<P_444>

I come now to the III. Thing I propounded , which is , <font> To Answer
the main Objection of our Adversaries against this Principle </font> ;
and likewise <P_445> to shew that there is no such Reason and necessity
of an universal Infallible Judge , as they pretend .
(TILLOTS-B-E3-H,445.2)

Now their great Objection is this , (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,445.3)

If every man may judge for himself , there will be nothing but
confusion in Religion , (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,445.4)

there will be no end of Controversies : so that an universal infallible
Judge is necessary , and without this God had not made sufficient
provision for the assurance of men's Faith , and for the Peace and
unity of his Church : (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,445.5)

Or , as it is expressed in the Canon Law , aliter Dominus non videretur
fuisse discretus , <font> otherwise our Lord had not seem'd to be
discreet </font> . (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,445.6)

How plausible soever this Objection may appear , I do not despair but
if men will lay aside prejudice , and impartially consider things , to
make it abundantly evident , that this ground is not sufficient to
found an Infallible Judge upon . (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,445.7)

And therefore in answer to it , I desire these following particulars
may be considered . (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,445.8)

<font> First </font> , That this which they say , rather proves what
God should have done according to their fancy , than what he hath
really and actually done . (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,445.9)

My <font> Text </font> expresly bids Christians to <font> try the
Spirits </font> , which to any man's sense does imply that they may
judge of these matters : (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,445.10)

But the Church of <font> Rome </font> says they may not ; because if
this liberty were permitted , God had not ordered things wisely , and
for the best , for the peace and unity of his Church .
(TILLOTS-B-E3-H,445.11)

But , as the <font> Apostle </font> says in another case , <font> What
art thou , O man , that objectest against God </font> ?
(TILLOTS-B-E3-H,445.12)

<font> Secondly </font> , If this reasoning be good , we may as well
conclude that there is an universal infallible Judge set over the whole
world in all <font> Temporal </font> matters , to whose Authority all
mankind is bound to submit . Because this is as necessary to the peace
of the World , as the other is to the peace of the Church .
(TILLOTS-B-E3-H,445.13)

And men surely are every whit as apt to be obstinate and perverse about
matters of Temporal Right , as about matters of Faith .
(TILLOTS-B-E3-H,445.14)

But it is evident in fact and experience that there is no such
universal Judge , appointed by God over the whole World , to decide all
Cases of temporal Right ; (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,445.15)

and for want of him the World is fain to shift as well as it can .
(TILLOTS-B-E3-H,445.16)

But now a very acute and scholastical man that would argue that God
must needs have done whatever he fancies convenient for the World
should be done , might by the very same way of Reasoning conclude the
necessity of an universal infallible Judge in Civil matters , as well
as in matters of Religion : (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,445.17)

And <P_446> their aliter Dominus non videretur fuisse discretus ,
<font> otherwise God had not seem'd to be discreet </font> , is every
whit as cogent and as civil , in the one Case as the other .
(TILLOTS-B-E3-H,446.18)

<font> Thirdly </font> , There is no need of such a Judg , to assure
men in matters of Religion ; Because men be sufficiently certain
without him . (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,446.19)

I hope it may be certain and clear enough <font> That there is a God
</font> ; and <font> That his Providence governs the World </font> :
and <font> That there is another life after this </font> , though
neither Pope nor Council had ever declared any thing about these
matters . (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,446.20)

And for Revealed Doctrines , we may be certain enough of all that is
necessary if it be true which the <font> Fathers </font> tell us ,
<font> That all things necessary are plainly revealed in the Holy
Scriptures </font> . (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,446.21)

<font> Fourthly </font> , An infallible Judge , if there were one , is
no certain way to end Controversies , and to preserve the unity of the
Church ; unless it were likewise infallibly certain , <font> That there
is such a Judge </font> , and , <font> Who he is </font> .
(TILLOTS-B-E3-H,446.22)

For till men were sure of both these , there would still be a
Controversy whether there be an infallible Judge , and who he is .
(TILLOTS-B-E3-H,446.23)

And if it be true which they tell us , <font> That without an
infallible Judge Controversies $can $not {TEXT:cannot} be ended </font>
, then a Controversie concerning an infallible Judge can never be ended
. (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,446.24)

