authentic_a record_n of_o his_o mind_n to_o conduct_v we_o in_o our_o way_n to_o blessedness_n and_o be_v this_o all_o it_o be_v good_a for_o it_o seem_v by_o this_o man_n account_n all_o the_o knowledge_n that_o we_o have_v any_o use_n for_o be_v in_o we_o already_o by_o nature_n light_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v deliver_v in_o scripture_n must_v be_v try_v by_o that_o what_o can_v a_o blind_a pagan_n have_v say_v more_o to_o the_o scripture_n dishonour_n as_o it_o be_v pass_v all_o doubt_n that_o the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n in_o who_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o be_v aught_o to_o be_v worship_v and_o serve_v by_o his_o rational_a creature_n so_o i_o think_v it_o shall_v be_v as_o unquestionable_a that_o he_o can_v be_v serve_v right_o and_o acceptable_o but_o by_o such_o a_o worship_n as_o be_v according_a to_o the_o appointment_n of_o his_o own_o will._n the_o mean_a man_n live_v that_o have_v any_o depend_v on_o he_o look_v they_o shall_v serve_v he_o according_a to_o his_o mind_n and_o not_o according_a to_o their_o own_o arbitrary_a choice_n and_o shall_v we_o think_v the_o great_a sovereign_n of_o the_o world_n will_v be_v please_v with_o a_o worship_n of_o man_n own_o â—â—aming_n without_o any_o order_n or_o direction_n from_o he_o now_o by_o which_o way_n or_o mean_n can_v we_o know_v what_o that_o worship_n be_v which_o god_n approve_v if_o we_o be_v in_o this_o inpsed_a state_n leave_v to_o the_o mere_a conduct_n of_o natural_a light_n and_o have_v nor_o divine_a revelation_n to_o inform_v and_o guide_v we_o what_o piâ—…ful_a work_n do_v the_o â—…st_n and_o learn_a of_o the._n heathen_a make_v about_o this_o 〈◊〉_d what_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v they_o admit_v into_o their_o religious_a worship_n as_o i_o have_v already_o 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o my_o discourse_n beside_o there_o be_v in_o scripture_n many_o thing_n historical_a and_o many_o prophetical_a can_v these_o 〈◊〉_d know_v by_o natural_a light_n or_o can_v we_o judge_v whether_o these_o be_v true_a or_o no_o by_o the_o help_n of_o philosophy_n moses_n give_v we_o the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n 〈◊〉_d the_o general_a deluge_n of_o the_o destruction_n of_o sodom_n of_o israel_n deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n by_o strange_a wonder_n and_o the_o bring_n of_o they_o after_o forty_o year_n wander_v into_o the_o promise_a land_n and_o their_o establishment_n there_o for_o some_o year_n till_o for_o their_o idolatry_n and_o other_o sin_n they_o be_v remove_v be_v record_v by_o other_o sacred_a writer_n beside_o many_o other_o remarkable_a history_n of_o more_o personal_a concernment_n now_o if_o we_o must_v not_o take_v these_o for_o truth_n from_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n which_o way_n shall_v we_o be_v satisfy_v reason_n indeed_o may_v convince_v we_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o impossible_a but_o whether_o they_o be_v real_o so_o or_o so_o do_v as_o be_v report_v all_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n all_o the_o maxim_n of_o philosophy_n will_v never_o resolve_v we_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o many_o prophecy_n concern_v christ_n and_o the_o afterstate_n of_o the_o church_n and_o about_o the_o four_o great_a monarchy_n that_o be_v successive_o to_o arise_v with_o their_o progress_n and_o period_n if_o these_o and_o such_o like_v be_v examine_v by_o philosophy_n what_o can_v it_o say_v to_o they_o must_v these_o be_v all_o reject_v so_o it_o seem_v by_o this_o author_n discourse_n for_o he_o have_v no_o kindness_n for_o any_o thing_n in_o scripture_n but_o what_o may_v mind_v we_o of_o what_o we_o know_v natural_o and_o may_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n be_v examine_v and_o determine_v and_o then_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o the_o great_a doctrine_n of_o man_n salvation_n by_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o grand_a subject_n and_o principal_a scope_n the_o of_o scripture_n be_v there_o ever_o any_o syllable_n of_o this_o make_v know_v to_o the_o world_n otherwise_o than_o by_o revelation_n there_o be_v indeed_o a_o natural_a theology_n but_o i_o can_v never_o yet_o see_v ground_n to_o be_v persuade_v that_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a christianity_n the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o our_o creator_n and_o preserver_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n but_o very_o imperfect_o attainable_a by_o natural_a light_n but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o redeemer_n of_o sinner_n reconcile_a they_o to_o god_n and_o deliver_v they_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n have_v never_o be_v attain_v have_v there_o not_o be_v something_o above_o nature_n to_o discover_v it_o if_o any_o think_v otherwise_o let_v they_o tell_v i_o how_o it_o come_v about_o that_o in_o those_o country_n where_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v never_o publish_v there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o print_n or_o footstep_n of_o this_o great_a mystery_n to_o be_v find_v but_o certain_o he_o that_o talk_v of_o the_o scripture_n after_o the_o rate_n of_o this_o author_n can_v be_v think_v to_o apprehend_v himself_o to_o stand_v in_o any_o need_n of_o a_o redeemer_n or_o to_o have_v any_o better_a esteem_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o that_o triple-crowned_n gentleman_n at_o rome_n 10._o be_v say_v to_o have_v manifest_v long_o since_o in_o his_o discourse_n with_o cardinal_n bembus_n for_o aught_o i_o see_v this_o man_n own_v nothing_o in_o the_o scripture_n but_o what_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o three_o head_n 