distinction_n and_o tedrous_o dilate_v upon_o it_o to_o amuse_v his_o reader_n but_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o come_v to_o this_o that_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n be_v of_o no_o further_a use_n than_o as_o they_o be_v sign_n of_o conception_n and_o thing_n and_o under_o that_o consideration_n they_o can_v be_v understand_v unless_o the_o thing_n signify_v by_o they_o be_v first_o know_v at_o least_o in_o some_o gross_a and_o confuse_a manner_n whereof_o he_o give_v we_o this_o instance_n that_o where_o we_o sin_v in_o scripture_n that_o god_n be_v omniscient_a we_o can_v understand_v this_o unless_o we_o first_o know_v what_o god_n be_v and_o what_o omniscience_n be_v therefore_o say_v he_o all_o the_o benefit_n that_o any_o can_v get_v by_o any_o book_n that_o be_v write_v be_v but_o this_o that_o it_o stir_v up_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o reader_n to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o those_o thing_n in_o his_o mind_n which_o the_o book_n treat_v of_o not_o that_o the_o book_n can_v of_o itself_o bring_v he_o to_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n much_o less_o that_o it_o can_v beget_v any_o clear_a or_o distinct_a idea_n in_o his_o mind_n which_o be_v not_o there_o before_o and_o thus_o he_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v with_o the_o scripture_n all_o the_o use_n of_o it_o be_v to_o stir_v up_o the_o reader_n or_o hearer_n to_o think_v of_o the_o thing_n that_o it_o propound_v and_o inquire_v into_o they_o and_o examine_v they_o whether_o they_o be_v so_o as_o they_o be_v there_o propound_v and_o that_o they_o may_v do_v this_o they_o must_v make_v use_n of_o philosophy_n to_o try_v what_o be_v there_o write_v therefore_o add_v he_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v use_v not_o that_o it_o shall_v of_o itself_o inform_v we_o in_o the_o truth_n or_o render_v the_o truth_n more_o clear_a and_o distinct_a or_o make_v it_o more_o firm_a to_o we_o but_o that_o it_o may_v give_v we_o occasion_n and_o matter_n of_o meditate_v on_o those_o thing_n which_o perhaps_o otherwise_o we_o shall_v never_o have_v mind_v therefore_o say_v he_o still_o the_o utility_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n above_o other_o book_n consist_v only_o in_o this_o that_o the_o thing_n it_o speak_v of_o be_v of_o so_o great_a concernment_n to_o our_o everlasting_a blessedness_n not_o for_o any_o use_n they_o be_v of_o to_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o truth_n this_o be_v all_o the_o use_n that_o he_o allow_v the_o scripture_n from_o whence_o i_o think_v will_v inevitable_o follow_v that_o he_o own_v the_o necessity_n of_o no_o knowledge_n of_o god_n or_o religion_n but_o what_o be_v natural_a and_o so_o all_o supernatural_a revelation_n or_o at_o least_o all_o necessity_n of_o it_o be_v deny_v and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o use_n of_o the_o write_a word_n but_o what_o this_o author_n assign_v it_o it_o be_v put_v into_o the_o same_o rank_n with_o a_o crucifix_n or_o a_o death_n head_n indeed_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o his_o book_n and_o of_o that_o other_o theologico-politicus_a tract_n that_o be_v prefix_v to_o its_o latter_a edition_n write_v as_o be_v suppose_v by_o the_o same_o author_n be_v utter_o to_o undermine_v and_o overthrow_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o need_v not_o wonder_v that_o he_o so_o often_o deride_v and_o calumniate_v the_o protestant_a doctrine_n of_o the_o spirit_n internal_a illumination_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o consist_v in_o cure_v the_o indisposition_n of_o the_o subject_a and_o fit_v it_o for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n of_o which_o more_o hereafter_o in_o a_o appendix_n to_o my_o present_a discourse_n when_o he_o will_v not_o allow_v the_o necessity_n of_o so_o much_o as_o a_o enternal_a light_n for_o the_o revelation_n of_o supernatural_a object_n as_o acknowledge_v no_o such_o thing_n and_o he_o that_o be_v thus_o principled_a must_v needs_o be_v very_o ignorant_a of_o himself_o and_o of_o the_o ruin_n that_o sin_n have_v make_v among_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o adam_n and_o the_o woeful_a depravation_n of_o man_n nature_n by_o his_o first_o apostasy_n but_o for_o the_o reader_n full_a satisfaction_n about_o the_o necessity_n of_o supernatural_a revelation_n i_o dare_v commend_v to_o his_o perusal_n beside_o many_o other_o useful_a discourse_n that_o may_v be_v name_v that_o excellent_a piece_n of_o the_o eminently-accomplished_a sir_n charles_n wols_o concern_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o scripture_n belief_n chap._n vii_o 1._o a_o five_o argument_n that_o this_o will_v open_v a_o gap_n to_o the_o most_o pernicious_a error_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n 2._o and_o practice_n again_o five_o this_o assertion_n le_fw-fr we_o 1._o loose_v the_o bridle_n to_o proud_a and_o 5._o wanton_a wit_n to_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n of_o christian_a religion_n for_o though_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o real_a repugnancy_n between_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o sound_v philosophy_n which_o undoubted_o there_o be_v not_o as_o i_o have_v already_o premise_v and_o assert_v yet_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a and_o infallible_a record_n of_o these_o principle_n by_o which_o as_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o judgement_n particular_a man_n reason_v may_v be_v try_v if_o scripture_n revelation_n must_v be_v interpret_v by_o man_n reason_n i_o know_v not_o the_o any_o error_n that_o have_v ever_o creep_v into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n either_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o practice_n since_o the_o first_o publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o may_v be_v introduce_v anew_o by_o this_o engine_n the_o heretical_a blasphemy_n of_o servetus_n and_o socinus_n which_o spring_v up_o of_o late_a year_n and_o those_o of_o the_o marcionite_n and_o manichee_n that_o infest_a the_o church_n in_o former_a time_n together_o with_o the_o loathsome_a impurity_n of_o the_o gnostic_n who_o esteem_v themselves_o the_o only_o know_v man_n or_o to_o speak_v in_o the_o new_a mode_n the_o only_a rational_a divine_n have_v fair_a way_n make_v they_o by_o this_o trim_a device_n first_o let_v we_o instance_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n whatsoever_o be_v say_v in_o scripture_n about_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o conception_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o a_o virgin_n womb_n the_o personal_a union_n of_o the_o two_o nature_n the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n at_o the_o last_o day_n these_o with_o many_o more_o that_o may_v be_v name_v let_v they_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o bar_n of_o reason_n and_o try_v by_o its_o principle_n as_o they_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o what_o will_v it_o come_v to_o we_o have_v see_v already_o what_o use_v some_o man_n have_v make_v of_o this_o way_n to_o subvert_v the_o weighty_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o here_o it_o will_v be_v except_v perhaps_o exception_n by_o some_o that_o the_o fundamental_o of_o christian_a religion_n be_v clear_a and_o plain_a in_o scripture_n there_o be_v no_o fear_n of_o this_o inconvenience_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o if_o divine_a revelation_n must_v be_v 1._o no_o otherwise_o receive_v or_o understand_v than_o as_o man_n see_v ground_n for_o they_o in_o their_o own_o reason_n the_o plain_a and_o clear_a doctrine_n of_o scripture_n will_v be_v reject_v i_o shall_v here_o give_v two_o instance_n as_o i_o find_v they_o quote_v by_o a_o late_a learned_a author_n the_o one_o be_v of_o socinus_n who_o say_v that_o he_o will_v not_o believe_v servatore_fw-la christ_n to_o have_v satisfy_v for_o our_o sin_n though_o he_o shall_v read_v it_o once_o and_o again_o in_o scripture_n the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o revealer_n not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o establish_v it_o unless_o he_o have_v declare_v it_o by_o its_o cause_n and_o effect_n and_o so_o satisfy_v man_n reason_n concern_v the_o possibility_n of_o it_o smalcius_n be_v the_o other_o who_o say_v that_o 1._o he_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n though_o he_o shall_v meet_v with_o it_o in_o express_a term_n in_o the_o bible_n the_o same_o author_n say_v elsewhere_o that_o frantzium_n by_o reason_n alone_o we_o determine_v the_o possibility_n and_o impossibility_n of_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n to_o which_o i_o may_v add_v the_o bold_a assertion_n of_o a_o late_a english_a remonstrant_n in_o a_o volume_n publish_v some_o year_n ago_o where_o he_o say_v i_o very_o believe_v 33._o that_o in_o case_n any_o such_o unchangeableness_n of_o god_n love_n viz._n as_o shall_v assure_v the_o saint_n infallible_a perseverance_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o or_o can_v regular_o be_v deduce_v from_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v a_o just_a ground_n to_o any_o consider_a man_n to_o question_v their_o authority_n or_o whether_o they_o be_v from_o god_n or_o no._n and_o a_o late_a belgic_a tractator_n have_v affirm_v that_o the_o
