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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 tenant_n and_o confirm_v their_o own_o they_o will_v answer_v that_o 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 salsifie_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 danger_n 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 convince_v of_o maliciously-wilfull_a error_n we_o shall_v seem_v injurious_o to_o slander_v they_o 3._o it_o may_v be_v object_v perhaps_o they_o 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fore-conceited_n opinion_n be_v so_o fast_o root_v but_o that_o it_o will_v give_v place_n to_o clear_a demonstration_n which_o be_v confess_v among_o all_o therefore_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o confute_v any_o religion_n with_o the_o objection_n of_o fore-conceived_n opinion_n what_o shall_v i_o say_v more_o do_v other_o religion_n want_v civil_a learning_n there_o be_v find_v among_o they_o sufficient_o learn_v and_o ingenious_a man_n and_o oftentimes_o they_o have_v much_o better_a and_o fit_a mean_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o learning_n than_o the_o lutheran_n have_v especial_o the_o papist_n who_o make_v choice_n of_o the_o best_a wit_n who_o they_o employ_v in_o a_o manner_n from_o their_o cradle_n to_o their_o full_a age_n in_o nothing_o else_o but_o study_n meditation_n and_o continual_a exercise_n and_o do_v abundant_o supply_v they_o with_o all_o thing_n which_o serve_v or_o seem_v to_o serve_v for_o their_o further_a and_o forward_v and_o with_o all_o care_n and_o diligence_n do_v remove_v and_o take_v away_o whatsoever_o cause_v or_o seem_v to_o cause_v any_o hindrance_n of_o their_o course_n they_o study_v the_o scripture_n and_o father_n night_n and_o day_n and_o refuse_v no_o labour_n in_o learning_n the_o foundation_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n and_o in_o know_v and_o understand_v the_o error_n of_o other_o nay_o the_o method_n and_o manner_n of_o learning_n of_o compare_v the_o scripture_n of_o interpret_n according_o to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o faith_n of_o bring_v no_o sense_n to_o the_o scripture_n and_o such_o other_o rule_n can_v be_v unknown_a to_o they_o obj._n but_o perhaps_o god_n have_v not_o grant_v they_o his_o spirit_n and_o this_o grace_n i_o answer_v god_n be_v seek_v unto_o and_o solicit_v by_o prayer_n deny_v to_o no_o man_n his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n of_o truth_n now_o man_n of_o other_o religion_n crave_v of_o god_n the_o enlighten_v of_o their_o mind_n and_o direction_n in_o a_o right_a way_n no_o less_o than_o ourselves_o nay_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v discern_v perhaps_o with_o a_o great_a fervency_n and_o zeal_n neither_o be_v we_o to_o think_v that_o they_o ask_v it_o out_o of_o hypocrisy_n and_o with_o dissimulation_n and_o that_o so_o they_o will_v mock_v god_n therefore_o it_o be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v that_o the_o spirit_n be_v where_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v find_v of_o which_o none_o ought_v to_o boast_v above_o other_o nay_o more_o the_o knowledge_n of_o understand_v the_o scripture_n be_v a_o peculiar_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v grant_v no_o less_o to_o other_o than_o to_o we_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o he_o only_o understand_v the_o scripture_n which_o have_v the_o spirit_n that_o dictate_v they_o and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o worldly_a law_n no_o doctor_n interpretation_n or_o decide_n do_v justify_v till_o the_o lawgiver_n approve_v that_o decide_n yet_o he_o that_o boast_v of_o such_o approbation_n of_o the_o 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scripture_n hereunto_o add_v that_o at_o that_o time_n many_o part_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o yet_o write_v wherefore_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n manifest_o prove_v that_o this_o be_v not_o speak_v of_o the_o whole_a argument_n and_o letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o as_o much_o as_o the_o figure_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o apocalypse_v and_o infinite_a other_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o fulfil_n of_o those_o prophecy_n be_v hide_v from_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o and_o the_o father_n much_o more_o than_o from_o other_o and_o be_v yet_o hide_v christ_n himself_o speak_v in_o parable_n to_o the_o end_n that_o man_n may_v hear_v with_o their_o ear_n and_o not_o understand_v the_o scripture_n itself_o in_o very_a many_o place_n witness_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v secret_a obscure_a hide_a and_o discover_v only_o to_o the_o spirit_n or_o to_o the_o godly_a only_o to_o who_o god_n reveal_v it_o so_o that_o in_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v more_o testimony_n of_o their_o obscurity_n than_o of_o their_o clearness_n yet_o be_v not_o the_o scripture_n hereby_o either_o reject_v or_o slight_v for_o even_o before_o the_o law_n be_v give_v and_o write_v man_n have_v a_o certain_a light_n by_o the_o help_n whereof_o they_o may_v if_o they_o will_v have_v find_v out_o the_o truth_n more_o clear_o than_o we_o and_o although_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n a_o great_a light_n be_v rise_v yet_o must_v we_o not_o think_v that_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n there_o be_v a_o mere_a blindness_n whence_o we_o may_v reason_n that_o god_n think_v it_o not_o useful_a for_o we_o to_o reveal_v all_o thing_n to_o we_o but_o though_o all_o thing_n perhaps_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v yet_o nevertheless_o there_o may_v be_v have_v a_o certain_a and_o infallible_a way_n of_o interpret_n by_o the_o help_n whereof_o the_o most_o and_o most_o necessary_a controversy_n may_v be_v decide_v of_o which_o if_o trial_n be_v make_v a_o clear_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
