The whole-armour of GodThe vvhole-armor of God

Answ. For avoiding this, we must first labour to have our judgements well informed by what arguments we can, of the divine authority of the Scripture: many arguments might be alleged to this purpose: but because⟨p. 329⟩ learned men have taken good pains herein,¹ & published that which they have collected concerning this point, in print, I will refer the Reader to such books: for they are every where almost to be had.

Answ. For auoiding this, we must first labour to haue our iudgements well informed by what arguments wee can, of the diuine authoritie of the Scripture: many arguments might bee alledged to this purpose: but because⟨p. 329⟩ learned men haue taken good pains herein,¹ & published that which they haue collected concerning this point, in print, I will referre the Reader to such bookes: for they are euery where almost to be had.

1. 1Perkins in Prophe, cha. 3. & in cases of consci. l. 2, c. 3.

Among other arguments this may be one, that not only all sorts of men (as well wicked and profane, as godly and religious) have an inward fear, and dread of the Scripture, and bear a great reverence thereunto, but even they who gainsay the divine authority of Scripture have in their consciences a secret sting which oft pricketh them, and checketh them for it, though they labour never so much to suppress it

Among other arguments this may be one, that not onely all sorts of men (as well wicked and profane, as godly and religious) haue an inward feare, and dread of the Scripture, and beare a great reuerence thereunto, but euen they who gainsay the diuine authority of Scripture haue in their consciences a secret sting which oft pricketh them, and checketh them for it, though they labour neuer so much to suppresse it