scripture_n undoubted_o be_v and_o whatsoever_o be_v indeed_o contrary_a to_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n speak_v in_o this_o sacred_a volume_n whatever_o pretence_n it_o may_v have_v of_o reason_n or_o philosophy_n it_o be_v but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o tim._n 6._o 20._o it_o be_v a_o honest_a speech_n of_o aquinas_n which_o i_o find_v quote_v 27_o by_o our_o judicious_a and_o learned_a davenant_n omnis_fw-la creata_fw-la veritas_fw-la est_fw-la defectibilis_fw-la nisi_fw-la quatenus_fw-la per_fw-la veritatem_fw-la increatam_fw-la rectificatur_fw-la unde_fw-la nec_fw-la homo_fw-la nec_fw-la angelus_n infallibiliter_fw-la ducit_fw-la in_o veritatem_fw-la nisi_fw-la quatenus_fw-la in_o iis_fw-la loquentis_fw-la dei_fw-la testimonium_fw-la consideratur_fw-la to_o which_o i_o shall_v subjoin_v the_o judgement_n of_o cartesius_n who_o authority_n may_v perhaps_o be_v of_o more_o credit_n with_o some_o now_o than_o either_o that_o of_o a_o schoolman_n or_o of_o a_o apostle_n memoriae_fw-la nostrae_fw-la pro_fw-la summa_fw-la 76_o regula_fw-la est_fw-la infigendum_fw-la ea_fw-la quae_fw-la nobis_fw-la à _fw-la deo_fw-la revelata_fw-la sunt_fw-la ut_fw-la omnium_fw-la certissima_fw-la esse_fw-la credenda_fw-la et_fw-la quamvis_fw-la fortè_fw-la lumen_fw-la rationis_fw-la quam_fw-la maximè_fw-la clarum_fw-la &_o evidens_fw-la aliud_fw-la quid_fw-la nobis_fw-la suggerere_fw-la videretur_fw-la soli_fw-la tamen_fw-la auctoritati_fw-la divinae_fw-la potius_fw-la quam_fw-la proprio_fw-la judicio_fw-la fidem_fw-la esse_fw-la adhibendam_fw-la this_o say_v he_o must_v be_v firm_o remember_v as_o our_o chief_a rule_n that_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v reveal_v to_o we_o of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v as_o of_o all_o thing_n the_o most_o certain_a and_o although_o perhaps_o the_o most_o clear_a and_o manifest_a light_n of_o reason_n may_v seem_v to_o suggest_v to_o we_o some_o other_o thing_n we_o be_v nevertheless_o to_o give_v credit_n to_o divine_a authority_n alone_o rather_o than_o to_o our_o own_o judgement_n chap._n iu._n 1._o a_o second_o argument_n from_o the_o disproportion_n between_o man_n reason_n and_o matter_n of_o divine_a revelation_n 2._o a_o exception_n remove_v my_o second_o argument_n be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o proportion_n between_o man_n 2._o reason_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o divine_a revelation_n these_o be_v so_o sublime_a they_o be_v out_o of_o the_o ken_n of_o a_o natural_a understanding_n they_o be_v of_o a_o far_o different_a kind_n from_o the_o high_a natural_a principle_n how_o little_a be_v it_o that_o man_n reason_n by_o its_o own_o light_n can_v discover_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o his_o eternal_a counsel_n the_o heathen_a who_o want_v scripture_n light_n do_v but_o grope_v as_o man_n in_o the_o dark_a act._n 17._o 27._o how_o great_o be_v we_o to_o seek_v in_o judge_v of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o power_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n if_o we_o have_v no_o high_a light_n than_o natural_a reason_n to_o direct_v we_o nor_o need_v this_o seem_v strange_a when_o we_o see_v how_o much_o the_o most_o know_a man_n be_v at_o a_o loss_n concern_v themselves_o the_o nature_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o union_n with_o the_o body_n and_o how_o little_a insight_n they_o have_v into_o many_o of_o the_o minuta_fw-la naturae_fw-la can_v it_o then_o be_v wonder_v that_o man_n reason_n shall_v be_v unable_a by_o its_o own_o light_n to_o have_v a_o clear_a view_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n that_o be_v infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a whence_o be_v it_o that_o so_o many_o of_o the_o wise_a heathen_n be_v so_o gravel_a at_o the_o proceed_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n when_o they_o see_v good_a man_n suffer_v and_o bad_a man_n prosper_v how_o do_v cato_n that_o severe_a moralist_n stumble_v at_o the_o success_n that_o julius_n caesar_n have_v against_o pompey_n but_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o that_o great_a mystery_n of_o man_n redemption_n by_o christ_n the_o line_n of_o man_n reason_n be_v too_o short_a to_o reach_v these_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o cor._n 2._o 10._o therefore_o evangelical_n 12._o doctrine_n be_v frequent_o call_v a_o great_a mystery_n contain_v such_o thing_n as_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v nor_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v thing_n beyond_o the_o reach_n not_o of_o man_n only_o but_o of_o angel_n it_o be_v true_a that_o all_o man_n can_v not_o but_o know_v god_n to_o be_v very_o good_a they_o find_v it_o and_o feel_v it_o in_o the_o daily_a effect_n of_o his_o sustain_n and_o preserve_v providence_n and_o his_o wonderful_a patience_n and_o forbearance_n towards_o they_o and_o they_o do_v know_v also_o that_o god_n be_v just_a and_o a_o righteous_a avenger_n of_o sin_n this_o they_o may_v see_v in_o the_o judgement_n that_o he_o bring_v upon_o the_o world_n beside_o the_o inward_a witness_n of_o their_o own_o accuse_v conscience_n the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n rom._n 1._o 18._o and_o they_o know_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n that_o they_o who_o do_v such_o wickedness_n as_o they_o be_v conscious_a to_o in_o themselves_o be_v worthy_a of_o death_n rom._n 1._o 32._o but_o now_o how_o to_o reconcile_v these_o two_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o his_o creature_n and_o his_o severe_a indignation_n against_o sinner_n so_o as_o with_o any_o satisfaction_n to_o hope_v for_o pardon_n and_o acceptance_n with_o he_o here_o their_o principle_n of_o reason_n faill_v they_o they_o see_v themselves_o in_o a_o very_a ill_a case_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o somewhat_o to_o appease_v the_o provoke_v anger_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n but_o how_o or_o which_o way_n this_o shall_v be_v they_o can_v not_o tell_v and_o therefore_o lose_v themselves_o in_o a_o maze_n of_o infinite_a mistake_v in_o their_o attempt_n about_o it_o now_o it_o be_v so_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o reason_n by_o its_o natural_a principle_n shall_v be_v a_o competent_a judge_n of_o scripture-revelation_n it_o must_v therefore_o submit_v its_o own_o conception_n and_o dictate_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n here_o possible_o it_o will_v be_v reply_v as_o exception_n before_o to_o the_o precedent_a argument_n that_o all_o this_o may_v be_v grant_v of_o those_o that_o enjoy_v not_o the_o gospel_n and_o write_a word_n but_o where_o this_o be_v reason_n may_v be_v allow_v to_o judge_v and_o determine_v by_o its_o principle_n concern_v the_o thing_n there_o reveal_v to_o this_o i_o answer_v two_o thing_n first_o this_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n 1_o for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o word_n or_o sentence_n of_o scripture_n that_o reveal_v any_o mystery_n to_o we_o further_o than_o thereby_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n be_v make_v know_v to_o we_o now_o if_o this_o can_v be_v find_v out_o from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o but_o from_o principle_n of_o reason_n than_o it_o be_v reason_n itself_o that_o first_o discover_v the_o mystery_n i_o grant_v that_o reason_n that_o be_v the_o faculty_n of_o reason_n be_v and_o must_v be_v the_o instrument_n whereby_o we_o apprehend_v what_o god_n speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o if_o there_o be_v any_o part_n of_o scripture_n so_o dark_a as_o that_o its_o meaning_n can_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o word_n neither_o consider_v by_o themselves_o nor_o compare_v with_o other_o passage_n of_o sacred_a writ_n i_o will_v know_v how_o come_v reason_n in_o interpret_n such_o a_o obscure_a place_n suppose_v it_o to_o be_v obscure_a to_o find_v that_o