say_v 1_o cor._n 1.20_o i_o know_v who_o i_o have_v trust_v and_o i_o know_v that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v that_o which_o i_o have_v commit_v to_o he_o and_o 1_o cor._n 1.30_o god_n have_v make_v he_o unto_o we_o wisdom_n and_o righteousness_n sanctification_n and_o redemption_n who_o so_o doubt_n whether_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o have_v any_o certainty_n of_o faith_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n i_o demand_v of_o he_o whether_o he_o doubt_v of_o the_o possibility_n for_o a_o man_n to_o have_v any_o certain_a faith_n at_o all_o or_o no_o if_o he_o doubt_v whether_o this_o be_v possible_a who_o see_v not_o that_o it_o be_v more_o fit_a this_o question_n shall_v be_v propose_v in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o upon_o the_o solution_n thereof_o and_o not_o afore_o to_o proceed_v to_o inquire_v by_o what_o this_o certainty_n may_v be_v have_v if_o he_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o this_o be_v possible_a let_v he_o show_v we_o how_o or_o by_o what_o mean_v he_o be_v assure_v hereof_o as_o namely_o whether_o by_o natural_a reason_n or_o by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o pope_n or_o by_o the_o word_n of_o a_o angel_n and_o indeed_o if_o the_o question_n be_v propose_v indifferent_o and_o fair_o with_o distinction_n we_o shall_v soon_o perceive_v how_o little_a cause_n there_o be_v to_o call_v this_o a_o perplex_a question_n or_o a_o doubtful_a case_n of_o conscience_n though_o these_o form_n savour_v of_o no_o learning_n nor_o judgement_n for_o the_o perplexity_n that_o be_v find_v in_o this_o argument_n be_v not_o in_o the_o question_n if_o it_o be_v it_o be_v the_o mere_a fault_n of_o the_o propounder_n exhibit_v it_o in_o perplex_a term_n the_o meaning_n whereof_o can_v be_v easy_o unfold_v but_o rather_o in_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n thereof_o and_o that_o be_v only_o in_o case_n the_o reason_n be_v of_o equal_a moment_n on_o both_o side_n wherewith_o the_o truth_n be_v encumber_v so_o that_o the_o light_n and_o convince_a evidence_n thereof_o can_v easy_o break_v forth_o and_o appear_v then_o as_o for_o a_o case_n of_o conscience_n that_o be_v a_o very_a alien_a notion_n and_o ill_o apply_v in_o this_o place_n for_o case_n of_o conscience_n be_v only_o touch_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o a_o certain_a case_n but_o this_o be_v only_o touch_v possibility_n of_o assurance_n as_o whether_o we_o can_v have_v any_o certain_a faith_n by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o let_v we_o proceed_v distinct_o and_o 1._o let_v we_o inquire_v whether_o a_o man_n can_v have_v any_o certain_a faith_n at_o all_o i_o answer_v 1._o they_o may_v for_o many_o have_v have_v it_o as_o it_o be_v define_v by_o s._n paul_n heb._n 11._o to_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v the_o ground_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o there_o the_o apostle_n reckon_v up_o a_o catalogue_n of_o many_o that_o have_v such_o a_o faith_n i_o presume_v the_o propounder_n of_o this_o if_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n make_v no_o question_n hereof_o and_o that_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a rom._n 4.18_o 19_o 20._o be_v such_o a_o one_o who_o against_o hope_n believe_v in_o hope_n and_o be_v not_o weak_a in_o faith_n he_o stagger_v not_o at_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n through_o unbelief_n but_o be_v strong_a in_o faith_n give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o that_o all_o the_o true_a child_n of_o abraham_n have_v the_o like_a faith_n as_o abraham_n have_v 2._o but_o then_o let_v we_o distinguish_v when_o we_o treat_v of_o possibility_n this_o may_v be_v understand_v either_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n or_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o according_a to_o this_o distinction_n i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a to_o believe_v this_o by_o power_n of_o nature_n mat._n 16._o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o reveal_v this_o unto_o thou_o but_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o 1_o cor._n 2.14_o the_o natural_a man_n perceive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v and_o esa_n 53.1_o who_o have_v believe_v our_o report_n and_o to_o who_o have_v the_o arm_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v