A compend of the controversies of religion wherin the trueth is confirmed, and errour convinced, by authoritie of Scripture, witnessing of antiquitie, and confession of partie. Most necessary for all, in this backe-slyding age. By W.G. minister of God's word.

1. Authoritie of Scripture.

1. KIngs 8.46. If they sinne against thee, (for there is no man that sinneth not.)

Note then,

That Salomon denyeth, that anie man in the world is so perfectlie sanctifyed, but hee sinneth.

Prov. 20.9. Who can say, I haue made mine heart cleane, I am pure from sinne?

A Papist will say, that sundrie can say this.

Prov. 24.16. For a just man falleth seaven tymes, and ryseth againe: but the Wicked shall fall in∣to mischiefe.

Note then, That hee showeth, that the most godlie sinneth oft-tymes; and that this is the difference betweene them and the wicked, not, but that both doe sinne, but the godlie ryseth againe by repen∣tance, and the other lye still in sinne con∣tinuallie, while punishment or mischiefe light vpon him.

Iob 9.20. If I justifie my selfe, mine owne mouth shall con∣demne mee: if I say, I am perfect, it shall also proue mee perverse.

Remarke then, If such a commended man as Iob was, was not perfect, who other may say, that hee is so?

Rom. 7.23. But I see another Law in my Members, vvarring

against the law of my minde, and bringing mee into captivitie to the law of sinne, which is in my mem∣bers.

Philip. 3.12. Not as tho I had alreadie attained, either were alreadie perfect.

Note then, If such a rare Sainct as Paul, denyed, that hee was perfect, and complained of his oft sinning: who is he now, that of him-selfe, without blas∣phemie, dare affirme the contrarie?

1. Iohn 1.8. If wee say then, that wee haue no sinne, wee deceiue our selues, and the trueth is not in vs.

Iam. 3.2. For in manie things wee offend all.

Remarke, How the Apostles exclude not them-selues, and who then can ex∣cept him-selfe?

Luke 11.4. And forgiue vs our sinnes.

Note then, That Christ hath taught all God's Children, who call him their Fa∣ther, to beg daylie forgiuenesse, as well as daylie bread. And therefore none can exeeme him-selfe from daylie sinning: els

it were needlesse to beg daylie pardon. And this Christ hath taught vs to say (sayth Ierome) non humilitatis mendacio, not thorow humilitie to lie, as the Pela∣gians expounded it: but thorow the feare of humane frailty, dreading our own con∣science. Hieron. lib. 3. advers. Pelagianos.