such_o and_o such_o word_n so_o place_v do_v contain_v in_o they_o such_o a_o assertion_n when_o the_o word_n and_o sentence_n themselves_o can_v resolve_v we_o you_o will_v say_v our_o reason_n teach_v we_o by_o the_o light_n of_o its_o own_o common_a notion_n that_o this_o and_o no_o other_o must_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o such_o a_o place_n be_v it_o not_o then_o plain_a that_o human_a reason_n fetch_v that_o truth_n if_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n from_o itself_o and_o not_o from_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o scripture_n according_a to_o this_o hypothesis_n give_v a_o uncertain_a sound_n only_a reason_n determine_v it_o remember_v we_o be_v speak_v of_o matter_n of_o pure_a revelation_n now_o if_o the_o sentence_n of_o scripture_n under_o debate_n do_v neither_o by_o themselves_o nor_o with_o the_o help_n of_o any_o other_o clear_o and_o certain_o signify_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v fasten_v upon_o they_o such_o arguer_n can_v say_v they_o have_v it_o by_o divine_a revelation_n unless_o they_o will_v pretend_v to_o that_o enthusiastic_a inspiration_n which_o they_o profess_v to_o decry_v and_o false_o charge_v upon_o their_o opposite_n second_o i_o add_v further_o that_o there_o be_v sundry_a thing_n reveal_v in_o scripture_n whereof_o god_n give_v we_o no_o other_o reason_n than_o his_o
〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o reasonable_a service_n that_o be_v say_v they_o a_o service_n agreeable_a to_o reason_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v two_o thing_n first_o i_o know_v no_o cause_n to_o recede_v from_o 1._o the_o sense_n that_o be_v usual_o give_v by_o our_o interpreter_n see_v it_o so_o fair_o offer_v itself_o from_o the_o word_n themselves_o and_o therefore_o do_v judge_n with_o the_o learned_a dr._n hammond_n on_o the_o place_n that_o the_o apostle_n call_v upon_o christian_n to_o present_v their_o body_n a_o live_a sacrifice_n holy_a acceptable_a unto_o god_n even_o their_o reasonble_a service_n do_v evident_o oppose_v this_o to_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o irrational_a creature_n first_o kill_v and_o then_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n but_o second_o be_v it_o give_v but_o not_o 2._o grant_v that_o the_o apostle_n meaning_n be_v what_o these_o man_n put_v upon_o it_o viz._n that_o the_o service_n god_n require_v of_o christian_n be_v agreeable_a to_o reason_n i_o have_v already_o premise_v and_o assert_v that_o christian_a religion_n be_v perfect_o rational_a whence_o it_o will_v undeniable_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v a_o excellent_a harmony_n a_o full_a and_o complete_a accord_n betwixt_o reason_n and_o religion_n and_o although_o some_o dare_a wit_n that_o make_v high_a pretence_n to_o reason_n have_v by_o their_o profane_a jeer_n at_o the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n and_o their_o turn_v the_o doctrine_n and_o phrase_n of_o holy_a scripture_n into_o drollery_n contribute_v not_o a_o little_a to_o the_o atheism_n of_o the_o present_a age_n yet_o i_o be_o pass_v all_o doubt_n that_o no_o man_n be_v or_o can_v be_v a_o atheist_n that_o have_v not_o first_o baffle_v and_o besot_v his_o reason_n if_o any_o therefore_o have_v go_v about_o to_o set_v reason_n and_o religion_n at_o variance_n it_o have_v be_v through_o some_o misprision_n take_v some_o groundless_a imagination_n for_o reason_n or_o some_o corrupt_a opinion_n or_o practice_n for_o religion_n but_o if_o any_o shall_v hence_o argue_v that_o man_n reason_n be_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o religion_n or_o that_o doctrine_n of_o supernatural_a revelation_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v and_o the_o sense_n of_o they_o determine_v by_o natural_a principle_n we_o deny_v the_o consequence_n and_o leave_v they_o to_o prove_v it_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o his_o yoke_n be_v easy_a but_o if_o any_o shall_v thence_o argue_v that_o therefore_o our_o ease_n must_v be_v the_o 11._o rule_n of_o interpret_n his_o command_n i_o think_v few_o will_v be_v find_v so_o blind_a or_o foolish_a except_o man_n of_o profligate_v and_o debauch_v conscience_n that_o will_v admit_v of_o such_o a_o absurd_a argumentation_n and_o there_o be_v no_o less_o absurditity_n in_o this_o that_o because_o religion_n be_v a_o reasonable_a service_n therefore_o our_o reason_n must_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o interpret_n the_o doctrince_n of_o rëligion_n chap._n xvi_o 1._o a_o transition_n to_o the_o exercitator_n reply_v to_o some_o scripture_n allege_v by_o our_o divine_n against_o his_o heterodoxy_n the_o fond_a conceit_n of_o lud._n wolzogen_n that_o in_o this_o controversy_n scripture_n be_v not_o to_o be_v hear_v disprove_v 2._o and_o his_o plea_n that_o he_o make_v for_o himself_o in_o his_o censura_fw-la censurae_fw-la disable_v 3._o a_o return_n to_o the_o exercitator_n exposition_n of_o the_o scripture_n allege_v by_o our_o writer_n his_o self-contradiction_n note_v and_o the_o scripture_n clear_v the_o exercitator_n have_v after_o his_o manner_n assert_v his_o own_o position_n 1._o come_v in_o the_o seven_o chapter_n of_o his_o discourse_n to_o answer_v the_o scripture_n that_o some_o have_v make_v use_n of_o to_o oppose_v it_o before_o i_o deal_v with_o they_o i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o disingenuity_n of_o ludovicus_n wolzogen_n who_o have_v undertake_v the_o patronage_n of_o the_o protestant_a cause_n against_o this_o adversary_n do_v so_o shameful_o throw_v down_o his_o arm_n and_o run_v out_o of_o the_o field_n for_o when_o he_o come_v at_o this_o seven_o chapter_n of_o his_o antagonist_n and_o again_o at_o his_o twelve_o wherein_o the_o exercitator_n endeavour_v to_o evade_v or_o enervate_v the_o scripture_n 217._o bring_v against_o he_o this_o valiant_a champion_n not_o only_a wave_n the_o vindication_n of_o they_o but_o for_o his_o own_o more_o plausible_a excuse_n express_o maintain_v it_o to_o be_v a_o preposterous_a thing_n in_o this_o controversy_n about_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n to_o use_v or_o admit_v the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n at_o all_o and_o affirm_v that_o the_o cause_n must_v be_v decide_v by_o reason_n and_o therefore_o as_o all_o along_o his_o discourse_n he_o never_o make_v use_v of_o scripture_n to_o defend_v himself_o or_o strike_v his_o adversary_n so_o he_o lay_v a_o imputation_n of_o folly_n upon_o all_o our_o divine_n that_o use_v this_o way_n of_o argue_v in_o the_o present_a case_n and_o he_o give_v two_o pitiful_a argument_n to_o prove_v this_o fond_a assertion_n 1._o one_o be_v because_o the_o controversy_n 219._o be_v about_o the_o scripture_n itself_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v hear_v in_o its_o own_o cause_n unless_o such_o place_n can_v be_v allege_v in_o the_o explication_n whereof_o both_o party_n agree_v to_o this_o i_o answer_v sol._n 1._o if_o this_o be_v grant_v than_o whatsoever_o controversy_n we_o have_v with_o the_o papist_n about_o the_o authority_n perspicuity_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n though_o we_o have_v never_o so_o clear_a proof_n in_o the_o scripture_n itself_o for_o these_o thing_n they_o must_v all_o be_v wave_v as_o invalid_a but_o these_o have_v hitherto_o be_v account_v controvert_v point_n of_o faith_n and_o consequent_o to_o be_v resolve_v from_o scripture_n the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n &_o so_o be_v this_o about_o the_o scripture_n interpretation_n however_o the_o exercitator_n and_o with_o he_o this_o author_n deny_v it_o while_o yet_o both_o of_o they_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v a_o question_n wherein_o the_o whole_a of_o religion_n be_v concern_v and_o next_o to_o that_o of_o the_o scripture_n authority_n 90._o the_o very_a foundation_n on_o which_o all_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n rely_v and_o which_o involve_v in_o it_o whatsoever_o difference_n or_o controversy_n there_o be_v between_o dissent_v party_n in_o religion_n that_o own_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v it_o not_o strange_a that_o man_n shall_v own_v this_o controversy_n to_o be_v so_o momentous_a and_o fundamental_a and_o yet_o to_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o to_o be_v determine_v by_o scripture_n testimony_n but_o 2._o why_o may_v not_o the_o scripture_n be_v hear_v speak_v for_o itself_o as_o well_o as_o reason_n 2._o for_o itself_o the_o question_n under_o debate_n be_v whether_o the_o rule_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n be_v the_o scripture_n itself_o or_o man_n reason_n do_v not_o this_o as_o near_o