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
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
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 knowledge_n yea_o of_o this_o mind_n be_v erasmus_n no_o enthusiast_n who_o thus_o speak_v sunt_fw-la he_o err_v vehement_o who_o believe_v he_o can_v ever_o attain_v to_o the_o true_a understanding_n of_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n unless_o he_o be_v inspire_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o indict_v they_o and_o again_o 2._o they_o have_v the_o book_n of_o scripture_n but_o not_o the_o scripture_n that_o want_v the_o spirit_n without_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o understand_v and_o m._n luther_n 336._o quote_v a_o speech_n of_o aben-ezra_n sine_fw-la supra_fw-la &_o infra_fw-la i._n e._n without_o point_n and_o accent_n the_o scripture_n can_v be_v understand_v add_v a_o three_o sine_fw-la intra_fw-la without_o somewhat_o within_o viz._n the_o light_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n now_o let_v we_o hear_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o exercitator_n and_o his_o pretend_a answerer_n wolzogen_n about_o this_o as_o for_o the_o former_a if_o say_v he_o the_o meaning_n of_o 1._o these_o divine_n be_v this_o that_o no_o sense_n of_o scripture_n by_o what_o way_n or_o method_n soever_o find_v out_o can_v be_v full_o certain_a to_o any_o unless_o by_o the_o natural_a light_n of_o our_o understanding_n we_o can_v clear_o and_o distinct_o perceive_v it_o and_o be_v full_o persuade_v of_o its_o truth_n and_o that_o this_o clear_a perception_n and_o the_o sense_n a_o man_n have_v of_o it_o be_v that_o inward_a persuasion_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o they_o intend_v this_o will_v be_v grant_v they_o but_o if_o they_o mean_v not_o the_o natural_a light_n of_o man_n understanding_n or_o what_o be_v build_v upon_o that_o but_o a_o supernatural_a light_n above_z and_o beyond_o man_n natural_a reason_n not_o include_v in_o the_o mind_n or_o acquire_v by_o 3._o it_o but_o infuse_v and_o inspire_v from_o above_o this_o say_v he_o we_o disclaim_v and_o condemn_v for_o enthusiasm_n this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o censure_n that_o he_o pass_v upon_o this_o doctrine_n and_o lud._n wolzogen_n who_o pretend_v to_o take_v up_o the_o buckler_n against_o he_o in_o defence_n of_o the_o protestant_a cause_n in_o stead_n of_o vindicate_v the_o forecited_a author_n and_o their_o doctrine_n join_v with_o the_o exercitator_n in_o the_o calumny_n as_o appear_v undeniable_o by_o his_o own_o word_n for_o thus_o he_o speak_v because_o 126._o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v indeed_o still_o exert_v some_o power_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n therefore_o some_o have_v believe_v that_o he_o open_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o interpret_v they_o to_o the_o faithful_a which_o opinion_n the_o exercitator_n do_v just_o decry_v and_o determine_v that_o it_o contain_v mere_a enthusiasm_n where_o he_o express_o approve_v and_o applaud_v what_o the_o exercitator_n have_v say_v against_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n charge_v they_o with_o enthusiasm_n for_o maintain_v a_o necessity_n of_o a_o supernatural_a light_n for_o a_o save_a perception_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n and_o himself_o do_v so_o frequent_o strike_v upon_o this_o string_n in_o several_a place_n of_o his_o book_n that_o he_o seem_v to_o design_n the_o blemish_v and_o defame_v of_o our_o most_o eminent_a protestant_a writer_n and_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v assert_v against_o papist_n and_o pelagian_n these_o man_n can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o 2._o the_o divine_n who_o they_o thus_o impeach_v have_v all_o along_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o like_a imputation_n from_o popish_a and_o socinian_n author_n express_o and_o vehement_o disclaim_v all_o compliance_n with_o enthusiast_n and_o that_o some_o of_o they_o have_v write_v learned_o and_o smart_o against_o that_o sort_n of_o men._n they_o utter_o disavow_v their_o expect_v any_o such_o illumination_n as_o be_v give_v to_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o do_v plain_o deliver_v their_o mind_n that_o what_o they_o assert_v do_v not_o consist_v in_o discover_v any_o new_a doctrine_n unrevealed_a in_o scripture_n but_o in_o qualify_a and_o
