in_o they_o that_o may_v exercise_v the_o study_n of_o the_o able_a understanding_n now_o in_o our_o search_v out_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n especial_o in_o those_o dark_a place_n the_o question_n be_v what_o course_n we_o be_v to_o take_v and_o by_o what_o rule_n we_o must_v be_v guide_v that_o we_o may_v not_o bewilder_n ourselves_o or_o wrong_v the_o scripture_n by_o our_o mistake_n to_o prepare_v the_o way_n for_o a_o resolution_n of_o this_o question_n i_o must_v brief_o premise_v somewhat_o touch_v these_o three_o term_n the_o scripture_n the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o that_o interpretation_n the_o scripture_n we_o speak_v of_o be_v the_o entire_a volume_n of_o holy_a writ_n contain_v all_o those_o book_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n that_o be_v general_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v canonical_a whereby_o i_o mean_v not_o the_o word_n or_o phrase_n of_o scripture_n take_v single_o by_o themselves_o but_o as_o they_o 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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
interpretation_n here_o be_v no_o such_o difference_n as_o shall_v just_o give_v occasion_n to_o any_o to_o say_v that_o our_o divine_n speak_v various_o or_o uncertain_o or_o that_o they_o agree_v not_o one_o with_o another_o or_o with_o themselves_o for_o in_o the_o issue_n the_o meaning_n of_o they_o all_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o now_o here_o i_o must_v look_v back_o upon_o what_o i_o have_v say_v in_o the_o introduction_n to_o my_o discourse_n concern_v the_o special_a immediate_a mean_n of_o interpretation_n viz._n a_o due_a observation_n of_o the_o several_a circumstance_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v expound_v and_o the_o compare_v of_o scripture_n with_o scripture_n in_o the_o use_n of_o which_o mean_n lie_v the_o apply_v of_o the_o right_a rule_n of_o interpretation_n it_o be_v the_o use_n of_o scripture_n to_o expound_v scripture_n and_o when_o a_o dark_a or_o difficult_a scripture_n be_v compare_v with_o some_o other_o wherein_o the_o same_o truth_n or_o doctrine_n be_v more_o clear_o and_o perspicuous_o deliver_v this_o be_v conceive_v by_o many_o learned_a man_n to_o be_v intend_v in_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n rom._n 12._o 6._o whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o no_o i_o shall_v not_o at_o present_a debate_n much_o less_o determine_v noâ—_n shall_v i_o inquire_v whether_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d form_n of_o sound_a word_n speak_v of_o by_o the_o same_o apostle_n in_o 2_o tim._n 1._o 13._o be_v the_o same_o with_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o some_o conceive_v it_o be_v but_o this_o i_o may_v have_v leave_n to_o say_v that_o i_o see_v no_o incongruity_n or_o inconvenience_n in_o use_v the_o expression_n or_o in_o say_v that_o to_o explain_v obscure_a place_n of_o scripture_n by_o such_o as_o be_v more_o clear_a and_o easy_a be_v to_o expound_v scripture_n according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n analogy_n say_v quintilian_n be_v that_o which_o the_o latin_n call_v proportion_n the_o force_n 6._o whereof_o be_v this_o that_o what_o be_v in_o doubt_n may_v be_v refer_v to_o something_o like_o it_o that_o be_v out_o of_o question_n that_o so_o the_o uncertain_a may_v be_v prove_v by_o the_o certain_a and_o why_o may_v not_o the_o like_a use_n of_o the_o word_n be_v allow_v in_o this_o case_n sure_o i_o be_o eminent_a writer_n both_o of_o the_o roman_a and_o reform_a church_n have_v thus_o use_v it_o analogy_n say_v aquinas_n be_v when_o the_o 10._o truth_n of_o one_o scripture_n be_v evidence_v not_o to_o oppose_v the_o truth_n of_o another_o the_o analogy_n locis_fw-la of_o faith_n say_v our_o learned_a whitaker_n be_v the_o constant_a and_o perpetual_a sentence_n of_o scripture_n in_o those_o place_n that_o be_v undoubted_o plain_a and_o obvious_a to_o our_o understanding_n i_o may_v allege_v to_o the_o like_a sense_n many_o more_o author_n who_o excellent_a worth_n set_v they_o sufficient_o above_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o exercitator_n and_o other_o of_o his_o mind_n that_o jeer_n and_o deride_v the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n but_o wave_v the_o term_n that_o which_o i_o be_o concern_v to_o assert_v be_v the_o thing_n itself_o that_o in_o expound_v scripture_n we_o must_v be_v regulate_v and_o determine_v by_o the_o scripture_n itself_o and_o that_o whatsoever_o it_o speak_v dark_o and_o uncertain_o in_o any_o place_n be_v to_o be_v explain_v by_o itself_o in_o those_o other_o place_n where_o it_o speak_v more_o plain_o which_o plain_a place_n do_v sufficient_o interpret_v themselves_o by_o their_o own_o light_n now_o this_o way_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n by_o itself_o have_v be_v approve_v of_o 3._o as_o the_o best_a and_o safe_a by_o most_o eminent_a author_n ancient_a and_o modern_a clemens_n alexandrinus_n iraeneus_n hilary_n and_o other_o be_v cite_v to_o this_o purpose_n by_o 6._o chamier_n 18._o rivet_n 15._o dr._n holdsworth_n as_o esdras_n and_o his_o companion_n of_o old_a so_o shall_v we_o now_o interpret_v scripture_n by_o scripture_n compare_v among_o themselves_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v indict_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n say_v the_o learned_a sacra_fw-la grotius_n plain_o refer_v to_o that_o in_o neh._n 8._o 7_o 8._o mr._n 16._o hales_n of_o eton_n in_o his_o golden_a remain_n say_v other_o exposition_n may_v give_v rule_n of_o direction_n for_o understand_v their_o author_n but_o the_o scripture_n giveâ—_n rule_v to_o expound_v itself_o when_o the_o father_n say_v the_o 36â—_n bishop_n of_o down_o confirm_v a_o exposition_n of_o one_o place_n of_o scripture_n by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o another_o then_o and_o then_o only_o they_o think_v they_o have_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o scripture_n demonstration_n and_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o necessary_a belief_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o christian_a doctor_n origen_n do_v express_o affirm_v and_o however_o the_o roman_a doctor_n of_o this_o latter_a age_n especial_o have_v vehement_o contend_v against_o this_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o church_n may_v take_v place_n yet_o we_o find_v that_o in_o some_o of_o they_o that_o come_v full_a up_o to_o what_o we_o say_v i_o shall_v give_v one_o instance_n 21._o josephus_n a_o costa_n as_o i_o find_v he_o cite_v by_o chamier_n and_o riveâ—_n nihil_fw-la perinde_n scripturam_fw-la videtur_fw-la apâ—rire_fw-la atque_fw-la ipsa_fw-la scriptura_fw-la itaque_fw-la diligens_fw-la attenta_fw-la frequensque_fw-la lectio_fw-la â—um_fw-la meditatio_fw-la &_o collatio_fw-la scripturarum_fw-la omnium_fw-la fumma_fw-la regula_n ad_fw-la intelligendum_fw-la wehee_v semper_fw-la visâ—_n naâ—…_n ex_fw-la aliâ—â—_n scripture_n be_v aliae_fw-la optime_fw-la intelligâ—â—tur_fw-la nothing_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o open_v the_o scripture_n like_o the_o scripture_n itself_o therefore_o diligent_a attentive_a and_o frequent_a read_n with_o meditation_n and_o compare_v of_o scripture_n have_v always_o seem_v to_o i_o the_o chief_a rule_n of_o all_o for_o understanding_n for_o by_o some_o scripture_n other_o be_v best_a understand_v chap._n ii_o argument_n to_o confirm_v the_o proposition_n the_o first_o from_o the_o scripture_n sole_a sufficiency_n to_o be_v its_o own_o interpreter_n make_v good_a by_o three_o thing_n and_o first_o by_o its_o perfection_n i_o proceed_v to_o some_o argument_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o second_o proposition_n i_o shall_v pass_v over_o many_o of_o those_o that_o be_v numerous_o bring_v in_o by_o other_o writer_n choose_v to_o insist_v upon_o those_o that_o i_o take_v to_o be_v of_o great_a force_n and_o against_o which_o the_o great_a endeavour_n have_v be_v use_v to_o overthrow_v they_o my_o first_o shall_v be_v this_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o all_o other_o best_o fit_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n 1._o to_o guide_v we_o in_o the_o determine_n of_o its_o own_o sense_n and_o meaning_n nothing_o else_o be_v so_o well_o qualify_v for_o this_o use_n and_o this_o may_v be_v evince_v by_o its_o three_o property_n its_o perfection_n perspicuity_n and_o authenticness_n it_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a perspicuous_a and_o authentic_a record_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n of_o these_o three_o i_o must_v distinct_o treat_v first_o this_o and_o this_o only_a be_v the_o perfect_a 1._o record_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n full_o manifest_v it_o to_o we_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v it_o in_o order_n to_o our_o duty_n and_o our_o happiness_n the_o apostle_n speak_v clear_o and_o full_o for_o this_o 2_o tim._n 3._o 15_o 16_o 17._o from_o a_o child_n thou_o have_v know_v the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v able_a to_o make_v