Scriptures Self-Evident Authority, Treatise
SCRIPTURE THE Only Rule of Faith.
PRotestants have alwayes counted the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament, to be the Inspiration of God, and the only Rule of Faith and Manners. And that they may abide and increase more and more in this perswasion, is, and shall be my hearts desire and prayer to God for them. But though they hold Scripture for a Principle and Ground-plot of their Faith, yet they are called upon (somewhat, methinks, besides the Laws of Science) to prove it. And this Task I am willing in their behalf to undertake; because the Lord hath commanded us, to be alwayes ready 1 Pet. 3. 15.to give a reason of the hope that is in us. For this consideration, and nothing else, hath emboldned me to let the World know the rational Grounds which Protestants have to perswade them, that Scripture is the Word of God, and written by his command, to be the only Rule of Faith unto all Christians. And what I have to say upon this account, I shall reduce unto these two particulars.
1. I shall alledge some of those rational Grounds by which Protestants are induc'd to believe the Scripture to be divinely inspir'd, with the Conclusion which (we think) must unavoidably follow; viz. That it is the only Rule of Faith.
2. I shall a little discuss the Queflion, wherher Tradition, the Churches Testimony, or any thing of that nature, can be rationally allowed this great Priviledge of being a Rule of Faith; and then conclude all with an Answer to the grand Objection of Papists against Scripture, (because as it is all they can say worth our notice, so it is look't on by them as an invincible Achilles) and a short, but serious admonition to all Protestants who mind the concernments of their souls, or may be perswaded to it.