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.

CHAP. I. OF SCRIPTVRE.

〈…〉〈…〉. I. That the Apocrypha are not Cano∣nicke Scripture, or of Divine au∣thoritie to confirme points of fayth.

1. Authoritie of Scripture.

LVKE 24.27. And beginning at Moses, & all the Prophets, hee expounded vnto them in al the Scriptures the •…•…inges concerning himselfe.

Not•• then, That our Saviour compre∣•…•…ndeth all the Scripture of the olde Te∣•…•…ment, in Moses and the Prophets, of •…•…hom Malachi was the last, as 2. Esdras, 40. is cleare: and therefore Esdras, •…•…o maketh mention of him as last, and the rest of the Apocrypha books that •…•…re written after him, are no part of •…•…ine Scripture.

Act. 26.22. Having then ob¦tained helpe of GOD, I continue t•…•… this day, witnessing both to sma•…•… and great, saying, none othe•…•… things than those which Moses an•…•… the Prophets did say, should com•…•… Marke then, that Paul also compr•…•…¦hendeth all divine Scripture in the wr•…•… of Moses and the Prophets allanerlie,〈…〉〈…〉 alleadged none other thing for confirm•…•…¦tion of his Doctrine, but the foresay•…•… Scripture: and therefore did not a•…•…¦knowledge any other apocryphal boo•…•… to bee of divine authoritie, or fit f•…•… that purpose.

Rom. 3.2. Vnto them (to w•…•… the Iewes) were committ•…•… the Oracles of GOD. Note the•…•… That seeing the Apocrypha books w•…•… not committed to them, nor ever•…•…¦knowledged by them, as divine inspy•…•… Scripture (as the Papistes themselu•…•… confesse, Bellar. lib. 1. de Purg. cap.〈…〉〈…〉 §. ad primum.) Therefore it followe•…•… that they are not the Oracles of Go•…•… nor of divine authoritie.

2. Tim. 3.16. All Scriptu•…•… is given by divine inspiration.

Note then, That the abridgement〈…〉〈…〉

lie of another mans worke, and an hu∣•…•…ane Historie, done by great paynes, •…•…uch as the Apocrypha bookes of the •…•…achabees are cōfessed to be, 2. Machab. 〈…〉〈…〉 23.) is no part therefore of canonicke •…•…cripture.

Againe,

2. Pet. 1.21. For •…•…he prophecie came not in olde tyme •…•…y the will of man, but the holie •…•…en of God spake, as they were mo∣•…•…ed by the holy Ghost.

Remarke then againe, That Scripture was no private taske vndertaken by the •…•…ill of man, as the Apocryphall booke of •…•…he Machabees is formerlie acknowled∣•…•…ed. And againe, seeing that the holie •…•…pirit spake by them, therefore it follo∣weth, that, that Booke cannot be of the •…•…pirits inspiration, wherein the Author •…•…howeth, if hee hath done slenderlie and •…•…eanlie, it is all he could attaine vnto, as 〈…〉〈…〉. Machab. 15.38. hee freelie confes∣•…•…th: for this were blasphemouslie dero∣•…•…atorie to the holie Ghost, and to the au∣•…•…oritie of holie Scripture.

And no lesse derogatorie is that place •…•…f Ecclesiasticus, 31.21. against both the •…•…odestie of the holie Ghost, and gravitie •…•…f Scripture, which sayeth to him that •…•…ath eaten immoderatelie, If thou hast •…•…ene forced to eate, goe foorth, and spew it

out, and thou shalt haue rest there-after

I omit sundrie contradictions Trueth, where-of the Spirit of Tr•…•… could not bee Author, as Tobit 5.〈…〉〈…〉 where the good Angell is made to〈…〉〈…〉 which is onlie proper to Satan, and〈…〉〈…〉 evill angels: and against Heb. 1.14. t•…•… hee sayeth, that hee was of a carnall p•…•… creation, whose nature are onelie to〈…〉〈…〉 created spirits.