touch_v reason_n as_o scripture_n and_o yet_o must_v that_o be_v allow_v to_o give_v testimony_n in_o its_o own_o cause_n and_o not_o the_o scripture_n it_o appear_v by_o this_o as_o by_o many_o other_o passage_n in_o his_o book_n that_o this_o author_n be_v a_o better_a friend_n to_o the_o exercitator_n opinion_n than_o to_o the_o protestant_a doctrine_n and_o indeed_o 3._o this_o be_v the_o very_a language_n of_o our_o 3._o popish_a adversary_n who_o tell_v we_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v its_o own_o interpreter_n because_o the_o question_n be_v concern_v itself_o to_o which_o our_o writer_n answer_v 30._o true_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n its_o testimony_n for_o itself_o be_v above_o all_o other_o whatsoever_o even_o in_o its_o own_o cause_n his_o other_o argument_n be_v because_o till_o 247._o the_o dissentient_a party_n have_v agree_v about_o the_o interpreter_n of_o the_o scripture_n allege_v they_o have_v no_o sense_n and_o therefore_o can_v testify_v nothing_o and_o up-upon_a this_o account_n he_o condemn_v those_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n that_o allege_v scripture_n in_o this_o controversy_n and_o blame_v the_o exercitator_n for_o answer_v their_o allegation_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o any_o part_n of_o scripture_n be_v without_o sol._n its_o sense_n till_o it_o have_v a_o interpreter_n be_v a_o gross_a absurdity_n and_o falsehood_n the_o scripture_n have_v its_o sense_n whether_o any_o man_n interpret_v it_o or_o no._n interpretation_n do_v not_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o shall_v not_o bring_v the_o sense_n and_o put_v it_o into_o the_o scripture_n but_o receive_v it_o from_o the_o scripture_n 2._o this_o author_n acknowledge_v some_o scripture_n to_o be_v so_o clear_a that_o the_o sense_n be_v obvious_a and_o if_o such_o scripture_n can_v be_v produce_v in_o the_o present_a controversy_n as_o no_o doubt_n they_o may_v why_o shall_v the_o difference_n about_o the_o
interpreter_n preclude_v they_o 3._o be_v this_o argument_n allow_v it_o will_v for_o ever_o debarr_fw-mi we_o from_o allege_v scripture_n against_o the_o romanist_n in_o any_o controversy_n that_o we_o have_v with_o they_o it_o be_v notorious_a to_o all_o man_n that_o this_o be_v one_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o they_o who_o must_v be_v the_o supreme_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n which_o they_o challenge_v as_o the_o privilege_n of_o their_o church_n and_o we_o ascribe_v to_o the_o scripture_n itself_o but_o it_o be_v a_o miserable_a plea_n that_o this_o 2._o author_n make_v elsewhere_o for_o himself_o 233_o viz._n that_o he_o have_v to_o do_v with_o one_o who_o he_o esteem_v to_o be_v no_o christian_n but_o a_o heathen_a for_o so_o he_o account_v the_o exercitator_n who_o will_v no_o more_o regard_v the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n in_o this_o case_n than_o a_o jew_n will_v regard_v any_o proof_n from_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o he_o decline_v deal_v with_o he_o about_o those_o testimony_n from_o scripture_n it_o seem_v than_o he_o will_v make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o what_o he_o have_v say_v about_o this_o be_v only_o speak_v ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la by_o which_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o our_o author_n begin_v to_o see_v he_o can_v not_o sol._n stand_v his_o ground_n but_o be_v not_o so_o ingenuous_a as_o to_o confess_v his_o error_n and_o therefore_o run_v behind_o this_o bush_n to_o hide_v himself_o for_o 1._o his_o word_n which_o i_o quote_v before_o out_o of_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr scripturarum_fw-la interpret_v do_v evident_o show_v that_o he_o speak_v according_a to_o his_o own_o mind_n that_o it_o be_v a_o preposterous_a thing_n in_o this_o controversy_n to_o allege_v the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n and_o that_o in_o this_o case_n no_o such_o proof_n be_v to_o be_v allow_v see_v he_o page_n 217._o 219._o and_o 247._o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o allege_v the_o reason_n beforementioned_a such_o as_o they_o be_v for_o this_o wild_a position_n 2._o he_o know_v very_o well_o that_o the_o jew_n to_o who_o he_o compare_v his_o antagonist_n do_v not_o at_o all_o own_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o profess_o reject_v it_o whereas_o the_o exercitator_n whatever_o his_o religion_n be_v do_v avowed_o own_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o delcare_n himself_o willing_a to_o be_v deal_v with_o in_o that_o way_n in_o that_o he_o cite_v our_o divine_n argument_n from_o thence_o and_o endeavour_n to_o answer_v they_o for_o which_o this_o author_n reprove_v he_o so_o that_o the_o case_n be_v not_o the_o same_o and_o yet_o i_o appeal_v to_o the_o author_n reason_n shall_v any_o jewish_a writer_n either_o cite_v any_o testimony_n out_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o himself_o or_o endeavour_n by_o his_o own_o interpretation_n to_o evade_v any_o testimony_n thence_o allege_v against_o he_o which_o be_v plain_o the_o case_n here_o whether_o shall_v a_o christian_n that_o pretend_v to_o answer_v he_o do_v well_o to_o say_v that_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v not_o here_o to_o be_v hear_v and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o preposterous_a thing_n to_o allege_v it_o shall_v he_o not_o rather_o endeavour_v to_o answer_v the_o objection_n that_o be_v make_v and_o clear_v the_o place_n cite_v and_o if_o in_o case_n he_o shall_v do_v as_o this_o author_n do_v here_o may_v he_o not_o just_o be_v condemn_v for_o a_o betrayer_n of_o the_o christian_a cause_n if_o it_o be_v say_v cit_fw-la that_o though_o the_o exercitator_n acknowledge_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n yet_o he_o hold_v they_o to_o be_v universal_o ambiguous_a and_o obscure_a further_o than_o humane_a reason_n expound_v they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o use_v scripture_n to_o he_o till_o they_o have_v agree_v about_o the_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n i_o answer_v the_o exeroitator_n do_v indeed_o charge_v the_o scripture_n with_o obscurity_n sol._n because_o of_o its_o ambiguity_n but_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o ground_n because_o hesay_n all_o word_n whatsoever_o be_v ambiguous_a if_o therefore_o this_o shall_v shut_v out_o the_o scripture_n from_o bear_v witness_n in_o the_o controversy_n than_o all_o argument_n from_o reason_n must_v upon_o the_o same_o account_n be_v exclude_v too_o for_o they_o must_v be_v make_v up_o of_o word_n and_o phrase_n the_o ambiguity_n whereof_o according_a to_o the_o exercitator_n doctrine_n will_v render_v they_o obscure_v as_o well_o as_o the_o scripture_n come_v we_o now_o to_o speak_v something_o to_o 3._o the_o scripture_n allege_v by_o our_o divine_n 7._o which_o the_o exercitator_n labour_v to_o evade_v but_o methinks_v it_o be_v a_o pleasant_a thing_n to_o see_v how_o he_o betray_v his_o own_o cause_n by_o act_v against_o his_o own_o method_n and_o principle_n for_o have_v all_o along_o cry_v up_o philosophy_n as_o the_o only_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n when_o himself_o come_v interpret_v the_o scripture_n bring_v against_o he_o one_o will_v think_v he_o shall_v bring_v his_o own_o tool_n to_o this_o work_n and_o labour_n by_o philosophic_a principle_n to_o make_v out_o the_o sense_n that_o he_o give_v of_o these_o scripture_n but_o he_o wave_v this_o and_o seek_v to_o fetch_v out_o his_o own_o sense_n from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o by_o examine_v the_o antecedent_n and_o consequent_n and_o the_o author_n scope_n now_o he_o either_o take_v this_o way_n of_o interpretation_n to_o be_v right_a or_o he_o do_v not_o if_o he_o do_v not_o he_o do_v but_o juggle_v with_o his_o reader_n and_o design_n to_o cheat_v he_o but_o if_o he_o do_v indeed_o think_v it_o to_o be_v right_a he_o yield_v the_o cause_n that_o not_o philosophy_n but_o the_o scripture_n itself_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n now_o for_o the_o scripture_n allege_v the_o 6._o first_o be_v that_o in_o 1_o cor._n 1._o 19_o 20_o 21._o where_o the_o apostle_n speak_v very_o contemptible_o of_o humane_a wisdom_n the_o like_a may_v besaid_a of_o the_o next_o 1_o cor._n 2._o 6._o now_o in_o these_o place_n say_v the_o exercitator_n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o go_v about_o to_o deny_v or_o condemn_v true_a wisdom_n but_o the_o earthly_a sensual_a wisdom_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v ground_v upon_o vain_a opinion_n and_o put_v man_n upon_o the_o eager_a pursuit_n