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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 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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
what_o can_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o sol._n that_o these_o principle_n be_v write_v in_o our_o mind_n i_o can_v understand_v any_o further_a than_o this_o that_o there_o be_v beget_v in_o our_o mind_n a_o clear_a perception_n and_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o they_o but_o the_o great_a question_n will_v be_v by_o what_o act_n do_v god_n write_v these_o in_o our_o mind_n or_o beget_v in_o we_o this_o perception_n and_o persuasion_n of_o they_o sure_o they_o will_v not_o say_v that_o when_o god_n create_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n this_o perception_n or_o persuasion_n of_o these_o principle_n be_v concreated_a by_o he_o in_o and_o with_o the_o soul_n for_o if_o so_o how_o be_v it_o that_o during_o our_o infant-state_n we_o be_v such_o stranger_n to_o they_o and_o do_v so_o continue_v till_o we_o come_v gradual_o by_o observation_n and_o experience_n to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o they_o and_o when_o we_o come_v to_o discern_v they_o and_o to_o be_v persuade_v of_o they_o how_o come_v we_o to_o be_v assure_v that_o they_o be_v of_o god_n there_o must_v be_v some_o difference_n between_o the_o testimony_n and_o the_o thing_n testify_v the_o principle_n of_o reason_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o res_fw-la testata_fw-la the_o thing_n testify_v but_o what_o be_v the_o testimony_n or_o the_o actus_fw-la testificandi_fw-la my_o perception_n or_o persuasion_n can_v be_v it_o for_o if_o so_o than_o whatsoever_o i_o perceive_v and_o be_o full_o persuade_v of_o i_o must_v believe_v to_o come_v from_o god_n and_o what_o will_v that_o come_v to_o at_o last_o these_o principle_n of_o reason_n be_v not_o complex_n proposition_n form_v by_o god_n in_o our_o mind_n or_o suggest_v to_o we_o by_o a_o divine_a afflatus_fw-la this_o will_v make_v every_o man_n a_o enthusiast_n the_o best_a account_n i_o can_v give_v of_o they_o be_v that_o they_o be_v such_o general_a truth_n as_o have_v their_o foundation_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o their_o mutual_a habitude_n and_o respect_n which_o our_o reason_n apprehend_v do_v therein_o discover_v the_o aforesaid_a principle_n thence_o result_v and_o because_o it_o be_v god_n alone_o who_o give_v to_o all_o thing_n their_o several_a being_n and_o constitute_v they_o in_o such_o and_o such_o habitude_n each_o to_o other_o and_o have_v give_v we_o our_o reason_n whereby_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o discern_v they_o therefore_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o those_o principle_n which_o lie_v fundamental_o in_o his_o workmanship_n and_o we_o do_v not_o take_v they_o for_o truthus_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o any_o forego_n testimony_n that_o god_n give_v to_o we_o of_o they_o but_o we_o assent_v to_o they_o propter_fw-la evidentiam_fw-la râ—i_fw-la because_o our_o reason_n see_v they_o perfect_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o thereby_o find_v they_o to_o be_v certain_o true_a thence_o it_o gather_v that_o they_o be_v of_o god_n from_o who_o all_o truth_n come_v but_o now_o the_o method_n of_o faith_n be_v wide_o different_a from_o this_o here_o we_o first_o own_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o thence_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o what_o the_o scripture_n speak_v be_v true_a and_o so_o we_o come_v to_o embrace_v the_o many_o several_n therein_o assert_v by_o yield_v a_o particular_a assent_n to_o they_o as_o we_o find_v they_o but_o will_v some_o say_v before_o we_o believe_v object_n the_o scripture_n we_o must_v be_v convince_v by_o reason_n that_o these_o scripture_n be_v of_o god_n very_o true_a but_o the_o effect_n of_o such_o a_o 〈◊〉_d conviction_n be_v not_o proper_o faith_n but_o knowledge_n and_o when_o i_o know_v by_o satisfy_a ground_n of_o reason_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v