their_o opposite_n so_o i_o find_v wnat_n of_o judgement_n in_o this_o author_n who_o put_v it_o upon_o a_o man_n oath_n to_o clear_v himself_o of_o go_v against_o his_o conscience_n in_o the_o tenet_n he_o maintain_v for_o he_o that_o say_v a_o thing_n against_o his_o conscience_n be_v next_o door_n by_o to_o the_o swear_n of_o it_o but_o these_o be_v such_o idle_a and_o addle_n conceit_n that_o it_o cause_v no_o small_a indignation_n in_o i_o to_o waste_v precious_a time_n in_o they_o which_o may_v be_v better_o spend_v on_o worthy_a subject_n disc_n obj._n 3_o it_o may_v be_v object_v perhaps_o they_o may_v be_v forestall_v with_o preconceive_a opinion_n ans_fw-fr i_o answer_v how_o you_o will_v say_v they_o accustom_v themselves_o from_o their_o cradle_n to_o their_o own_o religion_n forsake_v the_o bible_n and_o other_o book_n i_o answer_v this_o be_v true_a in_o popery_n but_o not_o in_o calvinist_n and_o other_o which_o urge_v the_o bible_n more_o than_o we_o do_v these_o have_v more_o freedom_n than_o we_o have_v to_o try_v other_o religion_n do_v not_o the_o child_n of_o the_o lutheran_n also_o inure_v themselves_o to_o try_v religion_n from_o their_o childhood_n do_v they_o learn_v a_o popish_a or_o calvinisticall_a catechism_n before_o they_o have_v learn_v a_o lutheran_n one_o be_v not_o that_o a_o man_n religion_n to_o which_o he_o accustom_n himself_o how_o do_v a_o child_n or_o a_o layman_n that_o have_v be_v teach_v no_o religion_n know_v what_o be_v lutheranism_n or_o calvinism_n do_v he_o not_o take_v that_o religion_n which_o be_v first_o offer_v to_o he_o beside_o no_o fore-conceited_n opinion_n be_v so_o fast_o root_v but_o that_o it_o will_v give_v place_n to_o clear_a demonstration_n which_o be_v confess_v among_o all_o therefore_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o confute_v any_o religion_n with_o the_o objection_n of_o fore-conceived_n opinion_n what_o shall_v i_o say_v more_o do_v other_o religion_n want_v civil_a learning_n there_o be_v find_v among_o they_o sufficient_o learn_v and_o ingenious_a man_n and_o oftentimes_o they_o have_v much_o better_a and_o fit_a mean_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o learning_n than_o the_o lutheran_n have_v especial_o the_o papist_n who_o make_v choice_n of_o the_o best_a wit_n who_o they_o employ_v in_o a_o manner_n from_o their_o cradle_n to_o their_o full_a age_n in_o nothing_o else_o but_o study_n meditation_n and_o continual_a exercise_n and_o do_v abundant_o supply_v they_o with_o all_o thing_n which_o serve_v or_o seem_v to_o serve_v for_o their_o further_a and_o forward_v and_o with_o all_o care_n and_o diligence_n do_v remove_v and_o take_v away_o whatsoever_o cause_v or_o seem_v to_o cause_v any_o hindrance_n of_o their_o course_n they_o study_v the_o scripture_n and_o father_n night_n and_o day_n and_o refuse_v no_o labour_n in_o learning_n the_o foundation_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n and_o in_o know_v and_o understand_v the_o error_n of_o other_o nay_o the_o method_n and_o manner_n of_o learning_n of_o compare_v the_o scripture_n of_o interpret_n according_o to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o faith_n of_o bring_v in_o sense_n to_o the_o scripture_n and_o such_o other_o rule_n can_v be_v unknown_a to_o they_o consid_fw-la who_o be_v not_o forestall_v with_o preconceive_a opinion_n be_v not_o every_o one_o bring_v up_o in_o the_o religion_n of_o his_o parent_n which_o yet_o breed_v but_o a_o natural_a comply_v with_o it_o be_v it_o the_o best_a religion_n until_o god_n by_o his_o spirit_n of_o regeneration_n open_v their_o eye_n to_o apprehend_v the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n therein_o without_o which_o in_o their_o most_o zealous_a profession_n of_o it_o for_o their_o father_n sake_n and_o their_o education_n sake_n they_o will_v prove_v no_o better_o than_o hypocrite_n and_o factious_a rather_o than_o conscionable_a in_o the_o maintenance_n of_o it_o which_o yet_o may_v be_v do_v with_o as_o great_a strength_n of_o learning_n as_o a_o natural_a man_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o though_o it_o be_v a_o false_a way_n wherein_o they_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o and_o breed_v and_o they_o as_o zealous_a and_o factious_a in_o maintain_v it_o as_o ever_o saul_n be_v who_o make_v havoc_n of_o the_o church_n and_o enter_v into_o every_o house_n and_o draw_v out_o both_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o put_v they_o in_o prison_n yet_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o persecution_n meet_v with_o he_o in_o the_o way_n and_o confound_v he_o and_o strike_v he_o with_o blindness_n natural_a to_o mind_v he_o thereby_o of_o his_o blindness_n spiritual_a but_o afterward_o open_v his_o eye_n and_o bring_v he_o out_o of_o darkness_n unto_o light_n and_o make_v he_o not_o only_o a_o professor_n of_o that_o way_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o