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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 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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
imâ—â—â—â—atur_fw-la guilford_n 〈…〉_z nrico_fw-la episcopo_fw-la 〈…〉_z be_v dom._n decem_fw-la 〈…〉_z the_o scripture_n genuine_a interpreter_n assert_v or_o a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o right_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n wherein_o a_o late_a exercitation_n entitle_v philosophia_fw-la s._n scripturae_fw-la interpres_fw-la be_v examine_v and_o the_o protestant_a doctrine_n in_o that_o point_n vindicated_n with_o some_o reflection_n on_o another_o discourse_n of_o l._n w._n write_a in_o answer_n to_o the_o say_a exercitation_n to_o which_o be_v add_v a_o appendix_n concern_v internal_a illumination_n and_o other_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man._n justify_v the_o doctrine_n of_o protestant_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o serious_a christian_n against_o the_o charge_n of_o enthusiasm_n and_o other_o unjust_a crimination_n by_o john_n wilson_n m._n a._n sometime_o of_o kath._n hall_n in_o cambridge_n in_o the_o savoy_n print_v by_o t._n n._n for_o r._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 1678._o dignissimo_fw-la clarissimoque_fw-la viro_fw-la d._n jonathani_fw-la keat_n equiti_fw-la aurato_fw-la &_o baronetto_n moecenati_fw-la plurimum_fw-la honorando_fw-la pagellas_fw-la hasce_fw-la genuini_fw-la scripturarum_fw-la interpretis_fw-la assertorias_fw-la in_o debitae_fw-la gratitudinis_fw-la &_o observantiae_fw-la testimonium_fw-la d._n d._n d._n joannes_n wilson_n a_o prefatory_n address_v to_o the_o reader_n courteous_a reader_n it_o be_v not_o any_o pleasure_n in_o polemic_a discourse_n that_o have_v engage_v i_o in_o this_o contest_v a_o work_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v so_o far_o from_o afford_v i_o any_o true_a delight_n in_o these_o decline_a year_n of_o my_o life_n that_o if_o so_o concern_v a_o truth_n as_o i_o have_v here_o endeavour_v to_o defend_v have_v not_o call_v for_o a_o seasonable_a vindication_n against_o the_o assault_n of_o a_o dare_a adversary_n i_o can_v with_o much_o more_o ease_n and_o better_a satisfaction_n to_o myself_o have_v sit_v down_o with_o silence_n i_o can_v but_o think_v that_o by_o all_o who_o take_v the_o holy_a scripgreat_a part_n whereof_o do_v better_a understand_v their_o own_o language_n than_o another_o i_o account_v the_o objection_n less_o valuable_a and_o so_o resolve_v to_o proceed_v but_o whereas_o i_o have_v here_o and_o there_o reflect_v upon_o some_o passage_n in_o the_o discourse_n of_o ludovicus_n wolzogen_n as_o they_o come_v in_o my_o way_n i_o give_v my_o reader_n to_o understand_v that_o this_o arise_v not_o from_o any_o prejudice_n against_o the_o person_n of_o that_o noble_a author_n to_o who_o honourable_a parentage_n and_o excellent_a learning_n i_o shall_v ever_o render_v all_o due_a respect_n but_o find_v he_o to_o have_v so_o plain_o injure_v the_o cause_n he_o undertake_v and_o so_o unhandsome_o treat_v our_o most_o eminent_a protestant_a author_n that_o have_v with_o much_o judgement_n and_o solidity_n defend_v it_o i_o be_o hopeful_o persuade_v that_o those_o few_o animadversion_n which_o i_o have_v make_v upon_o his_o write_n will_v not_o be_v unacceptable_a to_o the_o friend_n of_o truth_n the_o intricacy_n and_o perplexedness_n of_o his_o discourse_n have_v put_v i_o to_o some_o pain_n to_o understand_v his_o meaning_n for_o i_o have_v not_o satisfy_v myself_o with_o a_o slight_a or_o transient_a view_n but_o have_v peruse_v his_o book_n over_o and_o over_o with_o intenseness_n of_o mind_n that_o i_o may_v be_v sure_a not_o to_o mistake_v or_o misrepresent_v he_o and_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v appear_v to_o the_o unprejudiced_a upon_o consult_v his_o book_n and_o compare_v i_o with_o it_o that_o i_o have_v do_v he_o right_n one_o advertisement_n more_o i_o must_v add_v viz._n that_o my_o citation_n out_o of_o the_o say_v author_n book_n de_fw-fr scripturarum_fw-la interpret_v relate_v to_o a_o second_o edition_n of_o it_o as_o it_o stand_v before_o his_o censura_fw-la censurae_fw-la and_o threfore_o the_o number_n of_o the_o page_n cite_v be_v not_o those_o on_o the_o top_n of_o the_o leaf_n but_o those_o in_o the_o margin_n relate_v to_o the_o first_o edition_n which_o i_o suppose_v for_o i_o have_v not_o see_v it_o be_v print_v in_o a_o lesser_a volume_n a_o brief_a summary_n of_o the_o content_n of_o the_o discourse_n about_o the_o scripture_n interpreter_n the_o introduction_n wherein_o the_o question_n about_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n be_v propound_v the_o term_n explain_v and_o the_o follow_a dissertation_n divide_v into_o two_o part_n the_o first_o part_n that_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n be_v not_o the_o scripture_n interpreter_n chap._n 1._o the_o term_n explain_v and_o the_o controversy_n state_v 2._o the_o first_o argument_n from_o the_o condition_n of_o deprave_a reason_n 3._o exception_n against_o the_o former_a argument_n remove_v 4._o a_o second_o argument_n from_o the_o disproportion_n between_o humane_a reason_n and_o matier_n of_o divine_a revelation_n a_o exception_n against_o it_o answer_v 5._o a_o three_o argument_n from_o a_o absurdity_n follow_v thereupon_o 6._o a_o four_o argument_n from_o another_o great_a absurdity_n 7._o a_o five_o argument_n from_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o open_v a_o gap_n to_o the_o worst_a of_o error_n 8._o a_o six_o argument_n from_o one_o great_a end_n of_o scripture-revelation_n 9_o the_o contrary_a argument_n examine_v the_o first_o from_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o sense_n in_o the_o scripture_n 10._o a_o second_o from_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o philosophy_n 11._o a_o three_o from_o the_o suppose_a sufficiency_n of_o philosophy_n 12._o a_o four_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a perception_n 13._o a_o five_o from_o the_o suppose_a practice_n of_o former_a divine_n 14._o a_o six_o from_o instance_n in_o some_o considerable_a scripture-assertion_n suppose_v not_o interpretable_a without_o philosophy_n 15._o a_o seven_o from_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o religion_n 16._o scripture_n allege_v by_o our_o divine_n vindicate_v 17._o no_o contrariety_n between_o scripture_n and_o sound_a philosophy_n the_o second_o part_n that_o scripture_n be_v its_o own_o interpreter_n chap._n 1._o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o this_o point_n clear_v 2._o the_o first_o argument_n from_o the_o scripture_n sufficiency_n the_o first_o branch_n the_o scripture_n perfection_n 3._o a_o second_o branch_n of_o the_o argument_n the_o scripture_n perspicuity_n 4._o a_o exception_n against_o the_o scripture_n perspicuity_n from_o the_o ambiguity_n of_o word_n remove_v 5._o a_o second_o exception_n remove_v 6._o a_o three_o exception_n remove_v 7._o a_o four_o from_o the_o suppose_a difference_n between_o the_o simple_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o author_n remove_v 8._o a_o five_o and_o six_o exception_n remove_v 9_o a_o three_o branch_n of_o the_o first_o argument_n the_o scripture_n authenticness_n urge_v and_o a_o exception_n remove_v 10._o a_o second_o argument_n from_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n 11._o a_o exception_n against_o this_o argument_n from_o reason_n be_v part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n disprove_v 12._o a_o exception_n from_o the_o scripture_n take_v material_o and_o formal_o remove_v 13._o several_a objection_n against_o the_o scripture_n be_v its_o own_o interpreter_n answer_v the_o conclusion_n reflect_v upon_o some_o passage_n in_o the_o exercitator_n epilogue_n the_o introduction_n 1._o a_o entrance_n make_v into_o the_o discourse_n the_o question_n about_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n propound_v and_o the_o term_n brief_o explain_v 2._o the_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n distinguish_v from_o the_o mean_n which_o be_v many_o and_o various_a 3._o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o romanist_n concern_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o present_a church_n and_o that_o other_o about_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o ancient_n light_o touch_v and_o pass_v by_o 4._o the_o protestant_a doctrine_n in_o this_o point_n what_o it_o be_v and_o the_o contrary_a novel_a opinion_n of_o a_o late_a exercitator_n the_o follow_a discourse_n divide_v into_o two_o part_n the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v i._o design_v of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o child_n of_o man_n for_o their_o conduct_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o their_o chief_a end_n we_o can_v but_o judge_v it_o consentaneous_a to_o his_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n to_o order_v the_o write_n of_o they_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o that_o his_o mind_n in_o they_o might_n in_o the_o due_a use_n of_o his_o appoint_a mean_n be_v understand_v by_o those_o for_o who_o use_n and_o benefit_n they_o be_v intend_v and_o though_o the_o subject_a matter_n they_o treat_v of_o be_v often_o very_o deep_a and_o mysterious_a yet_o the_o way_n of_o proposal_n be_v very_o condescend_v and_o what_o ever_o be_v of_o necessity_n to_o our_o duty_n and_o happiness_n be_v obvious_a to_o the_o diligent_a and_o humble_a inquirer_n nevertheless_o many_o passage_n in_o these_o sacred_a record_n have_v those_o difficulty_n
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 be_v conjoin_v in_o proposition_n or_o sentence_n and_o as_o those_o proposition_n stand_v in_o such_o a_o contexture_n and_o with_o such_o a_o dependence_n on_o and_o relation_n to_o what_o go_v before_o and_o after_o and_o as_o in_o this_o frame_n and_o order_n they_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o declare_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n to_o men._n now_o whereas_o the_o whole_a scripture_n though_o it_o have_v the_o same_o divine_a original_a and_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o same_o ultimate_a end_n yet_o contain_v in_o it_o great_a variety_n of_o matter_n doctrine_n history_n prophecy_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v the_o two_o former_a that_o we_o be_v especial_o concern_v in_o and_o therefore_o shall_v wave_v the_o prophetic_a part_n what_o be_v yet_o â—…fulfilled_v further_o than_o it_o may_v fall_v in_o with_o any_o of_o the_o other_o the_o best_a and_o most_o convince_a interpreter_n of_o prophecy_n be_v the_o event_n unless_o god_n shall_v beforehand_o unfold_v they_o by_o extraordinary_a 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cry_v up_o oral_a tradition_n for_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n so_o great_a be_v the_o power_n of_o prejudice_n and_o partial_a interest_n have_v ridiculous_o and_o profane_o affirm_v but_o that_o they_o have_v a_o true_a sense_n originally_n and_o essential_o in_o themselves_o give_v they_o by_o their_o author_n when_o they_o be_v first_o indict_v to_o deny_v or_o question_v this_o be_v to_o impute_v that_o to_o the_o most_o wise_a god_n that_o common_a civility_n forbid_v we_o to_o charge_v upon_o any_o man_n of_o ordinary_a understanding_n second_o that_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v fix_v and_o immutable_a not_o vary_v with_o the_o time_n or_o alter_v according_a to_o the_o differ_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v most_o absurd_o assert_v by_o cardinal_n cusanus_fw-la in_o epistola_fw-la contra_fw-la bohemos_n as_o i_o find_v it_o attest_v by_o many_o credible_a author_n 18._o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o it_o always_o have_v and_o ever_o will_v have_v to_o the_o world_n end_n the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n by_o which_o we_o can_v understand_v no_o more_o than_o the_o measure_n by_o agreement_n or_o disagreement_n to_o which_o we_o judge_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n whether_o it_o be_v right_a or_o wrong_n whether_o it_o be_v indeed_o what_o it_o pretend_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n under_o inquiry_n or_o a_o mistake_a sense_n undue_o fasten_v upon_o it_o or_o in_o few_o word_n the_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n be_v that_o which_o give_v we_o the_o objective_a evidence_n by_o which_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v discern_v and_o for_o which_o it_o be_v receive_v here_o let_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o it_o be_v one_o 2._o thing_n to_o inquire_v what_o mean_v we_o be_v to_o use_v in_o search_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o another_o what_o be_v the_o rule_n that_o must_v guide_v we_o in_o determine_v what_o that_o sense_n be_v for_o though_o the_o rule_n he_o also_o a_o mean_n yet_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v use_v as_o a_o mean_n have_v not_o the_o place_n of_o a_o rule_n the_o mean_n be_v many_o the_o rule_n but_o one_o understand_v it_o not_o of_o any_o subordinate_a or_o ministerial_a rule_n but_o of_o that_o which_o be_v supreme_a and_o autocratorical_a for_o that_o be_v the_o rule_n under_o our_o present_a inquiry_n the_o mean_v subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n be_v either_o general_n or_o special_a the_o general_n be_v two_o méditation_n and_o prayer_n 1._o there_o must_v be_v a_o fix_a intend_v of_o the_o mind_n to_o consider_v of_o what_o we_o either_o read_v in_o or_o hear_v from_o the_o scripture_n and_o of_o whatsoever_o we_o meet_v with_o that_o may_v help_v we_o to_o understand_v it_o this_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v of_o as_o the_o daily_a practice_n of_o every_o holy-blessed_n man_n psal._n 1._o 1_o 2._o and_o profess_v it_o of_o himself_o psal._n 119_o 15._o 97._o but_o second_o there_o be_v need_n of_o prayer_n also_o for_o divine_a assistance_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o understand_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n aright_o this_o the_o psalmist_n use_v psal._n 119._o 18._o 19_o 26_o 27_o 73._o though_o he_o have_v the_o copy_n of_o the_o law_n by_o he_o according_a to_o that_o command_n of_o god_n which_o we_o have_v upon_o record_n in_o deut._n 17._o 18_o 19_o and_o do_v use_v daily_o to_o read_v it_o and_o meditate_v on_o it_o yet_o he_o think_v not_o this_o enough_o but_o beg_v of_o god_n to_o have_v his_o eye_n open_v etc._n etc._n when_o our_o saviour_n discourse_v with_o his_o disciple_n after_o his_o resurrection_n concern_v himself_o and_o his_o suffering_n it_o be_v say_v luke_n 24._o 45._o that_o he_o open_v their_o undestanding_n that_o they_o may_v understand_v the_o scripture_n he_o do_v not_o only_o open_v the_o scripture_n by_o external_n instruction_n as_o it_o be_v say_v before_o vers_fw-la 27_o and_o 32._o but_o as_o the_o learned_a grotius_n observe_v upon_o the_o place_n he_o open_v their_o mind_n by_o the_o internal_a illumination_n of_o his_o spirit_n this_o the_o apostle_n pray_v for_o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o ephesian_n and_o colossian_n eph._n 1._o 16_o 17_o 18._o col._n 1._o 9_o though_o they_o have_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n already_o publish_v to_o they_o and_o the_o same_o apostle_n write_v to_o timothy_n have_v exhort_v he_o to_o consider_v what_o he_o have_v say_v to_o he_o he_o add_v this_o prayer_n for_o he_o the_o lord_n give_v thou_o understanding_n in_o all_o thing_n i_o will_v glad_o suppose_v there_o be_v none_o that_o call_v themselves_o christian_n but_o do_v own_o the_o need_n and_o use_v of_o prayer_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o god_n will_v which_o necessary_o carry_v with_o it_o a_o interpretative_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o need_n we_o have_v of_o something_o from_o god_n above_o our_o natural_a ability_n to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n and_o i_o do_v profess_v myself_o to_o have_v have_v the_o better_a and_o more_o honourable_a esteem_n of_o that_o great_a schoolman_n thomas_n aquinas_n since_o i_o read_v this_o of_o he_o that_o it_o be_v his_o manner_n whensoever_o he_o be_v granatensis_n either_o to_o study_v in_o private_a or_o discourse_n in_o public_a to_o pray_v fervent_o to_o god_n for_o assistance_n that_o he_o may_v learn_v of_o he_o what_o he_o be_v to_o teach_v other_o and_o that_o he_o do_v candid_o acknowledge_v in_o secret_a to_o his_o intimate_a friend_n reginaldus_n that_o what_o divine_a knowledge_n he_o have_v be_v attain_v by_o prayer_n more_o than_o by_o any_o humane_a wit_n or_o labour_n but_o who_o expect_v success_n in_o seek_v divine_a assistance_n it_o behoove_v he_o to_o bring_v with_o he_o a_o meek_a and_o humble_a heart_n awe_v with_o the_o holy_a fear_n and_o
reverence_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o word_n for_o want_v of_o which_o too_o many_o have_v great_o pollute_v these_o holy_a mystery_n with_o the_o wanton_a conceit_n or_o profane_a excursion_n of_o a_o unhollwed_a wit_n and_o mortal_o poison_v themselves_o and_o other_o by_o their_o corrupt_a handle_v this_o bread_n of_o life_n the_o special_a mean_n of_o interpretation_n be_v twofold_a some_o be_v more_o remote_a which_o i_o shall_v only_o name_v not_o intend_v any_o discourse_n about_o they_o because_o my_o work_n lie_v another_o way_n these_o remote_a help_n be_v 1._o some_o competent_a knowledge_n of_o and_o recourse_n to_o the_o original_a tongue_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n be_v first_o pen_v with_o a_o due_a observation_n of_o the_o propriety_n of_o each_o language_n 2._o skill_n to_o discern_v between_o the_o proper_a use_n of_o the_o word_n and_o phrase_n of_o scripture_n and_o that_o which_o be_v tropical_a and_o figurative_a in_o these_o grammar_n and_o rhetoric_n have_v their_o use_n 3._o some_o insight_n into_o the_o peculiar_a law_n custom_n and_o proverbial_a speech_n of_o those_o time_n and_o place_n that_o the_o scripture_n relate_v to_o which_o require_v some_o knowledge_n in_o history_n there_o be_v sundry_a passage_n both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n that_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o know_a custom_n of_o the_o gentile_n as_o in_o their_o divination_n idolatrous_a worship_n public_a game_n and_o many_o more_o that_o have_v relation_n to_o the_o peculiar_a rite_n and_o mode_n of_o speech_n in_o use_n among_o the_o jew_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o part_n of_o phylology_n but_o may_v have_v its_o use_n in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n 4._o there_o be_v great_a use_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o philosophy_n not_o only_o moral_a but_o natural_a for_o the_o clear_n of_o many_o thing_n in_o scripture_n that_o be_v of_o natural_a cognisance_n as_o about_o the_o structure_n of_o man_n body_n and_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o nature_n motion_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n the_o temperament_n of_o the_o several_a region_n of_o the_o world_n as_o also_o about_o the_o element_n and_o meteor_n about_o number_n and_o measure_n the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o several_a creature_n beast_n bird_n and_o plant_n and_o many_o other_o thing_n treat_v of_o in_o the_o bible_n either_o by_o way_n of_o history_n or_o parable_n 5._o logic_n have_v also_o its_o use_n here_o for_o the_o better_a discern_v the_o dependence_n of_o one_o thing_n in_o scripture_n upon_o another_o and_o collect_v of_o one_o thing_n from_o another_o the_o more_o immediate_a mean_n be_v chief_o two_o 1._o a_o due_a observation_n of_o the_o several_a circumstance_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v interpret_v who_o it_o be_v that_o speak_v where_o &_o when_o and_o to_o who_o &_o upon_o what_o occasion_n here_o also_o come_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o coherent_n with_o antecedent_n and_o consequence_n together_o with_o the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o speaker_n all_o which_o be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o discover_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n 2._o compare_v scripture_n with_o scripture_n or_o consult_v other_o scripture_n whether_o parallel_n with_o or_o seem_o opposite_a to_o the_o place_n under_o consideration_n now_o to_o the_o use_n of_o all_o these_o forementioned_a mean_n or_o help_v both_o general_n and_o special_a remote_a and_o immediate_a i_o think_v all_o agree_v but_o about_o the_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n there_o be_v not_o so_o universal_a a_o accord_n the_o romanist_n for_o the_o most_o part_n will_v have_v this_o rule_n to_o be_v the_o judgement_n 3._o of_o the_o present_a church_n mean_v their_o own_o but_o i_o shall_v not_o deal_v with_o this_o it_o be_v weakness_n in_o what_o sense_n soever_o take_v for_o they_o agree_v not_o among_o themselves_o have_v be_v sufficient_o discover_v by_o the_o worthy_a labour_n of_o many_o both_o former_o and_o of_o late_a etc._n some_o few_o there_o be_v who_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o scripture_n suppose_v the_o rule_n and_o summary_n of_o religion_n deliver_v from_o one_o age_n to_o another_o which_o we_o be_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o in_o search_v out_o the_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n and_o this_o rule_n they_o say_v be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o monument_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n and_o determination_n of_o council_n from_o whence_o we_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o thereby_o know_v what_o be_v the_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o first_o age_n and_o according_a to_o that_o interpret_v the_o scripture_n but_o if_o this_o must_v be_v our_o way_n of_o proceed_v we_o may_v very_o well_o despair_n of_o ever_o understand_v the_o scripture_n except_o when_o they_o speak_v with_o so_o much_o plainness_n that_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o no_o interpretation_n for_o what_o a_o heap_n of_o uncertainty_n must_v we_o lay_v for_o the_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v that_o the_o father_n do_v oft_o differ_v from_o each_o other_o and_o many_o time_n be_v not_o consistent_a with_o themselves_o council_n have_v determine_v contrary_a one_o to_o another_o and_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v as_o far_o as_o appear_v to_o we_o by_o all_o extant_a monument_n of_o antiquity_n agreeable_a to_o the_o common_a sentiment_n in_o our_o age_n be_v lay_v aside_o in_o another_o beside_o either_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o first_o age_n write_v nothing_o or_o their_o write_n be_v lose_v and_o of_o those_o that_o now_o go_v under_o venerable_a name_n many_o be_v plain_o spurious_a and_o many_o dubious_a nor_o be_v it_o easy_a in_o several_a of_o they_o for_o the_o most_o sagacious_a reader_n to_o find_v out_o the_o right_n insomuch_o as_o we_o can_v have_v any_o tolerable_a assurance_n 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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