2. Witnessing of Antiquitie.

THE Church indeede readeth th•…•… Bookes (sayeth sainct Ierome)〈…〉〈…〉 receiveth them not amongst Canon•…•… Scripture, Ierom. praef. in Proverb. Wh•…•… remarke, that Ierome setteth not do•…•… there his owne private opinion, but generall tenet of the whole Church in time: And therfore his testimonie, ac•…•…¦ding to Cardinall Peron's wordes in•…•… Epistle, (Observatione quinta) is a s•…•…¦cient evidence of the fayth of the Ca•…•…¦licke Church at that time: where〈…〉〈…〉 sayeth, that when the Fathers speake•…•… as private Doctors, but as witnesse•…•… those thinges which the Church did〈…〉〈…〉 believed in their time, affirming that s•…•… a thing was the Fayth or practise of〈…〉〈…〉 whole Church: then their testimon•…•… sufficient to declare the vnanim com•…•… of the whole Church. In like man•…•… also with Ierome doeth sainct Greg•…•…

acknowledge them not Canonicall, Greg. 〈…〉〈…〉 9. Moral in Iob, cap. 17. Nor doeth 〈…〉〈…〉 ancient Councell of Laodicea, Can. 〈…〉〈…〉 account them anie wayes as such.

3. Confession of Partie.

•…•…Nd, because they are doubtsome, they 〈…〉〈…〉 are not numbered in the Canon of •…•…pture, sayeth Cardinall Hugo, de S. •…•…ro, in his Prologue on Iosua. The •…•…e likewise sayeth Cajetan, and Hugo S. Victore.

〈…〉〈…〉. That the Scripture contayneth all things which are necessarie to salva∣tion to know, without Popish Tradi∣tions.

1. Authoritie of Scripture.

•…•…SALME 19.7. The Law of 〈…〉〈…〉 the LORD is perfect, conver∣•…•… the Soule: The Testimonie of 〈…〉〈…〉 LORD is sure, making wise the •…•…ple.

•…•…ote then, That Gods worde is called •…•…ect and Sure, (as sainct Peter also cal∣•…•… it, 2. Pet. 1.19.) in opposition to •…•…ecessitie and nature of Traditions, •…•…ch are both needlesse and vnsure, •…•…h. 15.9. 2. Thess. 2.2.

Proverb. 30.6. Adde thou

not to his word, lest hee reprou•…•… thee, and thou bee found a liar.

Note then, That they are pronounce•…•… liars, who accuse Gods worde of impe•…•…¦fection, and therefore would adde the•…•… vnto vnwritten Traditions in matters〈…〉〈…〉 salvation.

2. Tim. 3.15.16.17. An•…•… that from a child thou hast known•…•… the Scriptures, which are able t•…•… make thee wise vnto salvatio•…•… through fayth, which is in Chri•…•… Iesus.

Note then, If the Scriptures alone b•…•… able to make vs wise vnto salvatio•…•… (which is all we neede) wherefore ser•…•… Traditions?

Againe,

vers. 16.17. A•…•… Scripture is given by inspiration〈…〉〈…〉 God, and is profitable for doctrin•…•… reproofe, correction, and instructi•…•… in righteousnesse, that the man〈…〉〈…〉 God may bee perfect, throug•…•… lie furnished vnto all goo•…•… works.

Note then, This is all that we can seek•…•… what needeth therefore Traditions?

Iam. 1.21. Receiue with meek∣nesse the ingrafted word, which is able to saue your Soules.

Note then, That it alone, is able to doe, all that, which wee can require. So Act. 20.32. it is sayde to bee able to build vs vp by grace heere, and to bring vs to the inhe∣•…•…itance of glorie heereafter, and further we cannot wish for.

Gal. 3.15. Brethren, I speake to you after the manner of men: tho •…•…t be but a mans testament, yet if it •…•…ee confirmed, no man disannulleth, nor addeth thereto.

