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
other_o voice_n than_o that_o of_o the_o scripture_n in_o speak_v to_o we_o for_o how_o improper_a soever_o such_o a_o expression_n may_v seem_v to_o this_o gentleman_n it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o scripture-language_n and_o i_o think_v he_o who_o so_o hot_o contend_v for_o the_o usus_fw-la loquendi_fw-la as_o to_o make_v that_o the_o only_a supreme_a infallible_a rule_n of_o expound_v scripture_n may_v give_v our_o reform_a divine_n leave_v to_o speak_v according_a to_o this_o use_n without_o his_o supercilious_a censure_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n this_o author_n may_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v who_o cause_n he_o most_o favour_n by_o such_o manner_n of_o argue_v i_o know_v none_o that_o can_v so_o hearty_o thank_v he_o for_o it_o as_o the_o romanist_n who_o use_v the_o same_o way_n of_o cavil_v against_o we_o when_o we_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o and_o by_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o sole_a supreme_a judge_n of_o all_o controversy_n of_o faith_n this_o say_v they_o can_v be_v unless_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v by_o a_o audible_a voice_n decide_v the_o controversy_n tell_v the_o one_o party_n they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o the_o other_o they_o be_v in_o a_o error_n and_o because_o he_o do_v not_o so_o in_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o they_o deny_v he_o to_o be_v the_o supreme_a judge_n of_o controversy_n by_o the_o scripture_n thus_o gretser_n the_o jesuit_n in_o the_o conference_n at_o râ—tisâ—on_n seventy_o five_o year_n ago_o behold_v say_v he_o 14._o we_o be_v here_o dispute_v the_o cause_n if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v by_o the_o scripture_n judge_n and_o determine_v controversy_n let_v he_o now_o come_v let_v he_o come_v and_o pass_v sentence_n out_o of_o this_o book_n the_o bible_n that_o lie_v before_o he_o and_o say_v thou_o gretser_n be_v wrong_v and_o thou_o h._n art_n in_o the_o right_n now_o what_o do_v wolzogen_n by_o his_o argumentation_n but_o justify_v the_o profane_a insolency_n of_o that_o petulant_a jesuit_n the_o ancient_n be_v of_o another_o mind_n they_o acknowledge_v god_n speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o controversy_n thus_o speak_v one_o of_o they_o to_o his_o 〈…〉_z nemo_fw-la vobis_fw-la credat_fw-la nemo_fw-la parmen_fw-la nobis_fw-la de_fw-la coelo_fw-la quaerendus_fw-la etc._n etc._n let_v none_o give_v credit_n to_o we_o or_o you_o we_o must_v seek_v a_o judge_n from_o heaven_n but_o what_o need_v we_o go_v thither_o to_o he_o have_v his_o testament_n here_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n may_v with_o congruity_n enough_o be_v say_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o judge_n of_o controversy_n he_o may_v with_o as_o good_a congruity_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o interpret_n his_o own_o mind_n there_o lay_v down_o and_o so_o i_o have_v do_v with_o my_o first_o argument_n chap._n x._o a_o second_o argument_n from_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n afford_v a_o double_a proof_n for_o the_o scripture_n be_v its_o own_o interpreter_n my_o next_o argument_n follow_v that_o 2._o which_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n to_o interpret_v its_o own_o sense_n but_o so_o be_v the_o scripture_n that_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o that_o sincere_o own_o the_o protestant_a cause_n now_o from_o hence_o i_o thus_o argue_v 1._o the_o supreme_a rule_n of_o faith_n be_v that_o which_o infallible_o guide_v and_o determine_v we_o per_fw-la modum_fw-la objecti_fw-la what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v now_o it_o be_v the_o scripture_n in_o its_o true_a and_o genuine_a meaning_n that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v whatsoever_o therefore_o objejective_o determine_v what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v most_o according_o determine_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o if_o any_o thing_n else_o beside_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n to_o determine_v this_o that_o must_v eo_fw-la ipso_fw-la upon_o that_o very_a score_n be_v acknowledge_v for_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n 2._o whatsoever_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o decide_v all_o controversy_n of_o faith_n this_o i_o think_v no_o man_n will_v question_v now_o let_v but_o this_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a supreme_a rule_n of_o decide_v all_o controversy_n of_o faith_n which_o no_o sound_a protestant_n can_v deny_v it_o will_v necessary_o follow_v that_o it_o must_v be_v the_o supreme_a rule_n of_o clear_v all_o doubt_n and_o difficulty_n within_o itself_o for_o where_o the_o scripture_n be_v on_o both_o side_n own_a for_o the_o rule_n the_o knot_n of_o the_o controversy_n lie_v in_o this_o whether_o this_o or_o that_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v allege_v on_o both_o side_n for_o be_v that_o agree_v the_o controversy_n will_v cease_v and_o whatsoever_o determine_v that_o decide_v the_o cause_n thus_o 1._o much_o the_o exercitator_n acknowledge_v what_o ever_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o be_v make_v the_o rule_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n and_o determine_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o be_v thereby_o make_v the_o rule_n of_o decide_v all_o controversy_n of_o faith_n and_o be_v to_o such_o as_o so_o use_v it_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n chap._n xi_o 1._o a_o exception_n against_o this_o argument_n affirm_v scripture_n and_o reason_n joint_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n 2._o this_o novelty_n disprove_v and_o condemn_v against_o this_o argument_n some_o may_v 1._o have_v the_o confidence_n it_o may_v be_v to_o make_v this_o exception_n that_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n the_o papist_n join_v unwritten_a tradition_n with_o the_o scripture_n and_o will_v have_v we_o take_v both_o together_o for_o the_o complete_a rule_n of_o faith_n this_o i_o shall_v not_o deal_v with_o there_o have_v be_v so_o much_o say_v by_o our_o divine_n about_o it_o in_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o there_o be_v another_o generation_n of_o man_n that_o join_v human_a reason_n with_o the_o scripture_n to_o make_v up_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n lambertus_n velthusius_n one_o of_o the_o senior_n of_o the_o gallo-belgic_a church_n at_o utrech_n be_v charge_v with_o this_o by_o Ê‹ander_n 114._o weayen_n who_o cite_v this_o among_o many_o other_o erroneous_a position_n out_o of_o one_o of_o that_o author_n belgic_a tract_n that_o scripture_n and_o reason_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n so_o then_o we_o have_v here_o a_o new_a unwritten_a word_n find_v out_o to_o be_v part_n of_o the_o canon_n so_o fertile_a of_o monster_n be_v this_o novaturient_n age._n but_o i_o hope_v this_o doctrine_n will_v not_o be_v so_o easy_o receive_v as_o it_o be_v bold_o obtrude_v hitherto_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o sol._n article_n of_o faith_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v contradistinguish_v and_o though_o some_o thing_n knowable_a by_o natural_a light_n be_v likewise_o propound_v to_o our_o belief_n in_o scripture_n yet_o such_o be_v never_o that_o i_o know_v of_o own_v for_o point_n of_o faith_n otherwise_o than_o as_o they_o be_v attest_v in_o scripture_n and_o in_o all_o logic_n that_o i_o have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o argument_n à _fw-la testimonio_fw-la be_v put_v into_o one_o rank_n and_o those_o that_o be_v draw_v à _fw-la natura_fw-la rei_fw-la be_v put_v into_o another_o these_o latter_a proper_o belong_v to_o science_n the_o former_a to_o faith_n our_o understanding_n say_v theâ—l_n c._n streso_n and_o after_o he_o 2._o dr._n tailor_n apprehend_v thing_n three_o way_n the_o first_o be_v 〈◊〉_d whereby_o it_o receive_v first_o principle_n the_o second_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whereby_o it_o draw_v consequence_n from_o those_o principle_n the_o three_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o such_o thing_n as_o we_o assent_v to_o from_o testimony_n and_o it_o be_v a_o know_a speech_n of_o st._n austin_n quod_fw-la intelligimus_fw-la cred_a debemus_fw-la rationi_fw-la quod_fw-la credimus_fw-la autoritati_fw-la that_o we_o understand_v we_o owe_v to_o reason_n but_o that_o we_o believe_v we_o owe_v to_o authority_n and_o we_o have_v hitherto_o take_v it_o to_o be_v essential_a to_o a_o christian_n faith_n that_o in_o its_o assent_n it_o rely_v upon_o the_o infallible_a veracity_n of_o the_o revealer_n as_o the_o ratio_fw-la formalis_fw-la credendi_fw-la perhaps_o it_o will_v here_o be_v say_v for_o i_o object_n can_v imagine_v what_o else_o can_v be_v say_v that_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o by_o he_o write_v in_o our_o mind_n therefore_o our_o assent_n to_o they_o be_v a_o belief_n of_o divine_a testimony_n as_o well_o as_o our_o assent_n to_o what_o be_v write_v in_o the_o bible_n and_o consequent_o they_o be_v part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n
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
exercitator_n who_o have_v write_v a_o set_a discourse_n to_o paradoxa_fw-la this_o purpose_n in_o the_o entrance_n whereof_o he_o tell_v the_o world_n that_o for_o the_o extricate_a of_o himself_o out_o of_o those_o perplexity_n wherein_o divine_v general_o be_v entangle_v in_o their_o exposition_n of_o scripture_n prologo_fw-la he_o resolve_v upon_o mature_a deliberation_n to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o same_o method_n in_o theology_n that_o des_n cartes_n have_v do_v in_o philosophy_n and_o profess_v that_o suppose_v scripture_n for_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n all_o the_o difference_n in_o opinion_n among_o dogmatical_a divine_n as_o he_o call_v they_o in_o opposition_n to_o sceptic_n appear_v to_o he_o to_o arise_v from_o hence_o that_o none_o of_o they_o can_v certain_o and_o infallible_o prove_v their_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n and_o that_o after_o long_a inquiry_n he_o find_v this_o to_o be_v the_o only_a sure_a and_o 1._o infallible_a rule_n of_o interpretation_n which_o himself_o have_v now_o find_v out_o viz._n the_o principal_n of_o reason_n and_o dictate_v of_o philosophy_n and_o in_o this_o new_a way_n which_o he_o glory_v in_o the_o invention_n of_o he_o profess_o declare_v his_o dissent_n from_o papist_n protestant_n socinian_o and_o remonstrant_n 8._o but_o he_o bend_v his_o great_a force_n against_o the_o reform_a church_n endeavour_v with_o all_o his_o might_n to_o invalidate_v what_o they_o unanimous_o maintain_v concern_v the_o perspicuity_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o singularity_n of_o the_o literal_a sense_n and_o especial_o about_o the_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n for_o thus_o like_o a_o miles_n gloriosus_n he_o begin_v his_o ten_o chapter_n devictis_fw-la velitari_fw-la brevique_fw-la pugna_fw-la imbellibus_fw-la istis_fw-la etc._n etc._n have_v by_o a_o light_n and_o easy_a skirmish_n subdue_v these_o weak_a and_o feeble_a enemy_n mean_v the_o romanist_n let_v we_o now_o march_v another_o way_n and_o draw_v up_o our_o battalion_n against_o those_o of_o the_o reformation_n and_o all_o that_o fight_v under_o their_o colour_n and_o in_o the_o sequel_n of_o his_o discourse_n he_o have_v gratify_v none_o so_o much_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o in_o his_o positive_a proof_n such_o as_o it_o be_v of_o his_o novel_a position_n he_o have_v not_o a_o little_a befriend_v the_o socinian_n though_o he_o will_v seem_v to_o divide_v himself_o from_o they_o both_o however_o both_o in_o the_o astructive_a and_o destructive_a part_n of_o his_o book_n he_o be_v a_o declare_a adversary_n to_o the_o protestant_a cause_n for_o my_o more_o orderly_a proceed_n i_o shall_v divide_v my_o ensue_a dissertation_n into_o two_o part_n in_o the_o former_a whereof_o i_o shall_v deal_v with_o this_o exercitator_n new_a device_n of_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n be_v the_o scripture_n interpreter_n disprove_v it_o and_o answer_v such_o argument_n as_o i_o find_v allege_v or_o imagine_v may_v be_v allege_v for_o it_o in_o the_o latter_a i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o clear_v and_o assert_v the_o protestant_a doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v its_o own_o interpreter_n and_o answer_v the_o objection_n against_o it_o the_o scripture_n genuine_a interpreter_n assert_v etc._n etc._n part_n i._n humane_a reason_n or_o philosophy_n no_o sure_a interpreter_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n chap._n i._n 1._o the_o proposition_n deny_v reason_n and_o philosophy_n to_o be_v the_o scripture_n interpreter_n lay_v down_o and_o the_o term_n explain_v 2._o how_o far_o they_o have_v their_o use_n and_o what_o we_o deny_v 3._o who_o they_o be_v that_o have_v ascribe_v too_o much_o to_o they_o first_o then_o i_o assert_v against_o the_o exercitator_n 1._o position_n 1._o that_o humane_a reason_n or_o philosophy_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v or_o allow_v as_o the_o sure_a and_o sufficient_a interpreter_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o our_o more_o clear_a proceed_n it_o be_v requisite_a i_o shall_v explain_v my_o meaning_n before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o my_o assertion_n let_v it_o therefore_o be_v consider_v that_o reason_n may_v be_v three_o way_n take_v first_o for_o that_o power_n and_o faculty_n in_o man_n whereby_o he_o be_v enable_v to_o apprehend_v judge_n and_o discourse_n of_o such_o object_n as_o be_v present_v to_o his_o understanding_n now_o this_o fall_n under_o a_o twofold_a conception_n according_a to_o the_o twofold_a state_n of_o man_n innocent_a or_o fallen_n man_n reason_n as_o it_o be_v original_o when_o god_n first_o make_v he_o be_v pure_a and_o clear_a not_o cloud_v or_o blind_v not_o deprave_v or_o distort_v there_o be_v nothing_o to_o darken_v or_o disturb_v it_o it_o be_v then_o a_o glorious_a beam_n