by_o he_o i_o be_o charge_v with_o deride_v all_o trust_n and_o dependence_n on_o christ_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o promise_n or_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o because_o i_o reject_v their_o proof_n of_o this_o from_o st._n paul_n trust_v in_o god_n in_o the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o his_o apostolical_a office_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o persecution_n he_o suffer_v from_o jew_n and_o heathen_n 2_o tim._n 1._o 12._o i_o be_o accuse_v 381._o of_o involve_v the_o scripture_n in_o the_o same_o condemnation_n and_o bring_v st._n paul_n himself_o under_o the_o same_o imputation_n certain_o these_o man_n think_v themselves_o all_o apostle_n and_o that_o they_o expound_v the_o scripture_n with_o as_o infallible_a a_o spirit_n as_o first_o indict_v they_o for_o otherwise_o they_o will_v not_o be_v so_o impudent_a as_o to_o charge_v every_o man_n who_o laugh_v at_o their_o ridiculous_a application_n of_o scripture-phrase_n with_o deride_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n of_o all_o this_o noise_n and_o outcry_n about_o burlesque_a the_o scripture_n for_o he_o direct_v his_o reader_n to_o page_n 62_o 63_o etc._n etc._n of_o my_o book_n for_o a_o example_n of_o my_o sacrilegious_a abuse_n of_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n to_o make_v my_o reader_n sport_n and_o to_o render_v my_o adversary_n ridiculous_a and_o whoever_o consult_v the_o place_n will_v only_o find_v a_o scheme_n of_o their_o divinity_n express_v in_o their_o own_o cant_v phrase_n without_o any_o art_n to_o make_v it_o look_v ridiculous_o but_o only_o a_o true_a and_o naked_a representation_n of_o it_o and_o though_o i_o can_v deny_v that_o it_o be_v a_o famous_a example_n of_o burlesque_a the_o scripture_n yet_o mr._n ferguson_n ought_v to_o have_v lay_v the_o saddle_n upon_o the_o right_a horse_n back_o and_o then_o i_o doubt_v his_o own_o dear_a friend_n must_v suffer_v under_o this_o imputation_n there_o be_v nothing_o i_o more_o hearty_o design_v than_o to_o rescue_v the_o scripture_n from_o such_o abuse_n as_o appear_v from_o what_o i_o immediate_o add_v that_o the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o this_o 108._o and_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o stuff_n of_o this_o nature_n not_o of_o 278._o fanaticism_n as_o he_o cite_v my_o word_n purposely_o to_o create_v the_o great_a odium_fw-la which_o be_v very_o familiar_a with_o he_o and_o agreeable_a enough_o to_o the_o purity_n of_o his_o christian_a moral_n consist_v in_o wrest_v metaphorical_a and_o allusive_a expression_n to_o a_o proper_a sense_n when_o the_o scripture_n describe_v the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n a_o sincere_a belief_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n by_o have_v christ_n and_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o come_v to_o he_o and_o receive_v he_o these_o man_n expound_v these_o phrase_n to_o a_o proper_a and_o natural_a sense_n to_o signify_v i_o know_v not_o what_o unintelligible_a union_n and_o spiritual_a progress_n and_o closure_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o he_o a_o union_n of_o person_n instead_o of_o a_o agreement_n in_o faith_n and_o manner_n if_o this_o be_v to_o burlesque_fw-la scripture_n to_o deliver_v it_o from_o the_o freak_n of_o a_o enthusiastic_a fancy_n and_o to_o expound_v it_o to_o a_o plain_a and_o easy_a sense_n such_o as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n and_o worthy_a of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n i_o acknowledge_v the_o charge_n and_o be_o afraid_a my_o adversary_n will_v never_o be_v guilty_a of_o that_o crime_n thus_o when_o i_o show_v how_o convince_o these_o man_n prove_v their_o darling_n opinion_n from_o a_o fanciful_a exposition_n of_o scripture-metaphor_n and_o type_n and_o figure_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n observe_v how_o many_o pretty_a resemblance_n of_o christ_n mr._n watson_n have_v discover_v in_o the_o brazen_a serpent_n wherein_o mr._n ferguson_n himself_o acknowledge_v he_o have_v prevaricate_v i_o be_o charge_v with_o deride_v 383._o the_o type_n itself_o and_o make_v scornful_a reflection_n upon_o the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o comparison_n t._n w._n among_o other_o thing_n tell_v we_o that_o as_o the_o serpent_n be_v lift_v up_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o by_o the_o sting_a israelite_n which_o look_v imply_v a_o secret_a hope_n they_o have_v of_o cure_n so_o if_o we_o do_v but_o look_v on_o christ_n fiducial_o we_o shall_v be_v cure_v of_o our_o sin_n by_o which_o