1._o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o his_o attribute_n 2._o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o consequent_o man_n be_v future_a state_n in_o another_o world_n and_o 3._o the_o rule_n or_o law_n of_o moral_a duty_n because_o of_o these_o we_o have_v some_o notice_n by_o natural_a light_n but_o how_o miserable_o defective_a be_v that_o light_n even_o in_o these_o so_o that_o here_o also_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o further_a guide_n some_o knowledge_n the_o heathen_n have_v of_o god_n and_o of_o man_n future_a state_n but_o alas_o what_o do_v all_o that_o they_o have_v write_v hereabout_o come_v to_o but_o some_o faint_a guess_n and_o probable_a conjecture_n and_o though_o they_o have_v in_o their_o ethic_n many_o excellent_a thing_n and_o of_o great_a use_n yet_o they_o fall_v extreme_a short_a in_o sundry_a particular_n of_o very_a weighty_a concernment_n whereof_o we_o shall_v have_v be_v utter_o ignorant_a if_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v not_o afford_v we_o a_o more_o clear_a and_o perfect_a rule_n of_o practice_n and_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v by_o some_o that_o those_o gentile_a philosopher_n who_o flourish_v after_o the_o general_a promulgation_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o they_o continue_v still_o in_o their_o old_a gentilism_n yet_o they_o write_v much_o more_o clear_o and_o sublime_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o of_o man_n duty_n here_o and_o his_o eternal_a state_n hereafter_o than_o those_o who_o be_v before_o they_o whether_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o be_v the_o converse_n they_o may_v have_v with_o christian_n and_o their_o write_n or_o whether_o that_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v vouchsafe_v in_o those_o time_n may_v in_o some_o degree_n as_o to_o common_a enlightening_n extend_v itself_o beyond_o the_o church_n pale_a i_o will_v not_o determine_v but_o sure_o something_o there_o be_v beyond_o mere_a natural_a light_n that_o make_v they_o in_o their_o notion_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n so_o much_o 〈…〉_z of_o their_o predecessor_n i_o shall_v shut_v up_o all_o with_o this_o hearty_a and_o serious_a wish_n that_o all_o who_o call_v upon_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ_n will_v high_o honour_v and_o esteem_v the_o holy_a scripture_n make_v they_o their_o study_n and_o delight_n in_o order_n to_o the_o better_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o manifest_v the_o power_n and_o purity_n of_o this_o word_n by_o a_o sober_a righteous_a and_o godly_a conversation_n which_o will_v more_o effectual_o vindicate_v this_o bless_a book_n from_o the_o scorn_n and_o reproach_n of_o atheist_n and_o antiscripturist_n than_o all_o dispute_n a_o appendix_n concern_v internal_a illumination_n and_o other_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man._n vindicate_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o protestant_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o serious_a christian_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o enthusiasm_n and_o other_o unjust_a crimination_n in_o the_o savoy_n print_v by_o tho._n newcomb_n for_o robert_n boulter_n at_o the_o turk_n head_n in_o cornhill_n over_o against_o the_o royal_a exchange_n 1677._o a_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o content_n of_o the_o follow_a appendix_n chap._n i._n the_o protestant_n doctrine_n concern_v the_o spirit_n illumination_n explain_v and_o defend_v chap._n ii_o the_o nature_n of_o distress_n of_o conscience_n and_o spiritual_a joy_n open_v and_o the_o reality_n of_o they_o prove_v chap._n iii_o true_a zeal_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n justify_v a_o
in_o they_o that_o may_v exercise_v the_o study_n of_o the_o able_a understanding_n now_o in_o our_o search_v out_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n especial_o in_o those_o dark_a place_n the_o question_n be_v what_o course_n we_o be_v to_o take_v and_o by_o what_o rule_n we_o must_v be_v guide_v that_o we_o may_v not_o bewilder_n ourselves_o or_o wrong_v the_o scripture_n by_o our_o mistake_n to_o prepare_v the_o way_n for_o a_o resolution_n of_o this_o question_n i_o must_v brief_o premise_v somewhat_o touch_v these_o three_o term_n the_o scripture_n the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o that_o interpretation_n the_o scripture_n we_o speak_v of_o be_v the_o entire_a volume_n of_o holy_a writ_n contain_v all_o those_o book_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n that_o be_v general_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v canonical_a whereby_o i_o mean_v not_o the_o word_n or_o phrase_n of_o scripture_n take_v single_o by_o themselves_o but_o as_o they_o be_v conjoin_v in_o proposition_n or_o sentence_n and_o as_o those_o proposition_n stand_v in_o such_o a_o contexture_n and_o with_o such_o a_o dependence_n on_o and_o relation_n to_o what_o go_v before_o and_o after_o and_o as_o in_o this_o frame_n and_o order_n they_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o declare_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n to_o men._n now_o whereas_o the_o whole_a scripture_n though_o it_o have_v the_o same_o divine_a original_a and_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o same_o ultimate_a end_n yet_o contain_v in_o it_o great_a variety_n of_o matter_n doctrine_n history_n prophecy_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v the_o two_o former_a that_o we_o be_v especial_o concern_v in_o and_o therefore_o shall_v wave_v the_o prophetic_a part_n what_o be_v yet_o â—…fulfilled_v further_o than_o it_o may_v fall_v in_o with_o any_o of_o the_o other_o the_o best_a and_o most_o convince_a interpreter_n of_o prophecy_n be_v the_o event_n