Certain disputations of right to sacraments, and the true nature of visible Christianity defending…

Obj But wicked men have forfeited their Credit; and therefore their word is not to be taken.

Answ. They have not made such a total forfeiture (quâ wicked) as to warrant our unbelief For 1. There are such remnants of Common honesty in mans Nature, that commonly makes a Lye to be odious, and a matter apparently evil among unconverted men. 2. They Profess themselves to be turned from their Wickedness; and therefore you cannot refuse Credit to them upon the supposition of their wickedness which they disclaim, without proof. 3. The Apostles took their Profession who within a few hours before had been persecutors, and guilty of the murder of the Lord of life: therefore a mans wickedness before, is not enough to invalidate his following Profession of true faith, repentance, and reformation.

Answ. They have not made such a total forfeiture (quâ wicked) as to warrant our unbelief For 1. There are such remnants of Common honesty in mans Nature, that commonly makes a Lye to be odious, and a matter apparently evil among unconverted men. 2. They Profess themselves to be turned from their Wickedness; and therefore you cannot refuse Credit to them upon the supposition of their wickedness which they disclaim, without proof. 3. The Apostles took their Profession who within a few hours before had been persecutors, and guilty of the murther of the Lord of life: therefore a mans wickedness before, is not enough to invalidate his following Profession of true faith, repentance, and reformation.

Argum. 3. We must not censure our Brother to be a Liar ⟨p. 20⟩without clear evidence that he is so indeed: therefore we must take his Profession to be true, and consequently, to be valid.