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and_o trust_v to_o this_o faith_n as_o to_o a_o unshaken_a foundation_n the_o reason_n of_o our_o doubt_n be_v this_o both_o papist_n and_o calvinist_n hold_v contrary_a opinion_n do_v maintain_v and_o prove_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o they_o suppose_v the_o contrary_a 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 obscurity_n of_o the_o holy_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 some_o may_v object_v the_o sect_n do_v not_o follow_v the_o scripture_n only_o but_o they_o add_v their_o tradition_n the_o calvinist_n add_v their_o reason_n the_o anabaptist_n their_o dream_n i_o answer_v they_o do_v so_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o clear_o teach_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o in_o the_o controversy_n between_o they_o and_o lutheran_n they_o proceed_v not_o so_o but_o by_o scripture_n they_o fight_v against_o lutheran_n tenant_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o scripture_n and_o endeavour_v by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o sight_n for_o and_o defend_v their_o own_o which_o the_o lutheran_n by_o scripture_n do_v condemn_v nay_o more_o there_o be_v some_o viz._n the_o anabaptist_n that_o urge_v the_o
from_o heaven_n on_o the_o earth_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n and_o deceive_v they_o that_o dwell_v on_o earth_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o his_o miracle_n this_o be_v that_o man_n of_o sin_n st._n paul_n speak_v of_o who_o come_v be_v in_o the_o effectual_a power_n 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
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 religion_n there_o be_v among_o they_o he_o may_v as_o well_o profess_v that_o the_o papist_n among_o themselves_o the_o lutheran_n among_o themselves_o and_o the_o calvinist_n among_o themselves_o be_v of_o different_a religion_n 3._o we_o acknowledge_v different_a opinion_n between_o lutheran_n and_o calvinian_o so_o no_o doubt_n there_o be_v different_a opinion_n among_o the_o lutheran_n themselves_z and_o the_o calvinian_o themselves_o but_o we_o utter_o deny_v there_o be_v different_a religion_n the_o lutheran_n we_o hold_v to_o be_v true_a church_n agree_v with_o we_o in_o the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o faith_n and_o likewise_o in_o be_v free_a from_o idolatry_n for_o albeit_o they_o have_v image_n in_o their_o church_n which_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a thing_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o worship_v they_o and_o although_o they_o hold_v real_a presence_n in_o the_o sacrament_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o adore_v it_o so_o that_o albeit_o we_o think_v some_o of_o their_o opinion_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o they_o think_v the_o like_a of_o some_o of_o we_o yet_o neither_o we_o say_v of_o their_o religion_n nor_o they_o of_o we_o i_o trow_v that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n much_o less_o that_o it_o be_v condemn_v in_o scripture_n but_o come_v we_o to_o the_o main_a scope_n of_o this_o author_n discourse_n which_o be_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a and_o from_o thence_o to_o infer_v that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n of_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o it_o to_o this_o we_o answer_v 1._o by_o deny_v the_o consequence_n which_o be_v this_o divine_v differ_v in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n therefore_o the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a and_o i_o prove_v the_o absurdity_n and_o untruth_n and_o weakness_n of_o it_o 1._o it_o be_v weak_a for_o at_o the_o uttermost_a it_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v obscure_v but_o in_o some_o place_n for_o this_o difference_n of_o interpretation_n be_v but_o of_o some_o place_n as_o i_o have_v show_v and_o the_o force_n of_o the_o proposition_n i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v no_o great_a than_o the_o force_n of_o a_o particular_a 2._o it_o be_v absurd_a for_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n i_o may_v prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a thus_o that_o scripture_n be_v clear_a in_o the_o interpretation_n wherein_o man_n of_o different_a opinion_n and_o different_a religion_n do_v agree_v but_o man_n of_o different_a opinion_n and_o religion_n do_v agree_v in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o divine_a scripture_n