Note then, That it is farre greater im∣pietie to adde to Christs owne Testa∣ment, confirmed by His Blood.

The examples also of the Apostles •…•…roue this: for as for doctrine, of Sainct Paul, it is written thus, Act. 28.23. That when they had appointed him a day, •…•…here came many to his lodging, to whom hee •…•…xpounded, and testified the Kingdome of GOD; perswading them concerning IESƲS, •…•…oth out of the Law of Moses, and out of the Prophets. And Act. 26.22. Saying, •…•…one other things than those things which •…•…he Prophets and Moses did say should come. As hee then teached nothing but that which was contained in Scripture be∣fore

him: so neither should Pastors now teach, but what is contained in Scrip∣ture before them: Therefore, Gal. 1.8. H••e is accursed (altho an Angell) that teacheth beside that. And in disputing, it is sayde, Act. 17.2. And Paul as his manner was, went in vnto them, and three Sabbath d••yes reasoned with them out o•…•… the Scriptures. No word of Tradition. See Apollo's lyke practise, Act. 18.28. just conforme heereto.

In lyke manner, for believing, Act. 24.14. This I confesse (sayeth Paul) that after the way which they call Heresie, so worship I the GOD of my Fathers, believing all thinges which are written in the Law and Prophets. No word then of vnwritten Traditions, which he made a ground of his Fayth.

So

Act. 17.11. The Be∣reans searched the Scriptures day∣lie, whether these things were so, (to wit, as Paul taught) there∣fore manie believed.

Note then, That it was not for anie warrand of traditions that they belie∣ved. but vpon warrand of Scripture on∣lie, that they grounded their fayth.

2. Witnessing of Antiqui••ie.

THe holie and divine inspired Scrip∣tures, are all sufficient (sayeth Atha∣nasius)

for the full instruction of trueth, Athan. lib. contra Gentes. Whence also sayeth Tertullian, Take from Heretickes wherein they agree with Heathens, that by Scripture onelie they may debate their questions, and they cannot stand. Ter∣tull. lib. de resurr. carn. cap. 3.

3. Confession of Partie.

ALL Doctrines of Fayth and Manners (sayeth Bellarmine) which is simplie necessarie for all men, are plainlie set downe in Scripture. Bell. lib. 4. de verbo, cap. 11. §. vltimo.

§. 3. That the Scripture is plaine in all thinges necessarie for salvation to know, altho in all places generallie it be not alyke perspicuous.

1. Authoritie of Scripture.

PSalme 19.8. The Comman∣dement of the Lord is pure, en∣lightening the eyes.

Psal. 119.105. Thy word is a lampe vnto my feet, and a light vnto my path.

Vers. 130. The entrance of thy word giveth light, and it giveth vn∣derstanding even vnto the simple.

Note then, If that the verie entrance giveth light, and vnderstanding to the simple; then what doeth a daylie pro∣gresse? And if the simple get vnderstan∣ding thereby, how can it bee so obscure, that the learned onelie should reade the same allanerlie?

2. Tim. 3.15. From a child thou hast knowne the Scripture.

Note. If children then may attaine to the knowledge of Scripture, then it is not so obscure, that those of perfect age cannot know the same.

2. Pet. 1.19. We haue also a more sure word of Prophecie, where∣to ye doe well in taking heed, as to a light that shineth in a darke place, &c.

Note then, That as a shyning light can not bee called darke it selfe, which illu∣minateth darke places; so neyther can Gods worde, which illuminateth our darke vnderstandinges.

2. Cor. 4.3. But if our Gos∣pell be hid, it is to them that are lost, in whom the god of this worlde hath blynded their myndes that belieue not, &c.

Note then, That it is not the fault of

Scripture, that it is hid to anie, more than it is the fault of the cleare Sunne, that a blinde man seeth it not.

