Of a surmising and doubting Conscience.
pp. 16–1917 passages
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.
CHAP. V. Of a surmising and doubting Conscience.
Answ. For the unfolding of this question, it is to be noted, that Opinion sometimes signifies a certain and settled judgement without all doubting. A certain judgement nor arising from Sense, Knowledge, or true Faith, but Reason. Sometimes it is taken more strictly; For that judgement whereby indeed we assent to the truth of a thing, but not without suspicion, fear, or doubting of its being otherwise.
Answ. For the unfolding of this question, it is to be noted, that Opinion sometimes signifies a certaine and setled judgement without all doubting. A certaine judgement nor arising from Sense, Knowledge, or true Faith, but Reason. Sometimes it is taken more strictly; For that judgement whereby indeede we assent to the truth of a thing, but not without suspition, feare, or doubting of its being otherwise.
Upon this distinction, I answer: First, in such things as are necessary to salvation, and Gods worship, no opinion can be sufficient, though it have never so great certainty of reason; because Faith is required to these, and Faith takes only the infallible word of God.