of_o earthly_a thing_n such_o as_o riches_n and_o honour_n and_o sensual_a pleasure_n i_o answer_v the_o apostle_n have_v to_o do_v with_o those_o who_o think_v mean_o of_o the_o sol._n doctrine_n of_o christ_n crucify_a and_o affect_v a_o name_n for_o that_o which_o the_o world_n count_v wisdom_n endeavour_n to_o lay_v all_o humane_a wisdom_n in_o the_o dust_n and_o to_o discover_v its_o insufficiency_n to_o conduct_v man_n to_o true_a happiness_n for_o which_o he_o prefer_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v so_o deride_v as_o foolishness_n above_o that_o which_o the_o world_n so_o much_o admire_v this_o therefore_o be_v no_o impertinent_a allegation_n against_o the_o exercitator_n opinion_n that_o in_o 1_o cor._n 2._o 14._o i_o have_v already_o press_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o my_o first_o argument_n and_o have_v vindicate_v it_o from_o the_o corrupt_a gloss_n that_o some_o have_v put_v upon_o it_o the_o last_o be_v that_o in_o coloss._n 2._o 8._o beware_v lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v you_o through_o 8._o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n here_o say_v the_o exercitator_n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o condemn_v sound_a philosophy_n but_o that_o which_o be_v vain_a and_o useless_a i_o answer_v undoubted_o he_o do_v not_o sol._n condemn_v philosophy_n true_o so_o call_v but_o he_o give_v a_o caution_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o be_v deceive_v by_o it_o as_o man_n may_v be_v when_o the_o use_n of_o it_o be_v extend_v beyond_o its_o line_n and_o be_v not_o keep_v within_o its_o own_o proper_a bound_n thus_o say_v our_o learned_a davenant_n philosophy_n or_o humane_a reason_n which_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o philosophy_n 8._o be_v always_o find_v vain_a and_o deceitful_a when_o it_o be_v carry_v beyond_o its_o proper_a limit_n that_o be_v say_v he_o when_o it_o attempt_v to_o determine_v of_o those_o thing_n that_o fall_v not_o under_o the_o cognisance_n of_o natural_a reason_n such_o be_v those_o that_o belong_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n as_o the_o point_n of_o justification_n reconciliation_n with_o god_n and_o other_o matter_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o reason_n and_o depend_v altogether_o upon_o divine_a revelation_n chap._n xvii_o 1._o that_o sound_a philosophy_n assert_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o scripture_n grant_v 2._o two_o principle_n instance_a in_o and_o wolzogen_n tergiversation_n tax_v 3._o the_o two_o great_a article_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o all_o thing_n out_o of_o nothing_o and_o the_o
other_o voice_n than_o that_o of_o the_o scripture_n in_o speak_v to_o we_o for_o how_o improper_a soever_o such_o a_o expression_n may_v seem_v to_o this_o gentleman_n it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o scripture-language_n and_o i_o think_v he_o who_o so_o hot_o contend_v for_o the_o usus_fw-la loquendi_fw-la as_o to_o make_v that_o the_o only_a supreme_a infallible_a rule_n of_o expound_v scripture_n may_v give_v our_o reform_a divine_n leave_v to_o speak_v according_a to_o this_o use_n without_o his_o supercilious_a censure_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n this_o author_n may_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v who_o cause_n he_o most_o favour_n by_o such_o manner_n of_o argue_v i_o know_v none_o that_o can_v so_o hearty_o thank_v he_o for_o it_o as_o the_o romanist_n who_o use_v the_o same_o way_n of_o cavil_v against_o we_o when_o we_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o and_o by_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o sole_a supreme_a judge_n of_o all_o controversy_n of_o faith_n this_o say_v they_o can_v be_v unless_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v by_o a_o audible_a voice_n decide_v the_o controversy_n tell_v the_o one_o party_n they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o the_o other_o they_o be_v in_o a_o error_n and_o because_o he_o do_v not_o so_o in_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o they_o deny_v he_o to_o be_v the_o supreme_a judge_n of_o controversy_n by_o the_o scripture_n thus_o gretser_n the_o jesuit_n in_o the_o conference_n at_o râ—tisâ—on_n seventy_o five_o year_n ago_o behold_v say_v he_o 14._o we_o be_v here_o dispute_v the_o cause_n if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v by_o the_o scripture_n judge_n and_o determine_v controversy_n let_v he_o now_o come_v let_v he_o come_v and_o pass_v sentence_n out_o of_o this_o book_n the_o bible_n that_o lie_v before_o he_o and_o say_v thou_o gretser_n be_v wrong_v and_o thou_o h._n art_n in_o the_o right_n now_o what_o do_v wolzogen_n by_o his_o argumentation_n but_o justify_v the_o profane_a insolency_n of_o that_o petulant_a jesuit_n the_o ancient_n be_v of_o another_o mind_n they_o acknowledge_v god_n speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o controversy_n thus_o speak_v one_o of_o they_o to_o his_o 〈…〉_z nemo_fw-la vobis_fw-la credat_fw-la nemo_fw-la parmen_fw-la nobis_fw-la de_fw-la coelo_fw-la quaerendus_fw-la etc._n etc._n let_v none_o give_v credit_n to_o we_o or_o you_o we_o must_v seek_v a_o judge_n from_o heaven_n but_o what_o need_v we_o go_v thither_o to_o he_o have_v his_o testament_n here_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n may_v with_o congruity_n enough_o be_v say_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o judge_n of_o controversy_n he_o may_v with_o as_o good_a congruity_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o interpret_n his_o own_o mind_n there_o lay_v down_o and_o so_o i_o have_v do_v with_o my_o first_o argument_n chap._n x._o a_o second_o argument_n from_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n afford_v a_o double_a proof_n for_o the_o scripture_n be_v its_o own_o interpreter_n my_o next_o argument_n follow_v that_o 2._o which_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n to_o interpret_v its_o own_o sense_n but_o so_o be_v the_o scripture_n that_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o that_o sincere_o own_o the_o protestant_a cause_n now_o from_o hence_o i_o thus_o argue_v 1._o the_o supreme_a rule_n of_o faith_n be_v that_o which_o infallible_o guide_v and_o determine_v we_o per_fw-la modum_fw-la objecti_fw-la what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v now_o it_o be_v the_o scripture_n in_o its_o true_a and_o genuine_a meaning_n that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v whatsoever_o therefore_o objejective_o determine_v what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v most_o according_o determine_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o if_o any_o thing_n else_o beside_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n to_o determine_v this_o that_o must_v eo_fw-la ipso_fw-la upon_o that_o very_a score_n be_v acknowledge_v for_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n 2._o whatsoever_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o decide_v all_o controversy_n of_o faith_n this_o i_o think_v no_o man_n will_v question_v now_o let_v but_o this_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a supreme_a rule_n of_o decide_v all_o controversy_n of_o faith_n which_o no_o sound_a protestant_n can_v deny_v it_o will_v necessary_o follow_v that_o it_o must_v be_v the_o supreme_a rule_n of_o clear_v all_o doubt_n and_o difficulty_n within_o itself_o for_o where_o the_o scripture_n be_v on_o both_o side_n own_a for_o the_o rule_n the_o knot_n of_o the_o controversy_n lie_v in_o this_o whether_o this_o or_o that_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v allege_v on_o both_o side_n for_o be_v that_o agree_v the_o controversy_n will_v cease_v and_o whatsoever_o determine_v that_o decide_v the_o cause_n thus_o 1._o much_o the_o exercitator_n acknowledge_v what_o ever_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o be_v make_v the_o rule_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n and_o determine_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o be_v thereby_o make_v the_o rule_n of_o decide_v all_o controversy_n of_o faith_n and_o be_v to_o such_o as_o so_o use_v it_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n chap._n xi_o 1._o a_o exception_n against_o this_o argument_n affirm_v scripture_n and_o reason_n joint_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n 2._o this_o novelty_n disprove_v and_o condemn_v against_o this_o argument_n some_o may_v 1._o have_v the_o confidence_n it_o may_v be_v to_o make_v this_o exception_n that_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n the_o papist_n join_v unwritten_a tradition_n with_o the_o scripture_n and_o