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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battalion_n against_o those_o of_o the_o reformation_n and_o all_o that_o fight_v under_o their_o colour_n and_o in_o the_o sequel_n of_o his_o discourse_n he_o have_v gratify_v none_o so_o much_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o in_o his_o positive_a proof_n such_o as_o it_o be_v of_o his_o novel_a position_n he_o have_v not_o a_o little_a befriend_v the_o socinian_n though_o he_o will_v seem_v to_o divide_v himself_o from_o they_o both_o however_o both_o in_o the_o astructive_a and_o destructive_a part_n of_o his_o book_n he_o be_v a_o declare_a adversary_n to_o the_o protestant_a cause_n for_o my_o more_o orderly_a proceed_n i_o shall_v divide_v my_o ensue_a dissertation_n into_o two_o part_n in_o the_o former_a whereof_o i_o shall_v deal_v with_o this_o exercitator_n new_a device_n of_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n be_v the_o scripture_n interpreter_n disprove_v it_o and_o answer_v such_o argument_n as_o i_o find_v allege_v or_o imagine_v may_v be_v allege_v for_o it_o in_o the_o latter_a i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o clear_v and_o assert_v the_o protestant_a doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v its_o own_o interpreter_n and_o answer_v the_o objection_n against_o it_o the_o scripture_n genuine_a interpreter_n assert_v etc._n etc._n part_n i._n humane_a reason_n or_o philosophy_n no_o sure_a interpreter_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n chap._n i._n 1._o the_o proposition_n deny_v reason_n and_o philosophy_n to_o be_v the_o scripture_n interpreter_n lay_v down_o and_o the_o term_n explain_v 2._o how_o far_o they_o have_v their_o use_n and_o what_o we_o deny_v 3._o who_o they_o be_v that_o have_v ascribe_v too_o much_o to_o they_o first_o then_o i_o assert_v against_o the_o exercitator_n 1._o position_n 1._o that_o humane_a reason_n or_o philosophy_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v or_o allow_v as_o the_o sure_a and_o sufficient_a interpreter_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o our_o more_o clear_a proceed_n it_o be_v requisite_a i_o shall_v explain_v my_o meaning_n before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o my_o assertion_n let_v it_o therefore_o be_v consider_v that_o reason_n may_v be_v three_o way_n take_v first_o for_o that_o power_n and_o faculty_n in_o man_n whereby_o he_o be_v enable_v to_o apprehend_v judge_n and_o discourse_n of_o such_o object_n as_o be_v present_v to_o his_o understanding_n now_o this_o fall_n under_o a_o twofold_a conception_n according_a to_o the_o twofold_a state_n of_o man_n innocent_a or_o fallen_n man_n reason_n as_o it_o be_v original_o when_o god_n first_o make_v he_o be_v pure_a and_o clear_a not_o cloud_v or_o blind_v not_o deprave_v or_o distort_v there_o be_v nothing_o to_o darken_v or_o disturb_v it_o it_o be_v then_o a_o glorious_a beam_n stream_v forth_o from_o the_o eternal_a light_n but_o man_n apostasy_n as_o it_o vitiate_v his_o other_o faculty_n so_o it_o benight_a his_o reason_n and_o expose_v it_o to_o further_a depravation_n by_o the_o prevalency_n of_o disorder_a passion_n and_o sinful_a lusts._n yet_o even_o in_o this_o state_n his_o reason_n be_v not_o lose_v though_o it_o be_v much_o corrupt_v i_o be_o far_o from_o that_o late_a author_n mind_n that_o say_v 59_o quae_fw-la fallet_fw-la aut_fw-la falliter_fw-la ratio_fw-la minimè_fw-la ratio_fw-la dicenda_fw-la reason_n that_o deceive_v or_o be_v deceive_v be_v not_o to_o be_v call_v reason_n man_n reason_n notwithstanding_o its_o pravity_n be_v still_o keep_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o understand_v his_o great_a concern_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o those_o gracious_a aid_n that_o god_n afford_v he_o and_o have_v in_o all_o age_n be_v of_o great_a use_n for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n in_o reference_n both_o to_o man_n personal_a and_o politic_a affair_n therefore_o i_o need_v not_o fear_v to_o say_v that_o next_o to_o holiness_n man_n reason_n be_v his_o great_a glory_n second_o reason_n be_v take_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o intellectual_a power_n in_o inquire_v discover_v compare_v judge_a 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the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o their_o mutual_a respect_n wherein_o as_o in_o a_o glass_n our_o understanding_n see_v they_o represent_v and_o be_v dispose_v to_o assent_v to_o they_o at_o the_o first_o view_n the_o secondary_a or_o acquire_v principle_n be_v those_o which_o be_v not_o so_o obvious_a as_o the_o former_a but_o by_o rational_a discourse_n be_v true_o and_o sound_o deduce_v from_o they_o and_o here_o fall_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o philosophy_n which_o be_v make_v up_o of_o these_o principle_n methodical_o digest_v and_o by_o it_o i_o understand_v that_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o work_n which_o be_v attainable_a in_o this_o mortal_a state_n by_o the_o improvement_n of_o that_o light_n that_o be_v connatural_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o man._n this_o though_o it_o be_v much_o inferior_a to_o scripture-light_n yet_o it_o be_v both_o a_o exercise_n and_o a_o advancement_n of_o reason_n a_o noble_a study_n and_o of_o excellent_a use_n if_o right_o manage_v not_o only_o for_o the_o beautify_v but_o the_o better_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o raise_v it_o to_o a_o high_a admiration_n and_o humble_a adoration_n of_o that_o infinite_a be_v who_o wisdom_n power_n and_o goodness_n be_v so_o eminent_o conspicuous_a in_o all_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o in_o the_o world_n as_o some_o say_v there_o be_v that_o deny_v or_o reproach_v sound_a philosophy_n or_o the_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n as_o i_o know_v they_o not_o so_o neither_o shall_v i_o plead_v their_o cause_n now_o as_o to_o the_o case_n before_o we_o first_o it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o for_o the_o 2._o interpret_n of_o scripture_n there_o be_v a_o necessary_a use_n of_o the_o faculty_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o several_a act_n of_o it_o as_o instrumental_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o find_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n faith_n do_v not_o exclude_v reason_n but_o elevate_v and_o advance_v it_o by_o give_v it_o a_o clear_a light_n it_o do_v
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 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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
if_o not_o by_o the_o scripture_n shall_v the_o unquestionable_a word_n of_o god_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o bar_n of_o man_n reason_n and_o be_v try_v by_o its_o dictate_v and_o shall_v these_o dictate_v of_o our_o lame_a and_o imperfect_a reason_n in_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o eternity_n be_v uncontrollable_a and_o admit_v without_o any_o debate_n in_o matter_n of_o pure_a revelation_n as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o only_a supremelaw_n overrule_a all_o supernatural_a discovery_n of_o god_n will_n do_v we_o not_o know_v that_o man_n conception_n concern_v the_o principle_n of_o reason_n be_v various_a some_o say_v one_o thing_n be_v a_o sound_a principle_n of_o reason_n and_o other_o will_v plead_v for_o the_o contrary_a beside_o there_o be_v as_o great_a a_o difference_n in_o the_o application_n of_o the_o same_o principle_n to_o particular_a case_n when_o reason_n alone_o be_v the_o warrant_n 3._o and_o the_o guide_n say_v the_o late_a bishop_n of_o down_o a_o man_n shall_v not_o always_o find_v out_o what_o 〈◊〉_d please_v to_o god_n and_o it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o say_v that_o not_o every_o man_n reason_n but_o right_o reason_n shall_v be_v the_o law_n for_o every_o man_n think_v his_o own_o reason_n right_a and_o whole_a nation_n differ_v in_o the_o assignation_n and_o opinon_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o who_o shall_v be_v judge_n of_o all_o but_o god_n this_o be_v certain_a that_o sundry_a philosopher_n of_o old_a who_o be_v cry_v up_o for_o man_n of_o strong_a reason_n and_o many_o learned_a man_n of_o late_a who_o profess_v a_o high_a esteem_n of_o reason_n and_o frequent_o appeal_v to_o that_o in_o their_o novel_a opinion_n be_v chargeable_a with_o many_o gross_a absurdity_n in_o their_o tenet_n inconsistent_a with_o the_o plain_a principle_n of_o natural_a light_n yea_o be_v not_o many_o learned_a atheist_n reckon_v by_o themselves_o and_o other_o great_a master_n of_o reason_n what_o natural_a principle_n more_o clear_a and_o undoubted_a than_o this_o that_o two_o contradiction_n can_v be_v true_a at_o once_o insomuch_o as_o it_o be_v conceive_v by_o some_o that_o all_o principle_n that_o be_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o be_v prove_v in_o any_o natural_a science_n if_o they_o be_v true_o so_o may_v easy_o be_v resolve_v into_o this_o one_o a_o thing_n can_v at_o once_o be_v and_o not_o be_v and_o yet_o even_o this_o principle_n of_o contradiction_n have_v be_v deny_v by_o some_o whereof_o we_o have_v a_o pregnant_a instance_n in_o weigelius_n and_o his_o follower_n and_o a_o late_a carmelite_n friar_n beside_o what_o aristotle_n say_v of_o some_o ancient_a philosopher_n great_a be_v man_n proneness_n to_o judge_v according_a to_o his_o inclination_n and_o interest_n it_o be_v a_o know_a observation_n such_o as_o a_o man_n be_v such_o he_o think_v god_n to_o be_v and_o according_a to_o the_o prevail_a bent_n of_o his_o heart_n so_o be_v his_o conception_n of_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n and_o it_o be_v a_o old_a complaint_n scripturarum_fw-la esse_fw-la volumus_fw-la quae_fw-la nostra_fw-la sunt_fw-la be_v it_o therefore_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v some_o common_a maxim_n wherein_o all_o agree_v be_v such_o as_o shine_v by_o their_o own_o light_n and_o which_o the_o scripture_n always_o suppose_v yet_o these_o be_v so_o general_a and_o so_o few_o that_o they_o will_v not_o reach_v far_o to_o be_v sure_a not_o beyond_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v mere_o natural_a and_o as_o for_o those_o acquire_v principle_n that_o be_v draw_v by_o deduction_n from_o the_o former_a there_o be_v so_o great_a variety_n of_o man_n apprehension_n concern_v they_o that_o they_o can_v be_v allow_v in_o this_o case_n for_o a_o sufficient_a or_o tolerable_a rule_n of_o judgement_n for_o in_o these_o we_o see_v that_o those_o who_o be_v for_o determine_v all_o by_o maxim_n of_o reason_n be_v great_o at_o odds_o among_o themselves_o and_o some_o in_o that_o variety_n must_v needs_o err_v if_o not_o all_o but_o perhaps_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o man_n exposition_n of_o scripture_n be_v inst._n likewise_o various_a and_o many_o time_n erroneous_a and_o yet_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o reject_v because_o that_o be_v always_o the_o same_o and_o incorrupt_a so_o though_o man_n apprehension_n about_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n be_v various_a and_o mistake_v yet_o the_o principle_n themselves_o be_v the_o same_o all_o the_o world_n over_o and_o continue_v in_o all_o age_n uncorrupt_a and_o therefore_o may_v well_o be_v admit_v for_o a_o rule_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v as_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o same_o and_o incorrupt_a notwithstanding_o man_n various_a sol._n and_o erroneous_a apprehension_n and_o interpretation_n so_o we_o can_v tell_v where_o to_o find_v they_o and_o have_v recourse_n to_o they_o and_o consult_v with_o they_o they_o be_v a_o stand_a record_n open_a and_o obvious_a to_o our_o search_n but_o for_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n though_o they_o lie_v fundamental_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n yet_o if_o we_o lay_v scriture_n aside_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v formal_o exist_v any_o where_o but_o in_o the_o mind_n and_o write_n of_o man_n who_o be_v confess_v to_o be_v various_a and_o liable_a to_o mistake_v and_o according_o natural_a principle_n be_v various_o conceive_v and_o may_v be_v dangerous_o pervert_v so_o that_o if_o we_o have_v not_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o sure_a test_n to_o try_v all_o by_o we_o shall_v be_v always_o at_o great_a uncertainty_n and_o in_o apparent_a danger_n of_o miscarry_v for_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v a_o certain_a truth_n that_o the_o bible_n be_v the_o most_o perfect_a comprehension_n of_o all_o principle_n of_o religion_n as_o well_o natural_a as_o supernatural_a nor_o know_v i_o any_o of_o the_o former_a of_o these_o for_o of_o the_o latter_a no_o question_n be_v make_v but_o what_o be_v more_o evident_o and_o distinct_o to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o scripture_n than_o in_o any_o other_o record_n whatsoever_o but_o reason_n say_v some_o be_v of_o god_n 3._o and_o therefore_o can_v deceive_v we_o i_o answer_v 1._o our_o sense_n also_o be_v of_o god_n and_o yet_o they_o may_v and_o do_v deceive_v we_o 2._o adam_n sol._n reason_n be_v of_o god_n and_o yet_o that_o deceive_v he_o even_o in_o his_o first_o state_n much_o more_o may_v we_o now_o 3._o though_o man_n reason_n be_v of_o god_n both_o as_o to_o the_o faculty_n and_o all_o its_o sound_a principle_n yet_o every_o thing_n that_o man_n reason_n suggest_v be_v not_o of_o god_n there_o be_v as_o the_o philosopher_n complain_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o spurious_a and_o adulterate_a kind_n of_o reason_v and_o how_o shall_v i_o know_v whether_o that_o which_o pretend_v to_o reason_n and_o to_o be_v of_o god_n be_v so_o indeed_o but_o by_o bring_v it_o to_o the_o test_n of_o scripture_n where_o god_n have_v make_v know_v his_o mind_n about_o matter_n of_o religion_n for_o of_o they_o i_o speak_v more_o plain_o and_o more_o full_o than_o by_o the_o clear_a beam_n of_o natural_a light_n but_o it_o be_v further_a reply_v that_o truth_n 1_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o truth_n therefore_o nothing_o in_o scripture_n can_v be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n understanding_n it_o of_o sound_a reason_n sol._n this_o be_v all_o grant_v but_o then_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v 1._o that_o every_o thing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v contrary_a to_o reason_v that_o reason_n can_v reach_v 2._o the_o former_a difficulty_n recurr_n how_o or_o where_o shall_v we_o be_v assure_v that_o what_o be_v allege_v for_o sound_a reason_n be_v so_o indeed_o except_v self-evident_a principle_n which_o be_v as_o i_o say_v but_o general_n and_o few_n where_o shall_v it_o be_v try_v see_v there_o have_v be_v and_o be_v many_o maxim_n or_o axiom_n common_o receive_v among_o learned_a man_n that_o will_v not_o hold_v 3._o what_o if_o there_o be_v no_o contrariety_n but_o only_o a_o appearance_n thereof_o it_o do_v not_o therefore_o follow_v that_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v control_v by_o reason_n but_o if_o there_o seem_v any_o opposition_n the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n be_v to_o be_v reduce_v and_o reconcile_v to_o scripture_n for_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n such_o i_o mean_v as_o be_v true_a and_o sound_a may_v carry_v a_o appear_a opposition_n to_o some_o scripture_n assertion_n because_o perhaps_o the_o say_a principle_n though_o general_o receive_v do_v admit_v of_o some_o limitation_n and_o restriction_n which_o through_o the_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o our_o reason_n we_o be_v not_o aware_a of_o in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v bold_a and_o dangerous_a to_o bend_v the_o scripture_n to_o those_o principle_n that_o which_o be_v variable_a and_o fallible_a be_v to_o be_v overrule_v by_o that_o which_o be_v fix_v and_o unerring_a as_o the_o holy_a
own_o will._n and_o if_o our_o reason_n will_v not_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o that_o it_o will_v but_o weary_v itself_o in_o fruitless_a inquiry_n and_o dangerous_o miscarry_v by_o its_o bold_a determination_n for_o instance_n what_o account_n can_v our_o reason_n give_v why_o god_n shall_v provide_v a_o saviour_n for_o lose_a man_n and_o none_o for_o the_o lapse_v angel_n why_o he_o shall_v clothe_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n with_o our_o dishonour_a nature_n and_o expose_v he_o to_o so_o bitter_a suffering_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n why_o he_o shall_v 〈…〉_z severe_o punish_v the_o crucifier_n of_o his_o son_n when_o what_o they_o do_v be_v fore-determine_a by_o himself_o in_o order_n to_o man_n salvation_n and_o why_o he_o shall_v suffer_v so_o much_o wickedness_n to_o be_v do_v which_o himself_o hate_v and_o can_v if_o he_o please_v by_o his_o almighty_a power_n hinder_v these_o and_o many_o more_o such_o instance_n may_v be_v give_v wherein_o man_n reason_n be_v puzzle_v as_o not_o find_v any_o thing_n wherein_o it_o can_v acquiesce_v but_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n that_o thus_o it_o shall_v be_v again_o god_n require_v we_o shall_v believe_v he_o upon_o his_o naked_a word_n though_o we_o know_v not_o which_o way_n that_o which_o he_o say_v can_v be_v and_o according_o he_o so_o manifest_v to_o we_o his_o mind_n that_o he_o will_v not_o gratify_v our_o vanity_n or_o pride_n in_o resolve_v the_o query_n and_o satisfy_v the_o objection_n that_o our_o curiosity_n may_v start_v about_o the_o truth_n reveal_v it_o be_v enough_o for_o we_o to_o know_v what_o he_o have_v say_v and_o to_o take_v it_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o word_n without_o ask_v how_o or_o why_o and_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o high_a reason_n imaginable_a that_o we_o shall_v give_v absolute_a credit_n to_o what_o he_o speak_v 2._o god_n sovereignty_n say_v the_o learned_a 9_o lord_n verulam_n reach_v to_o the_o whole_a man_n extend_v itself_o no_o less_o to_o his_o reason_n than_o his_o will_n so_o that_o it_o well_o become_v man_n to_o deny_v himself_o universal_o and_o yield_v up_o all_o to_o he_o wherefore_o as_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o the_o reluctancy_n of_o our_o will_n so_o be_v we_o also_o to_o believe_v his_o word_n though_o against_o the_o reluctancy_n of_o our_o reason_n i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o with_o the_o word_n of_o the_o learned_a grotius_n who_o have_v assert_v the_o doctrine_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v no_o way_n contrary_a to_o sound_v reason_n but_o agreeable_a thereunto_o he_o 3._o he_o have_v this_o remarkable_a passage_n ultra_fw-la haec_fw-la pro_fw-la comperto_fw-la aliquid_fw-la affirmare_fw-la aut_fw-la de_fw-la dei_fw-la natura_fw-la aut_fw-la de_fw-la ejus_fw-la voluntate_fw-la solo_fw-la ductu_fw-la humanae_fw-la rationis_fw-la etc._n etc._n how_o dangerous_a and_o deceitful_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o affirm_v any_o thing_n for_o certain_a either_o of_o the_o nature_n or_o will_n of_o god_n beyond_o what_o we_o have_v in_o holy_a writ_n by_o the_o sole_a conduct_n of_o humane_a reason_n we_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o many_o dissentient_a opinion_n not_o only_o of_o school_n but_o of_o particular_a philosopher_n among_o themselves_o nor_o be_v this_o any_o great_a wonder_n for_o if_o they_o run_v out_o into_o very_o differ_v apprehensious_a when_o they_o dispute_v about_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n much_o more_o must_v it_o needs_o be_v so_o with_o those_o who_o be_v desirous_a to_o determine_v any_o thing_n concern_v that_o supreme_a mind_n that_o be_v so_o far_o above_o we_o if_o prudent_a man_n count_v it_o dangerous_a to_o search_v into_o the_o counsel_n of_o king_n which_o by_o all_o our_o search_n we_o can_v discover_v who_o be_v there_o so_o sagacious_a as_o can_v hope_v by_o his_o own_o conjecture_n to_o find_v out_o what_o god_n will_v do_v among_o those_o thing_n that_o depend_v upon_o his_o mere_a pleasure_n chap._n v._n a_o three_o argument_n from_o the_o absurdity_n of_o resolve_v a_o man_n faith_n into_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o reason_n in_o the_o three_o place_n if_o the_o sense_n of_o 3._o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v regulate_v and_o determine_v by_o natural_a principle_n than_o the_o last_o resolution_n of_o a_o man_n faith_n in_o those_o point_n as_o to_o the_o formal_a object_n of_o it_o will_v be_v into_o man_n himself_o and_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o own_o reason_n for_o the_o ultimate_a reason_n or_o ground_n of_o our_o believe_v in_o this_o case_n will_v not_o be_v the_o veracity_n of_o god_n speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o voice_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n persuade_v we_o from_o its_o own_o principle_n when_o we_o can_v see_v nothing_o in_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n to_o require_v it_o and_o this_o plain_o fall_v in_o with_o the_o absurd_a conceit_n of_o the_o quaker_n who_o common_o profess_v to_o own_v nothing_o that_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o bible_n as_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n but_o what_o be_v witness_v by_o the_o light_n within_o they_o which_o be_v no_o more_o in_o other_o term_n than_o this_o that_o they_o will_v take_v nothing_o from_o the_o scripture_n but_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o their_o own_o reason_n for_o the_o light_n they_o speak_v of_o with_o which_o they_o say_v every_o man_n come_v into_o the_o world_n for_o which_o they_o allege_v that_o in_o joh._n 1._o 9_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o man_n reason_n and_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o it_o which_o though_o some_o of_o they_o have_v heretofore_o deny_v yet_o now_o their_o chief_a head_n and_o leader_n do_v open_o avow_v and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o they_o make_v the_o stand_a rule_n of_o what_o they_o believe_v and_o practice_v and_o not_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o rather_o say_v with_o a_o ancient_a schoolman_n apud_fw-la aristotelem_fw-la argumentum_fw-la est_fw-la ratio_fw-la rei_fw-la dubiae_fw-la faciens_fw-la 11._o fidem_fw-la sed_fw-la apud_fw-la christum_fw-la argumentum_fw-la est_fw-la fides_fw-la faciens_fw-la rationem_fw-la the_o way_n of_o argue_v in_o aristotle_n school_n be_v by_o reason_n beget_v assent_n but_o in_o christ_n school_n it_o be_v by_o faith_n which_o be_v instead_o of_o all_o reason_n chap._n vi_o a_o four_o argument_n from_o another_o absurdity_n viz._n that_o in_o matter_n of_o pure_a revelation_n the_o mind_n of_o god_n may_v be_v better_o know_v by_o natural_a light_n than_o by_o scripture_n or_o that_o all_o supernatural_a revelation_n be_v to_o be_v shut_v out_o fourthly_o it_o will_v follow_v from_o this_o supposal_n that_o in_o matter_n of_o pure_a 4._o revelation_n the_o mind_n of_o god_n may_v be_v better_o know_v by_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o natural_a light_n than_o by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o carry_v with_o it_o a_o palpable_a contradiction_n for_o matter_n of_o pure_a revelation_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v supernatural_a and_o if_o these_o as_o lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n can_v be_v understand_v from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o but_o must_v have_v such_o a_o sense_n give_v they_o as_o the_o maxim_n of_o natural_a reason_n shall_v determine_v then_o certain_o it_o be_v not_o revelation_n but_o reason_n that_o discover_v they_o and_o so_o what_o need_n will_v there_o be_v of_o scripture_n indeed_o this_o conceit_n look_v very_o like_o that_o absurd_a dotage_n of_o weigelius_n if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o same_o with_o it_o that_o man_n knowledge_n of_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o must_v be_v fetch_v from_o within_o himself_o &_o not_o from_o without_o tenôris_n say_v he_o &_o omne_fw-la nôris_fw-la omne_fw-la enim_fw-la es_fw-la non_fw-la minus_fw-la quam_fw-la deus_fw-la god_n which_o beside_o many_o other_o prodigious_a absurdity_n plain_o shut_v out_o all_o supernatural_a revelation_n and_o that_o this_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o exercitator_n discourse_n i_o find_v reason_n enough_o to_o suspect_v if_o not_o conclude_v for_o beside_o what_o he_o say_v in_o his_o six_o chapter_n the_o first_o paragraph_n which_o i_o shall_v wave_v insist_v on_o in_o his_o epilogue_n at_o the_o end_n of_o his_o book_n he_o propound_v a_o objection_n against_o his_o whole_a discourse_n viz._n that_o if_o philosophy_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o interpret_n the_o holy_a scripture_n than_o the_o scripture_n be_v useless_a and_o write_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o see_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v to_o be_v search_v out_o and_o try_v by_o philosophy_n must_v first_o be_v perceive_v before_o they_o be_v draw_v out_o and_o examine_v to_o what_o end_n be_v it_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v recourse_n to_o scripture_n to_o learn_v any_o thing_n from_o it_o this_o be_v the_o objection_n which_o himself_o make_v against_o his_o own_o position_n in_o answer_v whereto_o he_o run_v out_o into_o a_o long_a harangue_n of_o word_n and_o as_o his_o manner_n be_v propound_v a_o frivolous_a