comparison_n he_o will_v prove_v that_o because_o the_o israelite_n be_v miraculous_o cure_v only_o by_o look_v upon_o the_o brazen_a serpent_n that_o therefore_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o require_v of_o we_o to_o be_v cure_v of_o our_o sin_n but_o only_o look_v fiducial_o on_o christ_n that_o be_v confident_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v by_o he_o this_o mr._n ferguson_n say_v be_v parallel_n to_o the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o true_a intendment_n and_o meaning_n of_o they_o john_n iii._o 15_o 16._o and_o as_o moses_n lift_v up_o the_o serpent_n in_o the_o wilderness_n even_o so_o must_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v lift_v up_o that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o now_o i_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o i_o have_v do_v very_o ill_o in_o rank_v this_o comparison_n of_o t._n w_n among_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o prevarication_n if_o mr._n ferguson_n can_v prove_v that_o this_o believe_v signify_v no_o more_o than_o this_o fiducial_a look_v on_o christ_n which_o i_o be_o sure_a he_o can_v never_o prove_v except_o it_o be_v in_o mr._n watson_n way_n what_o he_o add_v about_o mr._n tho._n vincent_n be_v sufficient_o answer_v already_o and_o shall_v be_v consider_v in_o another_o place_n this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o his_o charge_n against_o i_o for_o burlesque_a scripture_n in_o which_o i_o can_v think_v he_o be_v serious_a but_o only_o say_v this_o because_o he_o must_v say_v something_o and_o have_v nothing_o wise_a to_o say_v or_o as_o it_o be_v with_o some_o scold_a people_n who_o want_v wit_n to_o make_v proper_a and_o sudden_a repartee_n choose_v rather_o than_o to_o say_v nothing_o to_o say_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o be_v say_v to_o they_o though_o the_o impropriety_n of_o the_o application_n and_o the_o dullness_n of_o it_o serve_v only_o to_o make_v mirth_n for_o the_o bystander_n this_o i_o perceive_v be_v mr._n ferguson_n peculiar_a talon_n and_o to_o give_v he_o his_o due_n he_o be_v very_o dexterous_a at_o it_o as_o will_v appear_v in_o two_o or_o three_o instance_n more_o of_o a_o like_a narure_n i_o charge_v some_o of_o the_o nonconformist_n for_o i_o never_o think_v they_o all_o guilty_a of_o it_o with_o pervert_v the_o scripture_n by_o expound_v allusive_a and_o metaphorical_a expression_n to_o a_o proper_a sense_n mr._n ferguson_n dare_v not_o deny_v this_o charge_n for_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v too_o evident_a but_o he_o show_v great_a skill_n in_o retort_v 285._o it_o and_o give_v several_a instance_n how_o i_o pervert_v scripture_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n thus_o he_o tell_v his_o reader_n that_o whereas_o other_o expositor_n of_o scripture_n have_v expound_v christ_n be_v call_v the_o brightness_n of_o his_o father_n glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n heb._n i_o 3._o in_o a_o plain_a and_o proper_a sense_n and_o have_v according_o argue_v from_o it_o for_o the_o deity_n of_o christ_n against_o the_o socinian_o mr._n sherlock_n by_o christ_n be_v style_v the_o brightness_n of_o his_o father_n glory_n etc._n etc._n understand_v no_o more_o but_o those_o discovery_n which_o christ_n have_v make_v of_o god_n be_v as_o true_a a_o representation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o will_n as_o any_o picture_n be_v of_o the_o person_n it_o represent_v when_o he_o say_v i_o understand_v no_o more_o by_o it_o he_o express_o contradict_v my_o own_o word_n which_o be_v these_o upon_o which_o account_n too_o as_o well_o as_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o divine_a nature_n he_o be_v call_v the_o brightness_n 32._o of_o his_o father_n glory_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o i_o acknowledge_v that_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o brightness_n of_o his_o father_n glory_n as_o well_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o divine_a nature_n as_o to_o the_o glorious_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n and_o for_o mr._n ferguson_n to_o say_v i_o do_v not_o and_o upon_o that_o account_n to_o insinuate_v so_o foul_a a_o charge_n as_o socinianism_n other_o will_v have_v call_v a_o wilful_a and_o malicious_a lie_n but_o suppose_v the_o worst_a that_o i_o have_v expound_v christ_n be_v call_v the_o brightness_n of_o his_o father_n glory_n etc._n etc._n only_o with_o respect_n to_o those_o glorious_a discovery_n he_o have_v make_v of_o god_n he_o may_v have_v say_v it_o have_v be_v a_o false_a and_o dangerous_a and_o socinian_n exposition_n or_o what_o he_o please_v but_o it_o be_v a_o very_a unhappy_a
