they_o utter_o renounce_v all_o certainty_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o salvation_n for_o what_o certainty_n of_o faith_n can_v there_o be_v if_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o object_n and_o ground_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o certain_a and_o what_o certainty_n can_v there_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n if_o they_o must_v depend_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n for_o their_o certainty_n and_o what_o certainty_n can_v there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n if_o this_o church_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o what_o certainty_n can_v there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n when_o it_o whole_o depend_v upon_o a_o the_o only_a breast_n of_o a_o sinful_a man_n upon_o who_o infallibility_n notwithstanding_o the_o whole_a pontifician_n church_n can_v find_v no_o not_o the_o least_o footing_n for_o any_o certainty_n of_o salvation_n to_o stand_v upon_o but_o to_o remove_v this_o heap_n of_o rubbish_n although_o for_o multiplicity_n of_o controversy_n it_o be_v grow_v to_o a_o mighty_a mountain_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o exceed_v the_o strength_n and_o labour_n of_o hercules_n himself_o to_o remove_v yet_o i_o trust_v with_o one_o small_a grain_n of_o faith_n to_o overturn_v this_o mountain_n into_o the_o sea_n for_o first_o whether_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o the_o church_n more_o ancient_a be_v not_o god_n word_n for_o by_o the_o voice_n thereof_o be_v the_o church_n first_o call_v where_o be_v the_o church_n when_o the_o gospel_n begin_v first_o to_o be_v reveal_v gen._n 3._o 15._o as_o yet_o the_o whole_a world_n in_o adam_n and_o eve_n lie_v bury_v in_o apostasy_n and_o now_o totus_fw-la mundus_fw-la in_o maligno_fw-la positus_fw-la the_o whole_a world_n lie_v in_o wickedness_n till_o this_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o promise_a and_o bless_a seed_n of_o the_o woman_n make_v a_o separation_n and_o do_v constitute_v a_o church_n so_o that_o the_o first_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v also_o of_o the_o first_o frame_n of_o the_o creation_n hereupon_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o the_o church_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n 20._o and_o prophet_n jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n in_o who_o all_o the_o build_n fit_o frame_v together_o grow_v unto_o a_o holy_a temple_n in_o the_o lord_n the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n be_v the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n whereof_o christ_n jesus_n be_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n away_o with_o the_o blasphemy_n of_o the_o council_n of_o lateran_n that_o call_v the_o pope_n leo_n the_o ten_o the_o corner_n stone_n and_o the_o lion_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o juda_n and_o many_o such_o blasphemous_a title_n which_o be_v proper_a and_o peculiar_a only_o to_o the_o person_n of_o christ._n but_o that_o either_o the_o church_n or_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n have_v any_o such_o authority_n and_o power_n over_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v never_o know_v in_o those_o pure_a time_n of_o the_o church_n when_o the_o sweet_a and_o salutiferous_a stream_n of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n be_v not_o as_o yet_o poison_v and_o embitter_v with_o that_o luciferian_a wormwood_n star_n that_o fall_v from_o heaven_n it_o 11._o be_v in_o those_o primitive_a and_o virgin_n time_n the_o catholic_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n that_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o scripture_n and_o not_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o church_n much_o cirtensibus_fw-la less_o by_o any_o one_o man_n sy_n augustine_n say_v de_fw-fr catholica_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la id_fw-la credant_fw-la homines_fw-la quod_fw-la divinae_fw-la scripturae_fw-la dicunt_fw-la non_fw-la quod_fw-la linguae_fw-la humanae_fw-la maledicunt_fw-la let_v man_n believe_v that_o concern_v the_o catholic_a church_n which_o the_o divine_a scripture_n do_v say_v and_o not_o which_o man_n tongue_n do_v mis-say_a by_o which_o place_n we_o see_v that_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v to_o be_v estimate_v according_a to_o that_o which_o the_o scripture_n testify_v of_o it_o therefore_o not_o contrary_a and_o in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n ecclesiam_fw-la 16_o svam_fw-la demonstrent_fw-la etc._n etc._n let_v the_o donatist_n show_v i_o their_o church_n not_o in_o the_o tale_n and_o rumour_n of_o the_o african_n not_o in_o the_o synod_n of_o their_o bishop_n not_o in_o the_o learning_n of_o their_o disputant_n not_o in_o their_o deceitful_a sign_n and_o prodigy_n for_o we_o be_v forewarn_v and_o fore-armed_n against_o such_o thing_n by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o in_o the_o prescript_n of_o the_o law_n in_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o song_n of_o the_o psalm_n in_o the_o shepherd_n own_o voice_n in_o the_o preach_n and_o labour_n of_o the_o evangelist_n to_o wit_n in_o all_o the_o canonical_a authority_n of_o the_o holy_a book_n nor_o so_o say_v he_o as_o that_o they_o collect_v and_o quote_v such_o place_n as_o be_v obscure_o or_o ambiguous_o or_o figurative_o speak_v which_o every_o man_n interpret_v at_o his_o pleasure_n according_a to_o his_o own_o sense_n for_o such_o place_n can_v be_v true_o understand_v and_o expound_v unless_o first_o those_o which_o be_v most_o plain_o deliver_v be_v by_o a_o firm_a faith_n entertain_v note_v here_o the_o catholic_a doctrine_n of_o those_o time_n teach_v that_o the_o authority_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n depend_v not_o upon_o the_o church_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v by_o themselves_o to_o wit_n the_o more_o obscure_a place_n by_o the_o more_o plain_a as_o he_o speak_v often_o elsewhere_o in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr doctrina_fw-la christiana_n i_o will_v add_v one_o place_n in_o steed_n of_o many_o quit_v 3._o autem_fw-la nesciat_fw-la etc._n etc._n who_o can_v be_v ignorant_a say_v he_o that_o the_o holy_a canonical_a scripture_n as_o well_o of_o the_o old_a as_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v contain_v within_o its_o own_o fix_a limit_n and_o that_o it_o be_v so_o prefer_v before_o all_o the_o latter_a write_n of_o rome_n bishop_n as_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v dispute_v or_o doubt_v off_o whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a whatsoever_o be_v find_v write_v in_o it_o and_o for_o the_o write_n of_o bishop_n which_o either_o have_v be_v or_o be_v write_v after_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n they_o have_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o wise_a judgement_n and_o grave_a authority_n of_o some_o more_o skilful_a and_o learned_a bishop_n and_o may_v be_v censure_v by_o counsel_n if_o ought_v therein_o swerve_v from_o the_o truth_n and_o those_o very_a counsel_n themselves_o which_o be_v provincial_a do_v without_o scruple_n submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o plenary_a counsel_n assemble_v from_o the_o universal_a christian_a world_n &_o of_o those_o plenary_a &_o general_a counsel_n often_o time_n the_o former_a be_v correct_v by_o the_o it_o latter_a when_o by_o some_o better_a experiment_n of_o thing_n that_o which_o be_v shut_v be_v open_v and_o that_o which_o be_v hide_v be_v make_v know_a without_o any_o swell_n of_o sacrilegion_n pride_n without_o any_o strut_a of_o arrogancy_n without_o any_o contention_n of_o bleak_a envy_n with_o holy_a humility_n with_o catholic_a peace_n with_o christian_a charity_n so_o that_o bishop_n be_v corrigible_a by_o provincial_a counsel_n these_o by_o general_a counsel_n and_o these_o also_o by_o some_o latter_a counsel_n as_o be_v all_o subject_n to_o imperfection_n but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n come_v