scripture_n undoubted_o be_v and_o whatsoever_o be_v indeed_o contrary_a to_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n speak_v in_o this_o sacred_a volume_n whatever_o pretence_n it_o may_v have_v of_o reason_n or_o philosophy_n it_o be_v but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o tim._n 6._o 20._o it_o be_v a_o honest_a speech_n of_o aquinas_n which_o i_o find_v quote_v 27_o by_o our_o judicious_a and_o learned_a davenant_n omnis_fw-la creata_fw-la veritas_fw-la est_fw-la defectibilis_fw-la nisi_fw-la quatenus_fw-la per_fw-la veritatem_fw-la increatam_fw-la rectificatur_fw-la unde_fw-la nec_fw-la homo_fw-la nec_fw-la angelus_n infallibiliter_fw-la ducit_fw-la in_o veritatem_fw-la nisi_fw-la quatenus_fw-la in_o iis_fw-la loquentis_fw-la dei_fw-la testimonium_fw-la consideratur_fw-la to_o which_o i_o shall_v subjoin_v the_o judgement_n of_o cartesius_n who_o authority_n may_v perhaps_o be_v of_o more_o credit_n with_o some_o now_o than_o either_o that_o of_o a_o schoolman_n or_o of_o a_o apostle_n memoriae_fw-la nostrae_fw-la pro_fw-la summa_fw-la 76_o regula_fw-la est_fw-la infigendum_fw-la ea_fw-la quae_fw-la nobis_fw-la à _fw-la deo_fw-la revelata_fw-la sunt_fw-la ut_fw-la omnium_fw-la certissima_fw-la esse_fw-la credenda_fw-la et_fw-la quamvis_fw-la fortè_fw-la lumen_fw-la rationis_fw-la quam_fw-la maximè_fw-la clarum_fw-la &_o evidens_fw-la aliud_fw-la quid_fw-la nobis_fw-la suggerere_fw-la videretur_fw-la soli_fw-la tamen_fw-la auctoritati_fw-la divinae_fw-la potius_fw-la quam_fw-la proprio_fw-la judicio_fw-la fidem_fw-la esse_fw-la adhibendam_fw-la this_o say_v he_o must_v be_v firm_o remember_v as_o our_o chief_a rule_n that_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v reveal_v to_o we_o of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v as_o of_o all_o thing_n the_o most_o certain_a and_o although_o perhaps_o the_o most_o clear_a and_o manifest_a light_n of_o reason_n may_v seem_v to_o suggest_v to_o we_o some_o other_o thing_n we_o be_v nevertheless_o to_o give_v credit_n to_o divine_a authority_n alone_o rather_o than_o to_o our_o own_o judgement_n chap._n iu._n 1._o a_o second_o argument_n from_o the_o disproportion_n between_o man_n reason_n and_o matter_n of_o divine_a revelation_n 2._o a_o exception_n remove_v my_o second_o argument_n be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o proportion_n between_o man_n 2._o reason_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o divine_a revelation_n these_o be_v so_o sublime_a they_o be_v out_o of_o the_o ken_n of_o a_o natural_a understanding_n they_o be_v of_o a_o far_o different_a kind_n from_o the_o high_a natural_a principle_n how_o little_a be_v it_o that_o man_n reason_n by_o its_o own_o light_n can_v discover_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o his_o eternal_a counsel_n the_o heathen_a who_o want_v scripture_n light_n do_v but_o grope_v as_o man_n in_o the_o dark_a act._n 17._o 27._o how_o great_o be_v we_o to_o seek_v in_o judge_v of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o power_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n if_o we_o have_v no_o high_a light_n than_o natural_a reason_n to_o direct_v we_o nor_o need_v this_o seem_v strange_a when_o we_o see_v how_o much_o the_o most_o know_a man_n be_v at_o a_o loss_n concern_v themselves_o the_o nature_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o union_n with_o the_o body_n and_o how_o little_a insight_n they_o have_v into_o many_o of_o the_o minuta_fw-la naturae_fw-la can_v it_o then_o be_v wonder_v that_o man_n reason_n shall_v be_v unable_a by_o its_o own_o light_n to_o have_v a_o clear_a view_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n that_o be_v infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a whence_o be_v it_o that_o so_o many_o of_o the_o wise_a heathen_n be_v so_o gravel_a at_o the_o proceed_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n when_o they_o see_v good_a man_n suffer_v and_o bad_a man_n prosper_v how_o do_v cato_n that_o severe_a moralist_n stumble_v at_o the_o success_n that_o julius_n caesar_n have_v against_o pompey_n but_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o that_o great_a mystery_n of_o man_n redemption_n by_o christ_n the_o line_n of_o man_n reason_n be_v too_o short_a to_o reach_v these_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o cor._n 2._o 10._o therefore_o evangelical_n 12._o doctrine_n be_v frequent_o call_v a_o great_a mystery_n contain_v such_o thing_n as_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v nor_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v thing_n beyond_o the_o reach_n not_o of_o man_n only_o but_o of_o angel_n it_o be_v true_a that_o all_o man_n can_v not_o but_o know_v god_n to_o be_v very_o good_a they_o find_v it_o and_o feel_v it_o in_o the_o daily_a effect_n of_o his_o sustain_n and_o preserve_v providence_n and_o his_o wonderful_a patience_n and_o forbearance_n towards_o they_o and_o they_o do_v know_v also_o that_o god_n be_v just_a and_o a_o righteous_a avenger_n of_o sin_n this_o they_o may_v see_v in_o the_o judgement_n that_o he_o bring_v upon_o the_o world_n beside_o the_o inward_a witness_n of_o their_o own_o accuse_v conscience_n the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n rom._n 1._o 18._o and_o they_o know_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n that_o they_o who_o do_v such_o wickedness_n as_o they_o be_v conscious_a to_o in_o themselves_o be_v worthy_a of_o death_n rom._n 1._o 32._o but_o now_o how_o to_o reconcile_v these_o two_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o his_o creature_n and_o his_o severe_a indignation_n against_o sinner_n so_o as_o with_o any_o satisfaction_n to_o hope_v for_o pardon_n and_o acceptance_n with_o he_o here_o their_o principle_n of_o reason_n faill_v they_o they_o see_v themselves_o in_o a_o very_a ill_a case_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o somewhat_o to_o appease_v the_o provoke_v anger_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n but_o how_o or_o which_o way_n this_o shall_v be_v they_o can_v not_o tell_v and_o therefore_o lose_v themselves_o in_o a_o maze_n of_o infinite_a mistake_v in_o their_o attempt_n about_o it_o now_o it_o be_v so_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o reason_n by_o its_o natural_a principle_n shall_v be_v a_o competent_a judge_n of_o scripture-revelation_n it_o must_v therefore_o submit_v its_o own_o conception_n and_o dictate_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n here_o possible_o it_o will_v be_v reply_v as_o exception_n before_o to_o the_o precedent_a argument_n that_o all_o this_o may_v be_v grant_v of_o those_o that_o enjoy_v not_o the_o gospel_n and_o write_a word_n but_o where_o this_o be_v reason_n may_v be_v allow_v to_o judge_v and_o determine_v by_o its_o principle_n concern_v the_o thing_n there_o reveal_v to_o this_o i_o answer_v two_o thing_n first_o this_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n 1_o for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o word_n or_o sentence_n of_o scripture_n that_o