〈◊〉_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
exercitator_n who_o have_v write_v a_o set_a discourse_n to_o paradoxa_fw-la this_o purpose_n in_o the_o entrance_n whereof_o he_o tell_v the_o world_n that_o for_o the_o extricate_a of_o himself_o out_o of_o those_o perplexity_n wherein_o divine_v general_o be_v entangle_v in_o their_o exposition_n of_o scripture_n prologo_fw-la he_o resolve_v upon_o mature_a deliberation_n to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o same_o method_n in_o theology_n that_o des_n cartes_n have_v do_v in_o philosophy_n and_o profess_v that_o suppose_v scripture_n for_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n all_o the_o difference_n in_o opinion_n among_o dogmatical_a divine_n as_o he_o call_v they_o in_o opposition_n to_o sceptic_n appear_v to_o he_o to_o arise_v from_o hence_o that_o none_o of_o they_o can_v certain_o and_o infallible_o prove_v their_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n and_o that_o after_o long_a inquiry_n he_o find_v this_o to_o be_v the_o only_a sure_a and_o 1._o infallible_a rule_n of_o interpretation_n which_o himself_o have_v now_o find_v out_o viz._n the_o principal_n of_o reason_n and_o dictate_v of_o philosophy_n and_o in_o this_o new_a way_n which_o he_o glory_v in_o the_o invention_n of_o he_o profess_o declare_v his_o dissent_n from_o papist_n protestant_n socinian_o and_o remonstrant_n 8._o but_o he_o bend_v his_o great_a force_n against_o the_o reform_a church_n endeavour_v with_o all_o his_o might_n to_o invalidate_v what_o they_o unanimous_o maintain_v concern_v the_o perspicuity_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o singularity_n of_o the_o literal_a sense_n and_o especial_o about_o the_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n for_o thus_o like_o a_o miles_n gloriosus_n he_o begin_v his_o ten_o chapter_n devictis_fw-la velitari_fw-la brevique_fw-la pugna_fw-la imbellibus_fw-la istis_fw-la etc._n etc._n have_v by_o a_o light_n and_o easy_a skirmish_n subdue_v these_o weak_a and_o feeble_a enemy_n mean_v the_o romanist_n let_v we_o now_o march_v another_o way_n and_o draw_v up_o our_o battalion_n against_o those_o of_o the_o reformation_n and_o all_o that_o fight_v under_o their_o colour_n and_o in_o the_o sequel_n of_o his_o discourse_n he_o have_v gratify_v none_o so_o much_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o in_o his_o positive_a proof_n such_o as_o it_o be_v of_o his_o novel_a position_n he_o have_v not_o a_o little_a befriend_v the_o socinian_n though_o he_o will_v seem_v to_o divide_v himself_o from_o they_o both_o however_o both_o in_o the_o astructive_a and_o destructive_a part_n of_o his_o book_n he_o be_v a_o declare_a adversary_n to_o the_o protestant_a cause_n for_o my_o more_o orderly_a proceed_n i_o shall_v divide_v my_o ensue_a dissertation_n into_o two_o part_n in_o the_o former_a whereof_o i_o shall_v deal_v with_o this_o exercitator_n new_a device_n of_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n be_v the_o scripture_n interpreter_n disprove_v it_o and_o answer_v such_o argument_n as_o i_o find_v allege_v or_o imagine_v may_v be_v allege_v for_o it_o in_o the_o latter_a i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o clear_v and_o assert_v the_o protestant_a doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v its_o own_o interpreter_n and_o answer_v the_o objection_n against_o it_o the_o scripture_n genuine_a interpreter_n assert_v etc._n etc._n part_n i._n humane_a reason_n or_o philosophy_n no_o sure_a interpreter_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n chap._n i._n 1._o the_o proposition_n deny_v reason_n and_o philosophy_n to_o be_v the_o scripture_n interpreter_n lay_v down_o and_o the_o term_n explain_v 2._o how_o far_o they_o have_v their_o use_n and_o what_o we_o deny_v 3._o who_o they_o be_v that_o have_v ascribe_v too_o much_o to_o they_o first_o then_o i_o assert_v against_o the_o exercitator_n 1._o position_n 1._o that_o humane_a reason_n or_o philosophy_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v or_o allow_v as_o the_o sure_a and_o sufficient_a interpreter_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o our_o more_o clear_a proceed_n it_o be_v requisite_a i_o shall_v explain_v my_o meaning_n before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o my_o assertion_n let_v it_o therefore_o be_v consider_v that_o reason_n may_v be_v three_o way_n take_v first_o for_o that_o power_n and_o faculty_n in_o man_n whereby_o he_o be_v enable_v to_o apprehend_v judge_n and_o discourse_n of_o such_o object_n as_o be_v present_v to_o his_o understanding_n now_o this_o fall_n under_o a_o twofold_a conception_n according_a to_o the_o twofold_a state_n of_o man_n innocent_a or_o fallen_n man_n reason_n as_o it_o be_v original_o when_o god_n first_o make_v he_o be_v pure_a and_o clear_a not_o cloud_v or_o blind_v not_o deprave_v or_o distort_v there_o be_v nothing_o to_o darken_v or_o disturb_v it_o it_o be_v then_o a_o glorious_a beam_n stream_v forth_o from_o the_o eternal_a light_n but_o man_n apostasy_n as_o it_o vitiate_v his_o other_o faculty_n so_o it_o benight_a his_o reason_n and_o expose_v it_o to_o further_a depravation_n by_o the_o prevalency_n of_o disorder_a passion_n and_o sinful_a lusts._n yet_o even_o in_o this_o state_n his_o reason_n be_v not_o lose_v though_o it_o be_v much_o corrupt_v i_o be_o far_o from_o that_o late_a author_n mind_n that_o say_v 59_o quae_fw-la fallet_fw-la aut_fw-la falliter_fw-la ratio_fw-la minimè_fw-la ratio_fw-la dicenda_fw-la reason_n that_o deceive_v or_o be_v deceive_v be_v not_o to_o be_v call_v reason_n man_n reason_n notwithstanding_o its_o pravity_n be_v still_o keep_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o understand_v his_o great_a concern_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o those_o gracious_a aid_n that_o god_n afford_v he_o and_o have_v in_o all_o age_n be_v of_o great_a use_n for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n in_o reference_n both_o to_o man_n personal_a and_o politic_a affair_n therefore_o i_o need_v not_o fear_v to_o say_v that_o next_o to_o holiness_n man_n reason_n be_v his_o great_a glory_n second_o reason_n be_v take_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o intellectual_a power_n in_o inquire_v discover_v compare_v judge_a object_n propound_v it_o be_v by_o these_o act_n of_o our_o reason_n that_o we_o search_v after_o truth_n and_o make_v use_n of_o it_o when_o we_o have_v find_v it_o for_o the_o conduct_n and_o comfort_n of_o our_o life_n and_o by_o these_o it_o be_v that_o we_o defend_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n against_o gainsayer_n three_o it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n know_v or_o knowable_a by_o natural_a light_n and_o these_o be_v either_o natural_a or_o acquire_v the_o natural_a or_o primary_n principle_n of_o reason_n be_v those_o that_o carry_v their_o own_o evidence_n with_o they_o &_o therefore_o upon_o the_o first_o representation_n be_v forthwith_o embrace_v by_o our_o reason_n without_o any_o discourse_n and_o they_o be_v call_v natural_a not_o as_o be_v formal_o imprint_v or_o proper_o engrave_v in_o our_o mind_n by_o nature_n for_o we_o be_v not_o bear_v with_o actual_a knowledge_n but_o because_o they_o be_v found_v in_o and_o do_v necessary_o result_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o their_o mutual_a respect_n wherein_o as_o in_o a_o glass_n our_o understanding_n see_v they_o represent_v and_o be_v dispose_v to_o assent_v to_o they_o at_o the_o first_o view_n the_o secondary_a or_o acquire_v principle_n be_v those_o which_o be_v not_o so_o obvious_a as_o the_o former_a but_o by_o rational_a discourse_n be_v true_o and_o sound_o deduce_v from_o they_o and_o here_o fall_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o philosophy_n which_o be_v make_v up_o of_o these_o principle_n methodical_o digest_v and_o by_o it_o i_o understand_v that_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o work_n which_o be_v attainable_a in_o this_o mortal_a state_n by_o the_o improvement_n of_o that_o light_n that_o be_v connatural_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o man._n this_o though_o it_o be_v much_o inferior_a to_o