and_o joh._n 12.39_o therefore_o they_o can_v not_o believe_v because_o esaias_n say_v again_o he_o have_v blind_v their_o eye_n and_o harden_v their_o heart_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o see_v with_o their_o eye_n nor_o understand_v with_o their_o heart_n and_o be_v convert_v and_o i_o shall_v heal_v they_o and_o rom._n 8.8_o they_o that_o be_v in_o the_o flesh_n can_v please_v god_n and_o consequent_o they_o can_v have_v faith_n for_o sure_o by_o faith_n we_o please_v god_n but_o then_o on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n a_o man_n may_v believe_v act._n 18.27_o they_o believe_v through_o grace_n and_o phil._n 1.29_o to_o you_o it_o be_v give_v not_o only_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o but_o to_o suffer_v for_o he_o and_o to_o believe_v and_o find_v
the_o socinian_o of_o these_o day_n who_o opinion_n be_v cry_v down_o at_o paris_n and_o open_o proclaim_v heretical_a by_o the_o sound_n of_o a_o trumpet_n 3._o or_o shall_v the_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n be_v the_o congruity_n of_o it_o to_o natural_a reason_n as_o the_o socinian_o make_v it_o this_o be_v most_o shameful_a and_o unreasonable_a consider_v 1._o that_o our_o natural_a reason_n be_v much_o corrupt_a by_o the_o sin_n of_o adam_n the_o thing_n of_o god_n seem_v foolishness_n to_o the_o natural_a man_n 1_o cor._n 2.14_o natural_o we_o be_v all_o darkness_n 2._o in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n do_v we_o think_v that_o adam_n by_o natural_a reason_n be_v able_a to_o find_v out_o or_o justify_v the_o trinity_n of_o person_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o deity_n we_o say_v god_n may_v be_v know_v by_o light_n of_o nature_n quod_fw-la attinet_fw-la ad_fw-la vnitatem_fw-la naturae_fw-la but_o not_o know_v quod_fw-la attinet_fw-la at_o trinitatem_fw-la personarum_fw-la god_n have_v set_v the_o world_n in_o man_n heart_n say_v solomon_n yet_o can_v he_o not_o find_v out_o the_o work_n that_o he_o have_v wrought_v from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n eccl._n 3._o and_o if_o he_o can_v find_v out_o the_o work_n of_o god_n be_v he_o able_a to_o find_v out_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n himself_o we_o know_v he_o be_v say_v to_o dwell_v in_o a_o dark_a cloud_n disc_n obj._n some_o may_v object_v the_o sect_n do_v not_o follow_v the_o scripture_n only_o but_o they_o add_v the_o papist_n their_o tradition_n the_o calvinist_n their_o reason_n the_o anabaptist_n their_o dream_n i_o answer_v they_o do_v so_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o clear_o teach_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o in_o the_o controversy_n between_o they_o and_o lutheran_n they_o proceed_v not_o so_o but_o by_o scripture_n they_o fight_v against_o lutheran_n tenant_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o scripture_n and_o endeavour_v by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o sight_n for_o and_o defend_v their_o own_o which_o the_o lutheran_n by_o scripture_n do_v condemn_v nay_o more_o there_o be_v some_o viz._n the_o anabaptist_n that_o urge_v the_o scripture_n in_o the_o very_a letter_n more_o than_o the_o rest_n the_o calvinist_n use_v their_o reason_n and_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n draw_v argument_n which_o thing_n the_o lutheran_n also_o do_v never_o suffer_v any_o of_o they_o to_o reason_n against_o the_o scripture_n consid_fw-la this_o author_n will_v have_v the_o make_n of_o his_o own_o bed_n and_o shape_n his_o reader_n at_o the_o first_o encounter_n to_o yield_v acknowledge_v the_o uncontradictable_a nature_n of_o his_o former_a one_o only_a argument_n which_o yet_o i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v both_o very_a weak_a very_o ridiculous_a and_o very_o untrue_a but_o we_o keep_v our_o ground_n profess_v to_o the_o world_n that_o the_o scripture_n alone_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o no_o word_n of_o man_n papist_n add_v tradition_n which_o yet_o they_o account_v the_o word_n of_o god_n unwritten_a we_o abhor_v to_o make_v any_o thing_n the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v false_o say_v that_o calvinist_n add_v their_o reason_n they_o rather_o suppose_v reason_n than_o add_v it_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v give_v to_o none_o but_o reasonable_a creature_n neither_o do_v we_o make_v this_o reason_n of_o