distinction_n and_o tedrous_o dilate_v upon_o it_o to_o amuse_v his_o reader_n but_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o come_v to_o this_o that_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n be_v of_o no_o further_a use_n than_o as_o they_o be_v sign_n of_o conception_n and_o thing_n and_o under_o that_o consideration_n they_o can_v be_v understand_v unless_o the_o thing_n signify_v by_o they_o be_v first_o know_v at_o least_o in_o some_o gross_a and_o confuse_a manner_n whereof_o he_o give_v we_o this_o instance_n that_o where_o we_o sin_v in_o scripture_n that_o god_n be_v omniscient_a we_o can_v understand_v this_o unless_o we_o first_o know_v what_o god_n be_v and_o what_o omniscience_n be_v therefore_o say_v he_o all_o the_o benefit_n that_o any_o can_v get_v by_o any_o book_n that_o be_v write_v be_v but_o this_o that_o it_o stir_v up_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o reader_n to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o those_o thing_n in_o his_o mind_n which_o the_o book_n treat_v of_o not_o that_o the_o book_n can_v of_o itself_o bring_v he_o to_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n much_o less_o that_o it_o can_v beget_v any_o clear_a or_o distinct_a idea_n in_o his_o mind_n which_o be_v not_o there_o before_o and_o thus_o he_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v with_o the_o scripture_n all_o the_o use_n of_o it_o be_v to_o stir_v up_o the_o reader_n or_o hearer_n to_o think_v of_o the_o thing_n that_o it_o propound_v and_o inquire_v into_o they_o and_o examine_v they_o whether_o they_o be_v so_o as_o they_o be_v there_o propound_v and_o that_o they_o may_v do_v this_o they_o must_v make_v use_n of_o philosophy_n to_o try_v what_o be_v there_o write_v therefore_o add_v he_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v use_v not_o that_o it_o shall_v of_o itself_o inform_v we_o in_o the_o truth_n or_o render_v the_o truth_n more_o clear_a and_o distinct_a or_o make_v it_o more_o firm_a to_o we_o but_o that_o it_o may_v give_v we_o occasion_n and_o matter_n of_o meditate_v on_o those_o thing_n which_o perhaps_o otherwise_o we_o shall_v never_o have_v mind_v therefore_o say_v he_o still_o the_o utility_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n above_o other_o book_n consist_v only_o in_o this_o that_o the_o thing_n it_o speak_v of_o be_v of_o so_o great_a concernment_n to_o our_o everlasting_a blessedness_n not_o for_o any_o use_n they_o be_v of_o to_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o truth_n this_o be_v all_o the_o use_n that_o he_o allow_v the_o scripture_n from_o whence_o i_o think_v will_v inevitable_o follow_v that_o he_o own_v the_o necessity_n of_o no_o knowledge_n of_o god_n or_o religion_n but_o what_o be_v natural_a and_o so_o all_o supernatural_a revelation_n or_o at_o least_o all_o necessity_n of_o it_o be_v deny_v and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o use_n of_o the_o write_a word_n but_o what_o this_o author_n assign_v it_o it_o be_v put_v into_o the_o same_o rank_n with_o a_o crucifix_n or_o a_o death_n head_n indeed_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o his_o book_n and_o of_o that_o other_o theologico-politicus_a tract_n that_o be_v prefix_v to_o its_o latter_a edition_n write_v as_o be_v suppose_v by_o the_o same_o author_n be_v utter_o to_o undermine_v and_o overthrow_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o need_v not_o wonder_v that_o he_o so_o often_o deride_v and_o calumniate_v the_o protestant_a doctrine_n of_o the_o spirit_n internal_a illumination_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o consist_v in_o cure_v the_o indisposition_n of_o the_o subject_a and_o fit_v it_o for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n of_o which_o more_o hereafter_o in_o a_o appendix_n to_o my_o present_a discourse_n when_o he_o will_v not_o allow_v the_o necessity_n of_o so_o much_o as_o a_o enternal_a light_n for_o the_o revelation_n of_o supernatural_a object_n as_o acknowledge_v no_o such_o thing_n and_o he_o that_o be_v thus_o principled_a must_v needs_o be_v very_o ignorant_a of_o himself_o and_o of_o the_o ruin_n that_o sin_n have_v make_v among_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o adam_n and_o the_o woeful_a depravation_n of_o man_n nature_n by_o his_o first_o apostasy_n but_o for_o the_o reader_n full_a satisfaction_n about_o the_o necessity_n of_o supernatural_a revelation_n i_o dare_v commend_v to_o his_o perusal_n beside_o many_o other_o useful_a discourse_n that_o may_v be_v name_v that_o excellent_a piece_n of_o the_o eminently-accomplished_a sir_n charles_n wols_o concern_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o scripture_n belief_n chap._n vii_o 1._o a_o five_o argument_n that_o this_o will_v open_v a_o gap_n to_o the_o most_o pernicious_a error_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n 2._o and_o practice_n again_o five_o this_o assertion_n le_fw-fr we_o 1._o loose_v the_o bridle_n to_o proud_a and_o 5._o wanton_a wit_n to_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n of_o christian_a religion_n for_o though_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o real_a repugnancy_n between_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o sound_v philosophy_n which_o undoubted_o there_o be_v not_o as_o i_o have_v already_o premise_v and_o assert_v yet_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a and_o infallible_a record_n of_o these_o principle_n by_o which_o as_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o judgement_n particular_a man_n reason_v may_v be_v try_v if_o scripture_n revelation_n must_v be_v interpret_v by_o man_n reason_n i_o know_v not_o the_o any_o error_n that_o have_v ever_o creep_v into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n either_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o practice_n since_o the_o first_o publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o may_v be_v introduce_v anew_o by_o this_o engine_n the_o heretical_a blasphemy_n of_o servetus_n and_o socinus_n which_o spring_v up_o of_o late_a year_n and_o those_o of_o the_o marcionite_n and_o manichee_n that_o infest_a the_o church_n in_o former_a time_n together_o with_o the_o loathsome_a impurity_n of_o the_o gnostic_n who_o esteem_v themselves_o the_o only_o know_v man_n or_o to_o speak_v in_o the_o new_a mode_n the_o only_a rational_a divine_n have_v fair_a way_n make_v they_o by_o this_o trim_a device_n first_o let_v we_o instance_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n whatsoever_o be_v say_v in_o scripture_n about_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o conception_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o a_o virgin_n womb_n the_o personal_a union_n of_o the_o two_o nature_n the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n at_o the_o last_o day_n these_o with_o many_o more_o that_o may_v be_v name_v let_v they_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o bar_n of_o reason_n and_o try_v by_o its_o principle_n as_o they_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o what_o will_v it_o come_v to_o we_o have_v see_v already_o what_o use_v some_o man_n have_v make_v of_o this_o way_n to_o subvert_v the_o weighty_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o here_o it_o will_v be_v except_v perhaps_o exception_n by_o some_o that_o the_o fundamental_o of_o christian_a religion_n be_v clear_a and_o plain_a in_o scripture_n there_o be_v no_o fear_n of_o this_o inconvenience_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o if_o divine_a revelation_n must_v be_v 1._o no_o otherwise_o receive_v or_o understand_v than_o as_o man_n see_v ground_n for_o they_o in_o their_o own_o reason_n the_o plain_a and_o clear_a doctrine_n of_o scripture_n will_v be_v reject_v i_o shall_v here_o give_v two_o instance_n as_o i_o find_v they_o quote_v by_o a_o late_a learned_a author_n the_o one_o be_v of_o socinus_n who_o say_v that_o he_o will_v not_o believe_v servatore_fw-la christ_n to_o have_v satisfy_v for_o our_o sin_n though_o he_o shall_v read_v it_o once_o and_o again_o in_o scripture_n the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o revealer_n not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o establish_v it_o unless_o he_o have_v declare_v it_o by_o its_o cause_n and_o effect_n and_o so_o satisfy_v man_n reason_n concern_v the_o possibility_n of_o it_o smalcius_n be_v the_o other_o who_o say_v that_o 1._o he_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n though_o he_o shall_v meet_v with_o it_o in_o express_a term_n in_o the_o bible_n the_o same_o author_n say_v elsewhere_o that_o frantzium_n by_o reason_n alone_o we_o determine_v the_o possibility_n and_o impossibility_n of_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n to_o which_o i_o may_v add_v the_o bold_a assertion_n of_o a_o late_a english_a remonstrant_n in_o a_o volume_n publish_v some_o year_n ago_o where_o he_o say_v i_o very_o believe_v 33._o that_o in_o case_n any_o such_o unchangeableness_n of_o god_n love_n viz._n as_o shall_v assure_v the_o saint_n infallible_a perseverance_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o or_o can_v regular_o be_v deduce_v from_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v a_o just_a ground_n to_o any_o consider_a man_n to_o question_v their_o authority_n or_o whether_o they_o be_v from_o god_n or_o no._n and_o a_o late_a belgic_a tractator_n have_v affirm_v that_o the_o
miraculous_a 6._o work_n speak_v of_o in_o scripture_n be_v not_o any_o thing_n against_o or_o beside_o the_o establish_a order_n of_o nature_n absolute_o conclude_v that_o whatsoever_o the_o scripture_n affirm_v to_o have_v be_v do_v do_v all_o necessary_o come_v to_o pass_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o if_o any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o this_o can_v be_v find_v in_o scripture_n or_o true_o gather_v from_o any_o thing_n in_o it_o that_o be_v certain_o add_v to_o the_o scripture_n by_o some_o sacrilegious_a hand_n as_o be_v against_o nature_n and_o therefore_o against_o reason_n second_o man_n that_o resolve_v to_o make_v 〈◊〉_d their_o reason_n the_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n will_v not_o stick_v to_o charge_v the_o scripture_n with_o obscurity_n in_o its_o plain_a proposition_n if_o they_o suit_v not_o with_o their_o preconceive_a notion_n the_o experience_n of_o the_o present_a age_n put_v it_o past_o all_o denial_n or_o dispute_n that_o when_o man_n have_v espouse_v a_o hypothesis_n which_o they_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o relinquish_v they_o will_v quarrel_v with_o the_o most_o evident_a scripture_n accuse_v it_o of_o obscurity_n and_o to_o make_v their_o charge_n good_a they_o will_v endeavour_v by_o their_o strain_a gloss_n to_o raise_v a_o dust_n and_o darken_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o though_o it_o shine_v never_o so_o clear_o by_o its_o own_o light_n to_o every_o impartial_a and_o unprejudiced_a reader_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o papist_n do_v so_o frequent_o with_o open_a mouth_n charge_v the_o apostle_n paul_n with_o obscurity_n in_o his_o write_n because_o indeed_o he_o speak_v more_o clear_o and_o plain_o than_o they_o will_v have_v he_o for_o that_o great_a doctrine_n of_o justification_n by_o the_o impute_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n and_o against_o justification_n by_o our_o own_o work_n and_o it_o may_v be_v some_o will_v be_v as_o ready_a to_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o same_o apostle_n when_o he_o say_v ephes._n 5._o 18._o be_v not_o drink_v with_o wine_n wherein_o be_v excess_n but_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o spirit_n as_o speak_v too_o dark_o because_o indeed_o they_o think_v he_o speak_v too_o broad_o against_o the_o debauchery_n that_o they_o practice_n and_o so_o plain_o for_o the_o spirit_n which_o they_o scorn_v and_o deride_v three_o nay_o more_o some_o be_v grow_v to_o that_o height_n as_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n 3._o to_o show_v more_o full_o in_o my_o second_o part_n as_o to_o assert_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a in_o nothing_o but_o universal_o obscure_a and_o make_v this_o their_o great_a ground_n for_o their_o set_n up_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n as_o the_o rule_n to_o determine_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o let_v this_o be_v grant_v they_o they_o will_v soon_o make_v the_o scripture_n speak_v whatsoever_o themselves_o please_v and_o so_o the_o bible_n shall_v be_v but_o as_o a_o dead_a image_n and_o man_n deprave_a reason_n like_o the_o daemon_n within_o shall_v give_v the_o oracle_n 2._o come_v we_o next_o to_o matter_n of_o 2._o practice_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o instance_n in_o several_a command_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n that_o be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o whole_a corrupt_a interest_n of_o lapse_v nature_n as_o when_o he_o require_v the_o mortify_n of_o our_o earthly_a desire_n the_o love_n of_o our_o deadly_a enemy_n the_o deny_v our_o of_o self_n in_o whatsoever_o be_v dear_a to_o we_o in_o this_o world_n even_o to_o the_o lay_v down_o of_o our_o life_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o his_o truth_n upon_o the_o bare_a hope_n of_o a_o invisible_a happiness_n in_o another_o world_n now_o consider_v how_o man_n reason_n be_v darken_v and_o enslave_v and_o no_o where_o perfect_o cure_v if_o man_n reason_n must_v by_o its_o own_o principle_n interpret_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n how_o numerous_a be_v the_o objection_n that_o will_v be_v make_v against_o these_o and_o all_o other_o precept_n that_o be_v not_o to_o the_o gust_n of_o man_n degenerate_a nature_n thus_o do_v the_o gnostic_n of_o old_a plead_v for_o deny_v the_o faith_n in_o persecute_v time_n to_o save_v their_o life_n for_o what_o say_v they_o do_v god_n delight_n in_o the_o death_n of_o man_n he_o stand_v in_o no_o need_n of_o our_o blood_n christ_n come_v to_o save_v man_n life_n and_o not_o to_o expose_v they_o to_o hazard_v and_o with_o these_o reason_n they_o shi_v off_o the-command_a of_o own_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o face_n of_o danger_n and_o what_o the_o author_n of_o the_o leviathan_n have_v write_v of_o this_o with_o a_o specious_a though_o fallacious_a pretence_n of_o reason_n be_v not_o unknown_a but_o i_o shall_v instance_n in_o two_o extraordinary_a command_n give_v to_o particular_a person_n the_o one_o be_v that_o which_o god_n do_v by_o immediate_a revelation_n give_v to_o abraham_n require_v he_o to_o offer_v up_o his_o 22._o only_a son_n isaac_n for_o a_o burnt-offering_a what_o will_v the_o principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n have_v say_v to_o this_o may_v they_o have_v be_v admit_v to_o interpret_v this_o command_n what_o can_v infinite_a goodness_n require_v such_o a_o unnatural_a act_n as_o this_o for_o a_o father_n to_o lay_v violent_a hand_n on_o his_o own_o child_n have_v not_o god_n strict_o forbid_a murder_n have_v he_o not_o always_o manifest_v his_o tender_a regard_n to_o the_o life_n of_o man_n and_o have_v he_o not_o plant_v that_o tender_a affection_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o parent_n that_o make_v he_o abhor_v to_o imbrue_v his_o hand_n in_o child_n blood_n therefore_o sure_o will_v man_n reason_n say_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o injunction_n be_v something_o else_o far_o different_a from_o what_o the_o word_n seem_v to_o sound_v there_o be_v some_o more_o mysterious_a sense_n to_o be_v find_v out_o and_o a_o mild_a interpretation_n to_o be_v make_v of_o this_o divine_a oracle_n such_o as_o may_v consist_v with_o those_o notion_n of_o god_n which_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o that_o internal_a light_n that_o shine_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o men._n it_o be_v most_o rational_a therefore_o to_o interpret_v it_o by_o a_o allegory_n isaac_n must_v be_v sacrifice_v in_o effigy_n or_o a_o lamb_n out_o of_o the_o flock_n must_v have_v isaac_n name_n put_v upon_o it_o and_o so_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n or_o according_a to_o the_o notation_n of_o his_o name_n we_o must_v sacrifice_v that_o joy_n and_o delight_n that_o we_o have_v have_v in_o our_o son_n isaac_n wherein_o perhaps_o we_o have_v exceed_v by_o mortify_v our_o affectious_a to_o he_o and_o have_v he_o hereafter_o as_o if_o we_o have_v he_o not_o the_o other_o instance_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o command_n give_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o the_o rich_a young_a man_n to_o sell_v all_o and_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a and_o follow_v he_o in_o hope_n of_o a_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n we_o may_v probable_o suppose_v by_o the_o man_n turn_v his_o back_n what_o objection_n his_o reason_n make_v against_o it_o be_v not_o my_o possession_n the_o good_a gift_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v i_o unthankful_o cast_v away_o what_o he_o have_v give_v i_o i_o be_o to_o love_v my_o neighbour_n as_o myself_o therefore_o sure_o not_o to_o strip_v myself_o of_o my_o subsistence_n to_o help_v my_o neighbour_n and_o so_o lose_v the_o use_n and_o benefit_n of_o what_o i_o have_v true_o here_o be_v a_o plain_a command_n but_o can_v not_o this_o man_n reason_n have_v excogitated_a some_o hide_a sense_n to_o satisfy_v the_o command_n and_o yet_o save_v his_o good_n yes_o sure_a have_v the_o man_n learn_v but_o this_o new_a art_n of_o interpret_n that_o some_o have_v get_v now_o adays_o he_o may_v have_v think_v within_o himself_o that_o sell_v all_o be_v the_o disengage_v of_o his_o affection_n from_o they_o and_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a his_o relieve_v they_o in_o a_o convenient_a proportion_n so_o as_o still_o to_o preserve_v his_o estate_n and_o follow_v christ_n he_o may_v in_o a_o good_a and_o holy_a life_n though_o he_o do_v not_o always_o personal_o attend_v he_o but_o now_o will_v not_o this_o way_n of_o interpretation_n in_o either_o of_o the_o forename_a instance_n have_v be_v a_o plain_a elude_n of_o a_o express_a command_n and_o yet_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o bold_a attempt_n of_o some_o in_o our_o age_n who_o be_v great_a pretender_n to_o reason_n have_v in_o sundry_a considerable_a and_o clear_a point_n of_o religion_n go_v as_o far_o as_o this_o come_v to_o and_o much_o further_o in_o torture_v the_o scripture_n into_o a_o sense_n as_o contrary_a to_o that_o which_o they_o fair_o give_v we_o of_o themselves_o as_o darkness_n be_v to_o light_v and_o indeed_o by_o the_o help_n of_o this_o engine_n what_o will_v not_o be_v adventure_v by_o audacious_a wit_n that_o have_v cast_v off_o the_o awe_n of_o god_n and_o of_o