stream_v forth_o from_o the_o eternal_a light_n but_o man_n apostasy_n as_o it_o vitiate_v his_o other_o faculty_n so_o it_o benight_a his_o reason_n and_o expose_v it_o to_o further_a depravation_n by_o the_o prevalency_n of_o disorder_a passion_n and_o sinful_a lusts._n yet_o even_o in_o this_o state_n his_o reason_n be_v not_o lose_v though_o it_o be_v much_o corrupt_v i_o be_o far_o from_o that_o late_a author_n mind_n that_o say_v 59_o quae_fw-la fallet_fw-la aut_fw-la falliter_fw-la ratio_fw-la minimè_fw-la ratio_fw-la dicenda_fw-la reason_n that_o deceive_v or_o be_v deceive_v be_v not_o to_o be_v call_v reason_n man_n reason_n notwithstanding_o its_o pravity_n be_v still_o keep_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o understand_v his_o great_a concern_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o those_o gracious_a aid_n that_o god_n afford_v he_o and_o have_v in_o all_o age_n be_v of_o great_a use_n for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n in_o reference_n both_o to_o man_n personal_a and_o politic_a affair_n therefore_o i_o need_v not_o fear_v to_o say_v that_o next_o to_o holiness_n man_n reason_n be_v his_o great_a glory_n second_o reason_n be_v take_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o intellectual_a power_n in_o inquire_v discover_v compare_v judge_a object_n propound_v it_o be_v by_o these_o act_n of_o our_o reason_n that_o we_o search_v after_o truth_n and_o make_v use_n of_o it_o when_o we_o have_v find_v it_o for_o the_o conduct_n and_o comfort_n of_o our_o life_n and_o by_o these_o it_o be_v that_o we_o defend_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n against_o gainsayer_n three_o it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n know_v or_o knowable_a by_o natural_a light_n and_o these_o be_v either_o natural_a or_o acquire_v the_o natural_a or_o primary_n principle_n of_o reason_n be_v those_o that_o carry_v their_o own_o evidence_n with_o they_o &_o therefore_o upon_o the_o first_o representation_n be_v forthwith_o embrace_v by_o our_o reason_n without_o any_o discourse_n and_o they_o be_v call_v natural_a not_o as_o be_v formal_o imprint_v or_o proper_o engrave_v in_o our_o mind_n by_o nature_n for_o we_o be_v not_o bear_v with_o actual_a knowledge_n but_o because_o they_o be_v found_v in_o and_o do_v necessary_o result_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o their_o mutual_a respect_n wherein_o as_o in_o a_o glass_n our_o understanding_n see_v they_o represent_v and_o be_v dispose_v to_o assent_v to_o they_o at_o the_o first_o view_n the_o secondary_a or_o acquire_v principle_n be_v those_o which_o be_v not_o so_o obvious_a as_o the_o former_a but_o by_o rational_a discourse_n be_v true_o and_o sound_o deduce_v from_o they_o and_o here_o fall_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o philosophy_n which_o be_v make_v up_o of_o these_o principle_n methodical_o digest_v and_o by_o it_o i_o understand_v that_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o work_n which_o be_v attainable_a in_o this_o mortal_a state_n by_o the_o improvement_n of_o that_o light_n that_o be_v connatural_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o man._n this_o though_o it_o be_v much_o inferior_a to_o scripture-light_n yet_o it_o be_v both_o a_o exercise_n and_o a_o advancement_n of_o reason_n a_o noble_a study_n and_o of_o excellent_a use_n if_o right_o manage_v not_o only_o for_o the_o beautify_v but_o the_o better_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o raise_v it_o to_o a_o high_a admiration_n and_o humble_a adoration_n of_o that_o infinite_a be_v who_o wisdom_n power_n and_o goodness_n be_v so_o eminent_o conspicuous_a in_o all_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o in_o the_o world_n as_o some_o say_v there_o be_v that_o deny_v or_o reproach_v sound_a philosophy_n or_o the_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n as_o i_o know_v they_o not_o so_o neither_o shall_v i_o plead_v their_o cause_n now_o as_o to_o the_o case_n before_o we_o first_o it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o for_o the_o 2._o interpret_n of_o scripture_n there_o be_v a_o necessary_a use_n of_o the_o faculty_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o several_a act_n of_o it_o as_o instrumental_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o find_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n faith_n do_v not_o exclude_v reason_n but_o elevate_v and_o advance_v it_o by_o give_v it_o a_o clear_a light_n it_o do_v
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
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
which_o the_o word_n offer_n may_v be_v plain_a and_o easy_a when_o the_o sense_n that_o the_o author_n intend_v by_o they_o which_o be_v a_o clean_a other_o thing_n be_v very_o dark_a and_o obscure_a and_o so_o confident_a be_v the_o gentleman_n in_o this_o conceit_n that_o he_o supercilious_o slight_v expositor_n of_o scripture_n for_o not_o mind_v this_o distinction_n 7._o and_o for_o want_n hereof_o take_v oft_o time_n the_o simple_a sense_n for_o the_o true_a one_o to_o make_v this_o wild_a and_o senseless_a distinon_n good_a he_o instance_v in_o several_a passage_n of_o scripture_n wherein_o he_o will_v make_v we_o believe_v this_o twofold_n sense_n be_v to_o be_v find_v i_o shall_v therefore_o before_o i_o proceed_v endeavour_v to_o clear_v those_o passage_n or_o the_o principal_a of_o they_o sect._n 2._o one_o instance_n he_o give_v be_v of_o those_o 4._o expression_n in_o scripture_n the_o arm_n and_o finger_n of_o god_n the_o simple_a sense_n of_o which_o word_n and_o that_o which_o they_o do_v of_o themselves_o offer_v to_o the_o reader_n he_o say_v be_v very_o obvious_a be_v know_v by_o common_a use_n but_o â—he_n think_v no_o divine_a so_o void_a of_o wit_n as_o to_o take_v that_o obvious_a sense_n for_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o author_n by_o this_o it_o appear_v this_o gentleman_n sol._n conceive_v that_o the_o sense_n which_o those_o word_n of_o themselves_o offer_v be_v proper_a without_o any_o trope_n or_o figure_n as_o if_o god_n have_v a_o bodily_a arm_n or_o finger_n as_o a_o man_n have_v but_o by_o his_o favour_n he_o be_v great_o out_o the_o arm_n and_o finger_n of_o god_n according_a to_o common_a acceptation_n with_o any_o that_o be_v verse_v in_o the_o scripture_n have_v no_o other_o than_o a_o improper_a sense_n nor_o do_v they_o signify_v any_o more_o than_o the_o power_n of_o god_n though_o the_o word_n arm_v or_o finger_n either_o single_o take_v or_o apply_v to_o man_n signify_v somewhat_o else_o according_a to_o that_o know_a maxim_n verba_fw-la sunt_fw-la intelligenda_fw-la secundum_fw-la subjectam_fw-la materiam_fw-la word_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v according_a to_o the_o subject_a matter_n about_o which_o they_o be_v use_v and_o this_o hold_v in_o all_o manner_n of_o speech_n and_o write_n whatsoever_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n direct_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n a_o second_o instance_n be_v in_o joh._n 14._o 6._o sol._n where_o our_o saviour_n say_v i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n what_o obvious_a sense_n it_o be_v that_o this_o author_n conceive_v from_o common_a use_n of_o speech_n to_o be_v in_o these_o word_n different_a from_o our_o saviour_n meaning_n i_o can_v divine_v nor_o can_v i_o see_v how_o they_o can_v signify_v any_o more_o or_o less_o to_o he_o that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o what_o our_o saviour_n mean_v by_o they_o who_o call_v himself_o the_o way_n by_o no_o unapt_a metaphor_n because_o as_o himself_o expound_v it_o in_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o verse_n it_o be_v by_o he_o that_o sinner_n be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o father_n that_o be_v to_o reconciliation_n with_o he_o and_o fruition_n of_o he_o it_o be_v by_o he_o that_o be_v by_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o blood_n by_o the_o light_n of_o his_o doctrine_n by_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o pattern_n and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o herein_o he_o be_v the_o truth_n that_o be_v the_o substance_n and_o real_a completion_n of_o all_o the_o type_n and_o shadow_n under_o the_o law_n and_o consequent_o he_o be_v the_o life_n by_o a_o know_a metonyme_n of_o the_o effect_n for_o the_o cause_n in_o that_o he_o be_v the_o author_n that_o be_v the_o purchaser_n and_o bestower_n of_o that_o eternal_a life_n that_o sinner_n come_v to_o enjoy_v in_o god_n a_o further_a instance_n be_v give_v in_o those_o 7._o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n this_o be_v my_o body_n where_o he_o affirm_v that_o the_o plain_a and_o easy_a sense_n which_o the_o word_n of_o themselves_o offer_v to_o the_o reader_n be_v that_o which_o the_o romish_a church_n take_v they_o in_o but_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o speak_v they_o which_o he_o grant_v to_o be_v that_o which_o the_o reform_a church_n give_v of_o they_o this_o he_o say_v be_v dark_a and_o obscure_a but_o i_o suppose_v he_o can_v be_v ignorant_a sol._n that_o there_o be_v considerable_a doctor_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n eminent_a for_o learning_n who_o have_v acknowledge_v that_o they_o shall_v never_o have_v entertain_v that_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n which_o assert_n transubstantiation_n if_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n have_v not_o move_v they_o and_o our_o writer_n have_v abundant_o manifest_v the_o gross_a absurdity_n of_o that_o sense_n and_o among_o other_o dr._n brevint_n in_o his_o late_a excellent_a discourse_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o romish_a mass_n have_v clear_o and_o to_o great_a satisfaction_n prove_v the_o protestant_a sense_n of_o that_o speech_n of_o our_o saviour_n from_o the_o very_a word_n themselves_o i_o can_v well_o understand_v by_o this_o author_n discourse_n of_o what_o settle_a persuasion_n he_o be_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n he_o now_o and_o then_o insinuate_v something_o that_o carry_v with_o it_o a_o dislike_n of_o the_o romanist_n and_o their_o way_n but_o it_o be_v plain_a enough_o by_o this_o and_o many_o other_o passage_n in_o his_o book_n that_o the_o reform_a church_n be_v little_o befriend_v by_o he_o last_o he_o instance_n in_o those_o scripture_n 5._o where_o god_n be_v say_v to_o be_v lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o king_n of_o nation_n and_o king_n of_o king_n and_o where_o he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v beget_v a_o son_n psal._n 2._o and_o to_o have_v love_v the_o world_n joh._n 3._o 16._o in_o all_o which_o he_o say_v the_o obvious_a but_o mistake_v sense_n and_o that_o which_o the_o vulgar_a apprehend_v be_v that_o god_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n be_v a_o lord_n and_o king_n and_o do_v beget_v and_o love_v which_o he_o esteem_v to_o be_v gross_o absurd_a to_o these_o i_o answer_v distinct_o 1._o as_o for_o the_o place_n where_o god_n be_v 1._o call_v lord_n and_o king_n and_o say_v to_o reign_v over_o the_o nation_n with_o all_o of_o like_a import_n in_o these_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o what_o we_o find_v elsewhere_o in_o scripture_n to_o remove_v from_o god_n whatever_o savour_v of_o imperfection_n and_o to_o ascribe_v nothing_o to_o he_o but_o what_o suit_v with_o a_o most_o excellent_a and_o most_o perfect_a be_v nor_o do_v the_o aforesaid_a expression_n in_o their_o plain_a and_o obvious_a sense_n signify_v either_o more_o or_o less_o than_o that_o god_n be_v the_o universal_a sovereign_n of_o the_o world_n rule_v his_o creature_n with_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o power_n according_a to_o their_o different_a nature_n and_o condition_n the_o inferior_a sort_n by_o instinct_n and_o natural_a necessity_n his_o intellectual_a creature_n by_o law_n as_o the_o proper_a instrument_n of_o moral_a government_n and_o what_o the_o exercitator_n sentiment_n be_v about_o this_o i_o can_v conjecture_v if_o he_o be_v for_o that_o novel_a opinion_n of_o thomas_n anglus_fw-la ab_fw-la albis_n that_o god_n do_v not_o proper_o govern_v we_o by_o law_n as_o king_n do_v their_o kingdom_n but_o as_o a_o engineer_n do_v his_o engine_n by_o physical_a motion_n and_o that_o therefore_o he_o be_v call_v our_o lord_n and_o king_n only_o in_o a_o metaphorical_a sense_n i_o must_v enter_v a_o dissent_n against_o such_o a_o absurd_a and_o atheistical_a conceit_n and_o put_v he_o to_o prove_v his_o assertion_n and_o answer_v the_o argument_n that_o be_v in_o print_n against_o it_o 2._o as_o for_o the_o second_o of_o beget_v a_o son_n psal_n 2._o 7._o interpreter_n do_v much_o 〈◊〉_d differ_v about_o it_o some_o conceive_v the_o first_o and_o immediate_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n to_o respect_n david_n who_o god_n have_v deliver_v out_o of_o his_o great_a affliction_n and_o raise_v to_o a_o kingdom_n which_o deliverance_n and_o exaltation_n be_v to_o he_o as_o a_o second_o birth_n and_o this_o they_o illustrate_v by_o what_o be_v say_v of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n that_o they_o have_v two_o birth-day_n the_o one_o of_o their_o person_n when_o they_o come_v into_o the_o world_n the_o other_o of_o their_o empire_n when_o they_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o throne_n and_o that_o christ_n be_v here_o intend_a only_o as_o the_o antitype_n prefigure_v by_o david_n other_o understand_v these_o word_n proper_o and_o immediate_o of_o christ_n and_o that_o with_o respect_n to_o one_o of_o these_o two_o either_o 1._o to_o his_o eternal_a generation_n in_o reference_n to_o which_o he_o be_v call_v the_o eternal_a and_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o generation_n we_o
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
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
