Truth maintained, or, Positions delivered in a sermon at the Savoy since traduced for dangerous, now asserted for sovnd and safe / by Thomas Fvller.

TREATIS.

T. I expect (and ever may expect) that you would have produced some drosse in our Articles, instancing in some false place or point contained in them, and then I must ei∣ther have yeelded to you with disgrace, or opposed you with disadvantage. But instead of this, you only tell us how some have seene Arminianisme and Popery in them. I an∣swer: So the Papists doe read every point of Popery where you will say it was never written in the Scripture. Those who bring the jaundies in their eyes doe find yellownesse in every object they behold; and nothing can be so cautiously pen'd, but ingaged persons will construe it to favour their opinions.

V. As to attempt a reconciliation of their Articles and

ours together.) Thus many Egyptian K^s. attempted to let the red sea into the Mediterranian. A project at first seeming ea∣sie to such as measured their neernesse by the eye and at last found impossible by those who surveyed their distance by their judgment; seeing art & industry can never marry those things whose bands Nature doth forbid. And I am confident that with the same succes, any shal undertak the Accommo∣dating of English and Romish Articles. Nor can the wisest Church in such a Case provide against the boldnesse of mens attempting, though they may prevent their endea∣vours from taking effect. For my owne Opinion, as on the one side, I should be loath that the Bels should be taken downe out of the steeple and new-cast every time that un∣wise people tune them to their Thinke: So on the other side, I would not have any just advantage given in our Arti∣cles to our Adversaries. However, what you say confutes not, but confirmes my words in my Sermon, that the 39. Articles need declaring, explaining and asserting from false glosses. And seeing it is the peculiar Priviledge of Gods Word to be perfect at once and for ever, on Gods blessing let the darke words in our Articles be expounded by cleerer, doubtfull expressed in plainer, improper exchanged for fit∣ter, what is superfluous be removed wanting supplyed too large contracted, too short enlarged, alwayes provided that this be done by those who have calling, knowledge and dis∣cretion to doe it.