therefore_o the_o divine_a scripture_n be_v clear_a and_o indeed_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o we_o agree_v in_o the_o interpretation_n not_o of_o some_o only_a but_o of_o many_o place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n now_o what_o absurd_a a_o course_n be_v it_o for_o a_o disputant_n so_o to_o dispute_v as_o that_o his_o argument_n may_v be_v retort_v with_o as_o good_a force_n against_o he_o yea_o and_o much_o more_o for_o when_o man_n of_o different_a opinion_n be_v find_v to_o differ_v about_o the_o interpretation_n of_o a_o scripture_n it_o may_v be_v this_o arise_v from_o the_o love_n of_o their_o own_o opinion_n which_o make_v the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o sound_v the_o same_o way_n but_o when_o they_o agree_v in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n notwithstanding_o their_o other_o difference_n this_o argue_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v clear_a enough_o nay_o we_o know_v bellarmine_n will_v dislike_v a_o opinion_n and_o maldonate_fw-it a_fw-mi interpretation_n of_o scripture_n for_o calvin_n sake_n strive_v to_o differ_v from_o such_o as_o they_o hate_v though_o without_o all_o just_a cause_n and_o to_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n to_o serve_v their_o turn_n 3._o last_o the_o consequence_n be_v as_o untrue_a as_o it_o be_v weak_a and_o absurd_a for_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o difference_n may_v be_v in_o the_o darkness_n of_o their_o understanding_n who_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o interpret_v it_o rather_o than_o in_o the_o darkness_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o which_o whether_o we_o consider_v the_o law_n or_o the_o gospel_n each_o of_o they_o be_v term_v light_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n thy_o law_n be_v a_o lantern_n to_o my_o foot_n and_o a_o light_n unto_o my_o path_n say_v david_n psal_n 119._o and_o of_o the_o gospel_n our_o saviour_n speak_v light_n come_v into_o the_o world_n but_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v joh._n 3._o the_o great_a will_v be_v their_o condemnation_n and_o as_o for_o the_o instance_n propose_v to_o prove_v the_o consequence_n of_o two_o physician_n 1._o the_o particular_a propose_v be_v most_o inficete_n and_o a_o mere_a fiction_n without_o all_o colour_n 2._o yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o galen_n and_o hipocrates_n in_o divers_a place_n may_v admit_v different_a interpretation_n therefore_o i_o answer_v 1._o this_o also_o may_v arise_v not_o so_o much_o from_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o text_n as_o from_o the_o fault_n of_o the_o interpreter_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o most_o alien_a course_n to_o compare_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o word_n of_o man_n together_o for_o man_n may_v contradict_v himself_o god_n can_v man_n may_v forget_v one_o time_n what_o he_o deliver_v at_o another_o god_n can_v 3._o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o the_o thing_n of_o man_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n so_o that_o whereas_o natural_a reason_n and_o natural_a instruction_n may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o enable_v a_o man_n to_o understand_v the_o write_n of_o another_o man_n yet_o only_o supernatural_a illumination_n be_v sufficient_a to_o enable_v a_o man_n to_o discern_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n yet_o i_o confess_v on_o this_o particular_a some_o judicious_a reader_n may_v think_v to_o find_v a_o flaw_n yet_o i_o presume_v that_o upon_o serious_a consideration_n that_o attempt_n will_v prove_v but_o vain_a and_o none_o but_o a_o socinian_n will_v oppose_v in_o this_o who_o deny_v all_o fides_fw-la infusa_fw-la and_o acknowledge_v none_o but_o acquisita_fw-la faith_n natural_a and_o shrewd_a suspicion_n that_o way_n be_v betray_v by_o mr._n chillingsworth_n as_o if_o he_o acknowledge_v no_o faith_n but_o faith_n natural_a 2._o but_o be_v it_o grant_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a 1._o consider_v the_o force_n of_o this_o proposition_n it_o be_v but_o a_o indefinite_a and_o the_o matter_n be_v apparent_o contingent_a for_o undoubted_o it_o be_v at_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n to_o speak_v after_o what_o manner_n he_o think_v good_a hence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o force_n hereof_o be_v but_o the_o force_n of_o a_o particular_a proposition_n