scripture-light_n yet_o it_o be_v both_o a_o exercise_n and_o a_o advancement_n of_o reason_n a_o noble_a study_n and_o of_o excellent_a use_n if_o right_o manage_v not_o only_o for_o the_o beautify_v but_o the_o better_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o raise_v it_o to_o a_o high_a admiration_n and_o humble_a adoration_n of_o that_o infinite_a be_v who_o wisdom_n power_n and_o goodness_n be_v so_o eminent_o conspicuous_a in_o all_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o in_o the_o world_n as_o some_o say_v there_o be_v that_o deny_v or_o reproach_v sound_a philosophy_n or_o the_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n as_o i_o know_v they_o not_o so_o neither_o shall_v i_o plead_v their_o cause_n now_o as_o to_o the_o case_n before_o we_o first_o it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o for_o the_o 2._o interpret_n of_o scripture_n there_o be_v a_o necessary_a use_n of_o the_o faculty_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o several_a act_n of_o it_o as_o instrumental_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o find_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n faith_n do_v not_o exclude_v reason_n but_o elevate_v and_o advance_v it_o by_o give_v it_o a_o clear_a light_n it_o do_v
resurrection_n of_o the_o same_o numerical_a body_n prove_v against_o the_o exercitator_n to_o be_v assert_v in_o scripture_n the_o exercitator_n next_o work_n be_v to_o answer_v the_o great_a argument_n 〈◊〉_d which_o he_o say_v some_o urge_v against_o his_o 1_o opinion_n viz._n philosophy_n and_o consequent_o humane_a reason_n assert_n many_o thing_n that_o be_v repugnant_a to_o divinity_n and_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v be_v allow_v for_o the_o rule_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n he_o deny_v the_o antecedent_n and_o so_o do_v i._o what_o author_n they_o be_v in_o the_o reform_a church_n that_o thus_o argue_v i_o know_v not_o but_o this_o i_o know_v that_o it_o be_v no_o uncommon_a thing_n for_o pugnacious_a wit_n to_o draw_v the_o sword_n upon_o the_o shadow_n of_o a_o dream_n and_o make_v hector-like_a declamation_n against_o utopian_a adversary_n set_a aside_o those_o author_n who_o be_v engage_v by_o some_o atheological_a hypothesis_n which_o they_o have_v espouse_v as_o the_o papist_n and_o the_o lutheran_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o eucharist_n i_o know_v not_o any_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o understanding_n who_o have_v such_o a_o thought_n that_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o scripture_n derogatory_n or_o contradictory_n to_o true_a philosophy_n or_o sound_a reason_n or_o that_o believe_v any_o thing_n true_a in_o philosophy_n to_o be_v false_a in_o divinity_n whatsoever_o be_v true_a any_o where_o be_v true_a every_o where_o here_o therefore_o our_o author_n may_v put_v up_o his_o dagger_n but_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n which_o i_o can_v 2._o well_o pass_v over_o that_o the_o exercitator_n pretend_v to_o confute_v those_o who_o assert_v a_o contrariety_n between_o the_o principle_n of_o philosophy_n and_o divinity_n and_o instance_v in_o these_o two_o exit_fw-la nihilo_fw-la nihil_fw-la fit_a and_o idem_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la numericè_fw-la reproduci_fw-la instead_o of_o solve_v the_o knot_n he_o cut_v it_o and_o plain_o affirm_v both_o these_o principle_n to_o be_v true_a absolute_o and_o without_o limitation_n both_o in_o philosophy_n and_o divinity_n confident_o assert_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v no_o where_o teach_v we_o that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v of_o nothing_o or_o that_o the_o same_o numerical_a body_n shall_v rise_v at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o here_o wolzogen_n unworthy_o desert_n the_o christian_a cause_n not_o vouchsafe_v to_o write_v one_o word_n in_o vindication_n of_o these_o grand_a truth_n against_o this_o bold_a adversary_n but_o tell_v we_o he_o be_v content_a the_o man_n shall_v enjoy_v his_o own_o opinion_n though_o he_o say_v he_o can_v easy_o have_v refute_v he_o which_o make_v his_o silence_n the_o more_o inexcusable_a and_o bring_v he_o under_o great_a suspicion_n of_o heterodoxy_n notwithstanding_o all_o his_o rhetorical_a flourish_v but_o it_o be_v time_n i_o shall_v return_v to_o our_o author_n who_o if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v too_o much_o in_o love_n with_o novelty_n may_v without_o the_o least_o prejudice_n to_o his_o cause_n unless_o it_o have_v some_o other_o monster_n in_o the_o belly_n of_o it_o that_o be_v not_o yet_o come_v to_o the_o birth_n have_v answer_v that_o these_o axiom_n be_v true_a in_o a_o limit_a sense_n both_o in_o philosophy_n and_o divinity_n viz._n that_o by_o a_o finite_a create_a power_n nothing_o can_v be_v make_v of_o nothing_o and_o that_o by_o the_o like_a limit_a power_n the_o same_o numerical_a body_n that_o perish_v can_v be_v reproduced_a but_o that_o nevertheless_o to_o a_o infinite_a power_n all_o thing_n that_o imply_v not_o contradiction_n be_v possible_a but_o it_o seem_v by_o this_o author_n word_n 3._o that_o he_o disow_v the_o receive_v doctrine_n of_o the_o world_n creation_n out_o of_o nothing_o and_o the_o reproduction_n of_o the_o same_o individual_a body_n 1._o by_o deny_v the_o former_a he_o must_v necessary_o maintain_v the_o eternity_n of_o preexistent_a matter_n whereas_o if_o god_n be_v the_o maker_n of_o all_o being_n beside_o himself_o as_o the_o scripture_n sufficient_o assure_v we_o than_o nothing_o beside_o himself_o can_v be_v eternal_a but_o he_o must_v in_o make_v the_o world_n make_v the_o matter_n whereof_o the_o world_n consist_v which_o matter_n therefore_o must_v be_v make_v of_o nothing_o the_o first_o article_n in_o the_o most_o ancient_a creed_n as_o the_o reverend_a bishop_n of_o chester_n have_v 1._o observe_v have_v instead_o of_o these_o word_n maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n or_o together_o with_o they_o this_o clause_n the_o maker_n of_o all_o thing_n visible_a and_o invisible_a agreeable_o to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n coloss._n 1._o 16._o which_o distribution_n be_v so_o comprehensive_a that_o it_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o any_o exception_n all_o thing_n whatsoever_o be_v either_o visible_a or_o invisible_a and_o whatsoever_o can_v be_v suppose_v necessary_a to_o the_o make_n of_o the_o world_n it_o must_v of_o necessity_n come_v under_o one_o of_o these_o two_o member_n of_o the_o distribution_n and_o consequen_o be_v of_o god_n make_v and_o indeed_o if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o than_o something_o else_o beside_o god_n must_v have_v a_o necessary_a uncreated_a independent_a be_v which_o carry_v with_o it_o so_o broad_a a_o contradiction_n as_o man_n reason_n leave_v fair_a to_o itself_o can_v allow_v again_o 2._o by_o disclaim_v the_o latter_a this_o author_n evident_o deny_v the_o resurrection_n for_o that_o import_v the_o rise_n again_o of_o the_o same_o body_n that_o fall_v according_a to_o that_o know_a speech_n of_o damascen_n so_o oft_o cite_v by_o our_o divine_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o if_o the_o same_o numerical_a body_n rise_v not_o but_o another_o be_v make_v de_fw-la novo_fw-la for_o the_o soul_n to_o animate_v this_o be_v not_o a_o resurrection_n but_o a_o new_a creation_n and_o then_o the_o first_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n may_v as_o apt_o be_v call_v a_o resurrection_n as_o that_o which_o be_v so_o style_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o scripture_n but_o i_o think_v the_o scripture_n speak_v plain_a enough_o in_o this_o case_n though_o this_o author_n will_v not_o own_v it_o when_o it_o say_v that_o at_o the_o last_o day_n this_o corruptible_a must_v 53._o put_v on_o incorruption_n and_o this_o mortal_a must_v put_v on_o immortality_n and_o that_o 21._o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n shall_v then_o change_v our_o vile_a body_n that_o it_o may_v be_v make_v like_o unto_o his_o glorious_a body_n and_o that_o if_o the_o 11_o spirit_n of_o he_o that_o raise_v up_o jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a