we_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n add_v to_o god_n word_n but_o it_o be_v that_o light_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o wherewith_o to_o search_v into_o the_o meaning_n of_o his_o word_n and_o by_o studious_a inquisition_n and_o observation_n to_o discover_v it_o and_o make_v it_o know_v to_o other_o and_o by_o good_a reason_n out_o of_o the_o text_n to_o convict_v other_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o do_v this_o author_n reason_n go_v to_o bed_n and_o sleep_v when_o he_o come_v to_o read_v and_o studious_o to_o consider_v the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o it_o do_v he_o will_v prove_v no_o better_o than_o a_o drowsy_a student_n and_o i_o know_v no_o reason_n but_o such_o a_o one_o may_v be_v in_o love_n with_o dream_n as_o well_o as_o anabaptist_n 1._o in_o his_o answer_n he_o carry_v himself_o most_o absurd_o and_o ridiculous_o for_o 1._o most_o insipid_o he_o suppose_v that_o the_o controversy_n among_o protestant_a divine_n be_v about_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v clear_o teach_v in_o scripture_n as_o if_o they_o agree_v in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o clear_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n and_o differ_v only_o about_o thing_n which_o be_v clear_o deliver_v there_o 2._o he_o suppose_v that_o calvinist_n do_v not_o use_v reason_n in_o the_o controversy_n between_o they_o and_o the_o lutheran_n but_o only_o in_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o untrue_a and_o absurd_a withal_o for_o controversy_n can_v possible_o be_v manage_v without_o reason_n both_o as_o touch_v the_o proof_n of_o their_o own_o tenet_n and_o touch_v the_o disproof_n of_o the_o tenet_n oposite_a and_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o guise_n of_o the_o lutheran_n also_o it_o be_v false_a which_o he_o say_v of_o anabaptist_n that_o they_o urge_v the_o very_a letter_n of_o scripture_n more_o than_o the_o rest_n for_o both_o calvinist_n and_o lutheran_n insist_v whole_o upon_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o more_o than_o the_o anabaptist_n in_o case_n they_o as_o former_o by_o this_o author_n say_v do_v depend_v in_o dream_n for_o so_o do_v not_o protestant_n but_o on_o scripture_n only_o and_o that_o according_a unto_o sense_n literal_a not_o at_o all_o according_a to_o sense_n mystical_a save_v only_o in_o case_n the_o sense_n mystical_a be_v expound_v by_o some_o apostle_n and_o thereby_o make_v literal_a 2._o but_o herein_o this_o author_n ignorance_n discover_v its_o self_n that_o he_o confound_v sense_n literal_a with_o the_o proper_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n we_o acknowledge_v sense_n literal_a to_o 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of_o scripture_n be_v not_o i_o trust_v to_o reason_n against_o it_o but_o for_o it_o rather_o especial_o consider_v that_o by_o reason_n of_o scripture_n only_o we_o dispute_v the_o meaning_n of_o any_o place_n disc_n object_n 2._o if_o it_o be_v object_v unto_o they_o that_o they_o wilful_o and_o against_o their_o conscience_n do_v condemn_v the_o lutheran_n tenet_n and_o confirm_v their_o own_o they_o will_v answer_v ans_fw-fr this_o be_v a_o very_a grievous_a sin_n and_o that_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o presume_v that_o they_o will_v falsify_v and_o corrupt_v the_o letter_n and_o command_n of_o their_o lord_n to_o his_o son_n and_o subject_n much_o less_o that_o they_o do_v malicious_o err_v and_o lead_v themselves_o and_o other_o into_o the_o dauger_v of_o their_o salvation_n and_o to_o say_v the_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o so_o many_o hundred_o thousand_o of_o man_n will_v come_v to_o that_o pitch_n of_o malice_n though_o one_o shall_v especial_o see_v they_o dare_v confirm_v their_o honest_a meaning_n with_o a_o oath_n wherefore_o unless_o they_o be_v convict_v of_o malicious_o wilful_a error_n we_o shall_v seem_v injurious_o to_o slander_v they_o consid_fw-la i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o such_o a_o censure_n shall_v be_v pass_v upon_o the_o calvinian_n more_o than_o upon_o the_o lutheran_n more_o specious_o it_o shall_v be_v pass_v by_o they_o that_o be_v orthodox_n upon_o they_o that_o be_v not_o though_o i_o justify_v not_o this_o censure_n whosoever_o make_v it_o and_o certain_o there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o pass_v it_o upon_o they_o who_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o charity_n will_v forbid_v we_o rash_o to_o pass_v this_o censure_n upon_o they_o who_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n and_o as_o i_o find_v defect_n of_o love_n in_o they_o who_o pass_v such_o censure_n hand_n over_o head_n upon_o
