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scripture_n church_n word_n write_a 3,648 5 10.7659 5 true
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A95414 The scriptures sufficiency to determine all matters of faith, made good against the Papist: or, That a Christian may be infallibly certain of his faith and religion by the Holy Scriptures. By that great and famous light of Gods Church, William Twisse D.D. and prolocutor of the late assembly of divines. Twisse, William, 1578?-1646. 1656 (1656) Wing T3424; Thomason E1698_2; ESTC R209446 47,921 167

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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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be_v unwilling_a to_o confirm_v it_o trent_n hist_o of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n till_o cardinal_n bon_fw-fr compagio_fw-it bishop_n of_o befirice_n urge_v he_o thereunto_o upon_o this_o ground_n that_o withal_o he_o shall_v publish_v a_o edict_n forbid_v all_o man_n to_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o interpretation_n thereof_o and_o command_v they_o to_o seek_v that_o from_o he_o and_o then_o say_v he_o let_v we_o alone_o to_o devise_v a_o convenient_a interpretation_n of_o it_o without_o prejudices_fw-la to_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o court_n of_o rome_n 2._o again_o general_n council_n may_v err_v as_o austin_n observe_v the_o former_a have_v be_v correct_v by_o the_o late_a in_o some_o thing_n 3._o such_o council_n never_o go_v about_o to_o write_v commentary_n upon_o the_o scripture_n &_o if_o they_o shall_v cajetan_n confess_v a_o interpretation_n may_v be_v give_v congruous_a to_o the_o text_n yet_o different_a from_o the_o torrent_n of_o doctor_n notwithstanding_o which_o 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the_o socinian_o of_o these_o day_n who_o opinion_n be_v cry_v down_o at_o paris_n and_o open_o proclaim_v heretical_a by_o the_o sound_n of_o a_o trumpet_n 3._o or_o shall_v the_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n be_v the_o congruity_n of_o it_o to_o natural_a reason_n as_o the_o socinian_o make_v it_o this_o be_v most_o shameful_a and_o unreasonable_a consider_v 1._o that_o our_o natural_a reason_n be_v much_o corrupt_a by_o the_o sin_n of_o adam_n the_o thing_n of_o god_n seem_v foolishness_n to_o the_o natural_a man_n 1_o cor._n 2.14_o natural_o we_o be_v all_o darkness_n 2._o in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n do_v we_o think_v that_o adam_n by_o natural_a reason_n be_v able_a to_o find_v out_o or_o justify_v the_o trinity_n of_o person_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o deity_n we_o say_v god_n may_v be_v know_v by_o light_n of_o nature_n quod_fw-la attinet_fw-la ad_fw-la vnitatem_fw-la naturae_fw-la but_o not_o know_v quod_fw-la attinet_fw-la at_o trinitatem_fw-la 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scripture_n to_o sight_n for_o and_o defend_v their_o own_o which_o the_o lutheran_n by_o scripture_n do_v condemn_v nay_o more_o there_o be_v some_o viz._n the_o anabaptist_n that_o urge_v the_o scripture_n in_o the_o very_a letter_n more_o than_o the_o rest_n the_o calvinist_n use_v their_o reason_n and_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n draw_v argument_n which_o thing_n the_o lutheran_n also_o do_v never_o suffer_v any_o of_o they_o to_o reason_n against_o the_o scripture_n consid_fw-la this_o author_n will_v have_v the_o make_n of_o his_o own_o bed_n and_o shape_n his_o reader_n at_o the_o first_o encounter_n to_o yield_v acknowledge_v the_o uncontradictable_a nature_n of_o his_o former_a one_o only_a argument_n which_o yet_o i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v both_o very_a weak_a very_o ridiculous_a and_o very_o untrue_a but_o we_o keep_v our_o ground_n profess_v to_o the_o world_n that_o the_o scripture_n alone_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o no_o word_n of_o man_n papist_n add_v tradition_n which_o yet_o they_o account_v the_o word_n of_o god_n unwritten_a we_o abhor_v to_o make_v any_o thing_n the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v false_o say_v that_o calvinist_n add_v their_o reason_n they_o rather_o suppose_v reason_n than_o add_v it_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v give_v to_o none_o but_o reasonable_a creature_n neither_o do_v we_o make_v this_o reason_n of_o