reveal_v any_o mystery_n to_o we_o further_o than_o thereby_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n be_v make_v know_v to_o we_o now_o if_o this_o can_v be_v find_v out_o from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o but_o from_o principle_n of_o reason_n than_o it_o be_v reason_n itself_o that_o first_o discover_v the_o mystery_n i_o grant_v that_o reason_n that_o be_v the_o faculty_n of_o reason_n be_v and_o must_v be_v the_o instrument_n whereby_o we_o apprehend_v what_o god_n speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o if_o there_o be_v any_o part_n of_o scripture_n so_o dark_a as_o that_o its_o meaning_n can_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o word_n neither_o consider_v by_o themselves_o nor_o compare_v with_o other_o passage_n of_o sacred_a writ_n i_o will_v know_v how_o come_v reason_n in_o interpret_n such_o a_o obscure_a place_n suppose_v it_o to_o be_v obscure_a to_o find_v that_o such_o and_o such_o word_n so_o place_v do_v contain_v in_o they_o such_o a_o assertion_n when_o the_o word_n and_o sentence_n themselves_o can_v resolve_v we_o you_o will_v say_v our_o reason_n teach_v we_o by_o the_o light_n of_o its_o own_o common_a notion_n that_o this_o and_o no_o other_o must_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o such_o a_o place_n be_v it_o not_o then_o plain_a that_o human_a reason_n fetch_v that_o truth_n if_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n from_o itself_o and_o not_o from_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o scripture_n according_a to_o this_o hypothesis_n give_v a_o uncertain_a sound_n only_a reason_n determine_v it_o remember_v we_o be_v speak_v of_o matter_n of_o pure_a revelation_n now_o if_o the_o sentence_n of_o scripture_n under_o debate_n do_v neither_o by_o themselves_o nor_o with_o the_o help_n of_o any_o other_o clear_o and_o certain_o signify_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v fasten_v upon_o they_o such_o arguer_n can_v say_v they_o have_v it_o by_o divine_a revelation_n unless_o they_o will_v pretend_v to_o that_o enthusiastic_a inspiration_n which_o they_o profess_v to_o decry_v and_o false_o charge_v upon_o their_o opposite_n second_o i_o add_v further_o that_o there_o be_v sundry_a thing_n reveal_v in_o scripture_n whereof_o god_n give_v we_o no_o other_o reason_n than_o his_o
reverence_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o word_n for_o want_v of_o which_o too_o many_o have_v great_o pollute_v these_o holy_a mystery_n with_o the_o wanton_a conceit_n or_o profane_a excursion_n of_o a_o unhollwed_a wit_n and_o mortal_o poison_v themselves_o and_o other_o by_o their_o corrupt_a handle_v this_o bread_n of_o life_n the_o special_a mean_n of_o interpretation_n be_v twofold_a some_o be_v more_o remote_a which_o i_o shall_v only_o name_v not_o intend_v any_o discourse_n about_o they_o because_o my_o work_n lie_v another_o way_n these_o remote_a help_n be_v 1._o some_o competent_a knowledge_n of_o and_o recourse_n to_o the_o original_a tongue_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n be_v first_o pen_v with_o a_o due_a observation_n of_o the_o propriety_n of_o each_o language_n 2._o skill_n to_o discern_v between_o the_o proper_a use_n of_o the_o word_n and_o phrase_n of_o scripture_n and_o that_o which_o be_v tropical_a and_o figurative_a in_o these_o grammar_n and_o rhetoric_n have_v their_o use_n 3._o some_o insight_n into_o the_o peculiar_a law_n custom_n and_o proverbial_a speech_n of_o those_o time_n and_o place_n that_o the_o scripture_n relate_v to_o which_o require_v some_o knowledge_n in_o history_n there_o be_v sundry_a passage_n both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n that_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o know_a custom_n of_o the_o gentile_n as_o in_o their_o divination_n idolatrous_a worship_n public_a game_n and_o many_o more_o that_o have_v relation_n to_o the_o peculiar_a rite_n and_o mode_n of_o speech_n in_o use_n among_o the_o jew_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o part_n of_o phylology_n but_o may_v have_v its_o use_n in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n 4._o there_o be_v great_a use_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o philosophy_n not_o only_o moral_a but_o natural_a for_o the_o clear_n of_o many_o thing_n in_o scripture_n that_o be_v of_o natural_a cognisance_n as_o about_o the_o structure_n of_o man_n body_n and_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o nature_n motion_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n the_o temperament_n of_o the_o several_a region_n of_o the_o world_n as_o also_o about_o the_o element_n and_o meteor_n about_o number_n and_o measure_n the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o several_a creature_n beast_n bird_n and_o plant_n and_o many_o other_o thing_n treat_v of_o in_o the_o bible_n either_o by_o way_n of_o history_n or_o parable_n 5._o logic_n have_v also_o its_o use_n here_o for_o the_o better_a discern_v the_o dependence_n of_o one_o thing_n in_o scripture_n upon_o another_o and_o collect_v of_o one_o thing_n from_o another_o the_o more_o immediate_a mean_n be_v chief_o two_o 1._o a_o due_a observation_n of_o the_o several_a circumstance_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v interpret_v who_o it_o be_v that_o speak_v where_o &_o when_o and_o to_o who_o &_o upon_o what_o occasion_n here_o also_o come_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o coherent_n with_o antecedent_n and_o consequence_n together_o with_o the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o speaker_n all_o which_o be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o discover_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n 2._o compare_v scripture_n with_o scripture_n or_o consult_v other_o scripture_n whether_o parallel_n with_o or_o seem_o opposite_a to_o the_o place_n under_o consideration_n now_o to_o the_o use_n of_o all_o these_o forementioned_a mean_n or_o help_v both_o general_n and_o special_a remote_a and_o immediate_a i_o think_v all_o agree_v but_o about_o the_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n there_o be_v not_o so_o universal_a a_o accord_n the_o romanist_n for_o the_o most_o part_n will_v have_v this_o rule_n to_o be_v the_o judgement_n 3._o of_o the_o present_a church_n mean_v their_o own_o but_o i_o shall_v not_o deal_v with_o this_o it_o be_v weakness_n in_o what_o sense_n soever_o take_v for_o they_o agree_v not_o among_o themselves_o have_v be_v sufficient_o discover_v by_o the_o worthy_a labour_n of_o many_o both_o former_o and_o of_o late_a etc._n some_o few_o there_o be_v who_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o scripture_n suppose_v the_o rule_n and_o summary_n of_o religion_n deliver_v from_o one_o age_n to_o another_o which_o we_o be_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o in_o search_v out_o the_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n and_o this_o rule_n they_o say_v be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o monument_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n