he_o pretend_v to_o he_o have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o justify_v the_o nonconformist_n that_o he_o have_v give_v a_o fatal_a blow_n to_o those_o ridiculous_a people_n who_o declaim_v against_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n but_o for_o aught_o i_o see_v they_o may_v talk_v at_o their_o old_a rate_n still_o for_o all_o mr._n ferguson_n desinit_fw-la in_o piscem_fw-la mulier_fw-la formosa_fw-la supernè_fw-la but_o to_o wave_v this_o only_o wish_v that_o some_o young_a sophister_n and_o there_o be_v many_o of_o they_o that_o be_v equal_a match_n for_o this_o fanatic_a professor_n will_v undertake_v to_o correct_v his_o insolent_a humour_n and_o teach_v he_o to_o treat_v des-cartes_n with_o great_a reverence_n i_o shall_v only_o inform_v he_o at_o present_a against_o he_o write_v next_o what_o he_o shall_v write_v about_o for_o i_o find_v he_o have_v abundance_n to_o say_v when_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n but_o either_o do_v not_o or_o will_v not_o understand_v what_o he_o shall_v oppose_v nor_o what_o he_o shall_v vindicate_v i_o be_v not_o so_o silly_a as_o to_o oppose_v a_o sober_a use_n of_o metaphor_n no_o not_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o mr._n ferguson_n will_v fain_o insinuate_v nor_o do_v i_o concern_v myself_o about_o their_o slovenly_a and_o kitchin-metaphor_n though_o it_o be_v a_o great_a profanation_n of_o sacred_a thing_n to_o make_v such_o gross_a and_o fulsome_a representation_n of_o they_o as_o must_v needs_o disgust_v more_o refine_v and_o spiritual_a mind_n and_o expose_v religion_n to_o the_o scoff_v and_o drollery_n of_o atheistical_a wit_n but_o my_o quarrel_n with_o they_o be_v that_o they_o confound_v and_o darken_v the_o most_o plain_a and_o material_a notion_n in_o religion_n by_o metaphorical_a description_n and_o turn_v the_o scripture_n themselves_o into_o a_o allegory_n or_o romance_n and_o of_o this_o they_o be_v guilty_a several_a way_n first_o by_o thrust_v metaphor_n into_o definition_n this_o mr._n ferguson_n himself_o do_v in_o express_a word_n condemn_v and_o therefore_o i_o will_v desire_v he_o in_o behalf_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o friend_n to_o give_v i_o a_o definition_n of_o justify_v faith_n agreeable_a to_o their_o principle_n without_o a_o metaphor_n in_o it_o can_v i_o once_o see_v this_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o all_o our_o dispute_n about_o faith_n and_o justification_n will_v be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o yet_o this_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v if_o he_o will_v be_v true_a to_o his_o own_o rule_n for_o he_o acknowledge_v that_o every_o 320._o thing_n speak_v metaphorical_o be_v speak_v obscure_o with_o respect_n to_o express_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o according_o in_o assign_v the_o definition_n of_o thing_n metaphorical_a term_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v because_o as_o aristotle_n say_v as_o mr._n ferguson_n may_v learn_v from_o many_o modern_a author_n without_o ever_o see_v aristotle_n though_o he_o shall_v be_v so_o ingenuous_a as_o to_o own_o his_o master_n they_o do_v not_o declare_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o a_o thing_n be_v but_o only_o what_o it_o be_v like_a to_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v manifest_v by_o a_o metaphor_n the_o thing_n itself_o be_v not_o full_o express_v but_o only_o some_o similitude_n betwixt_o it_o and_o another_o and_o what_o he_o add_v be_v so_o great_a and_o useful_a a_o truth_n that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o expiate_v all_o the_o foolery_n of_o his_o book_n because_o it_o will_v confute_v they_o all_o that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n relate_v to_o doctrine_n or_o manner_n deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n metaphorical_o which_o be_v not_o somewhere_o or_o other_o either_o explicit_o or_o implicit_o express_v in_o term_n that_o be_v proper_a one_o place_n be_v a_o key_n to_o the_o unlock_v another_o and_o yet_o after_o all_o this_o i_o never_o can_v yet_o hear_v any_o thing_n but_o metaphor_n from_o these_o man_n in_o their_o definition_n or_o description_n of_o justify_v faith_n justify_v faith_n be_v either_o a_o come_n to_o christ_n or_o receive_v christ_n or_o embrace_v christ_n or_o a_o look_v fiducial_o on_o christ_n or_o lean_v and_o rest_v and_o roll_v on_o christ_n and_o his_o righteousness_n for_o salvation_n now_o what_o be_v all_o these_o but_o metaphor_n take_v from_o material_a and_o sensible_a