CXLV expository sermons upon the whole 17th chapter of the Gospel according to St.…

Therefore thirdly, We hold, The Scriptures to be the infallible and unerring Rule, and therefore have a proper and sufficient means to end all controversies. And although it be said, That many differences arise about the sense of the Scripture, therefore that cannot be a Judge, but the Church. We reply, That many controversies also may arise about the Church, the Authority of it, and it's infallibility, and therefore they who acknowledge the Scripture the only adequate Rule of faith, do thereby confess a powerful remedy to remove all differences.

Therefore thirdly, We hold, The Scriptures to be the infallible and unerring Rule, and therefore have a proper and sufficient means to end all controversies. And although it be said, That many differences arise about the sense of the Scripture, therefore that cannot be a Judge, but the Church. We reply, That many controversies also may arise about the Church, the Authority of it, and it's infallibility, and therefore they who acknowledge the Scripture the only adequate Rule of faith, do thereby confesse a powerfull remedy to remove all differences.

Further, That Unity is not, de facto, always a note of the Church, appeareth, from the opposition of Satan against the peace and quietness of it: And therefore as it is in matter of practice, peace and quietness is not always a sign of a good conscience; for our Saviour saith, The Devil keepeth all things quiet, while he ruleth, Luke 11.21. Thus it is also in respect of Churches, many times a false superstitious Church hath more plenty and ease, then a true one, because the Devil will not disturb his own; but where the Kingdom of Christ is, there the Devil doth also desire to erect his Throne. Thus when the good seed was sown, the Devil superseminated his Tares. In a wilderness, or a place of weeds, he would not have been so diligent: Therefore breaches and divisions, because they are a kind or part of afflictions and troubles, may sooner accompany the true Church, then outward unity and prosperity.

Further, That Ʋnity is not, de facto, alwayes a note of the Church, appeareth, from the opposition of Satan against the peace and quietnesse of it: And therefore as it is in matter of practice, peace and quietnesse is not alwayes a signe of a good conscience; for our Saviour saith, The Devil keepeth all things quiet, while he ruleth,