A95413:27
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.
I answer: They do so, in those things which are not clearly taught in the holy Scriptures, but in the controversies between them and Lutherans, they proceed not so, but by Scriptures they fight against Lutheran Tenets, which are confirmed by the Scriptures, and endeavour by the help of the Scriptures to sight for, and defend their own, which the Lutherans by Scriptures do condemn. Nay more, there are some (viz. the Anabaptists) that urge the Scriptures in the very Letter more than the rest. The Calvinists use their reason, and out of the Scriptures draw Arguments, which thing the Lutherans also do, never suffering any of theirs to reason against the Scriptures.
I answer: They do so, in those things which are not cleerly taught in the holy Scriptures, but in the controversies between them and Lutherans, they proceed not so, but by Scriptures they fight against Lutheran Tenents, which are confirmed by the Scriptures, and indeavour by the help of the Scriptures to sight for, and defend their own, which the Lutherans by Scriptures doe condemn. Nay more, there are some (viz. the Anabaptists) that urge the Scriptures in the very Letter more than the rest. The Calvinists use their reason, and out of the Scriptures draw Arguments, which thing the Lutherans also doe, never suffering any of theirs to reason against the Scriptures.
2. If it be objected unto them, that ⟨image 9⟩they wilfully, and against their consciences do condemn the Lutheran Tenets, and confirm their own: They will answer, That this were a very grievous sin, and that men ought not to presume that they would falsify and corrupt the Letters and Commands of their Lord to his sons and subjects, much less that they do maliciously err and lead themselves and others into the danger of their salvation; and to say the truth, it is not likely that so many hundred thousands of men would come to that pitch of malice, though one should, especially seeing they dare confirm their honest meaning with an Oath; wherefore unless they be convinced of maliciously-wilful error, we shall seem injuriously to slander them.