as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n in_o some_o place_n be_v obscure_a or_o some_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a and_o indeed_o gregory_n of_o old_a have_v profess_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v like_a unto_o a_o ford_n wherein_o a_o lamb_n may_v wade_v and_o a_o elephant_n may_v swim_v and_o before_o he_o s._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o contain_v both_o milk_n for_o babe_n and_o strong_a meat_n for_o man_n there_o be_v enough_o and_o that_o plain_a enough_o to_o satisfy_v the_o hungry_a and_o there_o be_v also_o enough_o and_o that_o obscure_a enough_o to_o prevent_v non-sealing_a especial_o in_o the_o prophecy_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v the_o first_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v this_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n here_o be_v a_o double_a mystery_n in_o general_a notion_n carry_v the_o one_o the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n person_n express_v by_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n but_o imply_v to_o be_v somewhat_o more_o yea_o much_o more_o even_o such_o a_o one_o as_o shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n the_o other_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o office_n carry_v only_o in_o this_o general_a notion_n of_o break_v the_o serpent_n head_n in_o this_o time_n of_o grace_n we_o know_v this_o to_o have_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o his_o die_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o his_o rise_n again_o for_o our_o justification_n have_v this_o be_v know_v to_o satan_n as_o now_o it_o be_v to_o we_o be_v it_o credible_a that_o he_o will_v have_v persuade_v judas_n as_o he_o do_v to_o contract_v with_o the_o high_a priest_n to_o betray_v he_o into_o their_o hand_n that_o be_v judas_n like_v after_o he_o have_v betray_v his_o master_n to_o go_v forth_o and_o hang_v himself_o for_o we_o know_v that_o upon_o the_o cross_n he_o spoil_v principality_n and_o power_n and_o make_v a_o show_n of_o they_o open_o and_o triumph_v over_o they_o
there_o no_o book_n at_o all_o write_v or_o sermon_n preach_v in_o any_o point_n of_o controversy_n or_o difference_n between_o we_o yet_o papist_n shall_v be_v papist_n still_o and_o not_o protestant_n and_o protestant_n shall_v be_v protestant_n still_o and_o not_o papist_n and_o the_o whore_n of_o babylon_n shall_v be_v the_o whore_n of_o babylon_n still_o and_o no_o spouse_n of_o christ_n and_o antichrist_n a_o false_a prophet_n still_o and_o no_o true_a prophet_n for_o the_o faith_n and_o profession_n of_o a_o papist_n make_v he_o a_o papist_n whether_o he_o write_v controversy_n or_o no_o the_o small_a part_n of_o they_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v the_o task_n so_o the_o protestant_n profession_n and_o protestation_n against_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v he_o a_o protestant_n though_o he_o never_o set_v pen_n to_o paper_n to_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n once_o give_v to_o the_o saint_n though_o this_o be_v a_o duty_n i_o confess_v but_o no_o common_a duty_n belong_v unto_o all_o but_o peculiar_o appertain_v to_o the_o man_n of_o god_n able_a not_o only_o to_o exhort_v with_o wholesome_a doctrine_n but_o also_o to_o convince_v they_o that_o say_v against_o it_o for_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o their_o profession_n of_o they_o layman_n have_v suffer_v with_o great_a constancy_n and_o patience_n but_o not_o for_o controversy_n though_o they_o have_v be_v ready_a to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n to_o all_o that_o ask_v it_o and_o witness_v a_o good_a confession_n of_o it_o as_o our_o saviour_n do_v before_o pilate_n as_o the_o book_n of_o act_n and_o monument_n record_v of_o they_o and_o s._n paul_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n doctor_n bergius_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o say_v as_o much_o confess_v the_o controversy_n be_v not_o very_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o i_o interpret_v thus_o not_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n but_o only_o to_o her_o well-being_n when_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v oppugn_v by_o heretic_n between_o lutheran_n and_o calvinist_n we_o acknowledge_v there_o be_v no_o difference_n in_o fundamental_n as_o appear_v sufficient_o at_o the_o conference_n at_o leipsich_n disc_n this_o i_o be_o persuade_v be_v very_o true_a that_o have_v the_o holy_a ghost_n