we_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n add_v to_o god_n word_n but_o it_o be_v that_o light_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o wherewith_o to_o search_v into_o the_o meaning_n of_o his_o word_n and_o by_o studious_a inquisition_n and_o observation_n to_o discover_v it_o and_o make_v it_o know_v to_o other_o and_o by_o good_a reason_n out_o of_o the_o text_n to_o convict_v other_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o do_v this_o author_n reason_n go_v to_o bed_n and_o sleep_v when_o he_o come_v to_o read_v and_o studious_o to_o consider_v the_o word_n 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touch_v the_o disproof_n of_o the_o tenet_n oposite_a and_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o guise_n of_o the_o lutheran_n also_o it_o be_v false_a which_o he_o say_v of_o anabaptist_n that_o they_o urge_v the_o very_a letter_n of_o scripture_n more_o than_o the_o rest_n for_o both_o calvinist_n and_o lutheran_n insist_v whole_o upon_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o more_o than_o the_o anabaptist_n in_o case_n they_o as_o former_o by_o this_o author_n say_v do_v depend_v in_o dream_n for_o so_o do_v not_o protestant_n but_o on_o scripture_n only_o and_o that_o according_a unto_o sense_n literal_a not_o at_o all_o according_a to_o sense_n mystical_a save_v only_o in_o case_n the_o sense_n mystical_a be_v expound_v by_o some_o apostle_n and_o thereby_o make_v literal_a 2._o but_o herein_o this_o author_n ignorance_n discover_v its_o self_n that_o he_o confound_v sense_n literal_a with_o the_o proper_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n we_o acknowledge_v sense_n literal_a to_o 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confirm_v their_o honest_a meaning_n with_o a_o oath_n wherefore_o unless_o they_o be_v convict_v of_o malicious_o wilful_a error_n we_o shall_v seem_v injurious_o to_o slander_v they_o consid_fw-la i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o such_o a_o censure_n shall_v be_v pass_v upon_o the_o calvinian_n more_o than_o upon_o the_o lutheran_n more_o specious_o it_o shall_v be_v pass_v by_o they_o that_o be_v orthodox_n upon_o they_o that_o be_v not_o though_o i_o justify_v not_o this_o censure_n whosoever_o make_v it_o and_o certain_o there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o pass_v it_o upon_o they_o who_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o charity_n will_v forbid_v we_o rash_o to_o pass_v this_o censure_n upon_o they_o who_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n and_o as_o i_o find_v defect_n of_o love_n in_o they_o who_o pass_v such_o censure_n hand_n over_o head_n upon_o
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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certi_fw-la libri_fw-la dominici_fw-la and_o it_o be_v a_o worthy_a say_n of_o martin_n luther_n mention_v by_o scultetus_n in_o his_o story_n of_o the_o first_o ten_o year_n of_o reformation_n solis_fw-la canonicis_fw-la debemus_fw-la fidem_fw-la caeteris_fw-la omnibus_fw-la judicium_fw-la i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o all_o the_o regenerate_v who_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n according_a to_o that_o because_o you_o be_v son_n god_n have_v send_v the_o spirit_n of_o his_o son_n into_o your_o heart_n whereby_o you_o cry_v abba_n father_n gal._n 4.6_o do_v seek_v unto_o god_n to_o inlighten_v their_o mind_n and_o god_n hear_v they_o and_o grant_v their_o request_n in_o his_o good_a time_n according_a to_o the_o limitation_n former_o mention_v but_o who_o they_o be_v we_o know_v not_o and_o we_o be_v bid_v to_o try_v the_o spirit_n nor_o what_o their_o fervency_n and_o zeal_n be_v be_v we_o acquaint_v with_o yet_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o for_o their_o fervency_n sake_n that_o god_n hear_v they_o but_o for_o christ_n sake_n and_o be_v not_o they_o as_o far_o bind_v in_o charity_n to_o think_v of_o we_o as_o this_o author_n will_v shape_v we_o to_o be_v oblige_v to_o think_v of_o they_o we_o acknowledge_v no_o spirit_n of_o faith_n but_o that_o which_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n at_o least_o in_o all_o fundamental_n necessary_o require_v unto_o salvation_n and_o to_o god_n holy_a worship_n without_o idolatry_n as_o for_o the_o prayer_n of_o papist_n they_o be_v well_o know_v to_o be_v shameful_o foul_a they_o be_v wont_v more_o frequent_o to_o run_v to_o