dwell_v in_o we_o he_o that_o raise_v up_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a shall_v also_o quicken_v our_o mortal_a body_n by_o his_o spirit_n that_o dwell_v in_o we_o add_v to_o this_o that_o argument_n from_o the_o description_n of_o the_o place_n whence_o the_o resurrection_n shall_v begin_v which_o i_o can_v better_o represent_v to_o the_o reader_n than_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o learned_a bishop_n 382._o of_o chester_n they_o which_o sleep_n in_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o earth_n dan._n 12._o 2._o and_o they_o which_o be_v in_o the_o grave_n joh._n 5._o 28._o shall_v hear_v the_o voice_n and_o rise_n and_o rev._n 20._o 13._o the_o sea_n shall_v give_v up_o the_o dead_a which_o be_v in_o it_o and_o death_n and_o the_o grave_n deliver_v up_o the_o dead_a which_o be_v in_o they_o but_o if_o the_o same_o body_n do_v not_o rise_v they_o which_o be_v in_o the_o dust_n shall_v not_o revive_v if_o god_n shall_v give_v we_o any_o other_o body_n than_o our_o own_o neither_o the_o sea_n nor_o the_o grave_n shall_v give_v up_o their_o dead_a that_o shall_v rise_v again_o which_o the_o grave_a give_v up_o the_o grave_n have_v nothing_o to_o give_v up_o but_o that_o body_n which_o be_v lay_v into_o it_o therefore_o the_o same_o body_n which_o be_v bury_v shall_v at_o the_o last_o day_n be_v revive_v and_o whereas_o the_o socinian_o who_o be_v our_o adversary_n in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o in_o many_o other_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o evade_v this_o argument_n will_v have_v the_o grave_n speak_v of_o in_o joh_n 5._o 28._o to_o be_v the_o grave_n of_o ignorance_n and_o impiety_n there_o mean_v and_o the_o rise_v to_o be_v man_n come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n the_o aforesaid_a learned_a person_n answer_v they_o that_o christ_n express_o speak_v of_o bring_v man_n to_o marg._n judgement_n vers_fw-la 27._o and_o divide_v those_o that_o be_v to_o come_v out_o of_o their_o grave_n into_o two_o rank_n vers_fw-la 29._o neither_o of_o which_o can_v be_v so_o understand_v the_o first_o be_v those_o which_o have_v do_v good_a before_o they_o come_v out_o of_o their_o grave_n these_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v the_o grave_n of_o ignorance_n and_o impiety_n from_o which_o no_o good_a can_v come_v the_o second_o be_v such_o who_o have_v do_v evil_a
which_o the_o word_n offer_n may_v be_v plain_a and_o easy_a when_o the_o sense_n that_o the_o author_n intend_v by_o they_o which_o be_v a_o clean_a other_o thing_n be_v very_o dark_a and_o obscure_a and_o so_o confident_a be_v the_o gentleman_n in_o this_o conceit_n that_o he_o supercilious_o slight_v expositor_n of_o scripture_n for_o not_o mind_v this_o distinction_n 7._o and_o for_o want_n hereof_o take_v oft_o time_n the_o simple_a sense_n for_o the_o true_a one_o to_o make_v this_o wild_a and_o senseless_a distinon_n good_a he_o instance_v in_o several_a passage_n of_o scripture_n wherein_o he_o will_v make_v we_o believe_v this_o twofold_n sense_n be_v to_o be_v find_v i_o shall_v therefore_o before_o i_o proceed_v endeavour_v to_o clear_v those_o passage_n or_o the_o principal_a of_o they_o sect._n 2._o one_o instance_n he_o give_v be_v of_o those_o 4._o expression_n in_o scripture_n the_o arm_n and_o finger_n of_o god_n the_o simple_a sense_n of_o which_o word_n and_o that_o which_o they_o do_v of_o themselves_o offer_v to_o the_o reader_n he_o say_v be_v very_o obvious_a be_v know_v by_o common_a use_n but_o â—he_n think_v no_o divine_a so_o void_a of_o wit_n as_o to_o take_v that_o obvious_a sense_n for_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o author_n by_o this_o it_o appear_v this_o gentleman_n sol._n conceive_v that_o the_o sense_n which_o those_o word_n of_o themselves_o offer_v be_v proper_a without_o any_o trope_n or_o figure_n as_o if_o god_n have_v a_o bodily_a arm_n or_o finger_n as_o a_o man_n have_v but_o by_o his_o favour_n he_o be_v great_o out_o the_o arm_n and_o finger_n of_o god_n according_a to_o common_a acceptation_n with_o any_o that_o be_v verse_v in_o the_o scripture_n have_v no_o other_o than_o a_o improper_a sense_n nor_o do_v they_o signify_v any_o more_o than_o the_o power_n of_o god_n though_o the_o word_n arm_v or_o finger_n either_o single_o take_v or_o apply_v to_o man_n signify_v somewhat_o else_o according_a to_o that_o know_a maxim_n verba_fw-la sunt_fw-la intelligenda_fw-la secundum_fw-la subjectam_fw-la materiam_fw-la word_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v according_a to_o the_o subject_a matter_n about_o which_o they_o be_v use_v and_o this_o hold_v in_o all_o manner_n of_o speech_n and_o write_n whatsoever_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n direct_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n a_o second_o instance_n be_v in_o joh._n 14._o 6._o sol._n where_o our_o saviour_n say_v i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n what_o obvious_a sense_n it_o be_v that_o this_o author_n conceive_v from_o common_a use_n of_o speech_n to_o be_v in_o these_o word_n different_a from_o our_o saviour_n meaning_n i_o can_v divine_v nor_o can_v i_o see_v how_o they_o can_v signify_v any_o more_o or_o less_o to_o he_o that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o what_o our_o saviour_n mean_v by_o they_o who_o call_v himself_o the_o way_n by_o no_o unapt_a metaphor_n because_o as_o himself_o expound_v it_o in_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o verse_n it_o be_v by_o he_o that_o sinner_n be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o father_n that_o be_v to_o reconciliation_n with_o he_o and_o fruition_n of_o he_o it_o be_v by_o he_o that_o be_v by_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o blood_n by_o the_o light_n of_o his_o doctrine_n by_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o pattern_n and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o herein_o he_o be_v the_o truth_n that_o be_v the_o substance_n and_o real_a completion_n of_o all_o the_o type_n and_o shadow_n under_o the_o law_n and_o consequent_o he_o be_v the_o life_n by_o a_o know_a metonyme_n of_o the_o effect_n for_o the_o cause_n in_o that_o he_o be_v the_o author_n that_o be_v the_o purchaser_n and_o bestower_n of_o that_o eternal_a life_n that_o sinner_n come_v to_o enjoy_v in_o god_n a_o further_a instance_n be_v give_v in_o those_o 7._o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n this_o be_v my_o body_n where_o he_o affirm_v that_o the_o plain_a and_o easy_a sense_n which_o the_o word_n of_o themselves_o offer_v to_o the_o reader_n be_v that_o which_o the_o romish_a church_n take_v they_o in_o but_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o speak_v they_o which_o he_o grant_v to_o be_v that_o which_o the_o reform_a church_n give_v of_o they_o this_o he_o say_v be_v dark_a and_o obscure_a but_o i_o suppose_v he_o can_v be_v ignorant_a sol._n that_o there_o be_v considerable_a doctor_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n eminent_a for_o learning_n who_o have_v acknowledge_v that_o they_o shall_v never_o have_v entertain_v that_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n which_o assert_n transubstantiation_n if_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n have_v not_o move_v they_o and_o our_o writer_n have_v abundant_o manifest_v the_o gross_a absurdity_n of_o that_o sense_n and_o among_o other_o dr._n brevint_n in_o his_o late_a excellent_a discourse_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o romish_a mass_n have_v clear_o and_o to_o great_a satisfaction_n prove_v the_o protestant_a sense_n of_o that_o speech_n of_o our_o saviour_n from_o the_o very_a word_n themselves_o i_o can_v well_o understand_v by_o this_o author_n discourse_n of_o what_o settle_a persuasion_n he_o be_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n he_o now_o and_o then_o insinuate_v something_o that_o carry_v with_o it_o a_o dislike_n of_o the_o romanist_n and_o their_o way_n but_o it_o be_v plain_a enough_o by_o this_o and_o many_o other_o passage_n in_o his_o book_n that_o the_o reform_a church_n be_v little_o befriend_v by_o he_o last_o he_o instance_n in_o those_o scripture_n 