indeed_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n then_o do_v i_o by_o faith_n assent_v to_o what_o that_o speak_v as_o god_n testimony_n and_o whereas_o there_o be_v some_o truth_n which_o be_v knowable_a in_o some_o measure_n by_o natural_a light_n and_o yet_o be_v reveal_v likewise_o in_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v common_o and_o true_o say_v by_o our_o divine_n that_o as_o they_o be_v receive_v by_o natural_a light_n and_o upon_o rational_a ground_n so_o they_o be_v the_o object_n of_o science_n but_o as_o they_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n so_o and_o only_o so_o they_o be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n which_o as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o evidence_n 〈◊〉_d of_o thing_n not_o see_v that_o be_v of_o thing_n not_o discernible_a by_o natural_a light_n whether_o of_o sense_n or_o reason_n or_o at_o least_o that_o be_v not_o consider_v as_o such_o when_o we_o receive_v they_o as_o object_n of_o faith_n which_o therefore_o be_v call_v the_o evidence_n of_o they_o because_o it_o discern_v the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o they_o in_o the_o infallible_a testimony_n of_o the_o revealer_n now_o beside_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v it_o may_v further_o be_v prove_v that_o reason_n be_v not_o any_o part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n for_o 1._o be_v this_o grant_v it_o will_v necessary_o 1._o follow_v that_o scripture_n of_o itself_o be_v a_o imperfect_a rule_n and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v no_o rule_n at_o all_o that_o can_v be_v own_a for_o a_o rule_n that_o be_v not_o adequate_a and_o commensurate_a to_o what_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o it_o the_o know_a description_n of_o a_o rule_n give_v by_o varinus_n and_o so_o frequent_o quote_v by_o our_o best_a author_n have_v never_o that_o i_o know_v of_o be_v question_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o rule_n or_o canon_n be_v a_o immutable_a law_n and_o a_o unerring_a measure_n which_o at_o no_o hand_n will_v admit_v of_o addition_n or_o diminution_n this_o be_v one_o great_a argument_n use_v by_o our_o protestant_a writer_n to_o shut_v out_o popish_a tradition_n from_o be_v any_o part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n because_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o perfect_a and_o sufficient_a rule_n of_o itself_o and_o must_v be_v so_o or_o else_o it_o can_v be_v a_o rule_n at_o all_o of_o which_o the_o reader_n may_v see_v enough_o for_o his_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o learned_a bishop_n of_o down_o his_o ductor_n dubitantium_fw-la lib._n 2._o cap._n 3._o rule_n 14._o p._n 359_o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o argument_n be_v every_o whit_n as_o good_a to_o exclude_v reason_n as_o tradition_n in_o this_o case_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o perfect_a discovery_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n so_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v it_o i_o have_v prove_v before_o in_o my_o first_o argument_n 2._o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n as_o i_o 〈◊〉_d have_v former_o show_v in_o the_o proof_n of_o my_o first_o proposition_n have_v no_o formal_a existence_n any_o where_o but_o in_o the_o mind_n or_o write_n of_o fallible_a man_n consider_v they_o as_o separate_v from_o the_o scripture_n for_o set_v the_o bible_n aside_o there_o be_v no_o infallible_a and_o authentic_a record_n of_o those_o principle_n to_o which_o we_o can_v have_v recourse_n and_o this_o utter_o disable_v they_o for_o be_v so_o much_o as_o a_o partial_a rule_n of_o a_o christian_n faith_n 3._o principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n let_v we_o suppose_v they_o never_o so_o fix_v and_o 3._o infallible_a be_v whole_o alien_n to_o matter_n of_o supernatural_a revelation_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o measure_v these_o by_o they_o be_v as_o ridiculous_a as_o to_o attempt_v by_o a_o carpenter_n rule_n to_o take_v the_o distance_n of_o