religion_n there_o be_v among_o they_o he_o may_v as_o well_o profess_v that_o the_o papist_n among_o themselves_o the_o lutheran_n among_o themselves_o and_o the_o calvinist_n among_o themselves_o be_v of_o different_a religion_n 3._o we_o acknowledge_v different_a opinion_n between_o lutheran_n and_o calvinian_o so_o no_o doubt_n there_o be_v different_a opinion_n among_o the_o lutheran_n themselves_z and_o the_o calvinian_o themselves_o but_o we_o utter_o deny_v there_o be_v different_a religion_n the_o lutheran_n we_o hold_v to_o be_v true_a church_n agree_v with_o we_o in_o the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o faith_n and_o likewise_o in_o be_v free_a from_o idolatry_n for_o albeit_o they_o have_v image_n in_o their_o church_n which_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a thing_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o worship_v they_o and_o although_o they_o hold_v real_a presence_n in_o the_o sacrament_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o adore_v it_o so_o that_o albeit_o we_o think_v some_o of_o 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be_v but_o of_o some_o place_n as_o i_o have_v show_v and_o the_o force_n of_o the_o proposition_n i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v no_o great_a than_o the_o force_n of_o a_o particular_a 2._o it_o be_v absurd_a for_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n i_o may_v prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a thus_o that_o scripture_n be_v clear_a in_o the_o interpretation_n wherein_o man_n of_o different_a opinion_n and_o different_a religion_n do_v agree_v but_o man_n of_o different_a opinion_n and_o religion_n do_v agree_v in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o divine_a scripture_n therefore_o the_o divine_a scripture_n be_v clear_a and_o indeed_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o we_o agree_v in_o the_o interpretation_n not_o of_o some_o only_a but_o of_o many_o place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n now_o what_o absurd_a a_o course_n be_v it_o for_o a_o disputant_n so_o to_o dispute_v as_o that_o his_o argument_n may_v be_v retort_v with_o as_o good_a force_n against_o he_o yea_o and_o much_o more_o for_o 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fault_n of_o the_o interpreter_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o most_o alien_a course_n to_o compare_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o word_n of_o man_n together_o for_o man_n may_v contradict_v himself_o god_n can_v man_n may_v forget_v one_o time_n what_o he_o deliver_v at_o another_o god_n can_v 3._o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o the_o thing_n of_o man_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n so_o that_o whereas_o natural_a reason_n and_o natural_a instruction_n may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o enable_v a_o man_n to_o understand_v the_o write_n of_o another_o man_n yet_o only_o supernatural_a illumination_n be_v sufficient_a to_o enable_v a_o man_n to_o discern_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n yet_o i_o confess_v on_o this_o particular_a some_o judicious_a reader_n may_v think_v to_o find_v a_o flaw_n yet_o i_o presume_v that_o upon_o serious_a consideration_n that_o attempt_n will_v prove_v but_o vain_a and_o none_o but_o a_o socinian_n will_v oppose_v in_o this_o who_o deny_v all_o fides_fw-la infusa_fw-la and_o acknowledge_v none_o but_o acquisita_fw-la faith_n natural_a and_o shrewd_a suspicion_n that_o way_n be_v betray_v by_o mr._n chillingsworth_n as_o if_o he_o acknowledge_v no_o faith_n but_o faith_n natural_a 2._o but_o be_v it_o grant_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a 1._o consider_v the_o force_n of_o this_o proposition_n it_o be_v but_o a_o indefinite_a and_o the_o matter_n be_v apparent_o contingent_a for_o undoubted_o it_o be_v at_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n to_o speak_v after_o what_o manner_n he_o think_v good_a hence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o force_n hereof_o be_v but_o the_o force_n of_o a_o particular_a proposition_n