thing_n which_o can_v never_o give_v we_o any_o intelligible_a notion_n of_o faith_n though_o they_o may_v serve_v for_o illustration_n when_o we_o first_o understand_v its_o nature_n and_o yet_o as_o if_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_o obscure_v already_o most_o of_o they_o make_v each_o of_o these_o distinct_a act_n of_o faith_n which_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n precede_v each_o other_o we_o must_v first_o come_v to_o christ_n and_o then_o we_o must_v receive_v he_o and_o then_o we_o must_v look_v fiducial_o on_o he_o and_o then_o we_o must_v lean_v and_o rest_n and_o roll_v our_o soul_n on_o he_o and_o then_o we_o must_v lay_v he_o in_o our_o bosom_n and_o embrace_v he_o in_o our_o arm_n and_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o this_o we_o shall_v be_v very_o understand_v believer_n if_o we_o have_v but_o a_o good_a fancy_n to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o leg_n and_o hand_n and_o arm_n and_o eye_n and_o bosom_n of_o faith_n i_o do_v not_o speak_v this_o in_o mirth_n and_o drollery_n but_o with_o a_o just_a indignation_n to_o see_v the_o religion_n of_o our_o saviour_n transform_v into_o a_o work_n of_o fancy_n and_o with_o a_o hearty_a pity_n for_o those_o delude_a people_n who_o be_v feed_v with_o such_o thin_a and_o airy_a notion_n the_o plain_a notion_n of_o justify_v faith_n strip_v of_o all_o metaphor_n and_o figure_n can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o this_o such_o a_o firm_a and_o stead_n fast_o assent_v to_o all_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o govern_v our_o heart_n and_o life_n by_o the_o law_n of_o it_o or_o to_o give_v a_o large_a explication_n of_o it_o it_o be_v such_o a_o assent_n to_o whatever_o christ_n have_v reveal_v concern_v the_o nature_n and_o will_n of_o god_n or_o his_o own_o nature_n office_n and_o mediation_n the_o rule_n of_o life_n and_o practice_n and_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o the_o next_o life_n as_o do_v effectual_o determine_v our_o will_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o his_o holy_a law_n to_o receive_v christ_n in_o all_o his_o office_n when_o it_o be_v explain_v come_v to_o the_o very_a same_o sense_n to_o believe_v all_o the_o revelation_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v our_o prophet_n to_o acknowledge_v the_o virtue_n and_o merit_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o intercession_n as_o he_o be_v our_o priest_n and_o to_o expect_v our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n for_o his_o sake_n upon_o condition_n of_o our_o obey_v his_o law_n and_o submit_v to_o his_o government_n as_o he_o be_v our_o king_n but_o these_o man_n can_v never_o be_v persuade_v to_o talk_v without_o metaphor_n which_o will_v spoil_v all_o the_o shiboleth_n of_o their_o party_n and_o make_v they_o look_v like_o dull_a moralist_n and_o yet_o i_o shall_v once_o more_o challenge_v mr._n ferguson_n in_o compliance_n with_o his_o own_o rule_n to_o give_v i_o a_o definition_n of_o justify_v faith_n agreeable_a to_o his_o notion_n of_o justification_n without_o a_o metaphor_n and_o if_o he_o can_v do_v this_o as_o he_o will_v be_v a_o wonderful_a man_n if_o he_o can_v i_o will_v desire_v he_o to_o consider_v how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v to_o transcribe_v good_a rule_n out_o of_o good_a book_n without_o understand_v the_o consequence_n of_o they_o second_o another_o fault_n which_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o in_o the_o use_n of_o metaphor_n be_v that_o they_o expound_v one_o metaphor_n by_o another_o this_o mr._n ferguson_n very_o just_o condemn_v for_o metaphor_n proper_o signify_v one_o thing_n and_o be_v apply_v to_o signify_v another_o 344._o only_o because_o of_o some_o resemblance_n we_o be_v therefore_o in_o our_o sense_n of_o metaphor_n to_o remove_v the_o metaphorical_a term_n and_o to_o substitute_n in_o its_o room_n that_o word_n which_o proper_o signify_v the_o thing_n whereof_o we_o conceive_v the_o former_a to_o have_v be_v only_o a_o figure_n to_o paraphrase_n metaphor_n in_o metaphorick_n term_n be_v instead_o of_o make_v they_o intelligible_a to_o continue_v they_o dark_a and_o mysterious_a now_o if_o this_o be_v a_o fault_n as_o i_o perfect_o agree_v with_o mr._n ferguson_n that_o it_o be_v he_o will_v do_v well_o to_o correct_v those_o man_n which_o may_v be_v take_v more_o kind_o from_o he_o who_o do_v not_o only_o explain_v one_o metaphor_n by_o another_o but_o pursue_v a_o single_a metaphor_n till_o they_o have_v force_v it_o into_o a_o allegory_n i_o give_v one_o short_a 195._o instance_n of_o this_o in_o my_o former_a discourse_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o marriage_n between_o christ_n and_o believer_n and_o whereas_o our_o author_n justify_v such_o