appendix_n concern_v internal_a illumination_n and_o other_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n etc._n etc._n chap._n i._n 1._o what_o our_o protestant_a divine_n mean_v by_o that_o illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o they_o assert_v as_o necessary_a to_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o exercitator_n censure_v of_o it_o as_o enthusiasm_n approve_v by_o wolzogen_n 2._o the_o falsehood_n of_o that_o calumny_n discover_v 3._o wolzogen_n '_o s_o disingenuity_n and_o inconstancy_n 4._o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a illumination_n prove_v 5._o in_o what_o sense_n it_o be_v supernatural_a 6._o some_o of_o the_o exercitator_n cavil_v answer_v 7._o in_o what_o sense_n this_o illumination_n be_v immediate_a in_o the_o forego_n paper_n design_v 1_o to_o clear_a and_o vindicate_v the_o protestant_a doctrine_n concern_v the_o supreme_a bull_fw-mi of_o interpret_n scripture_n i_o have_v have_v occasion_n frequent_o to_o deal_v with_o the_o belgic_a exercitator_n and_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o what_o he_o have_v say_v that_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o any_o moment_n so_o far_o as_o concern_v that_o point_n but_o whereas_o he_o be_v please_v in_o the_o procedure_n of_o his_o discourse_n to_o step_v out_o of_o his_o way_n and_o deride_o to_o oppose_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n about_o the_o spirit_n assistance_n in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n as_o savour_v of_o enthusiasm_n i_o than_o wave_v meddle_v with_o that_o part_n of_o his_o book_n think_v it_o more_o expedient_a to_o say_v something_o to_o it_o in_o a_o appendix_n by_o itself_o this_o be_v a_o question_n altogether_o distinct_a from_o that_o other_o of_o the_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n in_o the_o fourteen_o chapter_n of_o his_o oft-mentioned_n exercitation_n he_o quote_v several_a of_o our_o protestant_a author_n of_o great_a name_n and_o worth_n give_v in_o the_o word_n of_o some_o of_o they_o and_o refer_v we_o for_o other_o to_o the_o cite_a place_n the_o drift_n of_o their_o several_a discourse_n about_o this_o point_n seem_v to_o be_v that_o there_o need_v a_o effectual_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o enlighten_v man_n understanding_n and_o cause_v they_o right_o to_o apprehend_v and_o ready_o to_o approve_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n that_o their_o meaning_n may_v be_v more_o clear_o propound_v we_o must_v distinguish_v of_o a_o twofold_a understanding_n of_o scripture_n there_o be_v a_o natural_a and_o mere_o grammatical_a perception_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture-proposition_n which_o a_o man_n destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n may_v attain_v by_o common_a assistance_n in_o the_o use_n of_o ordinary_a mean_n and_o there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a apprehension_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o contain_v in_o those_o proposition_n which_o include_v in_o it_o a_o hearty_a believe_v and_o embrace_v they_o that_o be_v not_o attain_v without_o the_o sanctify_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n renew_v the_o mind_n by_o indue_a it_o with_o a_o heavenly_a supernatural_a light_n this_o i_o find_v thus_o express_v and_o illustrate_v by_o the_o late_a reverend_a bishop_n of_o norwich_n natural_a man_n say_v he_o have_v their_o principle_n 119._o vitiate_v their_o faculty_n bind_v that_o they_o can_v understand_v spiritual_a thing_n till_o god_n have_v as_o it_o be_v implant_v a_o new_a understanding_n in_o they_o frame_v the_o heart_n to_o attend_v and_o set_v it_o at_o liberty_n to_o see_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n with_o open_a face_n though_o the_o veil_n do_v not_o keep_v out_o grammatical_a construction_n yet_o it_o blind_v the_o heart_n against_o the_o spiritual_a light_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o word_n we_o see_v even_o in_o common_a science_n where_o the_o conclusion_n be_v suitable_a to_o our_o innate_a and_o implant_v notion_n yet_o he_o that_o can_v distinct_o construe_v and_o make_v grammar_n of_o a_o principle_n in_o euclid_n may_v be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o mathematical_a sense_n and_o use_v of_o it_o much_o more_o may_v a_o man_n in_o divine_a truth_n be_v spiritual_o ignorant_a even_o where_o in_o some_o respect_n he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o know_v for_o the_o scripture_n pronounce_v man_n ignorant_a of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o see_v and_o know_v in_o divine_a doctrine_n obedience_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o knowledge_n and_o holiness_n the_o best_a qualification_n to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n to_o this_o spiritual_a understanding_n there_o be_v need_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a supernatural_a light_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v understand_v our_o divine_n mean_v when_o they_o assert_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o spirit_n illumination_n thus_o speak_v the_o church_n of_o england_n scripture_n the_o revelation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n inspire_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n into_o we_o in_o truth_n we_o can_v without_o it_o attain_v true_a save_v 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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 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reverence_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o word_n for_o want_v of_o which_o too_o many_o have_v great_o pollute_v these_o holy_a mystery_n with_o the_o wanton_a conceit_n or_o profane_a excursion_n of_o a_o unhollwed_a wit_n and_o mortal_o poison_v themselves_o and_o other_o by_o their_o corrupt_a handle_v this_o bread_n of_o life_n the_o special_a mean_n of_o interpretation_n be_v twofold_a some_o be_v more_o remote_a which_o i_o shall_v only_o name_v not_o intend_v any_o discourse_n about_o they_o because_o my_o work_n lie_v another_o way_n these_o remote_a help_n be_v 1._o some_o competent_a knowledge_n of_o and_o recourse_n to_o the_o original_a tongue_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n be_v first_o pen_v with_o a_o due_a observation_n of_o the_o propriety_n of_o each_o language_n 2._o skill_n to_o discern_v between_o the_o proper_a use_n of_o the_o word_n and_o phrase_n of_o scripture_n and_o that_o which_o be_v tropical_a and_o figurative_a in_o these_o grammar_n and_o rhetoric_n have_v 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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 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and_o of_o late_a etc._n some_o few_o there_o be_v who_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o scripture_n suppose_v the_o rule_n and_o summary_n of_o religion_n deliver_v from_o one_o age_n to_o another_o which_o we_o be_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o in_o search_v out_o the_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n and_o this_o rule_n they_o say_v be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o monument_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n and_o determination_n of_o council_n from_o whence_o we_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o thereby_o know_v what_o be_v the_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o first_o age_n and_o according_a to_o that_o interpret_v the_o scripture_n but_o if_o this_o must_v be_v our_o way_n of_o proceed_v we_o may_v very_o well_o despair_n of_o ever_o understand_v the_o scripture_n except_o when_o they_o speak_v with_o so_o much_o plainness_n that_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o no_o interpretation_n for_o what_o a_o heap_n of_o uncertainty_n must_v we_o lay_v for_o the_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v that_o the_o father_n do_v oft_o differ_v from_o each_o other_o and_o many_o time_n be_v not_o consistent_a with_o themselves_o council_n have_v determine_v contrary_a one_o to_o another_o and_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v as_o far_o as_o appear_v to_o we_o by_o all_o extant_a monument_n of_o antiquity_n agreeable_a to_o the_o common_a sentiment_n in_o our_o age_n be_v lay_v aside_o in_o another_o beside_o either_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o first_o age_n write_v nothing_o or_o their_o write_n be_v lose_v and_o of_o those_o that_o now_o go_v under_o venerable_a name_n many_o be_v plain_o spurious_a and_o many_o dubious_a nor_o be_v it_o easy_a in_o several_a of_o they_o for_o the_o most_o sagacious_a reader_n to_o find_v out_o the_o right_n insomuch_o as_o we_o can_v have_v any_o tolerable_a assurance_n what_o be_v the_o consentient_a judgement_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o any_o one_o age_n about_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n if_o we_o set_v the_o scripture_n aside_o therefore_o to_o frame_v such_o a_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n as_o this_o be_v no_o better_a than_o to_o build_v a_o house_n of_o straw_n upon_o a_o run_a stream_n there_o be_v very_o few_o writer_n in_o the_o two_o first_o century_n and_o in_o the_o two_o follow_v not_o very_o many_o and_o after_o this_o the_o church_n do_v much_o decline_v and_o degenerate_a as_o well_o in_o doctrine_n as_o manner_n now_o suppose_v we_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o write_n in_o each_o age_n be_v undoubted_o they_o who_o name_v they_o bear_v as_o it_o be_v past_a doubt_n we_o be_v not_o who_o can_v assure_v we_o that_o what_o be_v publish_v by_o those_o few_o be_v the_o consentient_a judgement_n of_o all_o or_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o doctor_n of_o that_o age_n wherein_o they_o live_v may_v there_o not_o be_v a_o great_a number_n differ_v from_o they_o who_o either_o write_v nothing_o or_o who_o work_n be_v perish_v the_o plain_a truth_n be_v that_o this_o way_n of_o interpretation_n do_v in_o the_o upshot_n resolve_v the_o faith_n of_o christian_n not_o into_o the_o certain_a authority_n of_o the_o divinely-inspired_n write_n but_o into_o the_o fallible_a testimony_n of_o the_o most_o uncertain_a tradition_n but_o for_o the_o reader_n further_a satisfaction_n i_o refer_v he_o to_o mounseur_fw-fr daille_n learned_a treatise_n about_o the_o right_a use_n of_o the_o father_n a_o piece_n of_o that_o worth_n that_o the_o lord_n viscount_n falkland_n and_o his_o dear_a friend_n mr._n chillingworth_n do_v high_o esteem_v it_o and_o make_v great_a use_n of_o it_o in_o their_o write_n against_o the_o romanist_n as_o we_o be_v inform_v by_o mr._n tho._n smith_n sometime_o member_n of_o christ_n college_n in_o cambridge_n in_o his_o epistle_n prefix_v to_o the_o english_a translation_n of_o that_o excellent_a and_o elaborate_a discourse_n who_o further_o also_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o have_v in_o that_o tractat_fw-la a_o sufficient_a confutation_n of_o cardinal_n perron_n his_o book_n against_o king_n james_n and_o by_o consequence_n of_o the_o marquis_n of_o worcester_n against_o king_n charles_n and_o of_o doctor_n vane_n and_o other_o epitomizer_n of_o the_o cardinal_n which_o i_o do_v the_o rather_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o it_o may_v obviate_v the_o groundless_a prejudices_fw-la that_o some_o have_v of_o late_o entertain_v against_o that_o incomparable_a piece_n the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o the_o reform_a 4._o church_n both_o ourown_n and_o those_o abroad_o have_v be_v hitherto_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v its_o own_o interpreter_n but_o of_o late_a there_o have_v be_v a_o attempt_n to_o justle_v the_o scripture_n aside_o as_o to_o this_o use_n and_o place_n reason_n and_o philosophy_n in_o its_o room_n there_o be_v a_o belgic_a
not_o silence_n but_o regulate_v and_o conduct_v it_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o religion_n but_o what_o be_v perfect_o rational_a and_o suitable_a to_o man_n intellectual_a nature_n it_o be_v to_o our_o rational_a power_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v propound_v and_o as_o our_o belief_n of_o they_o be_v one_o of_o the_o high_a act_n of_o reason_n so_o it_o be_v by_o our_o reason_n in_o its_o due_a exercise_n that_o we_o search_v into_o they_o not_o only_o to_o find_v out_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n and_o phrase_n of_o scripture_n and_o discern_v the_o difference_n between_o proper_a and_o figurative_a expression_n beside_o many_o other_o thing_n that_o tend_v to_o their_o verbal_a exposition_n but_o likewise_o to_o observe_v the_o dependence_n of_o one_o clause_n on_o another_o and_o compare_v the_o several_a part_n of_o scripture_n together_o thereby_o it_o be_v that_o we_o gather_v consequence_n from_o scripture-principle_n and_o hereby_o do_v we_o instrumental_o judge_v of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n as_o signify_v to_o we_o by_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n second_o we_o also_o grant_v that_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n have_v their_o use_n about_o those_o thing_n in_o scripture_n that_o be_v discoverable_a by_o natural_a light_n as_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v that_o the_o soul_n be_v immortal_a that_o good_a be_v to_o be_v do_v and_o evil_a to_o be_v avoid_v and_o many_o such_o like_a but_o even_o in_o these_o consider_v as_o they_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n i_o think_v reason_n be_v not_o magisterial_o and_o authoritative_o to_o judge_n of_o they_o be_v under_o this_o notion_n to_o be_v receive_v as_o the_o decree_n of_o a_o high_a court_n wherein_o man_n reason_n be_v but_o a_o servant_n in_o this_o case_n therefore_o reason_v only_o give_v in_o its_o suffrage_n and_o ministerial_o subscribe_v by_o virtue_n of_o its_o own_o impress_a notion_n to_o scripture-dictates_a aquinas_n propound_v a_o question_n 4._o about_o man_n believe_v such_o thing_n as_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o natural_a reason_n resolve_v it_o necessary_a for_o man_n more_o speedy_a more_o common_a and_o more_o certain_a attainment_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n that_o they_o shall_v receiveby_o faith_n not_o only_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o natural_a reason_n but_o those_o also_o that_o be_v discernible_a by_o natural_a light_n whereby_o he_o plain_o give_v the_o pre-eminency_n to_o revelation_n above_o reason_n even_o in_o the_o natural_a principle_n of_o religion_n