and_o determination_n of_o council_n from_o whence_o we_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o thereby_o know_v what_o be_v the_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o first_o age_n and_o according_a to_o that_o interpret_v the_o scripture_n but_o if_o this_o must_v be_v our_o way_n of_o proceed_v we_o may_v very_o well_o despair_n of_o ever_o understand_v the_o scripture_n except_o when_o they_o speak_v with_o so_o much_o plainness_n that_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o no_o interpretation_n for_o what_o a_o heap_n of_o uncertainty_n must_v we_o lay_v for_o the_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v that_o the_o father_n do_v oft_o differ_v from_o each_o other_o and_o many_o time_n be_v not_o consistent_a with_o themselves_o council_n have_v determine_v contrary_a one_o to_o another_o and_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v as_o far_o as_o appear_v to_o we_o by_o all_o extant_a monument_n of_o antiquity_n agreeable_a to_o the_o common_a sentiment_n in_o our_o age_n be_v lay_v aside_o in_o another_o beside_o either_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o first_o age_n write_v nothing_o or_o their_o write_n be_v lose_v and_o of_o those_o that_o now_o go_v under_o venerable_a name_n many_o be_v plain_o spurious_a and_o many_o dubious_a nor_o be_v it_o easy_a in_o several_a of_o they_o for_o the_o most_o sagacious_a reader_n to_o find_v out_o the_o right_n insomuch_o as_o we_o can_v have_v any_o tolerable_a assurance_n what_o be_v the_o consentient_a judgement_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o any_o one_o age_n about_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n if_o we_o set_v the_o scripture_n aside_o therefore_o to_o frame_v such_o a_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n as_o this_o be_v no_o better_a than_o to_o build_v a_o house_n of_o straw_n upon_o a_o run_a stream_n there_o be_v very_o few_o writer_n in_o the_o two_o first_o century_n and_o in_o the_o two_o follow_v not_o very_o many_o and_o after_o this_o the_o church_n do_v much_o decline_v and_o degenerate_a as_o well_o in_o doctrine_n as_o manner_n now_o suppose_v we_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o write_n in_o each_o age_n be_v undoubted_o they_o who_o name_v they_o bear_v as_o it_o be_v past_a doubt_n we_o be_v not_o who_o can_v assure_v we_o that_o what_o be_v publish_v by_o those_o few_o be_v the_o consentient_a judgement_n of_o all_o or_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o doctor_n of_o that_o age_n wherein_o they_o live_v may_v there_o not_o be_v a_o great_a number_n differ_v from_o they_o who_o either_o write_v nothing_o or_o who_o work_n be_v perish_v the_o plain_a truth_n be_v that_o this_o way_n of_o interpretation_n do_v in_o the_o upshot_n resolve_v the_o faith_n of_o christian_n not_o into_o the_o certain_a authority_n of_o the_o divinely-inspired_n write_n but_o into_o the_o fallible_a testimony_n of_o the_o most_o uncertain_a tradition_n but_o for_o the_o reader_n further_a satisfaction_n i_o refer_v he_o to_o mounseur_fw-fr daille_n learned_a treatise_n about_o the_o right_a use_n of_o the_o father_n a_o piece_n of_o that_o worth_n that_o the_o lord_n viscount_n falkland_n and_o his_o dear_a friend_n mr._n chillingworth_n do_v high_o esteem_v it_o and_o make_v great_a use_n of_o it_o in_o their_o write_n against_o the_o romanist_n as_o we_o be_v inform_v by_o mr._n tho._n smith_n sometime_o member_n of_o christ_n college_n in_o cambridge_n in_o his_o epistle_n prefix_v to_o the_o english_a translation_n of_o that_o excellent_a and_o elaborate_a discourse_n who_o further_o also_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o have_v in_o that_o tractat_fw-la a_o sufficient_a confutation_n of_o cardinal_n perron_n his_o book_n against_o king_n james_n and_o by_o consequence_n of_o the_o marquis_n of_o worcester_n against_o king_n charles_n and_o of_o doctor_n vane_n and_o other_o epitomizer_n of_o the_o cardinal_n which_o i_o do_v the_o rather_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o it_o may_v obviate_v the_o groundless_a prejudices_fw-la that_o some_o have_v of_o late_o entertain_v against_o that_o incomparable_a piece_n the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o the_o reform_a 4._o church_n both_o ourown_n and_o those_o abroad_o have_v be_v hitherto_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v its_o own_o interpreter_n but_o of_o late_a there_o have_v be_v a_o attempt_n to_o justle_v the_o scripture_n aside_o as_o to_o this_o use_n and_o place_n reason_n and_o philosophy_n in_o its_o room_n there_o be_v a_o belgic_a
of_o its_o own_o interpretation_n chap._n x._o a_o second_o argument_n from_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o philosophy_n answer_v every_o one_o say_v the_o exercitator_n be_v the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o his_o own_o 2._o word_n and_o god_n be_v the_o author_n 1._o of_o philosophy_n to_o he_o be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v whatever_o interpretation_n be_v make_v of_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o maxim_n of_o philosophy_n and_o consequent_o that_o be_v to_o be_v own_v as_o the_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n but_o this_o be_v a_o strange_a way_n of_o argumentation_n sol._n in_o a_o man_n that_o pretend_v to_o reason_n if_o he_o have_v no_o better_a skill_n in_o expound_v than_o he_o have_v in_o argue_v he_o will_v not_o gain_v many_o proselyte_n to_o his_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n among_o understanding_n and_o considerate_a men._n for_o 1._o this_o argument_n may_v with_o full_a as_o much_o or_o more_o strength_n be_v retort_v upon_o he_o and_o that_o two_o way_n first_o if_o because_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o philosophy_n therefore_o philosophy_n must_v unfold_v all_o the_o difficulty_n in_o scripture_n will_v it_o not_o as_o well_o follow_v that_o see_v god_n be_v the_o unquestionable_a author_n of_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o resolve_v all_o the_o difficulty_n in_o philosophy_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o design_v for_o any_o such_o end_n nor_o fit_v for_o such_o a_o use_n as_o to_o untie_v the_o knot_n of_o philosophy_n their_o use_n and_o design_n be_v of_o great_a and_o high_a concernment_n i_o answer_v neither_o be_v philosophy_n design_v to_o clear_a doubt_n in_o matter_n of_o supernatural_a revelation_n its_o use_n be_v limit_v to_o matter_n of_o a_o inferior_a orb._n again_o we_o may_v thus_o also_o retort_v the_o argument_n if_o god_n be_v the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n then_o doubtless_o the_o best_a interpretation_n of_o his_o mind_n be_v to_o be_v fetch_v from_o that_o which_o be_v the_o only_a certain_a and_o undoubted_a record_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o that_o be_v the_o scripture_n second_o that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n 2._o of_o all_o true_a and_o sound_a philosophy_n i_o grant_v nor_o