The use of this doctrine is double; for instruction, and for exhortation. For our instruction, here we learn how to answer the Church of Rome: they ask us, how do we know true religion from erroneous; or true Scripture, or Sacraments from forged? We answer, first, by it self, by sight and sense of the excellency thereof; as we know gold from brass, or silver from lead. But what if the brass or tin be gilded over? I then answer secondly, we can know gold from brass, and silver from tin by the sound ⟨p. 106⟩and smell, and hardness to endure, and by the operation: so there is a spiritual sound of the Scriptures in the ears of a Christian, a spiritual comfort and taste in true religion, a spiritual operation (in holy mens hearts) of the true Sacraments. But what if false Prophets come in sheep's clothing, and by lying wonders, seem to give the same sound, taste, smell, virtue, and operation unto their forgeries, or at least challenge it, and say, that theirs is true? I answer lastly; Then we know true Religion, true Scripture ▪ true Sacraments, true Prophets, true Doctrines from false, by a holy and supernatural revelation from Gods spirit; which, by evident and powerful demonstration, assureth us, what is true and what is false, for the substance of salvation. And this spirit is given to all, that in true humility do seek it, in holy prayer, and in a holy and frequent use of Gods word and Sacraments; and to none else. And surely if the Papists were as well acquainted with the spirit of God, as they are with their own forged revelations, they would never deny it. By force of this testimony a Christian man knoweth, as assuredly as that God is God, that the Pope, as now he is, and as he exerciseth his place and power, cannot be the true Vicar of Christ; And that Popery, as it is now established by the Council of Trent, and taught by the most learned of their side, cannot be the true religion, nor the safest way to heaven. And when question is, what is the meaning of this place, there is one God and one Mediator betwixt God and man, the man Christ Jesus; If all the world should say the contrary, a Christian man will know and believe there are no more Mediators to God but Christ: or of that place, that Christ was offered for our sins once for all; that there is no sacrifice can purchase us pardon, but his;
The vse of this doctrine is double; for instruction, and for exhortation. For our instruction, here we learne how to answere the Church of Rome: they aske vs, how doe wee know true religion from erroneous; or true Scripture, or Sacraments from forged? We answere, first, by it selfe, by sight and sense of the excellencie thereof; as we know gold from brasse, or siluer from lead. But what if the brasse or tinne be gilded ouer? I then answere secondly, wee can know gold from brasse, and siluer from tinne by the sound ⟨p. 106⟩and smell, and hardnesse to endure, and by the operation: so there is a spirituall sound of the Scriptures in the eares of a Christian, a spiritual comfort and taste in true religion, a spirituall operation (in holy mens hearts) of the true Sacraments. But what if false Prophets come in sheepes cloathing, and by lying wonders, seeme to giue the same sound, taste, smell, vertue, and operation vnto their forgeries, or at least chalenge it, and say, that theirs is true? I answere lastly; Then we know true Religion, true Scripture ▪ true Sacraments, true Prophets, true Doctrines from false, by a holy and supernaturall reuelation from Gods spirit; which, by euident and powerfull demonstration, assureth vs, what is true and what is false, for the substance of saluation. And this spirit is giuen to all, that in true humility doe seeke it, in holy prayer, and in a holy and frequent vse of Gods word and Sacraments; and to none else. And surely if the Papists were as well acquainted with the spirit of God, as they are with their owne forged reuelations, they would neuer denie it. By force of this testimonie a Christian man knoweth, as assuredly as that God is God, that the Pope, as now he is, and as hee exerciseth his place and power, cannot be the true Vicar of Christ; And that Poperie, as it is now established by the Councell of Trent, and taught by the most learned of their side, cannot be the true religion, nor the safest way to heauē. And when question is, what is the meaning of this place, there is one God and one Mediatour betwixt God and man, the man Christ Iesus; If all the world should say the contrary, a Christian man will know and beleeue there are no more Mediatours to God but Christ: or of that place, that Christ was offred for our sinnes once for all; that ther is no sacrifice can purchase vs pardon, but his;