i_o prove_v by_o the_o follow_a argument_n first_o man_n reason_n though_o furnish_v with_o the_o best_a principle_n and_o 1._o rich_a endowment_n that_o nature_n afford_v it_o in_o this_o lapse_v state_n be_v so_o darken_a and_o deprave_a that_o it_o not_o only_o be_v much_o disable_v for_o apprehend_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o set_v itself_o against_o they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o in_o a_o capacity_n by_o its_o own_o principle_n to_o interpret_v scripture-doctrine_n something_o natural_a light_n discover_v of_o god_n but_o all_o as_o how_o little_a the_o principle_n of_o natural_a knowledge_n be_v but_o general_a and_o confuse_a not_o sufficient_a to_o guide_v man_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o great_a concernment_n it_o teach_v man_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n but_o when_o he_o come_v to_o determine_v what_o a_o one_o he_o be_v how_o lame_a and_o imperfect_a how_o unsuitable_a and_o unbecoming_a be_v man_n natural_a apprehension_n of_o he_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o cor._n 1._o 21._o that_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o world_n by_o wisdom_n know_v not_o god_n where_o he_o mean_v not_o the_o rude_a and_o ignorant_a multitude_n but_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o accomplish_a for_o natural_a ability_n these_o with_o the_o study_n of_o philosophy_n which_o be_v the_o consideration_n of_o god_n infinite_a wisdom_n in_o create_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n do_v not_o arrive_v at_o the_o right_a knowledge_n of_o god_n the_o same_o apostle_n tell_v we_o of_o the_o unconvert_v gentile_n eph._n 4._o 18._o that_o they_o have_v their_o understanding_n darken_v and_o be_v alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n through_o the_o ignorance_n that_o be_v in_o they_o etc._n etc._n and_o rom._n 8._o 7._o he_o say_v the_o carnal_a mind_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o unrenewed_a mind_n of_o man_n be_v enmity_n against_o god_n for_o it_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n neither_o indeed_o can_v be_v but_o i_o shall_v especial_o insist_v upon_o that_o of_o the_o say_a apostle_n in_o 1_o cor._n 2._o 14._o but_o 2._o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v by_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o animal_n or_o natural_a man_n the_o apostle_n mean_v he_o that_o be_v in_o his_o mere_a natural_n have_v no_o other_o wisdom_n or_o understanding_n give_v he_o than_o what_o be_v common_a to_o he_o with_o all_o mankind_n such_o a_o one_o receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v he_o do_v not_o approve_v of_o they_o and_o embrace_v they_o he_o find_v no_o relish_n in_o they_o and_o therefore_o reject_v they_o for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o he_o scorn_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o if_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o heap_n of_o fantastic_a trash_n a_o confuse_a medley_n of_o absurd_a unintelligible_a fancy_n neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o say_v the_o apostle_n because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v that_o be_v he_o can_v as_o he_o be_v in_o this_o unrenewed_a state_n discern_v the_o true_a beauty_n and_o excellency_n of_o they_o because_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v discern_v but_o by_o a_o spiritual_a light_n and_o by_o a_o spiritual_a faculty_n which_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v whole_o destitute_a of_o or_o as_o the_o learned_a bishop_n of_o down_o express_v it_o they_o be_v teach_v 2._o and_o perceive_v by_o the_o aid_n of_o god_n spirit_n revelation_n and_o divine_a assistance_n and_o grace_n great_a endeavour_n have_v be_v use_v to_o 1._o wrest_v this_o scripture_n some_o think_v to_o evade_v the_o dint_n of_o it_o by_o allege_v that_o alii_fw-la by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v mean_v one_o that_o be_v lead_v by_o fleshly_a lust_n because_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v sometime_o take_v for_o the_o sensitive_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o opposition_n to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v the_o rational_a to_o this_o i_o answer_v two_o thing_n first_o suppose_v this_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1._o the_o natural_a man_n be_v take_v for_o one_o seduce_v by_o corrupt_a and_o inordinate_a affection_n yet_o this_o will_v include_v all_o man_n as_o they_o be_v by_o nature_n and_o as_o unregenerate_v witness_v what_o the_o apostle_n say_v ephes._n 2._o 1_o 2_o 3._o and_o you_o have_v he_o quicken_v who_o be_v sometime_o dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n