The scriptures sufficiency to determine all matters of faith, made good against the Papist

To say; that though all things be not necessary to be known, yet nevertheless there may be had a certain and infallible way of interpreting, whereby the most and most necessary Controversies may be decided, is to represent a show of Antithesis where there is none. But that is little material, but here is a declination to the contrary extreme; hitherto the clearness of Scripture hath been opposed, here an infallibility of interpreting is introduced; but Medio tutissimus ibis, and virtue usually consists in ⟨p. 96⟩a mediocrity, which Horace calls auream Mediocritatem. Since the Apostles days the true Church of Christ challengeth to her self no infallible authority of interpreting Scripture, 'tis enough that in things necessary to salvation the Lord assures us by his Spirit that we are not deceived, that is sufficient for the state of grace, and as for infallibility, let us be content to have that condition reserved for the state of glory. I nothing doubt but by study and care and pains, most Controversies may be so clearly decided, as shall be sufficient either for the converting of a capable Hearer, to the embracing of it, or for the convicting him of obstinacy in withstanding it; but I little looked that the beginning of this discourse would have so unsuitable an end. Mr. Dury (as I remember) is occupied about some such method as this, I wish heartily ⟨p. 97⟩it may succeed well, but take heed we do not cry down all performances that have gone before us, as if they were palpable insufficiencies, in comparison to our own new inventions, whether in clearing truths controversial, or obscure places of Scripture. Well, we shall rest contented with that measure we are arrived unto, until a greater measure of light arise above the Horizon of our Sphere, and whensoever it comes I trust we shall give it that respect which it deserves, and right thankfully entertain it, whether in the way of illustration which best pleaseth the sense, or in the way of demonstration, which most justifieth the judgment.

To say; that though all things be not necessary to be known, yet nevertheless there may be had a certain and infallible way of interpreting, whereby the most and most necessary Controversies may be decided, is to represent a shew of Antithesis where there is none. But that is little materiall, but here is a declination to the contrary extreme; hitherto the clearness of Scripture hath been opposed, here an infallibility of interpreting is introduced; but Medio tutissimus ibis, and vertue usually consists in