saint_n than_o to_o god_n and_o the_o bishop_n of_o bess_n be_v to_o seek_v whether_o he_o shall_v run_v to_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n blood_n or_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o virgin_n milk_n for_o he_o be_v make_v to_o profess_v in_o the_o wall_n in_o certain_a verse_n that_o he_o know_v not_o well_o which_o of_o the_o two_o he_o shall_v prefer_v nay_o if_o of_o any_o prayer_n god_n say_v though_o he_o make_v many_o prayer_n i_o will_v not_o hear_v esa_n 1._o sure_o he_o shall_v say_v as_o much_o of_o these_o in_o my_o judgement_n have_v not_o turk_n their_o prayer_n as_o well_o as_o papist_n and_o may_v they_o not_o be_v perform_v with_o great_a fervency_n and_o zeal_n and_o may_v they_o not_o be_v as_o expert_a in_o trick_n of_o gesture_n as_o the_o papist_n as_o i_o have_v hear_v once_o of_o a_o child_n train_v up_o to_o it_o by_o her_o mother_n even_o unto_o admiration_n the_o countenance_n compose_v unto_o a_o sad_a and_o solemn_a disposition_n and_o the_o hand_n lift_v up_o first_o to_o a_o equal_a height_n with_o the_o breast_n after_o a_o while_n to_o a_o equal_a height_n with_o the_o head_n and_o last_o above_o the_o head_n and_o all_o this_o in_o dumb_a show_n without_o one_o word_n of_o ejaculation_n as_o for_o hypocrisy_n here_o mention_v i_o doubt_v it_o be_v deliver_v hand_n over_o head_n for_o first_o hypocrisy_n be_v most_o considerable_a in_o a_o right_a way_n and_o not_o in_o a_o wrong_a way_n the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v because_o natural_a man_n be_v natural_o apt_a to_o embrace_v false_a way_n and_o lewd_a way_n too_o too_o true_o and_o as_o apt_a they_o may_v be_v to_o embrace_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n hypocritical_o and_o not_o only_o to_o profess_v christ_n but_o to_o preach_v he_o in_o pretence_n that_o be_v not_o chaste_o even_o to_o add_v affliction_n to_o the_o bond_n of_o so_o holy_a a_o apostle_n even_o as_o paul_n be_v so_o we_o nothing_o doubt_v but_o papist_n be_v true_a papist_n without_o hypocrisy_n but_o i_o much_o doubt_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o by_o far_o be_v too_o far_o off_o from_o be_v true_a christian_n and_o this_o i_o willing_o confess_v they_o pretend_v but_o very_o hypocritical_o this_o run_v with_o they_o in_o a_o blood_n they_o have_v it_o from_o their_o mother_n even_o the_o mother_n of_o whoredom_n and_o her_o arm_n be_v babylon_n in_o a_o mystery_n and_o the_o second_o beast_n though_o he_o have_v two_o horn_n like_o the_o lamb_n yet_o he_o speak_v like_o the_o dragon_n we_o know_v all_o their_o proceed_n in_o pretence_n be_v in_o nomine_fw-la domini_fw-la incipit_fw-la omne_fw-la malum_fw-la neither_o be_v it_o necessary_a that_o by_o hypocrisy_n a_o man_n shall_v think_v to_o mock_v god_n if_o god_n can_v be_v mock_v for_o there_o be_v a_o secret_a hypocrisy_n which_o a_o man_n own_o heart_n be_v not_o conscious_a of_o until_o god_n be_v please_v in_o mercy_n to_o discover_v it_o and_o as_o for_o gross_a hypocrisy_n it_o make_v a_o man_n a_o plain_a atheist_n this_o author_n seem_v to_o be_v take_v with_o the_o beauty_n of_o the_o whore_n of_o babylon_n he_o be_v so_o much_o in_o love_n with_o papist_n as_o to_o obtrude_v upon_o we_o a_o acknowledgement_n that_o they_o have_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o consequent_o without_o any_o denial_n that_o they_o have_v the_o spirit_n to_o proceed_v one_o degree_n further_o be_v to_o profess_v antichrist_n to_o be_v christ_n and_o christ_n antichrist_n to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n be_v but_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o they_o and_o this_o we_o deny_v that_o papist_n have_v as_o touch_v all_o the_o point_n of_o difference_n between_o we_o which_o they_o pretend_v to_o ground_n upon_o scripture_n yea_o and_o in_o many_o other_o particular_n they_o be_v wide_a of_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o they_o so_o may_v our_o divine_n be_v also_o and_o like_a enough_o that_o as_o m._n hooker_n say_v there_o be_v some_o depth_n of_o scripture_n the_o search_v out_o whereof_o will_v hold_v we_o as_o long_o as_o the_o world_n last_v yet_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o a_o reprobate_n may_v have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o