will_v have_v we_o take_v both_o together_o for_o the_o complete_a rule_n of_o faith_n this_o i_o shall_v not_o deal_v with_o there_o have_v be_v so_o much_o say_v by_o our_o divine_n about_o it_o in_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o there_o be_v another_o generation_n of_o man_n that_o join_v human_a reason_n with_o the_o scripture_n to_o make_v up_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n lambertus_n velthusius_n one_o of_o the_o senior_n of_o the_o gallo-belgic_a church_n at_o utrech_n be_v charge_v with_o this_o by_o Ê‹ander_n 114._o weayen_n who_o cite_v this_o among_o many_o other_o erroneous_a position_n out_o of_o one_o of_o that_o author_n belgic_a tract_n that_o scripture_n and_o reason_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n so_o then_o we_o have_v here_o a_o new_a unwritten_a word_n find_v out_o to_o be_v part_n of_o the_o canon_n so_o fertile_a of_o monster_n be_v this_o novaturient_n age._n but_o i_o hope_v this_o doctrine_n will_v not_o be_v so_o easy_o receive_v as_o it_o be_v bold_o obtrude_v hitherto_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o sol._n article_n of_o faith_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v contradistinguish_v and_o though_o some_o thing_n knowable_a by_o natural_a light_n be_v likewise_o propound_v to_o our_o belief_n in_o scripture_n yet_o such_o be_v never_o that_o i_o know_v of_o own_v for_o point_n of_o faith_n otherwise_o than_o as_o they_o be_v attest_v in_o scripture_n and_o in_o all_o logic_n that_o i_o have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o argument_n à _fw-la testimonio_fw-la be_v put_v into_o one_o rank_n and_o those_o that_o be_v draw_v à _fw-la natura_fw-la rei_fw-la be_v put_v into_o another_o these_o latter_a proper_o belong_v to_o science_n the_o former_a to_o faith_n our_o understanding_n say_v theâ—l_n c._n streso_n and_o after_o he_o 2._o dr._n tailor_n apprehend_v thing_n three_o way_n the_o first_o be_v 〈◊〉_d whereby_o it_o receive_v first_o principle_n the_o second_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whereby_o it_o draw_v consequence_n from_o those_o principle_n the_o three_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o such_o thing_n as_o we_o assent_v to_o from_o testimony_n and_o it_o be_v a_o know_a speech_n of_o st._n austin_n quod_fw-la intelligimus_fw-la cred_a debemus_fw-la rationi_fw-la quod_fw-la credimus_fw-la autoritati_fw-la that_o we_o understand_v we_o owe_v to_o reason_n but_o that_o we_o believe_v we_o owe_v to_o authority_n and_o we_o have_v hitherto_o take_v it_o to_o be_v essential_a to_o a_o christian_n faith_n that_o in_o its_o assent_n it_o rely_v upon_o the_o infallible_a veracity_n of_o the_o revealer_n as_o the_o ratio_fw-la formalis_fw-la credendi_fw-la perhaps_o it_o will_v here_o be_v say_v for_o i_o object_n can_v imagine_v what_o else_o can_v be_v say_v that_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o by_o he_o write_v in_o our_o mind_n therefore_o our_o assent_n to_o they_o be_v a_o belief_n of_o divine_a testimony_n as_o well_o as_o our_o assent_n to_o what_o be_v write_v in_o the_o bible_n and_o consequent_o they_o be_v part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n
of_o scripture_n may_v have_v correspondency_n with_o another_o and_o this_o so_o far_o as_o that_o the_o one_o may_v expound_v the_o other_o but_o now_o the_o case_n be_v alter_v if_o it_o be_v reply_v in_o his_o behalf_n that_o these_o place_n by_o he_o quote_v be_v pen_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o writer_n and_o therefore_o may_v well_o have_v correspondency_n each_o with_o other_o but_o this_o make_v nothing_o for_o those_o who_o interpret_v one_o part_n of_o scripture_n by_o some_o other_o that_o be_v not_o write_v by_o the_o same_o hand_n i_o rejoin_v that_o the_o first_o and_o second_o book_n of_o king_n be_v indict_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n i_o grant_v and_o shall_v make_v some_o use_n of_o it_o in_o my_o three_o answer_n to_o this_o author_n objection_n but_o that_o they_o be_v both_o write_v by_o the_o same_o hand_n or_o suppose_v they_o be_v that_o the_o writer_n intend_v by_o the_o latter_a to_o explain_v what_o he_o have_v write_v in_o the_o former_a be_v more_o than_o he_o or_o any_o other_o for_o he_o can_v prove_v 3._o the_o scripture_n though_o write_v 3._o by_o part_n and_o at_o several_a time_n and_o by_o several_a person_n yet_o they_o all_o own_o god_n for_o their_o author_n by_o who_o spirit_n they_o be_v indict_v and_o they_o be_v all_o together_o to_o be_v take_v for_o his_o counsel_n to_o sinner_n and_o then_o what_o injury_n or_o incongruity_n be_v there_o in_o make_v use_n of_o what_o one_o have_v write_v more_o plain_o to_o unfold_v what_o be_v more_o dark_o write_v by_o another_o when_o we_o compare_v the_o evangelist_n together_o to_o explain_v what_o one_o say_v more_o brief_o by_o what_o another_o lay_v down_o more_o full_o we_o do_v not_o in_o this_o so_o much_o inquire_v into_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o evangelist_n as_o into_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n who_o secretary_n they_o be_v the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o prophet_n if_o the_o prophet_n or_o apostle_n speak_v of_o their_o own_o head_n or_o write_v only_o a_o signification_n of_o their_o own_o private_a sentiment_n there_o may_v be_v some_o colour_n for_o this_o objection_n but_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o no_o prophecy_n of_o scripture_n be_v of_o private_a interpretation_n 21._o that_o be_v 5._o the_o prophet_n in_o their_o write_n be_v not_o the_o interpreter_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n but_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n by_o who_o they_o be_v send_v and_o by_o who_o spirit_n they_o be_v act_v as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n for_o prophecy_n come_v not_o in_o old_a time_n by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o thus_o much_o the_o exercitator_n acknowledge_v where_o he_o say_v that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o he_o do_v always_o guide_v his_o amanuensis_n to_o write_v the_o truth_n give_v they_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o unerring_a spirit_n and_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o wroteâ—…_n pure_a truth_n free_a from_o all_o mixture_n of_o falsehood_n or_o error_n but_o there_o be_v another_o discourse_n prefix_v 7._o to_o a_o latter_a edition_n of_o the_o so_o oft-mentioned_n exercitation_n and_o think_v by_o many_o to_o come_v from_o the_o same_o author_n the_o writer_n whereof_o stick_v not_o to_o assert_v this_o audacious_a falsehood_n that_o the_o prophet_n in_o their_o narkative_n and_o in_o all_o matter_n of_o speculation_n that_o be_v whatsoever_o be_v not_o matter_n of_o moral_a duty_n do_v disagree_v among_o themselves_o and_o consequent_o that_o what_o be_v say_v by_o one_o be_v not_o to_o be_v explain_v by_o the_o word_n of_o another_o which_o with_o other_o passage_n of_o like_a import_n do_v at_o once_o call_v in_o question_n the_o whole_a truth_n and_o consequent_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o if_o the_o pâ—â—men_n of_o scripture_n elash_v one_o against_o another_o in_o their_o write_n either_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o whâ—â—_n they_o write_v but_o themselves_o or_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n must_v be_v charge_v with_o falsehood_n for_o of_o two_o diâ—…ent_a opinion_n both_o can_v be_v true_a who_o design_n it_o be_v that_o the_o author_n of_o that_o theologico-political_n tractat_fw-la drive_v except_o that_o of_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o mankind_n i_o know_v not_o but_o he_o sufficient_o manifest_v a_o vile_a esteem_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o a_o desire_n to_o beget_v the_o like_a in_o other_o for_o he_o take_v very_o earnest_a pain_n 10._o with_o the_o utmost_a of_o his_o art_n and_o skill_n to_o â—â—ke_v up_o and_o exagitate_v their_o seem_a disagreement_n as_o real_a contradiction_n cast_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o scorn_n upon_o all_o expositor_n as_o fool_n or_o madman_n that_o attempt_n to_o reconcile_v they_o his_o discourse_n in_o this_o and_o sundry_a other_o odious_a passage_n which_o i_o abhor_v to_o mention_v do_v apparent_o tend_v to_o promote_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o antiscripturist_n beside_o the_o help_n 〈◊〉_d afford_v which_o be_v not_o a_o little_a to_o the_o romish_a interest_n the_o author_n indeed_o will_v seem_v by_o some_o expression_n here_o and_o there_o to_o intimate_v his_o dislike_n of_o the_o pontifician_n party_n but_o we_o know_v it_o be_v consistent_a enough_o