judge_v those_o controvert_v question_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n it_o will_v have_v express_v and_o propound_v they_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n clear_o and_o plain_o see_v those_o epistle_n be_v send_v to_o simple_a and_o layman_n especial_o nor_o do_v it_o seem_v likely_a to_o be_v true_a that_o ever_o there_o be_v so_o many_o article_n of_o faith_n draw_v out_o of_o they_o as_o be_v now_o to_o be_v read_v in_o the_o catechism_n common-place_n and_o compound_n of_o divine_n as_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a number_n of_o they_o determine_v see_v some_o divine_n have_v propound_v more_o and_o some_o few_o and_o some_o religion_n have_v in_o process_n of_o time_n either_o add_v or_o abate_v whole_a article_n and_o after_o many_o misery_n endure_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o some_o of_o they_o enter_v a_o way_n of_o moderation_n they_o have_v determine_v that_o for_o tolerable_a and_o indifferent_a which_o before_o they_o think_v damnable_a but_o howsoever_o there_o be_v so_o many_o of_o they_o that_o a_o man_n may_v deserve_o call_v in_o question_n the_o precise_a necessity_n of_o they_o and_o this_o seem_v the_o best_a solution_n to_o disentangle_v and_o appease_v perplex_v doubtful_a and_o err_a conscience_n consid_fw-la it_o be_v a_o very_a uncouth_a speech_n proceed_v from_o a_o wild_a conceit_n to_o say_v that_o god_n will_v have_v express_v and_o appoint_v controvert_v question_n plain_o and_o clear_o if_o they_o have_v be_v necessary_a it_o be_v not_o the_o proposition_n of_o controvert_v question_n though_o never_o so_o plain_o and_o clear_o deliver_v that_o set_v a_o end_n to_o controversy_n but_o the_o clear_a and_o substantial_a solution_n of_o they_o for_o herein_o that_o which_o have_v any_o show_n of_o be_v necessary_a be_v not_o the_o propose_v of_o they_o but_o the_o decide_n of_o they_o and_o it_o be_v a_o very_a preposterous_a course_n to_o talk_v of_o decide_v controversy_n before_o there_o be_v any_o controversy_n move_v right_a as_o if_o a_o physician_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n shall_v move_v he_o to_o heal_v a_o man_n before_o he_o be_v wound_v rather_o he_o shall_v take_v care_n to_o preserve_v a_o man_n health_n that_o he_o may_v not_o fall_v into_o sickness_n and_o so_o god_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n have_v sufficient_o provide_v for_o the_o health_n of_o his_o church_n through_o the_o integrity_n of_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o his_o word_n and_o that_o in_o a_o manner_n sufficient_o intelligible_a and_o plain_a to_o they_o that_o come_v with_o honest_a heart_n and_o studious_a desire_n to_o seek_v after_o truth_n and_o to_o embrace_v it_o but_o s._n paul_n tell_v we_o of_o opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n make_v by_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n plain_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o they_o come_v with_o corrupt_a mind_n to_o the_o read_n of_o god_n word_n and_o so_o pervert_v it_o as_o peter_n speak_v and_o thereby_o pervert_v themselves_o first_o and_o afterward_o they_o speak_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d wrest_a thing_n to_o the_o corrupt_a of_o other_o and_o hinder_v they_o from_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o faith_n tit._n 1.13_o s._n peter_n exhort_v we_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 2_o pet._n 3.18_o and_o s._n paul_n will_v not_o have_v we_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n but_o grow_v forward_o unto_o perfection_n there_o be_v a_o plerophory_n and_o fullness_n of_o faith_n that_o we_o shall_v strive_v unto_o and_o of_o knowledge_n as_o well_o as_o of_o holiness_n for_o this_o life_n be_v our_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o still_o we_o must_v draw_v near_a thitherwards_o by_o know_v all_o that_o we_o can_v know_v by_o the_o word_n deut._n 29.29_o it_o be_v reveal_v to_o that_o purpose_n and_o it_o be_v able_a to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a to_o every_o good_a work_n 2_o tim._n 3._o last_o add_v unto_o virtue_n knowledge_n say_v peter_n 2_o pet._n 1.5_o and_o paul_n pray_v on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o colossian_n that_o they_o may_v be_v fulfil_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_v in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n col._n 19_o that_o they_o may_v walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n unto_o all_o please_a