2. Witnessing of Antiquitie.

IN those places which are clearlie set downe in Scripture (sayeth Augustine) all those thinges are to bee found which contayne both Fayth and Manners, Aug. lib. 2. de doct. Christiana. cap. 9. Which Chrysostome lykewyse avoweth, saying no lesse, Homil. 3. in 2. ad Thess.

3. Confession of Partie.

BEllarmine affirmeth, that all doctrines of Fayth and Manners, which are simplie necessarie for all men, are plainlie set downe in Scripture. Bell. lib. 4. de verbo. c. 11. §. vltimo.

§. 4. That the Scripture is to bee read by the People: and therefore that the same for that ende should be transla∣ted in their vulgar language.

1. Authoritie of Scripture.

DEuter. 6.6.7. And these thinges which I command thee this day, shall bee in thine heart: and thou shalt teach them diligentlie to thy Children: and shalt talke of them

when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou lyest downe, and when thou rysest vp, &c.

Deuter. 29.29. The secret thinges belong to the Lord our God: but these thinges which are revealed, belong to vs, and to our children for over, that we may doe all the words of this Law.

Note then, That the People are bound to know Gods worde, because they are bound to obey Gods word. See in lyke manner, Deut. 17.18.19. &c. the booke of the Law commanded to bee read by the King, for the same ende that hee may learne to obey the same. As also (Io∣shua 1.8.) by the Iudge of the people. And last of all, by all sort of people, as is cleare, Deut. 6.6.7.9. And by this subsequent testimonie: to wit,

Iohn 5.39. Search the Scrip∣tures, for in them yee thinke to haue eternall lyfe, and they are these that testifie of mee.

Those of Baerea therefore, Act. 17.11. They searched the Scriptures daylie, whether those things were so, teaching

all people to follow their example.

Ephes. 6.17. Take the sword of the spirit, which is the word of GOD.

Note then, That all Christians what∣soever, because all are spirituall war∣riours, are bidden arme themselues with the Scripture: so that who forbids them the knowledge thereof, they make them naked before their spirituall enemie.

Col. 3.16. Let the word dwell in you plenteouslie, that there∣by yee may teach one another: and be ye filled with Knowledge. Col. 1.9.

Note then, That this is farre from po∣pish ignorance, and their forbidding the people to reade the Word of GOD: for •…•…o, how can it dwell in them plenteouslie, and they bee filled with the knowledge thereof?

2. Witnessing of Antiquitie.

CHrysostome speaking thus of the for∣bidding thereof: It is (sayeth hee) the working of the inspiration of the Divell, not suffering to looke in the trea∣sure, lest wee should attaine to the rit∣ches thereof: What a Pest then is it to thinke that the reading of the Scriptures belongeth only to Clergie men? Chrys. hom.

2. in Matth. Whence hee sayeth then, I beseech you all that are seculare men, to get Bibles to your selues, the medicine of the soule: and if ye will not get more, get the New Testament. Chrys. hom. 9. ad Coloss. Heere-vnto witnesseth also Theodoret. lib. 5. de curand. graec. affect.

3. Confession of Partie.

IT is manifest (sayth Bishop Espenseus) by the Apostles doctrine, Col. 3.16. and by the practise of the Church, that of olde the publicke vse of scripture was permitted to people. And so sayth Al∣phonsus de castro. verbo. scriptura.

§. 5. That the Scripture is the perfect rule of Fayth and Manners, and the in∣fallible supreame Iudge in contro∣versies of Religion.

1. Authoritie of Scripture.

ISai. 8.20. To the Law, and to the Testimonie, if they speake not according to this word, it is, because there is no light in them.

Note then, That in Gods worde is the last, supreame, and onlie infallible deci∣sion to bee had concerning eyther Fayth or Manners: and therefore the sentence

of all men whatsoever is to bee tryed •…•…hereby, and reduced therevnto.