with_o the_o politic_a principle_n of_o man_n of_o that_o way_n to_o speak_v much_o more_o than_o he_o have_v do_v against_o that_o very_a cause_n that_o they_o be_v studious_o project_v under_o that_o covert_a to_o advance_v but_o i_o return_v from_o this_o digression_n to_o what_o i_o be_v about_o if_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o law_n of_o a_o kingdom_n be_v difficult_a and_o perplex_a and_o there_o be_v something_o in_o some_o other_o law_n of_o the_o same_o kingdom_n though_o write_v or_o print_v by_o other_o hand_n that_o speak_v more_o clear_o of_o that_o matter_n what_o wrong_n be_v it_o to_o the_o law_n or_o the_o lawmaker_n or_o printer_n if_o a_o learned_a council_n compare_v one_o with_o another_o expound_v that_o which_o be_v more_o dark_a in_o one_o part_n of_o the_o law_n by_o that_o which_o be_v more_o perspicuous_a in_o another_o both_o proceed_n from_o the_o same_o authority_n and_o both_o oblige_v to_o the_o same_o person_n judge_v alike_o in_o the_o present_a case_n this_o objection_n therefore_o be_v of_o no_o force_n but_o it_o be_v further_o urge_v that_o there_o 7._o be_v some_o difficult_a place_n of_o scripture_n that_o be_v no_o where_o explain_v in_o any_o other_o part_n and_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v but_o once_o speak_v in_o scripture_n can_v be_v explain_v by_o any_o parallel_a place_n and_o here_o our_o â—â—ercitator_n refer_v we_o for_o instance_n to_o his_o great_a friend_n stapleton_n for_o answer_v 1._o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v 1._o there_o be_v difficulty_n in_o some_o part_n of_o scripture_n that_o be_v no_o where_o clear_v how_o do_v any_o man_n know_v this_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n because_o we_o can_v find_v it_o do_v we_o think_v ourselves_o of_o so_o pierce_a or_o capacious_a understanding_n that_o nothing_o in_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v intelligible_a can_v escape_v our_o discovery_n those_o who_o have_v acquaint_v themselves_o with_o ancient_n and_o modern_a expositor_n do_v know_v that_o many_o difficulty_n which_o former_a interpreter_n have_v in_o vain_a struggle_v with_o and_o some_o that_o they_o have_v whole_o leave_v untouched_a either_o as_o not_o apprehend_v they_o to_o be_v difficulty_n or_o conceive_v they_o insuperable_a have_v be_v make_v very_o clear_a and_o plain_a by_o some_o late_a writer_n very_o god_n will_v have_v we_o know_v that_o the_o open_n of_o his_o mind_n do_v not_o depend_v only_o or_o chief_o upon_o the_o pregnancy_n of_o man_n wit_n but_o upon_o his_o gracious_a assistance_n and_o blessing_n which_o he_o afford_v or_o withhold_v when_o and_o where_o himself_o see_v fit_a again_o the_o scripture_n be_v pen_v not_o only_o for_o the_o past_a and_o present_a but_o 2._o for_o all_o succeed_a age_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o as_o some_o part_n of_o they_o which_o peculiar_o concern_v some_o age_n past_a be_v perhaps_o better_o understand_v in_o those_o age_n than_o they_o can_v be_v by_o we_o now_o as_o certain_o many_o thing_n be_v that_o belong_v to_o the_o jewish_a oeconomy_n so_o i_o know_v not_o but_o we_o may_v rational_o suppose_v that_o some_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n which_o to_o we_o seem_v unintelligible_a may_v have_v special_a reference_n to_o the_o church_n in_o after-age_n and_o that_o those_o who_o they_o so_o near_o concern_v shall_v have_v more_o light_n afford_v for_o the_o understanding_n of_o they_o in_o their_o day_n than_o we_o have_v in_o we_o as_o without_o doubt_v some_o prophetic_a scripture_n not_o
that_o 20._o we_o may_v know_v he_o that_o be_v true_a and_o this_o be_v promise_v of_o old_a when_o the_o lord_n say_v by_o his_o prophet_n i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n 33_o into_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n which_o beside_o a_o external_a revelation_n imply_v necessary_o a_o internal_a illumination_n most_o true_a it_o be_v that_o as_o the_o light_n of_o the_o body_n be_v the_o eye_n so_o the_o light_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v reason_n but_o if_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v this_o light_n which_o be_v in_o we_o be_v darkness_n how_o great_a be_v that_o 23._o darkness_n and_o that_o it_o be_v so_o with_o this_o internal_a eye_n as_o to_z matter_n heavenly_a till_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n enlighten_v it_o be_v 8._o evident_a by_o scripture_n and_o all_o experience_n but_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v understand_v there_o 5._o be_v two_o thing_n in_o the_o present_a point_n that_o be_v especial_o quarrel_v at_o viz._n that_o the_o spirit_n enlighten_v of_o our_o mind_n be_v affirm_v to_o be_v supernatural_a and_o to_o be_v immediate_a i_o shall_v say_v something_o to_o they_o both_o first_o some_o be_v angry_a at_o our_o divine_n for_o maintain_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o supernatural_a illumination_n the_o 3._o exercitator_n reject_v all_o supernatural_a light_n as_o a_o figment_n and_o 10._o velthusius_n for_o who_o orthodoxy_n wolzogen_n credit_n lie_v at_o stake_n 1667._o deny_v the_o distinction_n of_o natural_a and_o supernatural_a light_n and_o affirm_v peremptory_o that_o our_o knowledge_n of_o whatsoever_o object_n whether_o natural_a or_o reveal_v be_v attain_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o internal_a light_n and_o that_o with_o he_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o natural_a light_n of_o reason_n now_o if_o his_o meaning_n be_v no_o more_o but_o this_o that_o whatsoever_o object_n be_v present_v to_o we_o natural_a or_o supernatural_a they_o be_v all_o perceive_v by_o the_o same_o natural_a faculty_n of_o reason_n or_o 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that_o already_o as_o they_o be_v rational_a creature_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o more_o need_n to_o pray_v for_o that_o than_o to_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v make_v they_o men._n but_o for_o the_o further_o clear_v of_o this_o the_o word_n supernatural_a may_v have_v respect_n either_o 1._o to_o man_n nature_n as_o finite_a and_o so_o far_o innocent_o imperfect_a or_o 2._o to_o man_n nature_n deprave_v and_o so_o sinful_o defective_a if_o we_o consider_v man_n in_o his_o first_o state_n though_o his_o actual_a knowledge_n be_v short_a of_o what_o by_o further_a experience_n he_o may_v have_v attain_v and_o at_o the_o best_a have_v its_o bound_n from_o the_o finiteness_n of_o his_o be_v yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o he_o have_v sufficient_a light_n connatural_a to_o his_o understanding_n for_o the_o perception_n of_o the_o high_a mystery_n whensoever_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v propound_v to_o he_o with_o clear_a objective_n evidence_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o 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thing_n there_o be_v require_v a_o suitableness_n between_o the_o faculty_n and_o the_o object_n the_o eye_n can_v perceive_v smell_n nor_o the_o ear_n hear_v colour_n nor_o can_v any_o sensitive_a power_n reach_v to_o the_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n pure_o intellectual_a so_o neither_o can_v the_o mind_n of_o a_o mere_a natural_a man_n that_o be_v darken_v and_o deprave_v by_o sin_n while_o it_o so_o remain_v due_o apprehend_v matter_n spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a it_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o a_o late_a author_n that_o the_o 45._o best_a and_o most_o effectual_a remedy_n for_o the_o through_o cure_v of_o our_o intellectual_a disease_n be_v that_o which_o alter_v the_o crasis_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o mind_n because_o as_o he_o very_o well_o argue_v it_o be_v suitableness_n to_o that_o which_o make_v the_o way_n to_o man_n judgement_n and_o settle_v they_o in_o their_o persuasion_n there_o be_v few_o as_o he_o further_o add_v that_o hold_v their_o opinion_n by_o argument_n and_o dry_a reason_n but_o by_o congruity_n to_o the_o understanding_n and_o consequent_o by_o relish_n in_o the_o affection_n now_o as_o sound_v philosophy_n do_v according_a to_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n go_v far_o for_o the_o cure_n of_o man_n mistake_n by_o give_v their_o mind_n another_o tincture_n to_o wit_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o lie_v within_o the_o sphere_n of_o nature_n so_o where_o this_o come_v short_a as_o in_o thing_n of_o supernatural_a revelation_n it_o certain_o do_v there_o be_v need_n of_o supernatural_a aid_n this_o mr._n baxter_n have_v very_o well_o express_v i_o think_v say_v he_o that_o in_o the_o very_a hear_n etc._n or_o read_v