need_v the_o exercitator_n to_o have_v give_v himself_o the_o trouble_n of_o spend_v 3._o so_o many_o line_n to_o prove_v it_o but_o i_o must_v mind_v he_o of_o some_o few_o thing_n to_o rectify_v his_o mistake_n 1._o he_o be_v wide_o out_o in_o suppose_v that_o the_o wisdom_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o scripture_n by_o he_o allege_v be_v no_o other_o than_o philosophy_n the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o most_o if_o not_o all_o of_o those_o place_n speak_v of_o something_o high_o and_o more_o excellent_a than_o mere_a natural_a knowledge_n 2._o whereas_o among_o other_o humane_a testimony_n that_o the_o author_n heap_v up_o to_o prove_v philosophy_n to_o be_v of_o god_n he_o bring_v in_o lucretius_n lib._n 5._o de_fw-la rerum_fw-la natura_fw-la the_o learned_a vogelsangius_fw-la have_v discover_v 67._o his_o shameful_a mistake_n tell_v he_o that_o the_o god_n who_o lucretius_n there_o mean_v when_o he_o say_v deus_fw-la ille_fw-la fuit_fw-la deus_fw-la inclyte_n memmi_n qui_fw-la princeps_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la rationem_fw-la invenit_fw-la eam_fw-la quae_fw-la nunc_fw-la appellatur_fw-la sapientia_fw-la etc._n etc._n be_v no_o other_o than_o epicurus_n and_o must_v epicurus_n philosophy_n be_v the_o scripture_n interpreter_n 3._o this_o i_o must_v add_v by_o way_n of_o limitation_n to_o my_o former_a concession_n that_o god_n be_v not_o so_o the_o author_n of_o philosophy_n as_o he_o be_v of_o the_o scripture_n he_o be_v so_o far_o the_o author_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o that_o he_o have_v infallible_o direct_v his_o servant_n in_o pen_v its_o several_a part_n and_o preserve_v they_o from_o error_n in_o that_o work_n but_o he_o be_v not_o so_o the_o author_n of_o philosophy_n as_o infallible_o to_o direct_v any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n so_o as_o not_o to_o err_v in_o his_o philosophy_n here_o therefore_o be_v a_o very_a great_a difference_n and_o see_v that_o this_o philosophy_n which_o we_o acknowledge_v so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v sound_a and_o true_a to_o be_v god_n gift_n be_v no_o where_o to_o be_v find_v but_o in_o the_o mind_n or_o write_n of_o fallible_a man_n by_o what_o certain_a rule_n shall_v we_o judge_v of_o the_o maxim_n of_o philosophy_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n whether_o they_o be_v undoubted_o true_a or_o no_o or_o which_o way_n shall_v we_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o aforesaid_a maxim_n suppose_v they_o to_o be_v unquestionable_o true_a be_v due_o apply_v to_o the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n whither_o shall_v we_o go_v in_o this_o case_n to_o find_v out_o such_o solid_a satisfaction_n as_o may_v give_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o that_o divine_a faith_n that_o we_o certain_o owe_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o scripture_n three_o suppose_v what_o be_v not_o that_o we_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o perfect_a model_n or_o system_v of_o sound_a philosophy_n to_o have_v recourse_n to_o so_o as_o we_o may_v true_o say_v of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v all_o and_o every_o part_n and_o particle_n of_o it_o of_o divine_a original_a and_o so_o complete_a that_o there_o be_v no_o defect_n in_o it_o yet_o still_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o philosophy_n have_v its_o bound_n and_o discover_v nothing_o to_o we_o but_o those_o necessary_a truth_n which_o fall_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o nature_n and_o so_o far_o we_o may_v take_v it_o for_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n but_o as_o for_o supernatural_a verity_n the_o be_v and_o discovery_n whereof_o depend_v upon_o god_n absolute_a will_n and_o arbitrary_a revelation_n he_o never_o intend_v that_o philosophy_n shall_v be_v our_o guide_n in_o these_o but_o here_o we_o be_v to_o keep_v sole_o and_o whole_o to_o what_o he_o have_v say_v in_o the_o scripture_n chap._n xi_o a_o three_o argument_n from_o the_o suppose_a sufficiency_n of_o philosophy_n to_o interpret_v scripture_n answer_v whatsoever_o say_v the_o aforesaid_a author_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o 3._o rule_n of_o interpretation_n perfect_o agree_v 1._o to_o philosophy_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n for_o they_o be_v undoubted_o true_a free_a from_o all_o danger_n of_o error_n and_o therefore_o can_v deceive_v be_v ground_v upon_o unmoveable_a foundation_n admit_v no_o appeal_n impartial_a not_o incline_v to_o this_o or_o that_o side_n in_o a_o word_n so_o sure_a and_o undoubted_a that_o they_o will_v force_v assent_n provide_v they_o be_v not_o bend_v or_o sway_v by_o mens_fw-la prejudices_fw-la or_o vicious_a inclination_n but_o as_o i_o say_v before_o where_o be_v this_o philosophy_n to_o be_v find_v if_o it_o be_v any_o 1._o where_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o those_o who_o have_v in_o all_o age_n be_v most_o devote_v to_o the_o study_n of_o it_o and_o most_o perspicacious_a and_o successful_a in_o search_v the_o secret_n of_o it_o have_v yet_o in_o many_o thing_n especial_o that_o concern_v religion_n so_o foul_o err_v and_o have_v be_v at_o so_o great_a odds_o not_o only_o one_o with_o another_o but_o each_o with_o himself_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n let_v they_o be_v never_o so_o sound_a and_o stable_a yet_o they_o can_v prevail_v upon_o none_o any_o further_a than_o they_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o mind_n and_o they_o be_v no_o where_o receive_v but_o according_a to_o the_o disposition_n and_o capacity_n of_o the_o subject_a the_o darkness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o who_o understanding_n much_o alter_v the_o conception_n of_o the_o sound_a principle_n beside_o my_o three_o answer_n to_o the_o precedent_a 2._o argument_n will_v serve_v here_o for_o let_v philosophy_n be_v never_o so_o infallible_a it_o must_v be_v keep_v within_o its_o own_o proper_a sphere_n and_o not_o be_v apply_v to_o matter_n supernatural_a that_o be_v whole_o out_o of_o its_o road_n and_o above_o its_o reach_n of_o all_o part_n of_o philosophy_n the_o mathematics_n be_v general_o esteem_v the_o most_o demonstrative_a and_o irrefragable_a but_o if_o any_o shall_v attempt_v by_o mathematical_a principle_n to_o interpret_v what_o the_o scripture_n have_v reveal_v about_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n the_o believer_n union_n with_o christ_n or_o the_o like_a he_o may_v well_o be_v deem_v to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o large_a do_v of_o hellebore_n chap._n xii_o a_o four_o argument_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o clear_a distinct_a perception_n answer_v but_o say_v the_o exercitator_n there_o be_v 4._o no_o clear_a and_o distinct_a perception_n 6._o of_o a_o thing_n but_o it_o beget_v a_o intimate_a persuasion_n in_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v so_o perceive_v which_o perception_n and_o persuasion_n come_v from_o god_n as_o the_o