as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n in_o some_o place_n be_v obscure_a or_o some_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a and_o indeed_o gregory_n of_o old_a have_v profess_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v like_a unto_o a_o ford_n wherein_o a_o lamb_n may_v wade_v and_o a_o elephant_n may_v swim_v and_o before_o he_o s._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o contain_v both_o milk_n for_o babe_n and_o strong_a meat_n for_o man_n there_o be_v enough_o and_o that_o plain_a enough_o to_o satisfy_v the_o hungry_a and_o there_o be_v also_o enough_o and_o that_o obscure_a enough_o to_o prevent_v non-sealing_a especial_o in_o the_o prophecy_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v the_o first_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v this_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n here_o be_v a_o double_a mystery_n in_o general_a notion_n carry_v the_o one_o the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n person_n express_v by_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n but_o imply_v to_o be_v somewhat_o more_o yea_o much_o more_o even_o such_o a_o one_o as_o shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n the_o other_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o office_n carry_v only_o in_o this_o general_a notion_n of_o break_v the_o serpent_n head_n in_o this_o time_n of_o grace_n we_o know_v this_o to_o have_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o his_o die_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o his_o rise_n again_o for_o our_o justification_n have_v this_o be_v know_v to_o satan_n as_o now_o it_o be_v to_o we_o be_v it_o credible_a that_o he_o will_v have_v persuade_v judas_n as_o he_o do_v to_o contract_v with_o the_o high_a priest_n to_o betray_v he_o into_o their_o hand_n that_o be_v judas_n like_v after_o he_o have_v betray_v his_o master_n to_o go_v forth_o and_o hang_v himself_o for_o we_o know_v that_o upon_o the_o cross_n he_o spoil_v principality_n and_o power_n and_o make_v a_o show_n of_o they_o open_o and_o triumph_v over_o they_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n undoubt_o be_v a_o day_n of_o extreme_a confusion_n to_o the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o angel_n of_o darkness_n so_o the_o jew_n have_v they_o know_v this_o mystery_n of_o his_o person_n they_o will_v not_o have_v crucify_v the_o
they_o may_v proceed_v one_o step_n further_o and_o say_v i_o myself_o alone_a think_v this_o to_o be_v true_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v true_a but_o the_o spirit_n of_o illumination_n be_v give_v only_o to_o satisfy_v they_o that_o have_v it_o not_o to_o boast_v of_o it_o but_o to_o comfort_v themselves_o with_o it_o rather_o much_o less_o to_o obtrude_v it_o upon_o other_o only_o light_a natural_a be_v communicable_a unto_o other_o by_o rational_a discourse_n light_v spiritual_a be_v not_o i_o can_v more_o communicate_v that_o to_o another_o than_o my_o see_v or_o hear_v or_o smell_v or_o taste_v disc_n last_o if_o we_o build_v our_o religion_n only_o upon_o the_o scripture_n the_o learned_a shall_v have_v a_o great_a prerogative_n above_o the_o unlearned_a in_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n and_o shall_v be_v more_o engage_v in_o thankfulness_n unto_o god_n than_o they_o and_o so_o religion_n shall_v favour_v and_o cleave_v to_o good_a wit_n also_o many_o have_v their_o sense_n exercise_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o be_v more_o inventive_a than_o other_o therefore_o if_o a_o man_n can_v by_o dispute_v and_o reason_v consute_n some_o thesis_n and_o as_o it_o be_v take_v away_o a_o man_n opinion_n from_o he_o and_o become_v conqueror_n he_o shall_v also_o take_v away_o his_o religion_n and_o the_o other_o shall_v be_v constrain_v either_o to_o take_v up_o his_o conqueror_n religion_n or_o against_o his_o conscience_n to_o keep_v his_o own_o nor_o will_v that_o answer_n serve_v the_o turn_n our_o divine_n and_o pastor_n can_v answer_v you_o though_o i_o can_v for_o than_o shall_v i_o believe_v with_o another_o man_n faith_n but_o say_v must_v be_v i_o not_o another_o man_n else_o shall_v salvation_n also_o be_v another_o man_n if_o religion_n be_v the_o service_n of_o god_n certain_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o i_o shall_v understand_v that_o service_n which_o i_o must_v perform_v to_o my_o lord_n see_v god_n will_v not_o