god_n spirit_n often_o so_o concur_v as_o that_o the_o will_n itself_o shall_v be_v touch_v with_o a_o internal_a gust_n or_o savour_n of_o the_o goodness_n contain_v in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o understanding_n with_o a_o internal_a irradiation_n which_o breed_v such_o a_o sudden_a apprehension_n of_o the_o verity_n of_o it_o as_o nature_n give_v man_n of_o natural_a principle_n and_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o this_o increase_v by_o more_o experience_n and_o love_n 6._o and_o inward_a gust_n do_v hold_v most_o christian_n fast_o to_o christ_n than_o naked_a reason_n can_v do_v and_o be_v it_o not_o for_o this_o unlearned_a ignorant_a person_n be_v still_o in_o danger_n of_o apostasy_n by_o every_o subtle_a caviller_n that_o assault_v they_o and_o i_o believe_v that_o all_o true_a christian_n have_v this_o kind_n of_o internal_a knowledge_n from_o the_o suitableness_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o their_o new_a quicken_v illuminate_v sanctify_a soul_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o god_n who_o command_v the_o light_n to_o shine_v out_o of_o darkness_n have_v shine_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o give_v the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ._n where_o he_o manifest_o compare_v the_o great_a work_n of_o god_n in_o enlighten_v the_o dark_a heart_n of_o man_n with_o spiritual_a knowledge_n to_o the_o first_o form_v of_o light_n which_o be_v 3_o the_o act_n of_o a_o create_a power_n when_o darkness_n cover_v the_o face_n of_o the_o deep_a let_v the_o great_a external_n or_o objective_a light_n be_v afford_v if_o there_o be_v not_o likewise_o in_o order_n to_o the_o reception_n of_o that_o a_o subjective_a light_n infuse_v it_o will_v prove_v as_o we_o find_v in_o joh._n 1._o 5._o the_o light_n shine_v in_o darkness_n and_o the_o darkness_n comprehend_v it_o not_o two_o passage_n in_o the_o exercitator_n i_o 1._o shall_v here_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o one_o be_v where_o he_o say_v that_o the_o opinion_n of_o our_o divine_n concern_v this_o supernatural_a light_n seem_v to_o he_o to_o have_v have_v its_o original_a from_o the_o receive_a axiom_n of_o the_o aristotelick_n philosopher_n
miraculous_a 6._o work_n speak_v of_o in_o scripture_n be_v not_o any_o thing_n against_o or_o beside_o the_o establish_a order_n of_o nature_n absolute_o conclude_v that_o whatsoever_o the_o scripture_n affirm_v to_o have_v be_v do_v do_v all_o necessary_o come_v to_o pass_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o if_o any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o this_o can_v be_v find_v in_o scripture_n or_o true_o gather_v from_o any_o thing_n in_o it_o that_o be_v certain_o add_v to_o the_o scripture_n by_o some_o sacrilegious_a hand_n as_o be_v against_o nature_n and_o therefore_o against_o reason_n second_o man_n that_o resolve_v to_o make_v 〈◊〉_d their_o reason_n the_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n will_v not_o stick_v to_o charge_v the_o scripture_n with_o obscurity_n in_o its_o plain_a proposition_n if_o they_o suit_v not_o with_o their_o preconceive_a notion_n the_o experience_n of_o the_o present_a age_n put_v it_o past_o all_o denial_n or_o dispute_n that_o when_o man_n have_v espouse_v a_o hypothesis_n which_o they_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o relinquish_v they_o will_v quarrel_v with_o the_o most_o evident_a scripture_n accuse_v it_o of_o obscurity_n and_o to_o make_v their_o charge_n good_a they_o will_v endeavour_v by_o their_o strain_a gloss_n to_o raise_v a_o dust_n and_o darken_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o though_o it_o shine_v never_o so_o clear_o by_o its_o own_o light_n to_o every_o impartial_a and_o unprejudiced_a reader_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o papist_n do_v so_o frequent_o with_o open_a mouth_n charge_v the_o apostle_n paul_n with_o obscurity_n in_o his_o write_n because_o indeed_o he_o speak_v more_o clear_o and_o plain_o than_o they_o will_v have_v he_o for_o that_o great_a doctrine_n of_o justification_n by_o the_o impute_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n and_o against_o justification_n by_o our_o own_o work_n and_o it_o may_v be_v some_o will_v be_v as_o ready_a to_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o same_o apostle_n when_o he_o say_v ephes._n 5._o 18._o be_v not_o drink_v with_o wine_n wherein_o be_v excess_n but_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o spirit_n as_o speak_v too_o dark_o because_o indeed_o they_o think_v he_o speak_v too_o broad_o against_o the_o debauchery_n that_o they_o practice_n and_o so_o plain_o for_o the_o spirit_n which_o they_o scorn_v and_o deride_v three_o nay_o more_o some_o be_v grow_v to_o that_o height_n as_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n 3._o to_o show_v more_o full_o in_o my_o second_o part_n as_o to_o assert_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a in_o nothing_o but_o universal_o obscure_a and_o make_v this_o their_o great_a ground_n for_o their_o set_n up_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n as_o the_o rule_n to_o determine_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o let_v this_o be_v grant_v they_o they_o will_v soon_o make_v the_o scripture_n speak_v whatsoever_o themselves_o please_v and_o so_o the_o bible_n shall_v be_v but_o as_o a_o dead_a image_n and_o man_n deprave_a reason_n like_o the_o daemon_n within_o shall_v give_v the_o oracle_n 2._o come_v we_o next_o to_o matter_n of_o 2._o practice_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o instance_n in_o several_a command_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n that_o be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o whole_a corrupt_a interest_n of_o lapse_v nature_n as_o when_o he_o require_v the_o mortify_n of_o our_o earthly_a desire_n the_o love_n of_o our_o deadly_a enemy_n the_o deny_v our_o of_o self_n in_o whatsoever_o be_v dear_a to_o we_o in_o this_o world_n even_o to_o the_o lay_v down_o of_o our_o life_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o his_o truth_n upon_o the_o bare_a hope_n of_o a_o invisible_a happiness_n in_o another_o world_n now_o consider_v how_o man_n reason_n be_v darken_v and_o enslave_v and_o no_o where_o perfect_o cure_v if_o man_n reason_n must_v by_o its_o own_o principle_n interpret_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n how_o numerous_a be_v the_o objection_n that_o will_v be_v make_v against_o these_o and_o all_o other_o precept_n that_o be_v not_o to_o the_o gust_n of_o man_n degenerate_a nature_n thus_o do_v the_o gnostic_n of_o old_a plead_v for_o deny_v the_o faith_n in_o persecute_v time_n to_o save_v their_o life_n for_o what_o say_v they_o do_v god_n delight_n in_o the_o death_n of_o man_n he_o stand_v in_o no_o need_n of_o our_o blood_n christ_n come_v to_o save_v man_n life_n and_o not_o to_o expose_v they_o to_o hazard_v and_o with_o these_o reason_n they_o shi_v off_o the-command_a of_o own_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o face_n of_o danger_n and_o what_o the_o author_n of_o the_o leviathan_n have_v write_v of_o this_o with_o a_o specious_a though_o fallacious_a pretence_n of_o reason_n be_v not_o unknown_a but_o i_o shall_v instance_n in_o two_o extraordinary_a command_n give_v to_o particular_a person_n the_o one_o be_v that_o which_o god_n do_v by_o immediate_a revelation_n give_v to_o abraham_n require_v he_o to_o offer_v up_o his_o 22._o only_a son_n isaac_n for_o a_o burnt-offering_a what_o will_v the_o principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n have_v say_v to_o this_o may_v they_o have_v be_v admit_v to_o interpret_v this_o command_n what_o can_v infinite_a goodness_n require_v such_o a_o unnatural_a act_n as_o this_o for_o a_o father_n to_o lay_v violent_a hand_n on_o his_o own_o child_n have_v not_o god_n strict_o forbid_a murder_n have_v he_o not_o always_o manifest_v his_o tender_a regard_n to_o the_o life_n of_o man_n and_o have_v he_o not_o plant_v that_o tender_a affection_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o parent_n that_o make_v he_o abhor_v to_o imbrue_v his_o hand_n in_o child_n blood_n therefore_o sure_o will_v man_n reason_n say_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o injunction_n be_v something_o else_o far_o different_a from_o what_o the_o word_n seem_v to_o sound_v there_o be_v some_o more_o mysterious_a sense_n to_o be_v find_v out_o and_o a_o mild_a interpretation_n to_o be_v make_v of_o this_o divine_a oracle_n such_o as_o may_v consist_v with_o those_o notion_n of_o god_n which_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o 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