cause_n it_o may_v not_o unfit_o be_v call_v the_o persuasion_n dictate_v testimony_n inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n which_o divine_v common_o but_o mistake_o ascribe_v to_o that_o which_o they_o call_v supernatural_a light_n out_o of_o their_o low_a esteem_n of_o reason_n and_o that_o natural_a light_n that_o be_v in_o every_o man._n this_o i_o confess_v the_o author_n do_v not_o sol._n make_v use_n of_o among_o the_o argument_n that_o he_o produce_v to_o defend_v his_o cause_n yet_o because_o it_o tend_v to_o beget_v a_o conceit_n according_a to_o the_o drift_n of_o his_o discourse_n that_o what_o man_n apprehend_v themselves_o to_o have_v a_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o by_o reason_n or_o philosophy_n be_v infallible_o certain_a and_o thereby_o qualify_v for_o the_o sure_a interpret_n of_o scripture_n i_o think_v fit_a not_o to_o pass_v it_o over_o without_o some_o animadversion_n this_o assertion_n be_v a_o piece_n of_o wild_a somewhat_o for_o whether_o i_o shall_v call_v it_o philosophy_n or_o divinity_n sense_n of_o nonsense_n i_o know_v not_o that_o if_o entertain_v give_v ground_n to_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n to_o father_n their_o most_o enormous_a conceit_n upon_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a spirit_n against_o it_o i_o shall_v propound_v a_o few_o consideration_n 1._o do_v not_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n bear_v witness_v that_o err_a person_n may_v be_v as_o confident_o persuade_v of_o their_o mistake_a opinion_n as_o other_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n strong_o conceive_v what_o they_o hold_v to_o be_v most_o clear_a and_o evident_a so_o far_o as_o cheerful_o to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o it_o so_o capable_a be_v man_n of_o be_v delude_v by_o their_o own_o darken_a and_o corrupt_a reason_n when_o they_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o it_o as_o their_o sole_a guide_n that_o some_o have_v deny_v to_o the_o death_n those_o truth_n that_o be_v in_o some_o degree_n knowable_a by_o natural_a light_n as_o that_o grand_a maxim_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n witness_n caesar_n vaninus_n but_o for_o doctrine_n of_o mere_a revelation_n how_o peremptory_o they_o be_v deny_v and_o upon_o what_o ground_n we_o need_v no_o far_a instance_n than_o that_o of_o the_o socinian_o or_o as_o they_o be_v otherwise_o call_v from_o a_o more_o ancient_a ringleader_n photinians_n who_o creed_n of_o all_o heretic_n have_v most_o pervert_v the_o article_n of_o our_o creed_n and_o find_v out_o follower_n in_o these_o latter_a age_n who_o have_v erect_v a_o new_a body_n of_o divinity_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o catholic_n theology_n say_v the_o reverend_a bishop_n of_o chester_n yet_o this_o new_a socinian_n body_n of_o heterodoxy_n call_v by_o the_o clergy_n of_o england_n in_o their_o convocation_n anno_fw-la 1640._o a_o complication_n of_o heresy_n be_v by_o its_o fautor_n maintain_v with_o high_a confidence_n and_o that_o under_o the_o plausible_a pretence_n of_o clear_a perception_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n upon_o this_o account_n one_o of_o that_o way_n deny_v god_n foreknowledge_n of_o future_a contingency_n and_o upon_o 6._o the_o same_o ground_n another_o of_o they_o deny_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o the_o two_o nature_n of_o christ_n because_o their_o reason_n tell_v they_o as_o clear_o and_o evident_o as_o the_o sun_n shine_v at_o noon_n that_o these_o thing_n be_v false_a 2._o this_o countenance_n the_o absurd_a opinion_n of_o some_o ancient_a philosopher_n that_o 2._o man_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o all_o thing_n for_o according_a to_o this_o every_o thing_n must_v be_v account_v true_a that_o a_o man_n be_v strong_o persuade_v to_o be_v so_o whereas_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o perception_n lie_v in_o their_o consonancy_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n which_o must_v be_v first_o suppose_v before_o we_o can_v apprehend_v they_o and_o therefore_o that_o great_a maxim_n that_o bear_v such_o sway_n with_o some_o that_o whatsoever_o i_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a perception_n of_o be_v infallible_o true_a be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o sure_a test_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n that_o in_o this_o dark_a and_o degenerate_a state_n of_o mankind_n it_o infallible_o betray_v those_o who_o trust_v to_o it_o to_o innumerable_a and_o pernicious_a mistake_n for_o suppose_v the_o principle_n itself_o shall_v be_v true_a that_o every_o thing_n be_v as_o we_o perceive_v provide_v our_o perception_n of_o it_o be_v distinct_a and_o clear_a which_o way_n shall_v we_o be_v resolve_v whether_o this_o perception_n we_o have_v of_o thing_n be_v clear_a and_o distinct_a or_o dark_a and_o confuse_a see_v experience_n put_v we_o out_o of_o all_o doubt_n that_o person_n as_o far_o distant_a in_o their_o apprehension_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n as_o east_n and_o west_n do_v yet_o both_o of_o they_o with_o much_o confidence_n plead_v the_o great_a clearness_n and_o distinctness_n imaginable_a what_o shall_v we_o think_v to_o pass_v by_o other_o instance_n 22_o of_o the_o contest_v between_o micajah_n and_o the_o four_o hundred_o false_a prophet_n about_o ahab_n expedition_n the_o false_a prophet_n express_v as_o high_a a_o confidence_n of_o their_o be_v in_o the_o right_n when_o abuse_v by_o a_o lie_a spirit_n as_o micajah_n who_o be_v true_o guide_v and_o act_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n but_o the_o explication_n that_o a_o 68_o late_a author_n give_v of_o this_o so_o much_o applaud_v rule_n viz_o that_o then_o do_v reason_n clear_o and_o distinct_o perceive_v a_o thing_n when_o it_o perceive_v it_o as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o render_v it_o plain_o ridiculous_a suppose_v the_o thing_n in_o question_n for_o when_o i_o be_o inquire_v how_o i_o shall_v be_v assure_v that_o my_o apprehension_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v certain_o true_a the_o meaning_n be_v how_o shall_v i_o be_v sure_a that_o i_o understand_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v as_o it_o real_o be_v for_o the_o verity_n of_o my_o conception_n consist_v in_o its_o agreement_n with_o the_o object_n therefore_o to_o make_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a perception_n the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o a_o true_a and_o right_a apprehension_n and_o to_o explain_v this_o clear_a and_o distinct_a perception_n by_o say_v it_o be_v a_o perception_n of_o a_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v be_v to_o make_v the_o same_o thing_n the_o index_n of_o itself_o and_o leave_v i_o as_o much_o to_o seek_v as_o at_o first_o for_o still_o it_o will_v be_v ask_v how_o shall_v i_o know_v that_o i_o perceive_v a_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v or_o that_o