three_o i_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v great_a use_n of_o natural_a principle_n in_o point_n of_o pure_a revelation_n viz._n to_o show_v that_o these_o be_v not_o against_o sound_a reason_n and_o to_o disprove_v the_o objection_n that_o be_v make_v against_o they_o from_o a_o pretend_a contrariety_n to_o natural_a light_n it_o be_v no_o small_a advantage_n to_o the_o christian_a cause_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n that_o the_o ancient_a father_n in_o their_o apology_n for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n against_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n turn_v their_o own_o weapon_n upon_o they_o and_o repel_v their_o absurd_a cavil_n by_o their_o own_o acknowledge_a maxim_n four_o i_o further_o grant_v that_o no_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v for_o genuine_a if_o we_o do_v indeed_o find_v it_o to_o be_v certain_o inconsistent_a with_o or_o contradictory_n unto_o any_o true_a and_o undoubted_a principle_n of_o reason_n for_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o truth_n as_o well_o natural_a as_o supernatural_a can_v contradict_v himself_o this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o very_a ticklish_a point_n and_o call_v for_o great_a wariness_n and_o circumspection_n it_o be_v so_o â—asie_a and_o so_o ordinary_a for_o man_n to_o be_v sway_v by_o imagination_n interest_n and_o prejudice_n to_o call_v that_o reason_n which_o be_v as_o far_o from_o be_v so_o as_o midnight_n be_v from_o be_v high_a noon_n and_o man_n may_v through_o ignorance_n incogitancy_n or_o perverseness_n suppose_v a_o contradiction_n where_o there_o be_v none_o nevertheless_o this_o we_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v certain_o and_o undeniable_o prove_v to_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o reason_n there_o can_v be_v nothing_o in_o scripture_n that_o real_o contradict_v it_o but_o five_o the_o knot_n of_o the_o controversy_n lie_v here_o whether_o humane_a reason_n by_o its_o own_o natural_a principle_n or_o those_o philosophical_a axiom_n that_o be_v thence_o deduce_v as_o its_o supreme_a command_v rule_n must_v guide_v and_o determine_v we_o in_o examine_v and_o decide_v what_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o those_o part_n of_o scripture_n that_o be_v pure_o of_o supernatural_a revelation_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v here_o deny_v the_o affirmative_a be_v maintain_v by_o 3._o some_o and_o indeed_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o great_a helena_n of_o that_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o have_v imbibe_v the_o new_a divinity_n of_o socinus_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o their_o heterodoxy_n upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v that_o they_o so_o vehement_o oppose_v the_o trinity_n of_o person_n in_o the_o godhead_n the_o eternal_a deity_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n the_o personality_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o doctrine_n of_o original_a sin_n of_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n and_o justification_n by_o his_o impute_a righteousness_n with_o sundry_a other_o material_a point_n that_o be_v common_o call_v to_o the_o bar_n of_o humane_a reason_n by_o these_o doctor_n of_o the_o racovian_a faith_n not_o that_o they_o have_v any_o sound_a reason_n on_o their_o side_n for_o their_o novelty_n be_v extreme_o irrational_a as_o have_v be_v abundant_o demonstrate_v by_o those_o judicious_a author_n that_o have_v deal_v with_o they_o but_o trust_v to_o their_o own_o reason_n and_o its_o dictate_v in_o matter_n so_o far_o above_o nature_n this_o have_v lead_v they_o into_o these_o dangerous_a precipice_n true_a it_o be_v whether_o in_o pretence_n to_o blind_v the_o eye_n of_o other_o or_o out_o of_o the_o conviction_n of_o truth_n or_o out_o of_o the_o usual_a fate_n of_o error_n to_o contradict_v itself_o these_o man_n sometime_o let_v fall_v that_o which_o carry_v with_o it_o a_o fair_a appearance_n of_o disclaim_v the_o judgement_n of_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o their_o great_a master_n socinus_n 71._o and_o such_o passage_n in_o he_o and_o his_o follower_n may_v possible_o give_v some_o colour_n to_o the_o exercitator_n to_o charge_v the_o reform_a divine_n with_o wrong_v the_o socinian_o in_o say_v they_o make_v man_n reason_n the_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n 8._o for_o himself_o seem_v to_o be_v ambitious_a of_o the_o honour_n of_o find_v this_o out_o and_o it_o may_v be_v they_o have_v no_o where_o assert_v it_o in_o terminis_fw-la or_o speak_v it_o out_o so_o broad_o as_o this_o gentleman_n have_v do_v but_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o flourish_n when_o they_o argue_v against_o the_o forementioned_a doctrine_n receive_v upon_o clear_a scripture-warrant_a by_o all_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n their_o grand_a objection_n be_v draw_v from_o reason_n to_o which_o they_o appeal_v in_o all_o these_o controversy_n as_o to_o their_o oracle_n and_o thereupon_o set_v their_o wit_n at_o work_n to_o wrest_v and_o wind_v the_o scripture_n allege_v in_o defence_n of_o those_o doctrine_n every_o way_n they_o can_v imagine_v to_o evade_v their_o plain_a meaning_n and_o fasten_v on_o they_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o make_n suitable_a to_o their_o belove_a maxim_n beside_o many_o other_o passage_n there_o be_v of_o that_o party_n that_o discover_v what_o their_o mind_n be_v in_o this_o point_n but_o these_o be_v not_o the_o first_o that_o set_v this_o presumptuous_a doctrine_n on_o foot_n i_o find_v it_o lay_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o manichee_n as_o irrational_a and_o absurd_a as_o their_o conception_n be_v that_o they_o profess_o suspend_v the_o article_n of_o faith_n upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o reason_n and_o require_v man_n to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o they_o can_v prove_v by_o reason_n so_o much_o we_o learn_v from_o he_o who_o be_v once_o one_o of_o they_o but_o happy_o deliver_v out_o of_o their_o snare_n 1._o chap._n ii_o 1._o the_o first_o argument_n disable_n reason_n and_o philosophy_n for_o be_v the_o scripture_n interpreter_n from_o the_o condition_n of_o man_n deprave_a reason_n in_o this_o lapse_v state_n 2._o the_o apostle_n word_n in_o 1_o cor._n 2._o 14._o urge_v and_o vindicate_v from_o some_o man_n mistaken_a gloss_n 3._o the_o argument_n enforce_v from_o the_o foul_a mastake_n of_o the_o most_o rational_a among_o the_o heathen_a in_o matter_n of_o religion_n now_o that_o reason_n or_o philosophy_n can_v in_o the_o sense_n give_v be_v 1._o the_o scripture_n interpreter_n
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
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
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
perspicuous_a 〈◊〉_d revelation_n of_o god_n will._n whatsoever_o may_v be_v the_o ignorance_n or_o darkness_n of_o man_n which_o hinder_v they_o from_o know_v what_o god_n have_v say_v in_o these_o sacred_a record_n yet_o the_o objective_a perspicuity_n of_o they_o be_v general_o assert_v by_o protestant_n against_o the_o romanist_n not_o that_o all_o truth_n reveal_v in_o scripture_n be_v so_o low_a and_o common_a as_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n to_o be_v obvious_a to_o man_n understanding_n but_o that_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o delivery_n they_o be_v so_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o that_o they_o may_v be_v understand_v by_o and_o from_o the_o scripture_n yet_o we_o mean_v not_o that_o every_o part_n or_o passage_n of_o scripture_n be_v clear_a for_o that_o there_o be_v many_o difficulty_n therein_o we_o acknowledge_v but_o that_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n be_v somewhere_o or_o other_o in_o scripture_n plain_o propound_v so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v it_o one_o part_n of_o it_o give_v light_n to_o another_o so_o that_o the_o whole_a scripture_n take_v together_o be_v a_o perspicuous_a manifestation_n of_o his_o will_n this_o be_v prove_v by_o moses_n word_n in_o deut._n 30._o 12_o 13_o 14._o speak_v of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o apostle_n word_n rom._n 10._o 6._o etc._n etc._n speak_v the_o same_o of_o the_o gospel_n hence_o the_o write_a word_n be_v frequent_o compare_v to_o a_o light_n and_o be_v 22._o say_v to_o give_v understanding_n to_o the_o simple_a have_v not_o the_o scripture_n be_v perspicuous_a how_o can_v timothy_n in_o his_o childhood_n have_v understand_v they_o how_o can_v our_o saviour_n out_o of_o they_o have_v convince_v the_o sadducee_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n or_o the_o apostle_n out_o of_o they_o prove_v irrefragable_o the_o acts._n truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n against_o the_o gainsay_v jew_n or_o how_o can_v the_o berean_o try_v the_o apostle_n doctrine_n by_o search_v the_o scripture_n these_o be_v undeniable_a 11._o proof_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v perspicuous_a and_o that_o they_o have_v a_o plain_a and_o certain_a sense_n obvious_a to_o a_o considerate_a reader_n but_o all_o this_o will_v signify_v nothing_o if_o the_o scripture_n have_v not_o that_o light_n in_o it_o that_o may_v discover_v itself_o and_o clear_v up_o its_o own_o meaning_n without_o borrow_a light_n from_o some_o other_o principle_n now_o because_o much_o of_o the_o stress_n of_o this_o cause_n lie_v on_o this_o we_o must_v a_o little_a consider_v what_o be_v say_v against_o it_o the_o late_a romanist_n do_v general_o cry_v out_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a partly_o that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o fair_a colour_n to_o take_v they_o out_o of_o the_o people_n hand_n lest_o they_o shall_v mistake_v or_o pervert_v they_o though_o none_o among_o they_o have_v be_v more_o guilty_a of_o that_o than_o their_o doctor_n of_o great_a name_n for_o learning_n partly_o that_o they_o may_v bring_v in_o their_o unwritten_a tradition_n as_o expository_n of_o scripture-revelation_n and_o partly_o also_o that_o they_o may_v establish_v a_o necessity_n of_o a_o infallible_a visible_a judge_n here_o on_o earth_n to_o interpret_v scripture_n and_o decide_v all_o controversy_n yet_o i_o know_v not_o any_o of_o they_o but_o will_v own_o that_o many_o thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a but_o there_o be_v a_o late_a writer_n that_o deny_v this_o my_o next_o work_n therefore_o shall_v be_v to_o deal_v with_o he_o and_o clear_v the_o truth_n from_o his_o exception_n in_o some_o of_o the_o follow_a chapter_n of_o this_o discourse_n chap._n iu._n the_o exercitator_n exception_n against_o the_o scripture_n perspicuity_n from_o the_o ambiguity_n of_o word_n answer_v the_o belgic_a exercitator_n who_o i_o have_v oft_o mention_v before_o that_o he_o may_v make_v sure_a work_n rise_v high_a in_o deny_v the_o scripture_n perspicuity_n than_o any_o that_o i_o have_v ever_o meet_v with_o and_o with_o confidence_n affirm_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v universal_o obscure_a and_o that_o no_o part_n of_o it_o be_v of_o itself_o clear_a and_o 9_o plain_a and_o thereupon_o deny_v that_o one_o part_n of_o scripture_n can_v be_v expound_v by_o another_o yea_o this_o he_o lay_v as_o the_o foundation_n of_o his_o main_a assertion_n against_o the_o scripture_n interpret_n itself_o and_o one_o great_a reason_n he_o give_v be_v 1._o what_o he_o have_v take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o tedious_a pedantic_a pain_n to_o prove_v in_o his_o three_o chapter_n that_o all_o speech_n be_v make_v up_o of_o word_n and_o phrase_n be_v obscure_a and_o doubtful_a because_o the_o word_n whereof_o it_o consist_v be_v capable_a of_o different_a signification_n and_o consequent_o may_v be_v take_v in_o a_o various_a sense_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v universal_o ambiguous_a and_o therefore_o obscure_a to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o if_o this_o reason_n 1._o hold_v then_o there_o be_v no_o speech_n or_o write_v in_o the_o world_n but_o will_v fall_v under_o the_o same_o unhappy_a fate_n no_o law_n of_o the_o land_n no_o letter_n of_o a_o friend_n no_o oral_a discourse_n no_o treatise_n of_o whatsoever_o subject_n and_o how_o accurate_o soever_o write_v shall_v be_v account_v intelligible_a for_o all_o write_n and_o discourse_n be_v make_v up_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o word_n and_o phrase_n and_o capable_a of_o be_v adorn_v with_o the_o same_o trope_n and_o figure_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v and_o every_o whit_n as_o liable_a to_o be_v take_v in_o for_o different_a sense_n and_o thus_o no_o man_n shall_v know_v how_o to_o speak_v or_o write_v any_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v clear_o understand_v and_o that_o excellent_a gift_n of_o speech_n which_o god_n have_v bestow_v upon_o man_n to_o be_v a_o instrument_n of_o society_n and_o converse_n shall_v be_v of_o no_o other_o use_n but_o to_o be_v make_v a_o engine_n of_o deceit_n and_o treachery_n second_o if_o thing_n be_v thus_o to_o what_o 2._o end_n do_v this_o author_n trouble_v himself_o to_o write_v and_o other_o to_o read_v this_o book_n of_o he_o if_o all_o speech_n and_o write_n be_v ambiguous_a and_o obscure_a and_o not_o to_o be_v understand_v without_o a_o interpreter_n of_o what_o use_n be_v this_o jewel_n of_o his_o fancy_n do_v he_o hope_v to_o lead_v the_o whole_a world_n of_o interpreter_n out_o of_o their_o labyrinth_n into_o the_o right_a path_n by_o such_o a_o ignis_fw-la fatuus_fw-la that_o by_o its_o ambiguity_n and_o uncertainty_n may_v scare_v and_o amuse_v they_o and_o carry_v they_o hither_o and_o thither_o according_a to_o the_o wind_n of_o their_o own_o imagination_n or_o have_v he_o attain_v to_o a_o faculty_n above_o all_o other_o writer_n even_o the_o best_a and_o holy_a to_o write_v in_o such_o word_n and_o phrase_n as_o may_v open_v his_o meaning_n without_o entangle_v his_o reader_n in_o ambiguity_n if_o he_o think_v his_o book_n be_v free_a from_o this_o blemish_n methinks_v he_o may_v have_v have_v the_o modesty_n to_o conceive_v that_o the_o penman_n of_o scripture_n know_v how_o to_o write_v as_o well_o as_o he_o if_o his_o thought_n of_o his_o book_n be_v otherwise_o he_o may_v have_v keep_v it_o to_o himself_o and_o feed_v the_o moth_n with_o it_o three_o yet_o again_o if_o it_o be_v thus_o that_o all_o word_n in_o whatsoever_o contexture_n be_v 3._o so_o ambiguous_a and_o obscure_a what_o will_v become_v of_o this_o infallible_a interpreter_n which_o our_o author_n will_v set_v up_o for_o whatsoever_o interpretation_n be_v make_v of_o any_o scripture_n it_o must_v be_v frame_v in_o such_o word_n as_o other_o man_n use_v and_o as_o all_o kind_n of_o write_n be_v draw_v up_o in_o and_o if_o when_o all_o be_v do_v these_o be_v obscure_a what_o be_v we_o the_o better_a for_o certain_o according_a to_o this_o author_n argument_n even_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o most_o unquestionable_a maxim_n of_o philosophy_n when_o turn_v into_o word_n and_o sentence_n will_v be_v as_o ambiguous_a and_o consequent_o as_o dark_a as_o the_o scripture_n four_o whereas_o his_o impeach_v the_o scripture_n of_o ambiguity_n and_o obscurity_n 4._o be_v not_o only_o to_o disable_v they_o from_o expound_v themselves_o but_o that_o he_o may_v set_v up_o philosophy_n as_o the_o only_a interpreter_n he_o instance_n in_o several_a scripture_n 24._o which_o he_o say_v be_v thus_o ambiguous_a and_o obscure_a in_o the_o clear_n whereof_o philosophy_n can_v possible_o afford_v we_o any_o help_n as_o for_o example_n when_o he_o suppose_v of_o our_o saviour_n word_n in_o joh._n 5._o 39_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o it_o be_v doubtful_a whether_o this_o be_v to_o be_v take_v imperative_o search_v the_o scripture_n or_o indicative_o you_o do_v search_v the_o scripture_n can_v any_o