reckon_v another_o man_n service_n for_o i_o and_o can_v be_v serve_v by_o a_o substitute_n it_o remain_v that_o we_o conclude_v controversy_n be_v to_o be_v leave_v to_o learned_a man_n and_o be_v not_o so_o very_o necessary_a it_o may_v be_v answer_v then_o also_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v leave_v to_o learned_a man_n for_o controversy_n be_v our_o very_a religion_n for_o save_v the_o consideration_n of_o they_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n but_o papist_n be_v protestant_n and_o protestant_n be_v papist_n look_v how_o much_o a_o man_n know_v of_o controversy_n so_o much_o do_v he_o know_v of_o his_o own_o religion_n the_o state_n of_o a_o man_n salvation_n be_v such_o as_o his_o religion_n and_o his_o faith_n now_o there_o be_v but_o one_o salvation_n and_o but_o one_o faith_n but_o if_o controversy_n belong_v to_o the_o learned_a only_o wherefore_o have_v layman_n endure_v so_o many_o affliction_n distress_n nay_o and_o death_n itself_o for_o these_o controversy_n sake_n i_o know_v indeed_o that_o a_o calvinist_n doctor_n one_o doctor_n bergius_n a_o preacher_n at_o breme_n affirm_v in_o his_o late_a publish_a sermon_n that_o controversy_n be_v not_o mere_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a and_o clear_a about_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o that_o there_o be_v never_o any_o contrariety_n between_o the_o religious_a themselves_o at_o which_o also_o the_o leipsich_n collation_n between_o the_o lutheran_n and_o the_o calvinist_n seem_v to_o aim_v consid_fw-la in_o all_o profession_n whether_o liberal_a or_o mechanical_a the_o learned_a have_v a_o prerogative_n above_o the_o unlearned_a and_o what_o inconvenience_n be_v there_o if_o it_o be_v so_o in_o christian_a religion_n also_o do_v not_o s._n peter_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o unlearned_a pervert_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n 2_o pet._n 3._o yet_o this_o prerogative_n be_v in_o learning_n only_o not_o in_o holiness_n the_o unlearned_a may_v be_v as_o holy_a as_o the_o learned_a and_o have_v as_o great_a a_o interest_n both_o in_o sanctify_a grace_n and_o in_o save_v glory_n what_o say_v austin_n of_o himself_o and_o such_o like_a scholar_n in_o comparison_n of_o his_o mother_n monica_n and_o such_o like_a holy_a though_o simple_a woman_n mulierculae_fw-la istae_fw-la lacrimis_fw-la suis_fw-la caelum_fw-la nobis_fw-la praeripiunt_fw-la when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o we_o can_v with_o all_o our_o learning_n these_o woman_n with_o their_o tear_n will_v get_v heaven_n before_o we_o and_o as_o for_o holiness_n so_o for_o faith_n a_o unlearned_a man_n may_v have_v faith_n as_o well_o as_o the_o learned_a nay_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v call_v fides_fw-la infusa_fw-la may_v be_v find_v in_o a_o man_n unlearned_a when_o the_o faith_n of_o he_o that_o be_v learn_v be_v find_v to_o be_v no_o better_o than_o fides_fw-la acquisita_fw-la a_o faith_n natural_a and_o they_o that_o have_v true_a faith_n by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v not_o want_v gracious_a wit_n howsoever_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v by_o faith_n natural_a be_v accompany_v with_o better_a natural_a wit_n yet_o a_o idle_a wit_n be_v it_o never_o so_o good_a will_v hardly_o prove_v learn_v and_o be_v it_o never_o so_o learned_a if_o it_o be_v without_o grace_n such_o a_o man_n religion_n will_v prove_v but_o vain_a and_o though_o he_o be_v able_a to_o worst_a another_o in_o disputation_n yet_o shall_v he_o never_o pull_v true_a religion_n in_o any_o child_n of_o god_n be_v he_o never_o so_o weak_a and_o unlearned_a out_o of_o socket_n because_o our_o faith_n and_o religion_n consist_v not_o in_o wisdom_n of_o word_n but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o s._n paul_n speak_v say_v my_o word_n and_o my_o preach_n stand_v not_o in_o the_o entice_a speech_n of_o man_n wisdom_n but_o in_o plain_a evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n that_o your_o faith_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 2.4_o 5._o nay_o be_v my_o faith_n only_o natural_a and_o i_o have_v good_a evidence_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n for_o it_o though_o that_o knowledge_n be_v no_o other_o than_o such_o as_o be_v annex_v to_o the_o common_a profession_n of_o christianity_n yet_o the_o philosopher_n tell_v i_o that_o i_o must_v