before_o he_o persecute_v but_o a_o famous_a preacher_n of_o it_o also_o even_o the_o great_a doctor_n of_o the_o gentile_n so_o say_v peter_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o who_o he_o write_v that_o they_o be_v redeem_v from_o their_o vain_a consersation_n receive_v by_o tradition_n of_o their_o father_n and_o as_o this_o be_v true_a of_o the_o jew_n so_o of_o the_o gentile_n also_o as_o jeremiah_n prophesy_v jer._n 16.19_o the_o gentile_n shall_v come_v unto_o thou_o from_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o shall_v say_v sure_o our_o forefather_n have_v inherit_v lie_v and_o vanity_n wherein_o there_o be_v no_o profit_n and_o isaiah_n also_o i_o have_v be_v seek_v of_o they_o that_o ask_v not_o i_o be_v find_v of_o they_o that_o seek_v i_o not_o i_o say_v behold_v i_o behold_v i_o to_o a_o nation_n that_o be_v not_o call_v by_o my_o name_n some_o while_n the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n abstain_v from_o preach_v to_o the_o gentle_n and_o peter_n be_v call_v in_o question_n for_o go_v in_o and_o preach_a christ_n unto_o the_o gentile_n act._n 11.19_o and_o they_o that_o be_v scatter_v abroad_o because_o of_o the_o persecution_n that_o arise_v about_o stephen_n go_v throughout_o till_o they_o come_v unto_o phenice_n and_o cyprus_n and_o antioch_n preach_v the_o word_n to_o no_o man_n but_o the_o jew_n only_o v._n 20._o now_o some_o of_o they_o be_v man_n of_o cyprus_n and_o cyrene_n which_o when_o they_o be_v come_v to_o antioch_n speak_v unto_o the_o grecian_n and_o preach_v the_o lord_n jesus_n v._n 21._o and_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o so_o that_o a_o great_a number_n believe_v and_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n see_v how_o sudden_o they_o turn_v from_o idol_n to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o tradition_n receive_v of_o their_o forefather_n so_o true_a be_v that_o of_o leo_n vbi_fw-la deus_fw-la magister_fw-la est_fw-la quam_fw-la citò_fw-la dissitur_fw-la quod_fw-la docetur_fw-la so_o that_o these_o be_v as_o little_o train_v up_o in_o the_o bible_n and_o other_o book_n of_o christian_a religion_n as_o the_o papist_n yea_o and_o far_o less_o any_o man_n have_v freedom_n to_o try_v other_o religion_n have_v not_o we_o christian_n freedom_n to_o try_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o of_o the_o turk_n and_o god_n abandon_v some_o to_o turn_v turk_n and_o papist_n have_v liberty_n to_o try_v our_o protestant_a religion_n vergerius_n do_v so_o a_o popish_a bishop_n with_o a_o purpose_n to_o refute_v it_o but_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v with_o he_o to_o open_v his_o eye_n as_o with_o saul_n and_o he_o turn_v protestant_n by_o these_o word_n calvinist_n and_o other_o urge_v the_o bible_n more_o than_o we_o do_v it_o appear_v this_o author_n be_v no_o calvinist_n so_o by_o the_o word_n follow_v do_v not_o the_o child_n of_o the_o lutheran_n also_o inure_v themselves_o to_o their_o religion_n from_o their_o childhood_n also_o do_v argue_v that_o this_o author_n be_v no_o lutheran_n so_o that_o what_o to_o make_v of_o he_o i_o know_v not_o for_o he_o will_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o papist_n it_o seem_v he_o be_v yet_o to_o choose_v his_o religion_n and_o yet_o if_o this_o course_n of_o his_o be_v serious_a it_o be_v considerable_a but_o he_o need_v not_o go_v far_o for_o a_o answer_n to_o so_o superficiary_a a_o discourse_n as_o this_o it_o be_v true_a natural_o every_o one_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v of_o the_o religion_n he_o receive_v of_o his_o father_n but_o without_o illumination_n divine_a though_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_a way_n yet_o shall_v he_o have_v no_o comfortable_a apprehension_n of_o it_o and_o by_o illumination_n divine_a saul_n of_o a_o persecutor_n shall_v become_v a_o preacher_n and_o the_o gentile_n shall_v have_v their_o eye_n open_v and_o be_v bring_v out_o of_o darkness_n into_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n though_o blindness_n come_v upon_o israel_n as_o they_o have_v be_v hold_v under_o it_o now_o for_o 1600._o
the_o extraction_n of_o root_n and_o the_o number_n 25._o find_v to_o be_v the_o root_n of_o 666._o so_o far_o as_o it_o come_v to_o be_v say_v in_o the_o usual_a way_n of_o arithmetic_n to_o have_v a_o root_n discover_v strange_a mystery_n concern_v the_o delineat_n of_o that_o beast_n the_o body_n of_o antichrist_n in_o a_o wonderful_a manner_n no_o marvel_n if_o these_o mystery_n be_v hide_v from_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o who_o write_v those_o prophecy_n for_o first_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o be_v nothing_o necessary_a to_o their_o salvation_n 2._o god_n have_v appoint_v a_o certain_a time_n when_o the_o light_n of_o they_o shall_v break_v forth_o to_o irradiate_a his_o church_n with_o unspeakable_a consolation_n when_o they_o stand_v most_o in_o need_n thereof_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o those_o prophecy_n draw_v near_o christ_n speak_v in_o parable_n to_o some_o not_o to_o all_o yet_o some_o of_o his_o parable_n be_v understand_v by_o they_o even_o against_o who_o they_o be_v speak_v in_o particular_a those_o that_o be_v not_o understand_v by_o the_o multitude_n our_o saviour_n reveal_v to_o his_o disciple_n as_o often_o as_o they_o seek_v it_o yea_o and_o other_o mystery_n too_o namely_o the_o sign_n foregoing_a