the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n it_o be_v true_a the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n de_fw-fr vocatione_n gentium_fw-la talk_v of_o such_o a_o manner_n of_o instruction_n by_o god_n work_v but_o i_o pray_v do_v not_o compare_v that_o in_o clearness_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n what_o ground_n have_v we_o for_o the_o right_a interpretation_n of_o sign_n and_o wonder_n beneath_o above_o astrologer_n will_v make_v we_o believe_v they_o read_v strange_a thing_n in_o the_o constellation_n refer_v to_o man_n nativity_n but_o what_o ground_n have_v we_o for_o this_o calculation_n what_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a discourse_v thereof_o in_o his_o astronomical_a lecture_n read_v by_o he_o in_o the_o plain_a of_o mamre_n we_o have_v receive_v no_o tiding_n hereof_o from_o the_o hill_n amarath_n in_o aethiopia_n i_o know_v that_o in_o holy_a scripture_n thunder_n be_v call_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n i_o know_v also_o that_o the_o lordspake_a unto_o the_o patriarch_n but_o that_o word_n be_v not_o write_v wind_n and_o storm_n also_o be_v say_v to_o fulfil_v his_o word_n by_o a_o metaphor_n because_o what_o he_o will_v have_v do_v by_o they_o be_v do_v by_o they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v most_o obedient_a and_o faithful_a servant_n unto_o their_o master_n who_o yet_o they_o know_v not_o any_o more_o than_o raven_n do_v though_o in_o scripture-phrase_n and_o by_o a_o figure_n of_o speech_n they_o be_v say_v to_o call_v upon_o he_o now_o we_o be_v upon_o another_o point_n namely_o as_o touch_v the_o scripture_n the_o write_a word_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o the_o question_n be_v about_o the_o clearness_n of_o they_o or_o the_o intelligible_a nature_n of_o they_o to_o all_o such_o as_o will_v understand_v and_o to_o such_o faith_n solomon_n knowledge_n be_v easy_a which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n by_o the_o scripture_n whereunto_o i_o be_o sure_a our_o saviour_n refer_v the_o jew_n and_o the_o apostle_n will_v not_o have_v we_o affect_v to_o be_v wise_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d above_o that_o which_o be_v write_v it_o be_v true_a when_o that_o be_v deliver_v thy_o law_n be_v a_o lantern_n unto_o my_o foot_n none_o of_o the_o late_a prophet_n have_v commit_v their_o prophecy_n unto_o writing_n much_o less_o be_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n write_v then_o but_o in_o reference_n to_o all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n our_o saviour_n speak_v when_o he_o say_v search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v to_o have_v eternal_a life_n and_o they_o be_v they_o that_o testify_v of_o i_o joh._n 5._o and_o as_o for_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o gospel_n be_v write_v that_o man_n may_v acknowledge_v the_o certainty_n of_o those_o thing_n whereof_o they_o have_v be_v instruct_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n luk._n 1.4_o which_o can_v not_o be_v be_v they_o not_o intelligible_a by_o a_o studious_a reader_n and_o paul_n be_v in_o bond_n when_o he_o write_v of_o the_o whole_a scripture_n that_o it_o be_v profitable_a to_o teach_v to_o convince_v to_o correct_v to_o instruct_v in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v make_v absolute_a be_v make_v perfect_a to_o all_o good_a work_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o 17._o now_o if_o we_o deny_v the_o intelligible_a condition_n of_o scripture_n the_o profitable_a nature_n of_o it_o therewithal_o must_v utter_o be_v remove_v the_o apostle_n we_o know_v by_o preach_v convert_v many_o sure_o the_o word_n preach_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o hearer_n otherwise_o it_o have_v wrought_v but_o a_o wild_a conversion_n now_o look_v what_o they_o preach_v that_o be_v commit_v to_o write_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o their_o epistle_n write_v unto_o several_a church_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o figure_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o revelation_n and_o the_o like_a be_v not_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o great_a reason_n they_o shall_v be_v carry_v in_o a_o mysterious_a way_n like_v as_o the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n person_n and_o of_o his_o office_n in_o break_v the_o serpent_n head_n be_v carry_v a_o long_a time_n in_o the_o cloud_n of_o type_n and_o figure_n have_v it_o be_v know_v that_o