And there are <font> two </font> Controversies actually on foot about
an infallible Judg ; One , <font> Whether there be an infallible Judge
or not </font> ? which is a Controversie between Us and the Church of
Rome : and the other , <font> Who this infallible Judge is </font> ?
which is a Controversie among themselves , which could never yet $be
$decided {TEXT:becided} : (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,446.25)

And yet till it be decided , Infallibility , if they had it , would be
of no use to them for the ending of Controversies .
(TILLOTS-B-E3-H,446.26)

<font> Fifthly </font> , There is no such absolute need , as is
pretended , of determining all Controversies in Religion .
(TILLOTS-B-E3-H,446.27)

If men would devest <P_447> themselves of prejudice and interest , as
they ought , in matters of Religion , the necessary things of Religion
are plain enough , (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,447.28)

and men would generally agree well enough about them :
(TILLOTS-B-E3-H,447.29)

But if men will suffer themselves to be byassed by these , they would
not hearken to an infallible Judge , if there were one ;
(TILLOTS-B-E3-H,447.30)

or they would find out some way or other to call his Infallibility into
question . (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,447.31)

And as for doubtful and lesser matters in Religion , charity and mutual
forbearance among Christians would make the Church as peaceable and
happy , as perhaps it was ever design'd to be in this World , without
absolute unity in Opinion . (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,447.32)

<font> Sixthly </font> and <font> Lastly </font> , Whatever may be the
inconveniences of mens judging for themselves in Religion , yet taking
this Principle with the Cautions I have given , I doubt not to make it
appear , that the inconveniences are far the least on that side .
(TILLOTS-B-E3-H,447.33)

The present condition of humane Nature doth not admit of any
constitution of things , whether in Religion or Civil matters , which
is free from all kind of exception and inconvenience :
(TILLOTS-B-E3-H,447.34)

That is the best state of things which is liable to the least and
fewest . (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,447.35)

If men be modest , and humble , and willing to learn , God hath done
that which is sufficient for the assurance of our Faith , and for the
peace of his Church , without an infallible Judge :
(TILLOTS-B-E3-H,447.36)

And if men will not be so , I $can $not {TEXT:cannot} tell what would
be sufficient . (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,447.37)

I am sure there were Heresies and Schisms in the <font> Apostles
</font> Times , when Those who governed the Church were certainly
guided by an infallible Spirit . (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,447.38)

God hath appointed Guides and Teachers for us in matters of Religion ,
(TILLOTS-B-E3-H,447.39)

and if we will be contented to be instructed by them in those necessary
Articles and Duties of Religion , which are plainly contained in
Scripture ; and to be counselled and directed by them in things that
are more doubtful and difficult , I do not see why we might not do well
enough without any infallible Judge or Guide . (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,447.40)

But still it will be said , Who shall judge what things are plain and
what doubtful ? (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,447.41)

The answer to this , in my opinion , is not difficult .
(TILLOTS-B-E3-H,447.42)

For if there be any thing plain in Religion , every man that hath been
duly instructed in the Principles of Religion can judge of it ,
(TILLOTS-B-E3-H,447.43)

or else it is not plain . (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,447.44)

But there are some things in Religion so very plain , that no Guide or
Judge can in reason claim that Authority over men , as to oblige them
to believe or do the contrary ; (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,447.45)

no , though he pretend to Infallibility ; (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,447.46)

no , though he were an <font> Apostle </font> , though he were an
<font> Angel from heaven </font> . (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,447.47)

St. <font> Paul </font> puts the case so high , <font> Gal. </font> 1.8
. (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,447.48)

<font> Though we , or an Angel from {COM:word_missing_in_original}
<P_448> received , let him be accursed </font> : which plainly
supposeth that Christians may and can judge when Doctrines are contrary
to the Gospel . (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,448.49)

What ? (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,448.50)

not believe an <font> Apostle </font> , nor <font> an Angel from heaven
</font> , if he should teach any thing evidently contrary to the plain
Doctrine of the Gospel ? (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,448.51)

If he should determine Vertue to be Vice , and Vice to be Vertue ?
(TILLOTS-B-E3-H,448.52)

No ; not an Apostle , nor an Angel ; because such a Doctrine as this
would confound and overturn all things in Religion .
(TILLOTS-B-E3-H,448.53)

And yet <font> Bellarmin </font> puts this very Case ,
(TILLOTS-B-E3-H,448.54)

and says , If the Pope should so determine , <font> we were bound to
believe him , unless we would sin against Conscience </font> .
(TILLOTS-B-E3-H,448.55)