under_o the_o fâ—rula_fw-la of_o no_o bishop_n or_o council_n to_o be_v censure_v nay_o as_o augustine_n say_v titubabit_fw-la fides_fw-la si_fw-la divinarum_fw-la scriptunar_a â—â—â—â—cillat_n authoritas_fw-la faith_n will_v stagger_v and_o stumble_v if_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o divine_a scripture_n do_v waver_v and_o he_o tax_v the_o manichaean_n of_o this_o impiety_n and_o sacrilege_n that_o they_o go_v 19_o about_o quite_o to_o take_v away_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n approve_v any_o thing_n not_o because_o they_o find_v it_o write_v in_o that_o supreme_a authority_n but_o because_o their_o fancy_n take_v a_o like_n to_o it_o therefore_o they_o approve_v the_o scripture_n and_o so_o their_o private_a sâ—â—sâ—_n must_v give_v authority_n to_o the_o scripture_n which_o they_o frame_v to_o their_o own_o fancy_n and_o not_o the_o scripture_n give_v authority_n to_o their_o doctrine_n what_o difference_n then_o be_v there_o between_o the_o pontifician_n and_o the_o manichaean_n in_o this_o main_a point_n but_o the_o pontifician_n of_o old_a object_n unto_o we_o one_o special_a authority_n out_o of_o st._n augustine_n to_o overthrow_v all_o that_o he_o have_v say_v for_o the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n above_o the_o church_n his_o word_n be_v which_o they_o object_n and_o wherein_o
a_o true_a history_n but_o as_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n it_o embrace_v it_o as_o the_o gospel_n preach_v christ_n the_o saviour_n yea_o preach_a christ_n to_o every_o believer_n of_o this_o gospel_n in_o particular_a as_o luk._n 2._o 10._o 11._o the_o angel_n say_v to_o the_o shepherd_n fear_v not_o for_o behold_v i_o bring_v you_o good_a tiding_n of_o great_a joy_n that_o shall_v be_v to_o all_o people_n for_o unto_o you_o be_v bear_v this_o day_n in_o the_o city_n of_o david_n a_o saviour_n which_o be_v christ_n the_o lord_n note_v here_o be_v the_o gospel_n preach_v to_o who_o i_o bring_v you_o good_a tiding_n and_o what_o be_v the_o tiding_n to_o you_o be_v bear_v this_o day_n a_o saviour_n which_o be_v christ_n the_o lord_n here_o we_o have_v a_o exact_a sum_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v christ_n the_o saviour_n bear_v to_o us._n now_o to_o believe_v this_o gospel_n be_v a_o evangelicall_a faith_n but_o such_o as_o can_v divide_v between_o the_o gospel_n &_o christ_n and_o such_o also_o as_o must_v needs_o apprehend_v and_o apply_v christ_n by_o believe_v in_o he_o for_o to_o you_o be_v bear_v this_o day_n a_o saviour_n which_o be_v christ_n the_o lord_n to_o you_o this_o be_v a_o necessary_a relative_a part_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o euangelium_fw-la or_o good_a tiding_n imply_v not_o only_o the_o party_n send_v but_o also_o the_o party_n or_o party_n to_o who_o it_o be_v send_v so_o that_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n must_v so_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o that_o it_o leave_v out_o no_o part_n of_o it_o but_o one_o part_n of_o it_o be_v that_o this_o gospel_n be_v send_v to_o you_o that_o be_v to_o all_o believer_n for_o as_o much_o as_o the_o gospel_n contain_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n between_o god_n and_o we_o god_n and_o man_n be_v the_o party_n interest_v in_o this_o covenant_n mutual_o in_o christ_n the_o mediator_n therefore_o the_o evangelicall_a faith_n be_v not_o a_o bare_a general_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o a_o particular_a affiance_n in_o christ_n the_o sum_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o it_o apprehend_v and_o apply_v this_o good_a tiding_n which_o be_v to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n indeed_o for_o that_o general_a faith_n which_o they_o call_v a_o assent_n when_o it_o go_v no_o further_o it_o make_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o law_n and_o other_o part_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o believe_v they_o all_o indifferent_o as_o a_o true_a history_n when_o it_o be_v call_v a_o historical_a faith_n but_o when_o faith_n come_v to_o put_v a_o difference_n pitch_v upon_o the_o special_a object_n the_o gospel_n and_o so_o this_o faith_n become_v a_o euangelical_n faith_n than_o it_o be_v so_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v also_o necessary_o the_o special_a faith_n of_o christ_n who_o it_o apprehend_v &_o lay_v hold_v upon_o unless_o a_o man_n can_v so_o divide_v between_o christ_n &_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v gospel_n without_o christ_n or_o so_o divide_v the_o gospel_n from_o itself_o as_o that_o we_o may_v believe_v it_o to_o be_v good_a tiding_n &_o not_o to_o we_o in_o particular_a whereas_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n consist_v in_o the_o apprehend_n and_o certain_a apply_v of_o the_o good_a tiding_n thereof_o unto_o we_o to_o you_o be_v bear_v this_o day_n a_o saviour_n to_o you_o be_v this_o word_n of_o salvation_n send_v this_o be_v the_o gospel_n and_o this_o be_v to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n by_o apply_v it_o to_o we_o to_o who_o it_o be_v send_v if_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o send_v to_o we_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o gospel_n for_o it_o be_v so_o far_o a_o gospel_n or_o good_a tiding_n to_o we_o as_o we_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v send_v to_o we_o in_o particular_a nor_o be_v this_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o certain_a or_o rather_o uncertain_a swim_n in_o the_o brain_n that_o perhaps_o or_o probable_o or_o possible_o god_n may_v be_v merciful_a unto_o we_o in_o christ_n a_o doctrine_n breed_v of_o the_o spawn_n of_o trent_n this_o be_v a_o wander_a imagination_n hatch_v in_o man_n brain_n have_v no_o ground_n of_o truth_n or_o agreement_n with_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n thus_o we_o see_v if_o evangelicall_a faith_n be_v none_o other_o but_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o christ_n as_o we_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v than_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o distinction_n between_o evangelicall_a faith_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v unsound_a and_o groundless_a the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o the_o precedency_n of_o repentance_n before_o faith_n in_o christ_n as_o a_o necessary_a and_o acceptable_a preparative_n thereunto_o do_v even_o mole_n sua_fw-la of_o itself_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n for_o the_o author_n of_o such_o a_o doctrine_n must_v needs_o confess_v if_o they_o will_v be_v guide_v by_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v no_o repentance_n but_o faith_n must_v go_v before_o it_o for_o to_o cause_v it_o as_o either_o legal_a faith_n must_v go_v before_o it_o to_o cause_v legal_a repentance_n or_o euangelical_n faith_n must_v go_v before_o to_o cause_v evangelicall_a repentance_n now_o if_o there_o be_v no_o evangelicall_a faith_n to_o go_v before_o and_o cause_v evangelicall_a repentance_n but_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n then_o in_o vain_a be_v any_o repentance_n devise_v to_o go_v before_o and_o cause_v faith_n in_o christ._n this_o eagle-eyed_a faith_n of_o christ_n have_v no_o soon_o glance_v upon_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n but_o instant_o by_o the_o force_n thereof_o a_o dreary_a cloud_n be_v raise_v cause_v a_o gracious_a but_o sad_a shower_n of_o repentance_n to_o descend_v from_o those_o window_n and_o floodgate_n of_o the_o now_o heavenly_a soul_n to_o refresh_v the_o poor_a sinner_n now_o hunger_a and_o thirst_v after_o the_o live_a water_n they_o say_v also_o that_o the_o faith_n to_o wit_n evangelicall_a faith_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o repentance_n go_v before_o and_o cause_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o general_a assent_n or_o a_o general_a faith_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o how_o can_v this_o general_a assent_n beget_v in_o i_o a_o particular_a repentance_n unless_o with_o this_o