unless_o god_n shall_v beforehand_o unfold_v they_o by_o extraordinary_a inspiration_n which_o we_o have_v not_o in_o our_o day_n any_o ground_n to_o expect_v it_o be_v therefore_o the_o doctrinal_a and_o historical_a part_n of_o scripture_n that_o i_o chief_o intend_v in_o this_o debate_n interpretation_n be_v either_o verbal_a or_o real_a the_o former_a be_v all_o one_o with_o that_o which_o be_v common_o call_v translation_n this_o i_o shall_v not_o meddle_v with_o further_o than_o as_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a requisite_a to_o the_o latter_a which_o be_v usual_o call_v exposition_n which_o be_v the_o open_n of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n or_o unfolding_a the_o mind_n of_o god_n signify_v to_o we_o by_o those_o word_n and_o sentence_n of_o scripture_n that_o we_o be_v search_v into_o now_o we_o here_o suppose_v two_o thing_n which_o to_o a_o sober_a and_o considerate_a reader_n need_v no_o proof_n first_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o a_o heap_n of_o insignificant_a word_n or_o unsense_v character_n as_o some_o late_a romanist_n who_o cry_v up_o oral_a tradition_n for_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n so_o great_a be_v the_o power_n of_o prejudice_n and_o partial_a interest_n have_v ridiculous_o and_o profane_o affirm_v but_o that_o they_o have_v a_o true_a sense_n originally_n and_o essential_o in_o themselves_o give_v they_o by_o their_o author_n when_o they_o be_v first_o indict_v to_o deny_v or_o question_v this_o be_v to_o impute_v that_o to_o the_o most_o wise_a god_n that_o common_a civility_n forbid_v we_o to_o charge_v upon_o any_o man_n of_o ordinary_a understanding_n second_o that_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v fix_v and_o immutable_a not_o vary_v with_o the_o time_n or_o alter_v according_a to_o the_o differ_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v most_o absurd_o assert_v by_o cardinal_n cusanus_fw-la in_o epistola_fw-la contra_fw-la bohemos_n as_o i_o find_v it_o attest_v by_o many_o credible_a author_n 18._o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o it_o always_o have_v and_o ever_o will_v have_v to_o the_o world_n end_n the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n by_o which_o we_o can_v understand_v no_o more_o than_o the_o measure_n by_o agreement_n or_o disagreement_n to_o which_o we_o judge_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n whether_o it_o be_v right_a or_o wrong_n whether_o it_o be_v indeed_o what_o it_o pretend_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n under_o inquiry_n or_o a_o mistake_a sense_n undue_o fasten_v upon_o it_o or_o in_o few_o word_n the_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n be_v that_o which_o give_v we_o the_o objective_a evidence_n by_o which_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v discern_v and_o for_o which_o it_o be_v receive_v here_o let_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o it_o be_v one_o 2._o thing_n to_o inquire_v what_o mean_v we_o be_v to_o use_v in_o search_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o another_o what_o be_v the_o rule_n that_o must_v guide_v we_o in_o determine_v what_o that_o sense_n be_v for_o though_o the_o rule_n he_o also_o a_o mean_n yet_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v use_v as_o a_o mean_n have_v not_o the_o place_n of_o a_o rule_n the_o mean_n be_v many_o the_o rule_n but_o one_o understand_v it_o not_o of_o any_o subordinate_a or_o ministerial_a rule_n but_o of_o that_o which_o be_v supreme_a and_o autocratorical_a for_o that_o be_v the_o rule_n under_o our_o present_a inquiry_n the_o mean_v subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n be_v either_o general_n or_o special_a the_o general_n be_v two_o méditation_n and_o prayer_n 1._o there_o must_v be_v a_o fix_a intend_v of_o the_o mind_n to_o consider_v of_o what_o we_o either_o read_v in_o or_o hear_v from_o the_o scripture_n and_o of_o whatsoever_o we_o meet_v with_o that_o may_v help_v we_o to_o understand_v it_o this_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v of_o as_o the_o daily_a practice_n of_o every_o holy-blessed_n man_n psal._n 1._o 1_o 2._o and_o profess_v it_o of_o himself_o psal._n 119_o 15._o 97._o but_o second_o there_o be_v need_n of_o prayer_n also_o for_o divine_a assistance_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o understand_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n aright_o this_o the_o psalmist_n use_v psal._n 119._o 18._o 19_o 26_o 27_o 73._o though_o he_o have_v the_o copy_n of_o the_o law_n by_o he_o according_a to_o that_o command_n of_o god_n which_o we_o have_v upon_o record_n in_o deut._n 17._o 18_o 19_o and_o do_v use_v daily_o to_o read_v it_o and_o meditate_v on_o it_o yet_o he_o think_v not_o this_o enough_o but_o beg_v of_o god_n to_o have_v his_o eye_n open_v etc._n etc._n when_o our_o saviour_n discourse_v with_o his_o disciple_n after_o his_o resurrection_n concern_v himself_o and_o his_o suffering_n it_o be_v say_v luke_n 24._o 45._o that_o he_o open_v their_o undestanding_n that_o they_o may_v understand_v the_o scripture_n he_o do_v not_o only_o open_v the_o scripture_n by_o external_n instruction_n as_o it_o be_v say_v before_o vers_fw-la 27_o and_o 32._o but_o as_o the_o learned_a grotius_n observe_v upon_o the_o place_n he_o open_v their_o mind_n by_o the_o internal_a illumination_n of_o his_o spirit_n this_o the_o apostle_n pray_v for_o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o ephesian_n and_o colossian_n eph._n 1._o 16_o 17_o 18._o col._n 1._o 9_o though_o they_o have_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n already_o publish_v to_o they_o and_o the_o same_o apostle_n write_v to_o timothy_n have_v exhort_v he_o to_o consider_v what_o he_o have_v say_v to_o he_o he_o add_v this_o