I will conclude this Discourse by putting a very plain and familiar
Case ; by which it will appear what credit and authority is fit to be
given to a Guide , and what not . (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,448.56)

Suppose I came a Stranger into <font> England </font> , and landing at
<font> Dover </font> took a Guide there to conduct me in my way to
<font> York </font> , which I knew before by the <font> Mapp </font> to
lie <font> North </font> of <font> Dover </font> :
(TILLOTS-B-E3-H,448.57)

having committed my self to him , if he lead me for two or three days
together out of any plain Road , and many times over hedge and ditch ,
I $can $not {TEXT:cannot} but think it strange , that in a Civil and
well inhabited Country there should be no Highways from one part of it
to another : (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,448.58)

Yet thus far I submit to him , though not without some regret and
impatience . (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,448.59)

But then if after this , for two or three days more he lead me directly
<font> South </font> , and with my face full upon the Sun at noon-day ,
and at last bring me back again to <font> Dover Pere </font> ; and
still bids me follow him : Then certainly no modesty do's oblige a man
not to dispute with his Guide , and to tell him surely that can be no
way because it is <font> Sea </font> . (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,448.60)

Now though he set never so bold a face upon the matter , and tell me
with all the gravity and authority in the world , That it is not <font>
the Sea </font> but <font> dry Land </font> under the <font> species
</font> and <font> appearance of Water </font> ; and that whatever my
eyes tell me , having once committed my self to his guidance , I must
not trust my own senses in the case ; it being one of the most
dangerous sorts of Infidelity for a man to believe his own eyes rather
than his <font> faithful </font> and <font> infallible Guide </font> :
All this moves me not ; (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,448.61)

But I begin to expostulate roundly with him , and to let him understand
that if I must not believe what I see , he is like to be of no farther
use to me ; (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,448.62)

because I shall not be able , at this rate , to know whether I have
<P_449> a Guide , and whether I follow $him {TEXT:him_him} or not .
(TILLOTS-B-E3-H,449.63)

In short , I tell him plainly , that when I took him for my Guide , I
did not take him to tell me the difference between <font> North </font>
and <font> South </font> , between a <font> Hedge </font> and a <font>
High-way </font> , between <font> Sea </font> and <font> dry Land
</font> ; (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,449.64)

all this I knew before , as well as he or any man else could tell me ;
(TILLOTS-B-E3-H,449.65)

but I took him to conduct and direct me the nearest way to <font> York
</font> : (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,449.66)

And therefore after all his impertinent talk ; after all his Motives of
Credibility to perswade me to believe him , and all his confident
<font> sayings </font> , which he gravely calls <font> Demonstrations
</font> , I stand stifly upon the shore , (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,449.67)

and leave my learned and reverend Guide to take his own course , and to
dispose of himself as he pleaseth ; but firmly resolved not to follow
him . (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,449.68)

And is any man to be blamed that breaks with his Guide upon these Terms
? (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,449.69)

And this is truly the Case , when a man commits himself to the Guidance
of any Person or Church : (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,449.70)

If by vertue of this Authority they will needs perswade me out of my
senses , and not-3 to believe <font> what I see </font> , but <font>
what they say ; that Vertue is Vice , and Vice Vertue </font> , if they
declare them to be so : And that because they say they are Infallible ,
I am to receive all their Dictates for Oracles , tho never so evidently
false and absurd in the Judgment of all Mankind :
(TILLOTS-B-E3-H,449.71)

In this case there is no way to be rid of these unreasonable People ,
but to desire of them , since one kindness deserves another , and all
Contradictions are alike easie to be believed , that <font> they
</font> would be pleased to believe that Infidelity is Faith , and that
when I absolutely renounce their Authority , I do yield a most perfect
submission and obedience to it . (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,449.72)

Upon the whole matter , all the Revelations of God , as well as the
Laws of men , go upon this presumption , that men are not stark fools ;
but that they will consider their Interest and have some regard to the
great concernment of their eternal salvation . (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,449.73)

And this is as much to secure men from mistake in matters of Belief ,
as God hath afforded to keep men from sin in matters of Practice .
(TILLOTS-B-E3-H,449.74)

He hath made no effectual and infallible provision that men shall not
sin ; (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,449.75)

and yet it would puzzle any man to give a good Reason , why God should
take more care to secure men against Errors in belief , than against
sin and wickedness in their Lives . (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,449.76)