his_o holy_a word_n man_n who_o glory_n it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d let_v but_o other_o follow_v the_o tract_n that_o some_o have_v already_o tread_v out_o to_o they_o and_o they_o will_v make_v the_o whole_a bible_n one_o great_a cipher_n utter_o insignificant_a of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n by_o who_o authority_n it_o be_v indict_v and_o that_o which_o erasmus_n fear_v in_o his_o time_n ne_o sub_fw-la obtentu_fw-la priscae_fw-la literaturae_fw-la caput_fw-la erigere_fw-la tentet_fw-la paganismus_fw-la may_v be_v unhappy_o fulfil_v in_o our_o day_n chap._n viii_o the_o six_o and_o last_o argument_n from_o one_o great_a end_n of_o scripture-revelation_n to_o supply_v the_o defect_n and_o correct_v the_o mistake_v of_o our_o reason_n a_o exception_n of_o the_o exercitator_n answer_v last_o one_o great_a end_n of_o scripture-revelation_n 6._o be_v to_o help_v our_o understanding_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n partly_o by_o rectify_v our_o mistake_a and_o deprave_a reason_n and_o keep_v we_o from_o be_v mislead_v in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n by_o the_o principle_n we_o have_v receive_v partly_o by_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o reason_n acquaint_v it_o with_o those_o thing_n which_o by_o its_o own_o natural_a light_n it_o can_v never_o reach_v be_v by_o their_o sublimity_n and_o mysteriousness_n whole_o above_o it_o therefore_o the_o doctrine_n of_o scripture_n do_v in_o its_o tendency_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d cast_v down_o reason_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d captivate_v every_o notion_n or_o conception_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n 2._o cor._n 10._o 5._o for_o any_o therefore_o in_o matter_n of_o doubt_n or_o difficulty_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture-revelation_n to_o run_v to_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n be_v to_o measure_v the_o rule_n by_o that_o which_o shall_v be_v measure_v by_o it_o and_o what_o a_o base_a dishonour_n be_v this_o to_o the_o sacred_a oracle_n to_o subject_v they_o to_o the_o usurp_a dictatorship_n of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o they_o and_o to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o its_o final_a judgement_n but_o here_o the_o exercitator_n reply_v 9_o that_o in_o the_o present_a case_n the_o divine_a oracle_n be_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o reason_n or_o philosophy_n but_o only_o the_o letter_n and_o syllable_n the_o word_n and_o sentence_n of_o scriture_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o loquaces_fw-la soni_fw-la aut_fw-la horum_fw-la mutae_fw-la notae_fw-la some_o wordy_a sound_n or_o the_o dumb_a sign_n of_o they_o frame_v for_o the_o purpose_n by_o humane_a institution_n which_o therefore_o may_v without_o any_o disparagement_n be_v subject_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n which_o be_v the_o eminent_a gift_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o better_a manage_n of_o this_o plea_n he_o make_v great_a use_n of_o a_o discinction_n which_o he_o elsewhere_o inculcate_n to_o wit_n the_o consideration_n of_o the_o scripture_n material_o or_o formal_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o sure_o have_v the_o ancient_a church_n be_v of_o this_o gentleman_n mind_n they_o 1._o will_v never_o have_v so_o severe_o censure_v the_o traditores_fw-la that_o deliver_v up_o their_o bibles_n to_o the_o persecuter_n to_o save_v their_o own_o life_n in_o the_o day_n of_o dicolesian_n and_o it_o may_v have_v be_v plead_v in_o their_o behalf_n that_o they_o do_v not_o give_v up_o the_o divine_a oracle_n but_o only_o a_o heap_n of_o dumb_a sign_n or_o character_n in_o ink_n and_o paper_n 2._o and_o the_o same_o will_v have_v justify_v the_o rage_n of_o antiochus_n in_o tear_v 2._o and_o burn_v the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n 56._o and_o the_o madness_n of_o the_o papist_n in_o do_v the_o like_a at_o several_a time_n by_o the_o protestant_n bibles_n all_o which_o may_v by_o the_o help_n of_o this_o shuffle_n have_v plead_v for_o themselves_o that_o they_o do_v not_o burn_v the_o holy_a scripture_n no_o by_o no_o mean_n but_o only_o a_o bundle_n of_o unsense_v character_n 3._o as_o for_o the_o exercitator_n distiction_n 3._o which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o this_o conceit_n i_o intend_v to_o deal_v with_o it_o hereafter_o when_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o scripture_n be_v its_o own_o interpreter_n therefore_o 12_o at_o present_a i_o shall_v let_v it_o pass_v chap._n ix_o the_o contrary_a argument_n examine_v and_o answer_v the_o first_o from_o some_o position_n of_o the_o exercitator_n about_o the_o manifold_a sense_n of_o scripture_n etc._n etc._n i_o come_v now_o to_o examine_v what_o be_v allege_v by_o the_o adverse_a part_n and_o to_o answer_v the_o argument_n whereby_o they_o will_v prove_v reason_n and_o philosophy_n to_o be_v the_o scripture_n best_o interpreter_n 1._o the_o exercitator_n argue_v from_o some_o position_n by_o he_o former_o lay_v down_o 1._o which_o he_o suppose_v himself_o to_o have_v daemon_n 1._o strative_o prove_v in_o his_o four_o chapter_n viz._n that_o the_o next_o and_o immediate_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v manifold_a and_o whatsoever_o truth_n occur_v to_o the_o reader_n mind_v in_o the_o perusal_n of_o any_o scripture_n they_o be_v all_o to_o be_v take_v for_o the_o true_a intend_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o that_o scripture_n and_o philosophy_n be_v the_o true_a certain_a and_o undoubted_a knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n demonstrative_o deduce_v from_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a light_n therefore_o by_o this_o the_o several_a truth_n that_o lie_v in_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v best_a draw_v out_o and_o demonstrate_v and_o all_o false_a interpretation_n discover_v and_o consequent_o this_o be_v the_o infallible_a rule_n of_o interpretation_n this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o his_o argument_n for_o answer_v here_o be_v sol._n many_o thing_n crowd_v together_o in_o this_o captious_a sorite_n which_o must_v be_v particular_o discuss_v that_o the_o vanity_n and_o folly_n of_o the_o whole_a may_v the_o better_o appear_v 1._o he_o suppose_v the_o immediate_a sense_n 1._o of_o scripture_n to_o be_v manifold_a and_o that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o sentence_n of_o scripture_n afford_v great_a variety_n of_o different_a sense_n this_o i_o deny_v and_o do_v maintain_v with_o the_o consentient_a judgement_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n that_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v but_o one_o thus_o much_o i_o grant_v 1._o that_o there_o may_v be_v varions_fw-fr application_n or_o accommodation_n make_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o liâ—eral_a sense_n of_o scripture_n so_o it_o be_v do_v with_o due_a caution_n and_o â—o_o otherwise_o can_v that_o threefold_a sense_n which_o some_o speak_v of_o allegoricla_n anagogical_n tropological_n be_v allow_v 2._o that_o one_o single_a sentence_n of_o scripture_n may_v and_o frequent_o do_v contain_v many_o very_a weighty_a truth_n in_o it_o but_o these_o be_v not_o coordinate_a sense_n of_o the_o same_o proposition_n this_o be_v but_o one_o the_o rest_n be_v but_o either_o some_o special_n include_v in_o their_o general_n or_o some_o deduction_n from_o scripture_n assertion_n as_o of_o conclusion_n from_o their_o principle_n wherein_o they_o be_v virtual_o comprehend_v 3._o i_o further_o grant_v that_o sundry_a passage_n of_o scripture_n especial_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v a_o mystical_a sense_n beside_o the_o literal_a to_o wit_n when_o one_o thing_n be_v propound_v as_o a_o type_n represent_v somewhat_o else_o but_o then_o the_o thing_n signify_v by_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n be_v but_o one_o namely_o that_o only_o which_o the_o literal_a sense_n exhibit_n which_o propound_v the_o type_n the_o antitype_n be_v not_o signify_v by_o the_o word_n in_o those_o scripture_n but_o by_o the_o type_n which_o those_o word_n do_v immediate_o speak_v of_o for_o example_n when_o we_o find_v in_o numb_a 21._o 8_o 9_o how_o by_o god_n command_n moses_n set_v up_o a_o brazen_a serpent_n upon_o a_o pole_n for_o the_o bite_a israelite_n to_o look_v on_o that_o he_o may_v be_v heal_v these_o word_n that_o relate_v the_o history_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o what_o they_o literal_o import_v but_o the_o brazen_a serpent_n there_o speak_v of_o do_v indeed_o signify_v somewhat_o else_o for_o it_o do_v tipical_o represent_v the_o future_a crucifixion_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o sinner_n as_o our_o saviour_n himself_o have_v teach_v we_o joh._n 3._o 14._o indeed_o this_o conceit_n of_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o sense_n serve_v our_o exercitator_n turn_v very_o well_o because_o it_o help_v to_o render_v the_o scripture_n ambiguous_a and_o thereby_o obscure_a and_o that_o be_v the_o principal_a strength_n of_o his_o cause_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v speak_v hereafter_o in_o due_a place_n mean_a while_n let_v we_o see_v what_o he_o have_v to_o say_v for_o this_o fancy_n two_o kind_n of_o proof_n he_o use_v the_o one_o from_o reason_n the_o other_o from_o the_o testimony_n 4._o of_o learned_a men._n his_o reason_n be_v draw_v from_o god_n omniscience_n
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
of_o its_o own_o interpretation_n chap._n x._o a_o second_o argument_n from_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o philosophy_n answer_v every_o one_o say_v the_o exercitator_n be_v the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o his_o own_o 2._o word_n and_o god_n be_v the_o author_n 1._o of_o philosophy_n to_o he_o be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v whatever_o interpretation_n be_v make_v of_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o maxim_n of_o philosophy_n and_o consequent_o that_o be_v to_o be_v own_v as_o the_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n but_o this_o be_v a_o strange_a way_n of_o argumentation_n sol._n in_o a_o man_n that_o pretend_v to_o reason_n if_o he_o have_v no_o better_a skill_n in_o expound_v than_o he_o have_v in_o argue_v he_o will_v not_o gain_v many_o proselyte_n to_o his_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n among_o understanding_n and_o considerate_a men._n for_o 1._o this_o argument_n may_v with_o full_a as_o much_o or_o more_o strength_n be_v retort_v upon_o he_o and_o that_o two_o way_n first_o if_o because_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o philosophy_n therefore_o philosophy_n must_v unfold_v all_o the_o difficulty_n in_o scripture_n will_v it_o not_o as_o well_o follow_v that_o see_v god_n be_v the_o unquestionable_a author_n of_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o resolve_v all_o the_o difficulty_n in_o philosophy_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o design_v for_o any_o such_o end_n nor_o fit_v for_o such_o a_o use_n as_o to_o untie_v the_o knot_n of_o philosophy_n their_o use_n and_o design_n be_v of_o great_a and_o high_a concernment_n i_o answer_v neither_o be_v philosophy_n design_v to_o clear_a doubt_n in_o matter_n of_o supernatural_a revelation_n its_o use_n be_v limit_v to_o matter_n of_o a_o inferior_a orb._n again_o we_o may_v thus_o also_o retort_v the_o argument_n if_o god_n be_v the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n then_o doubtless_o the_o best_a interpretation_n of_o his_o mind_n be_v to_o be_v fetch_v from_o that_o which_o be_v the_o only_a certain_a and_o undoubted_a record_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o that_o be_v the_o scripture_n second_o that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n 2._o of_o all_o true_a and_o sound_a philosophy_n i_o grant_v nor_o need_v the_o exercitator_n to_o have_v give_v himself_o the_o trouble_n of_o spend_v 3._o so_o many_o line_n to_o prove_v it_o but_o i_o must_v mind_v he_o of_o some_o few_o thing_n to_o rectify_v his_o mistake_n 1._o he_o be_v wide_o out_o in_o suppose_v that_o the_o wisdom_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o scripture_n by_o he_o allege_v be_v no_o other_o than_o philosophy_n the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o most_o if_o not_o all_o of_o those_o place_n speak_v of_o something_o high_o and_o more_o excellent_a than_o mere_a natural_a knowledge_n 2._o whereas_o among_o other_o humane_a testimony_n that_o the_o author_n heap_v up_o to_o prove_v philosophy_n to_o be_v of_o god_n he_o bring_v in_o lucretius_n lib._n 5._o de_fw-la rerum_fw-la natura_fw-la the_o learned_a vogelsangius_fw-la have_v discover_v 67._o his_o shameful_a mistake_n tell_v he_o that_o the_o god_n who_o lucretius_n there_o mean_v when_o he_o say_v deus_fw-la ille_fw-la fuit_fw-la deus_fw-la inclyte_n memmi_n qui_fw-la princeps_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la rationem_fw-la invenit_fw-la eam_fw-la quae_fw-la nunc_fw-la appellatur_fw-la sapientia_fw-la etc._n etc._n be_v no_o other_o than_o epicurus_n and_o must_v epicurus_n philosophy_n be_v the_o scripture_n interpreter_n 3._o this_o i_o must_v add_v by_o way_n of_o limitation_n to_o my_o former_a concession_n that_o god_n be_v not_o so_o the_o author_n of_o philosophy_n as_o he_o be_v of_o the_o scripture_n he_o be_v so_o far_o the_o author_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o that_o he_o have_v infallible_o direct_v his_o servant_n in_o pen_v its_o several_a part_n and_o preserve_v they_o from_o error_n in_o that_o work_n but_o he_o be_v not_o so_o the_o author_n of_o philosophy_n as_o infallible_o to_o direct_v any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n so_o as_o not_o to_o err_v in_o his_o philosophy_n here_o therefore_o be_v a_o very_a great_a difference_n and_o see_v that_o this_o philosophy_n which_o we_o acknowledge_v so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v sound_a and_o true_a to_o be_v god_n gift_n be_v no_o where_o to_o be_v find_v but_o in_o the_o mind_n or_o write_n of_o fallible_a man_n by_o what_o certain_a rule_n shall_v we_o judge_v of_o the_o maxim_n of_o philosophy_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n whether_o they_o be_v undoubted_o true_a or_o no_o or_o which_o way_n shall_v we_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o aforesaid_a maxim_n suppose_v they_o to_o be_v unquestionable_o true_a be_v due_o apply_v to_o the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n whither_o shall_v we_o go_v in_o this_o case_n to_o find_v out_o such_o solid_a satisfaction_n as_o may_v give_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o that_o divine_a faith_n that_o we_o certain_o owe_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o scripture_n three_o suppose_v what_o be_v not_o that_o we_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o perfect_a model_n or_o system_v of_o sound_a philosophy_n to_o have_v recourse_n to_o so_o as_o we_o may_v true_o say_v of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v all_o and_o every_o part_n and_o particle_n of_o it_o of_o divine_a original_a and_o so_o complete_a that_o there_o be_v no_o defect_n in_o it_o yet_o still_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o philosophy_n have_v its_o bound_n and_o discover_v nothing_o to_o we_o but_o those_o necessary_a truth_n which_o fall_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o nature_n and_o so_o far_o we_o may_v take_v it_o for_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n but_o as_o for_o supernatural_a verity_n the_o be_v and_o discovery_n whereof_o depend_v upon_o god_n absolute_a will_n and_o arbitrary_a revelation_n he_o never_o intend_v that_o philosophy_n shall_v be_v our_o guide_n in_o these_o but_o here_o we_o be_v to_o keep_v sole_o and_o whole_o to_o what_o he_o have_v say_v in_o the_o scripture_n chap._n xi_o a_o three_o argument_n from_o the_o suppose_a sufficiency_n of_o philosophy_n to_o interpret_v scripture_n answer_v whatsoever_o say_v the_o aforesaid_a author_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o 3._o rule_n of_o interpretation_n perfect_o agree_v 1._o to_o philosophy_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n for_o they_o be_v undoubted_o true_a free_a from_o all_o danger_n of_o error_n and_o therefore_o can_v deceive_v be_v ground_v upon_o unmoveable_a foundation_n admit_v no_o appeal_n impartial_a not_o incline_v to_o this_o or_o that_o side_n in_o a_o word_n so_o sure_a and_o undoubted_a that_o they_o will_v force_v assent_n provide_v they_o be_v not_o bend_v or_o sway_v by_o mens_fw-la prejudices_fw-la or_o vicious_a inclination_n but_o as_o i_o say_v before_o where_o be_v this_o philosophy_n to_o be_v find_v if_o it_o be_v any_o 1._o where_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o those_o who_o have_v in_o all_o age_n be_v most_o devote_v to_o the_o study_n of_o it_o and_o most_o perspicacious_a and_o successful_a in_o search_v the_o secret_n of_o it_o have_v yet_o in_o many_o thing_n especial_o that_o concern_v religion_n so_o foul_o err_v and_o have_v be_v at_o so_o great_a odds_o not_o only_o one_o with_o another_o but_o each_o with_o himself_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n let_v they_o be_v never_o so_o sound_a and_o stable_a yet_o they_o can_v prevail_v upon_o none_o any_o further_a than_o they_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o mind_n and_o they_o be_v no_o where_o receive_v but_o according_a to_o the_o disposition_n and_o capacity_n of_o the_o subject_a the_o darkness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o who_o understanding_n much_o alter_v the_o conception_n of_o the_o sound_a principle_n beside_o my_o three_o answer_n to_o the_o precedent_a 2._o argument_n will_v serve_v here_o for_o let_v philosophy_n be_v never_o so_o infallible_a it_o must_v be_v keep_v within_o its_o own_o proper_a sphere_n and_o not_o be_v apply_v to_o matter_n supernatural_a that_o be_v whole_o out_o of_o its_o road_n and_o above_o its_o reach_n of_o all_o part_n of_o philosophy_n the_o mathematics_n be_v general_o esteem_v the_o most_o demonstrative_a and_o irrefragable_a but_o if_o any_o shall_v attempt_v by_o mathematical_a principle_n to_o interpret_v what_o the_o scripture_n have_v reveal_v about_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n the_o believer_n union_n with_o christ_n or_o the_o like_a he_o may_v well_o be_v deem_v to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o large_a do_v of_o hellebore_n chap._n xii_o a_o four_o argument_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o clear_a distinct_a perception_n answer_v but_o say_v the_o exercitator_n there_o be_v 4._o no_o clear_a and_o distinct_a perception_n 6._o of_o a_o thing_n but_o it_o beget_v a_o intimate_a persuasion_n in_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v so_o perceive_v which_o perception_n and_o persuasion_n come_v from_o god_n as_o the_o
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 scripture-assertion_n suppose_v not_o interpretable_a without_o philosophy_n viz._n such_o as_o speak_v of_o god_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o man._n 2._o our_o saviour_n word_n about_o the_o eucharist_n 3._o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n in_o the_o next_o place_n the_o exercitator_n 1._o argue_v from_o instance_n in_o some_o considerable_a 6._o scripture-assertion_n which_o 3._o he_o say_v can_v be_v interpret_v but_o by_o have_v recourse_n to_o philosophy_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o exposition_n and_o here_o he_o insist_o upon_o three_o particular_n which_o i_o shall_v examine_v in_o order_n first_o he_o instance_n in_o those_o scripture_n 1._o that_o speak_v of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n ascribe_v to_o he_o the_o member_n of_o a_o humane_a body_n and_o the_o affection_n of_o a_o humane_a soul_n beside_o sense_n and_o motion_n with_o many_o other_o thing_n not_o compatible_a to_o a_o incorporeal_a much_o less_o to_o a_o infinite_a and_o immutable_a be_v touch_v which_o expression_n whereas_o it_o be_v true_o caution_v by_o divine_n of_o all_o sort_n that_o these_o be_v to_o be_v explicate_v by_o such_o scripture_n as_o speak_v otherwise_o of_o god_n suitable_o to_o his_o immaterial_a and_o unchangeable_a be_v this_o author_n bold_o affirm_v that_o the_o scripture_n of_o itself_o be_v insufficient_a to_o direct_v we_o and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o resolve_v we_o which_o of_o these_o different_a expression_n of_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v take_v proper_o and_o which_o not_o unless_o we_o take_v the_o principle_n of_o philosophy_n and_o natural_a reason_n for_o our_o guide_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o god_n infinite_a and_o immense_a perfection_n be_v much_o more_o sol._n clear_o and_o full_o discover_v to_o we_o in_o scripture_n than_o by_o natural_a light_n the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o cor._n 2._o 11._o what_o man_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n save_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n which_o be_v 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 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
〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o reasonable_a service_n that_o be_v say_v they_o a_o service_n agreeable_a to_o reason_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v two_o thing_n first_o i_o know_v no_o cause_n to_o recede_v from_o 1._o the_o sense_n that_o be_v usual_o give_v by_o our_o interpreter_n see_v it_o so_o fair_o offer_v itself_o from_o the_o word_n themselves_o and_o therefore_o do_v judge_n with_o the_o learned_a dr._n hammond_n on_o the_o place_n that_o the_o apostle_n call_v upon_o christian_n to_o present_v their_o body_n a_o live_a sacrifice_n holy_a acceptable_a unto_o god_n even_o their_o reasonble_a service_n do_v evident_o oppose_v this_o to_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o irrational_a creature_n first_o kill_v and_o then_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n but_o second_o be_v it_o give_v but_o not_o 2._o grant_v that_o the_o apostle_n meaning_n be_v what_o these_o man_n put_v upon_o it_o viz._n that_o the_o service_n god_n require_v of_o christian_n be_v agreeable_a to_o reason_n i_o have_v already_o premise_v and_o assert_v that_o christian_a religion_n be_v perfect_o rational_a whence_o it_o will_v undeniable_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v a_o excellent_a harmony_n a_o full_a and_o complete_a accord_n betwixt_o reason_n and_o religion_n and_o although_o some_o dare_a wit_n that_o make_v high_a pretence_n to_o reason_n have_v by_o their_o profane_a jeer_n at_o the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n and_o their_o turn_v the_o doctrine_n and_o phrase_n of_o holy_a scripture_n into_o drollery_n contribute_v not_o a_o little_a to_o the_o atheism_n of_o the_o present_a age_n yet_o i_o be_o pass_v all_o doubt_n that_o no_o man_n be_v or_o can_v be_v a_o atheist_n that_o have_v not_o first_o baffle_v and_o besot_v his_o reason_n if_o any_o therefore_o have_v go_v about_o to_o set_v reason_n and_o religion_n at_o variance_n it_o have_v be_v through_o some_o misprision_n take_v some_o groundless_a imagination_n for_o reason_n or_o some_o corrupt_a opinion_n or_o practice_n for_o religion_n but_o if_o any_o shall_v hence_o argue_v that_o man_n reason_n be_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o religion_n or_o that_o doctrine_n of_o supernatural_a revelation_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v and_o the_o sense_n of_o they_o determine_v by_o natural_a principle_n we_o deny_v the_o consequence_n and_o leave_v they_o to_o prove_v it_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o his_o yoke_n be_v easy_a but_o if_o any_o shall_v thence_o argue_v that_o therefore_o our_o ease_n must_v be_v the_o 11._o rule_n of_o interpret_n his_o command_n i_o think_v few_o will_v be_v find_v so_o blind_a or_o foolish_a except_o man_n of_o profligate_v and_o debauch_v conscience_n that_o will_v admit_v of_o such_o a_o absurd_a argumentation_n and_o there_o be_v no_o less_o absurditity_n in_o this_o that_o because_o religion_n be_v a_o reasonable_a service_n therefore_o our_o reason_n must_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o interpret_n the_o doctrince_n of_o rëligion_n chap._n xvi_o 1._o a_o transition_n to_o the_o exercitator_n reply_v to_o some_o scripture_n allege_v by_o our_o divine_n against_o his_o heterodoxy_n the_o fond_a conceit_n of_o lud._n wolzogen_n that_o in_o this_o controversy_n scripture_n be_v not_o to_o be_v hear_v disprove_v 2._o and_o his_o plea_n that_o he_o make_v for_o himself_o in_o his_o censura_fw-la censurae_fw-la disable_v 3._o a_o return_n to_o the_o exercitator_n exposition_n of_o the_o scripture_n allege_v by_o our_o writer_n his_o self-contradiction_n note_v and_o the_o scripture_n clear_v the_o exercitator_n have_v after_o his_o manner_n assert_v his_o own_o position_n 1._o come_v in_o the_o seven_o chapter_n of_o his_o discourse_n to_o answer_v the_o scripture_n that_o some_o have_v make_v use_n of_o to_o oppose_v it_o before_o i_o deal_v with_o they_o i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o disingenuity_n of_o ludovicus_n wolzogen_n who_o have_v undertake_v the_o patronage_n of_o the_o protestant_a cause_n against_o this_o adversary_n do_v so_o shameful_o throw_v down_o his_o arm_n and_o run_v out_o of_o the_o field_n for_o when_o he_o come_v at_o this_o seven_o chapter_n of_o his_o antagonist_n and_o again_o at_o his_o twelve_o wherein_o the_o exercitator_n endeavour_v to_o evade_v or_o enervate_v the_o scripture_n 217._o bring_v against_o he_o this_o valiant_a champion_n not_o only_a wave_n the_o vindication_n of_o they_o but_o for_o his_o own_o more_o plausible_a excuse_n express_o maintain_v it_o to_o