assent_n i_o have_v also_o a_o particular_a affiance_n in_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n apply_v it_o to_o myself_o the_o gospel_n say_v to_o you_o be_v bear_v a_o saviour_n christ_n the_o lord_n i_o believe_v this_o to_o be_v true_a but_o how_o shall_v this_o belief_n move_v i_o to_o repentance_n unless_o i_o believe_v that_o this_o saviour_n be_v bear_v to_o i_o in_o particular_a ahab_n have_v not_o so_o easy_o repent_v if_o god_n judgement_n be_v lay_v never_o so_o close_o to_o he_o he_o have_v not_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o in_o particular_a towards_o himself_o so_o the_o ninevite_n for_o particular_a repentance_n in_o every_o man_n must_v arise_v from_o a_o particular_a apprehension_n and_o application_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n towards_o himself_o as_o for_o their_o reason_n force_v repentance_n to_o go_v before_o faith_n in_o christ_n they_o be_v very_o poor_a and_o beggarly_a as_o that_o otherwise_o it_o lead_v i_o to_o presumption_n a_o very_a frivolous_a and_o false_a surmise_n for_o save_v faith_n do_v no_o soon_o lie_v hold_v on_o christ_n with_o the_o one_o hand_n but_o withal_o it_o lay_v the_o other_o hand_n upon_o the_o sinner_n the_o subject_n wherein_o it_o be_v arraign_v he_o at_o god_n tribunal_n judge_v condemn_v he_o for_o that_o sinner_n who_o christ_n come_v to_o save_v faith_n do_v no_o soon_o look_v on_o christ_n with_o the_o right_a eye_n but_o it_o present_o reflect_v on_o the_o sinner_n with_o the_o left_a eye_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o it_o be_v impossible_a i_o shall_v believe_v christ_n to_o be_v my_o saviour_n but_o withal_o i_o must_v believe_v and_o acknowledge_v myself_o to_o be_v the_o sinner_n which_o i_o can_v true_o do_v but_o it_o will_v necessary_o breed_v in_o i_o that_o repentance_n to_o salvation_n not_o to_o be_v repent_v of_o for_o a_o saviour_n and_o a_o wretched_a sinner_n be_v relative_n which_o not_o even_o the_o thought_n of_o man_n can_v divide_v or_o sunder_v one_o from_o another_o and_o so_o here_o their_o reason_n why_o such_o repentance_n must_v needs_o go_v before_o faith_n be_v find_v faulty_a which_o be_v say_v they_o because_o if_o repentance_n go_v not_o before_o faith_n in_o christ_n than_o faith_n in_o christ_n will_v prove_v to_o be_v presumption_n therefore_o we_o have_v show_v that_o in_o true_a faith_n in_o christ_n there_o be_v always_o true_a repentance_n as_o the_o prime_n and_o immediate_a fruit_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o rather_o the_o
novel_a doctrine_n of_o such_o man_n be_v a_o high_a pride_n and_o presumption_n carry_v other_o also_o to_o the_o top_n of_o the_o same_o pinnacle_n by_o persuade_v they_o that_o they_o have_v true_a repentance_n before_o faith_n in_o christ_n by_o which_o they_o be_v at_o least_o in_o part_n regenerate_v sanctify_a and_o cleanse_v object_n but_o be_v there_o no_o preparation_n unto_o the_o receive_n of_o grace_n and_o justification_n be_v not_o at_o the_o least_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n a_o work_n of_o preparation_n to_o grace_n answ._n true_a it_o be_v that_o faith_n save_v and_o justify_v faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n rom._n 10._o 17._o so_o that_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o beget_v save_v faith_n and_o grace_n in_o us._n object_n but_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n be_v in_o our_o own_o power_n and_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n be_v a_o preparation_n unto_o grace_n therefore_o it_o be_v in_o our_o own_o power_n to_o prepare_v ourselves_o unto_o grace_n answ._n to_o hear_v be_v in_o our_o own_o power_n but_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n be_v not_o simple_o a_o preparative_n unto_o grace_n but_o rather_o a_o external_a mean_n thereunto_o for_o unless_o god_n do_v give_v aspeciall_a blessing_n to_o the_o outward_a mean_n of_o hear_v the_o word_n in_o open_v our_o heart_n as_o he_o do_v the_o heart_n of_o lydia_n we_o hear_v the_o word_n but_o as_o a_o sound_n or_o as_o a_o strange_a history_n or_o parable_n and_o as_o a_o deep_a mystery_n hide_v from_o us._n the_o jew_n do_v hear_v christ_n oracle_n and_o see_v his_o miracle_n yet_o for_o all_o that_o be_v they_o no_o better_a than_o deaf_a and_o blind_a man_n god_n must_v open_v the_o heart_n to_o understand_v and_o to_o apprehend_v by_o faith_n the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n preach_v else_o paul_n may_v plant_v and_o apollo_n water_n in_o vain_a object_n to_o what_o purpose_n then_o be_v it_o for_o any_o to_o come_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o thereby_o he_o be_v not_o the_o better_o fit_v and_o dispose_v to_o receive_v grace_n answ._n although_o god_n be_v the_o only_a author_n and_o actor_n of_o work_a grace_n in_o we_o yet_o for_o as_o much_o as_o he_o do_v this_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v as_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o beget_v faith_n and_o all_o other_o save_v grace_n in_o we_o therefore_o it_o be_v our_o part_n and_o duty_n to_o attend_v upon_o and_o use_v the_o mean_n wait_v for_o god_n blessing_n upon_o it_o so_o that_o all_o the_o work_n of_o preparation_n to_o grace_n on_o our_o part_n be_v without_o we_o not_o within_o we_o namely_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n preach_v and_o god_n special_a blessing_n upon_o it_o object_n but_o it_o be_v in_o our_o free_a will_n and_o choice_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o not_o to_o hear_v it_o and_o therefore_o something_o be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o freewill_n in_o set_v we_o at_o least_o in_o the_o way_n to_o justification_n answ._n it_o be_v no_o otherwise_o in_o our_o free_a will_n and_o choice_n before_o our_o conversion_n to_o hear_v god_n word_n than_o to_o hear_v any_o humane_a history_n propound_v unto_o us._n for_o before_o our_o understanding_n be_v by_o faith_n illuminate_v to_o apprehend_v and_o apply_v christ_n unto_o ourselves_o and_o to_o know_v he_o to_o be_v our_o saviour_n in_o particular_a we_o have_v no_o will_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v able_a to_o save_v our_o soul_n but_o rather_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n object_n but_o do_v not_o a_o man_n understand_v the_o word_n preach_v unless_o first_o his_o understanding_n be_v illuminate_v by_o faith_n answ._n a_o natural_a man_n may_v by_o hear_v come_v to_o have_v a_o general_a understanding_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o a_o true_a history_n but_o before_o he_o be_v endue_v with_o save_v faith_n from_o god_n his_o understanding_n be_v not_o illuminate_v to_o know_v god_n in_o christ_n to_o be_v his_o father_n and_o christ_n to_o be_v his_o redeemer_n which_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o seal_n which_o we_o set_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n therein_o john_n 3_o 33._o object_n but_o john_n baptist_n be_v send_v to_o prepare_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n answ._n the_o ministry_n of_o john_n be_v to_o teach_v man_n to_o believe_v in_o christ_n point_v at_o he_o that_o be_v to_o come_v so_o that_o by_o his_o ministry_n man_n believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n they_o may_v thereby_o be_v say_v to_o be_v prepare_v to_o a_o more_o plentiful_a measure_n of_o receive_v christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n as_o afterward_o they_o do_v have_v the_o first_o seed_n of_o faith_n already_o sow_v in_o their_o heart_n object_n but_o another_o object_n before_o true_a conversion_n a_o man_n must_v renounce_v the_o first_o covenant_n become_v humble_a confess_v his_o unworthiness_n his_o hardness_n of_o heart_n his_o natural_a disabilitie_n towards_o his_o own_o salvation_n he_o must_v fear_v god_n love_v god_n and_o the_o like_a or_o else_o a_o man_n be_v incapable_a of_o and_o indispose_v to_o receive_v the_o grace_n of_o conversion_n answ._n indeed_o a_o fellow-minist_a of_o the_o gospel_n be_v very_o earnest_a on_o a_o time_n in_o defend_v of_o this_o he_o desire_v i_o