the_o heaven_n or_o to_o spread_v a_o fowler_n net_n to_o catch_v the_o wind_n however_o therefore_o there_o be_v as_o have_v be_v already_o acknowledge_v and_o maintain_v great_a use_n of_o reason_n and_o its_o principle_n in_o subordination_n and_o instrumental_a subserviency_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a matter_n yet_o that_o it_o be_v in_o any_o degree_n to_o be_v own_v as_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n must_v not_o will_v not_o can_v be_v allow_v by_o any_o that_o be_v true_a to_o the_o christian_a cause_n chap._n xii_o a_o exception_n of_o the_o exercitator_n ground_v upon_o a_o distinction_n of_o the_o scripture_n take_v material_o or_o formal_o propound_v and_o the_o folly_n and_o fallacy_n of_o it_o detect_v but_o here_o the_o exercitator_n give_v we_o a_o distinction_n which_o he_o make_v often_o 9_o use_v of_o as_o be_v very_o fit_a for_o his_o turn_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v take_v either_o material_o and_o so_o it_o signify_v no_o more_o but_o the_o bare_a word_n phrase_n and_o sentence_n of_o scripture_n or_o formal_o and_o so_o it_o signify_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o these_o word_n and_o sentence_n now_o say_v he_o when_o we_o say_v the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n we_o do_v not_o mean_v the_o bare_a word_n but_o the_o
authentic_a record_n of_o his_o mind_n to_o conduct_v we_o in_o our_o way_n to_o blessedness_n and_o be_v this_o all_o it_o be_v good_a for_o it_o seem_v by_o this_o man_n account_n all_o the_o knowledge_n that_o we_o have_v any_o use_n for_o be_v in_o we_o already_o by_o nature_n light_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v deliver_v in_o scripture_n must_v be_v try_v by_o that_o what_o can_v a_o blind_a pagan_n have_v say_v more_o to_o the_o scripture_n dishonour_n as_o it_o be_v pass_v all_o doubt_n that_o the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n in_o who_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o be_v aught_o to_o be_v worship_v and_o serve_v by_o his_o rational_a creature_n so_o i_o think_v it_o shall_v be_v as_o unquestionable_a that_o he_o can_v be_v serve_v right_o and_o acceptable_o but_o by_o such_o a_o worship_n as_o be_v according_a to_o the_o appointment_n of_o his_o own_o will._n the_o mean_a man_n live_v that_o have_v any_o depend_v on_o he_o look_v they_o shall_v serve_v he_o according_a to_o his_o mind_n and_o not_o according_a to_o their_o own_o arbitrary_a choice_n and_o shall_v we_o think_v the_o great_a sovereign_n of_o the_o world_n will_v be_v please_v with_o a_o worship_n of_o man_n own_o â—â—aming_n without_o any_o order_n or_o direction_n from_o he_o now_o by_o which_o way_n or_o mean_n can_v we_o know_v what_o that_o worship_n be_v which_o god_n approve_v if_o we_o be_v in_o this_o inpsed_a state_n leave_v to_o the_o mere_a conduct_n of_o natural_a light_n and_o have_v nor_o divine_a revelation_n to_o inform_v and_o guide_v we_o what_o piâ—…ful_a work_n do_v the_o â—…st_n and_o learn_a of_o the._n heathen_a make_v about_o this_o 〈◊〉_d what_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v they_o admit_v into_o their_o religious_a worship_n as_o i_o have_v already_o 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o my_o discourse_n beside_o there_o be_v in_o scripture_n many_o thing_n historical_a and_o many_o prophetical_a can_v these_o 〈◊〉_d know_v by_o natural_a light_n or_o can_v we_o judge_v whether_o these_o be_v true_a or_o no_o by_o the_o help_n of_o philosophy_n moses_n give_v we_o the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n 〈◊〉_d the_o general_a deluge_n of_o the_o destruction_n of_o sodom_n of_o israel_n deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n by_o strange_a wonder_n and_o the_o bring_n of_o they_o after_o forty_o year_n wander_v into_o the_o promise_a land_n and_o their_o establishment_n there_o for_o some_o year_n till_o for_o their_o idolatry_n and_o other_o sin_n they_o be_v remove_v be_v record_v by_o other_o sacred_a writer_n beside_o many_o other_o remarkable_a history_n of_o more_o personal_a concernment_n now_o if_o we_o must_v