be_v a_o preposterous_a thing_n in_o this_o controversy_n about_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n to_o use_v or_o admit_v the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n at_o all_o and_o affirm_v that_o the_o cause_n must_v be_v decide_v by_o reason_n and_o therefore_o as_o all_o along_o his_o discourse_n he_o never_o make_v use_v of_o scripture_n to_o defend_v himself_o or_o strike_v his_o adversary_n so_o he_o lay_v a_o imputation_n of_o folly_n upon_o all_o our_o divine_n that_o use_v this_o way_n of_o argue_v in_o the_o present_a case_n and_o he_o give_v two_o pitiful_a argument_n to_o prove_v this_o fond_a assertion_n 1._o one_o be_v because_o the_o controversy_n 219._o be_v about_o the_o scripture_n itself_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v hear_v in_o its_o own_o cause_n unless_o such_o place_n can_v be_v allege_v in_o the_o explication_n whereof_o both_o party_n agree_v to_o this_o i_o answer_v sol._n 1._o if_o this_o be_v grant_v than_o whatsoever_o controversy_n we_o have_v with_o the_o papist_n about_o the_o authority_n perspicuity_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n though_o we_o have_v never_o so_o clear_a proof_n in_o the_o scripture_n itself_o for_o these_o thing_n they_o must_v all_o be_v wave_v as_o invalid_a but_o these_o have_v hitherto_o be_v account_v controvert_v point_n of_o faith_n and_o consequent_o to_o be_v resolve_v from_o scripture_n the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n &_o so_o be_v this_o about_o the_o scripture_n interpretation_n however_o the_o exercitator_n and_o with_o he_o this_o author_n deny_v it_o while_o yet_o both_o of_o they_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v a_o question_n wherein_o the_o whole_a of_o religion_n be_v concern_v and_o next_o to_o that_o of_o the_o scripture_n authority_n 90._o the_o very_a foundation_n on_o which_o all_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n rely_v and_o which_o involve_v in_o it_o whatsoever_o difference_n or_o controversy_n there_o be_v between_o dissent_v party_n in_o religion_n that_o own_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v it_o not_o strange_a that_o man_n shall_v own_v this_o controversy_n to_o be_v so_o momentous_a and_o fundamental_a and_o yet_o to_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o to_o be_v determine_v by_o scripture_n testimony_n but_o 2._o why_o may_v not_o the_o scripture_n be_v hear_v speak_v for_o itself_o as_o well_o as_o reason_n 2._o for_o itself_o the_o question_n under_o debate_n be_v whether_o the_o rule_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n be_v the_o scripture_n itself_o or_o man_n reason_n do_v not_o this_o as_o near_o touch_v reason_n as_o scripture_n and_o yet_o must_v that_o be_v allow_v to_o give_v testimony_n in_o its_o own_o cause_n and_o not_o the_o scripture_n it_o appear_v by_o this_o as_o by_o many_o other_o passage_n in_o his_o book_n that_o this_o author_n be_v a_o better_a friend_n to_o the_o exercitator_n opinion_n than_o to_o the_o protestant_a doctrine_n and_o indeed_o 3._o this_o be_v the_o very_a language_n of_o our_o 3._o popish_a adversary_n who_o tell_v we_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v its_o own_o interpreter_n because_o the_o question_n be_v concern_v itself_o to_o which_o our_o writer_n answer_v 30._o true_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n its_o testimony_n for_o itself_o be_v above_o all_o other_o whatsoever_o even_o in_o its_o own_o cause_n his_o other_o argument_n be_v because_o till_o 247._o the_o dissentient_a party_n have_v agree_v about_o the_o interpreter_n of_o the_o scripture_n allege_v they_o have_v no_o sense_n and_o therefore_o can_v testify_v nothing_o and_o up-upon_a this_o account_n he_o condemn_v those_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n that_o allege_v scripture_n in_o this_o controversy_n and_o blame_v the_o exercitator_n for_o answer_v their_o allegation_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o any_o part_n of_o scripture_n be_v without_o sol._n its_o sense_n till_o it_o have_v a_o interpreter_n be_v a_o gross_a absurdity_n and_o falsehood_n the_o scripture_n have_v its_o sense_n whether_o any_o man_n interpret_v it_o or_o no._n interpretation_n do_v not_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o shall_v not_o bring_v the_o sense_n and_o put_v it_o into_o the_o scripture_n but_o receive_v it_o from_o the_o scripture_n 2._o this_o author_n acknowledge_v some_o scripture_n to_o be_v so_o clear_a that_o the_o sense_n be_v obvious_a and_o if_o such_o scripture_n can_v be_v produce_v in_o the_o present_a controversy_n as_o no_o doubt_n they_o may_v why_o shall_v the_o difference_n about_o the_o
interpreter_n preclude_v they_o 3._o be_v this_o argument_n allow_v it_o will_v for_o ever_o debarr_fw-mi we_o from_o allege_v scripture_n against_o the_o romanist_n in_o any_o controversy_n that_o we_o have_v with_o they_o it_o be_v notorious_a to_o all_o man_n that_o this_o be_v one_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o they_o who_o must_v be_v the_o supreme_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n which_o they_o challenge_v as_o the_o privilege_n of_o their_o church_n and_o we_o ascribe_v to_o the_o scripture_n itself_o but_o it_o be_v a_o miserable_a plea_n that_o this_o 2._o author_n make_v elsewhere_o for_o himself_o 233_o viz._n that_o he_o have_v to_o do_v with_o one_o who_o he_o esteem_v to_o be_v no_o christian_n but_o a_o heathen_a for_o so_o he_o account_v the_o exercitator_n who_o will_v no_o more_o regard_v the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n in_o this_o case_n than_o a_o jew_n will_v regard_v any_o proof_n from_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o he_o decline_v deal_v with_o he_o about_o those_o testimony_n from_o scripture_n it_o seem_v than_o he_o will_v make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o what_o he_o have_v say_v about_o this_o be_v only_o speak_v ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la by_o which_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o our_o author_n begin_v to_o see_v he_o can_v not_o sol._n stand_v his_o ground_n but_o be_v not_o so_o ingenuous_a as_o to_o confess_v his_o error_n and_o therefore_o run_v behind_o this_o bush_n to_o hide_v himself_o for_o 1._o his_o word_n which_o i_o quote_v before_o out_o of_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr scripturarum_fw-la interpret_v do_v evident_o show_v that_o he_o speak_v according_a to_o his_o own_o mind_n that_o it_o be_v a_o preposterous_a thing_n in_o this_o controversy_n to_o allege_v the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n and_o that_o in_o this_o case_n no_o such_o proof_n be_v to_o be_v allow_v see_v he_o page_n 217._o 219._o and_o 247._o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o allege_v the_o reason_n beforementioned_a such_o as_o they_o be_v for_o this_o wild_a position_n 2._o he_o know_v very_o well_o that_o the_o jew_n to_o who_o he_o compare_v his_o antagonist_n do_v not_o at_o all_o own_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o profess_o reject_v it_o whereas_o the_o exercitator_n whatever_o his_o religion_n be_v do_v avowed_o own_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o delcare_n himself_o willing_a to_o be_v deal_v with_o in_o that_o way_n in_o that_o he_o cite_v our_o divine_n argument_n from_o thence_o and_o endeavour_n to_o answer_v they_o for_o which_o this_o author_n reprove_v he_o so_o that_o the_o case_n be_v not_o the_o same_o and_o yet_o i_o appeal_v to_o the_o author_n reason_n shall_v any_o jewish_a writer_n either_o cite_v any_o testimony_n out_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o himself_o or_o endeavour_n by_o his_o own_o interpretation_n to_o evade_v any_o testimony_n thence_o allege_v against_o he_o which_o be_v plain_o the_o case_n here_o whether_o shall_v a_o christian_n that_o pretend_v to_o answer_v he_o do_v well_o to_o say_v that_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v not_o here_o to_o be_v hear_v and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o preposterous_a thing_n to_o allege_v it_o shall_v he_o not_o rather_o endeavour_v to_o answer_v the_o objection_n that_o be_v make_v and_o clear_v the_o place_n cite_v and_o if_o in_o case_n he_o shall_v do_v as_o this_o author_n do_v here_o may_v he_o not_o just_o be_v condemn_v for_o a_o betrayer_n of_o the_o christian_a cause_n if_o it_o be_v say_v cit_fw-la that_o though_o the_o exercitator_n acknowledge_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n yet_o he_o hold_v they_o to_o be_v universal_o ambiguous_a and_o obscure_a further_o than_o humane_a reason_n expound_v they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o use_v scripture_n to_o he_o till_o they_o have_v agree_v about_o the_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n i_o answer_v the_o exeroitator_n do_v indeed_o charge_v the_o scripture_n with_o obscurity_n sol._n because_o of_o its_o ambiguity_n but_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o ground_n because_o hesay_n all_o word_n whatsoever_o be_v ambiguous_a if_o therefore_o this_o shall_v shut_v out_o the_o scripture_n from_o bear_v witness_n in_o the_o controversy_n than_o all_o argument_n from_o reason_n must_v upon_o the_o same_o account_n be_v exclude_v too_o for_o they_o must_v be_v make_v up_o of_o word_n and_o phrase_n the_o ambiguity_n whereof_o according_a to_o the_o exercitator_n doctrine_n will_v render_v they_o obscure_v as_o well_o as_o the_o scripture_n come_v we_o now_o to_o speak_v something_o to_o 3._o the_o scripture_n allege_v by_o our_o divine_n 7._o which_o the_o exercitator_n labour_v to_o evade_v but_o methinks_v it_o be_v a_o pleasant_a thing_n to_o see_v how_o he_o betray_v his_o own_o cause_n by_o act_v against_o his_o own_o method_n and_o principle_n for_o have_v all_o along_o cry_v up_o philosophy_n as_o the_o only_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n when_o himself_o come_v interpret_v the_o scripture_n bring_v against_o he_o one_o will_v think_v he_o shall_v bring_v his_o own_o tool_n to_o this_o work_n and_o labour_n by_o philosophic_a principle_n to_o make_v out_o the_o sense_n that_o he_o give_v of_o these_o scripture_n but_o he_o wave_v this_o and_o seek_v to_o fetch_v out_o his_o own_o sense_n from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o by_o examine_v the_o antecedent_n and_o consequent_n and_o the_o author_n scope_n now_o he_o either_o take_v this_o way_n of_o interpretation_n to_o be_v right_a or_o he_o do_v not_o if_o he_o do_v not_o he_o do_v but_o juggle_v with_o his_o reader_n and_o design_n to_o cheat_v he_o but_o if_o he_o do_v indeed_o think_v it_o to_o be_v right_a he_o yield_v the_o cause_n that_o not_o philosophy_n but_o the_o scripture_n itself_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n now_o for_o the_o scripture_n allege_v the_o 6._o first_o be_v that_o in_o 1_o cor._n 1._o 19_o 20_o 21._o where_o the_o apostle_n speak_v very_o contemptible_o of_o humane_a wisdom_n the_o like_a may_v besaid_a of_o the_o next_o 1_o cor._n 2._o 6._o now_o in_o these_o place_n say_v the_o exercitator_n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o go_v about_o to_o deny_v or_o condemn_v true_a wisdom_n but_o the_o earthly_a sensual_a wisdom_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v ground_v upon_o vain_a opinion_n and_o put_v man_n upon_o the_o eager_a pursuit_n of_o earthly_a thing_n such_o as_o riches_n and_o honour_n and_o sensual_a pleasure_n i_o answer_v the_o apostle_n have_v to_o do_v with_o those_o who_o think_v mean_o of_o the_o sol._n doctrine_n of_o christ_n crucify_a and_o affect_v a_o name_n for_o that_o which_o the_o world_n count_v wisdom_n endeavour_n to_o lay_v all_o humane_a wisdom_n in_o the_o dust_n and_o to_o discover_v its_o insufficiency_n to_o conduct_v man_n to_o true_a happiness_n for_o which_o he_o prefer_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v so_o deride_v as_o foolishness_n above_o that_o which_o the_o world_n so_o much_o admire_v this_o therefore_o be_v no_o impertinent_a allegation_n against_o the_o exercitator_n opinion_n that_o in_o 1_o cor._n 2._o 14._o i_o have_v already_o press_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o my_o first_o argument_n and_o have_v vindicate_v it_o from_o the_o corrupt_a gloss_n that_o some_o have_v put_v upon_o it_o the_o last_o be_v that_o in_o coloss._n 2._o 8._o beware_v lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v you_o through_o 8._o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n here_o say_v the_o exercitator_n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o condemn_v sound_a philosophy_n but_o that_o which_o be_v vain_a and_o useless_a i_o answer_v undoubted_o he_o do_v not_o sol._n condemn_v philosophy_n true_o so_o call_v but_o he_o give_v a_o caution_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o be_v deceive_v by_o it_o as_o man_n may_v be_v when_o the_o use_n of_o it_o be_v extend_v beyond_o its_o line_n and_o be_v not_o keep_v within_o its_o own_o proper_a bound_n thus_o say_v our_o learned_a davenant_n philosophy_n or_o humane_a reason_n which_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o philosophy_n 8._o be_v always_o find_v vain_a and_o deceitful_a when_o it_o be_v carry_v beyond_o its_o proper_a limit_n that_o be_v say_v he_o when_o it_o attempt_v to_o determine_v of_o those_o thing_n that_o fall_v not_o under_o the_o cognisance_n of_o natural_a reason_n such_o be_v those_o that_o belong_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n as_o the_o point_n of_o justification_n reconciliation_n with_o god_n and_o other_o matter_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o reason_n and_o depend_v altogether_o upon_o divine_a revelation_n chap._n xvii_o 1._o that_o sound_a philosophy_n assert_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o scripture_n grant_v 2._o two_o principle_n instance_a in_o and_o wolzogen_n tergiversation_n tax_v 3._o the_o two_o great_a article_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o all_o thing_n out_o of_o nothing_o and_o the_o
resurrection_n of_o the_o same_o numerical_a body_n prove_v against_o the_o exercitator_n to_o be_v assert_v in_o scripture_n the_o exercitator_n next_o work_n be_v to_o answer_v the_o great_a argument_n 〈◊〉_d which_o he_o say_v some_o urge_v against_o his_o 1_o opinion_n viz._n philosophy_n and_o consequent_o humane_a reason_n assert_n many_o thing_n that_o be_v repugnant_a to_o divinity_n and_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v be_v allow_v for_o the_o rule_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n he_o deny_v the_o antecedent_n and_o so_o do_v i._o what_o author_n they_o be_v in_o the_o reform_a church_n that_o thus_o argue_v i_o know_v not_o but_o this_o i_o know_v that_o it_o be_v no_o uncommon_a thing_n for_o pugnacious_a wit_n to_o draw_v the_o sword_n upon_o the_o shadow_n of_o a_o dream_n and_o make_v hector-like_a declamation_n against_o utopian_a adversary_n set_a aside_o those_o author_n who_o be_v engage_v by_o some_o atheological_a hypothesis_n which_o they_o have_v espouse_v as_o the_o papist_n and_o the_o lutheran_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o eucharist_n i_o know_v not_o any_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o understanding_n who_o have_v such_o a_o thought_n that_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o scripture_n derogatory_n or_o contradictory_n to_o true_a philosophy_n or_o sound_a reason_n or_o that_o believe_v any_o thing_n true_a in_o philosophy_n to_o be_v false_a in_o divinity_n whatsoever_o be_v true_a any_o where_o be_v true_a every_o where_o here_o therefore_o our_o author_n may_v put_v up_o his_o dagger_n but_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n which_o i_o can_v 2._o well_o pass_v over_o that_o the_o exercitator_n pretend_v to_o confute_v those_o who_o assert_v a_o contrariety_n between_o the_o principle_n of_o philosophy_n and_o divinity_n and_o instance_v in_o these_o two_o exit_fw-la nihilo_fw-la nihil_fw-la fit_a and_o idem_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la numericè_fw-la reproduci_fw-la instead_o of_o solve_v the_o knot_n he_o cut_v it_o and_o plain_o affirm_v both_o these_o principle_n to_o be_v true_a absolute_o and_o without_o limitation_n both_o in_o philosophy_n and_o divinity_n confident_o assert_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v no_o where_o teach_v we_o that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v of_o nothing_o or_o that_o the_o same_o numerical_a body_n shall_v rise_v at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o here_o wolzogen_n unworthy_o desert_n the_o christian_a cause_n not_o vouchsafe_v to_o write_v one_o word_n in_o vindication_n of_o these_o grand_a truth_n against_o this_o bold_a adversary_n but_o tell_v we_o he_o be_v content_a the_o man_n shall_v enjoy_v his_o own_o opinion_n though_o he_o say_v he_o can_v easy_o have_v refute_v he_o which_o make_v his_o silence_n the_o more_o inexcusable_a and_o bring_v he_o under_o great_a suspicion_n of_o heterodoxy_n notwithstanding_o all_o his_o rhetorical_a flourish_v but_o it_o be_v time_n i_o shall_v return_v to_o our_o author_n who_o if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v too_o much_o in_o love_n with_o novelty_n may_v without_o the_o least_o prejudice_n to_o his_o cause_n unless_o it_o have_v some_o other_o monster_n in_o the_o belly_n of_o it_o that_o be_v not_o yet_o come_v to_o the_o birth_n have_v answer_v that_o these_o axiom_n be_v true_a in_o a_o limit_a sense_n both_o in_o philosophy_n and_o divinity_n viz._n that_o by_o a_o finite_a create_a power_n nothing_o can_v be_v make_v of_o nothing_o and_o that_o by_o the_o like_a limit_a power_n the_o same_o numerical_a body_n that_o perish_v can_v be_v reproduced_a but_o that_o nevertheless_o to_o a_o infinite_a power_n all_o thing_n that_o imply_v not_o contradiction_n be_v possible_a but_o it_o seem_v by_o this_o author_n word_n 3._o that_o he_o disow_v the_o receive_v doctrine_n of_o the_o world_n creation_n out_o of_o nothing_o and_o the_o reproduction_n of_o the_o same_o individual_a body_n 1._o by_o deny_v the_o former_a he_o must_v necessary_o maintain_v the_o eternity_n of_o preexistent_a matter_n whereas_o if_o god_n be_v the_o maker_n of_o all_o being_n beside_o himself_o as_o the_o scripture_n sufficient_o assure_v we_o than_o nothing_o beside_o himself_o can_v be_v eternal_a but_o he_o must_v in_o make_v the_o world_n make_v the_o matter_n whereof_o the_o world_n consist_v which_o matter_n therefore_o must_v be_v make_v of_o nothing_o the_o first_o article_n in_o the_o most_o ancient_a creed_n as_o the_o reverend_a bishop_n of_o chester_n have_v 1._o observe_v have_v instead_o of_o these_o word_n maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n or_o together_o with_o they_o this_o clause_n the_o maker_n of_o all_o thing_n visible_a and_o invisible_a agreeable_o to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n coloss._n 1._o 16._o which_o distribution_n be_v so_o comprehensive_a that_o it_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o any_o exception_n all_o thing_n whatsoever_o be_v either_o visible_a or_o invisible_a and_o whatsoever_o can_v be_v suppose_v necessary_a to_o the_o make_n of_o the_o world_n it_o must_v of_o necessity_n come_v under_o one_o of_o these_o two_o member_n of_o the_o distribution_n and_o consequen_o be_v of_o god_n make_v and_o indeed_o if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o than_o something_o else_o beside_o god_n must_v have_v a_o necessary_a uncreated_a independent_a be_v which_o carry_v with_o it_o so_o broad_a a_o contradiction_n as_o man_n reason_n leave_v fair_a to_o itself_o can_v allow_v again_o 2._o by_o disclaim_v the_o latter_a this_o author_n evident_o deny_v the_o resurrection_n for_o that_o import_v the_o rise_n again_o of_o the_o same_o body_n that_o fall_v according_a to_o that_o know_a speech_n of_o damascen_n so_o oft_o cite_v by_o our_o divine_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o if_o the_o same_o numerical_a body_n rise_v not_o but_o another_o be_v make_v de_fw-la novo_fw-la for_o the_o soul_n to_o animate_v this_o be_v not_o a_o resurrection_n but_o a_o new_a creation_n and_o then_o the_o first_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n may_v as_o apt_o be_v call_v a_o resurrection_n as_o that_o which_o be_v so_o style_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o scripture_n but_o i_o think_v the_o scripture_n speak_v plain_a enough_o in_o this_o case_n though_o this_o author_n will_v not_o own_v it_o when_o it_o say_v that_o at_o the_o last_o day_n this_o corruptible_a must_v 53._o put_v on_o incorruption_n and_o this_o mortal_a must_v put_v on_o immortality_n and_o that_o 21._o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n shall_v then_o change_v our_o vile_a body_n that_o it_o may_v be_v make_v like_o unto_o his_o glorious_a body_n and_o that_o if_o the_o 11_o spirit_n of_o he_o that_o raise_v up_o jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a dwell_v in_o we_o he_o that_o raise_v up_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a shall_v also_o quicken_v our_o mortal_a body_n by_o his_o spirit_n that_o dwell_v in_o we_o add_v to_o this_o that_o argument_n from_o the_o description_n of_o the_o place_n whence_o the_o resurrection_n shall_v begin_v which_o i_o can_v better_o represent_v to_o the_o reader_n than_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o learned_a bishop_n 382._o of_o chester_n they_o which_o sleep_n in_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o earth_n dan._n 12._o 2._o and_o they_o which_o be_v in_o the_o grave_n joh._n 5._o 28._o shall_v hear_v the_o voice_n and_o rise_n and_o rev._n 20._o 13._o the_o sea_n shall_v give_v up_o the_o dead_a which_o be_v in_o it_o and_o death_n and_o the_o grave_n deliver_v up_o the_o dead_a which_o be_v in_o they_o but_o if_o the_o same_o body_n do_v not_o rise_v they_o which_o be_v in_o the_o dust_n shall_v not_o revive_v if_o god_n shall_v give_v we_o any_o other_o body_n than_o our_o own_o neither_o the_o sea_n nor_o the_o grave_n shall_v give_v up_o their_o dead_a that_o shall_v rise_v again_o which_o the_o grave_a give_v up_o the_o grave_n have_v nothing_o to_o give_v up_o but_o that_o body_n which_o be_v lay_v into_o it_o therefore_o the_o same_o body_n which_o be_v bury_v shall_v at_o the_o last_o day_n be_v revive_v and_o whereas_o the_o socinian_o who_o be_v our_o adversary_n in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o in_o many_o other_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o evade_v this_o argument_n will_v have_v the_o grave_n speak_v of_o in_o joh_n 5._o 28._o to_o be_v the_o grave_n of_o ignorance_n and_o impiety_n there_o mean_v and_o the_o rise_v to_o be_v man_n come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n the_o aforesaid_a learned_a person_n answer_v they_o that_o christ_n express_o speak_v of_o bring_v man_n to_o marg._n judgement_n vers_fw-la 27._o and_o divide_v those_o that_o be_v to_o come_v out_o of_o their_o grave_n into_o two_o rank_n vers_fw-la 29._o neither_o of_o which_o can_v be_v so_o understand_v the_o first_o be_v those_o which_o have_v do_v good_a before_o they_o come_v out_o of_o their_o grave_n these_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v the_o grave_n of_o ignorance_n and_o impiety_n from_o which_o no_o good_a can_v come_v the_o second_o be_v such_o who_o have_v do_v evil_a