to_o resolve_v he_o in_o it_o by_o writing_n as_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o main_a consequence_n and_o a_o main_a ground_n wherewith_o many_o other_o opinion_n on_o foot_n in_o these_o day_n will_v stand_v or_o fall_v now_o i_o can_v have_v wish_v to_o have_v hear_v his_o reason_n of_o that_o his_o objection_n but_o time_n at_o least_o permit_v not_o therefore_o my_o answer_n shall_v be_v short_a as_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o all_o that_o before_o say_v first_o then_o for_o a_o man_n to_o renounce_v the_o first_o covenant_n to_o become_v humble_a etc._n etc._n i_o say_v no_o man_n can_v do_v it_o till_o he_o be_v in_o christ._n my_o reason_n be_v because_o till_o a_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v dead_a blind_a proud_a hard-hearted_a without_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n without_o the_o love_n of_o god_n every_o man_n be_v actual_o either_o the_o child_n of_o wrath_n in_o the_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n or_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o life_n there_o be_v no_o term_n between_o these_o two_o there_o be_v no_o term_n or_o medium_n between_o a_o man_n live_v and_o dead_a but_o the_o very_a instant_n of_o his_o soul_n depart_v from_o the_o body_n which_o be_v in_o the_o twinkle_n of_o a_o eye_n no_o more_o term_n or_o medium_n be_v there_o between_o a_o man_n dead_a in_o sin_n and_o live_v by_o grace_n but_o the_o very_a instant_n of_o his_o conversion_n for_o every_o man_n i_o say_v be_v either_o a_o dead_a man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o sin_n or_o a_o live_a man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n a_o three_o term_n can_v come_v between_o now_o while_o a_o man_n be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o sin_n he_o be_v dead_a if_o dead_a he_o understand_v nothing_o that_o savour_v of_o grace_n nor_o have_v he_o any_o disposition_n or_o affection_n in_o he_o thereunto_o while_o he_o be_v under_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n he_o be_v nothing_o but_o mere_a enmity_n and_o rebellion_n against_o god_n and_o his_o grace_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v etc._n rom._n 8._o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o flesh_n or_o to_o be_v carnal_o mind_v be_v enmity_n against_o god_n this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o a_o man_n unregenerate_a unconuert_v be_v thus_o he_o be_v proud_a senseless_a of_o his_o hardness_n of_o heart_n senseless_a of_o any_o natural_a disabilitie_n towards_o his_o own_o salvation_n without_o love_n without_o fear_n of_o god_n as_o rom._n 3._o he_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n neither_o indeed_o can_v be_v rom._n 8._o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o renounce_v the_o first_o covenant_n of_o work_n that_o before_o his_o conversion_n the_o more_o moral_a virtue_n which_o saint_n augustine_n call_v but_o splendida_fw-la peccata_fw-la either_o the_o frame_n of_o his_o natural_a and_o corporal_a constitution_n or_o of_o his_o more_o liberal_a education_n have_v adorn_v he_o with_o the_o more_o be_v he_o apt_a to_o rely_v upon_o the_o first_o covenant_n trust_v to_o be_v save_v by_o his_o good_a work_n but_o i_o say_v again_o that_o when_o i_o see_v in_o a_o man_n these_o thing_n that_o he_o renounce_v the_o first_o covenant_n that_o he_o be_v humble_a that_o he_o confess_v his_o unworthiness_n that_o he_o complain_v of_o the_o hardness_n of_o his_o heart_n that_o he_o renounce_v himself_o and_o his_o own_o ability_n towards_o his_o
and_o again_o more_o plain_o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v bear_v witness_n to_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v also_o a_o part_n of_o great_a impudence_n to_o accuse_v those_o of_o presumption_n that_o believe_v the_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v unto_o they_o ambrose_n affirm_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v never_o speak_v unto_o we_o but_o withal_o it_o make_v know_v unto_o we_o that_o it_o be_v himself_o that_o speak_v and_o christ_n say_v in_o john_n that_o the_o world_n can_v receive_v the_o holy_a spirit_n because_o it_o neither_o see_v nor_o know_v he_o but_o his_o disciple_n shall_v know_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v and_o abide_v in_o they_o whence_o say_v the_o history_n catarinus_n do_v very_o witty_o conclude_v that_o that_o man_n dream_v who_o affirm_v that_o grace_n be_v voluntary_o receive_v and_o yet_o that_o a_o man_n know_v not_o whether_o he_o have_v it_o or_o no_o as_o if_o to_o the_o receive_n of_o a_o thing_n by_o a_o voluntary_a motion_n of_o the_o mind_n it_o be_v not_o necessity_n that_o he_o which_o receive_v it_o of_o his_o own_o accord_n shall_v know_v that_o both_o the_o thing_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o and_o that_o he_o true_o receive_v it_o and_o be_v receive_v possess_v it_o the_o history_n further_o say_v the_o weight_n of_o these_o reason_n force_v those_o which_o before_o accuse_v this_o opinion_n of_o rashness_n first_o to_o give_v place_n and_o then_o thus_o far_o to_o yield_v that_o although_o for_o the_o most_o part_n a_o man_n can_v have_v assurance_n in_o this_o point_n yet_o he_o may_v seem_v at_o least_o to_o have_v some_o conjecture_n they_o also_o deny_v not_o certainty_n to_o martyr_n nor_o to_o the_o new_o baptise_a and_o to_o other_o be_v assure_v by_o special_a revelation_n and_o that_o which_o at_o first_o they_o call_v conjecture_v they_o be_v afterward_o bring_v to_o call_v moral_a faith_n yea_o vega_n himself_o who_o in_o the_o beginning_n admit_v only_o of_o probability_n yield_v to_o the_o weight_n of_o reason_n begin_v to_o favour_v certainty_n but_o lest_o he_o may_v seem_v to_o approach_v too_o near_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o lutheran_n he_o do_v profess_v only_o so_o great_a certainty_n as_o may_v exclude_v all_o doubt_n and_o can_v not_o deceive_v but_o he_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v it_o for_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o only_o humane_a and_o experimental_a and_o declare_v his_o opinion_n by_o a_o similitude_n as_o quoth_v he_o he_o that_o have_v heat_n be_v certain_a that_o he_o have_v it_o and_o he_o be_v void_a of_o sense_n if_o he_o shall_v doubt_v of_o it_o so_o he_o that_o have_v grace_n in_o himself_o do_v feel_v it_o nor_o can_v he_o doubt_v but_o that_o he_o feel_v it_o but_o in_o the_o sense_n and_o apprehension_n of_o his_o soul_n not_o by_o divine_a revelation_n but_o the_o other_o patron_n of_o certainty_n be_v compel_v of_o the_o adversary_n to_o set_v down_o their_o meaning_n in_o express_a and_o plain_a term_n whether_o they_o believe_v that_o man_n may_v have_v certainty_n of_o grace_n or_o whether_o they_o think_v a_o man_n bind_v to_o believe_v it_o and_o whether_o that_o faith_n be_v divine_a or_o humane_a at_o length_n they_o profess_v see_v that_o faith_n be_v give_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v leave_v to_o man_n liberty_n and_o see_v every_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v divine_a revelation_n that_o that_o faith_n be_v no_o otherwise_o to_o be_v call_v than_o divine_a and_o when_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v press_v with_o the_o strait_n of_o the_o dilemma_n which_o be_v object_v to_o wit_n that_o that_o faith_n be_v either_o equal_a to_o the_o catholic_a faith_n or_o unequal_a if_o it_o be_v not_o equal_a than_o it_o exclude_v not_o all_o doubtfulness_n if_o equal_a then_o that_o a_o righteous_a man_n ought_v as_o firm_o to_o believe_v he_o be_v justify_v as_o the_o very_a article_n of_o his_o creed_n catarin_n we_o answer_v that_o this_o faith_n be_v divine_a and_o as_o certain_a exclude_v all_o doubtfulness_n as_o the_o catholic_a faith_n itself_o but_o yet_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o very_a catholic_a faith_n for_o that_o faith_n which_o every_o man_n give_v to_o divine_a revelation_n make_v unto_o he_o be_v also_o divine_a and_o exclude_v all_o doubt_n but_o when_o the_o church_n receive_v these_o