the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n his_o own_o come_n and_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n mat._n 24._o it_o be_v true_a the_o scripture_n contain_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n which_o be_v not_o apprehend_v according_a to_o their_o condition_n but_o by_o the_o regenerate_v but_o as_o for_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v quite_o of_o another_o nature_n which_o this_o author_n consider_v not_o and_o be_v incident_a to_o a_o reprobate_n yea_o in_o such_o a_o measure_n as_o to_o make_v he_o a_o able_a doctor_n in_o the_o church_n and_o orthodox_n throughout_o which_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o when_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n such_o a_o one_o shall_v fall_v short_a of_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n the_o secret_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o he_o reveal_v to_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o be_v the_o secret_a of_o his_o covenant_n psal_n 25._o there_o be_v a_o secret_a also_o in_o faith-catholike_a and_o in_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o regenerate_v only_o and_o it_o be_v to_o discern_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n in_o they_o which_o have_v true_a faith_n a_o reprobate_a may_v believe_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o a_o natural_a faith_n only_o yea_o believe_v it_o and_o carry_v themselves_o like_o good_a scholar_n too_o while_o they_o instruct_v other_o therein_o still_o we_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a and_o clear_a enough_o as_o touch_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o all_o this_o discourse_n be_v plausible_a only_o through_o distinction_n and_o to_o deny_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v fair_o intelligible_a to_o one_o that_o be_v desirous_a to_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o be_v a_o great_a disparagement_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o dishonour_n to_o god_n himself_o disparage_v either_o his_o goodness_n that_o will_v not_o or_o his_o wisdom_n that_o he_o know_v not_o how_o to_o order_v it_o so_o that_o by_o search_v the_o scripture_n they_o may_v have_v eternal_a life_n if_o before_o the_o law_n man_n have_v a_o light_n whereby_o they_o may_v find_v the_o truth_n more_o clear_o than_o we_o than_o the_o former_a time_n be_v time_n of_o great_a light_n and_o grace_n than_o the_o late_a but_o this_o be_v contrary_a both_o to_o the_o general_a judgement_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o to_o universal_a experience_n for_o as_o light_v natural_o increase_v more_o and_o more_o until_o it_o be_v perfect_a day_n so_o it_o have_v be_v with_o light_n spiritual_a yet_o the_o sun_n the_o fountain_n of_o light_n natural_a have_v sometime_o go_v backward_o ten_o degree_n not_o so_o the_o sun_n of_o rigteousness_n man_n have_v go_v 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the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 2_o cor._n 4.6_o and_o in_o these_o day_n of_o grace_n we_o all_o behold_v as_o in_o a_o mirror_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o open_a face_n and_o be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n as_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n 2_o cor._n 3.18_o to_o say_v that_o though_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v yet_o nevertheless_o there_o may_v be_v have_v a_o certain_a and_o infallible_a way_n of_o interpret_n whereby_o the_o most_o and_o most_o necessary_a controversy_n may_v be_v decide_v be_v to_o represent_v a_o show_n of_o antithesis_fw-la where_o there_o be_v none_o but_o that_o be_v little_a material_a but_o here_o be_v a_o declination_n to_o the_o contrary_a extreme_a hitherto_o the_o clearness_n of_o scripture_n have_v be_v oppose_v here_o a_o infallibility_n of_o interpret_n be_v introduce_v but_o medio_fw-la tutissimus_fw-la ibis_fw-la and_o virtue_n usual_o consist_v in_o a_o mediocrity_n which_o horace_n call_v auream_fw-la mediocritatem_fw-la since_o the_o apostle_n day_n the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n challenge_v to_o herself_o no_o infallible_a authority_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o in_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n the_o lord_n assure_v we_o by_o his_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v not_o deceive_v that_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o as_o for_o infallibility_n let_v we_o be_v content_a to_o have_v that_o condition_n reserve_v for_o the_o state_n of_o glory_n i_o nothing_o doubt_v but_o by_o study_n and_o care_n and_o pain_n most_o controversy_n may_v be_v so_o clear_o decide_v as_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a either_o for_o the_o convert_n of_o a_o capable_a hearer_n to_o the_o embrace_n of_o it_o or_o for_o the_o convict_v he_o of_o obstinacy_n in_o withstand_v it_o but_o i_o little_o look_v that_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o discourse_n will_v have_v so_o unsuitable_a a_o end_n mr._n dury_n as_o i_o remember_v be_v occupy_v about_o some_o such_o method_n as_o this_o i_o wish_v hearty_o it_o may_v succeed_v well_o but_o take_v heed_n we_o do_v not_o cry_v down_o all_o performance_n that_o have_v go_v before_o we_o as_o if_o they_o be_v palpable_a insufficiency_n in_o comparison_n to_o our_o own_o new_a invention_n whether_o in_o clear_v truth_n controversial_a