not_o take_v these_o for_o truth_n from_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n which_o way_n shall_v we_o be_v satisfy_v reason_n indeed_o may_v convince_v we_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o impossible_a but_o whether_o they_o be_v real_o so_o or_o so_o do_v as_o be_v report_v all_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n all_o the_o maxim_n of_o philosophy_n will_v never_o resolve_v we_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o many_o prophecy_n concern_v christ_n and_o the_o afterstate_n of_o the_o church_n and_o about_o the_o four_o great_a monarchy_n that_o be_v successive_o to_o arise_v with_o their_o progress_n and_o period_n if_o these_o and_o such_o like_v be_v examine_v by_o philosophy_n what_o can_v it_o say_v to_o they_o must_v these_o be_v all_o reject_v so_o it_o seem_v by_o this_o author_n discourse_n for_o he_o have_v no_o kindness_n for_o any_o thing_n in_o scripture_n but_o what_o may_v mind_v we_o of_o what_o we_o know_v natural_o and_o may_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n be_v examine_v and_o determine_v and_o then_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o the_o great_a doctrine_n of_o man_n salvation_n by_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o grand_a subject_n and_o principal_a scope_n the_o of_o scripture_n be_v there_o ever_o any_o syllable_n of_o this_o make_v know_v to_o the_o world_n otherwise_o than_o by_o revelation_n there_o be_v indeed_o a_o natural_a theology_n but_o i_o can_v never_o yet_o see_v ground_n to_o be_v persuade_v that_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a christianity_n the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o our_o creator_n and_o preserver_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n but_o very_o imperfect_o attainable_a by_o natural_a light_n but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o redeemer_n of_o sinner_n reconcile_a they_o to_o god_n and_o deliver_v they_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n have_v never_o be_v attain_v have_v there_o not_o be_v something_o above_o nature_n to_o discover_v it_o if_o any_o think_v otherwise_o let_v they_o tell_v i_o how_o it_o come_v about_o that_o in_o those_o country_n where_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v never_o publish_v there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o print_n or_o footstep_n of_o this_o great_a mystery_n to_o be_v find_v but_o certain_o he_o that_o talk_v of_o the_o scripture_n after_o the_o rate_n of_o this_o author_n can_v be_v think_v to_o apprehend_v himself_o to_o stand_v in_o any_o need_n of_o a_o redeemer_n or_o to_o have_v any_o better_a esteem_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o that_o triple-crowned_n gentleman_n at_o rome_n 10._o be_v say_v to_o have_v manifest_v long_o since_o in_o his_o discourse_n with_o cardinal_n bembus_n for_o aught_o i_o see_v this_o man_n own_v nothing_o in_o the_o scripture_n but_o what_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o three_o head_n 1._o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o his_o attribute_n 2._o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o consequent_o man_n be_v future_a state_n in_o another_o world_n and_o 3._o the_o rule_n or_o law_n of_o moral_a duty_n because_o of_o these_o we_o have_v some_o notice_n by_o natural_a light_n but_o how_o miserable_o defective_a be_v that_o light_n even_o in_o these_o so_o that_o here_o also_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o further_a guide_n some_o knowledge_n the_o heathen_n have_v of_o god_n and_o of_o man_n future_a state_n but_o alas_o what_o do_v all_o that_o they_o have_v write_v hereabout_o come_v to_o but_o some_o faint_a guess_n and_o probable_a conjecture_n and_o though_o they_o have_v in_o their_o ethic_n many_o excellent_a thing_n and_o of_o great_a use_n yet_o they_o fall_v extreme_a short_a in_o sundry_a particular_n of_o very_a weighty_a concernment_n whereof_o we_o shall_v have_v be_v utter_o ignorant_a if_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v not_o afford_v we_o a_o more_o clear_a and_o perfect_a