my_o apprehension_n agree_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n 3._o i_o may_v further_o add_v that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v many_o thing_n whereof_o we_o can_v have_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a perception_n as_o the_o trinity_n of_o person_n in_o the_o godhead_n the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o saviour_n the_o hypostatical_a union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n and_o such_o like_a touch_v which_o i_o grant_v we_o must_v have_v a_o clear_a perception_n that_o they_o be_v reveal_v ere_o we_o can_v believe_v they_o but_o a_o clear_a perception_n of_o the_o reveal_v object_n themselves_o we_o can_v have_v they_o be_v to_o we_o incomprehensible_a mystery_n upon_o which_o ground_n both_o these_o and_o sundry_a other_o scripture-doctrine_n be_v by_o some_o reject_v as_o unintelligible_a and_o irrational_a but_o here_o des_fw-mi cartes_n acquit_v himself_o for_o he_o somewhere_o give_v his_o reader_n this_o caution_n that_o we_o shall_v remember_v 24._o god_n the_o maker_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v infinite_a and_o ourselves_o finite_a and_o therefore_o if_o he_o reveal_v any_o thing_n to_o we_o of_o himself_o or_o other_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o natural_a wit_n such_o as_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n and_o the_o trinity_n we_o must_v not_o deny_v they_o credit_n though_o we_o can_v clear_o understand_v they_o nor_o shall_v we_o at_o all_o wonder_n that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n both_o in_o his_o immense_a nature_n and_o in_o the_o creature_n make_v by_o he_o that_o exceed_v our_o capacity_n 4._o this_o fond_a conceit_n of_o the_o exercitator_n 4._o border_n upon_o that_o of_o the_o enthusiast_n who_o high-flown_a pretence_n of_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o internal_a live_a essential_a substantial_a word_n within_o they_o come_v to_o no_o more_o when_o search_v to_o the_o quick_a but_o their_o own_o darken_a and_o besotted_a reason_n who_o absurd_a fancy_n and_o blasphemous_a dictate_v they_o dare_o impute_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n this_o clause_n in_o our_o author_n bring_v he_o under_o a_o suspicion_n of_o comply_v with_o those_o old_a libertine_n and_o present_a quaker_n who_o he_o profess_v to_o dislike_v only_o with_o this_o difference_n they_o put_v their_o
the_o spirit_n of_o god_n therefore_o the_o best_a and_o safe_a conception_n we_o can_v have_v of_o god_n be_v those_o which_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o in_o and_o by_o the_o scripture_n and_o if_o this_o author_n be_v not_o extreme_o prejudice_v by_o a_o partial_a fondness_n for_o his_o own_o darling_n conceit_n he_o may_v know_v that_o plain_a ordinary_a christian_n who_o never_o have_v aught_o to_o do_v with_o philosophic_a learning_n have_v by_o their_o sole_a acquaintance_n with_o the_o scripture_n come_v to_o much_o clear_a and_o sound_a conception_n of_o god_n his_o nature_n and_o attribute_n than_o the_o learn_a philosopher_n that_o ever_o the_o world_n have_v can_v attain_v by_o all_o his_o wit_n and_o study_n without_o scripture_n light_n and_o that_o to_o any_o reader_n that_o be_v not_o prepossess_v with_o false_a and_o absurd_a notion_n of_o god_n by_o his_o own_o vain_a imagination_n and_o misguide_a reason_n the_o scripture_n that_o speak_v so_o different_o concern_v that_o supreme_a be_v if_o prudent_o compare_v together_o and_o the_o circumstance_n on_o each_o side_n consider_v do_v sufficient_o to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o sober_a mind_n discover_v to_o we_o their_o true_a and_o genuine_a sense_n without_o give_v the_o least_o countenance_n to_o the_o sottish_a and_o irrational_a conceit_n of_o the_o anthropomorphites_n though_o a_o cavil_v dare_a wit_n may_v and_o will_v find_v something_o to_o quarrel_v with_o where_o the_o matter_n be_v as_o clear_a as_o the_o noonday_n sun_n his_o next_o instance_n be_v the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n at_o the_o institution_n of_o his_o last_o 2._o supper_n this_o be_v my_o body_n which_o the_o papist_n interpret_v for_o transubstantiation_n the_o lutheran_n for_o consubstantiation_n the_o reform_a church_n deny_v both_o understand_v the_o word_n tropical_o who_o sense_n he_o say_v can_v be_v no_o otherwise_o defend_v but_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a philosophy_n for_o answer_v to_o this_o i_o grant_v that_o in_o sol._n clear_v this_o controversy_n there_o be_v good_a use_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o philosophy_n and_o natural_a reason_n and_o so_o there_o be_v also_o of_o sense_n which_o undeniable_o convince_v we_o that_o what_o we_o see_v and_o feel_v and_o taste_v be_v bread_n yet_o sure_o we_o be_v not_o to_o make_v sense_n the_o rule_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n but_o the_o true_a and_o proper_a rule_n of_o interpret_n our_o saviour_n word_n this_n be_v my_o body_n be_v that_o which_o the_o scripture_n itself_o and_o that_o alone_o have_v teach_v we_o viz._n that_o christ_n assume_v a_o true_a humane_a body_n which_o be_v a_o truth_n that_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n can_v never_o inform_v we_o of_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o pure_a revelation_n now_o this_o be_v lay_v down_o as_o the_o chief_a postulatum_fw-la the_o thing_n to_o be_v inquire_v into_o be_v what_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o humane_a body_n and_o what_o be_v the_o essential_a property_n of_o all_o natural_a body_n and_o this_o natural_a philosophy_n instruct_v we_o in_o as_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o revelation_n but_o lie_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o natural_a light_n which_o teach_v we_o that_o every_o natural_a body_n be_v quantitative_a and_o divisible_a and_o confine_v to_o one_o certain_a place_n consequent_o that_o the_o bread_n in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o eucharist_n can_v be_v proper_o and_o substantial_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o as_o scripture_n inform_v we_o be_v once_o nail_v to_o the_o cross_n but_o be_v now_o glorify_v in_o heaven_n now_o the_o force_n of_o all_o this_o for_o the_o expound_v of_o our_o saviour_n word_n lie_v in_o the_o former_a supposition_n that_o our_o saviour_n assume_v a_o true_a natural_a humane_a body_n together_o with_o what_o be_v even_o now_o mention_v that_o the_o same_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o assume_v be_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n both_o which_o be_v scripture-revelation_n beside_o there_o be_v a_o wide_a difference_n between_o these_o two_o a_o help_n to_o overthrow_v a_o false_a interpretation_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o establish_v the_o true_a one_o philosophy_n may_v do_v the_o former_a but_o not_o the_o latter_a as_o in_o this_o controversy_n the_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n do_v convince_o assure_v