5._o where_o god_n be_v say_v to_o be_v lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o king_n of_o nation_n and_o king_n of_o king_n and_o where_o he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v beget_v a_o son_n psal._n 2._o and_o to_o have_v love_v the_o world_n joh._n 3._o 16._o in_o all_o which_o he_o say_v the_o obvious_a but_o mistake_v sense_n and_o that_o which_o the_o vulgar_a apprehend_v be_v that_o god_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n be_v a_o lord_n and_o king_n and_o do_v beget_v and_o love_v which_o he_o esteem_v to_o be_v gross_o absurd_a to_o these_o i_o answer_v distinct_o 1._o as_o for_o the_o place_n where_o god_n be_v 1._o call_v lord_n and_o king_n and_o say_v to_o reign_v over_o the_o nation_n with_o all_o of_o like_a import_n in_o these_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o what_o we_o find_v elsewhere_o in_o scripture_n to_o remove_v from_o god_n whatever_o savour_v of_o imperfection_n and_o to_o ascribe_v nothing_o to_o he_o but_o what_o suit_v with_o a_o most_o excellent_a and_o most_o perfect_a be_v nor_o do_v the_o aforesaid_a expression_n in_o their_o plain_a and_o obvious_a sense_n signify_v either_o more_o or_o less_o than_o that_o god_n be_v the_o universal_a sovereign_n of_o the_o world_n rule_v his_o creature_n with_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o power_n according_a to_o their_o different_a nature_n and_o condition_n the_o inferior_a sort_n by_o instinct_n and_o natural_a necessity_n his_o intellectual_a creature_n by_o law_n as_o the_o proper_a instrument_n of_o moral_a government_n and_o what_o the_o exercitator_n sentiment_n be_v about_o this_o i_o can_v conjecture_v if_o he_o be_v for_o that_o novel_a opinion_n of_o thomas_n anglus_fw-la ab_fw-la albis_n that_o god_n do_v not_o proper_o govern_v we_o by_o law_n as_o king_n do_v their_o kingdom_n but_o as_o a_o engineer_n do_v his_o engine_n by_o physical_a motion_n and_o that_o therefore_o he_o be_v call_v our_o lord_n and_o king_n only_o in_o a_o metaphorical_a sense_n i_o must_v enter_v a_o dissent_n against_o such_o a_o absurd_a and_o atheistical_a conceit_n and_o put_v he_o to_o prove_v his_o assertion_n and_o answer_v the_o argument_n that_o be_v in_o print_n against_o it_o 2._o as_o for_o the_o second_o of_o beget_v a_o son_n psal_n 2._o 7._o interpreter_n do_v much_o 〈◊〉_d differ_v about_o it_o some_o conceive_v the_o first_o and_o immediate_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n to_o respect_n david_n who_o god_n have_v deliver_v out_o of_o his_o great_a affliction_n and_o raise_v to_o a_o kingdom_n which_o deliverance_n and_o exaltation_n be_v to_o he_o as_o a_o second_o birth_n and_o this_o they_o illustrate_v by_o what_o be_v say_v of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n that_o they_o have_v two_o birth-day_n the_o one_o of_o their_o person_n when_o they_o come_v into_o the_o world_n the_o other_o of_o their_o empire_n when_o they_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o throne_n and_o that_o christ_n be_v here_o intend_a only_o as_o the_o antitype_n prefigure_v by_o david_n other_o understand_v these_o word_n proper_o and_o immediate_o of_o christ_n and_o that_o with_o respect_n to_o one_o of_o these_o two_o either_o 1._o to_o his_o eternal_a generation_n in_o reference_n to_o which_o he_o be_v call_v the_o eternal_a and_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o generation_n we_o
be_v upon_o scripture-testimony_n to_o receive_v without_o search_v into_o the_o manner_n it_o be_v a_o mystery_n infinite_o above_o our_o reach_n which_o therefore_o he_o that_o will_v bold_o intrude_v into_o may_v just_o fear_v to_o be_v overwhelm_v with_o its_o glory_n or_o 2._o to_o the_o temporal_a manifestation_n of_o that_o eternal_a generation_n a_o thing_n be_v then_o say_v to_o be_v do_v when_o it_o be_v manifest_v to_o be_v do_v and_o so_o the_o word_n be_v apply_v by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n to_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n 33_o whereby_o as_o the_o same_o apostle_n say_v elsewhere_o he_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o 4._o son_n of_o god_n with_o power_n though_o i_o know_v there_o be_v who_o understand_v those_o word_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n immediate_o and_o in_o itself_o partly_o because_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o second_o birth_n to_o the_o humane_a nature_n partly_o because_o it_o be_v as_o they_o conceive_v the_o beginning_n of_o his_o instalment_n into_o his_o regal_a office_n which_o may_v be_v call_v his_o birth_n by_o analogy_n to_o what_o be_v say_v before_o concern_v the_o roman_a emperor_n i_o shall_v not_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o determine_v which_o of_o these_o way_n of_o explication_n be_v to_o be_v adhere_v to_o but_o be_v it_o what_o it_o will_v this_o i_o need_v not_o be_v afraid_a to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v scripture_n if_o any_o thing_n that_o must_v clear_v the_o difficulty_n and_o decide_v the_o difference_n it_o be_v not_o philosophy_n in_o its_o high_a exaltation_n that_o can_v be_v a_o sufficient_a rule_n to_o resolve_v we_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n be_v so_o whole_o foreign_a to_o the_o best_a and_o clear_a natural_a light_n 3._o then_o for_o the_o last_o instance_n joh._n 3._o 16._o where_o god_n be_v say_v to_o love_v the_o 3._o world_n though_o in_o this_o as_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n we_o be_v not_o to_o measure_v god_n by_o ourselves_o yet_o this_o be_v undoubted_a that_o by_o god_n love_n to_o mankind_n be_v every_o where_o plain_o and_o clear_o mean_v his_o will_n to_o do_v they_o good_a discover_v itself_o in_o answerable_a effect_n and_o the_o complacency_n that_o he_o take_v in_o the_o good_a that_o he_o do_v for_o they_o or_o work_n in_o they_o nor_o do_v i_o think_v that_o any_o man_n who_o heedful_o read_v the_o scripture_n can_v take_v it_o otherwise_o and_o this_o be_v no_o way_n unbecoming_a the_o divine_a perfection_n but_o full_o agree_v to_o his_o nature_n and_o the_o manifestation_n that_o he_o have_v make_v of_o himself_o both_o by_o natural_a and_o supernatural_a light_n now_o as_o to_o this_o distinction_n which_o the_o 6._o exercitator_n so_o much_o applaud_v condemn_v all_o other_o that_o be_v not_o as_o fond_a of_o it_o as_o himself_o i_o find_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o reject_v it_o and_o do_v affirm_v that_o the_o word_n and_o sentence_n of_o scripture_n take_v in_o such_o a_o coherence_n among_o themselves_o and_o connexion_n with_o the_o whole_a and_o otherwise_o than_o thus_o they_o have_v no_o sense_n that_o be_v proper_o they_o do_v exhibit_v to_o the_o reader_n no_o other_o sense_n than_o what_o be_v indeed_o the_o author_n meaning_n be_v write_v for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o signify_v his_o mind_n for_o our_o safe_a guidance_n to_o blessedness_n and_o to_o think_v that_o they_o have_v any_o other_o sense_n than_o what_o be_v indeed_o the_o truemind_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o author_n be_v â—o_o charge_v the_o holy_a scripture_n with_o the_o vile_a imposture_n what_o 21._o will_v we_o think_v of_o that_o man_n that_o shall_v either_o speâ—k_v or_o write_v so_o as_o that_o his_o word_n shall_v carry_v one_o meaning_n and_o himself_o intend_v another_o will_v he_o not_o be_v judge_v a_o deceiver_n and_o shall_v we_o dare_v to_o fasten_v such_o a_o piece_n of_o hypocrisy_n upon_o the_o holy_a god_n and_o that_o in_o a_o business_n wherein_o man_n everlasting_a happiness_n be_v concern_v what_o thought_n have_v these_o man_n of_o god_n who_o can_v talk_v thus_o of_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v his_o acknowledge_a word_n but_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v before_o i_o leave_v this_o matter_n whether_o our_o author_n do_v not_o by_o this_o distinction_n contradict_v himself_o for_o 1._o when_o he_o be_v in_o preparation_n designantur_fw-la to_o his_o future_a discourse_n explain_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o the_o material_a object_n of_o interpretation_n he_o plain_o assert_n that_o word_n be_v first_o and_o