rule_n of_o practice_n and_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v by_o some_o that_o those_o gentile_a philosopher_n who_o flourish_v after_o the_o general_a promulgation_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o they_o continue_v still_o in_o their_o old_a gentilism_n yet_o they_o write_v much_o more_o clear_o and_o sublime_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o of_o man_n duty_n here_o and_o his_o eternal_a state_n hereafter_o than_o those_o who_o be_v before_o they_o whether_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o be_v the_o converse_n they_o may_v have_v with_o christian_n and_o their_o write_n or_o whether_o that_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v vouchsafe_v in_o those_o time_n may_v in_o some_o degree_n as_o to_o common_a enlightening_n extend_v itself_o beyond_o the_o church_n pale_a i_o will_v not_o determine_v but_o sure_o something_o there_o be_v beyond_o mere_a natural_a light_n that_o make_v they_o in_o their_o notion_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n so_o much_o 〈…〉_z of_o their_o predecessor_n i_o shall_v shut_v up_o all_o with_o this_o hearty_a and_o serious_a wish_n that_o all_o who_o call_v upon_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ_n will_v high_o honour_v and_o esteem_v the_o holy_a scripture_n make_v they_o their_o study_n and_o delight_n in_o order_n to_o the_o better_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o manifest_v the_o power_n and_o purity_n of_o this_o word_n by_o a_o sober_a righteous_a and_o godly_a conversation_n which_o will_v more_o effectual_o vindicate_v this_o bless_a book_n from_o the_o scorn_n and_o reproach_n of_o atheist_n and_o antiscripturist_n than_o all_o dispute_n a_o appendix_n concern_v internal_a illumination_n and_o other_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man._n vindicate_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o protestant_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o serious_a christian_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o enthusiasm_n and_o other_o unjust_a crimination_n in_o the_o savoy_n print_v by_o tho._n newcomb_n for_o robert_n boulter_n at_o the_o turk_n head_n in_o cornhill_n over_o against_o the_o royal_a exchange_n 1677._o a_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o content_n of_o the_o follow_a appendix_n chap._n i._n the_o protestant_n doctrine_n concern_v the_o spirit_n illumination_n explain_v and_o defend_v chap._n ii_o the_o nature_n of_o distress_n of_o conscience_n and_o spiritual_a joy_n open_v and_o the_o reality_n of_o they_o prove_v chap._n iii_o true_a zeal_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n justify_v a_o
not_o silence_n but_o regulate_v and_o conduct_v it_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o religion_n but_o what_o be_v perfect_o rational_a and_o suitable_a to_o man_n intellectual_a nature_n it_o be_v to_o our_o rational_a power_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v propound_v and_o as_o our_o belief_n of_o they_o be_v one_o of_o the_o high_a act_n of_o reason_n so_o it_o be_v by_o our_o reason_n in_o its_o due_a exercise_n that_o we_o search_v into_o they_o not_o only_o to_o find_v out_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n and_o phrase_n of_o scripture_n and_o discern_v the_o difference_n between_o proper_a and_o figurative_a expression_n beside_o many_o other_o thing_n that_o tend_v to_o their_o verbal_a exposition_n but_o likewise_o to_o observe_v the_o dependence_n of_o one_o clause_n on_o another_o and_o compare_v the_o several_a part_n of_o scripture_n together_o thereby_o it_o be_v that_o we_o gather_v consequence_n from_o scripture-principle_n and_o hereby_o do_v we_o instrumental_o judge_v of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n as_o signify_v to_o we_o by_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n second_o we_o also_o grant_v that_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n have_v their_o use_n about_o those_o thing_n in_o scripture_n that_o be_v discoverable_a by_o natural_a light_n as_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v