fruitful_a in_o every_o good_a work_n and_o increase_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n v._o 10._o why_o then_o shall_v we_o take_v offence_n at_o the_o multiply_a of_o article_n in_o all_o profession_n man_n that_o delight_v in_o knowledge_n be_v never_o satisfy_v nothing_o be_v more_o congruous_a to_o our_o intelligent_a nature_n than_o light_n of_o knowledge_n while_o we_o live_v here_o on_o earth_n we_o shall_v never_o come_v to_o ripeness_n of_o age_n in_o christ_n therefore_o we_o must_v be_v grow_v still_o and_o edify_v ourselves_o and_o one_o another_o in_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n the_o body_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v edify_v till_o we_o come_v to_o fullness_n of_o age_n and_o as_o we_o must_v increase_v in_o knowledge_n so_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o error_n it_o behoove_v we_o to_o labour_v for_o the_o discovery_n of_o it_o more_o and_o more_o that_o error_n in_o take_v the_o number_n of_o the_o beast_n 666._o to_o denote_v only_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v endure_v ever_o since_o the_o day_n of_o ireneus_fw-la that_o be_v from_o the_o next_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n and_o it_o be_v now_o late_o discover_v and_o the_o true_a meaning_n substitute_v in_o the_o place_n thereof_o as_o never_o the_o like_a before_o and_o it_o be_v commendable_a for_o man_n to_o see_v their_o former_a error_n much_o more_o to_o confess_v they_o of_o all_o augustine_n work_n there_o be_v none_o more_o tend_v to_o his_o honour_n and_o renown_n than_o his_o retractation_n wherein_o he_o retract_v the_o error_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o his_o confestion_n where_o he_o acknowledge_v the_o error_n of_o his_o life_n and_o this_o be_v most_o christian_a ingenuity_n and_o i_o think_v never_o be_v any_o man_n more_o renown_v in_o this_o kind_n than_o he_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o every_o christian_n to_o strive_v forward_o unto_o perfection_n necessitate_v praecepti_fw-la by_o necessity_n of_o commandment_n but_o if_o he_o fail_v through_o negligence_n this_o be_v a_o very_a pardonable_a sin_n upon_o our_o confession_n of_o it_o as_o for_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n they_o be_v but_o few_o but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n be_v so_o sweet_a to_o a_o regenerate_a taste_n have_v already_o taste_v how_o bountiful_a the_o lord_n be_v that_o he_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 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
the_o number_n of_o christ_n church_n 144._o and_o the_o number_n most_o momentous_a arise_v by_o the_o calculation_n thereof_o be_v the_o number_n 12._o the_o root_n thereof_o and_o no_o other_o calculation_n belong_v to_o a_o single_a number_n than_o that_o which_o be_v call_v 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 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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 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dawn_v and_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o daystar_n that_o arise_v in_o our_o heart_n 2_o pet._n 1.19_o for_o that_o god_n who_o command_v the_o light_n to_o shine_v out_o of_o darkness_n be_v he_o which_o have_v shine_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o give_v the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o 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
illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n i_o can_v hardly_o think_v any_o christian_n to_o be_v so_o simple_a or_o wilful_a to_o reason_n thus_o i_o and_o my_o follower_n be_v sure_a of_o this_o thing_n therefore_o it_o be_v true_a if_o they_o shall_v i_o see_v no_o reason_n but_o they_o may_v proceed_v one_o step_n further_o and_o say_v i_o myself_o alone_a think_v this_o to_o be_v true_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v true_a but_o the_o spirit_n of_o illumination_n be_v give_v only_o to_o satisfy_v they_o that_o have_v it_o not_o to_o boast_v of_o it_o but_o to_o comfort_v themselves_o with_o it_o rather_o much_o less_o to_o obtrude_v it_o upon_o other_o only_o light_a natural_a be_v communicable_a unto_o other_o by_o rational_a discourse_n light_v spiritual_a be_v not_o i_o can_v more_o communicate_v that_o to_o another_o than_o my_o see_v or_o hear_v or_o smell_v or_o taste_v disc_n last_o if_o we_o build_v our_o religion_n only_o upon_o the_o scripture_n the_o learned_a shall_v have_v a_o great_a