or_o obscure_a place_n of_o scripture_n well_o we_o shall_v rest_v content_v with_o that_o measure_n we_o be_v arrive_v unto_o until_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o light_n arise_v above_o the_o horizon_n of_o our_o sphere_n and_o whensoever_o it_o come_v i_o trust_v we_o shall_v give_v it_o that_o respect_n which_o it_o deserve_v and_o right_o thankful_o entertain_v it_o whether_o in_o the_o way_n of_o illustration_n which_o best_o please_v the_o sense_n or_o in_o the_o way_n of_o demonstration_n which_o most_o justifi_v the_o judgement_n disc_n nor_o be_o i_o move_v with_o that_o objection_n that_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o the_o lutheran_n that_o they_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o lutheranism_n though_o other_o can_v see_v and_o believe_v it_o for_o this_o be_v not_o that_o which_o i_o will_v have_v i_o inquire_v how_o a_o man_n may_v be_v sure_a not_o of_o his_o own_o opinion_n but_o of_o the_o truth_n now_o if_o i_o believe_v and_o determine_v that_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v true_a this_o be_v my_o opinion_n yet_o be_v not_o therefore_o the_o truth_n see_v truth_n and_o opinion_n have_v nothing_o in_o they_o alike_o and_o steadfast_a persuasion_n change_v not_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o thing_n whereof_o a_o man_n be_v persuade_v for_o than_o shall_v melancholic_a person_n who_o opinion_n be_v unmoveable_a work_v miracle_n and_o make_v all_o their_o conceit_n essential_a the_o nature_n of_o true_a knowledge_n be_v this_o so_o be_v demonstrable_a not_o to_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 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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
of_o satan_n in_o sign_n and_o lie_a wonder_n and_o in_o all_o deceivableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n 2_o thes_n 2.9_o 10._o and_o by_o his_o cunning_a practice_n get_v at_o length_n as_o many_o head_n to_o his_o body_n and_o horn_n to_o his_o head_n as_o the_o dragon_n have_v and_o get_v he_o a_o mistress_n too_o like_o himself_o the_o whore_n of_o babylon_n who_o john_n see_v rev._n 17.6_o drunken_a with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o martyr_n of_o jesus_n witness_v the_o slaughter_n make_v and_o barbarous_a outrage_n commit_v upon_o the_o waldenses_n who_o first_o proclaim_v to_o the_o world_n that_o rome_n be_v the_o whore_n of_o babylon_n and_o the_o pope_n antichrist_n but_o in_o these_o late_a day_n the_o lord_n have_v blast_v that_o man_n of_o sin_n with_o the_o breath_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o break_v off_o many_o horn_n of_o the_o beast_n which_o have_v provoke_v those_o antichristian_a generation_n in_o a_o very_a high_a degree_n rev._n 12._o and_o the_o devil_n undoubted_o have_v now_o great_a wrath_n than_o ever_o because_o he_o know_v that_o he_o have_v but_o a_o short_a time_n now_o of_o late_a year_n his_o great_a proctor_n the_o jesuit_n have_v not_o spare_v to_o profess_v despair_n of_o prevail_v in_o their_o cause_n by_o disputation_n as_o appear_v by_o weston_n preface_n to_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr triplici_fw-la hominis_fw-la statu_fw-la the_o gordian_a knot_n of_o controversy_n in_o religion_n must_v be_v cut_v asunder_o by_o some_o alexander_n sword_n belike_o this_o sect_n be_v privy_a to_o some_o intention_n on_o foot_n for_o the_o raise_n of_o such_o meteor_n as_o at_o length_n have_v break_v forth_o into_o those_o storm_n which_o since_o have_v exercise_v all_o germany_n if_o not_o all_o christendom_n in_o the_o west_n and_o i_o have_v read_v a_o discourse_n write_v by_o one_o who_o be_v sometime_o secretary_n to_o the_o pope_n discover_v the_o practice_n of_o those_o time_n and_o relate_v a_o counsel_n for_o the_o propagate_a of_o religion_n erect_v and_o institute_v by_o clemens_n octavus_n that_o whine_a pope_n thereby_o conceal_v the_o bloody_a and_o barbarous_a intention_n of_o his_o heart_n some_o say_v that_o for_o all_o his_o whine_a he_o be_v as_o impure_a as_o bloody_a now_o these_o course_n wherewith_o they_o travel_v many_o year_n be_v now_o bring_v forth_o unto_o the_o light_n i_o wonder_v not_o a_o little_a that_o they_o persist_v in_o their_o motive_n learning_n which_o of_o all_o other_o be_v of_o the_o base_a allay_n and_o have_v more_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o charm_n than_o of_o a_o medicine_n to_o cure_v error_n in_o a_o rational_a way_n for_o i_o can_v be_v persuade_v otherwise_o but_o that_o some_o vile_a jesuit_n have_v a_o hand_n in_o this_o argument_n to_o style_v himself_o a_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o though_o he_o hold_v the_o pope_n to_o be_v judge_n of_o controversy_n yet_o i_o presume_v when_o he_o preach_v he_o do_v not_o take_v his_o text_n out_o of_o the_o pope_n canon_n but_o out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o we_o know_v there_o be_v dutch_a jesuit_n as_o well_o as_o spanish_a jesuit_n and_o i_o have_v hear_v that_o when_o the_o arminian_n quarrel_n be_v rife_o in_o the_o netherlands_o some_o jesuit_n have_v insinuate_v themselves_o among_o they_o and_o preach_v in_o their_o congregation_n to_o promote_v the_o arminian_n cause_n though_o not_o know_v to_o be_v any_o other_o than_o their_o own_o minister_n this_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n shape_v his_o discourse_n at_o pleasure_n call_v it_o a_o perplex_v question_n or_o a_o doubtful_a