the_o messiah_n must_v be_v crucify_v before_o he_o reign_v the_o devil_n will_v not_o have_v be_v so_o forward_o to_o possess_v the_o heart_n of_o judas_n with_o a_o project_n of_o betray_v he_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o enemy_n to_o procure_v his_o death_n so_o the_o revelation_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o many_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n in_o the_o old_a concern_v the_o devil_n and_o antichrist_n practice_n no_o marvel_n if_o they_o be_v mysterious_o carry_v that_o neither_o the_o devil_n nor_o antichrist_n shall_v understand_v they_o until_o they_o be_v accomplish_v nevertheless_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o spirit_n which_o dictate_v they_o can_v inspire_v his_o servant_n with_o a_o understand_a heart_n to_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o when_o the_o time_n come_v appoint_v for_o the_o communication_n of_o this_o knowledge_n many_o shall_v pass_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o knowledge_n shall_v be_v increase_v as_o if_o the_o open_n of_o the_o world_n by_o navigation_n and_o commerce_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n shall_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o time_n and_o age_n as_o one_o witty_o observe_v we_o have_v see_v of_o late_a year_n a_o strange_a progress_n make_v in_o open_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o revelation_n and_o other_o mysterious_a prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n even_o to_o admiration_n the_o time_n when_o first_o antichrist_n shall_v be_v discover_v and_o protest_v against_o be_v find_v out_o in_o daniel_n number_n lest_o we_o shall_v wonder_v at_o the_o father_n ignorance_n hereof_o for_o as_o christian_n at_o their_o first_o conversion_n from_o idol_n to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n do_v forthwith_o look_v for_o the_o son_n of_o god_n his_o come_n from_o heaven_n to_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v 1_o thes_n 1._o last_n yea_o and_o some_o be_v of_o opinion_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v within_o the_o age_n of_o a_o man_n whereupon_o paul_n write_v his_o second_o epistle_n to_o the_o thessalonian_o wherein_o he_o give_v to_o understand_v that_o a_o apostasy_n must_v come_v first_o and_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n must_v be_v reveal_v and_o before_o that_o the_o roman_a empire_n must_v be_v break_v 2_o thes_n 2._o compare_v with_o 1_o thes_n 4.15_o so_o in_o augustine_n day_n that_o good_a father_n project_n that_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v 400._o year_n off_o nay_o suppose_v 500_o he_o will_v not_o go_v further_o presume_v that_o the_o beast_n which_o slaughter_v the_o lord_n witness_n shall_v not_o continue_v above_o three_o year_n and_o a_o half_a now_o we_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o wonder_v at_o this_o when_o we_o consider_v what_o daniel_n have_v write_v concern_v this_o and_o how_o bless_v a_o thing_n it_o shall_v be_v to_o live_v at_o that_o time_n when_o antichrist_n shall_v be_v proclaim_v to_o the_o world_n and_o reveal_v dan._n 11._o for_o than_o nothing_o remain_v to_o be_v look_v for_o but_o the_o blast_a of_o he_o with_o the_o breath_n of_o the_o lord_n mouth_n and_o the_o utter_a abolish_n of_o he_o by_o the_o brightness_n of_o his_o come_n the_o reconcile_n of_o ezekiel_n measure_n of_o new_a jerusalem_n with_o john_n measure_n in_o the_o revelation_n be_v a_o great_a mystery_n and_o hold_v to_o be_v desperate_a yet_o now_o it_o be_v make_v feisible_a nor_o so_o only_o but_o clear_v throughout_o so_o the_o number_n of_o the_o beast_n 666._o how_o long_o have_v the_o christian_a world_n grope_v after_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o as_o a_o blind_a man_n after_o his_o way_n what_o various_a notion_n have_v the_o investigation_n hereof_o produce_v in_o man_n brain_n after_o that_o of_o ireneus_fw-la accommodate_v to_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o at_o length_n for_o want_n of_o a_o better_a the_o best_a stndent_n in_o these_o mystery_n drive_v to_o come_v back_o thither_o again_o but_o now_o the_o vanity_n thereof_o new_o discover_v and_o that_o at_o full_a even_o by_o every_o text_n call_v we_o express_o to_o calculate_v this_o which_o be_v not_o to_o rest_v in_o this_o number_n but_o by_o calculation_n of_o this_o to_o find_v out_o another_o number_n which_o will_v notable_o decipher_v unto_o we_o that_o beast_n and_o indeed_o the_o number_n of_o the_o beast_n 666._o be_v oppose_v to_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