prayer_n for_o he_o the_o lord_n give_v thou_o understanding_n in_o all_o thing_n i_o will_v glad_o suppose_v there_o be_v none_o that_o call_v themselves_o christian_n but_o do_v own_o the_o need_n and_o use_v of_o prayer_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o god_n will_v which_o necessary_o carry_v with_o it_o a_o interpretative_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o need_n we_o have_v of_o something_o from_o god_n above_o our_o natural_a ability_n to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n and_o i_o do_v profess_v myself_o to_o have_v have_v the_o better_a and_o more_o honourable_a esteem_n of_o that_o great_a schoolman_n thomas_n aquinas_n since_o i_o read_v this_o of_o he_o that_o it_o be_v his_o manner_n whensoever_o he_o be_v granatensis_n either_o to_o study_v in_o private_a or_o discourse_n in_o public_a to_o pray_v fervent_o to_o god_n for_o assistance_n that_o he_o may_v learn_v of_o he_o what_o he_o be_v to_o teach_v other_o and_o that_o he_o do_v candid_o acknowledge_v in_o secret_a to_o his_o intimate_a friend_n reginaldus_n that_o what_o divine_a knowledge_n he_o have_v be_v attain_v by_o prayer_n more_o than_o by_o any_o humane_a wit_n or_o labour_n but_o who_o expect_v success_n in_o seek_v divine_a assistance_n it_o behoove_v he_o to_o bring_v with_o he_o a_o meek_a and_o humble_a heart_n awe_v with_o the_o holy_a fear_n and_o
perspicuous_a 〈◊〉_d revelation_n of_o god_n will._n whatsoever_o may_v be_v the_o ignorance_n or_o darkness_n of_o man_n which_o hinder_v they_o from_o know_v what_o god_n have_v say_v in_o these_o sacred_a record_n yet_o the_o objective_a perspicuity_n of_o they_o be_v general_o assert_v by_o protestant_n against_o the_o romanist_n not_o that_o all_o truth_n reveal_v in_o scripture_n be_v so_o low_a and_o common_a as_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n to_o be_v obvious_a to_o man_n understanding_n but_o that_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o delivery_n they_o be_v so_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o that_o they_o may_v be_v understand_v by_o and_o from_o the_o scripture_n yet_o we_o mean_v not_o that_o every_o part_n or_o passage_n of_o scripture_n be_v clear_a for_o that_o there_o be_v many_o difficulty_n therein_o we_o acknowledge_v but_o that_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n be_v somewhere_o or_o other_o in_o scripture_n plain_o propound_v so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v it_o one_o part_n of_o it_o give_v light_n to_o another_o so_o that_o the_o whole_a scripture_n take_v together_o be_v a_o perspicuous_a manifestation_n of_o his_o will_n this_o be_v prove_v by_o moses_n word_n in_o deut._n 30._o 12_o 13_o 14._o speak_v of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o apostle_n word_n rom._n 10._o 6._o etc._n etc._n speak_v the_o same_o of_o the_o gospel_n hence_o the_o write_a word_n be_v frequent_o compare_v to_o a_o light_n and_o be_v 22._o say_v to_o give_v understanding_n to_o the_o simple_a have_v not_o the_o scripture_n be_v perspicuous_a how_o can_v timothy_n in_o his_o childhood_n have_v understand_v they_o how_o can_v our_o saviour_n out_o of_o they_o have_v convince_v the_o sadducee_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n or_o the_o apostle_n out_o of_o they_o prove_v irrefragable_o the_o acts._n truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n against_o the_o gainsay_v jew_n or_o how_o can_v the_o berean_o try_v the_o apostle_n doctrine_n by_o search_v the_o scripture_n these_o be_v undeniable_a 11._o proof_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v perspicuous_a and_o that_o they_o have_v a_o plain_a and_o certain_a sense_n obvious_a to_o a_o considerate_a reader_n but_o all_o this_o will_v signify_v nothing_o if_o the_o scripture_n have_v not_o that_o light_n in_o it_o that_o may_v discover_v itself_o and_o clear_v up_o its_o own_o meaning_n without_o borrow_a light_n from_o some_o other_o principle_n now_o because_o much_o of_o the_o stress_n of_o this_o cause_n lie_v on_o this_o we_o must_v a_o little_a consider_v what_o be_v say_v against_o it_o the_o late_a romanist_n do_v general_o cry_v out_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a partly_o that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o fair_a colour_n to_o take_v they_o out_o of_o the_o people_n hand_n lest_o they_o shall_v mistake_v or_o pervert_v they_o though_o none_o among_o they_o have_v be_v more_o guilty_a of_o that_o than_o their_o doctor_n of_o great_a name_n for_o learning_n partly_o that_o they_o may_v bring_v in_o their_o unwritten_a tradition_n as_o expository_n of_o scripture-revelation_n and_o partly_o also_o that_o they_o may_v establish_v a_o necessity_n of_o a_o infallible_a visible_a judge_n here_o on_o earth_n to_o interpret_v scripture_n and_o decide_v all_o controversy_n yet_o i_o know_v not_o any_o of_o they_o but_o will_v own_o that_o many_o thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a but_o there_o be_v a_o late_a writer_n that_o deny_v this_o my_o next_o work_n therefore_o shall_v be_v to_o deal_v with_o he_o and_o clear_v the_o truth_n from_o his_o exception_n in_o some_o of_o the_o follow_a chapter_n of_o this_o discourse_n chap._n iu._n the_o exercitator_n exception_n against_o the_o scripture_n perspicuity_n from_o the_o ambiguity_n of_o word_n answer_v the_o belgic_a exercitator_n who_o i_o have_v oft_o mention_v before_o that_o he_o may_v make_v sure_a work_n rise_v high_a in_o deny_v the_o scripture_n perspicuity_n than_o any_o that_o i_o have_v ever_o meet_v with_o and_o with_o confidence_n affirm_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v universal_o obscure_a and_o that_o no_o part_n of_o it_o be_v of_o itself_o clear_a and_o 9_o plain_a and_o thereupon_o deny_v that_o one_o part_n of_o scripture_n can_v