and_o so_o remain_v as_o evil_a doer_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v say_v to_o come_v forth_o of_o the_o grave_n of_o ignorance_n and_o impiety_n or_o to_o rise_v by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n to_o newness_n of_o life_n because_o they_o be_v express_o say_v to_o come_v forth_o to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o damnation_n but_o if_o the_o exercitator_n principle_n will_v allow_v he_o to_o write_v after_o the_o rate_n he_o here_o do_v i_o think_v none_o that_o have_v any_o veneration_n for_o the_o scripture_n will_v be_v overfond_a of_o such_o a_o corrupt_a and_o fallacious_a interpreter_n but_o when_o man_n be_v hammer_v out_o a_o new_a divinity_n they_o must_v either_o find_v out_o a_o new_a scripture_n or_o a_o new_a way_n of_o expound_v the_o old_a to_o countenance_v their_o own_o dream_n that_o when_o by_o this_o artifice_n they_o have_v turn_v out_o the_o true_a christianity_n they_o may_v bring_v we_o in_o a_o pagan_a religion_n fine_o set_v out_o in_o the_o stately_a dress_n of_o eternal_a reason_n no_o wonder_n they_o cry_v out_o of_o system_n acquiescere_fw-la as_o chain_n and_o fetter_n to_o their_o desultorious_a and_o volatile_a wit_n they_o have_v rather_o as_o one_o say_v of_o wanton_a head_n â—e_v the_o purchaser_n of_o error_n than_o the_o heir_n of_o truth_n of_o who_o the_o lord_n verulam_n veritate_fw-la give_v we_o a_o very_a fit_a character_n certè_fw-la sunt_fw-la qui_fw-la cogitationum_fw-la vertigine_fw-la delectantur_fw-la ac_fw-la pro_fw-la servitute_fw-la habent_fw-la fide_fw-la fixa_fw-la &_o axiomatis_fw-la constantibus_fw-la restringi_fw-la liberi_fw-la arbitrii_fw-la usum_fw-la in_o cogitando_fw-la non_fw-la mixùs_fw-la quam_fw-la in_o agendo_fw-la affectantes_fw-la very_o say_v he_o there_o be_v some_o who_o be_v delight_v in_o a_o giddiness_n of_o opinion_n and_o take_v it_o for_o a_o bondage_n to_o be_v restrain_v by_o a_o fix_a faith_n and_o settle_a principle_n no_o less_o affect_v the_o use_n of_o their_o free_a will_n in_o think_v than_o in_o act_v and_o so_o i_o have_v dispatch_v the_o first_o part_n of_o my_o work_n and_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o part_n ii_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o only_a sure_a interpreter_n of_o itself_o chap._n i._n 1._o the_o proposition_n assert_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v its_o own_o interpreter_n lay_v down_o lud._n walzogen_n rashness_n and_o inconsistency_n with_o himself_o in_o give_v the_o sense_n of_o our_o reform_a divine_n in_o this_o point_n 2._o their_o true_a meaning_n clear_v and_o something_o touch_v about_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n 3._o the_o judgement_n of_o divine_n ancient_a and_o modern_a in_o this_o business_n have_v endeavour_v to_o 2._o disprove_v the_o new_a pretend_a rule_n of_o interpretation_n i_o come_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o assert_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o lay_v down_o this_o proposition_n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v its_o own_o only_a sure_a interpreter_n but_o before_o i_o enter_v upon_o the_o open_n and_o confirm_v of_o it_o i_o must_v remove_v something_o that_o lie_v in_o my_o way_n ludovicus_n wolzogen_n in_o his_o two_o book_n de_fw-fr scripturarum_fw-la interpret_v attempt_v to_o answer_v the_o exercitator_n profess_v to_o maintain_v the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o the_o protestant_a church_n in_o this_o point_n but_o pretend_v to_o a_o more_o clear_a and_o distinct_a handle_n of_o it_o than_o have_v hitherto_o be_v perform_v by_o our_o divine_n whereas_o indeed_o that_o which_o he_o propound_v to_o maintain_v be_v a_o novel_a fancy_n of_o his_o own_o never_o yet_o own_v by_o any_o orthodox_n divine_a that_o i_o have_v read_v or_o hear_v of_o viz._n that_o the_o scripture_n interpret_v itself_o by_o the_o usus_fw-la loquendi_fw-la the_o custom_n of_o speak_v and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o only_a sure_a and_o undoubted_a rule_n of_o interpretation_n but_o whereas_o he_o most_o immodest_o charge_v all_o that_o have_v go_v before_o he_o with_o confusedness_n in_o this_o controversy_n as_o not_o well_o understanding_n either_o it_o or_o themselves_o his_o learned_a self_n when_o he_o come_v to_o take_v it_o in_o hand_n be_v so_o intricate_a and_o perplex_a so_o various_a and_o inconstant_a that_o it_o be_v a_o difficult_a matter_n to_o understand_v what_o he_o will_v have_v he_o turn_v himself_o into_o so_o many_o form_n and_o wind_n himself_o so_o many_o way_n and_o fall_v into_o so_o many_o self-contradiction_n that_o he_o seem_v to_o design_n the_o entangle_v of_o his_o reader_n and_o the_o hide_v of_o himself_o in_o a_o castle_n of_o cloud_n first_o one_o while_o he_o will_v have_v we_o understand_v this_o usus_fw-la loquendi_fw-la of_o the_o vulgar_a 42._o use_n of_o speech_n common_a to_o the_o scripture_n with_o other_o write_n and_o give_v we_o his_o reason_n why_o this_o must_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n because_o common_a use_n be_v the_o only_a master_n of_o speech_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o speaker_n and_o writer_n give_v law_n to_o the_o signification_n of_o etc._n word_n and_o that_o the_o use_n of_o speech_n be_v form_v by_o much_o and_o long_a custom_n which_o when_o it_o have_v at_o last_o prevail_v do_v as_o it_o be_v imprint_v a_o public_a character_n upon_o word_n which_o come_v by_o tacit_a consent_n to_o be_v receive_v of_o all_o and_o 72._o he_o profess_v he_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o any_o shall_v deny_v that_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n depend_v upon_o this_o use_n of_o speech_n which_o himself_n say_v be_v found_v upon_o humane_a institution_n but_o adopt_v and_o approve_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o endite_v the_o scripture_n now_o that_o this_o usus_fw-la loquendi_fw-la shall_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o interpret_n the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v far_o wide_a from_o the_o truth_n and_o from_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o protestant_n and_o as_o far_o as_o i_o know_v of_o all_o other_o expositor_n for_o 1._o when_o they_o say_v the_o scripture_n be_v its_o own_o interpreter_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o the_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n to_o itself_o they_o understand_v it_o of_o something_o in_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o not_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v common_a to_o it_o with_o other_o write_n but_o the_o vulgar_a and_o customary_a use_n of_o speech_n be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o write_n where_o the_o same_o language_n be_v make_v use_n of_o 2._o it_o be_v grant_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o this_o usus_fw-la loquendi_fw-la or_o custom_n of_o speech_n have_v its_o place_n among_o those_o mean_n that_o i_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o entrance_n of_o my_o discourse_n that_o do_v remote_o conduce_v to_o interpretation_n but_o it_o reach_v no_o further_o next_o and_o immediate_o than_o to_o verbal_a interpretation_n which_o be_v call_v translation_n by_o guide_v we_o to_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o word_n and_o phrase_n and_o the_o several_a modes_n of_o speech_n but_o this_o come_v not_o up_o to_o that_o which_o we_o call_v real_a interpretation_n which_o be_v the_o exposition_n of_o the_o author_n mind_n signify_v by_o those_o word_n as_o they_o be_v so_o and_o so_o place_v we_o do_v not_o therefore_o shut_v out_o the_o use_n of_o speech_n but_o suppose_v it_o and_o look_v at_o something_o further_o for_o instance_n suppose_v i_o be_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o sense_n of_o that_o place_n joh._n 1._o 1._o which_o be_v the_o instance_n give_v by_o Ê‹ander_n weayen_v i_o may_v by_o the_o use_n of_o speech_n 12._o know_v what_o these_o several_a word_n begin_v and_o word_n and_o god_n signify_v but_o i_o must_v have_v something_o else_o to_o guide_v i_o to_o the_o right_a meaning_n of_o the_o entire_a sentence_n in_o the_o beginning_n be_v the_o word_n and_o the_o word_n be_v with_o god_n and_o the_o word_n be_v god_n and_o wolzogen_n himself_o acknowledge_v 107._o that_o there_o be_v a_o wide_a difference_n between_o word_n take_v single_o and_o in_o their_o first_o original_n and_o take_v as_o conjoin_v in_o proposition_n i_o may_v add_v with_o very_o good_a reason_n that_o there_o be_v also_o a_o wide_a difference_n between_o proposition_n take_v single_o and_o take_v in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o contexture_n of_o discourse_n now_o the_o use_n of_o speech_n will_v not_o help_v we_o to_o distinguish_v here_o 3._o how_o can_v the_o common_a use_n of_o speech_n be_v a_o rule_n in_o matter_n of_o pure_a revelation_n i_o think_v all_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o sense_n of_o word_n vary_v according_a to_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o subject_a matter_n about_o which_o they_o be_v use_v now_o matter_n of_o pure_a revelation_n be_v so_o remote_a from_o vulgar_a use_n that_o they_o have_v never_o be_v speak_v or_o write_v by_o any_o man_n if_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v not_o indict_v they_o and_o communicate_v they_o to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v deliver_v not_o
in_o word_n which_o man_n wisdom_n teach_v but_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v 13._o 4._o if_o the_o common_a use_n of_o speech_n be_v so_o sure_a a_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n as_o this_o author_n make_v it_o i_o wonder_v what_o be_v in_o his_o mind_n to_o say_v of_o the_o penman_n of_o scripture_n that_o if_o they_o be_v now_o live_v among_o we_o they_o can_v not_o be_v the_o sufficient_a interpreter_n of_o their_o own_o write_n because_o they_o often_o write_v they_o know_v not_o what_o certain_o the_o customary_a use_n of_o speech_n which_o obtain_v in_o the_o time_n wherein_o they_o write_v must_v needs_o be_v much_o better_o know_v to_o they_o than_o it_o can_v be_v to_o any_o now_o live_v why_o then_o may_v not_o they_o interpret_v their_o own_o write_n if_o they_o be_v now_o with_o we_o have_v the_o best_a insight_n into_o that_o which_o this_o author_n cry_v up_o for_o the_o only_a sure_a rule_n of_o interpretation_n 5._o if_o the_o customary_a use_n of_o speech_n must_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n the_o inconvenience_n urge_v by_o the_o exercitator_n cap._n 11._o par_fw-fr 6._o will_v not_o easy_o if_o at_o all_o be_v avoid_v viz._n the_o interpret_n of_o scripture_n according_a to_o the_o erroneous_a apprehension_n of_o the_o vulgar_a 6._o if_o this_o be_v so_o certain_a a_o rule_n as_o he_o will_v have_v it_o so_o as_o that_o he_o who_o use_v it_o shall_v not_o fail_v to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n for_o so_o himself_o speak_v 12._o how_o be_v it_o that_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n may_v not_o be_v find_v in_o all_o part_v one_o as_o well_o as_o another_o for_o the_o use_n of_o speech_n be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o and_o yet_o he_o acknowledge_v that_o in_o many_o thing_n not_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n let_v the_o reader_n be_v never_o so_o diligent_a in_o his_o search_n he_o can_v find_v the_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o reason_n hereof_o he_o say_v be_v to_o be_v fetch_v not_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n nor_o from_o the_o darkness_n of_o our_o mind_n but_o ex_fw-la 174._o ipsa_fw-la constitutione_n scripturae_fw-la from_o the_o very_a frame_n of_o scripture_n itself_o second_o but_o now_o whether_o this_o learned_a author_n do_v not_o well_o consider_v 2._o what_o he_o write_v or_o have_v not_o well_o digest_v his_o own_o notion_n or_o whether_o he_o design_v to_o amuse_v his_o reader_n with_o intricacy_n and_o ambiguity_n or_o whether_o he_o be_v aware_a of_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o his_o former_a expression_n and_o their_o liableness_n to_o exception_n or_o what_o other_o be_v the_o cause_n i_o shall_v not_o inquire_v but_o this_o be_v plain_a to_o any_o that_o attentive_o read_v his_o discourse_n that_o when_o he_o have_v once_o and_o again_o give_v the_o honour_n of_o be_v the_o only_a sure_a rule_n of_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n to_o the_o common_a and_o customary_a use_n of_o speech_n he_o afterward_o fall_v to_o a_o singular_a use_n of_o speech_n 227._o distinct_a from_o the_o vulgar_a arise_v from_o the_o different_a character_n of_o the_o writer_n the_o different_a occasion_n of_o write_v the_o different_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n about_o which_o he_o treat_v and_o that_o under_o this_o singularity_n of_o the_o usus_fw-la loquendi_fw-la the_o custom_n of_o speech_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o antecedent_n and_o the_o consequent_n of_o a_o text_n 79._o and_o the_o parallel_n place_n and_o elsewhere_o he_o say_v 137._o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o place_n under_o consideration_n be_v to_o be_v examine_v and_o this_o he_o call_v usus_fw-la loquendi_fw-la scripturarius_fw-la 127._o the_o scripture_n use_v of_o speak_v and_o when_o he_o object_n against_o himself_o 138._o that_o the_o customary_a manner_n of_o speak_v be_v dubious_a and_o uncertain_a he_o answer_v it_o thus_o that_o though_o it_o be_v 263._o so_o yet_o god_n manner_n of_o speech_n in_o scripture_n be_v fix_v so_o that_o what_o be_v before_o call_v the_o common_a and_o vulgar_a use_n be_v now_o confine_v to_o god_n use_n and_o the_o scripture-use_a of_o speak_v which_o certain_o do_v not_o receive_v law_n from_o the_o custom_n and_o consent_n of_o man_n but_o be_v whole_o frame_v and_o order_v by_o the_o disposal_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n though_o in_o it_o he_o make_v use_v of_o such_o word_n as_o receive_v their_o single_a signification_n from_o common_a use_n beside_o this_o author_n tell_v we_o elsewhere_o 121_o that_o usus_fw-la loquendi_fw-la or_o custom_n of_o speech_n include_v in_o it_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n and_o all_o other_o thing_n that_o be_v take_v out_o of_o scripture_n in_o order_n to_o the_o find_v out_o of_o its_o true_a sense_n now_o if_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o meaning_n of_o his_o usus_fw-la loquendi_fw-la his_o opinion_n come_v very_o near_o to_o that_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o same_o with_o it_o but_o than_o what_o need_v all_o this_o stir_n as_o if_o our_o divine_n have_v not_o discover_v their_o mind_n plain_o and_o distinct_o but_o this_o author_n must_v come_v and_o mend_v it_o whereas_o he_o have_v rather_o darken_v and_o obscure_v it_o by_o his_o intricate_a and_o inconsistent_a discourse_n for_o whoever_o before_o he_o take_v usus_fw-la loquendi_fw-la in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o this_o and_o i_o much_o wonder_v that_o he_o who_o be_v so_o much_o for_o the_o custom_n of_o speech_n shall_v vary_v so_o wide_o from_o it_o in_o his_o write_n for_o i_o be_o sure_a this_o phrase_n usus_fw-la loquendi_fw-la according_a to_o that_o mode_n of_o speech_n that_o have_v hitherto_o obtain_v be_v never_o take_v so_o comprehensive_o as_o to_o include_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o text_n with_o the_o antecedent_n and_o consequent_n and_o all_o other_o circumstance_n and_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n and_o what_o ever_o lie_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o serve_v to_o the_o discovery_n of_o its_o true_a sense_n except_o man_n will_v assume_v a_o power_n to_o themselves_o of_o coin_v a_o new_a sense_n of_o word_n i_o can_v imagine_v what_o ground_n they_o can_v have_v to_o talk_v after_o the_o rate_n of_o this_o author_n our_o divine_n speak_v much_o more_o proper_o 〈◊〉_d and_o clear_o in_o this_o business_n viz._n that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n have_v in_o endite_v the_o scripture_n so_o attemper_v his_o speech_n and_o so_o order_v and_o dispose_v the_o several_a part_n and_o parcel_n of_o this_o sacred_a book_n that_o his_o mind_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v it_o may_v be_v discover_v either_o from_o the_o obvious_a sense_n of_o the_o particular_a sentence_n and_o proposition_n of_o scripture_n consider_v in_o that_o order_n and_o dependence_n wherein_o they_o be_v place_v or_o by_o a_o due_a comparison_n of_o one_o part_n of_o scripture_n with_o another_o so_o as_o that_o the_o reader_n may_v gather_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o this_o be_v that_o which_o our_o divine_n mean_v when_o they_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v its_o own_o interpreter_n and_o when_o they_o say_v at_o any_o time_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o interpreter_n of_o scripture_n either_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o objective_a evidence_n that_o the_o spirit_n give_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o then_o they_o understand_v it_o of_o the_o spirit_n as_o speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o we_o as_o i_o say_v our_o supreme_a rule_n or_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o spirit_n as_o the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o that_o subjective_n lightâ—hat_o â—hat_z be_v let_v into_o our_o mind_n enable_v we_o to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n and_o this_o belong_v to_o another_o inquiry_n and_o do_v not_o concern_v the_o question_n about_o the_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n now_o when_o our_o writer_n say_v the_o scripture_n be_v its_o own_o interpreter_n they_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v metonymical_o as_o when_o they_o say_v the_o scripture_n be_v the_o supreme_a judge_n of_o all_o controversy_n of_o faith_n they_o mean_v no_o more_o but_o that_o it_o be_v judex_n normaâ—is_n or_o the_o supreme_a rule_n of_o judgement_n according_a to_o which_o controversy_n be_v to_o be_v ultimate_o decide_v so_o by_o proportion_n be_v it_o in_o the_o present_a cafe_z and_o as_o when_o the_o papist_n speak_v of_o the_o infallible_a dectding_n of_o controversy_n whether_o they_o say_v the_o pope_n be_v the_o infallible_a judge_n or_o the_o sentence_n give_v by_o the_o pope_n be_v the_o infallible_a rule_n of_o decision_n it_o come_v all_o to_o one_o so_o when_o our_o divine_n say_v sometime_o that_o the_o spirit_n speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o infallible_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n and_o other_o while_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o infallible_a rule_n of_o
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
principle_n of_o philosophy_n satisfy_v we_o whether_o the_o verb_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d there_o use_v be_v of_o the_o indicative_a mood_n or_o of_o the_o imperative_a so_o when_o he_o say_v its_o doubtful_a whether_o our_o saviour_n word_n to_o peter_n john_n 21._o 16_o 17_o 18._o shall_v be_v take_v interrogative_o do_v thou_o love_v i_o or_o affirmative_o thou_o do_v love_v i_o and_o his_o word_n to_o his_o disciple_n math._n 26._o 45._o whether_o they_o be_v to_o be_v read_v imperative_o sleep_v on_o now_o etc._n etc._n or_o interrogative_o do_v you_o sleep_v on_o &_o c_o and_o so_o of_o pilat_n word_n to_o our_o saviour_n what_o be_v truth_n whether_o they_o be_v a_o serious_a question_n or_o a_o irony_n in_o these_o and_o many_o other_o if_o the_o matter_n and_o coherence_n do_v not_o resolve_v we_o philosophy_n can_v relieve_v we_o how_o then_o do_v these_o allegation_n serve_v our_o author_n end_n which_o be_v that_o the_o scripture_n can_v interpret_v itself_o but_o all_o its_o interpretation_n must_v be_v regulate_v by_o philosophy_n bùt_fw-la last_o i_o deny_v this_o charge_n lay_v 5._o against_o the_o scripture_n of_o its_o be_v universal_o ambiguous_a and_o obscure_a as_o high_o contumelious_a to_o god_n the_o author_n of_o it_o for_o it_o suppose_v either_o that_o he_o can_v not_o or_o that_o he_o will_v not_o speak_v his_o mind_n to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n for_o who_o eternal_a concern_v he_o design_v this_o sacred_a volume_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o they_o may_v understand_v it_o and_o be_v better_v by_o it_o as_o it_o be_v out_o of_o love_n and_o mercy_n to_o sinner_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v indict_v that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o sure_a guide_n to_o blessedness_n so_o they_o be_v write_v for_o all_o sort_n and_o rank_n of_o man_n to_o make_v use_n of_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n draw_v in_o a_o vulgar_a condescend_v style_n but_o if_o they_o can_v be_v understand_v without_o philosophy_n yea_o a_o very_a great_a insight_n into_o philosophy_n as_o this_o author_n sometime_o intimate_v not_o one_o of_o a_o thousand_o of_o they_o that_o have_v the_o scripture_n will_v be_v able_a to_o understand_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o they_o they_o be_v according_a to_o this_o man_n word_n so_o totallydark_a and_o doubtful_a chap._n v._n a_o second_o exception_n from_o the_o exercitator_n unsatisfiedness_n about_o the_o meaning_n of_o our_o divine_n when_o they_o speak_v of_o any_o scripture_n be_v perspicuous_a in_o themselves_o remove_v second_o whereas_o it_o be_v usual_o say_v 2._o by_o our_o divine_n that_o such_o place_n of_o scripture_n as_o be_v clear_a and_o plain_a in_o themselves_o do_v interpret_v such_o as_o 6._o be_v obscure_a the_o great_a question_n be_v what_o do_v they_o mean_v by_o a_o place_n that_o be_v clear_a and_o perspicuous_a in_o or_o of_o itself_o i_o have_v make_v inquiry_n about_o this_o say_v the_o exercitator_n and_o can_v find_v nothing_o solid_a or_o satisfactory_a to_o this_o i_o answer_v in_o few_o word_n that_o sol._n place_n or_o text_n of_o scripture_n be_v plain_a and_o perspicuous_a in_o itself_o who_o sense_n so_o fair_o rise_v out_o of_o the_o word_n and_o their_o connexion_n with_o what_o go_v before_o and_o after_o that_o the_o intelligent_a reader_n need_v not_o miss_v of_o it_o if_o he_o be_v not_o want_v to_o himself_o and_o i_o appeal_v to_o any_o man_n that_o be_v not_o resolve_v to_o cavil_v whether_o there_o be_v not_o thousand_o of_o scripture-sentence_n who_o sense_n be_v thus_o clear_a and_o evident_a but_o here_o the_o exercitator_n reply_v object_n the_o word_n whereof_o scripture-proposition_n consist_v have_v their_o signification_n from_o humane_a institution_n and_o their_o 5._o sense_n depend_v upon_o common_a use_n if_o therefore_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v any_o where_o so_o plain_a as_o to_o be_v know_v by_o the_o word_n than_o it_o be_v not_o scripture_n but_o usus_fw-la loquendi_fw-la the_o common_a use_n of_o speech_n that_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n but_o this_o say_v he_o be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o dangerous_a and_o deceitful_a rule_n to_o go_v by_o cause_v many_o monstrous_a conception_n of_o god_n and_o thing_n divine_a suitable_a to_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o ignorant_a and_o besot_v vulgar_a to_o this_o captious_a objection_n i_o answer_v 1._o two_o thing_n 1._o