immediate_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o inward_a conception_n of_o the_o mind_n â—and_v because_o those_o conception_n be_v representation_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o understanding_n hence_o the_o word_n that_o declare_v those_o conception_n be_v use_v to_o signify_v and_o denote_v thing_n now_o if_o so_o how_o come_v it_o about_o that_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n can_v have_v a_o different_a sense_n from_o what_o the_o author_n intend_v see_v as_o the_o exercitator_n acknowledge_v they_o be_v sign_n or_o note_n of_o the_o conception_n of_o his_o mind_n 2._o this_o same_o author_n when_o he_o be_v prove_v a_o multiplicity_n of_o true_a sense_n in_o the_o same_o text_n of_o scripture_n and_o that_o 8._o whatsoever_o interpretation_n be_v they_o never_o so_o many_o and_o various_a be_v give_v if_o they_o be_v truth_n in_o themselves_o they_o be_v also_o the_o true_a exposition_n of_o that_o place_n use_v this_o argument_n that_o else_o god_n will_v be_v chargeable_a with_o deceive_a man_n by_o use_v such_o word_n as_o he_o know_v man_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o take_v in_o such_o different_a sense_n as_o he_o never_o mean_v this_o the_o author_n reject_v with_o abhorrence_n as_o not_o agree_v with_o the_o divine_a perfection_n how_o well_o he_o agree_v with_o himself_o and_o how_o this_o may_v be_v reconcile_v with_o the_o forementioned_a conceit_n of_o such_o a_o twofold_a sense_n as_o we_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o the_o simple_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o speaker_n let_v the_o reader_n judge_n chap._n viii_o 1._o a_o five_o exception_n that_o the_o plain_a scripture_n may_v be_v wrest_v 2._o a_o six_o from_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o commentary_n and_o exposition_n remove_v in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o will_v be_v say_v 5._o that_o the_o plain_a scripture_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v wrest_v and_o pervert_v by_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n therefore_o they_o be_v not_o perspicuous_a enough_o to_o interpret_v themselves_o suppose_v what_o be_v indeed_o too_o true_a and_o sufficient_o make_v good_a by_o our_o adversary_n sol._n in_o this_o cause_n that_o the_o plain_a scripture_n may_v be_v pervert_v so_o may_v the_o best_a and_o true_a principle_n of_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n nor_o can_v any_o man_n devise_v how_o to_o speak_v or_o write_v so_o but_o a_o wicked_a and_o malicious_a wit_n may_v put_v a_o absurd_a or_o horrid_a sense_n upon_o the_o most_o innocent_a word_n and_o of_o this_o i_o think_v we_o have_v instance_n enough_o every_o day_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o sense_n which_o the_o word_n and_o sentence_n of_o scripture_n in_o such_o a_o contexture_n and_o with_o reference_n to_o and_o dependence_n upon_o the_o antecedent_n and_o consequent_n and_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o author_n discourse_n do_v offer_v to_o the_o reader_n that_o the_o scripture_n thus_o consider_v be_v of_o itself_o liable_a to_o such_o ambiguous_a sense_n be_v a_o profane_a and_o senseless_a calumny_n bring_v that_o holy_a volume_n under_o the_o same_o condemnation_n with_o the_o devil_n oracle_n that_o be_v purposely_o contrive_v by_o that_o great_a enemy_n of_o mankind_n to_o cheat_v and_o abuse_v the_o pagan_a world_n but_o may_v some_o say_v do_v not_o many_o object_n take_v the_o word_n of_o scripture_n in_o a_o far_o different_a sense_n from_o what_o the_o author_n of_o scripture_n intend_v no_o doubt_v they_o do_v what_o then_o sol._n that_o be_v not_o because_o the_o word_n give_v they_o that_o sense_n but_o because_o they_o impose_v that_o sense_n upon_o the_o word_n to_o make_v they_o comply_v with_o their_o own_o apprehension_n in_o the_o six_o place_n the_o exercitator_n 1._o argue_v against_o the_o perspicuity_n of_o the_o scripture_n from_o the_o multitude_n of_o commentary_n animadversion_n interpretation_n for_o he_o love_v to_o heap_v up_o word_n write_v by_o learned_a man_n upon_o the_o whole_a scripture_n or_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o whence_o he_o conclude_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n unquestionable_a that_o the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a so_o obscure_a that_o it_o can_v interpret_v its_o own_o sense_n i_o answer_v that_o there_o be_v some_o difficulty_n sol._n in_o scripture_n that_o may_v exercise_v yea_o and_o exceed_v the_o able_a wit_n and_o that_o many_o thing_n in_o it_o may_v be_v obscure_a to_o the_o reader_n for_o want_v of_o use_v the_o
right_a mean_n to_o understand_v be_v confess_v but_o the_o multitude_n of_o exposition_n do_v not_o at_o all_o prove_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v so_o obscure_a as_o to_o be_v disable_v for_o be_v the_o supreme_a rule_n to_o interpret_v itself_o for_o whatsoever_o note_n or_o commentary_n be_v write_v upon_o the_o bible_n by_o learned_n man_n they_o be_v either_o such_o as_o true_o conduce_v to_o the_o suppose_a end_n the_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o to_o the_o due_a practical_a improvement_n of_o what_o be_v so_o understand_v or_o they_o fail_v of_o this_o and_o do_v rather_o darken_v and_o cloud_v the_o text._n these_o of_o the_o latter_a sort_n do_v not_o deserve_v the_o honour_n to_o be_v esteem_v interpretation_n of_o scripture_n for_o they_o render_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o more_o inâ—…icate_a and_o perplex_v and_o true_o it_o have_v be_v no_o unusual_a thing_n for_o man_n that_o write_v only_o to_o make_v ostentation_n of_o their_o learning_n and_o draw_v the_o eye_n of_o other_o upon_o they_o or_o to_o make_v trial_n of_o their_o wit_n in_o their_o attempt_n upon_o the_o scripture_n to_o vent_v some_o odd_a notion_n that_o serve_v rather_o to_o amuse_v than_o edify_v the_o reader_n and_o leave_v he_o more_o in_o the_o dark_a than_o when_o he_o peruse_v the_o text_n alone_o without_o their_o gloss_n as_o it_o have_v fare_v with_o some_o voluminous_a commentator_n upon_o aquinas_n who_o under_o pretence_n of_o expound_v their_o author_n have_v run_v out_o into_o so_o many_o intricate_a and_o frivolous_a question_n that_o by_o that_o time_n they_o have_v do_v they_o have_v leave_v the_o author_n text_n less_o intelligible_a than_o it_o be_v before_o they_o meddle_v with_o it_o true_o so_o it_o be_v with_o some_o that_o have_v undertake_v to_o write_v upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o i_o take_v such_o man_n write_n rather_o for_o depravation_n than_o exposition_n and_o the_o chief_a cause_n of_o this_o evil_n have_v be_v what_o this_o exercitator_n be_v not_o well_o aware_a of_o that_o they_o make_v too_o much_o use_v of_o their_o philosophic_a notion_n in_o their_o endeavour_n to_o interpret_v scripture-revelation_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o commentary_n or_o annotation_n on_o scripture_n be_v such_o as_o do_v contribute_v any_o help_n towards_o the_o unfolding_n of_o the_o true_a sense_n this_o have_v be_v chief_o by_o collect_v and_o compare_v the_o several_a part_n of_o scripture_n together_o and_o consider_v the_o circumstance_n of_o each_o text_n expound_v and_o so_o fetch_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o which_o be_v the_o only_a sure_a and_o warrantable_a way_n of_o interpretation_n chap._n ix_o 1._o the_o three_o and_o last_o branch_n of_o my_o first_o argument_n the_o scripture_n authenticness_n 2._o the_o exercitator_n exception_n remove_v 3._o wolzogen_n exception_n deny_v god_n to_o be_v the_o interpreter_n of_o scripture_n answer_v have_v vindicate_v the_o second_o 1_o branch_n of_o my_o first_o argument_n viz._n the_o scripture_n perspicuity_n from_o the_o many_o exception_n make_v against_o it_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o viz._n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a authentic_a 3._o record_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v the_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a voice_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o what_o that_o speak_v he_o speaks_z and_o who_o so_o fit_a to_o