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a_o calvinist_n doctor_n one_o doctor_n bergius_n a_o preacher_n at_o breme_n affirm_v in_o his_o late_a publish_a sermon_n that_o controversy_n be_v not_o mere_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a and_o clear_a about_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o that_o there_o be_v never_o any_o contrariety_n between_o the_o religious_a themselves_o at_o which_o also_o the_o leipsich_n collation_n between_o the_o lutheran_n and_o the_o calvinist_n seem_v to_o aim_v consid_fw-la in_o all_o profession_n whether_o liberal_a or_o mechanical_a the_o learned_a have_v a_o prerogative_n above_o the_o unlearned_a and_o what_o inconvenience_n be_v there_o if_o it_o be_v so_o in_o christian_a religion_n also_o do_v not_o s._n peter_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o unlearned_a pervert_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n 2_o pet._n 3._o yet_o this_o prerogative_n be_v in_o learning_n only_o not_o in_o holiness_n the_o unlearned_a may_v be_v as_o holy_a as_o the_o learned_a and_o have_v as_o great_a a_o interest_n both_o in_o sanctify_a grace_n and_o in_o save_v glory_n what_o say_v austin_n of_o himself_o and_o such_o like_a scholar_n in_o comparison_n of_o his_o mother_n monica_n and_o such_o like_a holy_a though_o simple_a woman_n mulierculae_fw-la istae_fw-la lacrimis_fw-la suis_fw-la caelum_fw-la nobis_fw-la praeripiunt_fw-la when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o we_o can_v with_o all_o our_o learning_n these_o woman_n with_o their_o tear_n will_v get_v heaven_n before_o we_o and_o as_o for_o holiness_n so_o for_o faith_n a_o unlearned_a man_n may_v have_v faith_n as_o well_o as_o the_o learned_a nay_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v call_v fides_fw-la infusa_fw-la may_v be_v find_v in_o a_o man_n unlearned_a when_o the_o faith_n of_o he_o that_o be_v learn_v be_v find_v to_o be_v no_o better_o than_o fides_fw-la acquisita_fw-la a_o faith_n natural_a and_o they_o that_o have_v true_a faith_n by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v not_o want_v gracious_a wit_n howsoever_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v by_o faith_n natural_a be_v accompany_v with_o better_a natural_a wit_n yet_o a_o idle_a wit_n be_v it_o never_o so_o good_a will_v hardly_o prove_v learn_v and_o be_v it_o never_o so_o learned_a if_o it_o be_v without_o grace_n such_o a_o man_n religion_n will_v prove_v but_o vain_a and_o though_o he_o be_v able_a to_o worst_a another_o in_o disputation_n yet_o shall_v he_o never_o pull_v true_a religion_n in_o any_o child_n of_o god_n be_v he_o never_o so_o weak_a and_o unlearned_a out_o of_o socket_n because_o our_o faith_n and_o religion_n consist_v not_o in_o wisdom_n of_o word_n but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o s._n paul_n speak_v say_v my_o word_n and_o my_o preach_n stand_v not_o in_o the_o entice_a speech_n of_o man_n wisdom_n but_o in_o plain_a evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n that_o your_o faith_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 2.4_o 5._o nay_o be_v my_o faith_n only_o natural_a and_o i_o have_v good_a evidence_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n for_o it_o though_o that_o knowledge_n be_v no_o other_o than_o such_o as_o be_v annex_v to_o the_o common_a profession_n of_o christianity_n yet_o the_o philosopher_n tell_v i_o that_o i_o must_v not_o be_v beat_v out_o of_o my_o hold_n in_o such_o a_o case_n because_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o answer_v every_o sophism_n or_o argument_n that_o be_v bring_v against_o it_o nay_o the_o philosopher_n in_o his_o ethic_n teach_v i_o that_o some_o be_v as_o tenacious_a of_o their_o opinion_n for_o which_o they_o have_v but_o weak_a reason_n as_o other_o be_v of_o their_o opinion_n which_o they_o hold_v confirm_v with_o great_a strength_n of_o argument_n so_o that_o every_o way_n it_o be_v a_o inficete_n fiction_n that_o the_o most_o learned_a must_v always_o conquer_v the_o faith_n and_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o unlearned_a without_o fly_v to_o any_o such_o skulk_a hole_n as_o to_o say_v our_o divine_n and_o