must_v understand_v all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o quantity_n and_o whether_o it_o consist_v of_o divisibles_n or_o indivisibles_n and_o must_v understand_v the_o difference_n of_o matter_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o can_v bite_v one_o sort_n of_o matter_n with_o his_o tooth_n but_o can_v make_v no_o impression_n upon_o another_o and_o how_o the_o part_n of_o matter_n hang_v together_o and_o the_o like_a there_o be_v a_o more_o general_a indistinct_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o govern_v our_o action_n though_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v all_o the_o nicety_n and_o philosophy_n of_o they_o but_o if_o our_o author_n can_v find_v such_o subtlety_n in_o those_o plain_a matter_n which_o be_v teach_v child_n in_o the_o church-catechism_n which_o be_v objection_n that_o will_v indifferent_o lie_v against_o the_o plain_a instruction_n what_o do_v he_o think_v of_o those_o sublime_a matter_n of_o the_o eternal_a decree_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n election_n and_o reprobation_n and_o suchlike_a mystery_n which_o be_v so_o familiar_o thrust_v into_o catechism_n what_o subtlety_n be_v require_v in_o child_n to_o understand_v these_o deep_a point_n and_o to_o comprehend_v the_o subtle_a and_o artificial_a scheme_n of_o orthodoxy_n this_o be_v much_o like_o another_o cavil_v against_o the_o intelligibleness_n of_o our_o union_n with_o 36._o christ_n i_o be_o sure_a say_v our_o author_n that_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v a_o union_n no_o doubt_v sir_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o it_o can_v be_v very_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v because_o the_o metaphysical_a notion_n of_o union_n be_v as_o difficult_a as_o any_o other_o transcendental_a term_n why_o then_o let_v the_o metaphysician_n dispute_v it_o out_o but_o for_o all_o that_o i_o can_v easy_o understand_v and_o i_o believe_v any_o one_o else_o can_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v relate_v to_o christ_n as_o subject_n be_v to_o their_o prince_n and_o disciple_n to_o their_o master_n and_o wife_n to_o their_o husband_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v enough_o to_o give_v the_o reader_n a_o taste_n of_o our_o author_n skill_n and_o shall_v i_o add_v any_o more_o it_o may_v bring_v my_o own_o discretion_n into_o question_n for_o next_o to_o make_v foolish_a and_o cavil_v objection_n it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o very_a little_a wit_n to_o answer_v they_o and_o therefore_o to_o proceed_v dr._n owen_n observe_v that_o i_o have_v write_v against_o his_o book_n 1._o which_o be_v write_v and_o publish_v near_o twenty_o year_n since_o i_o confess_v i_o do_v not_o well_o understand_v the_o force_n of_o this_o objection_n unless_o he_o imagine_v that_o his_o book_n be_v now_o grow_v venerable_a for_o its_o antiquity_n but_o wherever_o the_o force_n of_o it_o lie_v i_o be_o sure_a it_o answer_v another_o grand_a objection_n against_o i_o which_o be_v so_o often_o repeat_v that_o i_o be_o a_o young_a man_n a_o defect_n which_o time_n will_v mend_v and_o which_o industry_n will_v supply_v however_o i_o suppose_v the_o doctor_n be_v not_o very_o old_a twenty_o year_n ago_o and_o it_o argue_v some_o modesty_n in_o the_o young_a man_n rather_o to_o attack_v a_o book_n write_v by_o the_o doctor_n when_o he_o be_v a_o young_a man_n too_o than_o rude_o to_o assault_v his_o write_n of_o a_o late_a date_n which_o may_v be_v presume_v to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o more_o mature_a judgement_n and_o ripe_a year_n and_o i_o hope_v this_o consideration_n will_v plead_v my_o excuse_n with_o he_o for_o not_o undertake_v that_o task_n which_o he_o have_v so_o kind_o allot_v i_o right_a or_o wrong_n to_o answer_v all_o his_o late_a voluminous_a treatise_n which_o i_o think_v i_o may_v as_o soon_o be_v persuade_v to_o do_v as_o to_o read_v they_o that_o magnificent_a title_n of_o exercitation_n which_o use_v to_o be_v prefix_v before_o some_o learned_a discourse_n invite_v i_o to_o take_v a_o little_a taste_n of_o they_o till_o i_o find_v myself_o mistake_v and_o deceive_v with_o some_o jejune_n or_o trite_a observation_n which_o have_v so_o put_v i_o out_o of_o conceit_n with_o flatter_a title_n that_o i_o shall_v never_o again_o believe_v the_o title_n of_o book_n or_o chapter_n for_o his_o sake_n but_o this_o book_n have_v have_v the_o approbation_n of_o as_o learned_a and_o holy_a