revelation_n than_o that_o faith_n become_v universal_a and_o catholic_a yet_o in_o regard_n of_o certainty_n and_o freedom_n from_o doubt_v every_o man_n private_a faith_n be_v no_o way_n inferior_a unto_o it_o but_o that_o the_o catholic_a faith_n exceed_v thâ—â—_n only_o in_o the_o universality_n thus_o all_o the_o propherb_n have_v first_o a_o private_a faith_n concern_v all_o thing_n reveal_v unto_o they_o of_o god_n then_o after_o that_o they_o be_v receive_v of_o the_o church_n they_o have_v the_o catholic_a faith_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n this_o opinion_n faith_n the_o history_n at_o the_o first_o sight_n seem_v hard_o eveâ—_o to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o catarinus_n to_o wit_n all_o the_o caroâ—â—lites_n who_o doctor_n john_n bacon_n do_v maintain_v it_o as_o also_o to_o the_o bishop_n of_o senogaliâ—_n wigornia_n and_o salpia_n to_o who_o at_o first_o that_o degree_n of_o faith_n seem_v to_o be_v precipitious_a and_o perilous_a but_o afterward_o have_v diligent_o weigh_v &_o examine_v the_o force_n of_o the_o reason_n it_o be_v approve_v with_o a_o admirable_a content_n of_o the_o most_o approve_a of_o the_o bishop_n but_o soto_n cry_v out_o that_o it_o be_v too_o favourable_a to_o the_o lutheran_n other_o again_o affirm_v that_o luther_n be_v not_o to_o be_v condemn_v if_o he_o have_v say_v that_o this_o faith_n do_v follow_v after_o justification_n but_o condemn_v for_o say_v it_o be_v the_o justify_n faith_n and_o as_o for_o the_o reason_n bring_v on_o the_o contrary_a part_n they_o answer_v that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o give_v heed_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o schoolman_n schoolman_n see_v they_o take_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o opinion_n from_o philosophical_a reason_n sâ—th_o humane_a philosophy_n may_v judge_v amiss_o of_o divine_a instinct_n again_o that_o salomon_n authority_n make_v not_o for_o this_o purpose_n he_o that_o will_v draw_v these_o word_n no_o man_n know_v whether_o he_o be_v worthy_a of_o love_n or_o hatred_n to_o this_o purpose_n than_o he_o shall_v conclude_v hence_o that_o every_o most_o wicked_a sinner_n continue_v in_o his_o sin_n shall_v not_o know_v whether_o he_o be_v hate_v of_o god_n or_o no._n and_o much_o less_o be_v that_o say_n of_o wisdom_n to_o be_v apply_v to_o this_o purpose_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o fallacy_n in_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o do_v not_o signify_v sin_n already_o remit_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o vulgar_a translation_n but_o the_o expiation_n and_o propitiation_n for_o sin_n and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n do_v admonish_v the_o sinner_n not_o to_o heap_v up_o sin_n upon_o too_o much_o confidence_n of_o obtain_v pardon_n and_o not_o of_o pardon_n already_o obtain_v nor_o must_v we_o ground_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n upon_o a_o error_n of_o a_o translator_n such_o be_v the_o judgement_n in_o those_o time_n concern_v the_o vulgar_a edition_n of_o those_o that_o have_v make_v it_o authentical_a which_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o book_n set_v forth_o by_o those_o which_o turn_v be_v present_a at_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o approbation_n also_o that_o the_o phrase_n of_o the_o apostle_n work_n out_o with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a be_v a_o hebraisme_n which_o do_v not_o enforce_v a_o doubtfulness_n but_o reverence_n or_o godly_a fear_n for_o as_o much_o as_o even_o servant_n do_v exhibit_v fear_n and_o tremble_a to_o their_o master_n with_o who_o they_o be_v dear_a and_o gracious_a final_o that_o the_o place_n of_o saint_n paul_n make_v for_o they_o if_o it_o be_v take_v for_o justification_n for_o that_o he_o say_v he_o be_v guilty_a of_o no_o defect_n and_o yet_o that_o he_o be_v not_o therefore_o justify_v a_o man_n may_v easy_o infer_v that_o he_o be_v justify_v another_o way_n which_o confirm_v certainty_n but_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n be_v that_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o defect_n in_o his_o function_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n do_v affirm_v that_o his_o conscience_n do_v not_o accuse_v he_o of_o any_o omission_n nor_o be_v he_o therefore_o so_o confident_a as_o that_o he_o dare_v say_v that_o he_o have_v perform_v all_o the_o part_n of_o his_o office_n but_o commit_v the_o whole_a judgement_n to_o god_n and_o so_o the_o history_n conclude_v thus_o he_o that_o have_v not_o look_v into_o the_o opposite_a write_n of_o those_o that_o be_v present_a at_o these_o disputation_n and_o
to_o repent_v and_o humble_v themselves_o but_o after_o upon_o their_o true_a repentance_n god_n be_v merciful_a in_o pardon_v their_o sin_n they_o find_v now_o certam_fw-la misericordiam_fw-la certain_a mercy_n the_o certainty_n whereof_o be_v the_o very_a effect_n of_o god_n mercy_n apply_v &_o seal_v to_o the_o conscience_n by_o a_o lively_a faith_n no_o less_o assure_v of_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n than_o the_o ninivites_fw-la be_v of_o the_o preservation_n of_o their_o city_n thus_o vega_n triumph_n be_v like_o his_o country-treaty_n very_o plausible_a and_o currant_n &_o will_v gain_v much_o if_o but_o believe_v &_o the_o cunning_a conveyance_n be_v not_o discover_v and_o by_o this_o success_n of_o vega_n in_o this_o one_o authority_n which_o he_o set_v down_o as_o a_o masterpiece_n we_o may_v easy_o sum_v up_o the_o account_n of_o all_o his_o other_o allegation_n out_o of_o the_o father_n for_o this_o purpose_n what_o will_v they_o amount_v to_o to_o the_o father_n he_o add_v the_o authority_n of_o schoolman_n for_o uncertainty_n of_o grace_n in_o his_o 14._o chapter_n and_o so_o forward_o to_o the_o 19_o chapter_n but_o let_v he_o take_v his_o schoolman_n we_o do_v not_o envy_v the_o council_n of_o trent_n their_o authority_n as_o out_o of_o who_o channel_n be_v gather_v the_o sink_v of_o romane-catholick_n faith_n so_o that_o while_n vega_n allege_v his_o schoolman_n he_o be_v as_o the_o fish_n in_o the_o sea_n or_o a_o cock_n upon_o his_o own_o dunghill_n herein_o i_o will_v do_v as_o christ_n direct_v concern_v the_o pharisee_n let_v they_o alone_o they_o be_v all_o blind_a leader_n of_o the_o blind_a and_o for_o philosopher_n as_o aristotle_n etc._n etc._n vega_n will_v have_v they_o all_o of_o his_o side_n and_o take_v it_o in_o great_a snuff_n that_o any_o adversary_n of_o pontifician_n uncertainty_n shall_v allege_v any_o philosopher_n to_o be_v for_o they_o as_o he_o say_v in_o his_o 44._o chapter_n in_o answer_n to_o those_o that_o produce_v even_o philosophical_a reason_n to_o oppugn_v uncertainty_n laterem_fw-la lavant_fw-la cum_fw-la nobis_fw-la putant_fw-la adversari_fw-la aristotelem_fw-la as_o much_o to_o say_v as_o in_o the_o proverb_n they_o but_o wash_v the_o blackamoor_n when_o they_o think_v to_o have_v aristotle_n to_o be_v our_o adversary_n well_o let_v they_o take_v aristotle_n the_o schoole-doctor_n chapt._n 14._o scotus_n chapt._n 15._o famous_a school_n chapt._n 16._o divine_n chap._n 17._o yea_o the_o infallible_a definition_n of_o the_o see_v apostolic_a chap._n 18._o when_o they_o have_v do_v all_o what_o will_v they_o gain_v but_o incertainty_n embrace_n as_o ixion_n a_o empty_a cloud_n of_o fear_n and_o perplexity_n in_o stead_n of_o juno_n the_o true_a substance_n of_o folid_a comfort_n they_o may_v be_v certain_a of_o keep_v their_o weak_a fort_n of_o uncertainty_n unsurprise_v the_o maintain_v whereof_o bring_v unto_o themselves_o in_o the_o end_n certain_a ruin_n and_o sudden_a destruction_n let_v popish_a faith_n be_v always_o uncertain_a doubtful_a fearful_a perplex_a waver_v with_o every_o wind_n of_o error_n of_o terror_n let_v it_o be_v such_o since_o it_o will_v not_o since_o it_o can_v be_v any_o other_o than_o of_o devil_n those_o that_o believe_v and_o tremble_v as_o can_v never_o 2._o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o mercy_n in_o christ._n see_v they_o will_v needs_o be_v uncertain_a let_v they_o be_v uncertain_a