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
a_o conceit_n be_v perspicuous_a enough_o whether_o the_o exercitator_n see_v it_o or_o not_o it_o have_v be_v hitherto_o esteem_v by_o all_o man_n as_o far_o as_o i_o know_v a_o considerable_a excellency_n in_o any_o writer_n that_o his_o speech_n and_o style_n be_v clear_a and_o perspicuous_a and_o the_o contrary_a darkness_n and_o obscurity_n have_v be_v blame_v in_o those_o who_o affect_v to_o speak_v or_o write_v cloudy_o and_o enigmatical_o which_o certain_o imply_v that_o there_o be_v a_o perspicuity_n and_o a_o contrary_a obscurity_n that_o be_v absolute_o inhere_v in_o the_o speech_n itself_o and_o yet_o in_o the_o denial_n of_o this_o wolzogen_n and_o his_o friend_n velthusius_n join_v with_o the_o exercitator_n assert_v with_o he_o that_o there_o be_v no_o perspicuity_n in_o the_o scripture_n but_o what_o be_v relative_n to_o those_o that_o read_v or_o hear_v it_o and_o this_o they_o endeavour_v to_o confirm_v or_o illustrate_v by_o similitude_n a_o speech_n say_v 104._o wolzogen_n can_v no_o otherwise_o be_v call_v perspicuous_a absolute_o in_o itself_o than_o a_o man_n blood_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v red_a while_o it_o run_v in_o his_o vein_n and_o no_o eye_n see_v it_o or_o the_o snow_n that_o fall_v in_o the_o extreme_a north-part_n where_o no_o man_n feel_v the_o horror_n of_o it_o can_v be_v account_v cold._a these_o say_v he_o do_v consist_v in_o sense_n without_o which_o we_o can_v have_v any_o conception_n of_o they_o and_o so_o nothing_o be_v perspicuous_a further_o than_o it_o be_v perceive_v to_o the_o like_a purpose_n velthusius_n 15._o speak_v that_o light_n be_v not_o in_o the_o object_n but_o in_o the_o sense_n as_o heat_n be_v not_o in_o the_o fire_n nor_o cold_a in_o the_o ice_n but_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o he_o that_o feel_v either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o no_o more_o than_o pain_n be_v in_o the_o sword_n or_o knife_n that_o make_v a_o wound_n so_o say_v he_o neither_o be_v clearness_n in_o the_o object_n that_o be_v to_o be_v know_v but_o in_o the_o mind_n perception_n of_o it_o true_o i_o do_v not_o much_o admire_v these_o mystery_n of_o the_o new_a philosophy_n hitherto_o both_o light_n and_o colour_n heat_v and_o cold_a have_v be_v esteem_v quality_n inherent_a in_o their_o proper_a subject_n and_o not_o to_o consist_v in_o a_o relation_n but_o if_o it_o be_v as_o these_o man_n say_v it_o seem_v nothing_o be_v cold_a or_o hot_a light_a or_o dark_a save_v only_o as_o and_o when_o it_o be_v discern_v by_o one_o that_o see_v and_o feel_v it_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_n to_o pass_v by_o other_o argument_n we_o find_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n that_o darkness_n be_v upon_o 3_o the_o face_n of_o the_o deep_a and_o when_o god_n say_v let_v there_o be_v light_n there_o be_v light_n both_o which_o be_v before_o there_o be_v any_o sensitive_a creature_n in_o be_v to_o discern_v they_o if_o any_o shall_v here_o say_v as_o some_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v when_o clear_a scripture_n go_v cross_a to_o their_o darling_n notion_n that_o those_o word_n in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n be_v use_v not_o according_a to_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o according_a to_o vulgar_a conception_n i_o shall_v not_o think_v such_o profane_a boldness_n worthy_a a_o reply_n perhaps_o it_o will_v be_v plead_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o write_v to_o teach_v we_o natural_a philosophy_n be_v it_o so_o neither_o be_v they_o pen_v to_o teach_v we_o any_o falsehood_n or_o to_o deceive_v we_o into_o mistake_n concern_v god_n or_o any_o of_o his_o work_n all_o the_o several_a part_n of_o that_o sacred_a volume_n be_v so_o order_v as_o to_o have_v some_o tendency_n immediate_a or_o remote_a to_o the_o great_a end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v endâ—â—ed_v the_o conduct_v of_o we_o to_o happiness_n but_o sure_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n never_o design_v to_o bring_v we_o to_o happiness_n by_o a_o lie_n very_o i_o have_v little_a encouragement_n to_o trust_v man_n reason_n in_o matter_n of_o revelation_n when_o i_o find_v they_o talk_v so_o absurd_o in_o matter_n of_o natural_a cognisance_n and_o yet_o when_o all_o be_v do_v wolzogen_n grant_v that_o 105_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o frame_v that_o nothing_o be_v want_v in_o they_o to_o render_v they_o perspicuous_a and_o true_o as_o far_o as_o i_o understand_v this_o be_v all_o that_o our_o protestant_a divine_n mean_v when_o they_o say_v the_o scripture_n be_v perspicuous_a in_o themselves_o what_o be_v the_o matter_n then_o why_o he_o tell_v we_o their_o meaning_n be_v very_o good_a but_o the_o expression_n be_v incommodious_a which_o be_v but_o another_o taste_n of_o his_o civility_n this_o be_v his_o humour_n throughout_o his_o book_n to_o nibble_n at_o somewhat_o or_o other_o in_o the_o most_o learned_a writer_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n but_o i_o return_v to_o our_o exercitator_n and_o second_o i_o answer_v when_o the_o apostle_n 2._o say_v 2_o pet_n 3._o 16._o that_o some_o of_o those_o thing_n whereof_o st._n paul_n treat_v in_o his_o epistle_n be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v if_o there_o be_v no_o perspicuity_n or_o obscurity_n but_o what_o be_v relative_n he_o may_v as_o well_o have_v say_v that_o they_o be_v all_o hard_a to_o be_v understand_v for_o doubtless_o there_o be_v some_o man_n so_o stupid_o ignorant_a or_o obstinate_o perverse_a that_o they_o understand_v none_o of_o they_o but_o sure_o when_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o some_o of_o they_o be_v difficult_a he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o say_v they_o be_v all_o so_o three_o the_o apostle_n preach_v the_o 3._o gospel_n in_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n 4_o and_o of_o power_n and_o do_v by_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n commend_v themselves_o 2._o to_o ever_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o â—…ht_n of_o god_n with_o such_o perspicuity_n and_o convince_a evidence_n do_v they_o speak_v and_o yet_o as_o the_o same_o apostle_n intimate_v their_o gospel_n may_v be_v and_o be_v â—id_v to_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v in_o who_o 4_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o which_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n which_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o there_o be_v therefore_o a_o absolute_a objective_n perspicuity_n in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o whatsoever_o may_v be_v the_o incapacity_n of_o man_n understanding_n last_o to_o conclude_v this_o i_o wonder_v 3._o at_o this_o author_n wit_n or_o memory_n that_o he_o so_o gross_o contradict_v himself_o in_o this_o very_a chapter_n out_o of_o which_o this_o exception_n be_v take_v for_o have_v premise_v that_o the_o obscurity_n of_o speech_n arise_v chief_o from_o its_o ambiguity_n and_o at_o large_a discourse_v of_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o amphiboly_n in_o word_n and_o sentence_n all_o which_o do_v evident_o prove_v if_o any_o thing_n a_o obscurity_n that_o lie_v in_o the_o speech_n itself_o without_o respect_n to_o the_o reader_n or_o hearer_n he_o afterward_o express_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a ambiguity_n of_o speech_n the_o one_o absolute_a 26._o consider_v in_o itself_o and_o the_o other_o relative_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o we_o by_o which_o he_o unravel_v what_o he_o have_v say_v in_o his_o three_o paragraph_n acknowledge_v that_o a_o speech_n may_v be_v ambiguous_a and_o consequent_o obscure_a in_o itself_o and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a obscurity_n there_o be_v also_o a_o absolute_a perspicuity_n for_o which_o he_o before_o deride_v the_o divine_n of_o the_o reformation_n chap._n vii_o 1._o a_o four_o exception_n against_o the_o scripture_n perspicuity_n from_o the_o difference_n and_o contrariety_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 2._o the_o instance_n give_v to_o prove_v this_o consider_v e._n g._n such_o as_o speak_v of_o the_o arm_n and_o finger_n of_o god_n 3._o that_o in_o jo._n 14._o 16._o 4._o our_o saviour_n word_n this_o be_v my_o body_n 5._o those_o place_n where_o god_n be_v say_v to_o be_v lord_n and_o king_n and_o to_o have_v beget_v a_o son_n and_o to_o love_v the_o world_n 6._o the_o aforesaid_a distinction_n condemn_v and_o the_o author_n self-contradiction_n note_v it_o be_v further_a object_v by_o the_o exercitator_n 4._o that_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v twofold_a either_o sensus_fw-la simpliciter_fw-la dictus_fw-la or_o verâ—s_n and_o he_o thus_o explain_v himself_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v either_o the_o simple_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n which_o they_o of_o themselves_o offer_v to_o the_o reader_n or_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o author_n in_o those_o word_n these_o say_v he_o be_v seldom_o the_o same_o but_o different_a yea_o opposite_a and_o the_o sense_n
be_v upon_o scripture-testimony_n to_o receive_v without_o search_v into_o the_o manner_n it_o be_v a_o mystery_n infinite_o above_o our_o reach_n which_o therefore_o he_o that_o will_v bold_o intrude_v into_o may_v just_o fear_v to_o be_v overwhelm_v with_o its_o glory_n or_o 2._o to_o the_o temporal_a manifestation_n of_o that_o eternal_a generation_n a_o thing_n be_v then_o say_v to_o be_v do_v when_o it_o be_v manifest_v to_o be_v do_v and_o so_o the_o word_n be_v apply_v by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n to_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n 33_o whereby_o as_o the_o same_o apostle_n say_v elsewhere_o he_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o 4._o son_n of_o god_n with_o power_n though_o i_o know_v there_o be_v who_o understand_v those_o word_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n immediate_o and_o in_o itself_o partly_o because_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o second_o birth_n to_o the_o humane_a nature_n partly_o because_o it_o be_v as_o they_o conceive_v the_o beginning_n of_o his_o instalment_n into_o his_o regal_a office_n which_o may_v be_v call_v his_o birth_n by_o analogy_n to_o what_o be_v say_v before_o concern_v the_o roman_a emperor_n i_o shall_v not_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o determine_v which_o of_o these_o way_n of_o explication_n be_v to_o be_v adhere_v to_o but_o be_v it_o what_o it_o will_v this_o i_o need_v not_o be_v afraid_a to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v scripture_n if_o any_o thing_n that_o must_v clear_v the_o difficulty_n and_o decide_v the_o difference_n it_o be_v not_o philosophy_n in_o its_o high_a exaltation_n that_o can_v be_v a_o sufficient_a rule_n to_o resolve_v we_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n be_v so_o whole_o foreign_a to_o the_o best_a and_o clear_a natural_a light_n 3._o then_o for_o the_o last_o instance_n joh._n 3._o 16._o where_o god_n be_v say_v to_o love_v the_o 3._o world_n though_o in_o this_o as_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n we_o be_v not_o to_o measure_v god_n by_o ourselves_o yet_o this_o be_v undoubted_a that_o by_o god_n love_n to_o mankind_n be_v every_o where_o plain_o and_o clear_o mean_v his_o will_n to_o do_v they_o good_a discover_v itself_o in_o answerable_a effect_n and_o the_o complacency_n that_o he_o take_v in_o the_o good_a that_o he_o do_v for_o they_o or_o work_n in_o they_o nor_o do_v i_o think_v that_o any_o man_n who_o heedful_o read_v the_o scripture_n can_v take_v it_o otherwise_o and_o this_o be_v no_o way_n unbecoming_a the_o divine_a perfection_n but_o full_o agree_v to_o his_o nature_n and_o the_o manifestation_n that_o he_o have_v make_v of_o himself_o both_o by_o natural_a and_o supernatural_a light_n now_o as_o to_o this_o distinction_n which_o the_o 6._o exercitator_n so_o much_o applaud_v condemn_v all_o other_o that_o be_v not_o as_o fond_a of_o it_o as_o himself_o i_o find_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o reject_v it_o and_o do_v affirm_v that_o the_o word_n and_o sentence_n of_o scripture_n take_v in_o such_o a_o coherence_n among_o themselves_o and_o connexion_n with_o the_o whole_a and_o otherwise_o than_o thus_o they_o have_v no_o sense_n that_o be_v proper_o they_o do_v exhibit_v to_o the_o