wherein_o in_o time_n past_o you_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o course_n of_o the_o world_n according_a to_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o air_n the_o spirit_n that_o now_o work_v in_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n among_o who_o also_o we_o all_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o time_n past_a in_o the_o lust_n of_o our_o flesh_n fulfil_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o the_o mind_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o all_o mankind_n by_o our_o first_o apostasy_n from_o god_n to_o be_v in_o bondage_n to_o sinful_a lust_n till_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n have_v set_v we_o free_a and_o this_o none_o but_o a_o pelagian_a will_v deny_v second_o it_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o context_n that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v in_o this_o place_n oppose_v to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d spiritual_a and_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v as_o the_o apostle_n judas_n explain_v it_o in_o his_o epistle_n vers_fw-la 19_o one_o that_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n and_o consequent_o he_o be_v one_o that_o have_v no_o high_a inward_a principle_n to_o guide_v he_o than_o his_o own_o reason_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v the_o learned_a grotius_n non_fw-la est_fw-la idem_fw-la quod_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d qui_fw-la corporis_fw-la affectibus_fw-la gubernatur_fw-la sed_fw-la est_fw-la be_v qui_fw-la humanae_fw-la tantum_fw-la rationis_fw-la luce_fw-fr ducitur_fw-la the_o natural_a be_v not_o the_o same_o with_o the_o carnal_a who_o be_v sway_v by_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o body_n but_o it_o be_v he_o who_o be_v lead_v only_o by_o the_o light_n of_o humane_a reason_n or_o as_o i_o find_v the_o greek_a scholiast_n cite_v by_o a_o late_a author_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o man_n that_o be_v endue_v with_o mere_a humane_a wisdom_n such_o a_o one_o whatsoever_o his_o natural_a endowment_n may_v be_v and_o how_o learned_a or_o wise_a soever_o according_a to_o the_o best_a improvement_n of_o nature_n light_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o our_o learned_a davinant_n philosophus_fw-la 8._o quà _fw-la philosophus_fw-la nihil_fw-la aliud_fw-la est_fw-la quam_fw-la animalis_fw-la home_n &_o ipsa_fw-la ratio_fw-la non_fw-la illuminata_fw-la fide_fw-la ad_fw-la hanc_fw-la animalitatem_fw-la pertinet_fw-la but_o let_v we_o hear_v what_o the_o exercitator_n 2._o say_v to_o this_o place_n the_o apostle_n say_v he_o speak_v not_o here_o of_o a_o man_n that_o by_o natural_a 4._o light_n have_v attain_v the_o right_a knowledge_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n for_o a_o true_o wise_a man_n never_o censure_v what_o he_o do_v not_o discern_v whereas_o the_o man_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v one_o that_o know_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o yet_o account_v they_o foolishness_n which_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o the_o true_a philosopher_n for_o such_o a_o one_o suspend_v his_o judgement_n of_o thing_n till_o such_o time_n as_o he_o have_v attain_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a perception_n of_o they_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n must_v needs_o be_v understand_v either_o of_o a_o man_n utter_o ignorant_a or_o of_o one_o that_o follow_v the_o sway_n of_o his_o blind_a affection_n such_o a_o one_o say_v he_o receive_v not_o spiritual_a thing_n that_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o rational_a soul_n which_o be_v a_o spirit_n to_o this_o pass_v by_o so_o much_o of_o it_o as_o 1._o be_v meet_v with_o already_o in_o the_o former_a exception_n i_o answer_v several_a thing_n first_o whereas_o he_o say_v that_o by_o the_o animal_n or_o natural_a man_n be_v not_o mean_v he_o that_o have_v by_o natural_a light_n attain_v the_o right_a knowledge_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n i_o say_v so_o too_o for_o the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o it_o one_o that_o have_v no_o other_o than_o natural_a light_n in_o search_v after_o truth_n and_o goodness_n who_o may_v there-therefore_a easy_o yea_o who_o will_v certain_o mistake_v have_v no_o better_a guide_n second_o whereas_o he_o say_v a_o true_a philosopher_n never_o be_v rash_a in_o his_o censure_n of_o thing_n but_o always_o suspend_v his_o judgement_n till_o he_o have_v attain_v a_o clear_a perception_n of_o they_o and_o that_o therefore_o such_o a_o one_o can_v be_v think_v to_o judge_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n