as_o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o that_o be_v ignorant_a let_v he_o be_v ignorant_a in_o the_o mean_a time_n as_o we_o yield_v to_o the_o pontifician_n the_o uncertainty_n of_o their_o faith_n so_o let_v they_o suffer_v we_o to_o maintain_v the_o certainty_n of_o true_a and_o save_v catholic_n faith_n which_o be_v such_o as_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o prevail_v against_o true_a it_o be_v that_o vega_n have_v spend_v at_o the_o least_o 20._o chapter_n from_o the_o 19_o to_o the_o 39_o wherein_o he_o moil_v in_o sweat_n and_o dust_n labour_v to_o answer_v all_o objection_n that_o his_o adversary_n bring_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o certainty_n of_o salvation_n wherein_o he_o deal_v like_o a_o cunning_a thief_n who_o know_v which_o way_n the_o bloodhound_n will_v pursue_v he_o straw_n sawdust_n or_o some_o such_o like_a thing_n to_o sully_v the_o tract_n and_o dead_a the_o scent_n and_o at_o least_o to_o retarde_n and_o fore-slowe_a the_o pace_n of_o the_o pursuer_fw-mi while_o himself_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n may_v escape_v the_o more_o easy_o or_o like_o the_o female_a fox_n which_o be_v pursue_v at_o the_o heel_n with_o her_o train_n dash_v her_o urine_n into_o the_o dog_n eye_n that_o uneath_a they_o be_v able_a to_o pursue_v any_o further_a such_o be_v vega_n holy_a water_n which_o he_o sprinkle_v in_o our_o way_n think_v thereby_o to_o inveigle_v even_o the_o most_o sagacious_a or_o else_o he_o will_v put_v we_o to_o our_o shift_n as_o the_o philistines_n do_v the_o israelite_n who_o have_v take_v all_o their_o armour_n and_o weapon_n from_o they_o will_v not_o suffer_v they_o the_o use_n of_o any_o iron_n tool_n but_o such_o as_o they_o must_v frame_v in_o their_o forge_n and_o sharpen_v with_o their_o tool_n but_o bless_v be_v god_n we_o be_v long_o ago_o free_v from_o the_o spiritual_a bondage_n of_o these_o spiritual_a philistines_n we_o can_v tell_v better_o how_o to_o weald_v our_o own_o weapon_n and_o handle_v they_o better_o in_o our_o own_o hand_n than_o according_a to_o the_o direction_n and_o limitation_n of_o these_o usurper_n and_o take_v our_o own_o weapon_n into_o our_o own_o hand_n we_o shall_v the_o better_o defend_v the_o truth_n against_o all_o those_o opposition_n which_o vega_n with_o all_o his_o pontifician_n power_n make_v against_o it_o and_o when_o we_o have_v speak_v then_o as_o job_n say_v mock_v on_o but_o fear_v lest_o i_o have_v tire_v the_o reader_n by_o lead_v he_o through_o the_o many_o wind_n of_o pontifician_n uncertainty_n which_o like_o a_o ignis_fw-la fatuus_fw-la may_v easy_o divert_v the_o traveller_n from_o his_o plain_a path_n by_o lead_v he_o through_o envious_a and_o wild_a waste_v let_v we_o here_o pause_n and_o breathe_v a_o little_a and_o so_o pursue_v our_o purpose_n in_o a_o entire_a discourse_n by_o itself_o wherein_o also_o we_o must_v look_v for_o sundry_a skirmish_n and_o assault_n which_o the_o adversary_n will_v not_o let_v to_o make_v upon_o our_o very_a tronche_n chap._n xv._n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o true_a save_v justify_n catholic_a faith_n leave_v the_o uncertainty_n of_o salvation_n to_o the_o pontifician_n as_o their_o uncertainty_n of_o faith_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o incertainty_n in_o their_o grace_n incertainty_n in_o their_o baptism_n incertainty_n in_o their_o sacrament_n incertainty_n in_o their_o absolution_n incertainty_n in_o their_o mass_n incertainty_n in_o their_o priest_n disposition_n incertainty_n in_o their_o penance_n and_o conversion_n incertainty_n in_o their_o contrition_n incertainty_n in_o their_o satisfaction_n and_o merit_n incertainty_n in_o their_o monastical_a life_n incertainty_n in_o their_o saint_n incertainty_n in_o their_o charity_n incertainty_n in_o their_o righteousness_n incertainty_n in_o their_o holy_a ghost_n inhabit_v in_o they_o incertainty_n in_o their_o inucation_n incertainty_n in_o their_o lay_n down_o their_o life_n for_o christ_n their_o incertainety_n in_o purgatory_n while_o they_o acknowledge_v none_o other_o certainty_n but_o a_o moral_a conjectural_a certainty_n which_o at_o the_o best_a be_v doubtful_a and_o deceitful_a all_o which_o not_o only_o soto_n and_o vega_n but_o also_o bellarmine_n in_o his_o book_n of_o justification_n justify_v all_o that_o either_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n or_o her_o commentator_n vega_n and_o soto_n or_o andradius_fw-la and_o other_o their_o fellow_n have_v write_v concern_v this_o point_n yea_o and_o much_o more_o but_o that_o i_o will_v not_o go_v out_o of_o my_o text_n and_o prefix_a bound_n of_o the_o counsel_n proper_a commentary_n have_v ample_o set_v down_o come_v we_o now_o to_o encounter_v this_o roman_a catholic_n uncertainty_n with_o the_o catholic_a doctrine_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n but_o before_o we_o can_v come_v to_o lay_v a_o firm_a foundation_n of_o this_o certainty_n of_o faith_n which_o pontifician_n call_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o vain_a heretical_a presumption_n we_o must_v dig_v up_o and_o remove_v one_o main_a heap_n of_o rubbish_n and_o sand_n which_o the_o pontifician_n have_v put_v to_o choke_v up_o the_o haven_n of_o true_a rest_n and_o to_o undermine_v all_o certainty_n of_o faith_n and_o whereon_o they_o have_v cobble_v up_o their_o totter_a tower_n of_o uncertainty_n for_o the_o main_a ground_n of_o their_o uncertainty_n be_v the_o say_v authority_n of_o the_o church_n on_o which_o must_v depend_v the_o verity_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o which_o be_v so_o what_o marvel_n be_v it_o if_o
or_o provincial_a synod_n or_o general_a counsel_n in_o those_o time_n the_o man_n of_o sin_n have_v not_o thus_o exalt_v himself_o above_o all_o that_o be_v call_v god_n or_o that_o be_v worship_v as_o to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n who_o authority_n be_v venerable_a as_o augustine_n say_v omnia_fw-la quâ—_n proferâ—â—tur_fw-la august_n à _fw-la sanctis_fw-la scripture_n plena_fw-la veneratione_n suscipere_fw-la debemus_fw-la all_o thing_n whatsoever_o be_v deliver_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o ought_v to_o entertain_v with_o all_o reverence_n as_o tertullian_n say_v adoro_fw-la scripturae_fw-la plenitudinem_fw-la i_o adore_v the_o fullness_n of_o the_o lib._n scripture_n but_o what_o need_v we_o further_a testimony_n to_o vindicate_v thisi_fw-la catholic_n truth_n that_o the_o authority_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v ever_o above_o the_o church_n yet_o we_o will_v only_o add_v a_o testimony_n or_o two_o that_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n every_o word_n may_v be_v establish_v in_o st._n chrysostom_n work_n the_o uncertain_a author_n but_o allow_v of_o all_o even_o of_o the_o pontifician_n themselves_o upon_o the_o 24._o chapter_n of_o st._n matthew_n upon_o these_o word_n then_o when_o you_o shall_v see_v the_o abomination_n of_o desolation_n stand_v autoâ—_n in_o the_o holy_a place_n let_v they_o which_o be_v in_o judea_n flee_v to_o the_o mountain_n say_v thus_o that_o be_v when_o you_o shall_v see_v wicked_a heresy_n which_o be_v the_o army_n of_o antichrist_n stand_v in_o the_o holy_a place_n of_o the_o church_n than_o they_o which_o be_v in_o judea_n let_v they_o fly_v to_o the_o mountain_n that_o be_v they_o which_o be_v in_o christianity_n let_v they_o betake_v themselves_o to_o the_o scripture_n for_o as_o a_o true_a jew_n be_v a_o christian_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o be_v not_o a_o jew_n that_o be_v one_o 29._o outward_a but_o he_o that_o be_v one_o inward_a so_o the_o true_a judea_n be_v christianity_n who_o name_n do_v signify_v confession_n and_o the_o mountain_n be_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o church_n her_o foundation_n be_v upon_o the_o holy_a mountain_n and_o why_o at_o this_o time_n do_v he_o command_v all_o christian_n to_o betake_v themselves_o to_o the_o scripture_n because_o at_o this_o time_n since_o heresy_n have_v invade_v the_o church_n there_o can_v be_v no_o trial_n of_o true_a