reader_n no_o other_o sense_n than_o what_o be_v indeed_o the_o author_n meaning_n be_v write_v for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o signify_v his_o mind_n for_o our_o safe_a guidance_n to_o blessedness_n and_o to_o think_v that_o they_o have_v any_o other_o sense_n than_o what_o be_v indeed_o the_o truemind_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o author_n be_v â—o_o charge_v the_o holy_a scripture_n with_o the_o vile_a imposture_n what_o 21._o will_v we_o think_v of_o that_o man_n that_o shall_v either_o speâ—k_v or_o write_v so_o as_o that_o his_o word_n shall_v carry_v one_o meaning_n and_o himself_o intend_v another_o will_v he_o not_o be_v judge_v a_o deceiver_n and_o shall_v we_o dare_v to_o fasten_v such_o a_o piece_n of_o hypocrisy_n upon_o the_o holy_a god_n and_o that_o in_o a_o business_n wherein_o man_n everlasting_a happiness_n be_v concern_v what_o thought_n have_v these_o man_n of_o god_n who_o can_v talk_v thus_o of_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v his_o acknowledge_a word_n but_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v before_o i_o leave_v this_o matter_n whether_o our_o author_n do_v not_o by_o this_o distinction_n contradict_v himself_o for_o 1._o when_o he_o be_v in_o preparation_n designantur_fw-la to_o his_o future_a discourse_n explain_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o the_o material_a object_n of_o interpretation_n he_o plain_o assert_n that_o word_n be_v first_o and_o immediate_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o inward_a conception_n of_o the_o mind_n â—and_v because_o those_o conception_n be_v representation_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o understanding_n hence_o the_o word_n that_o declare_v those_o conception_n be_v use_v to_o signify_v and_o denote_v thing_n now_o if_o so_o how_o come_v it_o about_o that_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n can_v have_v a_o different_a sense_n from_o what_o the_o author_n intend_v see_v as_o the_o exercitator_n acknowledge_v they_o be_v sign_n or_o note_n of_o the_o conception_n of_o his_o mind_n 2._o this_o same_o author_n when_o he_o be_v prove_v a_o multiplicity_n of_o true_a sense_n in_o the_o same_o text_n of_o scripture_n and_o that_o 8._o whatsoever_o interpretation_n be_v they_o never_o so_o many_o and_o various_a be_v give_v if_o they_o be_v truth_n in_o themselves_o they_o be_v also_o the_o true_a exposition_n of_o that_o place_n use_v this_o argument_n that_o else_o god_n will_v be_v chargeable_a with_o deceive_a man_n by_o use_v such_o word_n as_o he_o know_v man_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o take_v in_o such_o different_a sense_n as_o he_o never_o mean_v this_o the_o author_n reject_v with_o abhorrence_n as_o not_o agree_v with_o the_o divine_a perfection_n how_o well_o he_o agree_v with_o himself_o and_o how_o this_o may_v be_v reconcile_v with_o the_o forementioned_a conceit_n of_o such_o a_o twofold_a sense_n as_o we_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o the_o simple_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o speaker_n let_v the_o reader_n judge_n chap._n viii_o 1._o a_o five_o exception_n that_o the_o plain_a scripture_n may_v be_v wrest_v 2._o a_o six_o from_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o commentary_n and_o exposition_n remove_v in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o will_v be_v say_v 5._o that_o the_o plain_a scripture_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v wrest_v and_o pervert_v by_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n therefore_o they_o be_v not_o perspicuous_a enough_o to_o interpret_v themselves_o suppose_v what_o be_v indeed_o too_o true_a and_o sufficient_o make_v good_a by_o our_o adversary_n sol._n in_o this_o cause_n that_o the_o plain_a scripture_n may_v be_v pervert_v so_o may_v the_o best_a and_o true_a principle_n of_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n nor_o can_v any_o man_n devise_v how_o to_o speak_v or_o write_v so_o but_o a_o wicked_a and_o malicious_a wit_n may_v put_v a_o absurd_a or_o horrid_a sense_n upon_o the_o most_o innocent_a word_n and_o of_o this_o i_o think_v we_o have_v instance_n enough_o every_o day_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o sense_n which_o the_o word_n and_o sentence_n of_o scripture_n in_o such_o a_o contexture_n and_o with_o reference_n to_o and_o dependence_n upon_o the_o antecedent_n and_o consequent_n and_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o author_n discourse_n do_v offer_v to_o the_o reader_n that_o the_o scripture_n thus_o consider_v be_v of_o itself_o liable_a to_o such_o ambiguous_a sense_n be_v a_o profane_a and_o senseless_a calumny_n bring_v that_o holy_a volume_n under_o the_o same_o condemnation_n with_o the_o devil_n oracle_n that_o be_v purposely_o contrive_v by_o that_o great_a enemy_n of_o mankind_n to_o cheat_v and_o abuse_v the_o pagan_a world_n but_o may_v some_o say_v do_v not_o many_o object_n take_v the_o word_n of_o scripture_n in_o a_o far_o different_a sense_n from_o what_o the_o author_n of_o scripture_n intend_v no_o doubt_v they_o do_v what_o then_o sol._n that_o be_v not_o because_o the_o word_n give_v they_o that_o sense_n but_o because_o they_o impose_v that_o sense_n upon_o the_o word_n to_o make_v they_o comply_v with_o their_o own_o apprehension_n in_o the_o six_o place_n the_o exercitator_n 1._o argue_v against_o the_o perspicuity_n of_o the_o scripture_n from_o the_o multitude_n of_o commentary_n animadversion_n interpretation_n for_o he_o love_v to_o heap_v up_o word_n write_v by_o learned_a man_n upon_o the_o whole_a scripture_n or_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o whence_o he_o conclude_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n unquestionable_a that_o the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a so_o obscure_a that_o it_o can_v interpret_v its_o own_o sense_n i_o answer_v that_o there_o be_v some_o difficulty_n sol._n in_o scripture_n that_o may_v exercise_v yea_o and_o exceed_v the_o able_a wit_n and_o that_o many_o thing_n in_o it_o may_v be_v obscure_a to_o the_o reader_n for_o want_v of_o use_v the_o
right_a mean_n to_o understand_v be_v confess_v but_o the_o multitude_n of_o exposition_n do_v not_o at_o all_o prove_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v so_o obscure_a as_o to_o be_v disable_v for_o be_v the_o supreme_a rule_n to_o interpret_v itself_o for_o whatsoever_o note_n or_o commentary_n be_v write_v upon_o the_o bible_n by_o learned_n man_n they_o be_v either_o such_o as_o true_o conduce_v to_o the_o suppose_a end_n the_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o to_o the_o due_a practical_a improvement_n of_o what_o be_v so_o understand_v or_o they_o fail_v of_o this_o and_o do_v rather_o darken_v and_o cloud_v the_o text._n these_o of_o the_o latter_a sort_n do_v not_o deserve_v the_o honour_n to_o be_v esteem_v interpretation_n of_o scripture_n for_o they_o render_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o more_o inâ—…icate_a and_o perplex_v and_o true_o it_o have_v be_v no_o unusual_a thing_n for_o man_n that_o write_v only_o to_o make_v ostentation_n of_o their_o learning_n and_o draw_v the_o eye_n of_o other_o upon_o they_o or_o to_o make_v trial_n of_o their_o wit_n in_o their_o attempt_n upon_o the_o scripture_n to_o vent_v some_o odd_a notion_n that_o serve_v rather_o to_o amuse_v than_o edify_v the_o reader_n and_o leave_v he_o more_o in_o the_o dark_a than_o when_o he_o peruse_v the_o text_n alone_o without_o their_o gloss_n as_o it_o have_v fare_v with_o some_o voluminous_a commentator_n upon_o aquinas_n who_o under_o pretence_n of_o expound_v their_o author_n have_v run_v out_o into_o so_o many_o intricate_a and_o frivolous_a question_n that_o by_o that_o time_n they_o have_v do_v they_o have_v leave_v the_o author_n text_n less_o intelligible_a than_o it_o be_v before_o they_o meddle_v with_o it_o true_o so_o it_o be_v with_o some_o that_o have_v undertake_v to_o write_v upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o i_o take_v such_o man_n write_n rather_o for_o depravation_n than_o exposition_n and_o the_o chief_a cause_n of_o this_o evil_n have_v be_v what_o this_o exercitator_n be_v not_o well_o aware_a of_o that_o they_o make_v too_o much_o use_v of_o their_o philosophic_a notion_n in_o their_o endeavour_n to_o interpret_v scripture-revelation_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o commentary_n or_o annotation_n on_o scripture_n be_v such_o as_o do_v contribute_v any_o help_n towards_o the_o unfolding_n of_o the_o true_a sense_n this_o have_v be_v chief_o by_o collect_v and_o compare_v the_o several_a part_n of_o scripture_n together_o and_o consider_v the_o circumstance_n of_o each_o text_n expound_v and_o so_o fetch_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o which_o be_v the_o only_a sure_a and_o warrantable_a way_n of_o interpretation_n chap._n ix_o 1._o the_o three_o and_o last_o branch_n of_o my_o first_o argument_n the_o scripture_n authenticness_n 2._o the_o exercitator_n exception_n remove_v 3._o wolzogen_n exception_n deny_v god_n to_o be_v the_o interpreter_n of_o scripture_n answer_v have_v vindicate_v the_o second_o 1_o branch_n of_o my_o first_o argument_n viz._n the_o scripture_n perspicuity_n from_o the_o many_o exception_n make_v against_o it_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o viz._n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a authentic_a 3._o record_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v the_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a voice_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o what_o that_o speak_v he_o speaks_z and_o who_o so_o fit_a to_o interpret_v the_o meaning_n of_o his_o word_n as_o himself_o ejus_fw-la est_fw-la interprâ—tari_fw-la cujus_fw-la est_fw-la condere_fw-la be_v a_o approve_a rule_n in_o the_o civil_a law_n he_o that_o make_v the_o law_n be_v fit_a to_o interpret_v it_o and_o in_o the_o present_a case_n the_o reason_n be_v evident_a god_n best_o know_v his_o own_o mind_n and_o he_o have_v no_o where_o so_o plain_o and_o full_o reveal_v his_o mind_n as_o in_o scripture_n certain_o there_o can_v be_v none_o so_o sure_a and_o infallible_a interpreter_n of_o these_o sacred_a record_n as_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o indict_v they_o and_o he_o interpret_v they_o not_o by_o suggest_v to_o we_o any_o thing_n for_o their_o understanding_n which_o be_v not_o there_o already_o but_o by_o speak_v to_o we_o more_o clear_o from_o some_o part_n of_o scripture_n what_o be_v deliver_v more_o dark_o in_o other_o can_v any_o man_n or_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n pretend_v to_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n better_a than_o himself_o or_o give_v we_o better_o assurance_n what_o his_o mind_n be_v than_o the_o word_n which_o himself_o have_v appoint_v to_o be_v write_v for_o this_o very_a purpose_n whatsoever_o sense_n may_v be_v put_v upon_o any_o scripture-assertion_n and_o by_o whosoever_o frame_v it_o can_v challenge_v our_o undoubted_a reception_n unless_o we_o can_v discern_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n in_o it_o and_o that_o be_v no_o where_o to_o be_v hear_v with_o evidence_n and_o assurance_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o supernatural_a revelation_n which_o be_v that_o we_o chief_o deal_v with_o in_o this_o controversy_n but_o from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o but_o here_o the_o exercitator_n come_v in_o 9_o with_o his_o reply_n for_o acknowledge_v that_o without_o controversy_n god_n be_v a_o infallible_a interpreter_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n he_o nevertheless_o deny_v that_o therefore_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v its_o own_o interpreter_n or_o the_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n to_o itself_o because_o say_v he_o the_o same_o author_n may_v write_v several_a treatise_n and_o yet_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o the_o one_o shall_v interpret_v the_o other_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v the_o comparison_n sol._n be_v very_o unequal_a man_n write_v of_o different_a subject_n many_o time_n and_o for_o very_o different_a end_n and_o may_v withal_o so_o far_o forget_v themselves_o or_o be_v so_o unconstant_a to_o themselves_o as_o to_o cross_v in_o one_o discourse_v what_o they_o have_v write_v in_o another_o but_o god_n the_o author_n of_o scripture_n have_v design_v that_o whole_a volume_n to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o use_v and_o end_v to_o be_v a_o declaration_n of_o his_o mind_n to_o man_n that_o they_o may_v thereby_o be_v direct_v in_o their_o great_a affair_n and_o have_v a_o sure_a guide_n to_o happiness_n it_o be_v therefore_o every_o way_n most_o consistent_a with_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n so_o to_o order_v the_o endite_v of_o scripture_n in_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a excellency_n and_o necessity_n that_o his_o mind_n may_v be_v know_v from_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o either_o by_o the_o plainness_n of_o the_o particular_a sentence_n or_o by_o the_o dependence_n on_o and_o connexion_n with_o the_o antecedent_n and_o consequent_n or_o collation_n with_o the_o more_o remote_a part_n thereof_o but_o there_o be_v another_o author_n who_o 250._o pretend_v to_o maintain_v the_o protestant_a cause_n 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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
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
