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We must indeed honour them,Answ. then, the more; but yet the
exquisitenesse of their learning, the eminency of their godli∣ness,
the industry of their labours, for the finding out of truth,
may excuse those from obstinacy who cannot see into the
ground from the word, of all that they are able to see; for is
it not more then probable, that men who are weak and excee∣dingly
beneath them, should through meer weakness be una∣ble
to see the rule of Scripture in those things which they
have got the sight of, by the help of their great learning, god∣liness,
and indefatigable labours? Can it be, that men who
have not attained to that eminencie, who are not able to take
so much pains in searching, that they (though they have their
help added) should be able to attain to what these men so e∣minent
and industrious have attained to? Can they in a few
months come to see that which they have been studying, and
debating one with another divers years before they could see
it, can they be satisfied in their consciences of the mind of
Christ, when these eminent men, for a long time could hard∣ly
satisfie one another? yea, it may be after all the helpe of
their learning, godliness, and painfull labours, they look up∣on
many things but as probable, as more likely to be so then
otherwise, they have not a Plerophory in their own hearts; and
shall those who doe not see ground enough for the foot of
Faith to settle upon, be judged, and dealt with as obstinate?
Because they yet are not of their mind, (God forbid.)Fifthly, there is much danger in making this to be the rule;
for if to go against the judgment of godly and learned men be
obstinacy now, ere long it may come to this, that to goe a∣gainst
those in place, who have power in their hand, shall be
obstinacy, whatsoever they be; for who dare question their
learning and piety? Whatsoever miscarriages these shal be in
after ages in bringing men unlearned & ungodly into place;
yet those must be judged as gulty of obstinacy who are not of
the same judgment they shall be of, and into what a case then
have we brought our selves.If you shall say, True, our case would be sadde, but we must
venture it, there is no helpe, better an inconvenience then a
mischiefe.But here will be not an inconvenience only but a mischief?Answ.0
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