R. The old asserters of this meant the same that Christ meant, when he saith to Thomas [Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.] There is a sensible Evidence, and an Intelligible Evidence. Faith hath not an Immediate sensible Evidence; that is, we believe ⟨p. 45⟩things unseen, and above sense: And this is their meaning: We see not God, Christ, Heaven, Angels, &c. But faith hath always Intelligible Evidence of Verity; and (as our Mr. R. Hooker saith) can go no further than it hath such Evidence.
However, I appeal to any that have not been disputed out of their wits, whether, If God would give us as full a sight of Heaven and Hell, and Angels and Blessed souls, as we have of the Bread and Wine before us, and as full a Hearing of all that they say, in justification of Holiness, or Lamentation of sin, and as full sensible acquaintance with the world we go to, and our title to it, as we have with this world, I say, whether this would not be more ascertaining and satisfactory to us, and banish all doubts, more than our present faith doth? I love not to hear men lie as for God, and talk and boast against their experience, as if the interest of faith required it. Things revealed to faith Are Certain and Infallible. But that is because we have certain evidence 1. That God cannot lie; 2. And that God revealed them; and so that they are True. But if we did see, feel, taste, &c. we should be more certain. Else why is it said, that we now know but enigmatically and as in a glass; and as children; but hereafter shall see as face to face, and know as we are known, when faith is done away, as being more Imperfect than Intuition. We have evidence to prove, that the Revelation made to David, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Peter, Paul, &c. were of God, and that their words are by us to be believed, &c. But to see, hear, taste, feel, &c. would be a more quieting Assurance.
Therefore when all the sound senses of all men living, perceive after consecration, that there is Bread and Wine, this Certainty is, 1. in order antecedent to that of faith, and 2. by Evidence, more satisfying and assuring ⟨p. 46⟩than that of mere faith, as to a prophets Revelation; And therefore to reject it on pretence of faith, is a subversion of all natural methods of assurance; and is but pretended, I think, by your selves.
R. The old asserters of this meant the same that Christ meant, when he saith to Thomas [Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.] There is a sensible Evidence, and an Intelligible Evidence. Faith hath not an Immediate sensible Evidence; that is, we believe ⟨p. 45⟩things unseen, and above sense: And this is their meaning: We see not God, Christ, Heaven, Angels, &c. But faith hath alwaies Intelligible Evidence of Verity; and (as our Mr. R. Hooker saith) can go no further than it hath such Evidence.
However, I appeal to any that have not been disputed out of their wits, whether, If God would give us as full a sight of Heaven and Hell, and Angels and Blessed souls, as we have of the Bread and Wine before us, and as full a Hearing of all that they say, in justification of Holiness, or Lamentation of sin, and as full sensible acquaintance with the world we go to, and our title to it, as we have with this world, I say, whether this would not be more ascertaining and satisfactory to us, and banish all doubts, more than our present faith doth? I love not to hear men lie as for God, and talk and boast against their experience, as if the interest of faith required it. Things revealed to faith Are Certain and Infallible. But that is because we have certain evidence 1. That God cannot lie; 2. And that God revealed them; and so that they are True. But if we did see, feel, taste, &c. we should be more certain. Else why is it said, that we now know but enigmatically and as in a glass; and as children; but hereafter shall see as face to face, and know as we are known, when faith is done away, as being more Imperfect than Intuition. We have evidence to prove, that the Revelation made to David, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Peter, Paul, &c. were of God, and that their words are by us to be believed, &c. But to see, hear, taste, feel, &c. would be a more quieting Assurance.
Therefore when all the sound senses of all men living, perceive after consecration, that there is Bread and Wine, this Certainty is, 1. in order antecedent to that of faith, and 2. by Evidence, more satisfying and assuring ⟨p. 46⟩than that of meer faith, as to a prophets Revelation; And therefore to reject it on pretence of faith, is a subversion of all natural methods of assurance; and is but pretended, I think, by your selves.