interpret_v the_o meaning_n of_o his_o word_n as_o himself_o ejus_fw-la est_fw-la interprâ—tari_fw-la cujus_fw-la est_fw-la condere_fw-la be_v a_o approve_a rule_n in_o the_o civil_a law_n he_o that_o make_v the_o law_n be_v fit_a to_o interpret_v it_o and_o in_o the_o present_a case_n the_o reason_n be_v evident_a god_n best_o know_v his_o own_o mind_n and_o he_o have_v no_o where_o so_o plain_o and_o full_o reveal_v his_o mind_n as_o in_o scripture_n certain_o there_o can_v be_v none_o so_o sure_a and_o infallible_a interpreter_n of_o these_o sacred_a record_n as_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o indict_v they_o and_o he_o interpret_v they_o not_o by_o suggest_v to_o we_o any_o thing_n for_o their_o understanding_n which_o be_v not_o there_o already_o but_o by_o speak_v to_o we_o more_o clear_o from_o some_o part_n of_o scripture_n what_o be_v deliver_v more_o dark_o in_o other_o can_v any_o man_n or_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n pretend_v to_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n better_a than_o himself_o or_o give_v we_o better_o assurance_n what_o his_o mind_n be_v than_o the_o word_n which_o himself_o have_v appoint_v to_o be_v write_v for_o this_o very_a purpose_n whatsoever_o sense_n may_v be_v put_v upon_o any_o scripture-assertion_n and_o by_o whosoever_o frame_v it_o can_v challenge_v our_o undoubted_a reception_n unless_o we_o can_v discern_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n in_o it_o and_o that_o be_v no_o where_o to_o be_v hear_v with_o evidence_n and_o assurance_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o supernatural_a revelation_n which_o be_v that_o we_o chief_o deal_v with_o in_o this_o controversy_n but_o from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o but_o here_o the_o exercitator_n come_v in_o 9_o with_o his_o reply_n for_o acknowledge_v that_o without_o controversy_n god_n be_v a_o infallible_a interpreter_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n he_o nevertheless_o deny_v that_o therefore_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v its_o own_o interpreter_n or_o the_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n to_o itself_o because_o say_v he_o the_o same_o author_n may_v write_v several_a treatise_n and_o yet_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o the_o one_o shall_v interpret_v the_o other_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v the_o comparison_n sol._n be_v very_o unequal_a man_n write_v of_o different_a subject_n many_o time_n and_o for_o very_o different_a end_n and_o may_v withal_o so_o far_o forget_v themselves_o or_o be_v so_o unconstant_a to_o themselves_o as_o to_o cross_v in_o one_o discourse_v what_o they_o have_v write_v in_o another_o but_o god_n the_o author_n of_o scripture_n have_v design_v that_o whole_a volume_n to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o use_v and_o end_v to_o be_v a_o declaration_n of_o his_o mind_n to_o man_n that_o they_o may_v thereby_o be_v direct_v in_o their_o great_a affair_n and_o have_v a_o sure_a guide_n to_o happiness_n it_o be_v therefore_o every_o way_n most_o consistent_a with_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n so_o to_o order_v the_o endite_v of_o scripture_n in_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a excellency_n and_o necessity_n that_o his_o mind_n may_v be_v know_v from_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o either_o by_o the_o plainness_n of_o the_o particular_a sentence_n or_o by_o the_o dependence_n on_o and_o connexion_n with_o the_o antecedent_n and_o consequent_n or_o collation_n with_o the_o more_o remote_a part_n thereof_o but_o there_o be_v another_o author_n who_o 250._o pretend_v to_o maintain_v the_o protestant_a cause_n against_o the_o exercitator_n deal_v less_o candid_o with_o we_o than_o that_o profess_a adversary_n for_o in_o stead_n of_o answer_v the_o aforesaid_a exception_n he_o say_v again_o and_o again_o that_o god_n be_v not_o nor_o can_v proper_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o interpreter_n of_o scripture_n or_o the_o expositor_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n therein_o and_o he_o give_v we_o this_o strange_a reason_n for_o it_o because_o to_o this_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o by_o a_o oracle_n that_o be_v i_o suppose_v either_o by_o audible_a voice_n or_o secret_a instinct_n he_o shall_v according_a to_o the_o enthusiast_n fancy_n express_o pronounce_v to_o we_o that_o this_o or_o that_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o such_o or_o such_o a_o scripture_n unless_o he_o do_v this_o he_o can_v be_v allow_v by_o this_o dictator_n to_o be_v the_o interpreter_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o this_o i_o reply_v do_v we_o not_o all_o acknowledge_v 30._o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o in_o it_o and_o that_o what_o that_o say_v god_n say_v and_o be_v it_o not_o the_o usual_a language_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o bible_n that_o the_o scripture_n say_v thus_o and_o thus_o which_o sure_o can_v be_v no_o otherwise_o take_v for_o truth_n or_o sense_n but_o as_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n to_o we_o and_o wolzogen_n 26._o himself_o say_v several_a time_n that_o in_o the_o scripture_n god_n speak_v to_o we_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n and_o see_v sometime_o the_o text_n be_v so_o plain_a that_o it_o speak_v clear_o its_o own_o mind_n and_o sometime_o what_o be_v speak_v in_o one_o part_n of_o scripture_n be_v explain_v by_o what_o be_v speak_v in_o another_o both_o which_o himself_o acknowledge_v why_o may_v it_o not_o with_o as_o much_o propriety_n be_v say_v that_o god_n be_v the_o interpreter_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n in_o scripture_n though_o he_o use_v no_o
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
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 etc._n etc._n chap._n i._n 1._o what_o our_o protestant_a divine_n mean_v by_o that_o illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o they_o assert_v as_o necessary_a to_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o exercitator_n censure_v of_o it_o as_o enthusiasm_n approve_v by_o wolzogen_n 2._o the_o falsehood_n of_o that_o calumny_n discover_v 3._o wolzogen_n '_o s_o disingenuity_n and_o inconstancy_n 4._o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a illumination_n prove_v 5._o in_o what_o sense_n it_o be_v supernatural_a 6._o some_o of_o the_o exercitator_n cavil_v answer_v 7._o in_o what_o sense_n this_o illumination_n be_v immediate_a in_o the_o forego_n paper_n design_v 1_o to_o clear_a and_o vindicate_v the_o protestant_a doctrine_n concern_v the_o supreme_a bull_fw-mi of_o interpret_n scripture_n i_o have_v have_v occasion_n frequent_o to_o deal_v with_o the_o belgic_a exercitator_n and_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o what_o he_o have_v say_v that_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o any_o moment_n so_o far_o as_o concern_v that_o point_n but_o whereas_o he_o be_v please_v in_o the_o procedure_n of_o his_o discourse_n to_o step_v out_o of_o his_o way_n and_o deride_o to_o oppose_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n about_o the_o spirit_n assistance_n in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n as_o savour_v of_o enthusiasm_n i_o than_o wave_v meddle_v with_o that_o part_n of_o his_o book_n think_v it_o more_o expedient_a to_o say_v something_o to_o it_o in_o a_o appendix_n by_o itself_o this_o be_v a_o question_n altogether_o distinct_a from_o that_o other_o of_o the_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n in_o the_o fourteen_o chapter_n of_o his_o oft-mentioned_n exercitation_n he_o quote_v several_a of_o our_o protestant_a author_n of_o great_a name_n and_o worth_n give_v in_o the_o word_n of_o some_o of_o they_o and_o refer_v we_o for_o other_o to_o the_o cite_a place_n the_o drift_n of_o their_o several_a discourse_n about_o this_o point_n seem_v to_o be_v that_o there_o need_v a_o effectual_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o enlighten_v man_n understanding_n and_o cause_v they_o right_o to_o apprehend_v and_o ready_o to_o