thou_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n through_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n etc._n etc._n here_o two_o thing_n be_v evident_o assert_v viz._n that_o the_o scripture_n contain_v in_o they_o what_o be_v sufficient_a both_o for_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n to_o teach_v and_o for_o any_o christian_n to_o know_v to_o make_v he_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n neither_o of_o which_o can_v be_v if_o there_o be_v not_o that_o in_o the_o scripture_n itself_o out_o of_o which_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n therein_o deliver_v may_v be_v sufficient_o understand_v without_o the_o supplement_n of_o some_o other_o overrule_a principle_n for_o 1._o how_o can_v the_o scripture_n make_v any_o man_n wise_a unto_o salvation_n if_o it_o fall_v short_a in_o point_n of_o objective_a evidence_n necessary_a to_o beget_v that_o divine_a knowledge_n wherein_o all_o save_a wisdom_n consist_v 2._o how_o can_v it_o sufficient_o furnish_v a_o minister_n for_o his_o work_n of_o instruct_v his_o hearer_n and_o conduct_a they_o to_o life_n if_o from_o thence_o he_o can_v fetch_v enough_o to_o clear_v the_o truth_n he_o be_v to_o deliver_v to_o they_o chap._n iii_o the_o second_o branch_n of_o the_o first_o argument_n the_o scripture_n perspicuity_n prove_v second_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o
perspicuous_a 〈◊〉_d revelation_n of_o god_n will._n whatsoever_o may_v be_v the_o ignorance_n or_o darkness_n of_o man_n which_o hinder_v they_o from_o know_v what_o god_n have_v say_v in_o these_o sacred_a record_n yet_o the_o objective_a perspicuity_n of_o they_o be_v general_o assert_v by_o protestant_n against_o the_o romanist_n not_o that_o all_o truth_n reveal_v in_o scripture_n be_v so_o low_a and_o common_a as_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n to_o be_v obvious_a to_o man_n understanding_n but_o that_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o delivery_n they_o be_v so_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o that_o they_o may_v be_v understand_v by_o and_o from_o the_o scripture_n yet_o we_o mean_v not_o that_o every_o part_n or_o passage_n of_o scripture_n be_v clear_a for_o that_o there_o be_v many_o difficulty_n therein_o we_o acknowledge_v but_o that_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n be_v somewhere_o or_o other_o in_o scripture_n plain_o propound_v so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v it_o one_o part_n of_o it_o give_v light_n to_o another_o so_o that_o the_o whole_a scripture_n take_v together_o be_v a_o perspicuous_a manifestation_n of_o his_o will_n this_o be_v prove_v by_o moses_n word_n in_o deut._n 30._o 12_o 13_o 14._o speak_v of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o apostle_n word_n rom._n 10._o 6._o etc._n etc._n speak_v the_o same_o of_o the_o gospel_n hence_o the_o write_a word_n be_v frequent_o compare_v to_o a_o light_n and_o be_v 22._o say_v to_o give_v understanding_n to_o the_o simple_a have_v not_o the_o scripture_n be_v perspicuous_a how_o can_v timothy_n in_o his_o childhood_n have_v understand_v they_o how_o can_v our_o saviour_n out_o of_o they_o have_v convince_v the_o sadducee_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n or_o the_o apostle_n out_o of_o they_o prove_v irrefragable_o the_o acts._n truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n against_o the_o gainsay_v jew_n or_o how_o can_v the_o berean_o try_v the_o apostle_n doctrine_n by_o search_v the_o scripture_n these_o be_v undeniable_a 11._o proof_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v perspicuous_a and_o that_o they_o have_v a_o plain_a and_o certain_a sense_n obvious_a to_o a_o considerate_a reader_n but_o all_o this_o will_v signify_v nothing_o if_o the_o scripture_n have_v not_o that_o light_n in_o it_o that_o may_v discover_v itself_o and_o clear_v up_o its_o own_o meaning_n without_o borrow_a light_n from_o some_o other_o principle_n now_o because_o much_o of_o the_o stress_n of_o this_o cause_n lie_v on_o this_o we_o must_v a_o little_a consider_v what_o be_v say_v against_o it_o the_o late_a romanist_n do_v general_o cry_v out_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a partly_o that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o fair_a colour_n to_o take_v they_o out_o of_o the_o people_n hand_n lest_o they_o shall_v mistake_v or_o pervert_v they_o though_o none_o among_o they_o have_v be_v more_o guilty_a of_o that_o than_o their_o doctor_n of_o great_a name_n for_o learning_n partly_o that_o they_o may_v bring_v in_o their_o unwritten_a tradition_n as_o expository_n of_o scripture-revelation_n and_o partly_o also_o that_o they_o may_v establish_v a_o necessity_n of_o a_o infallible_a visible_a judge_n here_o on_o earth_n to_o interpret_v scripture_n and_o decide_v all_o controversy_n yet_o i_o know_v not_o any_o of_o they_o but_o will_v own_o that_o many_o thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a but_o there_o be_v a_o late_a writer_n that_o deny_v this_o my_o next_o work_n therefore_o shall_v be_v to_o deal_v with_o he_o and_o clear_v the_o truth_n from_o his_o exception_n in_o some_o of_o the_o follow_a chapter_n of_o this_o discourse_n chap._n iu._n the_o exercitator_n exception_n against_o the_o scripture_n perspicuity_n from_o the_o ambiguity_n of_o word_n answer_v the_o belgic_a exercitator_n who_o i_o have_v oft_o mention_v before_o that_o he_o may_v make_v sure_a work_n rise_v high_a in_o deny_v the_o scripture_n perspicuity_n than_o any_o that_o i_o have_v ever_o meet_v with_o and_o with_o confidence_n affirm_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v universal_o obscure_a and_o that_o no_o part_n of_o it_o be_v of_o itself_o clear_a and_o 9_o plain_a and_o thereupon_o deny_v that_o one_o part_n of_o scripture_n can_v be_v expound_v by_o another_o yea_o this_o he_o lay_v as_o the_o foundation_n of_o his_o main_a assertion_n against_o the_o scripture_n interpret_n itself_o and_o one_o great_a reason_n he_o give_v be_v 1._o what_o he_o have_v take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o tedious_a pedantic_a pain_n to_o prove_v in_o his_o three_o chapter_n that_o all_o speech_n be_v make_v up_o of_o word_n and_o phrase_n be_v obscure_a and_o doubtful_a because_o the_o word_n whereof_o it_o consist_v be_v capable_a of_o different_a signification_n and_o consequent_o may_v be_v take_v in_o a_o various_a sense_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v universal_o ambiguous_a and_o therefore_o obscure_a to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o if_o this_o reason_n 1._o hold_v then_o there_o be_v no_o speech_n or_o write_v in_o the_o world_n but_o will_v fall_v under_o the_o same_o unhappy_a fate_n no_o law_n of_o the_o land_n no_o letter_n of_o a_o friend_n no_o oral_a discourse_n no_o treatise_n of_o whatsoever_o subject_n and_o how_o accurate_o soever_o write_v shall_v be_v account_v intelligible_a for_o all_o write_n and_o discourse_n be_v make_v up_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o word_n and_o phrase_n and_o capable_a of_o be_v adorn_v with_o the_o same_o trope_n and_o figure_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v and_o every_o whit_n as_o liable_a to_o be_v take_v in_o for_o different_a sense_n and_o thus_o no_o man_n shall_v know_v how_o to_o speak_v or_o write_v any_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v clear_o understand_v and_o that_o excellent_a gift_n of_o speech_n which_o god_n have_v bestow_v upon_o man_n to_o be_v a_o instrument_n of_o society_n and_o converse_n shall_v be_v of_o no_o other_o use_n but_o to_o be_v make_v a_o engine_n of_o deceit_n and_o treachery_n second_o if_o thing_n be_v thus_o to_o what_o 2._o end_n do_v this_o author_n trouble_v himself_o to_o write_v and_o other_o to_o read_v this_o book_n of_o he_o if_o all_o speech_n and_o write_n be_v ambiguous_a and_o obscure_a and_o not_o to_o be_v understand_v without_o a_o interpreter_n of_o what_o use_n be_v this_o jewel_n of_o his_o fancy_n do_v he_o hope_v to_o lead_v the_o whole_a world_n of_o interpreter_n out_o of_o their_o labyrinth_n into_o the_o right_a path_n by_o such_o a_o ignis_fw-la fatuus_fw-la that_o by_o its_o ambiguity_n and_o uncertainty_n may_v scare_v and_o amuse_v they_o and_o carry_v they_o hither_o and_o thither_o according_a to_o the_o wind_n of_o their_o own_o imagination_n or_o have_v he_o attain_v to_o a_o faculty_n above_o all_o other_o writer_n even_o the_o best_a and_o holy_a to_o write_v in_o such_o word_n and_o phrase_n as_o may_v open_v his_o meaning_n without_o entangle_v his_o reader_n in_o ambiguity_n if_o he_o think_v his_o book_n be_v free_a from_o this_o blemish_n methinks_v he_o may_v have_v have_v the_o modesty_n to_o conceive_v that_o the_o penman_n of_o scripture_n know_v how_o to_o write_v as_o well_o as_o he_o if_o his_o thought_n of_o his_o book_n be_v otherwise_o he_o may_v have_v keep_v it_o to_o himself_o and_o feed_v the_o moth_n with_o it_o three_o yet_o again_o if_o it_o be_v thus_o that_o all_o word_n in_o whatsoever_o contexture_n be_v 3._o so_o ambiguous_a and_o obscure_a what_o will_v become_v of_o this_o infallible_a interpreter_n which_o our_o author_n will_v set_v up_o for_o whatsoever_o interpretation_n be_v make_v of_o any_o scripture_n it_o must_v be_v frame_v in_o such_o word_n as_o other_o man_n use_v and_o as_o all_o kind_n of_o write_n be_v draw_v up_o in_o and_o if_o when_o all_o be_v do_v these_o be_v obscure_a what_o be_v we_o the_o better_a for_o certain_o according_a to_o this_o author_n argument_n even_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o most_o unquestionable_a maxim_n of_o philosophy_n when_o turn_v into_o word_n and_o sentence_n will_v be_v as_o ambiguous_a and_o consequent_o as_o dark_a as_o the_o scripture_n four_o whereas_o his_o impeach_v the_o scripture_n of_o ambiguity_n and_o obscurity_n 4._o be_v not_o only_o to_o disable_v they_o from_o expound_v themselves_o but_o that_o he_o may_v set_v up_o philosophy_n as_o the_o only_a interpreter_n he_o instance_n in_o several_a scripture_n 24._o which_o he_o say_v be_v thus_o ambiguous_a and_o obscure_a in_o the_o clear_n whereof_o philosophy_n can_v possible_o afford_v we_o any_o help_n as_o for_o example_n when_o he_o suppose_v of_o our_o saviour_n word_n in_o joh._n 5._o 39_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o it_o be_v doubtful_a whether_o this_o be_v to_o be_v take_v imperative_o search_v the_o scripture_n or_o indicative_o you_o do_v search_v the_o scripture_n can_v any_o