be_v expound_v by_o another_o yea_o this_o he_o lay_v as_o the_o foundation_n of_o his_o main_a assertion_n against_o the_o scripture_n interpret_n itself_o and_o one_o great_a reason_n he_o give_v be_v 1._o what_o he_o have_v take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o tedious_a pedantic_a pain_n to_o prove_v in_o his_o three_o chapter_n that_o all_o speech_n be_v make_v up_o of_o word_n and_o phrase_n be_v obscure_a and_o doubtful_a because_o the_o word_n whereof_o it_o consist_v be_v capable_a of_o different_a signification_n and_o consequent_o may_v be_v take_v in_o a_o various_a sense_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v universal_o ambiguous_a and_o therefore_o obscure_a to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o if_o this_o reason_n 1._o hold_v then_o there_o be_v no_o speech_n or_o write_v in_o the_o world_n but_o will_v fall_v under_o the_o same_o unhappy_a fate_n no_o law_n of_o the_o land_n no_o letter_n of_o a_o friend_n no_o oral_a discourse_n no_o treatise_n of_o whatsoever_o subject_n and_o how_o accurate_o soever_o write_v shall_v be_v account_v intelligible_a for_o all_o write_n and_o discourse_n be_v make_v up_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o word_n and_o phrase_n and_o capable_a of_o be_v adorn_v with_o the_o same_o trope_n and_o figure_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v and_o every_o whit_n as_o liable_a to_o be_v take_v in_o for_o different_a sense_n and_o thus_o no_o man_n shall_v know_v how_o to_o speak_v or_o write_v any_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v clear_o understand_v and_o that_o excellent_a gift_n of_o speech_n which_o god_n have_v bestow_v upon_o man_n to_o be_v a_o instrument_n of_o society_n and_o converse_n shall_v be_v of_o no_o other_o use_n but_o to_o be_v make_v a_o engine_n of_o deceit_n and_o treachery_n second_o if_o thing_n be_v thus_o to_o what_o 2._o end_n do_v this_o author_n trouble_v himself_o to_o write_v and_o other_o to_o read_v this_o book_n of_o he_o if_o all_o speech_n and_o write_n be_v ambiguous_a and_o obscure_a and_o not_o to_o be_v understand_v without_o a_o interpreter_n of_o what_o use_n be_v this_o jewel_n of_o his_o fancy_n do_v he_o hope_v to_o lead_v the_o whole_a world_n of_o interpreter_n out_o of_o their_o labyrinth_n into_o the_o right_a path_n by_o such_o a_o ignis_fw-la fatuus_fw-la that_o by_o its_o ambiguity_n and_o uncertainty_n may_v scare_v and_o amuse_v they_o and_o carry_v they_o hither_o and_o thither_o according_a to_o the_o wind_n of_o their_o own_o imagination_n or_o have_v he_o attain_v to_o a_o faculty_n above_o all_o other_o writer_n even_o the_o best_a and_o holy_a to_o write_v in_o such_o word_n and_o phrase_n as_o may_v open_v his_o meaning_n without_o entangle_v his_o reader_n in_o ambiguity_n if_o he_o think_v his_o book_n be_v free_a from_o this_o blemish_n methinks_v he_o may_v have_v have_v the_o modesty_n to_o conceive_v that_o the_o penman_n of_o scripture_n know_v how_o to_o write_v as_o well_o as_o he_o if_o his_o thought_n of_o his_o book_n be_v otherwise_o he_o may_v have_v keep_v it_o to_o himself_o and_o feed_v the_o moth_n with_o it_o three_o yet_o again_o if_o it_o be_v thus_o that_o all_o word_n in_o whatsoever_o contexture_n be_v 3._o so_o ambiguous_a and_o obscure_a what_o will_v become_v of_o this_o infallible_a interpreter_n which_o our_o author_n will_v set_v up_o for_o whatsoever_o interpretation_n be_v make_v of_o any_o scripture_n it_o must_v be_v frame_v in_o such_o word_n as_o other_o man_n use_v and_o as_o all_o kind_n of_o write_n be_v draw_v up_o in_o and_o if_o when_o all_o be_v do_v these_o be_v obscure_a what_o be_v we_o the_o better_a for_o certain_o according_a to_o this_o author_n argument_n even_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o most_o unquestionable_a maxim_n of_o philosophy_n when_o turn_v into_o word_n and_o sentence_n will_v be_v as_o ambiguous_a and_o consequent_o as_o dark_a as_o the_o scripture_n four_o whereas_o his_o impeach_v the_o scripture_n of_o ambiguity_n and_o obscurity_n 4._o be_v not_o only_o to_o disable_v they_o from_o expound_v themselves_o but_o that_o he_o may_v set_v up_o philosophy_n as_o the_o only_a interpreter_n he_o instance_n in_o several_a scripture_n 24._o which_o he_o say_v be_v thus_o ambiguous_a and_o obscure_a in_o the_o clear_n whereof_o philosophy_n can_v possible_o afford_v we_o any_o help_n as_o for_o example_n when_o he_o suppose_v of_o our_o saviour_n word_n in_o joh._n 5._o 39_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o it_o be_v doubtful_a whether_o this_o be_v to_o be_v take_v imperative_o search_v the_o scripture_n or_o indicative_o you_o do_v search_v the_o scripture_n can_v any_o
sense_n and_o that_o be_v the_o thing_n we_o inquire_v into_o by_o the_o help_n of_o philosophy_n and_o when_o we_o have_v thereby_o obtain_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture-proposition_n that_o sense_n we_o own_o for_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o of_o decide_v controversy_n in_o religion_n but_o add_v he_o when_o the_o reform_a doctor_n say_v the_o scripture_n be_v its_o own_o interpreter_n they_o can_v mean_v only_o the_o word_n and_o sentence_n of_o scripture_n without_o the_o sense_n for_o it_o be_v the_o sense_n that_o they_o be_v seek_v for_o and_o that_o can_v be_v the_o rule_n to_o find_v out_o itself_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o the_o distinction_n 1._o of_o the_o scripture_n consider_v material_o and_o formal_o or_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o form_n be_v general_o receive_v but_o be_v never_o that_o i_o know_v of_o take_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o author_n but_o in_o a_o far_o different_a meaning_n viz._n the_o scripture_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o