I shall now only draw <font> three </font> or <font> four </font>
Inferences from this Discourse which I have made , and so conclude .
(TILLOTS-B-E3-H,449.77)

<P_450>

1 . (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,450.79)

<font> That it is every mans Duty who hath ability and capacity for it
, to endeavour to understand the grounds of his Religion . </font>
(TILLOTS-B-E3-H,450.80)

For to try Doctrines is to enquire into the grounds and reasons of them
; which the better any man understands , the more firmly he will be
established in the Truth , and be the more resolute in the day of Trial
, and the better able to withstand the Arts and assaults of cunning
Adversaries , and the fierce storms of Persecution .
(TILLOTS-B-E3-H,450.81)

And on the contrary , that man will soon be moved from his stedfastness
who never examined the Grounds and Reasons of his belief .
(TILLOTS-B-E3-H,450.82)

When it comes to the Trial , he that hath but little to say for his
Religion will probably neither do nor suffer much for it .
(TILLOTS-B-E3-H,450.83)

2 . (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,450.84)

<font> That all Doctrines are vehemently to be suspected which decline
Trial </font> , and are so loath to be brought into the light ; which
will not endure a fair Examination , but magisterially require an
implicite Faith : Whereas Truth is bold and full of courage , and loves
to appear openly : and is so secure and confident of her own strength
as to offer her self to the severest Trial and Examination .
(TILLOTS-B-E3-H,450.85)

But to deny all liberty of Enquiry and Judgment in matters of Religion
is the greatest injury and disparagement to Truth that can be , and a
tacite acknowledgment that she lies under some disadvantage , and that
there is less to be said for her than for Error .
(TILLOTS-B-E3-H,450.86)

I have often wonder'd why the People in the Church of <font> Rome
</font> do not suspect their Teachers and Guides to have some ill
design upon them , when they do so industriously debar them of the
means of Knowledge , and are so very loath to let them understand what
it is that we have to say against their Religion .
(TILLOTS-B-E3-H,450.87)

For can any thing in the world be more suspicious than to perswade men
, to put out their eyes , upon promise that they will help them to a
much better and more faithful Guide ? (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,450.88)

If any Church , any profession of men , be unwilling their Doctrines
should be exposed to Trial , it is a certain sign they know something
by them that is faulty , and which will not endure the light .
(TILLOTS-B-E3-H,450.89)

This is the account which our Saviour gives us in a like case ,
(TILLOTS-B-E3-H,450.90)

It was <font> because mens deeds were evil </font> that <font> they
loved darkness rather than light </font> . (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,450.91)

For <font> every one that doth evil hateth the light ;
(TILLOTS-B-E3-H,450.92)

neither cometh he to the light lest his deeds should be reproved :
(TILLOTS-B-E3-H,450.93)

But he that doth the truth cometh to the light , that his deeds may be
made manifest that they are wrought in God </font> .
(TILLOTS-B-E3-H,450.94)

<P_451>

3 . (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,451.96)

Since Reason and Christianity allow this liberty to private persons to
judg for themselves in matters of Religion , we should use this
privilege with much modesty and humility , with great submission and
deference to our Spiritual Rulers and Guides , whom God hath appointed
in his Church . (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,451.97)

And there is very great need of this Caution , since by experience we
find this liberty so much abused by many to the nourishing of Pride and
Self-conceit , of Division and faction ; and those who are least able
to judge , to be frequently the most forward and confident , the most
peremptory and perverse : and instead of demeaning themselves with the
submission of Learners , to assume to themselves the authority of
Judges , even in the most doubtful and disputable matters .
(TILLOTS-B-E3-H,451.98)

The Tyranny of the <font> Roman </font> Church over the Minds and
Consciences of men is not to be justified upon any account :
(TILLOTS-B-E3-H,451.99)

but nothing puts so plausible a colour upon it , as the ill use that is
too frequently made of this natural Privilege of mens judging for
themselves in a matter of so infinite concernment , as that of their
eternal happiness . (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,451.100)

But then it is to be consider'd , that the proper remedy in this Case ,
is not to deprive men of this Priviledge , but to use the best means to
prevent the abuse of it . (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,451.101)

For though the <font> inconveniences </font> arising from the ill use
of it may be very great , yet the <font> mischief </font> on the other
hand is intolerable . (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,451.102)