person_n it_o may_v be_v as_o any_o the_o doctor_n know_v live_v in_o england_n or_o out_o of_o it_o who_o own_v the_o truth_n contain_v in_o it_o have_v high_o avow_v its_o usefulness_n and_o be_v ready_a yet_o so_o to_o do_v i_o fear_v that_o either_o the_o doctor_n be_v acquaintance_n with_o learned_a and_o holy_a man_n be_v not_o very_o great_a or_o that_o this_o be_v not_o true_a for_o i_o can_v conceive_v how_o very_o holy_a man_n shall_v so_o approve_v a_o book_n which_o be_v so_o little_a a_o friend_n to_o holiness_n or_o that_o learned_a man_n shall_v be_v please_v with_o such_o loose_a and_o inconsequent_a reason_n but_o let_v that_o be_v as_o it_o will_v i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v as_o learned_a and_o as_o holy_a man_n who_o do_v as_o little_o approve_v it_o unless_o the_o doctor_n think_v that_o learning_n and_o holiness_n be_v confine_v to_o his_o own_o party_n or_o that_o the_o approbation_n of_o his_o write_n be_v the_o only_a sure_a test_n of_o man_n learning_n and_o holiness_n but_o the_o great_a charge_n of_o all_o which_o run_v through_o his_o whole_a book_n be_v that_o i_o have_v misrepresent_v his_o word_n and_o pervert_v his_o sense_n which_o sometime_o he_o attribute_n to_o ignorance_n sometime_o to_o malice_n sometime_o he_o call_v it_o a_o impudent_a falsehood_n sometime_o flagitious_o false_a and_o show_v very_o great_a skill_n at_o vary_a phrase_n which_o he_o be_v much_o better_a at_o than_o at_o write_v controversy_n whether_o this_o charge_n be_v true_a or_o not_o shall_v be_v examine_v particular_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v reduce_v the_o several_a particular_n of_o this_o charge_n into_o any_o order_n but_o to_o abate_v the_o wonder_n a_o little_a i_o must_v inform_v my_o reader_n that_o this_o be_v dr._n owen_n way_n of_o answer_v book_n to_o deny_v those_o doctrine_n which_o he_o dare_v not_o own_o or_o can_v vindicate_v i_o be_o not_o the_o first_o who_o have_v be_v charge_v with_o such_o falsification_n mr._n baxter_n be_v tax_v with_o it_o long_o since_o in_o a_o whole_a book_n write_v for_o that_o very_a purpose_n entitle_v of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o justification_n the_o doctrine_n concern_v they_o former_o deliver_v vindicate_v from_o the_o animadversion_n of_o mr._n r._n b._n where_o this_o grave_a man_n be_v correct_v as_o magisterial_o as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v such_o another_o stripling_n as_o myself_o towards_o the_o conclusion_n of_o that_o discourse_n i_o meet_v with_o a_o very_a excellent_a prayer_n if_o i_o must_v engage_v again_o in_o the_o like_a kind_n i_o shall_v pray_v that_o he_o from_o who_o be_v all_o my_o supply_n will_v give_v i_o a_o real_a humble_a frame_n of_o heart_n that_o i_o may_v have_v no_o need_n with_o many_o pretence_n and_o a_o multitude_n of_o good_a word_n to_o make_v a_o cloak_n for_o a_o spirit_n break_v frequent_o through_o all_o with_o sad_a discovery_n of_o pride_n and_o passion_n and_o to_o keep_v i_o from_o all_o magisterial_a insolence_n pharisaical_a supercilious_a self-conceitedness_n contempt_n of_o other_o and_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n whereby_o i_o ought_v to_o walk_v it_o be_v great_a pity_n that_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o lawful_a for_o this_o be_v too_o good_a a_o prayer_n to_o be_v use_v but_o once_o in_o a_o man_n life_n which_o i_o doubt_v be_v one_o reason_n why_o we_o see_v no_o better_a effect_n of_o it_o in_o the_o doctor_n write_n but_o there_o be_v a_o heavy_a charge_n than_o all_o this_o behind_o which_o be_v frequent_o hint_v by_o doctor_n owen_n and_o more_o express_o manage_v by_o mr._n ferguson_n who_o in_o his_o preface_n tell_v his_o reader_n that_o i_o treat_v the_o sacred_a writer_n with_o as_o much_o contempt_n as_o i_o do_v t._n w._n and_o burlesque_fw-la the_o scripture_n no_o less_o than_o other_o have_v do_v virgil_n poem_n this_o will_v be_v a_o terrible_a adversary_n be_v he_o as_o good_a at_o his_o proof_n as_o he_o be_v bold_a and_o dare_a in_o his_o charge_n this_o be_v a_o crime_n of_o a_o very_a high_a nature_n to_o burlesque_fw-la scripture_n and_o the_o foulness_n of_o the_o imputation_n may_v just_o have_v provoke_v a_o tame_a man_n than_o myself_o do_v not_o his_o weak_a and_o ridiculous_a proof_n more_o deserve_v contempt_n than_o any_o serious_a resentment_n he_o wave_v the_o proof_n of_o this_o in_o his_o preface_n but_o in_o his_o second_o chapter_n where_o he_o entertain_v his_o reader_n with_o a_o tedious_a impertinent_a discourse_n about_o metaphor_n and_o