approve_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n that_o their_o meaning_n may_v be_v more_o clear_o propound_v we_o must_v distinguish_v of_o a_o twofold_a understanding_n of_o scripture_n there_o be_v a_o natural_a and_o mere_o grammatical_a perception_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture-proposition_n which_o a_o man_n destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n may_v attain_v by_o common_a assistance_n in_o the_o use_n of_o ordinary_a mean_n and_o there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a apprehension_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o contain_v in_o those_o proposition_n which_o include_v in_o it_o a_o hearty_a believe_v and_o embrace_v they_o that_o be_v not_o attain_v without_o the_o sanctify_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n renew_v the_o mind_n by_o indue_a it_o with_o a_o heavenly_a supernatural_a light_n this_o i_o find_v thus_o express_v and_o illustrate_v by_o the_o late_a reverend_a bishop_n of_o norwich_n natural_a man_n say_v he_o have_v their_o principle_n 119._o vitiate_v their_o faculty_n bind_v that_o they_o can_v understand_v spiritual_a thing_n till_o god_n have_v as_o it_o be_v implant_v a_o new_a understanding_n in_o they_o frame_v the_o heart_n to_o attend_v and_o set_v it_o at_o liberty_n to_o see_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n with_o open_a face_n though_o the_o veil_n do_v not_o keep_v out_o grammatical_a construction_n yet_o it_o blind_v the_o heart_n against_o the_o spiritual_a light_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o word_n we_o see_v even_o in_o common_a science_n where_o the_o conclusion_n be_v suitable_a to_o our_o innate_a and_o implant_v notion_n yet_o he_o that_o can_v distinct_o construe_v and_o make_v grammar_n of_o a_o principle_n in_o euclid_n may_v be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o mathematical_a sense_n and_o use_v of_o it_o much_o more_o may_v a_o man_n in_o divine_a truth_n be_v spiritual_o ignorant_a even_o where_o in_o some_o respect_n he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o know_v for_o the_o scripture_n pronounce_v man_n ignorant_a of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o see_v and_o know_v in_o divine_a doctrine_n obedience_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o knowledge_n and_o holiness_n the_o best_a qualification_n to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n to_o this_o spiritual_a understanding_n there_o be_v need_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a supernatural_a light_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v understand_v our_o divine_n mean_v when_o they_o assert_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o spirit_n illumination_n thus_o speak_v the_o church_n of_o england_n scripture_n the_o revelation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n inspire_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n into_o we_o in_o truth_n we_o can_v without_o it_o attain_v true_a save_v knowledge_n yea_o of_o this_o mind_n be_v erasmus_n no_o enthusiast_n who_o thus_o speak_v sunt_fw-la he_o err_v vehement_o who_o believe_v he_o can_v ever_o attain_v to_o the_o true_a understanding_n of_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n unless_o he_o be_v inspire_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o indict_v they_o and_o again_o 2._o they_o have_v the_o book_n of_o scripture_n but_o not_o the_o scripture_n that_o want_v the_o spirit_n without_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o understand_v and_o m._n luther_n 336._o quote_v a_o speech_n of_o aben-ezra_n sine_fw-la supra_fw-la &_o infra_fw-la i._n e._n without_o point_n and_o accent_n the_o scripture_n can_v be_v understand_v add_v a_o three_o sine_fw-la intra_fw-la without_o somewhat_o within_o viz._n the_o light_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n now_o let_v we_o hear_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o exercitator_n and_o his_o pretend_a answerer_n wolzogen_n about_o this_o as_o for_o the_o former_a if_o say_v he_o the_o meaning_n of_o 1._o these_o divine_n be_v this_o that_o no_o sense_n of_o scripture_n by_o what_o way_n or_o method_n soever_o find_v out_o can_v be_v full_o certain_a to_o any_o unless_o by_o the_o natural_a light_n of_o our_o understanding_n we_o can_v clear_o and_o distinct_o perceive_v it_o and_o be_v full_o persuade_v of_o its_o truth_n and_o that_o this_o clear_a perception_n and_o the_o sense_n a_o man_n have_v of_o it_o be_v that_o inward_a persuasion_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o they_o intend_v this_o will_v be_v grant_v they_o but_o if_o they_o mean_v not_o the_o natural_a light_n of_o man_n understanding_n or_o what_o be_v build_v upon_o that_o but_o a_o supernatural_a light_n above_z and_o beyond_o man_n natural_a reason_n not_o include_v in_o the_o mind_n or_o acquire_v by_o 3._o it_o but_o infuse_v and_o inspire_v from_o above_o this_o say_v he_o we_o disclaim_v and_o condemn_v for_o enthusiasm_n this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o censure_n that_o he_o pass_v upon_o this_o doctrine_n and_o lud._n wolzogen_n who_o pretend_v to_o take_v up_o the_o buckler_n against_o he_o in_o defence_n of_o the_o protestant_a cause_n in_o stead_n of_o vindicate_v the_o forecited_a author_n and_o their_o doctrine_n join_v with_o the_o exercitator_n in_o the_o calumny_n as_o appear_v undeniable_o by_o his_o own_o word_n for_o thus_o he_o speak_v because_o 126._o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v indeed_o still_o exert_v some_o power_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n therefore_o some_o have_v believe_v that_o he_o open_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o interpret_v they_o to_o the_o faithful_a which_o opinion_n the_o exercitator_n do_v just_o decry_v and_o determine_v that_o it_o contain_v mere_a enthusiasm_n where_o he_o express_o approve_v and_o applaud_v what_o the_o exercitator_n have_v say_v against_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n charge_v they_o with_o enthusiasm_n for_o maintain_v a_o necessity_n of_o a_o supernatural_a light_n for_o a_o save_a perception_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n and_o himself_o do_v so_o frequent_o strike_v upon_o this_o string_n in_o several_a place_n of_o his_o book_n that_o he_o seem_v to_o design_n the_o blemish_v and_o defame_v of_o our_o most_o eminent_a protestant_a writer_n and_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v assert_v against_o papist_n and_o pelagian_n these_o man_n can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o 2._o the_o divine_n who_o they_o thus_o impeach_v have_v all_o along_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o like_a imputation_n from_o popish_a and_o socinian_n author_n express_o and_o vehement_o disclaim_v all_o compliance_n with_o enthusiast_n and_o that_o some_o of_o they_o have_v write_v learned_o and_o smart_o against_o that_o sort_n of_o men._n they_o utter_o disavow_v their_o expect_v any_o such_o illumination_n as_o be_v give_v to_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o do_v plain_o deliver_v their_o mind_n that_o what_o they_o assert_v do_v not_o consist_v in_o discover_v any_o new_a doctrine_n unrevealed_a in_o scripture_n but_o in_o qualify_a and_o
