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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 2._o if_o it_o be_v object_v unto_o they_o that_o they_o wilful_o and_o against_o their_o conscience_n do_v condemn_v the_o lutheran_n tenant_n and_o confirm_v their_o own_o they_o will_v answer_v that_o this_o be_v a_o very_a grievous_a sin_n and_o that_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o presume_v that_o they_o will_v falsify_v and_o corrupt_v the_o letter_n and_o command_n of_o their_o lord_n to_o his_o son_n and_o subject_n much_o less_o that_o they_o do_v malicious_o err_v and_o lead_v themselves_o and_o other_o into_o the_o danger_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o to_o say_v the_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o so_o many_o hundred_o thousand_o of_o man_n will_v come_v to_o that_o pitch_n of_o malice_n 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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 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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
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 unspeakable_a consolation_n when_o they_o stand_v most_o in_o need_n thereof_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o those_o prophecy_n draw_v near_o christ_n speak_v in_o parable_n to_o some_o not_o to_o all_o yet_o some_o of_o his_o parable_n be_v understand_v by_o they_o even_o against_o who_o they_o be_v speak_v in_o particular_a those_o that_o be_v not_o understand_v by_o the_o multitude_n our_o saviour_n reveal_v to_o his_o disciple_n as_o often_o as_o they_o seek_v it_o yea_o and_o other_o mystery_n too_o namely_o the_o sign_n foregoing_a the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n his_o own_o come_n and_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n mat._n 24._o it_o be_v true_a the_o scripture_n contain_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n which_o be_v not_o apprehend_v according_a to_o their_o condition_n but_o by_o the_o regenerate_v but_o as_o for_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v quite_o of_o another_o nature_n which_o this_o author_n consider_v not_o and_o be_v incident_a to_o a_o reprobate_n yea_o in_o such_o a_o measure_n as_o to_o make_v he_o a_o able_a doctor_n in_o the_o church_n and_o orthodox_n throughout_o which_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o when_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n such_o a_o one_o shall_v fall_v short_a of_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n the_o secret_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o he_o reveal_v to_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o be_v the_o secret_a of_o his_o covenant_n psal_n 25._o there_o be_v a_o secret_a also_o in_o faith-catholike_a and_o in_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o regenerate_v only_o and_o it_o be_v to_o discern_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n in_o they_o which_o have_v true_a faith_n a_o reprobate_a may_v believe_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o a_o natural_a faith_n only_o yea_o believe_v it_o and_o carry_v themselves_o like_o good_a scholar_n too_o while_o they_o instruct_v other_o therein_o still_o we_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a and_o clear_a enough_o as_o touch_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o all_o this_o discourse_n be_v plausible_a only_o through_o distinction_n and_o to_o deny_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v fair_o intelligible_a to_o one_o that_o be_v desirous_a to_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o be_v a_o great_a disparagement_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o dishonour_n to_o god_n himself_o disparage_v either_o his_o goodness_n that_o will_v not_o or_o his_o wisdom_n that_o he_o know_v not_o how_o to_o order_v it_o so_o that_o by_o search_v the_o scripture_n they_o may_v have_v eternal_a life_n if_o before_o the_o law_n man_n have_v a_o light_n whereby_o they_o may_v find_v the_o truth_n more_o clear_o than_o we_o than_o the_o former_a time_n be_v time_n of_o great_a light_n and_o grace_n than_o the_o late_a but_o this_o be_v contrary_a both_o to_o the_o general_a judgement_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o to_o universal_a experience_n for_o as_o light_v 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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
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
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
of_o the_o spirit_n be_v bind_v to_o show_v it_o unless_o he_o will_v be_v count_v but_o a_o ordinary_a doctor_n consid_fw-la we_o be_v bid_v to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n now_o we_o have_v no_o other_o trial_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_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 though_o in_o two_o thing_n we_o can_v endure_v that_o aught_o shall_v be_v impose_v upon_o we_o beside_o the_o write_a word_n namely_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n now_o by_o this_o course_n of_o trial_n we_o find_v that_o not_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n have_v possess_v they_o in_o all_o point_n of_o difference_n between_o we_o prayer_n i_o grant_v be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o obtain_v any_o grace_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n save_v one_o and_o that_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n and_o that_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n it_o be_v true_a fides_fw-la impetrat_fw-la &_o lex_fw-la imperat_fw-la but_o with_o a_o limitation_n or_o two_o 1._o all_o knowledge_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n according_a to_o that_o 1_o joh._n 2.27_o and_o nider_n though_o a_o papist_n his_o interpretation_n thereof_o in_o his_o consolatory_a of_o a_o affright_a conscience_n 2._o other_o grace_n also_o and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o measure_n also_o as_o shall_v be_v find_v fit_a for_o each_o man_n calling_n and_o i_o think_v every_o christian_n shall_v rest_v content_v with_o such_o a_o indulgence_n if_o the_o whole_a body_n be_v a_o eye_n where_o be_v the_o hear_n if_o the_o whole_a be_v hear_v where_o be_v the_o smell_v but_o now_o have_v god_n dispose_v the_o member_n every_o one_o of_o they_o in_o the_o body_n at_o his_o own_o pleasure_n for_o if_o they_o be_v all_o one_o member_n where_o be_v the_o body_n but_o now_o be_v there_o many_o member_n yet_o but_o one_o body_n 1_o cor._n 12.17_o 18_o 19_o but_o man_n may_v draw_v near_o to_o god_n with_o their_o lip_n when_o their_o heart_n be_v estrange_v far_o from_o he_o and_o how_o their_o heart_n stand_v affect_v we_o know_v not_o god_n alone_o behold_v their_o heart_n nay_o we_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o privy_a to_o their_o prayer_n but_o we_o examine_v their_o doctrine_n by_o god_n word_n according_a to_o that_o sunt_fw-la 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 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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