that_o the_o soul_n be_v immortal_a that_o good_a be_v to_o be_v do_v and_o evil_a to_o be_v avoid_v and_o many_o such_o like_a but_o even_o in_o these_o consider_v as_o they_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n i_o think_v reason_n be_v not_o magisterial_o and_o authoritative_o to_o judge_n of_o they_o be_v under_o this_o notion_n to_o be_v receive_v as_o the_o decree_n of_o a_o high_a court_n wherein_o man_n reason_n be_v but_o a_o servant_n in_o this_o case_n therefore_o reason_v only_o give_v in_o its_o suffrage_n and_o ministerial_o subscribe_v by_o virtue_n of_o its_o own_o impress_a notion_n to_o scripture-dictates_a aquinas_n propound_v a_o question_n 4._o about_o man_n believe_v such_o thing_n as_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o natural_a reason_n resolve_v it_o necessary_a for_o man_n more_o speedy_a more_o common_a and_o more_o certain_a attainment_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n that_o they_o shall_v receiveby_o faith_n not_o only_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o natural_a reason_n but_o those_o also_o that_o be_v discernible_a by_o natural_a light_n whereby_o he_o plain_o give_v the_o pre-eminency_n to_o revelation_n above_o reason_n even_o in_o the_o natural_a principle_n of_o religion_n three_o i_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v great_a use_n of_o natural_a principle_n in_o point_n of_o pure_a revelation_n viz._n to_o show_v that_o these_o be_v not_o against_o sound_a reason_n and_o to_o disprove_v the_o objection_n that_o be_v make_v against_o they_o from_o a_o pretend_a contrariety_n to_o natural_a light_n it_o be_v no_o small_a advantage_n to_o the_o christian_a cause_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n that_o the_o ancient_a father_n in_o their_o apology_n for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n against_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n turn_v their_o own_o weapon_n upon_o they_o and_o repel_v their_o absurd_a cavil_n by_o their_o own_o acknowledge_a maxim_n four_o i_o further_o grant_v that_o no_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v for_o genuine_a if_o we_o do_v indeed_o find_v it_o to_o be_v certain_o inconsistent_a with_o or_o contradictory_n unto_o any_o true_a and_o undoubted_a principle_n of_o reason_n for_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o truth_n as_o well_o natural_a as_o supernatural_a can_v contradict_v himself_o this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o very_a ticklish_a point_n and_o call_v for_o great_a wariness_n and_o circumspection_n it_o be_v so_o â—asie_a and_o so_o ordinary_a for_o man_n to_o be_v sway_v by_o imagination_n interest_n and_o prejudice_n to_o call_v that_o reason_n which_o be_v as_o far_o from_o be_v so_o as_o midnight_n be_v from_o be_v high_a noon_n and_o man_n may_v through_o ignorance_n incogitancy_n or_o perverseness_n suppose_v a_o contradiction_n where_o there_o be_v none_o nevertheless_o this_o we_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v certain_o and_o undeniable_o prove_v to_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o reason_n there_o can_v be_v nothing_o in_o scripture_n that_o real_o contradict_v it_o but_o five_o the_o knot_n of_o the_o controversy_n lie_v here_o whether_o humane_a reason_n by_o its_o own_o natural_a principle_n or_o those_o philosophical_a axiom_n that_o be_v thence_o deduce_v as_o its_o supreme_a command_v rule_n must_v guide_v and_o determine_v we_o in_o examine_v and_o decide_v what_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o those_o part_n of_o scripture_n that_o be_v pure_o of_o supernatural_a revelation_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v here_o deny_v the_o affirmative_a be_v maintain_v by_o 3._o some_o and_o indeed_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o great_a helena_n of_o that_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o have_v imbibe_v the_o new_a divinity_n of_o socinus_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o their_o heterodoxy_n upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v