The Bareans therefore, Act. 17.11. searched the Scriptures, whether those things were so, that Paul taught vnto them, al∣tho an Apostle, and famous for manie miracles also.

Deut. 12.8.32. And yee shall not doe everie man what is right in his owne eyes: but whatso∣ever I command you, obserue to doe it. Thou shalt not adde thereto, nor diminish from it.

Ezek. 20.18.19. But I sayd vnto their Children in the Wilder∣nesse, Walke yee not in the statutes of your Fathers, neither obserue their judgementes, nor defile your selues with their Idols. I am the Lord your God, walke in my statutes, and keepe my judgements to doe them.

Note then, That mens traditions, nor ancient custome, is not the rule of faith, nor manners, but onlie the Lords Word.

Mark. 7.7.8. In vaine doe they worship mee, teaching for do∣ctrines, the traditions of men. For

laying aside the Commandement of God, yee holde the traditions of men.

Matth. 22.29. Therefore doe yee erre, not knowing the Scrip∣tures, nor the power of God.

Note then, that Scripture is the entire rule of trueth, the ignorance whereof is the cause of errour amongst the seduced people.

2. Witnessing of Antiquitie.

THis cause (sayth Augustine) requi∣reth a judge: and who shalbe judge? let the Apostle bee iudge, because by the Apostle Christ speaketh. Aug. de gratia, & lib. arb. cap. 18. Let vs stand therefore to the iudgement of the holie inspyred scriptures (sayth Basill) which God hath set over vs. Epist. 80. ad Eustathium.

3. Confession of Partie.

BAsill (sayeth Bellarmine) willeth, that both parties stand to the judge∣ment of Scripture, which none can reiect.

§. 6. That the Scripture is not a dumbe Iudge, but that GOD by it spea∣keth to His Church.

1. Authoritie of Scripture.

IOhn 5.39. Search the Scrip∣tures, for in them yee thinke to

haue eternall life; and these are they that testifie of mee.

Note then, That in the same sense, that Christ calleth the Scripture a witnesse, it may bee called a judg, and in the same manner to pronounce judgement in con∣troversies, as it beareth witnesse. Seeing then a witnesse must haue speach, (else hee can bee no witnesse) in that the Scripture then is saide to beare witnesse, it followeth also, that the Scripture af∣ter a sort speaketh.

Iohn 7.42. Hath not the Scripture sayde, that Christ commeth of the seed of David? &c.

Loe! speach expresly attributed to Scrip∣•…•…ure. Againe,

Heb. 12.5. And yee haue for∣gotten the exhortation that spea∣keth to you, as vnto Children, &c.

In lyke manner,

Luke 16.29. Abraham saith vnto him, They haue Moses & the Prophets, let them heare them. Ergo, It implyeth that their writs doe •…•…n a manner speake, seeing that wee are •…•…idden h••are them.

Heb. 11.4. By faith Abell offered vnto God a more excellent sa∣crifice

than Kain, by which he ob∣tained witnes, that he was righteous God testifying of his gifts: and by it, hee being dead, yet speaketh,

If Abell then being dead, is saide ye•…•… to speake by that record of his fayth which is set downe in Scripture; eve•…•… so may the Prophets and Apostle•…•… beeing dead, bee saide lykewise yet to speake by these records of their doctrine of fayth, which is set downe in Scrip∣ture, and which is the Christian foun∣dation whereon the Church is built. Ephes. 2.20.

2. Witnessing of Antiquitie.

GOD himselfe speaketh to vs by the Scripture, sayeth Cyrillus Alex. lib. 11. in Iohn. c. 21. And even Christ him∣selfe this verie day is crying vnto vs in his Gospels, sayth Chrysostom. homil. in Psal. 95.

3. Consent of Partie.

THE Scripture therefore (sayeth Bellarmine) both by wordes and similitudes everie where cryeth, that a sinner in no sort can dispose himselfe to receiue grace. Bell. lib. 6. de lib. arb. c. 5. §. huc deni{que}.