dispose_v the_o mind_n for_o a_o right_a understanding_n and_o receive_v that_o which_o the_o scripture_n propound_v for_o they_o suppose_v what_o the_o scripture_n plain_o affirm_v and_o what_o none_o ever_o deny_v but_o pelagius_n and_o his_o follower_n that_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o the_o fall_n be_v blind_a in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n that_o it_o can_v right_o and_o sufficient_o unto_o salvation_n discern_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n when_o present_v to_o it_o unless_o that_o inward_a blindness_n be_v remove_v that_o the_o scripture_n propound_v to_o we_o the_o truth_n we_o be_v to_o receive_v but_o the_o spirit_n dispose_v we_o to_o receive_v they_o which_o the_o reverend_a bishop_n of_o chester_n thus_o express_v 327._o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o reveal_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n general_o to_o the_o universal_a church_n viz._n by_o the_o h._n scripture_n which_o be_v give_v by_o the_o motion_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o he_o have_v say_v a_o few_o line_n before_o do_v also_o illuminate_v the_o understanding_n of_o such_o as_o believe_v that_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o truth_n for_o faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n not_o only_o in_o the_o object_n but_o also_o in_o the_o act._n and_o a_o little_a after_o conclude_v his_o discourse_n on_o this_o head_n he_o say_v thus_o we_o affirm_v not_o only_o the_o 328._o revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o also_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o be_v part_n of_o the_o office_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n against_o the_o old_a and_o new_a pelagian_n that_o subjective_a light_n whereby_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v enable_v to_o see_v divine_a truth_n this_o all_o sound_a protestant_n own_v to_o come_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n immediate_o irradiate_a the_o mind_n and_o cure_v that_o spiritual_a darkness_n that_o possess_v it_o whereby_o it_o be_v indispose_v for_o understand_v spiritual_a thing_n in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n but_o all_o the_o objective_a light_n or_o evidence_n that_o we_o have_v of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n they_o acknowledge_v to_o lie_v in_o the_o scripture_n itself_o and_o therefore_o our_o learned_a whitaker_n in_o his_o contest_v with_o the_o romish_a doctor_n make_v this_o clear_a and_o candid_a profession_n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o protestant_n internas_fw-la persuasiones_fw-la 2._o sine_fw-la externo_fw-la verbo_fw-la tanquam_fw-la satanae_n ludibria_fw-la cavemus_fw-la exit_fw-la scripture_n sapimus_fw-la cum_fw-la scripture_n sentimus_fw-la propter_fw-la scripturas_fw-la credimus_fw-la we_o shun_v internal_a persuasion_n without_o the_o external_n word_n as_o the_o delusion_n of_o satan_n we_o fetch_v our_o wisdom_n from_o the_o scripture_n we_o regulate_v our_o sentiment_n by_o the_o scripture_n we_o build_v our_o faith_n upon_o the_o scripture_n but_o wolzogen_n as_o he_o deal_v most_o disingenuous_o with_o our_o protestant_a divine_n 3_o in_o report_v their_o doctrine_n insert_v somewhat_o of_o his_o own_o that_o quite_o change_v its_o meaning_n and_o so_o render_v it_o more_o obnoxious_a to_o censure_v so_o he_o be_v very_o variable_a and_o uncertain_a in_o deliver_v his_o own_o mind_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o wind_a up_o say_v as_o much_o as_o all_o that_o come_v to_o which_o he_o together_o with_o the_o exercitator_n call_v enthusiasm_n for_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o spirit_n correct_v that_o 65._o corruption_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o hinder_v we_o from_o discern_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o that_o he_o exert_v his_o power_n about_o 253._o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o mind_n which_o he_o have_v acknowledge_v before_o to_o be_v cover_v 13._o with_o the_o darkness_n of_o a_o natural_a ignorance_n by_o enlighten_v they_o but_o then_o he_o say_v this_o be_v not_o by_o put_v any_o new_a light_n into_o our_o mind_n for_o all_o that_o shine_v in_o the_o scripture_n where_o he_o strange_o confound_v the_o objective_n and_o subjective_a light_n as_o if_o they_o be_v all_o one_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o a_o man_n see_v of_o visible_a object_n that_o there_o be_v a_o external_n light_n in_o the_o air_n but_o there_o must_v be_v a_o internal_a light_n in_o the_o eye_n and_o if_o this_o be_v lose_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o blind_a it_o must_v be_v restore_v or_o the_o man_n will_v never_o see_v though_o there_o be_v never_o so_o much_o light_n about_o he_o yet_o after_o all_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n tell_v we_o elsewhere_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n so_o powerful_o and_o efficacious_o 144._o affect_v our_o mind_n by_o enlighten_v exciting_a move_a lead_v they_o that_o the_o darkness_n of_o our_o natural_a ignorance_n be_v dissipate_v we_o may_v save_o perceive_v the_o divine_a object_n present_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o again_o he_o say_v 266._o the_o eye_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v vitiate_a the_o holy_a spirit_n restore_v its_o sight_n and_o yet_o more_o i_o grant_v say_v he_o that_o in_o this_o business_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n imprint_n a_o new_a 280._o light_n upon_o our_o mind_n if_o by_o this_o be_v mean_v that_o he_o give_v we_o as_o it_o be_v a_o new_a faculty_n of_o receive_v that_o light_n that_o shine_v in_o the_o scripture_n not_o any_o new_a light_n i._n e._n not_o any_o new_a objective_n light_n distinct_a from_o the_o scripture_n now_o true_o this_o for_o any_o thing_n i_o can_v see_v be_v that_o very_a doctrine_n of_o our_o reform_a divine_n which_o the_o exercitator_n have_v so_o bold_o charge_v with_o enthusiasm_n and_o that_o with_o this_o author_n approbation_n but_o i_o perceive_v there_o be_v some_o man_n 4._o whereof_o the_o exercitator_n be_v one_o who_o make_v account_v that_o all_o the_o darkness_n man_n be_v in_o even_o as_o to_o matter_n spiritual_a be_v only_o a_o want_n of_o such_o a_o light_n as_o shall_v discover_v the_o object_n without_o cure_v the_o faculty_n thus_o schlichtingius_n write_v against_o meisuerus_fw-la in_o defence_n of_o socinus_n say_v homo_fw-la intellectu_fw-la praeditus_fw-la in_o divinis_fw-la mysteriis_fw-la ita_fw-la caecus_fw-la est_fw-la quemadmodum_fw-la be_v qui_fw-la oculos_fw-la quidem_fw-la habet_fw-la sed_fw-la in_o tenebris_fw-la sedet_fw-la amove_v tenebras_fw-la &_o lumen_fw-la offer_fw-mi videbit_fw-la oculi_fw-la hominum_fw-la sunt_fw-la intellectus_fw-la lux_fw-la est_fw-la christi_fw-la doctrina_fw-la man_n endue_v with_o understanding_n be_v no_o otherwise_o blind_a in_o divine_a mystery_n than_o as_o he_o who_o have_v eye_n but_o sit_v in_o the_o dark_a remove_v the_o darkness_n and_o bring_v he_o a_o light_n and_o he_o will_v see_v the_o eye_n of_o a_o man_n be_v his_o understanding_n the_o light_n be_v christ_n doctrine_n to_o this_o purpose_n speak_v the_o author_n of_o a_o late_a pamphlet_n that_o when_o once_o the_o mystery_n 58._o of_o christ_n jesus_n be_v reveal_v even_o humane_a reason_n be_v able_a to_o behold_v and_o confess_v it_o not_o that_o grace_n have_v alter_v the_o eyesight_n of_o reason_n but_o that_o it_o have_v draw_v the_o object_n near_o to_o it_o but_o that_o defect_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n which_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o be_v evident_o a_o internal_a darkness_n not_o only_o a_o darkness_n about_o he_o but_o a_o darkness_n within_o he_o which_o the_o great_a external_a light_n without_o something_o else_o will_v never_o redress_v no_o more_o than_o the_o bring_n of_o a_o light_n into_o a_o dark_a room_n can_v make_v a_o blind_a man_n see_v and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o thus_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o man_n shall_v be_v count_v any_o more_o blind_a or_o ignorant_a in_o reference_n to_o matter_n of_o heaven_n and_o eternity_n than_o in_o reference_n to_o art_n and_o science_n and_o common_a trade_n which_o he_o be_v whole_o at_o a_o loss_n in_o till_o the_o principle_n of_o they_o be_v clear_o and_o distinct_o propound_v to_o he_o but_o lamentable_a experience_n make_v it_o abundant_o manifest_a that_o man_n of_o quick_a understanding_n and_o great_a proficiency_n in_o these_o matter_n yet_o remain_v as_o blind_a as_o beetle_n in_o divine_a mystery_n notwithstanding_o all_o outward_a mean_n of_o instruction_n the_o apostle_n paul_n be_v train_v up_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n at_o the_o foot_n of_o gamaliel_n and_o very_o strict_a he_o be_v in_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n according_a to_o the_o understanding_n that_o he_o have_v of_o it_o and_o yet_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v all_o that_o while_n without_o the_o law_n because_o he_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o true_a spiritual_a 9_o knowledge_n of_o it_o that_o disciplinary_a knowledge_n that_o he_o have_v from_o his_o teacher_n be_v not_o sufficient_a because_o he_o want_v the_o inward_a light_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o cure_v his_o blindness_n and_o remove_v his_o prejudices_fw-la this_o the_o apostle_n john_n call_v give_v we_o a_o understanding_n
that_o nothing_o be_v in_o the_o understanding_n that_o have_v not_o be_v first_o in_o the_o sense_n which_o say_v he_o the_o divine_n receive_v for_o a_o undoubted_a truth_n do_v never_o call_v off_o their_o mind_n from_o their_o sense_n and_o find_v the_o knowledge_n draw_v from_o thence_o to_o be_v very_o lame_a and_o imperfect_a and_o next_o to_o nothing_o they_o judge_v all_o rational_a knowledge_n to_o be_v no_o better_o yet_o happen_v by_o chance_n sometime_o to_o make_v use_n of_o their_o mere_a understanding_n in_o the_o perception_n of_o some_o thing_n and_o thereby_o attain_v some_o true_a and_o solid_a knowledge_n which_o they_o find_v to_o be_v of_o a_o far_a other_o nature_n than_o that_o which_o they_o use_v to_o fetch_v from_o the_o sense_n therefore_o they_o take_v this_o latter_a kind_n of_o knowledge_n to_o be_v something_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o by_o what_o power_n or_o authority_n do_v this_o confident_a gentleman_n 1._o break_v window_n into_o the_o breast_n of_o other_o and_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o know_v the_o secret_a thought_n and_o inward_a conception_n of_o their_o mind_n do_v they_o ever_o tell_v he_o that_o this_o be_v their_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n or_o that_o their_o doctrine_n of_o supernatural_a light_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o aristotle_n or_o deduce_v from_o any_o of_o his_o axiom_n or_o do_v his_o new_a philosophy_n furnish_v he_o with_o skill_n sufficient_a to_o search_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n touch_v their_o particular_a sentiment_n as_o he_o pretend_v it_o do_v to_o show_v he_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o scripture-revelation_n i_o think_v it_o furnish_v he_o for_o both_o alike_o but_o i_o wish_v it_o have_v teach_v he_o better_a to_o know_v himself_o 2._o neither_o be_v aristotle_n nor_o his_o follower_n such_o dolt_n or_o blockhead_n in_o maintain_v the_o forementioned_a axiom_n as_o to_o take_v it_o in_o that_o absurd_a meaning_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o understanding_n but_o what_o be_v the_o object_n of_o sense_n for_o they_o clear_o maintain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o fall_v not_o under_o sense_n as_o of_o god_n and_o angel_n and_o of_o universals_z that_o be_v abstract_v from_o sense_n but_o that_o all_o our_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n without_o we_o come_v in_o by_o the_o sense_n especial_o by_o those_o two_o that_o be_v not_o unfit_o call_v the_o sense_n of_o discipline_n sight_n and_o hear_v be_v i_o think_v evident_a enough_o by_o all_o experience_n beside_o what_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n concern_v the_o knowledge_n we_o have_v of_o god_n which_o be_v either_o natural_a or_o by_o revelation_n now_o as_o for_o the_o former_a the_o apostle_n sure_o be_v not_o deceive_v by_o aristotle_n axiom_n when_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n from_o 20_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n and_o for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n reveal_v we_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o same_o apostle_n that_o faith_n come_v by_o 17._o hear_v and_o our_o saviour_n most_o usual_a method_n of_o preach_v by_o parable_n may_v show_v we_o how_o requisite_a it_o be_v for_o man_n in_o this_o state_n to_o have_v his_o understanding_n inform_v even_o in_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a by_o the_o help_n of_o sense_n and_o sensible_a object_n the_o other_o passage_n be_v that_o where_o he_o say_v that_o this_o supernatural_a light_n be_v 3._o a_o thing_n unintelligible_a he_o know_v not_o what_o to_o make_v of_o it_o nor_o how_o to_o conceive_v of_o it_o be_v it_o say_v he_o something_o ordinary_a or_o be_v it_o extraordinary_a to_o his_o demand_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o corrupt_a and_o deprave_a 1._o nature_n and_o so_o it_o be_v extraordinary_a but_o it_o be_v the_o inseparable_a privilege_n of_o renew_v nature_n and_o so_o far_o it_o be_v ordinary_a for_o it_o be_v communicate_v to_o all_o who_o partake_v in_o the_o save_a grace_n of_o christ._n but_o 2._o whereas_o this_o author_n say_v 2._o he_o know_v not_o what_o this_o enlighten_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v i_o easy_o believe_v he_o consider_v what_o our_o saviour_n say_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o he_o promise_v to_o his_o disciple_n that_o the_o world_n can_v 17._o not_o receive_v he_o because_o it_o see_v he_o not_o neither_o receive_v he_o and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n for_o man_n to_o speak_v slight_o or_o contemptuous_o of_o the_o thing_n they_o know_v not_o upon_o which_o very_a account_n many_o excellent_a truth_n plain_o reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v by_o audacious_a wit_n explode_a and_o deride_v as_o unintelligible_a mystery_n yet_o 3._o i_o think_v man_n reason_n 3._o may_v tell_v they_o if_o it_o be_v not_o woeful_o blind_v by_o pride_n prejudice_n or_o passion_n that_o the_o unaccountableness_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o thing_n or_o of_o the_o manner_n how_o it_o be_v can_v be_v no_o sufficient_a argument_n against_o its_o existence_n the_o most_o perspicacious_a inquirer_n into_o the_o secret_n of_o nature_n do_v acknowledge_v themselves_o convince_v of_o