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
foolishness_n before_o he_o know_v they_o this_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v a_o true_a philosopher_n be_v a_o chimaera_n for_o it_o seem_v he_o be_v one_o who_o never_o determine_v of_o any_o thing_n till_o he_o clear_o perceive_v what_o it_o be_v and_o then_o what_o he_o determine_v be_v undoubted_o true_a whence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o every_o true_a philosopher_n be_v infallible_a and_o where_o be_v such_o a_o one_o ever_o yet_o to_o be_v find_v certain_a it_o be_v that_o the_o most_o eminent_a philosopher_n not_o inferior_a in_o their_o natural_a learning_n to_o this_o exercitator_n or_o any_o of_o his_o companion_n do_v in_o the_o first_o break_v out_o of_o the_o gospel_n make_v a_o mock_n of_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n thus_o do_v the_o philosopher_n at_o athens_n when_o they_o hear_v st._n paul_n and_o thus_o do_v porphyry_n celsus_n and_o other_o after_o the_o apostle_n day_n three_o when_o this_o author_n will_v have_v no_o more_o mean_v here_o by_o thing_n spiritual_a but_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o rational_a soul_n which_o be_v a_o spirit_n he_o be_v gross_o over-seen_a to_o speak_v no_o worse_o for_o the_o apostle_n word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o certain_o be_v not_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o when_o the_o apostle_n judas_n describe_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sensual_a or_o natural_a by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v not_o the_o spirit_n sure_o he_o do_v not_o mean_a they_o have_v no_o rational_a soul_n but_o that_o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o regenerate_a spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o of_o this_o spirit_n the_o apostle_n paul_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o place_n under_o present_a consideration_n the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o his_o discourse_n from_o vers_fw-la 9_o to_o 15._o do_v undeniable_o manifest_a if_o at_o least_o by_o this_o gentleman_n good_a leave_n the_o scripture_n may_v be_v allow_v to_o interpret_v itself_o the_o woeful_a ignorance_n and_o perverseness_n concern_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n that_o 3._o discover_v itself_o in_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a civilise_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o such_o as_o have_v improve_v their_o natural_a light_n to_o as_o high_a a_o pitch_n as_o any_o other_o we_o can_v read_v of_o be_v a_o abundant_a evidence_n of_o what_o i_o assert_v concern_v the_o darkness_n and_o pravity_n of_o man_n reason_n they_o become_v as_o the_o apostle_n say_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n and_o their_o foolish_a heart_n be_v darken_v profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v wise_a they_o become_v fool_n rom._n 1._o 21_o 22._o they_o acknowledge_v a_o deity_n and_o that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v but_o in_o the_o manner_n and_o way_n of_o worship_n how_o woeful_o be_v they_o mistake_v yea_o those_o time_n and_o place_n that_o be_v best_o cultivate_v and_o that_o flourish_v most_o in_o all_o humane_a learning_n be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o sottish_a in_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n give_v religious_a adoration_n to_o brute_n creature_n to_o dumb_a picture_n to_o disease_n and_o humane_a passion_n yea_o to_o hellish_a fury_n and_o whereas_o some_o that_o be_v more_o sagacious_a than_o the_o rest_n as_o socrates_n cicero_n and_o such_o like_a see_v enough_o to_o condemn_v that_o way_n of_o religion_n that_o be_v then_o in_o use_n observe_v the_o rite_n in_o fashion_n tanquam_fw-la legibus_fw-la jussa_fw-la non_fw-la tanquam_fw-la diis_fw-la grata_fw-la as_o st._n 10._o aug._n observe_v out_o of_o seneca_n yet_o when_o they_o come_v to_o inquire_v and_o determine_v of_o the_o true_a religion_n they_o be_v confess_o at_o a_o loss_n and_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o can_v better_o cry_v down_o the_o wrong_n than_o find_v out_o the_o right_n they_o have_v what_o be_v indelible_o plant_v in_o all_o man_n a_o desire_n of_o happiness_n but_o they_o be_v miserable_o bewilder_v in_o their_o search_n after_o it_o and_o whereas_o they_o be_v some_o of_o they_o sensible_a of_o a_o dreadful_a blow_n that_o man_n nature_n have_v receive_v discern_v a_o combat_n in_o themselves_o between_o their_o reason_n and_o their_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o see_v the_o world_n general_o overrun_v with_o wickedness_n and_o consequent_o vex_v with_o a_o continual_a succession_n of_o calamity_n yet_o as_o they_o can_v never_o by_o nature_n light_n find_v out_o the_o source_n and_o spring_n of_o all_o this_o and_o what_o it_o be_v that_o first_o bring_v sin_n and_o sorrow_n upon_o mankind_n so_o in_o vain_a do_v they_o weary_v themselves_o in_o invent_v way_n of_o reconcile_a themselves_o to_o god_n and_o procure_v his_o favour_n who_o they_o see_v to_o be_v displease_v and_o of_o cure_v the_o malady_n of_o their_o disorder_a and_o discompose_v nature_n in_o both_o which_o they_o take_v such_o strange_a and_o horrid_a course_n as_o do_v but_o increase_v the_o evil_n they_o lie_v under_o and_o exceed_o multiply_v their_o own_o guilt_n now_o it_o be_v thus_o how_o can_v the_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n be_v a_o safe_a rule_n whereby_o to_o interpret_v the_o holy_a scripture_n chap._n iii_o 1._o several_a exception_n against_o the_o forego_n argument_n remove_v viz._n that_o this_o hold_v only_o where_o the_o scripture_n be_v unknown_a 2._o that_o it_o strike_v not_o at_o right_a reason_n and_o sound_v principle_n 3._o that_o reason_n be_v of_o god_n and_o that_o truth_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o truth_n to_o this_o argument_n all_o the_o reply_n 1._o that_o i_o can_v conceive_v will_v be_v make_v may_v be_v reduce_v to_o a_o few_o particular_n which_o i_o shall_v brief_o dispatch_v it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o this_o argument_n hold_v of_o man_n reason_n while_o 1._o he_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o write_a word_n but_o reach_v not_o they_o who_o have_v the_o scripture_n to_o enlighten_v they_o to_o pass_v by_o other_o answer_n that_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o sol._n say_v this_o exception_n yield_v the_o cause_n for_o it_o suppose_v man_n reason_n unable_a to_o discover_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n without_o scripture_n light_n and_o if_o so_o than_o whatsoever_o reveal_v truth_n be_v more_o dark_o deliver_v in_o any_o one_o part_n of_o scripture_n must_v receive_v light_n from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o somewhere_o else_o where_o it_o speak_v more_o plain_o without_o which_o man_n reason_n notwithstanding_o the_o best_a natural_a principle_n to_o assist_v it_o will_v leave_v he_o at_o a_o loss_n consequent_o it_o be_v not_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n that_o must_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n but_o the_o scripture_n itself_o as_o shall_v be_v show_v hereafter_o but_o say_v some_o when_o we_o say_v reason_n 2._o by_o its_o principle_n be_v to_o interpret_v scripture_n we_o mean_v it_o of_o right_a reason_n 2._o proceed_v upon_o sound_a principle_n and_o not_o of_o reason_n deprave_v and_o principle_n corrupt_v i_o answer_v these_o be_v smooth_a word_n but_o what_o do_v they_o signify_v there_o be_v sol._n some_o colour_n for_o this_o reply_n if_o uncorrupt_a reason_n either_o in_o the_o faculty_n or_o the_o principle_n be_v infallible_o to_o be_v find_v the_o exception_n speak_v of_o reason_n abstract_o and_o in_o the_o idea_n suppose_v it_o