foolishness_n before_o he_o know_v they_o this_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v a_o true_a philosopher_n be_v a_o chimaera_n for_o it_o seem_v he_o be_v one_o who_o never_o determine_v of_o any_o thing_n till_o he_o clear_o perceive_v what_o it_o be_v and_o then_o what_o he_o determine_v be_v undoubted_o true_a whence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o every_o true_a philosopher_n be_v infallible_a and_o where_o be_v such_o a_o one_o ever_o yet_o to_o be_v find_v certain_a it_o be_v that_o the_o most_o eminent_a philosopher_n not_o inferior_a in_o their_o natural_a learning_n to_o this_o exercitator_n or_o any_o of_o his_o companion_n do_v in_o the_o first_o break_v out_o of_o the_o gospel_n make_v a_o mock_n of_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n thus_o do_v the_o philosopher_n at_o athens_n when_o they_o hear_v st._n paul_n and_o thus_o do_v porphyry_n celsus_n and_o other_o after_o the_o apostle_n day_n three_o when_o this_o author_n will_v have_v no_o more_o mean_v here_o by_o thing_n spiritual_a but_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o rational_a soul_n which_o be_v a_o spirit_n he_o be_v gross_o over-seen_a to_o speak_v no_o worse_o for_o the_o apostle_n word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o certain_o be_v not_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o when_o the_o apostle_n judas_n describe_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sensual_a or_o natural_a by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v not_o the_o spirit_n sure_o he_o do_v not_o mean_a they_o have_v no_o rational_a soul_n but_o that_o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o regenerate_a spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o of_o this_o spirit_n the_o apostle_n paul_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o place_n under_o present_a consideration_n the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o his_o discourse_n from_o vers_fw-la 9_o to_o 15._o do_v undeniable_o manifest_a if_o at_o least_o by_o this_o gentleman_n good_a leave_n the_o scripture_n may_v be_v allow_v to_o interpret_v itself_o the_o woeful_a ignorance_n and_o perverseness_n concern_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n that_o 3._o discover_v itself_o in_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a civilise_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o such_o as_o have_v improve_v their_o natural_a light_n to_o as_o high_a a_o pitch_n as_o any_o other_o we_o can_v read_v of_o be_v a_o abundant_a evidence_n of_o what_o i_o assert_v concern_v the_o darkness_n and_o pravity_n of_o man_n reason_n they_o become_v as_o the_o apostle_n say_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n and_o their_o foolish_a heart_n be_v darken_v profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v wise_a they_o become_v fool_n rom._n 1._o 21_o 22._o they_o acknowledge_v a_o deity_n and_o that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v but_o in_o the_o manner_n and_o way_n of_o worship_n how_o woeful_o be_v they_o mistake_v yea_o those_o time_n and_o place_n that_o be_v best_o cultivate_v and_o that_o flourish_v most_o in_o all_o humane_a learning_n be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o sottish_a in_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n give_v religious_a adoration_n to_o brute_n creature_n to_o dumb_a picture_n to_o disease_n and_o humane_a passion_n yea_o to_o hellish_a fury_n and_o whereas_o some_o that_o be_v more_o sagacious_a than_o the_o rest_n as_o socrates_n cicero_n and_o such_o like_a see_v enough_o to_o condemn_v that_o way_n of_o religion_n that_o be_v then_o in_o use_n observe_v the_o rite_n in_o fashion_n tanquam_fw-la legibus_fw-la jussa_fw-la non_fw-la tanquam_fw-la diis_fw-la grata_fw-la as_o st._n 10._o aug._n observe_v out_o of_o seneca_n yet_o when_o they_o come_v to_o inquire_v and_o determine_v of_o the_o true_a religion_n they_o be_v confess_o at_o a_o loss_n and_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o can_v better_o cry_v down_o the_o wrong_n than_o find_v out_o the_o right_n they_o have_v what_o be_v indelible_o plant_v in_o all_o man_n a_o desire_n of_o happiness_n but_o they_o be_v miserable_o bewilder_v in_o their_o search_n after_o it_o and_o whereas_o they_o be_v some_o of_o they_o sensible_a of_o a_o dreadful_a blow_n that_o man_n nature_n have_v receive_v discern_v a_o combat_n in_o themselves_o