that_o they_o so_o vehement_o oppose_v the_o trinity_n of_o person_n in_o the_o godhead_n the_o eternal_a deity_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n the_o personality_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o doctrine_n of_o original_a sin_n of_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n and_o justification_n by_o his_o impute_a righteousness_n with_o sundry_a other_o material_a point_n that_o be_v common_o call_v to_o the_o bar_n of_o humane_a reason_n by_o these_o doctor_n of_o the_o racovian_a faith_n not_o that_o they_o have_v any_o sound_a reason_n on_o their_o side_n for_o their_o novelty_n be_v extreme_o irrational_a as_o have_v be_v abundant_o demonstrate_v by_o those_o judicious_a author_n that_o have_v deal_v with_o they_o but_o trust_v to_o their_o own_o reason_n and_o its_o dictate_v in_o matter_n so_o far_o above_o nature_n this_o have_v lead_v they_o into_o these_o dangerous_a precipice_n true_a it_o be_v whether_o in_o pretence_n to_o blind_v the_o eye_n of_o other_o or_o out_o of_o the_o conviction_n of_o truth_n or_o out_o of_o the_o usual_a fate_n of_o error_n to_o contradict_v itself_o these_o man_n sometime_o let_v fall_v that_o which_o carry_v with_o it_o a_o fair_a appearance_n of_o disclaim_v the_o judgement_n of_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o their_o great_a master_n socinus_n 71._o and_o such_o passage_n in_o he_o and_o his_o follower_n may_v possible_o give_v some_o colour_n to_o the_o exercitator_n to_o charge_v the_o reform_a divine_n with_o wrong_v the_o socinian_o in_o say_v they_o make_v man_n reason_n the_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n 8._o for_o himself_o seem_v to_o be_v ambitious_a of_o the_o honour_n of_o find_v this_o out_o and_o it_o may_v be_v they_o have_v no_o where_o assert_v it_o in_o terminis_fw-la or_o speak_v it_o out_o so_o broad_o as_o this_o gentleman_n have_v do_v but_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o flourish_n when_o they_o argue_v against_o the_o forementioned_a doctrine_n receive_v upon_o clear_a scripture-warrant_a by_o all_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n their_o grand_a objection_n be_v draw_v from_o reason_n to_o which_o they_o appeal_v in_o all_o these_o controversy_n as_o to_o their_o oracle_n and_o thereupon_o set_v their_o wit_n at_o work_n to_o wrest_v and_o wind_v the_o scripture_n allege_v in_o defence_n of_o those_o doctrine_n every_o way_n they_o can_v imagine_v to_o evade_v their_o plain_a meaning_n and_o fasten_v on_o they_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o make_n suitable_a to_o their_o belove_a maxim_n beside_o many_o other_o passage_n there_o be_v of_o that_o party_n that_o discover_v what_o their_o mind_n be_v in_o this_o point_n but_o these_o be_v not_o the_o first_o that_o set_v this_o presumptuous_a doctrine_n on_o foot_n i_o find_v it_o lay_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o manichee_n as_o irrational_a and_o absurd_a as_o their_o conception_n be_v that_o they_o profess_o suspend_v the_o article_n of_o faith_n upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o reason_n and_o require_v man_n to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o they_o can_v prove_v by_o reason_n so_o much_o we_o learn_v from_o he_o who_o be_v once_o one_o of_o they_o but_o happy_o deliver_v out_o of_o their_o snare_n 1._o chap._n ii_o 1._o the_o first_o argument_n disable_n reason_n and_o philosophy_n for_o be_v the_o scripture_n interpreter_n from_o the_o condition_n of_o man_n deprave_a reason_n in_o this_o lapse_v state_n 2._o the_o apostle_n word_n in_o 1_o cor._n 2._o 14._o urge_v and_o vindicate_v from_o some_o man_n mistaken_a gloss_n 3._o the_o argument_n enforce_v from_o the_o foul_a mastake_n of_o the_o most_o rational_a among_o the_o heathen_a in_o matter_n of_o religion_n now_o that_o reason_n or_o philosophy_n can_v in_o the_o sense_n give_v be_v 1._o the_o scripture_n interpreter_n
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
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 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clear_a light_n it_o do_v