free_v from_o all_o those_o depravation_n and_o entanglement_n that_o have_v captive_v and_o debase_v it_o whereas_o we_o be_v speak_v of_o reason_n as_o it_o be_v in_o man_n who_o be_v to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o and_o we_o know_v what_o be_v say_v of_o man_n gen._n 6._o 5._o god_n see_v that_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n be_v great_a in_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o every_o imagination_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v only_o evil_a continual_o every_o man_n be_v thus_o deprave_a from_o his_o birth_n so_o that_o we_o have_v all_o need_n of_o renew_v in_o our_o high_a faculty_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n eph._n 4._o 23._o and_o this_o original_a depravation_n be_v increase_v by_o a_o far_o contract_v malignity_n through_o vicious_a habit_n and_o deceitfulness_n of_o sinful_a lust_n in_o the_o most_o it_o remain_v whole_o thus_o and_o in_o the_o best_a in_o this_o life_n it_o be_v but_o in_o part_n renew_v and_o therefore_o in_o danger_n to_o mistake_v and_o that_o gross_o in_o thing_n spiritual_a when_o it_o go_v to_o work_v only_o by_o its_o own_o natural_a principle_n and_o whereas_o it_o may_v be_v think_v or_o say_v there_o be_v no_o danger_n so_o long_o as_o reason_n perform_v it_o work_v aright_o i_o reply_v how_o shall_v that_o be_v know_v by_o what_o rule_n shall_v we_o examine_v and_o find_v out_o when_o reason_n pass_v a_o right_a judgement_n or_o how_o shall_v the_o principle_n that_o reason_n pretend_v to_o use_v in_o matter_n of_o revelation_n be_v try_v
and_o veracity_n god_n perfect_o know_v all_o the_o several_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n that_o he_o have_v utter_v in_o scripture_n and_o whatver_o the_o reader_n can_v apprehend_v in_o they_o and_o he_o be_v also_o most_o true_a and_o faithful_a and_o therefore_o will_v not_o deceive_v or_o delude_v any_o by_o his_o word_n hence_o he_o gather_v that_o whatsoever_o sense_n may_v be_v make_v of_o any_o part_n of_o scripture_n if_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o truth_n it_o must_v be_v own_a for_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o that_o place_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v be_v all_o this_o intend_v only_o of_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o subordinate_a sense_n depend_v on_o and_o deducible_a from_o that_o immediate_a sense_n which_o be_v but_o one_o the_o argument_n will_v hold_v firm_a for_o if_o any_o thing_n do_v true_o lie_v in_o any_o man_n word_n or_o by_o due_a consequence_n be_v deducible_a from_o they_o which_o himself_o do_v not_o mean_v when_o he_o speak_v they_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v charge_v to_o be_v either_o ignorant_a or_o fallacious_a but_o be_v intend_v as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o author_n of_o a_o multiplicity_n of_o collateral_a and_o immediate_a sense_n his_o argument_n be_v a_o miserable_a inconsequence_n next_o he_o attempt_v to_o prove_v this_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o learned_a man_n and_o begin_v with_o the_o jewish_a rabbin_n who_o childish_a and_o absurd_a conceit_n need_v no_o confutation_n witness_v that_o instance_a by_o this_o author_n their_o prove_v the_o multiplicity_n of_o sense_n out_o of_o psalm_n 62._o 12._o the_o 11._o in_o our_o english_a translation_n god_n have_v speak_v once_o twice_o have_v i_o hear_v this_o that_o power_n belong_v unto_o god_n that_o be_v say_v they_o god_n have_v propound_v one_o single_a speech_n but_o such_o as_o i_o can_v understand_v two_o way_n that_o be_v many_o way_n a_o certain_a number_n be_v put_v for_o a_o uncertain_a by_o draw_v several_a sense_n from_o it_o wherein_o the_o power_n of_o god_n consist_v that_o he_o can_v so_o order_v and_o dispose_v his_o speech_n as_o thereby_o to_o teach_v man_n a_o multitude_n of_o truth_n and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o goodly_a gloss_n upon_o the_o text_n and_o a_o irrefragable_a proof_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n whereas_o the_o psalmist_n twice_o hear_v what_o god_n have_v once_o speak_v be_v no_o more_o but_o his_o diligent_a and_o attentive_a mind_v of_o that_o great_a and_o weighty_a truth_n that_o power_n belong_v unto_o god_n what_o he_o further_o cite_v out_o of_o the_o father_n concern_v the_o fecundity_n of_o scripture_n contain_v much_o in_o a_o few_o word_n be_v all_o grant_v be_v understand_v as_o before_o of_o subordinate_a not_o coordinate_a sense_n for_o that_o the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v as_o a_o formless_a mass_n capable_a of_o be_v turn_v by_o philosophy_n into_o a_o thousand_o shape_n which_o this_o author_n conceit_n tend_v to_o never_o be_v for_o aught_o i_o can_v find_v any_o part_n of_o their_o meaning_n 2._o whereas_o he_o say_v philosophy_n be_v a_o true_a certain_a undoubted_a knowledge_n 2._o of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n demonstrate_v by_o natural_a light_n i_o ask_v do_v philosophy_n comprehend_v the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o thing_n or_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o all_o thing_n discernible_a by_o natural_a light_n there_o be_v in_o scripture_n many_o thing_n historical_a prophetical_a and_o dogmatical_a the_o knowledge_n whereof_o depend_v whole_o upon_o supernatural_a revelation_n what_o can_v philosophy_n do_v here_o and_o even_o in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v natural_a and_o belong_v to_o the_o cognisance_n of_o philosophy_n how_o short_a be_v that_o knowledge_n that_o the_o most_o learned_a have_v attain_v therefore_o whereas_o this_o author_n so_o proud_o deride_v 4._o our_o reform_a divine_n for_o complain_v of_o the_o darkness_n of_o man_n natural_a reason_n if_o he_o be_v not_o too_o wise_a to_o be_v teach_v he_o may_v have_v learn_v more_o modesty_n from_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n the_o best_a and_o wise_a whereof_o do_v great_o bewail_v the_o darkness_n of_o man_n understanding_n even_o aristotle_n who_o never_o i_o think_v be_v judge_v to_o have_v disparage_v humane_a reason_n acknowledge_v that_o our_o understanding_n even_o as_o to_o the_o most_o manifest_a thing_n in_o nature_n be_v but_o as_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o owl_n and_o bat_n to_o the_o daylight_n and_o though_o both_o he_o and_o other_o of_o they_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o scripture_n can_v not_o clear_o discover_v the_o true_a original_n of_o this_o darkness_n yet_o some_o weak_a conjecture_n some_o of_o they_o have_v make_v of_o it_o and_o whether_o by_o any_o tradition_n receive_v from_o the_o jew_n or_o by_o some_o other_o mean_v i_o shall_v not_o inquire_v some_o general_a and_o confuse_a intimation_n they_o have_v that_o man_n have_v lose_v his_o primitive_a excellency_n that_o the_o wing_n of_o his_o soul_n for_o so_o they_o express_v it_o have_v by_o some_o sad_a fall_n be_v so_o break_v that_o he_o can_v not_o arrive_v at_o any_o considerable_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n by_o his_o great_a industry_n and_o hence_o arise_v that_o fond_a mistake_n among_o some_o of_o they_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n have_v have_v a_o pre-existence_n before_o their_o union_n with_o their_o body_n and_o have_v offend_v in_o that_o state_n be_v for_o a_o punishment_n of_o their_o error_n thrust_v into_o these_o gross_a terrestrial_a receptacle_n and_o that_o this_o cause_v the_o imperfection_n and_o obscurity_n of_o man_n understanding_n but_o to_o those_o who_o own_o the_o scripture_n and_o may_v learn_v from_o thence_o what_o man_n be_v primitive_a state_n be_v and_o how_o he_o fall_v and_o be_v any_o whit_n acquaint_v with_o themselves_o methinks_v it_o shall_v be_v no_o strange_a riddle_n that_o the_o mind_n be_v cloud_v and_o benight_a even_o in_o thing_n natural_a and_o therefore_o in_o supernatural_a much_o more_o but_o where_o be_v that_o philosophy_n that_o this_o exercitator_n cry_v up_o for_o so_o certain_a and_o infallible_a and_o which_o another_o author_n of_o like_a principle_n do_v theologia_n with_o profane_a boldness_n magnify_v as_o equal_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o its_o complete_a perfection_n and_o infallible_a certainty_n where_o be_v it_o in_o the_o cloud_n sure_o it_o never_o be_v extant_a among_o man_n save_v in_o the_o crazy_a conceit_n of_o some_o haughty_a self-admirer_n 3._o as_o to_o what_o our_o author_n speak_v of_o 3._o philosophy_n be_v useful_a to_o detect_v false_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n i_o grant_v that_o where_o such_o false_a interpretation_n be_v give_v as_o do_v real_o entrench_v upon_o the_o undoubted_a principle_n of_o reason_n the_o weakness_n and_o folly_n of_o they_o may_v well_o be_v discover_v by_o philosophy_n but_o all_o corrupt_a or_o perverse_a exposition_n be_v not_o to_o be_v so_o limit_v nor_o be_v this_o enough_o to_o render_v philosophy_n a_o sufficient_a rule_n of_o interpretation_n the_o heathen_a philosopher_n can_v discover_v the_o error_n of_o their_o vulgar_a religion_n but_o can_v not_o direct_v man_n to_o