case_n of_o conscience_n whereas_o it_o contain_v nothing_o but_o a_o threadbare_a and_o old_a worn-out_a argument_n he_o be_v ashamed_a to_o say_v that_o it_o proceed_v concern_v the_o scripture_n lest_o the_o conscience_n of_o every_o sober_a christian_n shall_v rise_v against_o it_o therefore_o he_o balk_v that_o and_o shape_v it_o to_o proceed_v concern_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o protestant_n and_o other_o which_o have_v make_v a_o separation_n from_o the_o pope_n now_o this_o foundation_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n which_o s._n paul_n call_v the_o foundation_n whereupon_o the_o church_n be_v build_v and_o the_o perplex_v question_n and_o doubtful_a case_n of_o conscience_n come_v to_o this_o whether_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o pope_n be_v the_o foundation_n whereupon_o the_o church_n be_v build_v i_o do_v not_o well_o understand_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o distinguish_v those_o who_o have_v make_v a_o separation_n from_o the_o pope_n into_o protestant_n and_o other_o for_o none_o separate_v from_o the_o pope_n but_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o corruption_n they_o find_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o the_o way_n of_o error_n and_o heresy_n superstition_n and_o idolatry_n and_o their_o bloody_a and_o barbarous_a disposition_n against_o all_o those_o that_o can_v brook_v her_o abomination_n and_o protestant_n have_v their_o name_n from_o their_o protestation_n against_o these_o their_o course_n as_o for_o the_o question_n whether_o any_o christian_a be_v altogether_o and_o infallible_o certain_a of_o his_o faith_n and_o religion_n by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o safe_o rely_v upon_o it_o against_o all_o tentation_n and_o objection_n be_v this_o the_o perplex_v question_n be_v this_o the_o doubtful_a case_n of_o conscience_n it_o be_v now_o above_o 1600._o year_n since_o christ_n resurrection_n and_o the_o come_n down_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o the_o apostle_n on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n who_o ever_o be_v know_v to_o make_v question_n of_o this_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n until_o this_o last_o hundred_o year_n wherein_o so_o great_a and_o general_a a_o separation_n have_v be_v make_v not_o from_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o from_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n after_o christ_n practice_n in_o encounter_v satan_n and_o that_o after_o a_o manner_n competent_a to_o every_o simple_a christian_a not_o discover_v the_o devil_n adulterate_v the_o text_n psal_n 91._o he_o shall_v give_v his_o angel_n charge_v over_o thou_o to_o keep_v thou_o in_o all_o thy_o way_n which_o last_o clause_n in_o all_o thy_o way_n the_o devil_n omit_v but_o reply_v mat._n 4._o it_o be_v write_v thou_o shall_v not_o tempt_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o reprehend_v the_o sadducee_n for_o not_o know_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n impute_v their_o error_n to_o this_o their_o ignorance_n and_o show_v how_o little_a need_n there_o be_v that_o any_o man_n shall_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o tell_v man_n of_o that_o place_n of_o torment_n in_o case_n they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o that_o who_o so_o will_v not_o believe_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o believe_v though_o a_o man_n rise_v from_o the_o dead_a luk._n 16._o and_o counsel_v the_o jew_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n joh._n 5._o and_o justify_v they_o in_o their_o opinion_n think_v they_o to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o direct_v they_o unto_o everlasting_a life_n afterward_o the_o apostle_n submit_v their_o doctrine_n to_o be_v examine_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o berean_o be_v commend_v for_o this_o act._n 7._o and_o profess_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n through_o faith_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 2_o tim._n 3.15_o after_o the_o ancient_a father_n have_v call_v the_o trial_n of_o controversy_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o constantine_n at_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a refer_v all_o the_o bishop_n there_o assemble_v to_o proceed_v according_a to_o this_o and_o both_o chrysostome_n and_o austin_n have_v profess_v that_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v clear_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n and_o in_o the_o controversy_n between_o hierome_n and_o austin_n about_o paul_n reprove_v peter_n whether_o it_o be_v do_v serious_o or_o in_o pretence_n only_o hierome_n plead_v variety_n of_o father_n for_o his_o way_n and_o austin_n oppose_v the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o the_o text_n against_o they_o all_o and_o papist_n themselves_o many_o of_o the_o more_o ingenious_a sort_n of_o they_o have_v be_v find_v to_o confess_v that_o the_o last_o resolution_n of_o our_o faith_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v into_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o contradictory_n nature_n of_o the_o popish_a tenet_n in_o prove_v the_o true_a church_n by_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o church_n have_v be_v make_v manifest_a to_o the_o world_n by_o divine_n after_o all_o this_o i_o say_v that_o a_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v bring_v upon_o the_o stage_n to_o propose_v such_o a_o question_n as_o whether_o any_o christian_a can_v be_v certain_a of_o his_o faith_n by_o the_o holy_a