formal_o consider_v be_v the_o same_o word_n as_o write_v but_o this_o gentleman_n exposition_n of_o it_o serve_v his_o turn_n very_o well_o viz._n that_o the_o word_n and_o phrase_n of_o scripture_n be_v as_o rude_a matter_n till_o the_o sense_n as_o the_o form_n be_v give_v it_o by_o philosophy_n or_o humane_a reason_n but_o 2._o the_o distinction_n as_o here_o use_v 2._o be_v a_o miserable_a subterfuge_n argue_v some_o wit_n but_o no_o honesty_n for_o when_o we_o say_v the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o it_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n to_o itself_o in_o both_o we_o mean_v neither_o the_o word_n nor_o the_o sense_n separately_z but_o conjoint_o for_o 1._o the_o scripture_n be_v no_o otherwise_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n than_o as_o they_o be_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n to_o we_o now_o the_o word_n or_o sentence_n separate_v from_o the_o true_a sense_n suppose_v they_o can_v be_v so_o separate_v be_v not_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o the_o sense_n separate_v from_o the_o word_n and_o sentence_n if_o it_o may_v be_v so_o separate_v will_v be_v no_o revelation_n for_o we_o know_v not_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n but_o by_o the_o word_n and_o his_o mind_n as_o clothe_v with_o these_o word_n or_o these_o word_n as_o exhibit_v his_o mind_n so_o they_o be_v our_o rule_n again_o 2._o when_o we_o say_v the_o scripture_n be_v a_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n to_o itself_o we_o mean_v that_o if_o the_o place_n under_o consideration_n be_v plain_a it_o deliver_v its_o own_o sense_n to_o the_o reader_n that_o well_o mind_v the_o contexture_n and_o dependence_n if_o it_o be_v dark_a we_o have_v recourse_n to_o some_o other_o plain_a scripture_n and_o by_o the_o evident_a sense_n of_o that_o wherein_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n lie_v more_o clear_o in_o the_o word_n we_o find_v out_o his_o mind_n in_o that_o other_o where_o it_o lay_v more_o dark_o the_o fallacy_n of_o this_o author_n in_o charge_v we_o to_o mean_v only_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n when_o we_o say_v the_o scripture_n be_v its_o own_o interpreter_n lie_v in_o this_o he_o will_v make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o we_o mean_v it_o of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o sentence_n of_o scripture_n even_o where_o it_o be_v most_o obscure_a now_o as_o himself_o premise_v 7._o that_o interpretation_n suppose_v some_o obscurity_n in_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v interpret_v so_o he_o can_v not_o but_o know_v that_o in_o the_o case_n of_o obscurity_n we_o mean_v it_o of_o the_o scripture_n according_a to_o its_o different_a part_n that_o the_o scripture_n where_o it_o be_v plain_a be_v a_o rule_n of_o exposition_n to_o itself_o in_o those_o part_n that_o be_v more_o intricate_a which_o himself_o also_o acknowledge_v 1._o to_o be_v our_o meaning_n elsewhere_o in_o his_o book_n and_o yet_o we_o use_v no_o such_o incongruity_n as_o he_o suppose_v in_o say_v the_o scripture_n expound_v itself_o each_o part_n of_o scripture_n be_v scripture_n no_o more_o than_o in_o say_v that_o the_o civil_a or_o municipal_a law_n expound_v itself_o when_o one_o part_n of_o the_o law_n explain_v another_o chap._n xiii_o 1._o a_o answer_n to_o some_o other_o objection_n against_o the_o scripture_n be_v its_o own_o interpreter_n e._n g._n that_o protestant_n assert_v a_o necessity_n of_o the_o spirit_n illumination_n 2._o what_o correspondency_n have_v one_o part_n of_o scripture_n with_o another_o etc._n etc._n 3._o some_o difficult_a place_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o explain_v elsewhere_o 4._o many_o rule_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n be_v prescribe_v by_o divine_n both_o ancient_n and_o modern_a i_o shall_v now_o consider_v what_o may_v be_v further_o 1_o object_v against_o my_o present_a assertion_n beside_o what_o i_o have_v already_o meet_v with_o in_o clear_v my_o forego_v argument_n and_o first_o the_o exercitator_n object_n 2._o that_o the_o divine_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n maintain_v a_o necessity_n of_o the_o spirit_n internal_a illumination_n for_o our_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a interpreter_n of_o itself_o i_o answer_v what_o the_o spirit_n enlighten_v sol._n be_v and_o how_o far_o necessary_a may_v be_v more_o seasonable_o discuss_v in_o another_o place_n and_o therefore_o i_o intend_v to_o speak_v something_o to_o it_o in_o a_o appendix_n to_o this_o discourse_n but_o at_o the_o present_a we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o the_o spirit_n be_v say_v to_o make_v know_v to_o we_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n two_o way_n 1._o objective_o as_o it_o speak_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n endite_v 2._o effective_o as_o it_o act_n in_o we_o to_o help_v our_o weak_a understanding_n now_o these_o two_o be_v wide_o different_a one_o from_o the_o other_o the_o former_a note_n the_o objective_a evidence_n that_o be_v give_v we_o of_o god_n mind_n which_o be_v by_o the_o scripture_n and_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o render_v the_o scripture_n a_o sufficient_a rule_n of_o interpretation_n to_o itself_o whether_o the_o other_o be_v necessary_a or_o no_o because_o there_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n a_o sufficiency_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o objective_a light_n to_o discover_v the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o latter_a concern_v only_o the_o subjective_a light_n which_o the_o spirit_n afford_v to_o our_o dark_a understanding_n that_o we_o may_v discern_v what_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o