the_o true_a and_o right_a as_o i_o have_v show_v before_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v in_o the_o present_a case_n 4._o whereas_o our_o exercitator_n further_o 4._o add_v in_o the_o close_a of_o this_o argument_n that_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n those_o who_o be_v the_o most_o profound_a philosopher_n be_v general_o confess_v to_o be_v the_o happy_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n i_o be_o far_o from_o be_v of_o his_o mind_n none_o have_v more_o corrupt_v and_o deprave_v the_o scripture_n than_o man_n of_o great_a eminency_n for_o philosophic_a learning_n which_o i_o do_v not_o at_o all_o impute_v to_o philosophy_n true_o so_o call_v but_o to_o the_o rashness_n and_o folly_n of_o man_n who_o be_v desirous_a to_o advance_v that_o wherein_o they_o will_v be_v think_v to_o excel_v have_v adventure_v to_o make_v use_n of_o their_o philosophic_a principle_n in_o matter_n of_o a_o quite_o different_a and_o more_o sublime_a nature_n but_o suppose_v we_o the_o utmost_a that_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o a_o eminent_a philosopher_n be_v furnish_v with_o all_o the_o most_o necessary_a accomplishment_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o scripture_n and_o shall_v due_o improve_v they_o for_o that_o end_n yet_o this_o will_v no_o more_o prove_v philosophy_n to_o be_v the_o supreme_a rule_n of_o interpretation_n than_o grammar_n or_o rhetoric_n which_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o necessary_a and_o useful_a to_o such_o a_o work_n if_o not_o more_o no_o further_o do_v any_o thing_n help_v we_o in_o understand_v the_o scripture_n than_o it_o direct_v we_o to_o those_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o evidence_n of_o the_o true_a sense_n that_o lie_v within_o the_o scripture_n itself_o that_o be_v by_o help_v we_o to_o use_v the_o scripture_n as_o the_o rule_n
crude_a conception_n into_o a_o more_o fantastic_a dress_n of_o great_a swell_a word_n to_o amuse_v the_o ignorant_a vulgar_a and_o this_o gentleman_n have_v put_v his_o opinion_n into_o a_o more_o manly_a garb_n to_o render_v it_o the_o more_o plausible_a to_o the_o literate_a world_n chap._n xiii_o a_o five_o argument_n from_o the_o suppose_a practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n schoolman_n and_o other_o answer_v another_o plea_n the_o exercitator_n 2._o use_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_n justin_n martyr_n dionysius_n areopagita_n origen_n and_o other_o make_v use_n of_o the_o platonic_a or_o eclectick_n philosophy_n to_o expound_v the_o difficult_a place_n of_o holy_a writ_n and_o of_o the_o schoolman_n and_o other_o in_o these_o latter_a aâ—â—â—_n make_v the_o like_a use_n of_o the_o peripatetic_a philosophy_n which_o bear_v the_o sway_n in_o their_o time_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o methinks_v this_o be_v a_o very_o lose_v and_o inconsequent_a 1._o way_n of_o argue_v for_o though_o this_o author_n profess_v elsewhere_o 2._o that_o in_o the_o present_a controversy_n he_o intend_v not_o by_o philosophy_n the_o opinion_n of_o plato_n or_o aristotle_n or_o any_o other_o whatever_o yet_o it_o be_v plain_a by_o his_o prologue_n and_o by_o several_a passage_n in_o the_o body_n of_o his_o discourse_n that_o he_o intend_v the_o honour_n of_o be_v the_o scripture_n interpreter_n to_o the_o cartesian_a philosophy_n and_o in_o this_o very_a chapter_n wherein_o he_o allege_v the_o forementioned_a 2._o example_n of_o father_n and_o schoolman_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o other_o christian_n who_o have_v forsake_v the_o romish_a church_n do_v in_o their_o exposition_n of_o scripture_n most_o though_o not_o exact_o tread_v in_o the_o step_n of_o the_o schoolman_n who_o make_v aristotle_n philosophy_n their_o rule_n till_o that_o in_o this_o last_o age_n the_o light_n of_o the_o cartesian_a philosophy_n shine_v upon_o some_o divine_n quibus_fw-la sordescere_fw-la coeperunt_fw-la sacrarum_fw-la literarum_fw-la interpretamenta_fw-la quae_fw-la huius_fw-la lucis_fw-la radiis_fw-la non_fw-la illustrata_fw-la prodierunt_fw-la it_o seem_v the_o divine_n of_o his_o way_n despise_v and_o viliâ—ed_v all_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n whether_o by_o father_n or_o schoolman_n or_o by_o whosoever_o make_v that_o be_v not_o enlighten_v with_o the_o beam_n of_o this_o new-risen_a star_n so_o that_o all_o exposition_n of_o scripture_n that_o be_v make_v before_o des_n caâ—tes_v his_o happy_a day_n must_v be_v condemn_v to_o the_o dust_n and_o moth_n as_o useless_a and_o good_a for_o nothing_o which_o by_o the_o way_n serve_v a_o little_a to_o abate_v my_o wonder_n at_o the_o dare_a folly_n of_o some_o novelist_n in_o who_o write_n i_o find_v many_o absurd_a distort_a self-contradicting_a exposition_n of_o scripture_n not_o without_o the_o high_a scorn_n cast_v upon_o all_o dissent_v interpreter_n it_o seem_v they_o be_v of_o this_o author_n persuasion_n and_o perhaps_o have_v light_v their_o candle_n at_o his_o dark_a lantern_n but_o true_o as_o i_o do_v not_o very_o well_o relish_v the_o modesty_n of_o our_o exercitator_n in_o this_o discourse_n so_o i_o do_v as_o little_a admire_v his_o logic_n for_o what_o a_o wild_a consequence_n be_v this_o because_o the_o ancient_n use_v the_o platonic_a or_o eclectick_n philosophy_n as_o their_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n and_o the_o schoolman_n use_v the_o peripatetic_a as_o their_o rule_n of_o expound_v therefore_o the_o cartesian_a philosophy_n that_o differ_v wide_o from_o they_o all_o be_v the_o sure_a and_o most_o infallible_a interpreter_n let_v no_o man_n mistake_v i_o as_o if_o i_o hereby_o intend_v any_o sinister_a reflection_n on_o that_o noble_a author_n who_o the_o person_n i_o be_o deal_v with_o pretend_v to_o follow_v i_o willing_o allow_v he_o all_o the_o honour_n that_o his_o great_a part_n and_o studious_a inquiry_n may_v have_v merit_v without_o the_o least_o detraction_n though_o i_o think_v some_o of_o his_o great_a admirer_n have_v do_v he_o no_o small_a injury_n partly_o by_o their_o superlative_a eulogy_n give_v to_o he_o together_o with_o their_o ready_a swallow_v and_o pertinacious_a defend_v all_o he_o dictate_v but_o especial_o by_o extend_v his_o rule_n and_o method_n to_o matter_n of_o supernatural_a revelation_n beyond_o his_o declare_a meaning_n if_o his_o own_o word_n may_v be_v take_v which_o i_o be_o not_o concern_v to_o examine_v 2._o what_o use_v soever_o former_a writer_n ancient_a or_o modern_a have_v make_v of_o their_o respective_a philosophy_n in_o expound_v scripture_n it_o do_v not_o yet_o appear_v that_o they_o own_a it_o for_o their_o rule_n and_o if_o they_o do_v i_o be_o sure_a they_o do_v amiss_o i_o high_o honour_v the_o memory_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n but_o i_o never_o take_v they_o for_o infallible_a in_o their_o interpretation_n nor_o do_v they_o themselves_o nor_o i_o suppose_v do_v the_o exercitat_fw-la or_o who_o yet_o contend_v for_o philosophy_n to_o be_v the_o infallible_a interpreter_n and_o for_o the_o schoolman_n himself_o cite_v some_o author_n and_o may_v have_v cite_v many_o more_o and_o those_o of_o great_a eminency_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n itself_o who_o have_v long_o since_o complain_v of_o they_o for_o corrupt_a divinity_n by_o mix_v it_o with_o their_o philosophic_a notion_n and_o yet_o we_o never_o find_v any_o of_o these_o so_o absurd_a as_o to_o assert_v philosophy_n to_o be_v the_o scripture_n interpreter_n 3._o last_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v whether_o this_o author_n have_v not_o great_o forget_v and_o gross_o contradict_v himself_o in_o use_v this_o argument_n from_o example_n for_o himself_o profess_v to_o maintain_v a_o new_a and_o strange_a opinion_n in_o assert_v philosophy_n to_o be_v the_o interpreter_n of_o scripture_n explorandi_fw-la and_o in_o his_o prologue_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o have_v consult_v with_o the_o divine_n of_o all_o place_n and_o age_n that_o be_v i_o suppose_v with_o their_o write_n to_o find_v out_o what_o method_n they_o use_v and_o what_o rule_n they_o follow_v in_o their_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n but_o can_v find_v nothing_o that_o will_v give_v he_o satisfaction_n and_o therefore_o he_o resolve_v to_o lay_v they_o all_o aside_o and_o try_v what_o he_o can_v do_v proprio_fw-la mart_n by_o his_o own_o industry_n and_o that_o after_o long_a disquisition_n he_o at_o last_o fall_v upon_o this_o only_a sure_a and_o infallible_a way_n which_o he_o here_o commend_v to_o the_o world_n now_o i_o will_v know_v how_o he_o can_v speak_v this_o and_o yet_o believe_v what_o he_o here_o allege_v that_o both_o father_n and_o schoolman_n and_o other_o modern_a writer_n take_v this_o course_n of_o make_v philosophy_n the_o rule_n of_o expound_v scripture_n chap._n fourteen_o 1._o answer_v give_v to_o a_o six_o argument_n draw_v from_o instance_n in_o some_o considerable_a 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in_o he_o even_o so_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n know_v no_o man_n but_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 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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