christianity_n nor_o other_o refuge_n for_o christian_n which_o desire_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o former_o it_o be_v know_v many_o way_n which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o which_o be_v gentilism_n but_o now_o those_o which_o will_v know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n can_v know_v it_o by_o any_o other_o mean_n but_o by_o the_o scripture_n why_o because_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o christ_n in_o the_o truth_n the_o same_o also_o heresy_n have_v in_o a_o figure_n or_o similitude_n they_o have_v likewise_o church_n they_o have_v likewise_o the_o divine_a scripture_n themselves_o likewise_o bishop_n and_o other_o order_n of_o clerk_n likewise_o baptism_n likewise_o the_o eucharist_n and_o all_o other_o thing_n and_o in_o a_o word_n christ_n himself_o therefore_o if_o any_o will_v know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n how_o can_v he_o in_o the_o confusion_n of_o so_o great_a a_o similitude_n discern_v it_o but_o only_o by_o the_o scripture_n and_o many_o other_o thing_n to_o this_o purpose_n do_v the_o same_o author_n there_o set_v down_o send_v we_o to_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o only_a touchstone_n to_o try_v the_o true_a church_n from_o the_o false_a counterfeit_a &_o antichristian_a church_n if_o therefore_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v know_v only_o by_o the_o scripture_n then_o sure_o the_o scripture_n depend_v not_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o antichristian_a church_n that_o challenge_v and_o usurp_v a_o absolute_a power_n over_o the_o scripture_n which_o for_o their_o authority_n and_o sense_n must_v be_v behold_v to_o the_o church_n to_o wit_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o wit_n the_o pope_n and_o the_o same_o author_n in_o 24._o the_o 44._o homily_n upon_o the_o 23._o of_o matthew_n sai_z heretical_a priest_n do_v shut_v the_o gate_n of_o truth_n to_o wit_n the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o they_o know_v that_o if_o the_o truth_n shall_v once_o be_v make_v manifest_a than_o their_o church_n be_v to_o be_v forsake_v and_o themselves_o must_v come_v down_o from_o their_o sacerdotal_a dignity_n to_o a_o popular_a baseness_n and_o neither_o themselves_o do_v enter_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n because_o of_o their_o avarice_n nor_o suffer_v other_o to_o enter_v by_o reason_n of_o ignorance_n but_o in_o a_o point_n so_o clear_a and_o not_o once_o call_v into_o question_n among_o the_o father_n of_o former_a age_n but_o only_o by_o a_o sort_n of_o heretic_n as_o the_o arrian_n and_o manichee_n and_o the_o like_a still_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v prefer_v above_o all_o till_o of_o late_a day_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v call_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o old_a heretical_a usurpation_n have_v cry_v down_o this_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o produce_v more_o authority_n out_o of_o the_o father_n to_o vindicate_v the_o scripture_n authority_n above_o the_o church_n or_o any_o man_n whatsoever_o let_v we_o conclude_v the_o controversy_n only_o with_o one_o question_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n challenge_v authority_n over_o the_o scripture_n i_o will_v fain_o know_v who_o give_v she_o this_o authority_n for_o whatsoever_o authority_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v if_o she_o have_v it_o not_o from_o the_o scripture_n of_o what_o worth_n be_v her_o authority_n and_o if_o she_o have_v her_o authority_n from_o the_o scripture_n how_o come_v she_o to_o challenge_v authority_n over_o that_o from_o who_o she_o receive_v her_o authority_n unless_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n deal_n with_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o case_n of_o authority_n as_o she_o have_v deal_v with_o the_o emperor_n in_o the_o case_n of_o supremacy_n for_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n first_o receive_v his_o supremacy_n over_o other_o bishop_n from_o the_o emperor_n have_v it_o confirm_v by_o that_o usurp_a parricide_n phocas_n this_o supremacy_n not_o long_o after_o grow_v to_o that_o height_n as_o that_o it_o overtopped_a the_o imperial_a sovereignty_n itself_o and_o so_o the_o pope_n begin_v to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o the_o emperor_n of_o who_o he_o receive_v his_o supreme_a authority_n thus_o he_o deal_v with_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o pope_n can_v but_o confess_v that_o what_o authority_n he_o have_v be_v ground_v upon_o the_o scripture_n else_o his_o authority_n be_v of_o no_o value_n yet_o notwithstanding_o the_o pope_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o avouch_v that_o now_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v whole_o depend_v upon_o he_o but_o if_o the_o pope_n authority_n be_v such_o as_o it_o have_v no_o ground_n nor_o foundation_n in_o the_o scripture_n than_o he_o must_v prove_v it_o to_o be_v some_o divine_a numen_fw-la fall_v unto_o he_o immediate_o from_o heaven_n like_o the_o image_n that_o come_v down_o from_o jupiter_n so_o adore_v of_o those_o ephesian_n who_o goddess_n diana_n 35._o be_v so_o famous_a nor_o ever_o be_v that_o image_n nor_o that_o great_a goddess_n diana_n more_o adore_v of_o the_o ephesian_a world_n than_o this_o imaginary_a unlimited_a transcendent_a power_n of_o the_o pope_n over_o scripture_n and_o all_o adore_v of_o the_o pontifician_n world_n but_o say_v some_o angel_n from_o heaven_n bring_v he_o this_o power_n in_o a_o box_n unless_o this_o power_n have_v utter_o take_v away_o all_o power_n and_o authority_n yea_o and_o truth_n from_o the_o scripture_n it_o can_v escape_v paul_n anathema_n which_o augustine_n apply_v and_o wherewith_o we_o will_v shut_v up_o this_o point_n sive_fw-la de_fw-la christo_fw-la etc._n etc._n whether_o 6._o it_o be_v of_o christ_n or_o of_o his_o church_n or_o of_o any_o thing_n whatsoever_o pertain_v to_o our_o faith_n and_o life_n i_o will_v not_o say_v we_o for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v to_o he_o that_o say_v although_o that_o we_o but_o as_o he_o add_v there_o if_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v preach_v unto_o you_o beside_o that_o which_o you_o have_v receive_v in_o the_o legal_a and_o evangelicall_a scripture_n let_v he_o be_v accurse_v now_o what_o can_v be_v of_o great_a moment_n concern_v faith_n and_o life_n than_o the_o pope_n authority_n over_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v not_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v together_o with_o the_o pope_n and_o all_o his_o worshipper_n brand_v with_o anathema_n which_o
depend_v upon_o the_o worthiness_n or_o unworthiness_n of_o his_o own_o disposition_n or_o preparation_n in_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n whereof_o say_v they_o as_o none_o can_v be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v but_o the_o contrary_a rather_o so_o neither_o can_v he_o be_v certain_a of_o any_o grace_n receive_v by_o the_o sacrament_n but_o as_o the_o good_a king_n ezechias_n pray_v vers_fw-la for_o the_o comer_n to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o passeover_n say_v the_o lord_n god_n pardon_v every_o one_o that_o prepare_v his_o heart_n to_o seek_v god_n the_o lord_n god_n of_o his_o father_n though_o he_o be_v not_o cleanse_v according_a to_o the_o purification_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n that_o be_v so_o exact_o as_o he_o ought_v and_o the_o lord_n hearken_v unto_o hezechias_n and_o heal_v the_o people_n so_o though_o we_o come_v short_a as_o the_o best_a do_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o holy_a duty_n according_a to_o that_o perfection_n which_o the_o lord_n require_v yet_o there_o be_v place_n always_o leave_v for_o humble_a prayer_n both_o to_o procure_v god_n pardon_n for_o our_o fayling_n and_o his_o special_a grace_n and_o blessing_n in_o our_o reverend_a use_n of_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n but_o this_o in_o brief_a by_o