we_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o such_o scripture_n who_o sense_n be_v obvious_a and_o so_o according_a 7._o to_o the_o exercitator_n own_o rule_n give_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o discourse_n need_v no_o interpreter_n for_o he_o plain_o say_v if_o at_o least_o there_o be_v any_o plain_a say_n to_o be_v find_v that_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o interpretation_n be_v such_o a_o speech_n as_o be_v obscure_a this_o cavil_v therefore_o be_v here_o be_v very_o disingenuous_a be_v against_o his_o own_o premise_a rule_n in_o scripture_n there_o be_v somewhat_o common_a 2._o with_o other_o write_n and_o something_o proper_a to_o itself_o as_o each_o particular_a write_n have_v the_o word_n it_o use_v be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o those_o of_o other_o write_n and_o single_o take_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v the_o like_a signification_n according_a to_o common_a use_n but_o as_o those_o word_n be_v frame_v into_o proposition_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o those_o proposition_n conjoin_v in_o such_o a_o contexture_n of_o discourse_n so_o they_o may_v and_o oft_o do_v carry_v a_o peculiar_a sense_n which_o arise_v not_o from_o humane_a institution_n appoint_v the_o signification_n of_o such_o word_n but_o from_o divine_a ordination_n place_v those_o word_n in_o such_o a_o order_n without_o which_o they_o will_v not_o signify_v what_o they_o do_v and_o though_o the_o several_a word_n and_o clause_n of_o scripture_n take_v separately_z from_o the_o place_n wherein_o they_o stand_v may_v have_v a_o dubious_a or_o indeterminate_a sense_n yet_o take_v they_o together_o with_o the_o whole_a discourse_n to_o which_o they_o belong_v and_o whereof_o they_o be_v part_n and_o the_o sense_n may_v be_v undeniable_o clear_a and_o determinate_a and_o this_o be_v one_o way_n whereby_o scripture_n expound_v itself_o as_o the_o other_o be_v what_o have_v be_v most_o insist_v on_o by_o compare_v dark_a place_n with_o those_o that_o be_v plain_a take_v for_o instance_n one_o of_o those_o nominate_v by_o the_o â—xercitator_n the_o word_n 5._o of_o our_o saviour_n in_o matth._n 5._o 34._o swear_v not_o at_o all_o what_o it_o be_v to_o swear_v be_v i_o think_v well_o know_v though_o not_o serious_o consider_v by_o the_o most_o and_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d at_o all_o what_o it_o signify_v in_o common_a use_n we_o all_o know_v and_o if_o this_o clause_n be_v take_v single_o it_o will_v seem_v to_o import_v a_o absolute_a prohibition_n of_o swear_v at_o any_o time_n in_o any_o manner_n whatsoever_o but_o take_v it_o as_o it_o here_o stand_v as_o a_o branch_n of_o that_o whole_a discourse_n that_o begin_v at_o verse_n 33._o and_o end_n at_o ver_fw-la 37._o and_o so_o interpreter_n understand_v our_o saviour_n meaning_n either_o to_o forbid_v all_o swear_v by_o the_o creature_n and_o in_o familiar_a discourse_n or_o to_o caution_n they_o against_o the_o common_a conceit_n and_o practice_n that_o then_o obtain_v of_o swear_v rash_o and_o fallacious_o by_o the_o creature_n upon_o supposal_n that_o such_o oath_n be_v noâ—_n oblige_v because_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v not_o interpose_v chap._n vi_o a_o three_o exception_n that_o what_o be_v clear_a to_o one_o be_v obscure_a to_o another_o where_o he_o deny_v all_o perspicuity_n and_o obscurity_n but_o what_o be_v relative_n but_o that_o which_o be_v plain_a to_o one_o 3._o may_v be_v obscure_a to_o another_o say_v the_o exercitator_n who_o thereupon_o assert_n that_o there_o be_v no_o perspicuity_n or_o obscurity_n but_o what_o be_v pure_o relative_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o reader_n or_o hearer_n and_o according_a to_o his_o wont_a modesty_n condemn_v the_o reform_a divine_n and_o he_o may_v have_v add_v the_o ancient_a father_n for_o affirm_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v in_o themselves_o perspicuous_a though_o obscure_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o indisposition_n of_o man_n mind_n i_o answer_v 1._o if_o there_o be_v no_o objective_a perspicuity_n nor_o anything_o clear_a in_o it_o 1._o self_n but_o only_o as_o it_o relate_v to_o the_o actual_a exercise_n of_o man_n apprehensive_a faculty_n than_o it_o seem_v there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o a_o clear_a day_n and_o a_o cloudy_a but_o only_o in_o reference_n to_o our_o sight_n and_o the_o sun_n must_v not_o be_v say_v to_o shine_v bright_a because_o man_n that_o have_v lose_v their_o eye_n or_o be_v shut_v up_o in_o a_o dungeon_n can_v see_v it_o but_o i_o think_v the_o vanity_n of_o such_o
right_a mean_n to_o understand_v be_v confess_v but_o the_o multitude_n of_o exposition_n do_v not_o at_o all_o prove_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v so_o obscure_a as_o to_o be_v disable_v for_o be_v the_o supreme_a rule_n to_o interpret_v itself_o for_o whatsoever_o note_n or_o commentary_n be_v write_v upon_o the_o bible_n by_o learned_n man_n they_o be_v either_o such_o as_o true_o conduce_v to_o the_o suppose_a end_n the_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o to_o the_o due_a practical_a improvement_n of_o what_o be_v so_o understand_v or_o they_o fail_v of_o this_o and_o do_v rather_o darken_v and_o cloud_v the_o text._n these_o of_o the_o latter_a sort_n do_v not_o deserve_v the_o honour_n to_o be_v esteem_v interpretation_n of_o scripture_n for_o they_o render_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o more_o inâ—…icate_a and_o perplex_v and_o true_o it_o have_v be_v no_o unusual_a thing_n for_o man_n that_o write_v only_o to_o make_v ostentation_n of_o their_o learning_n and_o draw_v the_o eye_n of_o other_o upon_o they_o or_o to_o make_v trial_n of_o their_o wit_n in_o their_o attempt_n upon_o the_o scripture_n to_o vent_v some_o odd_a notion_n that_o serve_v rather_o to_o amuse_v than_o edify_v the_o reader_n and_o leave_v he_o more_o in_o the_o dark_a than_o when_o he_o peruse_v the_o text_n alone_o without_o their_o gloss_n as_o it_o have_v fare_v with_o some_o voluminous_a commentator_n upon_o aquinas_n who_o under_o pretence_n of_o expound_v their_o author_n have_v run_v out_o into_o so_o many_o intricate_a and_o frivolous_a question_n that_o by_o that_o time_n they_o have_v do_v they_o have_v leave_v the_o author_n text_n less_o intelligible_a than_o it_o be_v before_o they_o meddle_v with_o it_o true_o so_o it_o be_v with_o some_o that_o have_v undertake_v to_o write_v upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o i_o take_v such_o man_n write_n rather_o for_o depravation_n than_o exposition_n and_o the_o chief_a cause_n of_o this_o evil_n have_v be_v what_o this_o exercitator_n be_v not_o well_o aware_a of_o that_o they_o make_v too_o much_o use_v of_o their_o philosophic_a notion_n in_o their_o endeavour_n to_o interpret_v scripture-revelation_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o commentary_n or_o annotation_n on_o scripture_n be_v such_o as_o do_v contribute_v any_o help_n towards_o the_o unfolding_n of_o the_o true_a sense_n this_o have_v be_v chief_o by_o collect_v and_o compare_v the_o several_a part_n of_o scripture_n together_o and_o consider_v the_o circumstance_n of_o each_o text_n expound_v and_o so_o fetch_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o which_o be_v the_o only_a sure_a and_o warrantable_a way_n of_o interpretation_n chap._n ix_o 1._o the_o three_o and_o last_o branch_n of_o my_o first_o argument_n the_o scripture_n authenticness_n 2._o the_o exercitator_n exception_n remove_v 3._o wolzogen_n exception_n deny_v god_n to_o be_v the_o interpreter_n of_o scripture_n answer_v have_v vindicate_v the_o second_o 1_o branch_n of_o my_o first_o argument_n viz._n the_o scripture_n perspicuity_n from_o the_o many_o exception_n make_v against_o it_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o viz._n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a authentic_a 3._o record_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v the_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a voice_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o what_o that_o speak_v he_o speaks_z and_o who_o so_o fit_a to_o interpret_v the_o meaning_n of_o his_o word_n as_o himself_o ejus_fw-la est_fw-la interprâ—tari_fw-la cujus_fw-la est_fw-la condere_fw-la be_v a_o approve_a rule_n in_o the_o civil_a law_n he_o that_o make_v the_o law_n be_v fit_a to_o interpret_v it_o and_o in_o the_o present_a case_n the_o reason_n be_v evident_a god_n best_o know_v his_o own_o mind_n and_o he_o have_v no_o where_o so_o plain_o and_o full_o reveal_v his_o mind_n as_o in_o scripture_n certain_o there_o can_v be_v none_o so_o sure_a and_o infallible_a interpreter_n of_o these_o sacred_a record_n as_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o indict_v they_o and_o he_o interpret_v they_o not_o by_o suggest_v to_o we_o any_o thing_n for_o their_o understanding_n which_o be_v not_o there_o already_o but_o by_o speak_v to_o we_o more_o clear_o from_o some_o part_n of_o scripture_n what_o be_v deliver_v more_o dark_o in_o other_o can_v any_o man_n or_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n pretend_v to_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n better_a than_o himself_o or_o give_v we_o better_o assurance_n what_o his_o mind_n be_v than_o the_o word_n which_o himself_o have_v appoint_v to_o be_v write_v for_o this_o very_a purpose_n whatsoever_o sense_n may_v be_v put_v upon_o any_o scripture-assertion_n and_o by_o whosoever_o frame_v it_o can_v challenge_v our_o undoubted_a reception_n unless_o we_o can_v discern_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n in_o it_o and_o that_o be_v no_o where_o to_o be_v hear_v with_o evidence_n and_o assurance_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o supernatural_a revelation_n which_o be_v that_o we_o chief_o deal_v with_o in_o this_o controversy_n but_o from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o but_o here_o the_o exercitator_n come_v in_o 9_o with_o his_o reply_n for_o acknowledge_v that_o without_o controversy_n god_n be_v a_o infallible_a interpreter_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n he_o nevertheless_o deny_v that_o therefore_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v its_o own_o interpreter_n or_o the_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n to_o itself_o because_o say_v he_o the_o same_o author_n may_v write_v several_a treatise_n and_o yet_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o the_o one_o shall_v interpret_v the_o other_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v the_o comparison_n sol._n be_v very_o unequal_a man_n write_v of_o different_a subject_n many_o time_n and_o for_o very_o different_a end_n and_o may_v withal_o so_o far_o forget_v themselves_o or_o be_v so_o unconstant_a to_o themselves_o as_o to_o cross_v in_o one_o discourse_v what_o they_o have_v write_v in_o another_o but_o god_n the_o author_n of_o scripture_n have_v design_v that_o whole_a volume_n to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o use_v and_o end_v to_o be_v a_o declaration_n of_o his_o mind_n to_o man_n that_o they_o may_v thereby_o be_v direct_v in_o their_o great_a affair_n and_o have_v a_o sure_a guide_n to_o happiness_n it_o be_v therefore_o every_o way_n most_o consistent_a with_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n so_o to_o order_v the_o endite_v of_o scripture_n in_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a excellency_n and_o necessity_n that_o his_o mind_n may_v be_v know_v from_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o either_o by_o the_o plainness_n of_o the_o particular_a sentence_n or_o by_o the_o dependence_n on_o and_o connexion_n with_o the_o antecedent_n and_o consequent_n or_o collation_n with_o the_o more_o remote_a part_n thereof_o but_o there_o be_v another_o author_n who_o 250._o pretend_v to_o maintain_v the_o protestant_a cause_n against_o the_o exercitator_n deal_v less_o candid_o with_o we_o than_o that_o profess_a adversary_n for_o in_o stead_n of_o answer_v the_o aforesaid_a exception_n he_o say_v again_o and_o again_o that_o god_n be_v not_o nor_o can_v proper_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o interpreter_n of_o scripture_n or_o the_o expositor_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n therein_o and_o he_o give_v we_o this_o strange_a reason_n for_o it_o because_o to_o this_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o by_o a_o oracle_n that_o be_v i_o suppose_v either_o by_o audible_a voice_n or_o secret_a instinct_n he_o shall_v according_a to_o the_o enthusiast_n fancy_n express_o pronounce_v to_o we_o that_o this_o or_o that_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o such_o or_o such_o a_o scripture_n unless_o he_o do_v this_o he_o can_v be_v allow_v by_o this_o dictator_n to_o be_v the_o interpreter_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o this_o i_o reply_v do_v we_o not_o all_o acknowledge_v 30._o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o in_o it_o and_o that_o what_o that_o say_v god_n say_v and_o be_v it_o not_o the_o usual_a language_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o bible_n that_o the_o scripture_n say_v thus_o and_o thus_o which_o sure_o can_v be_v no_o otherwise_o take_v for_o truth_n or_o sense_n but_o as_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n to_o we_o and_o wolzogen_n 26._o himself_o say_v several_a time_n that_o in_o the_o scripture_n god_n speak_v to_o we_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n and_o see_v sometime_o the_o text_n be_v so_o plain_a that_o it_o speak_v clear_o its_o own_o mind_n and_o sometime_o what_o be_v speak_v in_o one_o part_n of_o scripture_n be_v explain_v by_o what_o be_v speak_v in_o another_o both_o which_o himself_o acknowledge_v why_o may_v it_o not_o with_o as_o much_o propriety_n be_v say_v that_o god_n be_v the_o interpreter_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n in_o scripture_n though_o he_o use_v no_o
sense_n and_o that_o be_v the_o thing_n we_o inquire_v into_o by_o the_o help_n of_o philosophy_n and_o when_o we_o have_v thereby_o obtain_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture-proposition_n that_o sense_n we_o own_o for_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o of_o decide_v controversy_n in_o religion_n but_o add_v he_o when_o the_o reform_a doctor_n say_v the_o scripture_n be_v its_o own_o interpreter_n they_o can_v mean_v only_o the_o word_n and_o sentence_n of_o scripture_n without_o the_o sense_n for_o it_o be_v the_o sense_n that_o they_o be_v seek_v for_o and_o that_o can_v be_v the_o rule_n to_o find_v out_o itself_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o the_o distinction_n 1._o of_o the_o scripture_n consider_v material_o and_o formal_o or_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o form_n be_v general_o receive_v but_o be_v never_o that_o i_o know_v of_o take_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o author_n but_o in_o a_o far_o different_a meaning_n viz._n the_o scripture_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o formal_o consider_v be_v the_o same_o word_n as_o write_v but_o this_o gentleman_n exposition_n of_o it_o serve_v his_o turn_n very_o well_o viz._n that_o the_o word_n and_o phrase_n of_o scripture_n be_v as_o rude_a matter_n till_o the_o sense_n as_o the_o form_n be_v give_v it_o by_o philosophy_n or_o humane_a reason_n but_o 2._o the_o distinction_n as_o here_o use_v 2._o be_v a_o miserable_a subterfuge_n argue_v some_o wit_n but_o no_o honesty_n for_o when_o we_o say_v the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o it_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n to_o itself_o in_o both_o we_o mean_v neither_o the_o word_n nor_o the_o sense_n separately_z but_o conjoint_o for_o 1._o the_o scripture_n be_v no_o otherwise_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n than_o as_o they_o be_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n to_o we_o now_o the_o word_n or_o sentence_n separate_v from_o the_o true_a sense_n suppose_v they_o can_v be_v so_o separate_v be_v not_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o the_o sense_n separate_v from_o the_o word_n and_o sentence_n if_o it_o may_v be_v so_o separate_v will_v be_v no_o revelation_n for_o we_o know_v not_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n but_o by_o the_o word_n and_o his_o mind_n as_o clothe_v with_o these_o word_n or_o these_o word_n as_o exhibit_v his_o mind_n so_o they_o be_v our_o rule_n again_o 2._o when_o we_o say_v the_o scripture_n be_v a_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n to_o itself_o we_o mean_v that_o if_o the_o place_n under_o consideration_n be_v plain_a it_o deliver_v its_o own_o sense_n to_o the_o reader_n that_o well_o mind_v the_o contexture_n and_o dependence_n if_o it_o be_v dark_a we_o have_v recourse_n to_o some_o other_o plain_a scripture_n and_o by_o the_o evident_a sense_n of_o that_o wherein_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n lie_v more_o clear_o in_o the_o word_n we_o find_v out_o his_o mind_n in_o that_o other_o where_o it_o lay_v more_o dark_o the_o fallacy_n of_o this_o author_n in_o charge_v we_o to_o mean_v only_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n when_o we_o say_v the_o scripture_n be_v its_o own_o interpreter_n lie_v in_o this_o he_o will_v make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o we_o mean_v it_o of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o sentence_n of_o scripture_n even_o where_o it_o be_v most_o obscure_a now_o as_o himself_o premise_v 7._o that_o interpretation_n suppose_v some_o obscurity_n in_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v interpret_v so_o he_o can_v not_o but_o know_v that_o in_o the_o case_n of_o obscurity_n we_o mean_v it_o of_o the_o scripture_n according_a to_o its_o different_a part_n that_o the_o scripture_n where_o it_o be_v plain_a be_v a_o rule_n of_o exposition_n to_o itself_o in_o those_o part_n that_o be_v more_o intricate_a which_o himself_o also_o acknowledge_v 1._o to_o be_v our_o meaning_n elsewhere_o in_o his_o book_n and_o yet_o we_o use_v no_o such_o incongruity_n as_o he_o suppose_v in_o say_v the_o scripture_n expound_v itself_o each_o part_n of_o scripture_n be_v scripture_n no_o more_o than_o in_o say_v that_o the_o civil_a or_o municipal_a law_n expound_v itself_o when_o one_o part_n of_o the_o law_n explain_v another_o chap._n xiii_o 1._o a_o answer_n to_o some_o other_o objection_n against_o the_o scripture_n be_v its_o own_o interpreter_n e._n g._n that_o protestant_n assert_v a_o necessity_n of_o the_o spirit_n illumination_n 2._o what_o correspondency_n have_v one_o part_n of_o scripture_n with_o another_o etc._n etc._n 3._o some_o difficult_a place_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o explain_v elsewhere_o 4._o many_o rule_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n be_v prescribe_v by_o divine_n both_o ancient_n and_o modern_a i_o shall_v now_o consider_v what_o may_v be_v further_o 1_o object_v against_o my_o present_a assertion_n beside_o what_o i_o have_v already_o meet_v with_o in_o clear_v my_o forego_v argument_n and_o first_o the_o exercitator_n object_n 2._o that_o the_o divine_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n maintain_v a_o necessity_n of_o the_o spirit_n internal_a illumination_n for_o our_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a interpreter_n of_o itself_o i_o answer_v what_o the_o spirit_n enlighten_v sol._n be_v and_o how_o far_o necessary_a may_v be_v more_o seasonable_o discuss_v in_o another_o place_n and_o therefore_o i_o intend_v to_o speak_v something_o to_o it_o in_o a_o appendix_n to_o this_o discourse_n but_o at_o the_o present_a we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o the_o spirit_n be_v say_v to_o make_v know_v to_o we_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n two_o way_n 1._o objective_o as_o it_o speak_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n endite_v 2._o effective_o as_o it_o act_n in_o we_o to_o help_v our_o weak_a understanding_n now_o these_o two_o be_v wide_o different_a one_o from_o the_o other_o the_o former_a note_n the_o objective_a evidence_n that_o be_v give_v we_o of_o god_n mind_n which_o be_v by_o the_o scripture_n and_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o render_v the_o scripture_n a_o sufficient_a rule_n of_o interpretation_n to_o itself_o whether_o the_o other_o be_v necessary_a or_o no_o because_o there_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n a_o sufficiency_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o objective_a light_n to_o discover_v the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o latter_a concern_v only_o the_o subjective_a light_n which_o the_o spirit_n afford_v to_o our_o dark_a understanding_n that_o we_o may_v discern_v what_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o necessity_n whereof_o do_v not_o at_o all_o impeach_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o former_a because_o that_o which_o make_v this_o latter_a necessary_a be_v not_o any_o obscurity_n in_o the_o object_n but_o a_o indisposition_n in_o the_o subject_a or_o faculty_n that_o be_v to_o apprehend_v it_o but_o it_o be_v further_o object_v what_o 2._o correspondency_n have_v one_o part_n of_o scripture_n with_o another_o or_o what_o right_a or_o power_n have_v one_o penman_n of_o scripture_n over_o the_o write_n of_o another_o that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o one_o shall_v be_v interpret_v by_o the_o other_o thus_o argue_v the_o exercitator_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v 1._o may_v we_o not_o 1._o with_o much_o more_o reason_n say_v what_o correspondency_n have_v philosophy_n with_o scripture_n have_v not_o the_o several_a part_n of_o scripture_n all_o which_o be_v indict_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o infallible_a spirit_n more_o correspondency_n one_o with_o another_o than_o any_o of_o they_o can_v have_v with_o philosophy_n which_o be_v the_o immediate_a product_n of_o fallible_a reason_n 2._o the_o author_n may_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v 2._o what_o good_a correspondency_n there_o be_v between_o the_o several_a part_n of_o his_o own_o book_n and_o whether_o this_o objection_n do_v not_o evidence_n he_o to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o himself_o for_o in_o his_o three_o chapter_n 21._o when_o he_o will_v prove_v that_o the_o word_n in_o 1_o king_n 3._o 12._o concern_v the_o wisdom_n of_o solomon_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o a_o hebrew_n idiotism_n and_o mean_v no_o more_o than_o that_o the_o wisdom_n give_v to_o solomon_n be_v very_o eminent_a and_o above_o the_o ordinary_a rate_n he_o appeal_v to_o two_o other_o place_n that_o speak_v of_o the_o piety_n of_o hezekiah_n and_o josiah_n and_o say_v hoc_fw-la ita_fw-la se_fw-la habere_fw-la ex_fw-la duobus_fw-la aliis_fw-la ejusdem_fw-la scriptoris_fw-la locis_fw-la non_fw-la obscure_a elucescit_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o it_o be_v so_o appear_v plain_o by_o two_o other_o place_n of_o the_o same_o writer_n viz._n 2_o king_n 18._o 5_o 6._o and_o c._n 23._o 25._o which_o he_o say_v can_v no_o otherwise_o be_v true_o understand_v but_o in_o this_o sense_n that_o their_o piety_n be_v eminent_a and_o extraordinary_a it_o seem_v our_o author_n be_v then_o in_o the_o mind_n that_o one_o part_n