we_o that_o bread_n be_v not_o can_v be_v the_o body_n of_o a_o man._n but_o they_o can_v assure_v we_o what_o be_v our_o saviour_n meaning_n when_o hold_v the_o bread_n in_o his_o hand_n he_o say_v this_o be_v my_o body_n this_o must_v be_v resolve_v by_o what_o the_o scripture_n itself_o speak_v either_o there_o or_o elsewhere_o his_o three_o and_o last_o instance_n be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n which_o he_o say_v 3._o can_v be_v clear_v without_o have_v recourse_n 3._o to_o philosophy_n and_o here_o have_v deride_v the_o attempt_n of_o many_o to_o explicate_v and_o confirm_v this_o great_a mystery_n by_o their_o metaphysical_a speculation_n he_o high_o applaud_v the_o learned_a keckerman_n for_o his_o happy_a endeavour_n in_o unfolding_a and_o demonstrate_v it_o exit_fw-la immotis_fw-la philisophiae_n fundamentis_fw-la out_o of_o the_o unmoveable_a foundation_n of_o philosophy_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o curious_a sol._n speculation_n and_o philosophic_a niceâ—ies_n of_o the_o school_n about_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n have_v do_v it_o more_o prejudice_n than_o advantage_n and_o give_v great_a occasion_n to_o the_o adverse_a part_n to_o reject_v it_o when_o they_o find_v so_o strange_a and_o incomprehensible_a a_o mystery_n defend_v by_o such_o thin_a airy_a cobweb_n notion_n it_o have_v be_v much_o better_o if_o man_n have_v content_v themselves_o with_o those_o discovery_n the_o scripture_n make_v of_o this_o inexplicable_a mystery_n it_o be_v a_o doctrine_n pure_o of_o supernatural_a revelation_n and_o not_o at_o all_o discoverable_a by_o natural_a light_n the_o argument_n from_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n bring_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o by_o the_o learned_a keckerman_n and_o by_o claubergius_n a_o late_a cartesian_a be_v examine_v by_o vogolsangius_n in_o his_o indignatio_fw-la justa_n etc._n etc._n and_o discard_a as_o insufficient_a i_o grant_v that_o in_o this_o as_o in_o many_o other_o doctrine_n it_o may_v be_v of_o good_a use_n to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o what_o the_o scripture_n say_v of_o it_o that_o contradict_v any_o sound_a principle_n of_o reason_n but_o to_o go_v about_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n or_o philosophy_n positive_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v impossible_a i_o choose_v to_o say_v of_o this_o mystery_n as_o one_o do_v of_o the_o divine_a essence_n credendo_fw-la intelligitur_fw-la adorando_fw-la enarratur_fw-la it_o be_v best_a understand_v by_o believe_v and_o best_a declare_v by_o adore_v he_o say_v the_o late_a bishop_n of_o 2._o down_o that_o shall_v go_v to_o revelation_n to_o prove_v that_o nine_o and_o nine_o make_v eighteen_o will_v be_v a_o fool_n and_o he_o will_v be_v no_o less_o that_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v a_o trinity_n of_o person_n by_o natural_a reason_n every_o thing_n must_v be_v derive_v from_o its_o own_o fountain_n thus_o aquinas_n tell_v we_o he_o that_o by_o natural_a 1_o reason_n attempt_v to_o prove_v the_o trinity_n of_o person_n do_v a_o double_a prejudice_n to_o the_o faith_n 1._o he_o derogate_v from_o its_o dignity_n it_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o exceed_v man_n reason_n 2._o he_o hinder_v other_o from_o embrace_v the_o faith_n by_o use_v such_o argument_n as_o be_v not_o cogent_a which_o render_v it_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o infidel_n contempt_n this_o be_v plain_a in_o scripture_n that_o the_o father_n be_v god_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v god_n and_o that_o these_o be_v three_o and_o all_o three_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o for_o other_o subtlety_n and_o curious_a inquiry_n of_o busy_a and_o presumptuous_a wit_n without_o and_o beside_o the_o write_a word_n i_o think_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n never_o be_v nor_o ever_o will_v be_v behold_v to_o they_o chap._n xv._n a_o seven_o argument_n from_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o religion_n answer_v one_o argument_n more_o i_o shall_v touch_v which_o i_o find_v allege_v by_o two_o note_a 7._o socinian_o smalcius_n and_o schlichtingius_n as_o they_o be_v cite_v by_o a_o late_a learned_a author_n in_o his_o socinianism_n confut._n to_o prove_v reason_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o decide_v controversy_n of_o faith_n which_o may_v be_v think_v improveable_a upon_o the_o same_o ground_n to_o assert_v that_o reason_n must_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n and_o it_o be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n where_o he_o assert_v the_o service_n that_o god_n require_v of_o christian_n to_o be_v 1._o 〈◊〉_d
the_o large_a portion_n shall_v know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o wide_a difference_n between_o earth_n and_o heaven_n and_o that_o they_o be_v yet_o but_o pilgrim_n and_o in_o their_o wilderness-state_n though_o he_o sometime_o give_v they_o for_o their_o encouragement_n a_o pisgah-sight_n of_o that_o heavenly_a canaan_n towards_o which_o they_o be_v pass_v but_o what_o must_v all_o the_o forementioned_a joy_n and_o refresh_a comfort_n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n speak_v of_o and_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o saint_n bear_v witness_v to_o be_v count_v no_o better_a than_o a_o juggle_n or_o a_o cheat_n the_o transport_v of_o frantic_a rapture_n or_o the_o mere_a illusion_n of_o a_o enthusiastic_a fancy_n refresh_v with_o brisk_a and_o active_a spirit_n and_o fill_v with_o warm_a and_o sprightly_a imagination_n be_v it_o such_o a_o imaginary_a comfort_n that_o david_n pray_v for_o when_o he_o say_v make_v i_o to_o 8._o hear_v joy_n and_o gladness_n that_o the_o bone_n which_o thou_o have_v break_v may_v rejoice_v and_o again_o restore_v to_o i_o the_o joy_n of_o thy_o salvation_n 12._o and_o when_o the_o psalmist_n say_v in_o the_o multitude_n of_o my_o thought_n within_o 19_o i_o thy_o comfort_n delight_v my_o soul_n and_o again_o to_o the_o upright_a there_o arise_v light_n 4._o in_o the_o darkness_n be_v this_o nothing_o but_o the_o raise_n of_o the_o blood_n and_o the_o break_n out_o of_o the_o natural_a spirit_n from_o the_o oppression_n of_o melancholic_a fume_n and_o refresh_v the_o droop_a fancy_n when_o the_o apostle_n profess_v that_o he_o be_v fill_v with_o comfort_n and_o exceed_v joyful_a in_o all_o his_o tribulation_n be_v this_o nothing_o but_o 4._o the_o effect_n of_o a_o sanguine_a complexion_n or_o the_o product_n of_o please_a phantasm_n do_v this_o make_n paul_n and_o silas_n sing_v in_o their_o chain_n or_o be_v it_o this_o that_o cheer_v the_o heart_n of_o those_o bless_a martyr_n who_o with_o so_o much_o joy_n and_o triumph_v embrace_v the_o stake_n and_o clap_v their_o half-consumed_n hand_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o flame_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o many_o instance_n that_o may_v be_v give_v both_o in_o elder_n and_o late_a time_n of_o