Animadversions on a treatise entitled Fiat lux, or, A guide in differences of religion,…Animadversions on a treatise intituled Fiat lux, or, A guide in differences of religion,…

But his direct improvement of this long Oration that he enters on, Pag. 122. may be further considered. It is, in short, this; That by the Scripture no man can come to the knowledge of, and settlement in, an assurance of the Truth; nor is there any hope of relief for us in this sad condition, but that living Papal Oracle, which if we are wise we will acquiesce in, Pag. 125, 126. To this purpose, men are furnished with many exceptions against the Authority of the Scripture, from the uncertainty of the rise and spring of it, how it came to us, how it was authorized, and ⟨p. 182⟩by whom, the doubtfulness of its sense and meaning, the contemptible condition of the first Pen-men of it, seeming a company of ignorant men imposing their own fancies, as Oraculous Visions upon us; of whom how can we know that they were inspired, seeing they say no such things of themselves; not those especially of the New-Testament: besides, the many appearing contradictions with other humane infirmities, seeming unto Critics ever and anon to occur in them; and why might not illiterate men fail as well as, &c. With much more of the same nature and importance; unto all which, I shall need to say nothing but that of Job, Vain man would be wise, but is like to the wild Ass's Colt. Never is the folly of men more eminently displayed, than when confidence of their wisdom makes them bold and daring. I doubt not, but our Author thought, that he had so acquitted himself in this passage, as that his Readers must need resolve to quit the Scripture, and turn Papists; but there is an evident gulf between these Reasonings and Popery, whereunto they will certainly carry any that shall give way to their force and efficacy: This is no other ⟨p. 183⟩but down right Atheism; This the supplying of men with cavils against the Scripture its Power and Authority do directly lead unto. Our Author would have men to believe these suggestions, at least so far as not to seek for rest and satisfaction in the Scriptures, or he would not: If he would not; to what end doth he mention them, and sport himself in showing the luxuriancy of his wit and fancy in cavilling at the Word of God? Is not this a ready way to make men Atheists, if only by inducing them to an imitation of that, which by his example he commends unto them?

But his direct improvement of this long Oration that he enters on, Pag. 122. may be further considered. It is, in short, this; That by the Scripture no man can come to the knowledge of, and settlement in, an assurance of the Truth; nor is there any hope of relief for us in this sad condition, but that living Papal Oracle, which if we are wise we will acquiesce in, Pag. 125, 126. To this purpose, men are furnished with many exceptions against the Authority of the Scripture, from the uncertainty of the rise and spring of it, how it came to us, how it was authorized, and