yet_o accomplish_v will_v be_v make_v clear_a by_o the_o event_n when_o they_o come_v to_o be_v fulfil_v if_o there_o be_v any_o difficulty_n in_o any_o one_o 3._o part_n of_o scripture_n which_o can_v be_v clear_v from_o some_o other_o by_o the_o best_a inquiry_n we_o can_v make_v it_o will_v be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o attempt_v the_o find_n of_o it_o out_o any_o other_o way_n but_o we_o must_v be_v in_o such_o case_n content_a to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o their_o meaning_n nor_o yet_o will_v those_o scripture_n be_v utter_o useless_a or_o in_o vain_a to_o we_o if_o from_o their_o obscurity_n we_o can_v learn_v this_o needful_a lesson_n the_o more_o reverent_o to_o adore_v the_o majesty_n of_o the_o write_a word_n and_o more_o humble_o to_o acknowledge_v our_o own_o ignorance_n and_o weakness_n and_o to_o this_o may_v be_v refer_v what_o be_v object_v about_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d where_o the_o sense_n be_v not_o obvious_a yet_o again_o it_o be_v object_v if_o the_o scripture_n be_v its_o own_o sufficient_a interpreter_n 8._o what_o mean_v those_o many_o rule_n that_o divine_n give_v for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o scripture_n if_o the_o scripture_n itself_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o all_o these_o thus_o the_o exercitator_n who_o make_v a_o particular_a enumeration_n of_o several_a rule_n that_o be_v give_v by_o st._n austin_n and_o other_o to_o this_o childish_a cavil_v which_o the_o author_n bring_v in_o by_o the_o by_o i_o answer_v whatsoever_o rule_n be_v give_v by_o divine_n for_o the_o right_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n such_o as_o be_v sound_a and_o good_a be_v only_o to_o direct_v the_o reader_n how_o with_o most_o ease_n and_o great_a certainty_n to_o fetch_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o those_o rule_n therefore_o be_v but_o subordinate_a and_o ministerial_a do_v no_o way_n contradict_v or_o overthrow_v this_o which_o be_v the_o supreme_a and_o autocratorical_a suppose_v a_o master-workman_n have_v a_o building_n to_o frame_v employ_v some_o under_o he_o who_o be_v as_o yet_o raw_a and_o unskilful_a till_o they_o have_v get_v some_o insight_n into_o the_o carpenter_n or_o mason_n art_n when_o he_o show_v they_o as_o they_o must_v have_v a_o learning_n how_o to_o use_v the_o square_n or_o the_o rule_n or_o the_o plumb-line_n sure_o his_o direction_n that_o he_o give_v they_o do_v not_o at_o all_o argue_v the_o uselessness_n or_o insufficiency_n of_o those_o instrument_n for_o the_o purpose_n to_o which_o they_o be_v design_v but_o rather_o the_o contrary_n so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o present_a case_n those_o inferior_a and_o subservient_fw-fr rule_n that_o be_v prescribe_v by_o any_o for_o the_o expound_v of_o scripture_n be_v design_v and_o direct_v if_o they_o be_v such_o as_o they_o shall_v be_v to_o teach_v man_n how_o to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o supreme_a rule_n the_o scripture_n itself_o for_o the_o better_a find_v out_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o it_o have_v confirm_v my_o proposition_n vindicate_v my_o argument_n for_o it_o and_o answer_v the_o objection_n against_o it_o it_o be_v time_n for_o i_o to_o draw_v to_o a_o conclusion_n as_o for_o the_o exercitator_n with_o who_o i_o have_v most_o deal_v in_o this_o controversy_n when_o i_o weigh_v his_o argument_n i_o can_v but_o wonder_v at_o his_o confidence_n but_o he_o who_o have_v no_o better_a weapon_n must_v fight_v with_o a_o bulrush_n and_o it_o be_v now_o become_v the_o mode_n of_o polemic_a writer_n that_o have_v prurient_a wit_n to_o sharpen_v their_o dull_a argument_n with_o high_a confidence_n in_o themselves_o and_o a_o proud_a contempt_n of_o their_o antagonist_n in_o both_o which_o this_o author_n excel_v but_o it_o be_v such_o a_o excellency_n for_o which_o no_o wise_a or_o sober_a man_n will_v envy_v he_o the_o conclusion_n the_o author_n who_o i_o have_v chief_o and_o design_o deal_v with_o hitherto_o have_v engage_v himself_o in_o a_o contest_v with_o the_o whole_a world_n of_o christian_a writer_n especial_o with_o the_o expositor_n of_o scripture_n and_o have_v in_o his_o own_o apprehension_n win_v the_o day_n come_v in_o his_o epilogue_n to_o make_v preparation_n for_o his_o triumph_n bring_v forth_o his_o spoil_n and_o tell_v we_o how_o great_o he_o have_v bless_v the_o world_n with_o his_o exploit_n and_o lest_o we_o shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o our_o happiness_n acquire_v by_o his_o victorious_a arm_n he_o set_v it_o out_o in_o six_o considerable_a point_n 1._o he_o tell_v we_o this_o new_a way_n of_o interpretation_n be_v sure_a and_o infallible_a will_n if_o it_o be_v take_v forthwith_o banish_v all_o dispute_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o thereby_o restore_v peace_n to_o the_o christian_a world_n but_o i_o wonder_v how_o this_o shall_v be_v effect_v by_o philosophy_n which_o be_v itself_o so_o full_a of_o dispute_n and_o the_o professor_n whereof_o be_v at_o such_o variance_n among_o themselves_o let_v they_o first_o reconcile_v their_o own_o difference_n before_o they_o undertake_v so_o great_a a_o enterprise_n elsewhere_o 2._o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a ease_n to_o the_o interpreter_n because_o whatever_o sense_n he_o can_v make_v of_o any_o part_n of_o scripture_n if_o philosophy_n allow_v it_o for_o a_o truth_n he_o may_v be_v sure_a it_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o that_o text_n this_o way_n allow_v a_o plurality_n of_o immediate_a sense_n in_o the_o same_o scripture_n and_o where_o it_o be_v thus_o it_o be_v easy_a say_v he_o to_o find_v the_o true_a meaning_n than_o where_o according_a to_o the_o protestant_n opinion_n the_o sense_n be_v but_o one_o and_o yet_o sure_a when_o we_o speak_v of_o inquire_v after_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n we_o mean_v the_o whole_a sense_n not_o part_n of_o it_o only_o and_o if_o many_o sense_n may_v be_v more_o easy_o find_v out_o than_o one_o than_o perhaps_o our_o author_n may_v find_v it_o a_o easy_a thing_n to_o gain_v a_o thousand_o proselyte_n than_o one_o to_o his_o new_a way_n 3._o this_o will_v save_v man_n the_o labour_n of_o search_a commentator_n because_o in_o this_o way_n they_o may_v by_o their_o own_o industry_n find_v out_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n without_o any_o help_n from_o other_o and_o so_o they_o may_v according_a to_o his_o principle_n without_o ever_o look_v into_o the_o bible_n at_o all_o 4._o by_o this_o way_n we_o may_v best_o find_v out_o all_o corruption_n depravation_n and_o mutilation_n of_o the_o original_a text_n whether_o hebrew_n or_o greek_a and_o be_v it_o not_o pity_v the_o ancient_a church_n do_v not_o think_v of_o this_o happy_a expedient_a that_o they_o may_v have_v call_v a_o council_n of_o learned_a philosopher_n such_o as_o porphyry_n celsus_n and_o other_o to_o draw_v they_o up_o a_o more_o correct_a copy_n of_o the_o bible_n 5._o &_o 6._o by_o this_o we_o may_v know_v how_o to_o judge_v of_o all_o various_a lection_n which_o be_v genuine_a which_o not_o yea_o by_o this_o we_o may_v discover_v the_o error_n of_o translation_n make_v out_o of_o deprave_a copy_n or_o spurious_a readins_n though_o we_o have_v no_o skill_n at_o all_o in_o the_o original_a tongue_n doubtless_o a_o singular_a receipt_n that_o will_v help_v a_o man_n to_o distinguish_v of_o colour_n in_o the_o dark_a midnight_n as_o well_o as_o at_o noonday_n we_o see_v what_o a_o rare_a pampharmacon_n this_o aesculapius_n have_v prescribe_v which_o he_o may_v well_o call_v his_o nostrum_fw-la that_o can_v work_v as_o great_a wonder_n as_o the_o headsman_n axe_n that_o infallible_o cure_v all_o disease_n with_o one_o blow_n for_o that_o his_o grand_a design_n be_v utter_o to_o cashier_v the_o scripture_n as_o useless_a and_o unprofitable_a be_v plain_a enough_o by_o sundry_a passage_n in_o his_o book_n but_o especial_o that_o in_o his_o epilogue_n which_o i_o light_o touch_v at_o in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o my_o discourse_n chap._n 6._o but_o deserve_v a_o more_o severe_a castigation_n the_o scripture_n with_o he_o be_v of_o no_o use_n to_o instruct_v we_o in_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v not_o nor_o yet_o to_o confirm_v we_o in_o what_o we_o know_v all_o the_o use_n he_o allow_v it_o be_v only_o this_o that_o by_o read_v therein_o we_o may_v be_v occasion_v and_o excite_v to_o consider_v of_o the_o thing_n there_o treat_v of_o and_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o by_o philosophy_n and_o as_o much_o as_o this_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o jew_n talmud_n or_o the_o turk_n alcoran_n be_v there_o ever_o any_o who_o call_v himself_o a_o christian_n since_o the_o christian_a name_n be_v hear_v of_o that_o have_v manifest_v a_o more_o vile_a esteem_n of_o god_n write_a word_n or_o a_o more_o bold_a contempt_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a doctrine_n have_v god_n in_o mercy_n leave_v we_o this_o only_a
in_o earnest_n and_o pathetical_a expression_n whether_o in_o bewail_v of_o sin_n oâ—_n petition_v for_o mercy_n or_o thanksgiving_n for_o blessing_n receive_v or_o dispense_n the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n to_o the_o people_n this_o be_v sharp_o censure_v by_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n lud._n wolzogen_n as_o savour_v of_o enthusiasm_n or_o border_v upon_o frenzy_n and_o cunning_o design_v for_o the_o drive_v on_o of_o some_o ambitious_a end_n to_o this_o i_o reply_v we_o be_v command_v to_o be_v fervent_a in_o spirit_n serve_v the_o 10._o lord_n and_o that_o whatsoever_o our_o hand_n find_v to_o do_v we_o shall_v do_v it_o with_o our_o might_n the_o psalmist_n say_v i_o cry_v with_o 145._o my_o whole_a heart_n and_o even_o that_o heathen_a prince_n to_o who_o royal_a city_n the_o prophet_n jonah_n be_v send_v with_o a_o threaten_a message_n require_v his_o subject_n to_o cry_v mighty_o unto_o god_n the_o apostle_n 8._o say_v it_o be_v good_a to_o be_v zealous_o affect_v 18._o always_o in_o a_o good_a thing_n and_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n so_o good_a as_o that_o it_o can_v better_o challenge_v the_o height_n and_o heat_n of_o our_o affection_n and_o endeavour_n than_o religion_n in_o the_o service_n whereof_o we_o have_v so_o immediate_o to_o do_v with_o god_n who_o call_v for_o the_o heart_n and_o have_v declare_v his_o abhor_v of_o a_o dull_a lukewarm_a 16._o temper_n i_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v too_o possible_a for_o zeal_n to_o have_v its_o excess_n and_o irregularity_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n there_o be_v a_o indiscreet_a zeal_n sometime_o appear_v in_o some_o well-meaning_a person_n that_o want_v the_o conduct_n of_o a_o well-ordered_a judgement_n which_o as_o i_o take_v to_o be_v much_o more_o pardonable_a than_o a_o careless_a or_o profane_a indifferency_n so_o i_o conceive_v it_o may_v have_v minister_v some_o occasion_n to_o those_o vile_a reproach_n that_o be_v cast_v upon_o all_o that_o be_v serious_o and_o hearty_o religious_a but_o that_o fervour_n of_o spirit_n that_o i_o undertake_v for_o and_o assert_v to_o be_v not_o only_o justifiable_a but_o commendable_a in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v that_o which_o be_v raise_v by_o a_o right_a apprehension_n of_o the_o object_n about_o which_o it_o be_v conversant_a guide_v by_o a_o compose_a understanding_n and_o attend_v with_o a_o humble_a awful_a reverence_n become_v sinful_a dust_n in_o its_o appearance_n before_o the_o great_a and_o holy_a god_n shall_v not_o sinner_n in_o their_o address_n to_o the_o most_o high_a have_v their_o heart_n deep_o touch_v with_o sorrow_n for_o the_o sin_n that_o they_o apprehend_v themselves_o or_o other_o for_o who_o they_o be_v concern_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o or_o liable_a to_o do_v it_o become_v a_o offender_n that_o be_v to_o beg_v his_o pardon_n to_o do_v it_o in_o a_o stupid_a manner_n as_o if_o he_o have_v no_o more_o sense_n of_o his_o fault_n than_o a_o stone_n or_o a_o brute_n and_o what_o incongruity_n be_v it_o for_o we_o in_o our_o petition_n for_o mercy_n to_o have_v our_o desire_n raise_v to_o the_o high_a pitch_n that_o we_o can_v reach_v be_v the_o pardon_v and_o purify_n grace_n of_o christ_n of_o so_o little_a worth_n or_o use_n to_o we_o as_o they_o need_v be_v but_o cold_o or_o careless_o ask_v as_o if_o our_o word_n freeze_v between_o our_o lip_n or_o as_o if_o we_o do_v not_o great_o pass_v whether_o we_o be_v hear_v or_o no_o or_o can_v we_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v hear_v those_o petition_n which_o we_o ourselves_o scarce_o feel_v when_o they_o go_v from_o we_o do_v ever_o any_o malefactor_n plead_v at_o the_o bar_n for_o his_o life_n or_o a_o hunger-starved_a beggar_n crave_v a_o alm_n at_o the_o door_n after_o this_o dull_a and_o sleepy_a rate_n and_o when_o we_o be_v blessing_n god_n for_o his_o benefit_n shall_v we_o not_o with_o the_o psalmist_n call_v upon_o 103._o all_o our_o power_n to_o praise_v he_o and_o shall_v not_o those_o who_o work_n it_o be_v to_o dispense_v the_o word_n of_o life_n deliver_v their_o message_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o that_o their_o hearer_n may_v discern_v they_o be_v in_o good_a earnest_n and_o that_o the_o word_n speak_v to_o they_o be_v that_o whereon_o their_o eternal_a life_n or_o death_n depend_v be_v it_o not_o requisite_a that_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n shall_v in_o this_o work_n be_v as_o be_v record_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o apollo_n fervent_a in_o spirit_n 〈◊〉_d especial_o consider_v the_o quality_n of_o most_o hearer_n who_o be_v so_o hardly_o raise_v to_o a_o due_a point_n of_o zeal_n and_o fervency_n that_o as_o mr._n george_n herbert_n speak_v they_o need_v a_o mountain_n of_o fire_n to_o kindle_v they_o 7._o the_o say_v worthy_a author_n advise_v preacher_n to_o make_v choice_n of_o move_v and_o ravish_v text_n and_o to_o dip_v and_o season_v all_o their_o word_n and_o sentence_n in_o their_o heart_n before_o they_o come_v into_o their_o mouth_n true_o affect_v and_o cordial_o express_v all_o that_o they_o say_v so_o that_o the_o auditor_n may_v plain_o perceive_v that_o every_o word_n be_v heart-deep_a with_o other_o passage_n of_o like_a import_n in_o short_a what_o cause_n of_o blame_n be_v it_o for_o any_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o devotion_n whether_o public_a or_o private_a to_o endeavour_v what_o they_o can_v to_o have_v their_o own_o and_o other_o heart_n affect_v in_o some_o measure_n suitable_a to_o the_o work_n in_o hand_n and_o to_o have_v their_o expression_n in_o some_o due_a proportion_n answerable_a to_o the_o affection_n of_o their_o heart_n this_o be_v all_o i_o plead_v for_o and_o the_o utmost_a as_o far_o as_o i_o know_v that_o can_v be_v charge_v upon_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o person_n accuse_v what_o some_o particular_a here_o and_o there_o may_v be_v guilty_a of_o i_o be_o not_o concern_v to_o vindicate_v that_o there_o be_v many_o folly_n and_o extravagancy_n in_o some_o of_o all_o persuasion_n he_o must_v be_v a_o great_a stranger_n in_o the_o world_n that_o know_v not_o and_o miserable_o enslave_v to_o the_o interest_n of_o a_o party_n that_o confess_v not_o but_o the_o lord_n know_v we_o have_v all_o more_o cause_n to_o blame_v ourselves_o for_o our_o coldness_n and_o remissness_n than_o other_o can_v have_v to_o blame_v we_o for_o too_o much_o fervour_n i_o hearty_o wish_v that_o both_o they_o and_o we_o be_v all_o more_o thorough_o baptise_a with_o this_o fire_n but_o let_v we_o a_o little_a examine_v the_o pretension_n 1._o of_o our_o accuser_n as_o for_o the_o charge_n of_o enthusiasm_n which_o some_o make_v use_v of_o to_o asperse_v what_o they_o dislike_v in_o religion_n philolog_fw-la the_o word_n say_v a_o late_a learned_a author_n be_v of_o itself_o good_a but_o fall_v into_o discredit_n by_o the_o vice_n of_o man_n for_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a enthusiasm_n when_o the_o soul_n be_v whole_o irradiate_v or_o enlighten_v of_o god_n but_o take_v it_o in_o the_o worst_a sense_n as_o it_o be_v by_o these_o objector_n i_o may_v say_v of_o it_o as_o mr._n â—iales_n of_o eton_n once_o say_v of_o the_o word_n schism_n and_o heresy_n that_o it_o be_v make_v a_o theological_a scarecrow_n for_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o some_o man_n principle_n to_o acknowledge_v any_o efficacious_a supernatural_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o as_o contrary_a to_o their_o disposition_n and_o practice_n to_o be_v serious_o fervent_a in_o religion_n it_o become_v their_o interest_n to_o brand_v whatsoever_o lie_v out_o of_o their_o road_n with_o the_o opprobrious_a name_n of_o enthusiasm_n that_o be_v as_o they_o sometime_o explain_v it_o a_o pretence_n of_o be_v act_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n or_o a_o false_a conceit_n of_o inspiration_n what_o the_o sect_n of_o enthusiast_n be_v appear_v sufficient_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o learned_a man_n who_o have_v write_v against_o they_o both_o in_o former_a and_o late_a time_n from_o who_o we_o have_v this_o account_n that_o those_o who_o be_v censure_v and_o condemn_v by_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n under_o that_o notion_n be_v such_o as_o slight_v if_o not_o reject_v the_o scripture_n as_o a_o dead_a letter_n a_o lame_a and_o imperfect_a guide_n insufficient_a to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o practice_n in_o room_n whereof_o they_o profess_v to_o be_v act_v by_o immediate_a revelation_n which_o they_o call_v the_o internal_a and_o spiritual_a word_n teach_v they_o high_a wisdom_n than_o any_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v strong_o suggest_v to_o they_o or_o make_v any_o vehement_a impression_n upon_o their_o mind_n as_o that_o which_o they_o think_v they_o shall_v believe_v or_o do_v they_o embrace_v it_o as_o a_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o magisterial_o impose_v it_o upon_o other_o be_v it_o
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 safe_o appeal_v to_o all_o unprejudiced_a person_n that_o know_v they_o and_o to_o the_o most_o wise_a and_o holy_a god_n who_o be_v great_a than_o all_o that_o they_o be_v as_o clear_v from_o any_o compliance_n with_o that_o infatuate_v generation_n as_o the_o best_a of_o their_o accuser_n for_o 1._o they_o hearty_o own_o and_o submit_v to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o the_o only_a sure_a and_o sufficient_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n according_o whatsoever_o conception_n may_v rise_v within_o they_o or_o be_v suggest_v to_o they_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n they_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o bar_n of_o scripture_n to_o stand_v or_o fall_v according_a to_o its_o judgement_n not_o impose_v their_o sentiment_n upon_o the_o scripture_n but_o receive_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o according_a to_o what_o have_v be_v assert_v in_o the_o precedent_a discourse_n 2._o in_o matter_n difficult_a and_o obscure_a that_o be_v more_o dark_o lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n especial_o in_o the_o prophetic_a part_n of_o it_o they_o forbear_v to_o determine_v peremptory_o choose_v rather_o to_o satisfy_v themselves_o with_o a_o modest_a hesitancy_n and_o abhor_v to_o make_v their_o judgement_n the_o measure_n of_o another_o faith_n or_o supercilious_o to_o censure_v or_o despise_v any_o for_o their_o different_a apprehension_n 3._o they_o plead_v for_o no_o other_o spirit_n of_o revelation_n than_o what_o the_o apostle_n pray_v for_o in_o behalf_n of_o the_o ephesian_n chap._n 1._o vers._n 17_o 18_o 19_o which_o revelation_n consist_v not_o in_o discover_v any_o new_a object_n to_o be_v receive_v unrevealed_a in_o scripture_n but_o only_o in_o qualify_a the_o subject_a by_o cure_v the_o native_a and_o acquire_v blindness_n and_o carnality_n of_o our_o mind_n that_o we_o may_v right_o understand_v and_o embrace_v the_o truth_n which_o the_o scripture_n propound_v 4._o they_o solemn_o profess_v and_o declare_v to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o 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 ghost_n because_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o their_o mind_n and_o if_o those_o who_o be_v careful_a according_a to_o the_o apostle_n counsel_n not_o to_o quench_v the_o spirit_n but_o to_o stir_v up_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o they_o have_v their_o heart_n more_o warm_v and_o enlarge_v in_o holy_a duty_n than_o other_o who_o either_o want_n that_o measure_n of_o gift_n or_o be_v defective_a in_o improve_n they_o i_o can_v conjecture_v why_o this_o shall_v be_v make_v a_o matter_n of_o reproach_n but_o that_o some_o man_n be_v angry_a at_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o just_a of_o their_o own_o size_n or_o not_o suitable_a to_o their_o gust_n and_o therefore_o be_v resolve_v to_o revile_v and_o calumniate_v it_o though_o by_o those_o wound_v the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o religion_n be_v find_v to_o lie_v a_o bleed_a to_o shut_v up_o this_o i_o may_v here_o mind_v the_o objector_n and_o those_o of_o his_o way_n how_o much_o it_o concern_v they_o to_o acquit_v themselves_o of_o that_o enthusiasm_n which_o they_o impeach_v other_o for_o it_o be_v know_v to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o that_o grand_a enthusiast_n valentius_n weigelius_n weigelianis_fw-la that_o he_o who_o will_v know_v the_o truth_n must_v forget_v whatsoever_o he_o have_v learn_v from_o man_n and_o book_n and_o lay_v it_o all_o aside_o as_o if_o he_o have_v never_o be_v acquaint_v with_o any_o thing_n and_o retreat_n into_o himself_o and_o fetch_v all_o his_o knowledge_n from_o thence_o let_v philosophic_a this_o be_v refer_v to_o our_o author_n consideration_n wherein_o this_o differ_v from_o the_o great_a principle_n of_o his_o admire_a master_n but_o let_v we_o hear_v what_o be_v further_o object_v to_o justify_v these_o mens_fw-la prejudices_fw-la second_o it_o be_v say_v by_o some_o these_o 2._o heat_n be_v but_o the_o frantic_a freak_n of_o a_o craze_v brain_n and_o the_o product_n of_o a_o religious_a frenzy_n i_o answer_v 1._o we_o need_v not_o be_v much_o move_v with_o this_o senseless_a charge_n when_o 1._o we_o find_v the_o penman_n of_o sacred_a writ_n to_o have_v little_o better_a measure_n make_v they_o by_o the_o same_o hand_n for_o of_o they_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o they_o write_v many_o time_n they_o know_v not_o what_o and_o give_v forth_o oracle_n 6._o when_o they_o be_v beside_o themselves_o his_o word_n be_v alienata_fw-la ment_fw-la which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o vile_a position_n of_o the_o montanisis_n and_o cataphrygian_o esaiam_n reject_v and_o condemn_v both_o by_o ancient_n and_o modern_a divine_n and_o yet_o to_o justify_v this_o assertion_n our_o author_n 132_o grave_o cite_v cicero_n de_fw-fr divinatione_fw-la call_v the_o rapture_n of_o their_o pagan_a vates_fw-la by_o the_o name_n of_o furor_n and_o virgil_n call_v sibylla_n a_o mad_a prophetess_n and_o justin_n the_o historian_n lib._n 24._o where_o speak_v of_o the_o much-famed_n oracle_n at_o delphos_n he_o tell_v we_o of_o a_o very_a