A commentary or, exposition upon the divine second epistle general, writtenA commentary or, exposition vpon the diuine second epistle generall, written

it is taken two ways in the Scriptures; either Objectively or Actively. Objectively or materially, Pro veritate fidei, for the truth of faith. Actively or Formally, Pro vita fidei, for the act of faith, which is the life of faith. For the object to be believed, and the act of believing.

it is taken two wayes in the Scriptures; either Objectively or Actively. Objectively or materially, Pro veritate fidei, for the truth of faith. Actively or Formally, Pro vita fidei, for the act of fai•h, which is the life of faith. For the object to bee beleeved, and the act of beleeving.

The object or doctrine of faith is that, which GOD by his Prophets and Apostles hath delivered; or what is naturally and by good consequence deduced from this, or reduced to this. For inference and connection of Scripture is Scripture, as the root of a tree is the tree though it be hid in the ground. But to deliver rules of faith, no writing hath power but the Scripture: therefore none may speak authoritatively of the doctrines of faith since the Apostles: mens assertions have no power to oblige the conscience. What the Scripture forbids, fly it: what it affirms, believe it: what it reproves, mend it: what it commands, do it.^o And as many as walk after this rule, Peace be on them and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. There are some things Liberè credenda; some conceive them this way, others that way: Unusquisque abundat sensu suo. Some things are Piè credenda; as that of Mary lived and died a virgin, albeit it be not there expressed: for who durst touch that vessel which God had sanctified to bear his own son? Others are necessariò credenda, all things revealed in holy writ, be they plain and easy, or dark and mystical. All I say, in praeparatione mentis, in the readiness and intention of the mind, when we shall come to understand them: as the mystery of the Trinity, CHRISTS incarnation without sin, &c. Though we cannot conceive, we must believe. Now there is a difference of things objected Fidei salvificae, to our saving faith. Primaria credendi, such are the Articles of faith: Secunda credendi, whatsoever thereof is necessarily inferred. The want of this faith excludes from heaven; yet the having of it without further degree doth not bring all thither. Athanasius doth not say, whosoever doth believe this shall be saved: but whosoever doth not believe this shall be damned.