the_o certain_a existence_n of_o many_o thing_n the_o nature_n whereof_o and_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o production_n they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conceive_v much_o less_o to_o discover_v thou_o know_v not_o say_v solomon_n what_o be_v the_o way_n of_o the_o spirit_n 5._o nor_o how_o the_o bone_n do_v grow_v in_o the_o womb_n of_o she_o that_o be_v with_o child_n it_o be_v beyond_o the_o ken_n of_o man_n understanding_n infallible_o to_o know_v or_o demonstrative_o to_o prove_v 1._o the_o way_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o soul_n whether_o it_o be_v produce_v by_o creation_n or_o traduction_n or_o what_o other_o way_n and_o 2._o how_o the_o body_n be_v form_v in_o the_o womb._n i_o know_v some_o learned_a man_n have_v go_v far_o in_o their_o discovery_n but_o the_o able_a of_o they_o have_v be_v put_v to_o a_o stop_n meet_v with_o some_o knot_n which_o they_o can_v not_o untie_v i_o may_v ask_v these_o curious_a questionist_n how_o they_o can_v solve_v the_o many_o doubt_n that_o may_v be_v raise_v about_o the_o species_n of_o sensible_a object_n and_o about_o the_o phantasm_n in_o the_o mind_n or_o give_v we_o a_o satisfy_a account_n whence_o they_o come_v how_o they_o be_v frame_v and_o where_o it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v first_o receive_v or_o i_o may_v demand_v of_o they_o which_o way_n the_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v unite_v to_o each_o other_o and_o how_o they_o come_v to_o act_v one_o upon_o another_o with_o a_o thousand_o more_o difficulty_n that_o occur_v where_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v unsearchable_a though_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v undeniable_a how_o much_o more_o may_v this_o be_v affirm_v of_o thing_n pure_o reveal_v the_o sublimity_n whereof_o so_o vast_o exceed_v the_o former_a second_o another_o thing_n these_o man_n 7._o dislike_n be_v that_o the_o spirit_n enlighten_v of_o the_o mind_n be_v say_v to_o be_v immediate_a 1._o now_o if_o the_o word_n immediate_n be_v 1._o take_v as_o it_o be_v sometime_o explain_v for_o such_o as_o supersede_v man_n use_n of_o god_n appoint_a mean_n as_o if_o he_o be_v to_o expect_v some_o internal_a voice_n or_o impulse_n to_o reveal_v to_o he_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n we_o disclaim_v all_o immediate_a act_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o this_o sense_n but_o if_o immediate_a be_v take_v as_o it_o may_v very_o proper_o for_o such_o a_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o do_v immediatè_fw-la attingere_fw-la mentem_fw-la that_o by_o itself_o without_o the_o interposition_n of_o any_o second_o cause_n reach_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n so_o we_o maintain_v that_o there_o be_v no_o effectual_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n but_o what_o be_v in_o this_o sense_n immediate_n for_o what_o create_v agent_n be_v there_o to_o come_v between_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n or_o that_o can_v by_o its_o own_o efficiency_n come_v at_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o work_v upon_o it_o this_o nothing_o can_v do_v but_o a_o infinite_a spirit_n if_o any_o will_v say_v that_o there_o be_v something_o else_o come_v between_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o this_o business_n let_v they_o assign_v what_o it_o be_v be_v it_o the_o scripture_n itself_o that_o can_v act_v but_o objective_o nor_o can_v it_o do_v that_o further_o than_o it_o be_v understand_v and_o believe_v that_o therefore_o which_o work_v upon_o the_o mind_n by_o a_o proper_a efficiency_n to_o redress_v the_o indisposition_n of_o the_o faculty_n and_o to_o enable_v it_o to_o know_v and_o
believe_v must_v be_v something_o else_o and_o that_o can_v be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n which_o the_o apostle_n pray_v for_o in_o behalf_n 1_o of_o his_o ephesian_n i_o further_o add_v this_o that_o a_o immediate_a 〈◊〉_d work_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v defensible_a also_o in_o another_o sense_n viz._n as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o a_o necessity_n of_o outward_a mean_n on_o the_o spirit_n part_n for_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o outward_a and_o visible_a administration_n of_o providence_n god_n have_v tie_v we_o to_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n for_o our_o own_o preservation_n and_o subsistence_n yet_o he_o have_v not_o tie_v up_o himself_o to_o mean_n so_o but_o that_o he_o can_v and_o sometime_o do_v step_v out_o of_o his_o ordinary_a way_n and_o work_v for_o we_o more_o immediate_o where_o mean_n be_v want_v or_o whensoever_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o act_v without_o they_o so_o may_v it_o be_v say_v in_o this_o case_n the_o invisible_a dispensation_n of_o grace_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o use_v the_o mean_n afford_v we_o for_o our_o information_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v bold_a presumption_n for_o any_o man_n to_o expect_v the_o spirit_n help_v in_o the_o neglect_n of_o those_o mean_n but_o god_n have_v no_o where_o tell_v we_o that_o i_o know_v that_o he_o have_v bind_v up_o himself_o from_o communicate_v his_o light_n and_o grace_n in_o a_o way_n extraordinary_a without_o mean_n either_o where_o the_o mean_n be_v deny_v or_o whensoever_o he_o be_v please_v to_o wave_v their_o use_n and_o therefore_o that_o distinction_n give_v by_o etc._n lud._n wolzogen_n of_o the_o spirit_n power_n into_o soluta_fw-la and_o ligata_fw-la will_v not_o without_o some_o limitation_n be_v receive_v by_o considerate_a man_n chap._n ii_o 1._o wolzogen_n '_o be_v bitter_a invective_n against_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n 2._o the_o nature_n of_o distress_n of_o conscience_n and_o spiritual_a desertion_n open_v and_o the_o reality_n of_o they_o prove_v 3._o of_o spiritual_a joy_n from_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n love_n the_o reality_n of_o they_o also_o assert_v 4._o a_o conjecture_n at_o the_o original_a of_o that_o conceit_n that_o resolve_v the_o aforesaid_a different_a apprehension_n and_o impression_n into_o the_o different_a temper_n of_o the_o body_n before_o i_o shut_v up_o my_o discourse_n i_o 1_o can_v let_v pass_n without_o some_o animadversion_n what_o lud._n wolzogen_n have_v write_v in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o his_o second_o book_n de_fw-fr scripturarum_fw-la interpret_v where_o he_o think_v it_o not_o enough_o to_o have_v own_v and_o applaud_v the_o exercitator_n profane_a scoff_n at_o the_o aforesaid_a doctrine_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n about_o the_o spirit_n enlighten_v as_o a_o piece_n of_o enthusiasm_n 3._o the_o effect_n of_o a_o delude_a fancy_n attribute_v that_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o natural_a effect_n of_o the_o mind_n or_o the_o apprehension_n of_o some_o imaginary_a good_a but_o as_o if_o he_o be_v glad_a of_o such_o a_o occasion_n he_o break_v forth_o into_o a_o most_o bitter_a invective_n against_o the_o doctor_n and_o professor_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n for_o that_o his_o aim_n be_v at_o they_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o whole_a series_n of_o his_o discourse_n notwithstanding_o all_o his_o palliation_n for_o own_v and_o etc._n maintain_v any_o such_o supernatural_a and_o immediate_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o dare_o ascribe_v all_o to_o the_o heat_n of_o a_o exalt_a imagination_n or_o the_o vapour_n of_o melancholic_a blood_n and_o the_o unusual_a joy_n of_o a_o recreated_a temperament_n or_o perhaps_o to_o the_o clear_a light_n of_o some_o discover_a truth_n and_o sometime_o to_o the_o deceitful_a dream_n or_o wild_a commotion_n of_o a_o distract_a mind_n false_o conceit_v to_o be_v the_o divine_a breathe_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o this_o he_o especial_o 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discompose_v he_o and_o when_o they_o have_v endeavour_v by_o physic_n to_o consume_v those_o humour_n or_o at_o least_o to_o divert_v the_o course_n of_o they_o from_o the_o brain_n but_o all_o without_o the_o desire_a success_n spira_n nothing_o it_n thus_o bespeak_v they_o alas_o poor_a man_n how_o 52._o far_o wide_a be_v you_o do_v you_o think_v that_o this_o disease_n be_v to_o be_v cure_v by_o potion_n believe_v i_o there_o must_v be_v another_o manner_n of_o medicine_n it_o be_v neither_o plaster_n nor_o drug_n that_o can_v help_v a_o faint_a soul_n cast_v down_o with_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n it_o be_v only_a christ_n that_o must_v be_v the_o physician_n and_o the_o gospel_n the_o sole_a antidote_n the_o physician_n say_v the_o relator_n easy_o believe_v he_o have_v understand_v the_o whole_a truth_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o therefore_o wish_v he_o to_o seek_v some_o spiritual_a comfort_n i_o grant_v indeed_o that_o melancholy_a where_o it_o be_v predominant_a give_v great_a advantage_n to_o the_o increase_n of_o sadness_n and_o the_o multiply_a of_o perplex_v fear_n and_o when_o conscience_n be_v awaken_v its_o fear_n and_o disquietment_n may_v be_v heighten_v by_o imagination_n and_o this_o set_v on_o work_n by_o small_a accident_n as_o the_o sound_n of_o a_o knell_n or_o the_o rattle_n of_o thunder_n or_o some_o frightful_a sight_n but_o still_o the_o first_o and_o principal_a cause_n of_o the_o distress_n be_v something_o real_o formidable_a to_o a_o sober_a and_o sedate_v mind_n and_o if_o any_o shall_v judge_v otherwise_o i_o think_v i_o may_v without_o any_o imputation_n of_o rashness_n or_o uncharitableness_n suspect_v they_o to_o doubt_v whether_o vindictive_a justice_n and_o the_o everlasting_a pain_n of_o hell_n be_v a_o reality_n and_o if_o any_o shall_v be_v of_o that_o mind_n let_v they_o if_o they_o think_v good_a solace_n themselves_o with_o such_o dream_n till_o experience_n resolve_v the_o question_n come_v we_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o speak_v 3_o something_o of_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v beget_v in_o a_o christian_n heart_n by_o the_o discovery_n of_o god_n love_n to_o he_o touch_v this_o thus_o much_o we_o find_v 1._o that_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v shed_v abroad_o 5._o in_o the_o heart_n of_o christian_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o same_o holy_a spirit_n witness_v with_o their_o spirit_n that_o they_o 17._o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n of_o glory_n where_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o a_o twofold_a witness_n of_o our_o adoption_n 1._o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n witness_v this_o partly_o by_o beget_v that_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n that_o be_v the_o peculiar_a character_n of_o 30._o a_o child_n of_o god_n in_o which_o respect_n he_o be_v say_v to_o seal_v believer_n to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n viz._n by_o stamp_v the_o holy_a image_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o partly_o by_o enable_v they_o to_o discern_v this_o work_n and_o see_v this_o seal_n stamp_v upon_o they_o 12_o 2._o the_o regenerate_a conscience_n enable_v and_o assist_v by_o god_n spirit_n to_o see_v this_o do_v thence_o infer_v a_o christian_n sonship_n 2._o where_o this_o be_v wrought_v it_o serve_v to_o fill_v the_o heart_n with_o exceed_a joy_n above_o what_o the_o great_a earthly_a comfort_n can_v beget_v witness_v that_o of_o the_o psalmist_n there_o be_v many_o that_o say_v who_o 7._o will_v show_v we_o any_o good_a lord_n lift_v thou_o up_o the_o light_n of_o thy_o countenance_n upon_o we_o thou_o have_v put_v gladness_n in_o my_o heart_n more_o than_o in_o the_o time_n that_o their_o corn_n and_o their_o wine_n increase_v and_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n who_o speak_v of_o christ_n say_v who_o have_v not_o see_v you_o love_v in_o who_o 8._o though_o now_o you_o see_v he_o not_o yet_o believe_v you_o rejoice_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n the_o testimony_n that_o conscience_n 12._o give_v to_o a_o christian_a of_o his_o integrity_n be_v as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o matter_n of_o much_o joy_n but_o there_o be_v who_o conceive_v that_o beside_o this_o there_o be_v sometime_o afford_v some_o more_o immediate_a refreshment_n from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o of_o this_o mind_n be_v a_o learned_a author_n in_o a_o treatise_n publish_v some_o few_o year_n ago_o where_o he_o thus_o speak_v the_o feast_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n 1._o be_v the_o true_a christian_n daily_a diet_n and_o sure_a whatever_o the_o rich_a man_n of_o the_o world_n think_v he_o only_o can_v be_v say_v to_o fare_v delicious_o nay_o he_o have_v yet_o more_o supernatural_a food_n manna_n rain_v down_o immediate_o from_o heaven_n the_o holy_a spirit_n send_v on_o purpose_n to_o refresh_v and_o support_v he_o those_o joy_n which_o differ_v rather_o in_o degree_n than_o kind_n from_o those_o which_o be_v to_o be_v his_o final_a portion_n 3._o hence_o be_v christian_n enable_v to_o pass_v cheerful_o through_o the_o sharp_a trial_n and_o sore_a affliction_n that_o can_v befall_v they_o in_o this_o their_o mournful_a pilgrimage_n we_o rejoice_v say_v the_o apostle_n 3_o in_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o we_o glory_n in_o tribulation_n also_o and_o the_o hebrew_n take_v joyful_o the_o spoil_n 34._o of_o their_o good_n know_v in_o themselves_o that_o they_o have_v in_o heaven_n a_o better_a and_o a_o endure_a substance_n 4._o where_o these_o joy_n be_v in_o their_o full_a tide_n they_o carry_v the_o christian_a triumphant_o through_o the_o bitter_a pang_n of_o death_n of_o which_o there_o be_v numerous_a example_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n these_o comfort_n be_v not_o afford_v to_o all_o in_o like_a measure_n nor_o to_o any_o always_o at_o the_o same_o height_n it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n so_o to_o dispense_v they_o as_o that_o those_o who_o have_v
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 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