necessity_n whereof_o do_v not_o at_o all_o impeach_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o former_a because_o that_o which_o make_v this_o latter_a necessary_a be_v not_o any_o obscurity_n in_o the_o object_n but_o a_o indisposition_n in_o the_o subject_a or_o faculty_n that_o be_v to_o apprehend_v it_o but_o it_o be_v further_o object_v what_o 2._o correspondency_n have_v one_o part_n of_o scripture_n with_o another_o or_o what_o right_a or_o power_n have_v one_o penman_n of_o scripture_n over_o the_o write_n of_o another_o that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o one_o shall_v be_v interpret_v by_o the_o other_o thus_o argue_v the_o exercitator_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v 1._o may_v we_o not_o 1._o with_o much_o more_o reason_n say_v what_o correspondency_n have_v philosophy_n with_o scripture_n have_v not_o the_o several_a part_n of_o scripture_n all_o which_o be_v indict_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o infallible_a spirit_n more_o correspondency_n one_o with_o another_o than_o any_o of_o they_o can_v have_v with_o philosophy_n which_o be_v the_o immediate_a product_n of_o fallible_a reason_n 2._o the_o author_n may_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v 2._o what_o good_a correspondency_n there_o be_v between_o the_o several_a part_n of_o his_o own_o book_n and_o whether_o this_o objection_n do_v not_o evidence_n he_o to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o himself_o for_o in_o his_o three_o chapter_n 21._o when_o he_o will_v prove_v that_o the_o word_n in_o 1_o king_n 3._o 12._o concern_v the_o wisdom_n of_o solomon_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o a_o hebrew_n idiotism_n and_o mean_v no_o more_o than_o that_o the_o wisdom_n give_v to_o solomon_n be_v very_o eminent_a and_o above_o the_o ordinary_a rate_n he_o appeal_v to_o two_o other_o place_n that_o speak_v of_o the_o piety_n of_o hezekiah_n and_o josiah_n and_o say_v hoc_fw-la ita_fw-la se_fw-la habere_fw-la ex_fw-la duobus_fw-la aliis_fw-la ejusdem_fw-la scriptoris_fw-la locis_fw-la non_fw-la obscure_a elucescit_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o it_o be_v so_o appear_v plain_o by_o two_o other_o place_n of_o the_o same_o writer_n viz._n 2_o king_n 18._o 5_o 6._o and_o c._n 23._o 25._o which_o he_o say_v can_v no_o otherwise_o be_v true_o understand_v but_o in_o this_o sense_n that_o their_o piety_n be_v eminent_a and_o extraordinary_a it_o seem_v our_o author_n be_v then_o in_o the_o mind_n that_o one_o part_n
yet_o accomplish_v will_v be_v make_v clear_a by_o the_o event_n when_o they_o come_v to_o be_v fulfil_v if_o there_o be_v any_o difficulty_n in_o any_o one_o 3._o part_n of_o scripture_n which_o can_v be_v clear_v from_o some_o other_o by_o the_o best_a inquiry_n we_o can_v make_v it_o will_v be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o attempt_v the_o find_n of_o it_o out_o any_o other_o way_n but_o we_o must_v be_v in_o such_o case_n content_a to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o their_o meaning_n nor_o yet_o will_v those_o scripture_n be_v utter_o useless_a or_o in_o vain_a to_o we_o if_o from_o their_o obscurity_n we_o can_v learn_v this_o needful_a lesson_n the_o more_o reverent_o to_o adore_v the_o majesty_n of_o the_o write_a word_n and_o more_o humble_o to_o acknowledge_v our_o own_o ignorance_n and_o weakness_n and_o to_o this_o may_v be_v refer_v what_o be_v object_v about_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d where_o the_o sense_n be_v not_o obvious_a yet_o again_o it_o be_v object_v if_o the_o scripture_n be_v its_o own_o sufficient_a interpreter_n 8._o what_o mean_v those_o many_o rule_n that_o divine_n give_v for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o scripture_n if_o the_o scripture_n itself_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o all_o these_o thus_o the_o exercitator_n who_o make_v a_o particular_a enumeration_n of_o several_a rule_n that_o be_v give_v by_o st._n austin_n and_o other_o to_o this_o childish_a cavil_v which_o the_o author_n bring_v in_o by_o the_o by_o i_o answer_v whatsoever_o rule_n be_v give_v by_o divine_n for_o the_o right_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n such_o as_o be_v sound_a and_o good_a be_v only_o to_o direct_v the_o reader_n how_o with_o most_o ease_n and_o great_a certainty_n to_o fetch_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o those_o rule_n therefore_o be_v but_o subordinate_a and_o ministerial_a do_v no_o way_n contradict_v or_o overthrow_v this_o which_o be_v the_o supreme_a and_o autocratorical_a suppose_v a_o master-workman_n have_v a_o building_n to_o frame_v employ_v some_o under_o he_o who_o be_v as_o yet_o raw_a and_o unskilful_a till_o they_o have_v get_v some_o insight_n into_o the_o carpenter_n or_o mason_n art_n when_o he_o show_v they_o as_o they_o must_v have_v a_o learning_n how_o to_o use_v the_o square_n or_o the_o rule_n or_o the_o plumb-line_n sure_o his_o direction_n that_o he_o give_v they_o do_v not_o at_o all_o argue_v the_o uselessness_n or_o insufficiency_n of_o those_o instrument_n for_o the_o purpose_n to_o which_o they_o be_v design_v but_o rather_o the_o contrary_n so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o present_a case_n those_o inferior_a and_o subservient_fw-fr rule_n that_o be_v prescribe_v by_o any_o for_o the_o expound_v of_o scripture_n be_v design_v and_o direct_v if_o they_o be_v such_o as_o they_o shall_v be_v to_o teach_v man_n how_o to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o supreme_a rule_n the_o scripture_n itself_o for_o the_o better_a find_v out_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o it_o have_v confirm_v my_o proposition_n vindicate_v my_o argument_n for_o it_o and_o answer_v the_o objection_n against_o it_o it_o be_v time_n for_o