prerogative_n above_o the_o unlearned_a in_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n and_o shall_v be_v more_o engage_v in_o thankfulness_n unto_o god_n than_o they_o and_o so_o religion_n shall_v favour_v and_o cleave_v to_o good_a wit_n also_o many_o have_v their_o sense_n exercise_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o be_v more_o inventive_a than_o other_o therefore_o if_o a_o man_n can_v by_o dispute_v and_o reason_v consute_n some_o thesis_n and_o as_o it_o be_v take_v away_o a_o man_n opinion_n from_o he_o and_o become_v conqueror_n he_o shall_v also_o take_v away_o his_o religion_n and_o the_o other_o shall_v be_v constrain_v either_o to_o take_v up_o his_o conqueror_n religion_n or_o against_o his_o conscience_n to_o keep_v his_o own_o nor_o will_v that_o answer_n serve_v the_o turn_n our_o divine_n and_o pastor_n can_v answer_v you_o though_o i_o can_v for_o than_o shall_v i_o believe_v with_o another_o man_n faith_n but_o say_v must_v be_v i_o not_o another_o man_n else_o shall_v salvation_n also_o be_v another_o man_n if_o religion_n be_v the_o service_n of_o god_n certain_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o i_o shall_v understand_v that_o service_n which_o i_o must_v perform_v to_o my_o lord_n see_v god_n will_v not_o reckon_v another_o man_n service_n for_o i_o and_o can_v be_v serve_v by_o a_o substitute_n it_o remain_v that_o we_o conclude_v controversy_n be_v to_o be_v leave_v to_o learned_a man_n and_o be_v not_o so_o very_o necessary_a it_o may_v be_v answer_v then_o also_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v leave_v to_o learned_a man_n for_o controversy_n be_v our_o very_a religion_n for_o save_v the_o consideration_n of_o they_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n but_o papist_n be_v protestant_n and_o protestant_n be_v papist_n look_v how_o much_o a_o man_n know_v of_o controversy_n so_o much_o do_v he_o know_v of_o his_o own_o religion_n the_o state_n of_o a_o man_n salvation_n be_v such_o as_o his_o religion_n and_o his_o faith_n now_o there_o be_v but_o one_o salvation_n and_o but_o one_o faith_n but_o if_o controversy_n belong_v to_o the_o learned_a only_o wherefore_o have_v layman_n endure_v so_o many_o affliction_n distress_n nay_o and_o death_n itself_o for_o these_o controversy_n sake_n i_o know_v indeed_o that_o a_o calvinist_n doctor_n one_o doctor_n bergius_n a_o preacher_n at_o breme_n affirm_v in_o his_o late_a publish_a sermon_n that_o controversy_n be_v not_o mere_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a and_o clear_a about_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o that_o there_o be_v never_o any_o contrariety_n between_o the_o religious_a themselves_o at_o which_o also_o the_o leipsich_n collation_n between_o the_o lutheran_n and_o the_o calvinist_n seem_v to_o aim_v consid_fw-la in_o all_o profession_n whether_o liberal_a or_o mechanical_a the_o learned_a have_v a_o prerogative_n above_o the_o unlearned_a and_o what_o inconvenience_n be_v there_o if_o it_o be_v so_o in_o christian_a religion_n also_o do_v not_o s._n peter_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o unlearned_a pervert_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n 2_o pet._n 3._o yet_o this_o prerogative_n be_v in_o learning_n only_o not_o in_o holiness_n the_o unlearned_a may_v be_v as_o holy_a as_o the_o learned_a and_o have_v as_o great_a a_o interest_n both_o in_o sanctify_a grace_n and_o in_o save_v glory_n what_o say_v austin_n of_o himself_o and_o such_o like_a scholar_n in_o comparison_n of_o his_o mother_n monica_n and_o such_o like_a holy_a though_o simple_a woman_n mulierculae_fw-la istae_fw-la lacrimis_fw-la suis_fw-la caelum_fw-la nobis_fw-la praeripiunt_fw-la when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o we_o can_v with_o all_o our_o learning_n these_o woman_n with_o their_o tear_n will_v get_v heaven_n before_o we_o and_o as_o for_o holiness_n so_o for_o faith_n a_o unlearned_a man_n may_v have_v faith_n as_o well_o as_o the_o learned_a nay_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v call_v fides_fw-la infusa_fw-la may_v be_v find_v in_o a_o man_n unlearned_a when_o the_o faith_n of_o he_o that_o be_v learn_v be_v find_v to_o be_v no_o better_o than_o fides_fw-la acquisita_fw-la a_o faith_n natural_a and_o they_o that_o have_v true_a faith_n by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v not_o want_v gracious_a wit_n howsoever_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v by_o faith_n natural_a be_v accompany_v with_o better_a natural_a