mercy_n at_o god_n hand_n be_v all_o one_o rom._n 11.30_o now_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o faith_n may_v be_v have_v in_o what_o degree_n of_o certainty_n soever_o what_o sober_a christian_a can_v make_v doubt_n but_o that_o if_o question_v be_v make_v about_o the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v have_v it_o it_o may_v be_v have_v by_o holy_a scripture_n as_o well_o as_o by_o any_o other_o mean_n yea_o and_o far_o better_a consider_v that_o faith_n be_v in_o the_o proper_a notion_n thereof_o the_o assent_n to_o somewhat_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o speaker_n and_o if_o the_o speaker_n be_v but_o a_o man_n it_o be_v no_o better_a than_o faith_n human_a if_o the_o speaker_n be_v god_n that_o and_o that_o alone_o make_v it_o to_o be_v faith_n divine_a now_o we_o all_o confess_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o if_o by_o any_o word_n faith_n may_v be_v have_v in_o what_o degree_n of_o certainty_n soever_o sure_o it_o may_v be_v have_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yea_o and_o that_o no_o other_o way_n can_v divine_a faith_n be_v have_v but_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n not_o by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o creature_n whether_o man_n or_o angel_n and_o if_o faith_n may_v be_v wrought_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o any_o man_n he_o that_o make_v question_n whether_o this_o may_v be_v do_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v need_n of_o some_o good_a measure_n of_o ellebore_n to_o purge_v his_o brain_n for_o he_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v in_o the_o next_o degree_n to_o a_o madman_n for_o see_v faith_n be_v no_o faith_n unless_o it_o depend_v upon_o some_o word_n that_o god_n shall_v work_v his_o faith_n by_o another_o word_n than_o his_o own_o be_v as_o uncouth_a and_o contradictious_a assertion_n i_o shall_v think_v as_o ever_o be_v hear_v among_o the_o learned_a but_o it_o may_v be_v this_o author_n through_o the_o confusion_n of_o his_o wit_n have_v not_o hitherto_o be_v so_o happy_a as_o to_o deliver_v himself_o fair_o of_o his_o own_o meaning_n therefore_o let_v we_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o discourse_n itself_o whether_o it_o may_v bear_v any_o better_a state_n of_o the_o question_n than_o yet_o we_o have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o for_o i_o guess_v that_o in_o the_o issue_n the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n will_v come_v to_o this_o whether_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o have_v any_o certain_a assurance_n of_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o disc_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 &_o prove_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o they_o suppose_v the_o contrary_a to_o that_o which_o the_o lutheran_n hold_v serious_o affirm_v that_o in_o the_o scripture_n the_o lutheran_n religion_n be_v condemn_v and_o they_o confirm_v which_o thing_n no_o man_n will_v deny_v to_o be_v a_o evident_a argument_n of_o the_o obseurity_n of_o theholy_a scripture_n if_o there_o be_v two_o physician_n of_o equal_a learning_n and_o of_o the_o same_o intent_n in_o cure_v the_o sick_a that_o be_v alike_o desirous_a to_o cure_v the_o disease_n and_o if_o these_o physician_n shall_v out_o of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o book_n gather_v the_o one_o that_o a_o fever_n be_v cure_v with_o wine_n and_o the_o other_o that_o wine_n be_v as_o bad_a as_o poison_v to_o they_o that_o have_v the_o fever_n how_o i_o pray_v shall_v we_o know_v which_o of_o these_o two_o to_o take_v part_n withal_o a_o man_n can_v gather_v nothing_o but_o that_o the_o remedy_n for_o that_o disease_n be_v obscure_o express_v in_o that_o book_n consid_fw-la the_o sum_n of_o all_o this_o be_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a and_o that_o which_o the_o author_n will_v infer_v from_o hence_o be_v this_o therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v sure_a of_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o whereby_o now_o i_o perceive_v the_o perplex_a question_n and_o doubtful_a case_n of_o conscience_n come_v but_o to_o this_o in_o plain_a term_n whether_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v sure_a of_o the_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n the_o author_n maintain_v the_o negative_a &_o prove_v it_o because_o the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a and_o the_o obscurity_n of_o scripture_n he_o prove_v by_o this_o that_o man_n differ_v in_o the_o exposition_n of_o it_o now_o this_o i_o will_v examine_v in_o order_n and_o first_o observe_v the_o dodge_n disposition_n of_o this_o author_n and_o manifest_a evidence_n of_o his_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o that_o he_o come_v to_o this_o work_n with_o a_o intention_n not_o to_o seek_v the_o truth_n but_o to_o circumvent_v it_o rather_o for_o whereas_o the_o force_n of_o his_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a be_v but_o this_o that_o divine_n differ_v in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n yet_o it_o serve_v his_o turn_n rather_o to_o instance_n in_o papist_n and_o calvinist_n join_v together_o