person_n eminent_a for_o wisdom_n and_o holiness_n who_o in_o languish_a sickness_n when_o their_o body_n have_v be_v so_o waste_v and_o their_o strength_n so_o impair_v that_o they_o can_v not_o stir_v to_o feed_v or_o help_v themselves_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o nature_n be_v break_v by_o cruciate_a and_o consume_a pain_n yet_o have_v then_o feel_v those_o inward_a joy_n in_o their_o soul_n which_o they_o can_v not_o siother_n but_o as_o man_n that_o stand_v upon_o the_o threshold_n of_o glory_n and_o have_v a_o ravish_a sight_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o unconceivable_a pleasure_n of_o that_o other_o world_n have_v with_o that_o vigour_n and_o alacrity_n and_o yet_o with_o judgement_n and_o prudence_n pour_v out_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o their_o gracious_a redeemer_n that_o it_o have_v at_o once_o delight_v and_o astonish_v the_o heart_n of_o their_o intelligent_a friend_n that_o come_v to_o visit_v they_o i_o can_v think_v it_o possible_a that_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v question_v 4._o by_o any_o that_o do_v indeed_o believe_v the_o scripture_n and_o have_v feel_v the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n upon_o their_o heart_n but_o there_o be_v a_o scoptick_a generation_n of_o man_n who_o mind_n be_v so_o tincture_v with_o a_o profane_a gaiety_n that_o the_o whole_a bible_n be_v become_v to_o they_o no_o better_a than_o a_o playbook_n or_o a_o romance_n upon_o which_o they_o love_v to_o exercise_v their_o droll_a wit_n by_o put_v the_o doctrine_n and_o discourse_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n into_o a_o ridiculous_a dress_n the_o better_a to_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o scorn_n of_o infidel_n as_o if_o they_o read_v that_o sacred_a volume_n to_o no_o other_o purpose_n than_o as_o a_o late_a author_n speak_v of_o some_o 6._o to_o enable_v they_o to_o blaspheme_v god_n in_o his_o own_o stile_n i_o have_v indeed_o oft_o wonder_v what_o shall_v betray_v any_o to_o this_o fond_a and_o irrational_a conceit_n of_o resolve_v the_o agony_n of_o distress_a conscience_n and_o the_o contrary_a joy_n of_o serious_a christian_n under_o assurance_n into_o the_o different_a temperature_n of_o their_o body_n and_o the_o suitable_a work_n of_o their_o fancy_n till_o i_o meet_v with_o a_o piece_n of_o new_a divinity_n in_o a_o late_a belgic_a tractator_n and_o then_o i_o begin_v to_o suspect_v out_o of_o what_o chimney_n come_v all_o this_o smoke_n for_o this_o account_n do_v that_o gentleman_n give_v we_o of_o the_o holy_a prophet_n mention_v in_o scripture_n that_o their_o revelation_n proceed_v from_o the_o 2._o strength_n and_o height_n of_o imagination_n and_o be_v diversify_v according_a to_o the_o different_a temper_n and_o constitution_n of_o their_o body_n which_o cause_v different_a work_n in_o their_o fancy_n hence_o he_o say_v those_o prophet_n that_o be_v of_o cheerful_a and_o debonair_a complexion_n prophesy_v altogether_o of_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n victory_n over_o enemy_n and_o all_o thing_n to_o man_n heart_n content_a these_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o best_a suit_v with_o their_o imagination_n on_o the_o other_o side_n those_o prophet_n that_o be_v sad_a and_o melancholic_a or_o of_o angry_a and_o morose_a temper_n they_o altogether_o prophesy_v of_o war_n and_o bloodshed_n desolation_n and_o destruction_n these_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o their_o droop_a and_o deject_a fancy_n do_v most_o run_v upon_o according_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o whatsoever_o revelation_n the_o prophet_n receive_v they_o do_v not_o at_o all_o better_a or_o advance_v their_o understanding_n or_o beget_v in_o they_o any_o solid_a knowledge_n they_o be_v good_a honest_a man_n indeed_o but_o none_o of_o the_o wise_a for_o man_n of_o note_n for_o wisdom_n never_o be_v prophet_n that_o be_v a_o work_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o imagination_n and_o not_o to_o the_o judgement_n in_o the_o same_o chapter_n he_o undertake_v to_o give_v we_o a_o reason_n why_o josiah_n when_o he_o have_v hear_v the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n read_v in_o his_o ear_n and_o be_v thereby_o make_v apprehensive_a of_o some_o impendent_a calamity_n will_v not_o send_v to_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n though_o then_o live_a because_o forsooth_o he_o be_v a_o melancholic_a man_n and_o one_o who_o by_o his_o many_o suffering_n and_o hard_a usage_n death_n be_v grow_v weary_a of_o his_o life_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o likely_a to_o prophesy_v any_o good_a but_o he_o choose_v to_o send_v rather_o to_o the_o prophetess_n huldah_fw-mi who_o be_v a_o woman_n and_o so_o it_n seem_v according_a to_o the_o softness_n of_o that_o sex_n more_o incline_v to_o tenderness_n and_o compassion_n be_v a_o fit_a instrument_n for_o god_n to_o reveal_v his_o mercy_n by_o this_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o that_o author_n political_a atheology_n and_o true_o i_o know_v no_o kind_n of_o divinity_n if_o we_o may_v call_v any_o such_o thing_n by_o that_o name_n from_o which_o this_o conceit_n that_o we_o have_v under_o consideration_n can_v more_o fair_o be_v think_v to_o derive_v its_o original_n but_o if_o we_o must_v look_v any_o high_a for_o its_o pedigree_n i_o can_v tell_v who_o to_o father_n it_o upon_o next_o to_o the_o father_n of_o lie_n unless_o it_o be_v that_o arabian_a philosopher_n of_o great_a note_n for_o avicenna_n learning_n who_o be_v say_v to_o ascribe_v the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o primitive_a christian_n to_o the_o power_n of_o a_o exalt_a imagination_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o he_o say_v they_o have_v entertain_v a_o strong_a conceit_n of_o the_o deity_n of_o their_o master_n and_o this_o fancy_n in_o his_o apprehension_n be_v that_o which_o wrought_v such_o wonder_n in_o christ_n name_n whether_o that_o which_o heighten_v this_o pagan_n confidence_n to_o so_o bold_a and_o absurd_a a_o assertion_n be_v any_o extraordinary_a skill_n he_o have_v in_o the_o anatomy_n of_o the_o brain_n or_o the_o law_n of_o mechanism_n i_o know_v not_o but_o whatever_o ground_n he_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v i_o think_v none_o that_o hearty_o own_v the_o christian_a name_n will_v ascribe_v such_o a_o ridiculous_a persuasion_n to_o the_o depth_n of_o his_o philosophy_n but_o to_o the_o height_n of_o his_o infidelity_n chap._n iii_o 1._o regular_a zeal_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n justify_v 2._o and_o vindicate_v from_o the_o charge_n of_o enthusiasm_n 3._o madness_n 4._o dissimulation_n and_o place_v the_o whole_a of_o religion_n in_o such_o fervor_n 5._o and_o of_o aim_v at_o ill_a end_n i_o come_v now_o in_o the_o last_o place_n to_o speak_v something_o of_o the_o prejudices_fw-la take_v 1_o at_o those_o fervor_n that_o appear_v in_o some_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n break_v forth_o