other_o voice_n than_o that_o of_o the_o scripture_n in_o speak_v to_o we_o for_o how_o improper_a soever_o such_o a_o expression_n may_v seem_v to_o this_o gentleman_n it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o scripture-language_n and_o i_o think_v he_o who_o so_o hot_o contend_v for_o the_o usus_fw-la loquendi_fw-la as_o to_o make_v that_o the_o only_a supreme_a infallible_a rule_n of_o expound_v scripture_n may_v give_v our_o reform_a divine_n leave_v to_o speak_v according_a to_o this_o use_n without_o his_o supercilious_a censure_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n this_o author_n may_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v who_o cause_n he_o most_o favour_n by_o such_o manner_n of_o argue_v i_o know_v none_o that_o can_v so_o hearty_o thank_v he_o for_o it_o as_o the_o romanist_n who_o use_v the_o same_o way_n of_o cavil_v against_o we_o when_o we_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o and_o by_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o sole_a supreme_a judge_n of_o all_o controversy_n of_o 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that_o petulant_a jesuit_n the_o ancient_n be_v of_o another_o mind_n they_o acknowledge_v god_n speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o controversy_n thus_o speak_v one_o of_o they_o to_o his_o 〈…〉_z nemo_fw-la vobis_fw-la credat_fw-la nemo_fw-la parmen_fw-la nobis_fw-la de_fw-la coelo_fw-la quaerendus_fw-la etc._n etc._n let_v none_o give_v credit_n to_o we_o or_o you_o we_o must_v seek_v a_o judge_n from_o heaven_n but_o what_o need_v we_o go_v thither_o to_o he_o have_v his_o testament_n here_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n may_v with_o congruity_n enough_o be_v say_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o judge_n of_o controversy_n he_o may_v with_o as_o good_a congruity_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o interpret_n his_o own_o mind_n there_o lay_v down_o and_o so_o i_o have_v do_v with_o my_o first_o argument_n chap._n x._o a_o second_o argument_n from_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o 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determine_v this_o that_o must_v eo_fw-la ipso_fw-la upon_o that_o very_a score_n be_v acknowledge_v for_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n 2._o whatsoever_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o decide_v all_o controversy_n of_o faith_n this_o i_o think_v no_o man_n will_v question_v now_o let_v but_o this_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a supreme_a rule_n of_o decide_v all_o controversy_n of_o faith_n which_o no_o sound_a protestant_n can_v deny_v it_o will_v necessary_o follow_v that_o it_o must_v be_v the_o supreme_a rule_n of_o clear_v all_o doubt_n and_o difficulty_n within_o itself_o for_o where_o the_o scripture_n be_v on_o both_o side_n own_a for_o the_o rule_n the_o knot_n of_o the_o controversy_n lie_v in_o this_o whether_o this_o or_o that_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v allege_v on_o both_o side_n for_o be_v that_o agree_v the_o controversy_n will_v cease_v and_o whatsoever_o determine_v that_o decide_v the_o cause_n thus_o 1._o much_o the_o exercitator_n acknowledge_v what_o ever_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o be_v make_v the_o rule_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n and_o determine_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o be_v thereby_o make_v the_o rule_n of_o decide_v all_o controversy_n of_o faith_n and_o be_v to_o such_o as_o so_o use_v it_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n chap._n xi_o 1._o a_o exception_n against_o this_o argument_n affirm_v scripture_n and_o reason_n joint_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n 2._o this_o novelty_n disprove_v and_o condemn_v against_o this_o argument_n some_o may_v 1._o have_v the_o confidence_n it_o may_v be_v to_o make_v this_o exception_n that_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n the_o papist_n join_v unwritten_a tradition_n with_o the_o scripture_n and_o will_v have_v we_o take_v both_o together_o for_o the_o complete_a rule_n of_o faith_n this_o i_o shall_v not_o deal_v with_o there_o have_v be_v so_o much_o say_v by_o our_o divine_n about_o it_o in_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o there_o be_v another_o generation_n of_o man_n that_o join_v human_a reason_n with_o the_o scripture_n to_o make_v up_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n lambertus_n velthusius_n one_o of_o the_o senior_n of_o the_o gallo-belgic_a church_n at_o utrech_n be_v charge_v with_o this_o by_o Ê‹ander_n 114._o weayen_n who_o cite_v this_o among_o many_o other_o erroneous_a position_n out_o of_o one_o of_o that_o author_n belgic_a tract_n that_o scripture_n and_o reason_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n so_o then_o we_o have_v here_o a_o new_a unwritten_a word_n find_v out_o to_o be_v part_n of_o the_o canon_n so_o fertile_a of_o monster_n be_v this_o novaturient_n age._n but_o i_o hope_v this_o doctrine_n will_v not_o be_v so_o easy_o receive_v as_o it_o be_v bold_o obtrude_v hitherto_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o sol._n article_n of_o faith_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v contradistinguish_v and_o though_o some_o thing_n knowable_a by_o natural_a light_n be_v likewise_o propound_v to_o our_o belief_n in_o scripture_n yet_o such_o be_v never_o that_o i_o know_v of_o own_v for_o point_n of_o faith_n otherwise_o than_o as_o they_o be_v attest_v in_o scripture_n and_o in_o all_o logic_n that_o i_o have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o argument_n à _fw-la testimonio_fw-la be_v put_v into_o one_o rank_n and_o those_o that_o be_v draw_v à _fw-la natura_fw-la rei_fw-la be_v put_v into_o another_o these_o latter_a proper_o belong_v to_o science_n the_o former_a to_o faith_n our_o understanding_n say_v theâ—l_n c._n streso_n and_o after_o he_o 2._o dr._n tailor_n apprehend_v thing_n three_o way_n the_o first_o be_v 〈◊〉_d whereby_o it_o receive_v first_o principle_n the_o second_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whereby_o it_o draw_v consequence_n from_o those_o principle_n the_o three_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o such_o thing_n as_o we_o assent_v to_o from_o testimony_n and_o it_o be_v a_o know_a speech_n of_o st._n austin_n quod_fw-la intelligimus_fw-la cred_a debemus_fw-la rationi_fw-la quod_fw-la credimus_fw-la autoritati_fw-la that_o we_o understand_v we_o owe_v to_o reason_n but_o that_o we_o believe_v we_o owe_v to_o authority_n and_o we_o have_v hitherto_o take_v it_o to_o be_v essential_a to_o a_o christian_n faith_n that_o in_o its_o assent_n it_o rely_v upon_o the_o infallible_a veracity_n of_o the_o revealer_n as_o the_o ratio_fw-la formalis_fw-la credendi_fw-la perhaps_o it_o will_v here_o be_v say_v for_o i_o object_n can_v imagine_v what_o else_o can_v be_v say_v that_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o by_o he_o write_v in_o our_o mind_n therefore_o our_o assent_n to_o they_o be_v a_o belief_n of_o divine_a testimony_n as_o well_o as_o our_o assent_n to_o what_o be_v write_v in_o the_o bible_n and_o consequent_o they_o be_v part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n
of_o scripture_n may_v have_v correspondency_n with_o another_o and_o this_o so_o far_o as_o that_o the_o one_o may_v expound_v the_o other_o but_o now_o the_o case_n be_v alter_v if_o it_o be_v reply_v in_o his_o behalf_n that_o these_o place_n by_o he_o quote_v be_v pen_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o writer_n and_o therefore_o may_v well_o have_v correspondency_n each_o with_o other_o but_o this_o make_v nothing_o for_o those_o who_o interpret_v one_o part_n of_o scripture_n by_o some_o other_o that_o be_v not_o write_v by_o the_o same_o hand_n i_o rejoin_v that_o the_o first_o and_o second_o book_n of_o king_n be_v indict_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n i_o grant_v and_o shall_v make_v some_o use_n of_o it_o in_o my_o three_o answer_n to_o this_o author_n objection_n but_o that_o they_o be_v both_o write_v by_o the_o same_o hand_n or_o suppose_v they_o be_v that_o the_o writer_n intend_v by_o the_o latter_a to_o explain_v what_o he_o have_v write_v in_o the_o former_a be_v more_o than_o he_o or_o any_o other_o for_o he_o can_v prove_v 3._o the_o scripture_n though_o write_v 3._o by_o part_n and_o at_o several_a time_n and_o by_o several_a person_n yet_o they_o all_o own_o god_n for_o their_o author_n by_o who_o spirit_n they_o be_v indict_v and_o they_o be_v all_o together_o to_o be_v take_v for_o his_o counsel_n to_o sinner_n and_o then_o what_o injury_n or_o incongruity_n be_v there_o in_o make_v use_n of_o what_o one_o have_v write_v more_o plain_o to_o unfold_v what_o be_v more_o dark_o write_v by_o another_o when_o we_o compare_v the_o evangelist_n together_o to_o explain_v what_o one_o say_v more_o brief_o by_o what_o another_o lay_v down_o more_o full_o we_o do_v not_o in_o this_o so_o much_o inquire_v