not_o be_v beat_v out_o of_o my_o hold_n in_o such_o a_o case_n because_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o answer_v every_o sophism_n or_o argument_n that_o be_v bring_v against_o it_o nay_o the_o philosopher_n in_o his_o ethic_n teach_v i_o that_o some_o be_v as_o tenacious_a of_o their_o opinion_n for_o which_o they_o have_v but_o weak_a reason_n as_o other_o be_v of_o their_o opinion_n which_o they_o hold_v confirm_v with_o great_a strength_n of_o argument_n so_o that_o every_o way_n it_o be_v a_o inficete_n fiction_n that_o the_o most_o learned_a must_v always_o conquer_v the_o faith_n and_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o unlearned_a without_o fly_v to_o any_o such_o skulk_a hole_n as_o to_o say_v our_o divine_n and_o pastor_n can_v answer_v you_o though_o i_o can_v but_o i_o wonder_v much_o that_o any_o sober_a christian_a upon_o any_o pretence_n shall_v dispute_v against_o the_o build_n of_o our_o religion_n only_o upon_o scripture_n unless_o with_o papist_n he_o will_v bring_v in_o tradition_n or_o rely_v on_o the_o church_n or_o on_o the_o decision_n of_o the_o pope_n for_o if_o we_o fly_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o must_v rest_v either_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o man_n or_o upon_o natural_a reason_n a_o christian_a i_o conceive_v shall_v think_v the_o scripture_n sufficient_a to_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n direct_v the_o jew_n to_o the_o search_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o discern_a of_o he_o and_o if_o controversy_n be_v leave_v to_o learned_a man_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n why_o our_o religion_n shall_v but_o only_o the_o defence_n of_o it_o controversial_o maintain_v it_o by_o variety_n of_o argument_n and_o deduction_n out_o of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o solve_v contrary_a argument_n bring_v against_o it_o in_o any_o particular_a point_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o sure_o shall_v belong_v to_o he_o that_o sit_v at_o gamaliels_n foot_n as_o well_o as_o to_o gamaliel_n himself_o nor_o only_o to_o such_o as_o sit_v at_o his_o foot_n but_o to_o such_o also_o as_o follow_v the_o plow-tail_n yea_o and_o to_o the_o weak_a sex_n of_o woman_n and_o to_o child_n too_o for_o even_o to_o such_o belong_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o be_v there_o no_o book_n at_o all_o write_v or_o sermon_n preach_v in_o any_o point_n of_o controversy_n or_o difference_n between_o we_o yet_o papist_n shall_v be_v papist_n still_o and_o not_o protestant_n and_o protestant_n shall_v be_v protestant_n still_o and_o not_o papist_n and_o
the_o cause_n of_o this_o man_n perplexity_n be_v it_o not_o his_o own_o extreme_a superstition_n most_o abominable_a if_o the_o author_n of_o this_o discourse_n have_v propose_v any_o thing_n on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o the_o scripture_n and_o pretend_a ambiguity_n and_o perplexity_n which_o of_o they_o he_o prefer_v according_a whereunto_o to_o order_v his_o faith_n that_o martialist_n resolution_n of_o the_o doubt_n may_v have_v be_v congruous_a enough_o but_o only_o concern_v the_o scripture-doubt_n be_v here_o propose_v how_o a_o man_n shall_v ground_v his_o faith_n thereupon_o what_o he_o be_v i_o know_v not_o and_o whether_o this_o be_v res_fw-la gesta_fw-la or_o ficta_fw-la i_o be_o to_o seek_v for_o the_o present_a world_n be_v full_a of_o juggle_v but_o when_o we_o make_v such_o doubt_n unto_o ourselves_o do_v we_o well_o consider_v the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o give_v we_o his_o holy_a word_n to_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o everlasting_a life_n if_o still_o there_o be_v just_a cause_n to_o complain_v of_o a_o perplex_a condition_n whereinto_o we_o be_v cast_v not_o know_v whether_o we_o shall_v take_v hold_n of_o it_o or_o run_v away_o from_o it_o as_o moses_n do_v from_o his_o rod_n when_o it_o be_v turn_v into_o a_o serpent_n but_o do_v we_o find_v any_o the_o like_a metamorphosis_n here_o yet_o when_o the_o lord_n bid_v moses_n take_v the_o serpent_n by_o the_o tail_n he_o be_v bold_a to_o do_v it_o sure_o god_n word_n be_v no_o serpent_n but_o we_o rather_o and_o his_o word_n alone_o have_v power_n to_o charm_v we_o and_o make_v we_o vomit_v all_o our_o poison_n of_o erroneous_a and_o unholy_a way_n and_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v bid_v we_o