the_o way_n to_o confute_v vega_n folly_n second_o he_o answer_v that_o though_o there_o be_v no_o error_n nor_o invincible_a ignorance_n remain_v in_o a_o man_n that_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n yet_o say_v vega_n i_o do_v not_o see_v it_o every_o way_n certain_a that_o those_o thing_n be_v sufficient_a which_o be_v account_v requisite_a to_o justification_n with_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n or_o penance_n for_o it_o be_v not_o certain_o receive_v of_o all_o that_o these_o sacrament_n do_v confer_v the_o first_o grace_n as_o the_o master_n of_o the_o sentence_n alexander_n hales_n and_o gabriel_n biel_n be_v of_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n and_o since_o these_o opinion_n say_v he_o be_v not_o condemn_v express_o by_o the_o church_n although_o the_o opposite_a opinion_n be_v much_o more_o probable_a therefore_o there_o be_v place_n leave_v for_o all_o kind_n of_o doubt_n and_o hesitation_n about_o our_o justification_n as_o well_o after_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o sacrament_n as_o before_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o ground_n whereof_o to_o gather_v the_o certainty_n of_o grace_n because_o of_o the_o sacrament_n receive_v than_o by_o reason_n of_o our_o own_o disposition_n but_o his_o three_o answer_n be_v the_o main_a one_o he_o stand_v upon_o for_o he_o say_v utque_fw-la radicitus_fw-la totum_fw-la hoc_fw-la argumentum_fw-la subruamus_fw-la &_o â—neruemus_fw-la dico_fw-la tandem_fw-la etc._n etc._n and_o that_o we_o may_v overthrow_v this_o whole_a argument_n by_o the_o root_n and_o utter_o disable_v it_o i_o say_v three_o etc._n etc._n here_o we_o can_v choose_v but_o erect_v our_o expectation_n unto_o some_o prodigious_a exploit_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o this_o champion_n what_o will_v he_o do_v he_o come_v sampson-like_a and_o make_v no_o more_o reckon_n to_o pull_v down_o the_o pillar_n whereon_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o christian_a faith_n stand_v than_o samson_n do_v to_o pull_v down_o the_o house_n upon_o the_o philistines_n head_n but_o let_v vega_n beware_v he_o pull_v not_o a_o old_a house_n upon_o his_o own_o head_n well_o dico_fw-la tandem_fw-la etc._n etc._n i_o say_v once_o for_o all_o that_o although_o it_o may_v redijt_fw-la be_v certain_a by_o faith_n that_o any_o kind_n of_o repentance_n for_o sin_n with_o a_o purpose_n of_o keep_v the_o commandment_n and_o a_o desire_n to_o receive_v baptism_n be_v together_o with_o baptism_n and_o penance_n sufficient_a to_o obtain_v grace_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o our_o grace_n may_v by_o faith_n be_v certain_a unto_o us._n for_o although_o it_o may_v appear_v evident_o to_o every_o one_o whether_o he_o have_v these_o thing_n or_o no_o yet_o none_o can_v be_v certain_a by_o faith_n or_o evident_o that_o he_o be_v true_o baptize_v or_o absolve_v because_o there_o be_v necessary_o require_v unto_o the_o accomplish_n of_o these_o and_o all_o other_o sacrament_n a_o intention_n in_o the_o priest_n to_o do_v that_o which_o the_o priest_n faith_n do_v as_o be_v decree_v in_o the_o seven_o session_n of_o this_o our_o council_n can._n 11._o but_o of_o that_o intention_n in_o the_o priest_n no_o man_n without_o divine_a revelation_n can_v by_o faith_n or_o evidence_n be_v certain_a and_o so_o forth_o to_o this_o purpose_n thus_o do_v vega_n at_o one_o blow_v stagger_v the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n confirm_v by_o the_o sacrament_n nay_o not_o only_o stagger_v it_o but_o strike_v it_o dead_a if_o certainty_n as_o the_o pontifician_n in_o their_o council_n have_v decree_v must_v depend_v upon_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n in_o the_o time_n of_o consecrate_v the_o sacrament_n and_o without_o the_o priest_n intention_n the_o whole_a sacrament_n be_v void_a and_o vain_a and_o whether_o the_o priest_n intention_n be_v go_v a_o woolgather_n or_o no_o no_o man_n know_v into_o such_o a_o miserable_a exigent_n of_o uncertainty_n have_v the_o pontifician_n implunge_v themselves_o as_o into_o the_o very_a gulf_n of_o hell_n where_o doubt_n and_o despair_n dwell_v now_o for_o those_o divine_a help_n to_o the_o native_a certainty_n of_o save_v faith_n we_o may_v sum_n they_o up_o and_o reduce_v they_o to_o this_o gradation_n as_o first_o god_n word_n dictum_fw-la jehovae_fw-la second_o god_n promise_n three_o his_o oath_n four_a his_o hand-writing_n five_o his_o seal_n sixthly_a his_o earnest_n or_o pledge_n 2._o cor._n 5._o 5._o so_o that_o god_n as_o it_o be_v by_o so_o many_o step_n and_o degree_n lead_v our_o faith_n to_o the_o very_a top_n of_o the_o impregnable_a rock_n of_o all_o infallible_a and_o unmoveable_a certainty_n another_o accessary_a testimony_n conscience_n confirm_v the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o good_a conscience_n which_o be_v not_o only_a conscientia_fw-la rectè_fw-la factorum_fw-la but_o faciendorum_fw-la not_o only_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o regard_n of_o our_o life_n past_a wherein_o we_o have_v endeavour_v to_o live_v upright_o and_o hearty_o repent_v we_o of_o whatsoever_o we_o have_v misdo_v either_o by_o omission_n or_o commission_n but_o also_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o time_n to_o come_v while_o we_o resolve_v in_o a_o sincere_a purpose_n of_o heart_n and_o endeavour_v with_o all_o our_o power_n to_o serve_v god_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n of_o the_o good_a conscience_n of_o the_o life_n past_a the_o apostle_n speak_v whereby_o the_o certainty_n of_o his_o faith_n be_v seal_v up_o unto_o he_o 2._o tim._n 4._o 6._o 7._o i_o be_o now_o ready_a to_o be_v offer_v and_o the_o time_n of_o my_o departure_n be_v at_o band_n i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n i_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n whereupon_o he_o conclude_v in_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n henceforth_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o i_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o the_o lord_n the_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v give_v i_o at_o that_o day_n and_o of_o his_o good_a conscience_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v he_o speak_v phil._n 3._o 13._o brethren_n i_o count_v not_o myself_o to_o have_v apprehend_v but_o this_o one_o thing_n i_o do_v forget_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v behind_o &_o reach_v forth_o unto_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v before_o i_o press_v towards_o the_o mark_n for_o the_o price_n of_o the_o high_a call_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n also_o heb._n 13._o 18._o pray_v for_o we_o for_o we_o trust_v we_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n willing_a to_o live_v honest_o now_o the_o conscience_n of_o a_o man_n be_v weighty_a and_o magna_fw-la cicero_n in_o utramque_fw-la partem_fw-la as_o the_o orator_n say_v it_o be_v a_o powerful_a testimony_n either_o to_o accuse_v or_o to_o acquit_v a_o man_n as_o rom._n 2._o 15._o the_o apostle_n good_a conscience_n be_v a_o comfortable_a testimony_n unto_o he_o act_v 23._o 1._o so_o 2._o cor._n 1._o 12._o our_o rejoice_v be_v this_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n that_o in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n not_o with_o fleshly_a wisdom_n but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o have_v have_v our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n now_o a_o good_a conscience_n have_v many_o branch_n either_o as_o it_o reflect_v upon_o faith_n so_o it_o be_v privy_a to_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o reconciliation_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o god_n or_o as_o it_o respect_v our_o love_n both_o of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o godly_a in_o especial_a love_n be_v another_o seal_n of_o faith_n as_o 1._o john_n 3._o 18_o my_o salvation_n little_a child_n let_v we_o not_o love_v in_o word_n neither_o in_o tongue_n but_o in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n