into_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o evangelist_n as_o into_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n who_o secretary_n they_o be_v the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o prophet_n if_o the_o prophet_n or_o apostle_n speak_v of_o their_o own_o head_n or_o write_v only_o a_o signification_n of_o their_o own_o private_a sentiment_n there_o may_v be_v some_o colour_n for_o this_o objection_n but_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o no_o prophecy_n of_o scripture_n be_v of_o private_a interpretation_n 21._o that_o be_v 5._o the_o prophet_n in_o their_o write_n be_v not_o the_o interpreter_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n but_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n by_o who_o they_o be_v send_v and_o by_o who_o spirit_n they_o be_v act_v as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n for_o prophecy_n come_v not_o in_o old_a time_n by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o thus_o much_o the_o exercitator_n acknowledge_v where_o he_o say_v that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o he_o do_v always_o guide_v his_o amanuensis_n to_o write_v the_o truth_n give_v they_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o unerring_a spirit_n and_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o wroteâ—…_n pure_a truth_n free_a from_o all_o mixture_n of_o falsehood_n or_o error_n but_o there_o be_v another_o discourse_n prefix_v 7._o to_o a_o latter_a edition_n of_o the_o so_o oft-mentioned_n exercitation_n and_o think_v by_o many_o to_o come_v from_o the_o same_o author_n the_o writer_n whereof_o stick_v not_o to_o assert_v this_o audacious_a falsehood_n that_o the_o prophet_n in_o their_o narkative_n and_o in_o all_o matter_n of_o speculation_n that_o be_v whatsoever_o be_v not_o matter_n of_o moral_a duty_n do_v disagree_v among_o themselves_o and_o consequent_o that_o what_o be_v say_v by_o one_o be_v not_o to_o be_v explain_v by_o the_o word_n of_o another_o which_o with_o other_o passage_n of_o like_a import_n do_v at_o once_o call_v in_o question_n the_o whole_a truth_n and_o consequent_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o if_o the_o pâ—â—men_n of_o scripture_n elash_v one_o against_o another_o in_o their_o write_n either_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o whâ—â—_n they_o write_v but_o themselves_o or_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n must_v be_v charge_v with_o falsehood_n for_o of_o two_o diâ—…ent_a opinion_n both_o can_v be_v true_a who_o design_n it_o be_v that_o the_o author_n of_o that_o theologico-political_n tractat_fw-la drive_v except_o that_o of_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o mankind_n i_o know_v not_o but_o he_o sufficient_o manifest_v a_o vile_a esteem_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o a_o desire_n to_o beget_v the_o like_a in_o other_o for_o he_o take_v very_o earnest_a pain_n 10._o with_o the_o utmost_a of_o his_o art_n and_o skill_n to_o â—â—ke_v up_o and_o exagitate_v their_o seem_a disagreement_n as_o real_a contradiction_n cast_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o scorn_n upon_o all_o expositor_n as_o fool_n or_o madman_n that_o attempt_n to_o reconcile_v they_o his_o discourse_n in_o this_o and_o sundry_a other_o odious_a passage_n which_o i_o abhor_v to_o mention_v do_v apparent_o tend_v to_o promote_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o antiscripturist_n beside_o the_o help_n 〈◊〉_d afford_v which_o be_v not_o a_o little_a to_o the_o romish_a interest_n the_o author_n indeed_o will_v seem_v by_o some_o expression_n here_o and_o there_o to_o intimate_v his_o dislike_n of_o the_o pontifician_n party_n but_o we_o know_v it_o be_v consistent_a enough_o with_o the_o politic_a principle_n of_o man_n of_o that_o way_n to_o speak_v much_o more_o than_o he_o have_v do_v against_o that_o very_a cause_n that_o they_o be_v studious_o project_v under_o that_o covert_a to_o advance_v but_o i_o return_v from_o this_o digression_n to_o what_o i_o be_v about_o if_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o law_n of_o a_o kingdom_n be_v difficult_a and_o perplex_a and_o there_o be_v something_o in_o some_o other_o law_n of_o the_o same_o kingdom_n though_o write_v or_o print_v by_o other_o hand_n that_o speak_v more_o clear_o of_o that_o matter_n what_o wrong_n be_v it_o to_o the_o law_n or_o the_o lawmaker_n or_o printer_n if_o a_o learned_a council_n compare_v one_o with_o another_o expound_v that_o which_o be_v more_o dark_a in_o one_o part_n of_o the_o law_n by_o that_o which_o be_v more_o perspicuous_a in_o another_o both_o proceed_n from_o the_o same_o authority_n and_o both_o oblige_v to_o the_o same_o person_n judge_v alike_o in_o the_o present_a case_n this_o objection_n therefore_o be_v of_o no_o force_n but_o it_o be_v further_o urge_v that_o there_o 7._o be_v some_o difficult_a place_n of_o scripture_n that_o be_v no_o where_o explain_v in_o any_o other_o part_n and_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v but_o once_o speak_v in_o scripture_n can_v be_v explain_v by_o any_o parallel_a place_n and_o here_o our_o â—â—ercitator_n refer_v we_o for_o instance_n to_o his_o great_a friend_n stapleton_n for_o answer_v 1._o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v 1._o there_o be_v difficulty_n in_o some_o part_n of_o scripture_n that_o be_v no_o where_o clear_v how_o do_v any_o man_n know_v this_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n because_o we_o can_v find_v it_o do_v we_o think_v ourselves_o of_o so_o pierce_a or_o capacious_a understanding_n that_o nothing_o in_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v intelligible_a can_v escape_v our_o discovery_n those_o who_o have_v acquaint_v themselves_o with_o ancient_n and_o modern_a expositor_n do_v know_v that_o many_o difficulty_n which_o former_a interpreter_n have_v in_o vain_a struggle_v with_o and_o some_o that_o they_o have_v whole_o leave_v untouched_a either_o as_o not_o apprehend_v they_o to_o be_v difficulty_n or_o conceive_v they_o insuperable_a have_v be_v make_v very_o clear_a and_o plain_a by_o some_o late_a writer_n very_o god_n will_v have_v we_o know_v that_o the_o open_n of_o his_o mind_n do_v not_o depend_v only_o or_o chief_o upon_o the_o pregnancy_n of_o man_n wit_n but_o upon_o his_o gracious_a assistance_n and_o blessing_n which_o he_o afford_v or_o withhold_v when_o and_o where_o himself_o see_v fit_a again_o the_o scripture_n be_v pen_v not_o only_o for_o the_o past_a and_o present_a but_o 2._o for_o all_o succeed_a age_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o as_o some_o part_n of_o they_o which_o peculiar_o concern_v some_o age_n past_a be_v perhaps_o better_o understand_v in_o those_o age_n than_o they_o can_v be_v by_o we_o now_o as_o certain_o many_o thing_n be_v that_o belong_v to_o the_o jewish_a oeconomy_n so_o i_o know_v not_o but_o we_o may_v rational_o suppose_v that_o some_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n which_o to_o we_o seem_v unintelligible_a may_v have_v special_a reference_n to_o the_o church_n in_o after-age_n and_o that_o those_o who_o they_o so_o near_o concern_v shall_v have_v more_o light_n afford_v for_o the_o understanding_n of_o they_o in_o their_o day_n than_o we_o have_v in_o we_o as_o without_o doubt_v some_o prophetic_a scripture_n not_o
appendix_n concern_v internal_a illumination_n and_o other_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n etc._n etc._n chap._n i._n 1._o what_o our_o protestant_a divine_n mean_v by_o that_o illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o they_o assert_v as_o necessary_a to_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o exercitator_n censure_v of_o it_o as_o enthusiasm_n approve_v by_o wolzogen_n 2._o the_o falsehood_n of_o that_o calumny_n discover_v 3._o wolzogen_n '_o s_o disingenuity_n and_o inconstancy_n 4._o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a illumination_n prove_v 5._o in_o what_o sense_n it_o be_v supernatural_a 6._o some_o of_o the_o exercitator_n cavil_v answer_v 7._o in_o what_o sense_n this_o illumination_n be_v immediate_a in_o the_o forego_n paper_n design_v 1_o to_o clear_a and_o vindicate_v the_o protestant_a doctrine_n concern_v the_o supreme_a bull_fw-mi of_o interpret_n scripture_n i_o have_v have_v occasion_n frequent_o to_o deal_v with_o the_o belgic_a exercitator_n and_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o what_o he_o have_v say_v that_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o any_o moment_n so_o far_o as_o concern_v that_o point_n but_o whereas_o he_o be_v please_v in_o the_o procedure_n of_o his_o discourse_n to_o step_v out_o of_o his_o way_n and_o deride_o to_o oppose_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n about_o the_o spirit_n assistance_n in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n as_o savour_v of_o enthusiasm_n i_o than_o wave_v meddle_v with_o that_o part_n of_o his_o book_n think_v it_o more_o expedient_a to_o say_v something_o to_o it_o in_o a_o appendix_n by_o itself_o this_o be_v a_o question_n altogether_o distinct_a from_o that_o other_o of_o