allegory_n and_o very_o grave_o state_v the_o difference_n between_o a_o metaphor_n and_o allegory_n and_o parable_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o he_o be_v read_v a_o rhetoric_n lecture_n to_o his_o schoolboy_n and_o very_o strong_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o use_v metaphor_n and_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n do_v so_o it_o be_v his_o peculiar_a talon_n to_o prove_v that_o which_o no_o body_n deny_v at_o length_n he_o come_v to_o the_o business_n to_o show_v that_o some_o of_o the_o expression_n 376._o reflect_v on_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n be_v such_o as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n himself_o have_v precede_v they_o in_o the_o use_n of_o and_o that_o to_o the_o very_a same_o end_n and_o purpose_n for_o which_o they_o produce_v they_o and_o that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v think_v to_o design_n the_o disparagement_n of_o any_o party_n of_o man_n by_o quote_v testimony_n from_o divers_a of_o their_o author_n who_o rather_o than_o not_o strain_v up_o the_o dregs_o of_o their_o choler_n against_o the_o fanatic_n for_o their_o phraseology_n have_v even_o write_v in_o derogation_n of_o scripture-phrase_n and_o make_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o subject_n of_o their_o derision_n as_o well_o as_o the_o nonconformist_n to_o avoid_v this_o he_o confine_v himself_o to_o i_o alone_o this_o be_v true_a fanatic_a charity_n he_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n good_a man_n disparage_v any_o party_n of_o man_n only_o he_o inform_v his_o reader_n that_o there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o write_v against_o the_o fanatic_n and_o it_o be_v pretty_a well_o know_v who_o they_o be_v that_o make_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o subject_n of_o their_o derision_n and_o why_o so_o i_o pray_v because_o they_o laugh_v at_o the_o fanatic_n for_o their_o ridiculous_a abuse_n of_o scripture-phrase_n and_o metaphor_n though_o they_o prate_v nonsense_n in_o scripture-phrase_n yet_o because_o it_o be_v the_o phrase_n of_o scripture_n which_o they_o thus_o abuse_v every_o one_o who_o laugh_v at_o they_o for_o it_o if_o we_o will_v believe_v mr._n ferguson_n make_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o subject_n of_o his_o derision_n and_o yet_o our_o author_n when_o he_o be_v in_o a_o better_a mood_n tell_v we_o but_o let_v they_o and_o all_o 311._o such_o person_n of_o what_o communion_n and_o persuasion_n soever_o they_o be_v who_o turn_v the_o gospel_n thus_o into_o a_o romance_n and_o subvert_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n by_o transform_v they_o into_o fantastic_a allegory_n be_v treat_v with_o the_o derision_n and_o contempt_n of_o all_o who_o pretend_v to_o wisdom_n and_o modesty_n so_o that_o it_o seem_v some_o man_n may_v turn_v the_o very_a gospel_n itself_o into_o a_o romance_n and_o abuse_v the_o phrase_n and_o expression_n of_o scripture_n to_o very_o evil_a purpose_n and_o than_o it_o be_v not_o a_o deride_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o that_o which_o be_v consistent_a with_o wisdom_n and_o modesty_n to_o expose_v they_o to_o derision_n and_o contempt_n thus_o contrary_a be_v our_o author_n to_o himself_o when_o he_o oppose_v the_o quaker_n and_o vindicate_v his_o own_o dear_a brethren_n who_o have_v abuse_v scripture-expression_n as_o gross_o though_o in_o many_o case_n with_o less_o wit_n and_o to_o worse_a purpose_n than_o the_o quaker_n themselves_o as_o he_o be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v of_o t._n w._n that_o maybe_o in_o some_o thing_n he_o 384._o have_v prevaricate_v which_o be_v in_o plain_a english_a to_o say_v that_o it_o may_v be_v he_o have_v either_o play_v the_o fool_n or_o the_o knave_n for_o which_o character_n t._n w._n be_v very_o much_o behold_v to_o mr._n ferguson_n but_o he_o have_v take_v care_n that_o no_o other_o person_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o answer_v this_o charge_n for_o though_o he_o very_o charitable_o accuse_v all_o man_n who_o write_v against_o the_o fanatic_n yet_o he_o name_v no_o man_n nor_o give_v any_o particular_a instance_n of_o this_o profane_a derision_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n only_o i_o be_o single_v out_o to_o bear_v the_o fury_n of_o his_o assault_n and_o i_o be_o very_a well_o content_v with_o it_o provide_v that_o if_o i_o acquit_v myself_o his_o bare_a testimony_n may_v not_o be_v take_v against_o any_o man_n till_o the_o cause_n be_v first_o hear_v and_o try_v the_o plain_a state_n of_o the_o controversy_n be_v this_o i_o charge_v they_o with_o draw_v a_o new_a scheme_n of_o religion_n such_o as_o be_v no_o