A treatise of miscellany questions wherein many useful questions and cases of conscience are…A treatise of miscellany questions wherein many usefull questions and cases of conscience are…

3. Argument, If we say that necessary consequences from Scripture prove not a jus divinum, we say that which is inconsistent with the infinite wisdom of God, for although necessary consequences may be drawn from a mans word which do not agree with his mind and intention, and so men are oftentimes ensnared by their words; yet (as Camero well noteth) God being infinitely wise, it were a blasphemous opinion, to hold that any thing can be drawn by a certain and necessary consequence from his holy word, which is not his will. This were to make the only wise God as foolish man, that cannot foresee all things which will follow from his words. Therefore we must needs hold, 'tis the mind of God which necessary followeth from the word of God.

3. Argument, If we say that necessary consequences from Scripture prove not a jus divinum, we say that which is inconsistent with the infinite wisdome of God, for although necessary consequences may bee drawen from a mans word which do not agree with his minde and intention, and so men are oftentimes insnared by their words; yet (as Camero well noteth) God being infinitly wise, it were a blasphemous opinion, to hold that any thing can bee drawne by a certaine and necessary consequence from his holy word, which is not his will. This were to make the onely wise God as foolish man, that cannot foresee all things which will follow from his words. Therefore wee must needs hold, 'tis the minde of God which necessary followeth from the word of God.

4. Argument, diverse other great absurdities must follow, if this truth be not admitted. How can it be proved that women may partake of the Sacrament of the Lords supper, unless we prove it by necessary consequence from Scripture? ⟨p. 244⟩How can it be proved that this or that Church, is a true Church, and the Ministry thereof, a true Ministry, and the Baptism Ministered therein true Baptism? Sure no express Scripture will prove it, but necessary consequence will. How shall this or that individual believer, collect from Scripture, that to him, even to him the Covenant of grace and the promises thereof belong? Will Scripture prove this otherwise, than by necessary consequence? How will it be proved from Scripture, that the late war against the Popish and Prelatical party, in defence of our Religion and Liberties, was lawful, that the solemn League and Covenant was an acceptable service to God? Necessary consequence from Scripture will prove all this; but express Scriptures will not. The like I say of fastings and thanksgiving now and then, upon this or that occasion, God calls us to these duties, and it is his will that we perform them, yet this cannot be proved from Scripture, but by necessary consequences.