wit_n yet_o a_o idle_a wit_n be_v it_o never_o so_o good_a will_v hardly_o prove_v learn_v and_o be_v it_o never_o so_o learned_a if_o it_o be_v without_o grace_n such_o a_o man_n religion_n will_v prove_v but_o vain_a and_o though_o he_o be_v able_a to_o worst_a another_o in_o disputation_n yet_o shall_v he_o never_o pull_v true_a religion_n in_o any_o child_n of_o god_n be_v he_o never_o so_o weak_a and_o unlearned_a out_o of_o socket_n because_o our_o faith_n and_o religion_n consist_v not_o in_o wisdom_n of_o word_n but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o s._n paul_n speak_v say_v my_o word_n and_o my_o preach_n stand_v not_o in_o the_o entice_a speech_n of_o man_n wisdom_n but_o in_o plain_a evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n that_o your_o faith_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 2.4_o 5._o nay_o be_v my_o faith_n only_o natural_a and_o i_o have_v good_a evidence_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n for_o it_o though_o that_o knowledge_n be_v no_o other_o than_o such_o as_o be_v annex_v to_o the_o common_a profession_n of_o christianity_n yet_o the_o philosopher_n tell_v i_o that_o i_o must_v not_o be_v beat_v out_o of_o my_o hold_n in_o such_o a_o case_n because_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o answer_v every_o sophism_n or_o argument_n that_o be_v bring_v against_o it_o nay_o the_o philosopher_n in_o his_o ethic_n teach_v i_o that_o some_o be_v as_o tenacious_a of_o their_o opinion_n for_o which_o they_o have_v but_o weak_a reason_n as_o 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god_n our_o saviour_n direct_v the_o jew_n to_o the_o search_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o discern_a of_o he_o and_o if_o controversy_n be_v leave_v to_o learned_a man_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n why_o our_o religion_n shall_v but_o only_o the_o defence_n of_o it_o controversial_o maintain_v it_o by_o variety_n of_o argument_n and_o deduction_n out_o of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o solve_v contrary_a argument_n bring_v against_o it_o in_o any_o particular_a point_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o sure_o shall_v belong_v to_o he_o that_o sit_v at_o gamaliels_n foot_n as_o well_o as_o to_o gamaliel_n himself_o nor_o only_o to_o such_o as_o sit_v at_o his_o foot_n but_o to_o such_o also_o as_o follow_v the_o plow-tail_n yea_o and_o to_o the_o weak_a sex_n of_o woman_n and_o to_o child_n too_o for_o even_o to_o such_o belong_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o be_v
milk_n before_o christ_n blood_n and_o this_o express_v in_o latin_a verse_n and_o one_o of_o the_o martialist_n as_o it_o be_v to_o put_v he_o out_o of_o his_o mood_n and_o perplexity_n why_o thou_o sot_n quoth_v he_o get_v thou_o to_o gott_n who_o i_o pray_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o man_n perplexity_n be_v it_o not_o his_o own_o extreme_a superstition_n most_o abominable_a if_o the_o author_n of_o this_o discourse_n have_v propose_v any_o thing_n on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o the_o scripture_n and_o pretend_a ambiguity_n and_o perplexity_n which_o of_o they_o he_o prefer_v according_a whereunto_o to_o order_v his_o faith_n that_o martialist_n resolution_n of_o the_o doubt_n may_v have_v be_v congruous_a enough_o but_o only_o concern_v the_o scripture-doubt_n be_v here_o propose_v how_o a_o man_n shall_v ground_v his_o faith_n thereupon_o what_o he_o be_v i_o know_v not_o and_o whether_o this_o be_v res_fw-la gesta_fw-la or_o ficta_fw-la i_o be_o to_o seek_v for_o the_o present_a world_n be_v full_a of_o juggle_v but_o when_o we_o make_v such_o doubt_n unto_o ourselves_o do_v we_o well_o consider_v the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o give_v we_o his_o holy_a word_n to_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o everlasting_a life_n if_o still_o there_o be_v just_a cause_n to_o complain_v of_o a_o perplex_a condition_n whereinto_o we_o be_v cast_v not_o know_v whether_o we_o shall_v take_v hold_n of_o it_o or_o run_v away_o from_o it_o as_o moses_n do_v from_o his_o rod_n when_o it_o be_v turn_v into_o a_o serpent_n but_o do_v we_o find_v any_o the_o like_a metamorphosis_n here_o yet_o when_o the_o lord_n bid_v moses_n take_v the_o serpent_n by_o the_o tail_n he_o be_v bold_a to_o do_v it_o sure_o god_n word_n be_v no_o serpent_n but_o we_o rather_o and_o his_o word_n alone_o have_v power_n to_o charm_v we_o and_o make_v we_o vomit_v all_o our_o poison_n of_o erroneous_a