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,…

It is certain, that the giving out of the holy Scripture from God, is an effect of infinite love and mercy; I suppose it no less certain, that the end for which he gave it, was, that men by it might be instructed in the knowledge of his will, and their obedience that they owe unto him, that so at length they may come to the enjoyment of him. This it self declares to be its end. I think also, that to know God, his mind and Will, to yield him the obedience that he requires, is the bounden duty of every man; as well as, to enjoy him, is their blessedness. And, can they take it kindly of those, who would shut up this gift of God from them whether they will or no? or be well pleased with them that go about to persuade them, that it is best for them, to have it kept by others for them; without their once looking into it, If I know them aright, this Gentleman will not find his ⟨p. 343⟩Country-men willing to part with their Bibles on such easy terms.

It is certain, that the giving out of the holy Scripture from God, is an effect of infinite love and mercy; I suppose it no less certain, that the end for which he gave it, was, that men by it might be instructed in the knowledge of his will, and their obedience that they owe unto him, that so at length they may come to the enjoyment of him. This it self declares to be its end. I think also, that to know God, his mind and Will, to yield him the obedience that he requires, is the bounden duty of every man; as well as, to enjoy him, is their blessedness. And, can they take it kindly of those, who would shut up this gift of God from them whether they will or no? or be well pleased with them that go about to perswade them, that it is best for them, to have it kept by others for them; without their once looking into it, If I know them aright, this Gentleman will not find his ⟨p. 343⟩Countrey-men willing to part with their Bibles on such easie tearms.

From the Scripture, concerning which he affirmeth, That it lawfully may, and in reason ought, and in practise ever hath been segregated in a language not common to vulgar ears, all which things are most unduly affirmed, and, because we must speak plainly, falsely; he proceeds to the worship of the Church, and pleads that that also ought to be performed in such a language. It were a long and tedious business, to follow him in his gilding over this practise of his Church; we may make short work with him. As he will not pretend, that this practise hath the least countenance from Scripture; so, if he can instance in any Church in the world, that for 500 years, at least, after it, set out in the use of a Worship, the Language whereof the people did not understand, I will cease this contest. What he affirms of the Hebrew Church keeping her Rites in a language differing from the Vulgar, whether he intend before or after the Captivity, is so untrue, as that I suppose, no ingenious man would affirm it, were he not utterly ignorant