Religion it self is liable to be abused to very bad purposes ,
(TILLOTS-B-E3-H,451.103)

and frequently is so ; (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,451.104)

but it is not therefore best that there should be no Religion :
(TILLOTS-B-E3-H,451.105)

And yet this Objection , if it be of any force and be pursued home , is
every whit as strong against Religion it self , as against mens liberty
of judging in matters of Religion . (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,451.106)

Nay I add farther , that no man can judiciously embrace the true
Religion , unless he be permitted to judge , whether that which he
embraces be the true Religion or not . (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,451.107)

4 . (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,451.108)

When upon due Trial and Examination we are well setled and establish'd
in our Religion , <font> let us hold fast the profession of our Faith
without wavering </font> ; and not be <font> like Children , tossed to
and fro , and carried about with every wind of Doctrine , through the
sleight of men , and the cunning craftiness of those who lye in wait to
deceive </font> . (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,451.109)

And above all , let us resolve to live according to the excellent Rules
and Precepts of our holy Religion ; (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,451.110)

let us heartily obey that Doctrine which we profess to believe .
(TILLOTS-B-E3-H,451.111)

We , who enjoy the <font> Protestant </font> Religion , have all the
means and advantages <P_452> of understanding the Will of God , free
liberty and full scope of enquiring into it : and informing our selves
concerning it : (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,452.112)

We have all the opportunities we can wish of coming to the knowledge of
our Duty : (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,452.113)

The Oracles of God lie open to us , (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,452.114)

and his Law is continually before our eyes ; (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,452.115)

<font> his word is nigh unto us in our mouths , and in our hearts
</font> ; (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,452.116)

<paren> that is , we may read it and meditate upon it </paren> <font>
that we may do it : (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,452.117)

The Key of Knowledg is </font> put into our hands , so that if we do
not <font> enter into the Kingdom of Heaven </font> , it is we our
selves that shut our selves out . (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,452.118)

And where there is nothing to hinder us from the knowledge of our Duty
, there certainly nothing can excuse us from the practice of it .
(TILLOTS-B-E3-H,452.119)

For the end of all knowledg is to direct men in their duty , and
effectually to engage them to the performance of it :
(TILLOTS-B-E3-H,452.120)

The great business of Religion is , <font> to make men truly good , and
to teach them to live well </font> . (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,452.121)

And if Religion have not this effect , it matters not of what Church
any man lists and enters himself ; (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,452.122)

for most certainly , <font> A bad man can be saved in none </font> .
(TILLOTS-B-E3-H,452.123)

Tho a man know the right way to Heaven never so well , and be entred
into it , yet if he will not walk therein , he shall never come thither
: (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,452.124)

Nay , it will be an aggravation of this man's unhappiness , that he was
lost in the way to Heaven , and perish'd in the very road to Salvation
. (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,452.125)

But if we will in good earnest apply our selves to the practice of
Religion , and the obedience of God's Holy Laws , his Grace will never
be wanting to us to so good a purpose . (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,452.126)

I have not time to recommend Religion to you at large , with all its
advantages . (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,452.127)

I will comprise what I have to say in a few words ,
(TILLOTS-B-E3-H,452.128)

and mind them at your peril . (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,452.129)

Let that which is our great concernment be our great care . <font> To
know the truth and to do it , To fear God and keep his Commandments .
</font> (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,452.130)

Considering the Reasonableness and the Reward of Piety and Virtue ,
nothing can be wiser ; (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,452.131)

considering the mighty assistance of God's Grace , which he is ready to
afford us , and the unspeakable satisfaction and delight which is to be
had in the doing of our duty , nothing can be easier :
(TILLOTS-B-E3-H,452.132)

Nothing will give us that pleasure , while we live ;
(TILLOTS-B-E3-H,452.133)

nothing can minister that true and solid comfort to us , when we come
to die : (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,452.134)

There is probably no such way for a man to be happy in <P_453> this
World ; (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,453.135)

to be sure , there is no way but this to escape the intolerable and
endless miseries of another World . (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,453.136)

<font> Now God grant that we may all know and do in this our day , the
things that belong to our peace , for his Mercies sake in Jesus Christ
: To whom with the Father and the Holy Ghost be all Honour and Glory
now and for ever </font> , (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,453.137)

Amen . (TILLOTS-B-E3-H,453.138)