in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n contrary_n to_o the_o lutheran_n may_v he_o not_o as_o well_o give_v instance_n in_o papist_n and_o lutheran_n hold_v together_o in_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n contrary_n to_o the_o calvinist_n may_v he_o not_o as_o well_o have_v instance_a in_o lutheran_n and_o calvinist_n join_v together_o in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n contrary_n to_o the_o papist_n undoubted_o he_o may_v for_o it_o be_v but_o a_o indefinite_a proposition_n and_o the_o matter_n be_v clear_o contingent_a now_o a_o indesinite_a proposition_n in_o a_o contingent_a matter_n be_v confess_v in_o school_n to_o have_v no_o great_a force_n than_o of_o a_o particular_a proposition_n as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v they_o differ_v one_o from_o another_o in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o some_o scripture_n now_o this_o may_v very_o well_o be_v true_a not_o only_o of_o papist_n differ_v from_o protestant_n but_o of_o papist_n differ_v from_o papist_n as_o maldonate_fw-it from_o jansemus_fw-la and_o protestant_n from_o protestant_n not_o only_a lutheran_n from_o calvinist_n but_o one_o lutheran_n from_o another_o and_o one_o calvinist_n from_o another_o in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o some_o place_n of_o scripture_n nay_o do_v not_o one_o father_n differ_v from_o another_o after_o this_o very_a manner_n and_o do_v not_o modern_a divine_n even_a papist_n as_o well_v as_o protestant_n take_v liberty_n of_o dissent_v from_o all_o the_o ancient_n in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o some_o place_n of_o scripture_n witness_n maldonate_fw-it in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o that_o mat._n 5._o bless_a be_v the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n who_o take_v a_o way_n of_o interpretation_n different_a from_o all_o the_o ancient_n by_o his_o own_o confession_n and_o cardinal_n cajetan_n when_o he_o be_v put_v upon_o the_o study_v of_o scripture_n by_o occasion_n of_o his_o conference_n with_o martin_n luther_n who_o will_v hear_v nothing_o but_o scripture_n see_v what_o a_o profession_n he_o make_v in_o his_o entrance_n upon_o write_v commentary_n on_o the_o scripture_n si_fw-la quando_fw-la occurrerit_fw-la novus_fw-la sensus_fw-la textui_fw-la consonus_fw-la nec_fw-la à _fw-la sacra_fw-la scriptura_fw-la nec_fw-la ab_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la doctrina_fw-la dissonus_fw-la quamvis_fw-la à _fw-la torrente_n doctorum_fw-la sacrorum_fw-la alienum_fw-la aequos_fw-la se_fw-la praebeant_fw-la censores_fw-la and_o when_o austin_n take_v notice_n of_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o translation_n of_o the_o scripture_n he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v offend_v thereat_o that_o he_o profess_v there_o be_v more_o profit_n than_o damage_n redound_v thereby_o to_o the_o church_n and_o why_o may_v it_o not_o be_v so_o by_o different_a interpretation_n also_o it_o be_v more_o easy_a to_o judge_v which_o of_o they_o be_v the_o right_n or_o by_o refute_v they_o all_o to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a interpretation_n than_o at_o the_o first_o dash_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a meaning_n 2._o observe_v the_o absurd_a and_o malicious_a carriage_n of_o this_o author_n 1._o in_o shape_a different_a religion_n according_a to_o different_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n whereas_o i_o have_v show_v that_o the_o force_n of_o the_o proposition_n be_v only_o a_o particular_a namely_o that_o they_o differ_v in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o some_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o difference_n i_o have_v show_v may_v be_v find_v and_o ever_o have_v be_v find_v more_o or_o less_o even_o among_o they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o religion_n as_o among_o none_o have_v be_v more_o different_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n find_v than_o among_o the_o ancient_n yet_o what_o christian_n be_v find_v to_o be_v so_o impudent_a and_o immodest_a as_o to_o lay_v to_o their_o charge_n that_o they_o differ_v in_o religion_n and_o look_v how_o many_o different_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n be_v find_v among_o they_o so_o many_o different_a
truth_n speak_v in_o any_o but_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o the_o berean_o try_v the_o doctrine_n of_o saint_n paul_n act._n 17._o and_o the_o apostle_n profess_v to_o preach_v nothing_o but_o what_o they_o confirm_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o our_o saviour_n refer_v the_o jew_n hereunto_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o himself_o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v to_o have_v eternal_a life_n they_o be_v they_o that_o testify_v of_o i_o now_o we_o have_v a_o more_o complete_a rule_n of_o trial_n the_o book_n both_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o of_o the_o new_a saint_n paul_n deliver_v the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n to_o the_o ephesian_n act._n 20._o and_o do_v we_o think_v that_o the_o whole_a scripture_n do_v fail_v in_o some_o necessary_a part_n thereof_o but_o i_o will_v popery_n do_v not_o plain_o contradict_v that_o scripture_n which_o be_v general_o receive_v by_o we_o both_o if_o so_o i_o will_v bear_v with_o they_o for_o the_o rest_n 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