pastor_n can_v answer_v you_o though_o i_o can_v but_o i_o wonder_v much_o that_o any_o sober_a christian_a upon_o any_o pretence_n shall_v dispute_v against_o the_o build_n of_o our_o religion_n only_o upon_o scripture_n unless_o with_o papist_n he_o will_v bring_v in_o tradition_n or_o rely_v on_o the_o church_n or_o on_o the_o decision_n of_o the_o pope_n for_o if_o we_o fly_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o must_v rest_v either_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o man_n or_o upon_o natural_a reason_n a_o christian_a i_o conceive_v shall_v think_v the_o scripture_n sufficient_a to_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n direct_v the_o jew_n to_o the_o search_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o discern_a of_o he_o and_o if_o controversy_n be_v leave_v to_o learned_a man_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n why_o our_o religion_n shall_v but_o only_o the_o defence_n of_o it_o controversial_o maintain_v it_o by_o variety_n of_o argument_n and_o deduction_n out_o of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o solve_v contrary_a argument_n bring_v against_o it_o in_o any_o particular_a point_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o sure_o shall_v belong_v to_o he_o that_o sit_v at_o gamaliels_n foot_n as_o well_o as_o to_o gamaliel_n himself_o nor_o only_o to_o such_o as_o sit_v at_o his_o foot_n but_o to_o such_o also_o as_o follow_v the_o plow-tail_n yea_o and_o to_o the_o weak_a sex_n of_o woman_n and_o to_o child_n too_o for_o even_o to_o such_o belong_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o be_v there_o no_o book_n at_o all_o write_v or_o sermon_n preach_v in_o any_o point_n of_o controversy_n or_o difference_n between_o we_o yet_o papist_n shall_v be_v papist_n still_o and_o not_o protestant_n and_o protestant_n shall_v be_v protestant_n still_o and_o not_o papist_n and_o
religion_n there_o be_v among_o they_o he_o may_v as_o well_o profess_v that_o the_o papist_n among_o themselves_o the_o lutheran_n among_o themselves_o and_o the_o calvinist_n among_o themselves_o be_v of_o different_a religion_n 3._o we_o acknowledge_v different_a opinion_n between_o lutheran_n and_o calvinian_o so_o no_o doubt_n there_o be_v different_a opinion_n among_o the_o lutheran_n themselves_z and_o the_o calvinian_o themselves_o but_o we_o utter_o deny_v there_o be_v different_a religion_n the_o lutheran_n we_o hold_v to_o be_v true_a church_n agree_v with_o we_o in_o the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o faith_n and_o likewise_o in_o be_v free_a from_o idolatry_n for_o albeit_o they_o have_v image_n in_o their_o church_n which_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a thing_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o worship_v they_o and_o although_o they_o hold_v real_a presence_n in_o the_o sacrament_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o adore_v it_o so_o that_o albeit_o we_o think_v some_o of_o 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be_v but_o of_o some_o place_n as_o i_o have_v show_v and_o the_o force_n of_o the_o proposition_n i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v no_o great_a than_o the_o force_n of_o a_o particular_a 2._o it_o be_v absurd_a for_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n i_o may_v prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a thus_o that_o scripture_n be_v clear_a in_o the_o interpretation_n wherein_o man_n of_o different_a opinion_n and_o different_a religion_n do_v agree_v but_o man_n of_o different_a opinion_n and_o religion_n do_v agree_v in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o divine_a scripture_n therefore_o the_o divine_a scripture_n be_v clear_a and_o indeed_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o we_o agree_v in_o the_o interpretation_n not_o of_o some_o only_a but_o of_o many_o place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n now_o what_o absurd_a a_o course_n be_v it_o for_o a_o disputant_n so_o to_o dispute_v as_o that_o his_o argument_n may_v be_v retort_v with_o as_o good_a force_n against_o he_o yea_o and_o much_o more_o for_o 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fault_n of_o the_o interpreter_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o most_o alien_a course_n to_o compare_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o word_n of_o man_n together_o for_o man_n may_v