i_o to_o draw_v to_o a_o conclusion_n as_o for_o the_o exercitator_n with_o who_o i_o have_v most_o deal_v in_o this_o controversy_n when_o i_o weigh_v his_o argument_n i_o can_v but_o wonder_v at_o his_o confidence_n but_o he_o who_o have_v no_o better_a weapon_n must_v fight_v with_o a_o bulrush_n and_o it_o be_v now_o become_v the_o mode_n of_o polemic_a writer_n that_o have_v prurient_a wit_n to_o sharpen_v their_o dull_a argument_n with_o high_a confidence_n in_o themselves_o and_o a_o proud_a contempt_n of_o their_o antagonist_n in_o both_o which_o this_o author_n excel_v but_o it_o be_v such_o a_o excellency_n for_o which_o no_o wise_a or_o sober_a man_n will_v envy_v he_o the_o conclusion_n the_o author_n who_o i_o have_v chief_o and_o design_o deal_v with_o hitherto_o have_v engage_v himself_o in_o a_o contest_v with_o the_o whole_a world_n of_o christian_a writer_n especial_o with_o the_o expositor_n of_o scripture_n and_o have_v in_o his_o own_o apprehension_n win_v the_o day_n come_v in_o his_o epilogue_n to_o make_v preparation_n for_o his_o triumph_n bring_v forth_o his_o spoil_n and_o tell_v we_o how_o great_o he_o have_v bless_v the_o world_n with_o his_o exploit_n and_o lest_o we_o shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o our_o happiness_n acquire_v by_o his_o victorious_a arm_n he_o set_v it_o out_o in_o six_o considerable_a point_n 1._o he_o tell_v we_o this_o new_a way_n of_o interpretation_n be_v sure_a and_o infallible_a will_n if_o it_o be_v take_v forthwith_o banish_v all_o dispute_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o thereby_o restore_v peace_n to_o the_o christian_a world_n but_o i_o wonder_v how_o this_o shall_v be_v effect_v by_o philosophy_n which_o be_v itself_o so_o full_a of_o dispute_n and_o the_o professor_n whereof_o be_v at_o such_o variance_n among_o themselves_o let_v they_o first_o reconcile_v their_o own_o difference_n before_o they_o undertake_v so_o great_a a_o enterprise_n elsewhere_o 2._o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a ease_n to_o the_o interpreter_n because_o whatever_o sense_n he_o can_v make_v of_o any_o part_n of_o scripture_n if_o philosophy_n allow_v it_o for_o a_o truth_n he_o may_v be_v sure_a it_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o that_o text_n this_o way_n allow_v a_o plurality_n of_o immediate_a sense_n in_o the_o same_o scripture_n and_o where_o it_o be_v thus_o it_o be_v easy_a say_v he_o to_o find_v the_o true_a meaning_n than_o where_o according_a to_o the_o protestant_n opinion_n the_o sense_n be_v but_o one_o and_o yet_o sure_a when_o we_o speak_v of_o inquire_v after_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n we_o mean_v the_o whole_a sense_n not_o part_n of_o it_o only_o and_o if_o many_o sense_n may_v be_v more_o easy_o find_v out_o than_o one_o than_o perhaps_o our_o author_n may_v find_v it_o a_o easy_a thing_n to_o gain_v a_o thousand_o proselyte_n than_o one_o to_o his_o new_a way_n 3._o this_o will_v save_v man_n the_o labour_n of_o search_a commentator_n because_o in_o this_o way_n they_o may_v by_o their_o own_o industry_n find_v out_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n without_o any_o help_n from_o other_o and_o so_o they_o may_v according_a to_o his_o principle_n without_o ever_o look_v into_o the_o bible_n at_o all_o 4._o by_o this_o way_n we_o may_v best_o find_v out_o all_o corruption_n depravation_n and_o mutilation_n of_o the_o original_a text_n whether_o hebrew_n or_o greek_a and_o be_v it_o not_o pity_v the_o ancient_a church_n do_v not_o think_v of_o this_o happy_a expedient_a that_o they_o may_v have_v call_v a_o council_n of_o learned_a philosopher_n such_o as_o porphyry_n celsus_n and_o other_o to_o draw_v they_o up_o a_o more_o correct_a copy_n of_o the_o bible_n 5._o &_o 6._o by_o this_o we_o may_v know_v how_o to_o judge_v of_o all_o various_a lection_n which_o be_v genuine_a which_o not_o yea_o by_o this_o we_o may_v discover_v the_o error_n of_o translation_n make_v out_o of_o deprave_a copy_n or_o spurious_a readins_n though_o we_o have_v no_o skill_n at_o all_o in_o the_o original_a tongue_n doubtless_o a_o singular_a receipt_n that_o will_v help_v a_o man_n to_o distinguish_v of_o colour_n in_o the_o dark_a midnight_n as_o well_o as_o at_o noonday_n we_o see_v what_o a_o rare_a pampharmacon_n this_o aesculapius_n have_v prescribe_v which_o he_o may_v well_o call_v his_o nostrum_fw-la that_o can_v work_v as_o great_a wonder_n as_o the_o headsman_n axe_n that_o infallible_o cure_v all_o disease_n with_o one_o blow_n for_o that_o his_o grand_a design_n be_v utter_o to_o cashier_v the_o scripture_n as_o useless_a and_o unprofitable_a be_v plain_a enough_o by_o sundry_a passage_n in_o his_o book_n but_o especial_o that_o in_o his_o epilogue_n which_o i_o light_o touch_v at_o in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o my_o discourse_n chap._n 6._o but_o deserve_v a_o more_o severe_a castigation_n the_o scripture_n with_o he_o be_v of_o no_o use_n to_o instruct_v we_o in_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v not_o nor_o yet_o to_o confirm_v we_o in_o what_o we_o know_v all_o the_o use_n he_o allow_v it_o be_v only_o this_o that_o by_o read_v therein_o we_o may_v be_v occasion_v and_o excite_v to_o consider_v of_o the_o thing_n there_o treat_v of_o and_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o by_o philosophy_n and_o as_o much_o as_o this_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o jew_n talmud_n or_o the_o turk_n alcoran_n be_v there_o ever_o any_o who_o call_v himself_o a_o christian_n since_o the_o christian_a name_n be_v hear_v of_o that_o have_v manifest_v a_o more_o vile_a esteem_n of_o god_n write_a word_n or_o a_o more_o bold_a contempt_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a doctrine_n have_v god_n in_o mercy_n leave_v we_o this_o only_a