A95413:120
The doubting conscience resolved. In answer to a (pretended) perplexing question, &c. Wherein is…
The doubting conscience resolved. In answer to a (pretended) perplexing question, &c. Wherein is evidently proved, that the holy Scriptures (not the pope) is the foundation whereupon the Church is built. Or, That a Christian may be infallibly certain of his faith and religion by holy Scriptures. By William Twice D.D. Prolocutor of the Assembly of Divines. Written at the desire of Samuel Hartlib, Esquire, for the satisfaction of his friends beyond the seas; and now divulged in print for more public edification.The doubting conscience resolved. In answer to a (pretended) perplexing question, &c. Wherein is evidently proved, that the holy Scriptures (not the pope) is the foundation whereupon the Church is built. Or, That a Christian may be infallibly certain of his faith and religion by holy Scriptures. By William Tvvisse D.D. Prolocutor of the Assembly of Divines. Written at the desire of Samuel Hartlib, Esquire, for the satisfaction of his friends beyond the seas; and now divulged in print for more publick edification.
London: printed for Thomas Matthews, 1652
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Consid. The further I wade in this business, the worse I like my employment, and hereupon I resolve I will no more be employed in any such business, unless I am fairly dealt withal, that I may know who is the Author I am to deal with, at least of what profession he is in Religion; for upon the perusing of this Section some doubts arise within me concerning the intention of the Author, carrying himself in a covert manner that he may be unknown, which doth much move me. Henry the seventh of England was wont to say, he desired nothing more than that he might know his Adversary that encountered him; we do not use to buy a pig in a poke; nor will I hereafter ⟨p. 79⟩encounter with I know not whom, nor of what profession he is.
Consid. The further I wade in this business, the worse I like my imployment, and hereupon I resolve I will no more be imployed in any such business, unless I am fairly dealt withall, that I may know who is the Author I am to deal with, at least of what profession he is in Religion; for upon the perusing of this Section some doubts arise within me concerning the intention of the Author, carrying himself in a covert manner that he may be unknown, which doth much move me. Henry the seventh of England was wont to say, hee desired nothing more than that he might know his Adversary that encountred him; we do not use to buy a pig in a poke; nor will I hereafter ⟨p. 79⟩encounter with I know not whom, nor of what profession he is.
Here the Author returns to oppose the clearness of Scripture, considering it hand over head, and so opposing it, whereas our Saviour requires that we should search the Scriptures, that is, study them well, and inquire after the true meaning of them. No man searcheth after that which is before his eyes, yea, we are commanded to search for wisdom as we search after gold and silver, and a man will be content to search deep for treasure. It was wont to be said, that in profundo latet veritas, Truth lies deep, how much more should we be content to search diligently and dig deep for the treasures of that truth which is according unto godliness, after the treasures of that wisdom which makes us wise unto salvation? Then again, we distinguish between