contradict_v himself_o god_n can_v man_n may_v forget_v one_o time_n what_o he_o deliver_v at_o another_o god_n can_v 3._o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o the_o thing_n of_o man_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n so_o that_o whereas_o natural_a reason_n and_o natural_a instruction_n may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o enable_v a_o man_n to_o understand_v the_o write_n of_o another_o man_n yet_o only_o supernatural_a illumination_n be_v sufficient_a to_o enable_v a_o man_n to_o discern_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n yet_o i_o confess_v on_o this_o particular_a some_o judicious_a reader_n may_v think_v to_o find_v a_o flaw_n yet_o i_o presume_v that_o upon_o serious_a consideration_n that_o attempt_n will_v prove_v but_o vain_a and_o none_o but_o a_o socinian_n will_v oppose_v in_o this_o who_o deny_v all_o fides_fw-la infusa_fw-la and_o acknowledge_v none_o but_o acquisita_fw-la faith_n natural_a and_o shrewd_a suspicion_n that_o way_n be_v betray_v by_o mr._n chillingsworth_n as_o if_o he_o acknowledge_v no_o faith_n but_o faith_n natural_a 2._o but_o be_v it_o grant_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a 1._o consider_v the_o force_n of_o this_o proposition_n it_o be_v but_o a_o indefinite_a and_o the_o matter_n be_v apparent_o contingent_a for_o undoubted_o it_o be_v at_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n to_o speak_v after_o what_o manner_n he_o think_v good_a hence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o force_n hereof_o be_v but_o the_o force_n of_o a_o particular_a proposition_n as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n in_o some_o place_n be_v obscure_a or_o some_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a and_o indeed_o gregory_n of_o old_a have_v profess_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v like_a unto_o a_o ford_n wherein_o a_o lamb_n may_v wade_v and_o a_o elephant_n may_v swim_v and_o before_o he_o s._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o contain_v both_o milk_n for_o babe_n and_o strong_a meat_n for_o man_n there_o be_v enough_o and_o that_o plain_a enough_o to_o satisfy_v the_o hungry_a and_o there_o be_v also_o enough_o and_o that_o obscure_a enough_o to_o prevent_v non-sealing_a especial_o in_o the_o prophecy_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v the_o first_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v this_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n here_o be_v a_o double_a mystery_n in_o general_a notion_n carry_v the_o one_o the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n person_n express_v by_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n but_o imply_v to_o be_v somewhat_o more_o yea_o much_o more_o even_o such_o a_o one_o as_o shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n the_o other_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o office_n carry_v only_o in_o this_o general_a notion_n of_o break_v the_o serpent_n head_n in_o this_o time_n of_o grace_n we_o know_v this_o to_o have_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o his_o die_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o his_o rise_n again_o for_o our_o justification_n have_v this_o be_v know_v to_o satan_n as_o now_o it_o be_v to_o we_o be_v it_o credible_a that_o he_o will_v have_v persuade_v judas_n as_o he_o do_v to_o contract_v with_o the_o high_a priest_n to_o betray_v he_o into_o their_o hand_n that_o be_v judas_n like_v after_o he_o have_v betray_v his_o master_n to_o go_v forth_o and_o hang_v himself_o for_o we_o know_v that_o upon_o the_o cross_n he_o spoil_v principality_n and_o power_n and_o make_v a_o show_n of_o they_o open_o and_o triumph_v over_o they_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n undoubt_o be_v a_o day_n of_o extreme_a confusion_n to_o the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o angel_n of_o darkness_n so_o the_o jew_n have_v they_o know_v this_o mystery_n of_o his_o person_n they_o will_v not_o have_v crucify_v the_o
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 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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 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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 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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