the_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n in_o the_o fourteen_o chapter_n of_o his_o oft-mentioned_n exercitation_n he_o quote_v several_a of_o our_o protestant_a author_n of_o great_a name_n and_o worth_n give_v in_o the_o word_n of_o some_o of_o they_o and_o refer_v we_o for_o other_o to_o the_o cite_a place_n the_o drift_n of_o their_o several_a discourse_n about_o this_o point_n seem_v to_o be_v that_o there_o need_v a_o effectual_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o enlighten_v man_n understanding_n and_o cause_v they_o right_o to_o apprehend_v and_o ready_o to_o approve_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n that_o their_o meaning_n may_v be_v more_o clear_o propound_v we_o must_v distinguish_v of_o a_o twofold_a understanding_n of_o scripture_n there_o be_v a_o natural_a and_o mere_o grammatical_a perception_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture-proposition_n which_o a_o man_n destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n may_v attain_v by_o common_a assistance_n in_o the_o use_n of_o ordinary_a mean_n and_o there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a apprehension_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o contain_v in_o those_o proposition_n which_o include_v in_o it_o a_o hearty_a believe_v and_o embrace_v they_o that_o be_v not_o attain_v without_o the_o sanctify_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n renew_v the_o mind_n by_o indue_a it_o with_o a_o heavenly_a supernatural_a light_n this_o i_o find_v thus_o express_v and_o illustrate_v by_o the_o late_a reverend_a bishop_n of_o norwich_n natural_a man_n say_v he_o have_v their_o principle_n 119._o vitiate_v their_o faculty_n bind_v that_o they_o can_v understand_v spiritual_a thing_n till_o god_n have_v as_o it_o be_v implant_v a_o new_a understanding_n in_o they_o frame_v the_o heart_n to_o attend_v and_o set_v it_o at_o liberty_n to_o see_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n with_o open_a face_n though_o the_o veil_n do_v not_o keep_v out_o grammatical_a construction_n yet_o it_o blind_v the_o heart_n against_o the_o spiritual_a light_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o word_n we_o see_v even_o in_o common_a science_n where_o the_o conclusion_n be_v suitable_a to_o our_o innate_a and_o implant_v notion_n yet_o he_o that_o can_v distinct_o construe_v and_o make_v grammar_n of_o a_o principle_n in_o euclid_n may_v be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o mathematical_a sense_n and_o use_v of_o it_o much_o more_o may_v a_o man_n in_o divine_a truth_n be_v spiritual_o ignorant_a even_o where_o in_o some_o respect_n he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o know_v for_o the_o scripture_n pronounce_v man_n ignorant_a of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o see_v and_o know_v in_o divine_a doctrine_n obedience_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o knowledge_n and_o holiness_n the_o best_a qualification_n to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n to_o this_o spiritual_a understanding_n there_o be_v need_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a supernatural_a light_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v understand_v our_o divine_n mean_v when_o they_o assert_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o spirit_n illumination_n thus_o speak_v the_o church_n of_o england_n scripture_n the_o revelation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n inspire_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n into_o we_o in_o truth_n we_o can_v without_o it_o attain_v true_a save_v 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these_o divine_n be_v this_o that_o no_o sense_n of_o scripture_n by_o what_o way_n or_o method_n soever_o find_v out_o can_v be_v full_o certain_a to_o any_o unless_o by_o the_o natural_a light_n of_o our_o understanding_n we_o can_v clear_o and_o distinct_o perceive_v it_o and_o be_v full_o persuade_v of_o its_o truth_n and_o that_o this_o clear_a perception_n and_o the_o sense_n a_o man_n have_v of_o it_o be_v that_o inward_a persuasion_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o they_o intend_v this_o will_v be_v grant_v they_o but_o if_o they_o mean_v not_o the_o natural_a light_n of_o man_n understanding_n or_o what_o be_v build_v upon_o that_o but_o a_o supernatural_a light_n above_z and_o beyond_o man_n natural_a reason_n not_o include_v in_o the_o mind_n or_o acquire_v by_o 3._o it_o but_o infuse_v and_o inspire_v from_o above_o this_o say_v he_o we_o disclaim_v and_o condemn_v for_o enthusiasm_n this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o censure_n that_o he_o pass_v upon_o this_o 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new_a doctrine_n unrevealed_a in_o scripture_n but_o in_o qualify_a and_o
never_o so_o inconsistent_a with_o or_o opposite_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o the_o dictate_v of_o sound_n and_o sober_a reason_n and_o be_v by_o this_o mean_v lay_v open_a to_o satanical_a delusion_n they_o be_v easy_o draw_v to_o believe_v the_o gross_a absurdity_n and_o some_o of_o they_o to_o practise_v the_o vile_a wickedness_n contrary_a to_o common_a honesty_n and_o the_o public_a peace_n justify_v all_o by_o their_o pretend_a revelation_n this_o be_v the_o character_n we_o have_v of_o enthusiast_n both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a from_o author_n of_o unquestionable_a credit_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o where_o in_o this_o world_n any_o of_o the_o remainder_n of_o that_o sect_n as_o it_o be_v probable_a enough_o there_o be_v that_o entertain_v such_o wild_a and_o frantic_a conception_n let_v they_o bear_v their_o sin_n and_o shame_n but_o of_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o the_o person_n thus_o charge_v by_o wolzogen_n and_o his_o complice_n can_v 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whatsoever_o they_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o it_o be_v by_o and_o from_o the_o scripture_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o regular_a exercise_n of_o their_o rational_a faculty_n and_o such_o as_o they_o be_v â—eady_o at_o all_o time_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o from_o scripture-ground_n to_o any_o sober_a intelligent_a person_n that_o shall_v demand_v it_o they_o therefore_o disow_v and_o reject_v the_o absurd_a principle_n and_o arrogant_a presumption_n of_o the_o falsly-called_a mystical_a theology_n set_v on_o fooâ—_n ancient_o and_o revive_v in_o late_a year_n that_o pretend_v to_o ecstatick_a rapture_n and_o deification_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o a_o utter_a cessation_n of_o all_o intellectual_a operation_n the_o original_a of_o which_o fantastic_a theology_n dr._n meric_n casaubon_n derive_v from_o 3._o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n intimate_v withal_o the_o great_a affinity_n between_o this_o and_o the_o new_a method_n so_o much_o cry_v up_o of_o late_a which_o those_o who_o it_o concern_v may_v consider_v of_o at_o their_o leisure_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o take_v that_o for_o grant_v which_o have_v be_v agreeable_o to_o plain_a and_o evident_a scripture_n the_o acknowledge_a doctrine_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n however_o deny_v and_o deride_v by_o some_o late_a innovator_n that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n be_v according_a to_o christ_n own_o promise_n give_v to_o dwell_v 27._o in_o the_o heart_n of_o christian_n to_o beget_v and_o preserve_v spiritual_a life_n in_o they_o to_o conduct_v they_o in_o their_o way_n to_o strengthen_v they_o with_o might_n in_o the_o inner_a man_n to_o shed_v abroad_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o witness_v their_o adoption_n to_o assist_v they_o in_o holy_a service_n and_o gradual_o to_o perfect_v the_o work_n of_o sanctification_n in_o they_o to_o spend_v many_o word_n in_o prove_v this_o which_o be_v already_o so_o clear_a to_o all_o unbiased_a judgement_n be_v to_o to_o light_v a_o candle_n before_o the_o sun_n as_o for_o that_o ridiculous_a sense_n that_o some_o have_v endeavour_v to_o fasten_v upon_o these_o or_o some_o of_o these_o scripture_n as_o if_o they_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v only_o of_o the_o spirit_n as_o give_v to_o the_o church_n in_o common_a and_o not_o to_o particular_a christian_n it_o be_v so_o utter_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o scope_n of_o those_o respective_a place_n and_o run_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o whole_a stream_n of_o scripture_n and_o all_o antiquity_n that_o i_o think_v it_o needless_a to_o waste_v time_n in_o refute_v it_o he_o that_o will_v but_o considerate_o read_v over_o the_o several_a place_n and_o faithful_o examine_v the_o context_n may_v easy_o see_v the_o vanity_n of_o it_o that_o of_o the_o learned_a grotius_n be_v clear_a and_o full_a not_o only_o 22._o the_o whole_a collective_a body_n of_o the_o faithful_a but_o also_o particular_a believer_n be_v right_o call_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a 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