to_o take_v hold_n of_o they_o say_v search_v the_o scripture_n yet_o if_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o my_o answer_n seem_v amiss_o and_o not_o answerable_a to_o the_o author_n expectation_n but_o savour_v as_o he_o think_v of_o partiality_n prejudice_n or_o passion_n i_o confess_v prejudice_n against_o such_o discourse_n as_o these_o account_v they_o most_o vile_a and_o nothing_o become_v a_o understanding_n and_o godly_a christian_a but_o as_o for_o the_o rest_n let_v he_o impute_v it_o to_o my_o ignorance_n that_o know_v not_o so_o much_o as_o what_o be_v the_o way_n of_o his_o passion_n for_o he_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v neither_o lutheran_n nor_o calvinist_n and_o will_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o papist_n though_o i_o be_o most_o prone_a to_o conceive_v it_o to_o be_v the_o trick_n of_o some_o papist_n lest_o of_o all_o do_v i_o know_v his_o person_n or_o country_n but_o let_v every_o sober_a christian_a consider_v well_o and_o inquire_v whether_o that_o since_o the_o beginning_n that_o god_n word_n be_v commit_v to_o writing_n there_o be_v at_o any_o time_n any_o such_o question_n move_v until_o this_o last_o and_o worst_a age_n of_o the_o world_n when_o cajetan_n the_o cardinal_n a_o great_a school-divine_a first_o encounter_v with_o martin_n luther_n and_o find_v that_o no_o authority_n prevail_v with_o he_o but_o scripturall_a hereupon_o he_o be_v move_v to_o study_v scripture_n and_o write_v commentary_n upon_o it_o in_o his_o old_a age_n but_o silvester_n prierius_n of_o rome_n he_o think_v that_o way_n too_o far_o about_o and_o therefore_o take_v a_o short_a course_n and_o maintain_v that_o the_o scripture_n contain_v not_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v make_v complete_a must_v be_v piece_v up_o with_o the_o unwritten_a word_n add_v to_o the_o write_a word_n which_o unwritten_a word_n they_o call_v tradition_n since_o that_o the_o papist_n have_v strengthen_v themselves_o with_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o confess_v the_o true_a church_n can_v be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n nor_o the_o authority_n thereof_o know_v but_o by_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o issue_n of_o the_o resolution_n of_o the_o church_n must_v be_v the_o resolution_n of_o the_o pope_n concern_v the_o true_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n shameful_o obtrude_a upon_o we_o that_o we_o make_v the_o resolution_n of_o our_o faith_n into_o our_o own_o private_a spirit_n whereas_o we_o to_o the_o contrary_n extend_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n only_o to_o each_o private_a man_n best_a satisfaction_n and_o teach_v no_o other_o herein_o than_o the_o papist_n themselves_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v most_o true_a as_o touch_v the_o resolution_n physical_a of_o our_o faith_n as_o i_o be_o able_a to_o prove_v by_o variety_n of_o pregnant_a evidence_n ready_a at_o hand_n without_o any_o more_o ado_n than_o the_o bare_a transcribe_v of_o they_o now_o this_o light_n be_v not_o of_o a_o nature_n communicable_a unto_o other_o we_o meddle_v not_o with_o it_o in_o dispute_v upon_o any_o other_o point_n of_o divinity_n with_o papist_n or_o any_o other_o but_o therein_o walk_v in_o all_o our_o disputation_n by_o way_n of_o resolution_n logical_a either_o into_o some_o confess_a principle_n as_o concern_v the_o attribute_n divine_a or_o into_o express_a passage_n of_o holy_a scripture_n the_o meaning_n whereof_o if_o it_o be_v except_v against_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o justify_v it_o by_o rational_a discourse_n against_o any_o adversary_n nothing_o doubt_v but_o we_o shall_v either_o convict_v he_o of_o obstinacy_n in_o shut_v his_o eye_n against_o the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o truth_n and_o make_v he_o condemn_v in_o his_o own_o conscience_n or_o at_o least_o in_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o sober_a christian_n be_v well_o assure_v that_o whosoever_o resist_v the_o evidence_n of_o god_n word_n upon_o pretence_n of_o inevidence_n that_o word_n shall_v be_v find_v of_o evidence_n enough_o to_o judge_v he_o at_o the_o last_o day_n ¶_o this_o jesuitical_a question_n be_v send_v out_o of_o germany_n when_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n be_v sit_v at_o westminster_n and_o be_v translate_v out_o of_o high-dutch_a finis_fw-la