where_o to_o be_v find_v in_o express_a term_n in_o scripture_n from_o a_o pretend_a acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n i_o foresee_v a_o easy_a and_o obvious_a objection_n against_o this_o that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n who_o stuff_n their_o book_n and_o discourse_n with_o more_o frequent_a quotation_n of_o scripture_n than_o they_o do_v right_a or_o wrong_n they_o have_v a_o scripture_n proof_n for_o every_o thing_n they_o say_v and_o do_v it_o not_o look_v like_o a_o calumny_n then_o to_o charge_v they_o with_o fetch_v their_o religion_n from_o any_o other_o fountain_n than_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o 100_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o expound_v scripture_n according_a to_o their_o own_o fancy_n and_o in_o compliance_n with_o their_o preconceived_n opinion_n that_o they_o do_v not_o fetch_v their_o notion_n from_o the_o scripture_n but_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n from_o their_o proper_a and_o genuine_a sense_n to_o make_v they_o countenance_v their_o own_o fancy_n now_o because_o i_o produce_v those_o scripture_n expression_n which_o these_o man_n pervert_v and_o burlesque_fw-la to_o use_v his_o own_o word_n by_o their_o wild_a and_o fanciful_a application_n mr._n ferguson_n have_v no_o way_n to_o be_v even_o with_o i_o but_o to_o charge_v i_o with_o burlesque_a the_o scripture_n itself_o as_o for_o instance_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o all_o we_o have_v to_o do_v in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n be_v to_o get_v into_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o for_o then_o his_o fullness_n and_o beauty_n and_o riches_n and_o righteousness_n and_o merit_n and_o all_o be_v we_o and_o in_o order_n to_o this_o union_n which_o what_o it_o be_v they_o can_v never_o yet_o explain_v we_o must_v first_o come_v to_o christ_n and_o then_o receive_v he_o and_o apply_v his_o merit_n and_o righteousness_n to_o ourselves_o and_o then_o lean_a and_o rest_n and_o roll_v our_o soul_n upon_o he_o and_o trust_v to_o be_v save_v whole_o by_o his_o merit_n without_o any_o righteousness_n of_o our_o own_o and_o all_o this_o they_o learned_o prove_v from_o those_o scripture-expression_n of_o come_v to_o christ_n and_o receive_v he_o etc._n etc._n which_o signify_v no_o more_o than_o believe_v in_o christ_n or_o undertake_v the_o public_a profession_n of_o christianity_n but_o because_o i_o show_v how_o far_o these_o scripture-phrase_n be_v from_o countenance_v their_o gibberish_n mr._n ferguson_n challenge_v i_o with_o burlesque_a the_o scripture_n come_v to_o christ_n signify_v according_a to_o the_o eastern_a dialect_n to_o believe_v in_o christ_n or_o to_o become_v his_o disciple_n but_o because_o it_o be_v call_v come_v hence_o these_o man_n of_o fancy_n dream_n of_o i_o know_v not_o what_o spiritual_a progress_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o christ_n and_o explain_v believe_v by_o come_v to_o christ_n which_o in_o their_o divinity_n be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o act_n of_o faith_n now_o because_o i_o say_v that_o it_o fall_v out_o lucky_o that_o faith_n be_v call_v come_v i_o be_o charge_v with_o deride_v the_o scripture_n whereas_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o if_o i_o deride_v any_o thing_n it_o be_v only_o their_o foolish_a explication_n of_o scripture-phrase_n for_o all_o their_o mystical_a divinity_n have_v be_v spoil_v and_o they_o must_v have_v be_v force_v to_o have_v speak_v plain_a sense_n like_o other_o man_n or_o to_o have_v speak_v nonsense_n without_o the_o least_o pretence_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o such_o eastern_a phrase_n which_o be_v intend_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o another_o purpose_n but_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v pervert_v by_o such_o english_a divine_n to_o the_o countenance_v of_o a_o new-fashioned_a english_a divinity_n and_o i_o think_v still_o that_o this_o fall_v out_o very_o lucky_o for_o they_o thus_o with_o a_o equal_a skill_n and_o ingenuity_n he_o account_v it_o deride_v the_o scripture_n to_o say_v that_o come_v and_o go_v be_v very_o intelligible_a explication_n of_o believe_v whereas_o come_v must_v be_v explain_v by_o believe_v not_o believe_v by_o come_v unless_o we_o will_v in_o a_o proper_a sense_n burlesque_fw-la the_o scripture_n thus_o because_o i_o reject_v their_o fanciful_a and_o presumptuous_a trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o christ_n viz._n to_o be_v save_v by_o he_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o they_o trust_v to_o be_v save_v