and_o unholy_a way_n and_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v bid_v we_o to_o take_v hold_n of_o they_o say_v search_v the_o scripture_n yet_o if_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o my_o answer_n seem_v amiss_o and_o not_o answerable_a to_o the_o author_n expectation_n but_o savour_v as_o he_o think_v of_o partiality_n prejudice_n or_o passion_n i_o confess_v prejudice_n against_o such_o discourse_n as_o these_o account_v they_o most_o vile_a and_o nothing_o become_v a_o understanding_n and_o godly_a christian_a but_o as_o for_o the_o rest_n let_v he_o impute_v it_o to_o my_o ignorance_n that_o know_v not_o so_o much_o as_o what_o be_v the_o way_n of_o his_o passion_n for_o he_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v neither_o lutheran_n nor_o calvinist_n and_o will_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o papist_n though_o i_o be_o most_o prone_a to_o conceive_v it_o to_o be_v the_o trick_n of_o some_o papist_n lest_o of_o all_o do_v i_o know_v his_o person_n or_o country_n but_o let_v every_o sober_a christian_a consider_v well_o and_o inquire_v whether_o that_o since_o the_o beginning_n that_o god_n word_n be_v commit_v to_o writing_n there_o be_v at_o any_o time_n any_o such_o question_n move_v until_o this_o last_o and_o worst_a age_n of_o the_o world_n when_o cajetan_n the_o cardinal_n a_o great_a school-divine_a first_o encounter_v with_o martin_n luther_n and_o find_v that_o no_o authority_n prevail_v with_o he_o but_o scripturall_a hereupon_o he_o be_v move_v to_o study_v scripture_n and_o write_v commentary_n upon_o it_o in_o his_o old_a age_n but_o silvester_n prierius_n of_o rome_n he_o think_v that_o way_n too_o far_o about_o and_o therefore_o take_v a_o short_a course_n and_o maintain_v that_o the_o scripture_n contain_v not_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v make_v complete_a must_v be_v piece_v up_o with_o the_o unwritten_a word_n add_v to_o the_o write_a word_n which_o unwritten_a word_n they_o call_v tradition_n since_o that_o the_o papist_n have_v strengthen_v themselves_o with_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o confess_v the_o true_a church_n can_v be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n nor_o the_o authority_n thereof_o know_v but_o by_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o issue_n of_o the_o resolution_n of_o the_o church_n must_v be_v the_o resolution_n of_o the_o pope_n concern_v the_o true_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n shameful_o obtrude_a upon_o we_o that_o we_o make_v the_o resolution_n of_o our_o faith_n into_o our_o own_o private_a spirit_n whereas_o we_o to_o the_o contrary_n extend_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n only_o to_o each_o private_a man_n best_a satisfaction_n and_o teach_v no_o other_o herein_o than_o the_o papist_n themselves_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v most_o true_a as_o touch_v the_o resolution_n physical_a of_o our_o faith_n as_o i_o be_o able_a to_o prove_v by_o variety_n of_o pregnant_a evidence_n ready_a at_o hand_n without_o any_o more_o ado_n than_o the_o bare_a transcribe_v of_o they_o now_o this_o light_n be_v not_o of_o a_o nature_n communicable_a unto_o other_o we_o meddle_v not_o with_o it_o in_o dispute_v upon_o any_o other_o point_n of_o divinity_n with_o papist_n or_o any_o other_o but_o therein_o walk_v in_o all_o our_o disputation_n by_o way_n of_o resolution_n logical_a either_o into_o some_o confess_a principle_n as_o concern_v the_o attribute_n divine_a or_o into_o express_a passage_n of_o holy_a scripture_n the_o meaning_n whereof_o if_o it_o be_v except_v against_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o justify_v it_o by_o rational_a discourse_n against_o any_o adversary_n nothing_o doubt_v but_o we_o shall_v either_o convict_v he_o of_o obstinacy_n in_o shut_v his_o eye_n against_o the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o truth_n and_o make_v he_o condemn_v in_o his_o own_o conscience_n or_o at_o least_o in_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o sober_a christian_n be_v well_o assure_v that_o whosoever_o resist_v the_o evidence_n of_o god_n word_n upon_o pretence_n of_o inevidence_n that_o word_n shall_v be_v find_v of_o evidence_n enough_o to_o judge_v he_o at_o the_o last_o day_n ¶_o this_o jesuitical_a question_n be_v send_v out_o of_o germany_n when_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n be_v sit_v at_o westminster_n and_o be_v translate_v out_o of_o high-dutch_a finis_fw-la