in_o earnest_n and_o pathetical_a expression_n whether_o in_o bewail_v of_o sin_n oâ—_n petition_v for_o mercy_n or_o thanksgiving_n for_o blessing_n receive_v or_o dispense_n the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n to_o the_o people_n this_o be_v sharp_o censure_v by_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n lud._n wolzogen_n as_o savour_v of_o enthusiasm_n or_o border_v upon_o frenzy_n and_o cunning_o design_v for_o the_o drive_v on_o of_o some_o ambitious_a end_n to_o this_o i_o reply_v we_o be_v command_v to_o be_v fervent_a in_o spirit_n serve_v the_o 10._o lord_n and_o that_o whatsoever_o our_o hand_n find_v to_o do_v we_o shall_v do_v it_o with_o our_o might_n the_o psalmist_n say_v i_o cry_v with_o 145._o my_o whole_a heart_n and_o even_o that_o heathen_a prince_n to_o who_o royal_a city_n the_o prophet_n jonah_n be_v send_v with_o a_o threaten_a message_n require_v his_o subject_n to_o cry_v mighty_o unto_o god_n the_o apostle_n 8._o say_v it_o be_v good_a to_o be_v zealous_o affect_v 18._o always_o in_o a_o good_a thing_n and_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n so_o good_a as_o that_o it_o can_v better_o challenge_v the_o height_n and_o heat_n of_o our_o affection_n and_o endeavour_n than_o religion_n in_o the_o service_n whereof_o we_o have_v so_o immediate_o to_o do_v with_o god_n who_o call_v for_o the_o heart_n and_o have_v declare_v his_o abhor_v of_o a_o dull_a lukewarm_a 16._o temper_n i_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v too_o possible_a for_o zeal_n to_o have_v its_o excess_n and_o irregularity_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n there_o be_v a_o indiscreet_a zeal_n sometime_o appear_v in_o some_o well-meaning_a person_n that_o want_v the_o conduct_n of_o a_o well-ordered_a judgement_n which_o as_o i_o take_v to_o be_v much_o more_o pardonable_a than_o a_o careless_a or_o profane_a indifferency_n so_o i_o conceive_v it_o may_v have_v minister_v some_o occasion_n to_o those_o vile_a reproach_n that_o be_v cast_v upon_o all_o that_o be_v serious_o and_o hearty_o religious_a but_o that_o fervour_n of_o spirit_n that_o i_o undertake_v for_o and_o assert_v to_o be_v not_o only_o justifiable_a but_o commendable_a in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v that_o which_o be_v raise_v by_o a_o right_a apprehension_n of_o the_o object_n about_o which_o it_o be_v conversant_a guide_v by_o a_o compose_a understanding_n and_o attend_v with_o a_o humble_a awful_a reverence_n become_v sinful_a dust_n in_o its_o appearance_n before_o the_o great_a and_o holy_a god_n shall_v not_o sinner_n in_o their_o address_n to_o the_o most_o high_a have_v their_o heart_n deep_o touch_v with_o sorrow_n for_o the_o sin_n that_o they_o apprehend_v themselves_o or_o other_o for_o who_o they_o be_v concern_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o or_o liable_a to_o do_v it_o become_v a_o offender_n that_o be_v to_o beg_v his_o pardon_n to_o do_v it_o in_o a_o stupid_a manner_n as_o if_o he_o have_v no_o more_o sense_n of_o his_o fault_n than_o a_o stone_n or_o a_o brute_n and_o what_o incongruity_n be_v it_o for_o we_o in_o our_o petition_n for_o mercy_n to_o have_v our_o desire_n raise_v to_o the_o high_a pitch_n that_o we_o can_v reach_v be_v the_o pardon_v and_o purify_n grace_n of_o christ_n of_o so_o little_a worth_n or_o use_n to_o we_o as_o they_o need_v be_v but_o cold_o or_o careless_o ask_v as_o if_o our_o word_n freeze_v between_o our_o lip_n or_o as_o if_o we_o do_v not_o great_o pass_v whether_o we_o be_v hear_v or_o no_o or_o can_v we_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v hear_v those_o petition_n which_o we_o ourselves_o scarce_o feel_v when_o they_o go_v from_o we_o do_v ever_o any_o malefactor_n plead_v at_o the_o bar_n for_o his_o life_n or_o a_o hunger-starved_a beggar_n crave_v a_o alm_n at_o the_o door_n after_o this_o dull_a and_o sleepy_a rate_n and_o when_o we_o be_v blessing_n god_n for_o his_o benefit_n shall_v we_o not_o with_o the_o psalmist_n call_v upon_o 103._o all_o our_o power_n to_o praise_v he_o and_o shall_v not_o those_o who_o work_n it_o be_v to_o dispense_v the_o word_n of_o life_n deliver_v their_o message_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o that_o their_o hearer_n may_v discern_v they_o be_v in_o good_a earnest_n and_o that_o the_o word_n speak_v to_o they_o be_v that_o whereon_o their_o eternal_a life_n or_o death_n depend_v be_v it_o not_o requisite_a that_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n shall_v in_o this_o work_n be_v as_o be_v record_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o apollo_n fervent_a in_o spirit_n 〈◊〉_d especial_o consider_v the_o quality_n of_o most_o hearer_n who_o be_v so_o hardly_o raise_v to_o a_o due_a point_n of_o zeal_n and_o fervency_n that_o as_o mr._n george_n herbert_n speak_v they_o need_v a_o mountain_n of_o fire_n to_o kindle_v they_o 7._o the_o say_v worthy_a author_n advise_v preacher_n to_o make_v choice_n of_o move_v and_o ravish_v text_n and_o to_o dip_v and_o season_v all_o their_o word_n and_o sentence_n in_o their_o heart_n before_o they_o come_v into_o their_o mouth_n true_o affect_v and_o cordial_o express_v all_o that_o they_o say_v so_o that_o the_o auditor_n may_v plain_o perceive_v that_o every_o word_n be_v heart-deep_a with_o other_o passage_n of_o like_a import_n in_o short_a what_o cause_n of_o blame_n be_v it_o for_o any_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o devotion_n whether_o public_a or_o private_a to_o endeavour_v what_o they_o can_v to_o have_v their_o own_o and_o other_o heart_n affect_v in_o some_o measure_n suitable_a to_o the_o work_n in_o hand_n and_o to_o have_v their_o expression_n in_o some_o due_a proportion_n answerable_a to_o the_o affection_n of_o their_o heart_n this_o be_v all_o i_o plead_v for_o and_o the_o utmost_a as_o far_o as_o i_o know_v that_o can_v be_v charge_v upon_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o person_n accuse_v what_o some_o particular_a here_o and_o there_o may_v be_v guilty_a of_o i_o be_o not_o concern_v to_o vindicate_v that_o there_o be_v many_o folly_n and_o extravagancy_n in_o some_o of_o all_o persuasion_n he_o must_v be_v a_o great_a stranger_n in_o the_o world_n that_o know_v not_o and_o miserable_o enslave_v to_o the_o interest_n of_o a_o party_n that_o confess_v not_o but_o the_o lord_n know_v we_o have_v all_o more_o cause_n to_o blame_v ourselves_o for_o our_o coldness_n and_o remissness_n than_o other_o can_v have_v to_o blame_v we_o for_o too_o much_o fervour_n i_o hearty_o wish_v that_o both_o they_o and_o we_o be_v all_o more_o thorough_o baptise_a with_o this_o fire_n but_o let_v we_o a_o little_a examine_v the_o pretension_n 1._o of_o our_o accuser_n as_o for_o the_o charge_n of_o enthusiasm_n which_o some_o make_v use_v of_o to_o asperse_v what_o they_o dislike_v in_o religion_n philolog_fw-la the_o word_n say_v a_o late_a learned_a author_n be_v of_o itself_o good_a but_o fall_v into_o discredit_n by_o the_o vice_n of_o man_n for_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a enthusiasm_n when_o the_o soul_n be_v whole_o irradiate_v or_o enlighten_v of_o god_n but_o take_v it_o in_o the_o worst_a sense_n as_o it_o be_v by_o these_o objector_n i_o may_v say_v of_o it_o as_o mr._n â—iales_n of_o eton_n once_o say_v of_o the_o word_n schism_n and_o heresy_n that_o it_o be_v make_v a_o theological_a scarecrow_n for_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o some_o man_n principle_n to_o acknowledge_v any_o efficacious_a supernatural_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o as_o contrary_a to_o their_o disposition_n and_o practice_n to_o be_v serious_o fervent_a in_o religion_n it_o become_v their_o interest_n to_o brand_v whatsoever_o lie_v out_o of_o their_o road_n with_o the_o opprobrious_a name_n of_o enthusiasm_n that_o be_v as_o they_o sometime_o explain_v it_o a_o pretence_n of_o be_v act_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n or_o a_o false_a conceit_n of_o inspiration_n what_o the_o sect_n of_o enthusiast_n be_v appear_v sufficient_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o learned_a man_n who_o have_v write_v against_o they_o both_o in_o former_a and_o late_a time_n from_o who_o we_o have_v this_o account_n that_o those_o who_o be_v censure_v and_o condemn_v by_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n under_o that_o notion_n be_v such_o as_o slight_v if_o not_o reject_v the_o scripture_n as_o a_o dead_a letter_n a_o lame_a and_o imperfect_a guide_n insufficient_a to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o practice_n in_o room_n whereof_o they_o profess_v to_o be_v act_v by_o immediate_a revelation_n which_o they_o call_v the_o internal_a and_o spiritual_a word_n teach_v they_o high_a wisdom_n than_o any_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v strong_o suggest_v to_o they_o or_o make_v any_o vehement_a impression_n upon_o their_o mind_n as_o that_o which_o they_o think_v they_o shall_v believe_v or_o do_v they_o embrace_v it_o as_o a_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o magisterial_o impose_v it_o upon_o other_o be_v it_o