between_o their_o reason_n and_o their_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o see_v the_o world_n general_o overrun_v with_o wickedness_n and_o consequent_o vex_v with_o a_o continual_a succession_n of_o calamity_n yet_o as_o they_o can_v never_o by_o nature_n light_n find_v out_o the_o source_n and_o spring_n of_o all_o this_o and_o what_o it_o be_v that_o first_o bring_v sin_n and_o sorrow_n upon_o mankind_n so_o in_o vain_a do_v they_o weary_v themselves_o in_o invent_v way_n of_o reconcile_a themselves_o to_o god_n and_o procure_v his_o favour_n who_o they_o see_v to_o be_v displease_v and_o of_o cure_v the_o malady_n of_o their_o disorder_a and_o discompose_v nature_n in_o both_o which_o they_o take_v such_o strange_a and_o horrid_a course_n as_o do_v but_o increase_v the_o evil_n they_o lie_v under_o and_o exceed_o multiply_v their_o own_o guilt_n now_o it_o be_v thus_o how_o can_v the_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n be_v a_o safe_a rule_n whereby_o to_o interpret_v the_o holy_a scripture_n chap._n iii_o 1._o several_a exception_n against_o the_o forego_n argument_n remove_v viz._n that_o this_o hold_v only_o where_o the_o scripture_n be_v unknown_a 2._o that_o it_o strike_v not_o at_o right_a reason_n and_o sound_v principle_n 3._o that_o reason_n be_v of_o god_n and_o that_o truth_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o truth_n to_o this_o argument_n all_o the_o reply_n 1._o that_o i_o can_v conceive_v will_v be_v make_v may_v be_v reduce_v to_o a_o few_o particular_n which_o i_o shall_v brief_o dispatch_v it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o this_o argument_n hold_v of_o man_n reason_n while_o 1._o he_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o write_a word_n but_o reach_v not_o they_o who_o have_v the_o scripture_n to_o enlighten_v they_o to_o pass_v by_o other_o answer_n that_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o sol._n say_v this_o exception_n yield_v the_o cause_n for_o it_o suppose_v man_n reason_n unable_a to_o discover_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n without_o scripture_n light_n and_o if_o so_o than_o whatsoever_o reveal_v truth_n be_v more_o dark_o deliver_v in_o any_o one_o part_n of_o scripture_n must_v receive_v light_n from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o somewhere_o else_o where_o it_o speak_v more_o plain_o without_o which_o man_n reason_n notwithstanding_o the_o best_a natural_a principle_n to_o assist_v it_o will_v leave_v he_o at_o a_o loss_n consequent_o it_o be_v not_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n that_o must_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n but_o the_o scripture_n itself_o as_o shall_v be_v show_v hereafter_o but_o say_v some_o when_o we_o say_v reason_n 2._o by_o its_o principle_n be_v to_o interpret_v scripture_n we_o mean_v it_o of_o right_a reason_n 2._o proceed_v upon_o sound_a principle_n and_o not_o of_o reason_n deprave_v and_o principle_n corrupt_v i_o answer_v these_o be_v smooth_a word_n but_o what_o do_v they_o signify_v there_o be_v sol._n some_o colour_n for_o this_o reply_n if_o uncorrupt_a reason_n either_o in_o the_o faculty_n or_o the_o principle_n be_v infallible_o to_o be_v find_v the_o exception_n speak_v of_o reason_n abstract_o and_o in_o the_o idea_n suppose_v it_o free_v from_o all_o those_o depravation_n and_o entanglement_n that_o have_v captive_v and_o debase_v it_o whereas_o we_o be_v speak_v of_o reason_n as_o it_o be_v in_o man_n who_o be_v to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o and_o we_o know_v what_o be_v say_v of_o man_n gen._n 6._o 5._o god_n see_v that_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n be_v great_a in_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o every_o imagination_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v only_o evil_a continual_o every_o man_n be_v thus_o deprave_a from_o his_o birth_n so_o that_o we_o have_v all_o need_n of_o renew_v in_o our_o high_a faculty_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n eph._n 4._o 23._o and_o this_o original_a depravation_n be_v increase_v by_o a_o far_o contract_v malignity_n through_o vicious_a habit_n and_o deceitfulness_n of_o sinful_a lust_n in_o the_o most_o it_o remain_v whole_o thus_o and_o in_o the_o best_a in_o this_o life_n it_o be_v but_o in_o part_n renew_v and_o therefore_o in_o danger_n to_o mistake_v and_o that_o gross_o in_o thing_n spiritual_a when_o it_o go_v to_o work_v only_o by_o its_o own_o natural_a principle_n and_o whereas_o it_o may_v be_v think_v or_o say_v there_o be_v no_o danger_n so_o long_o as_o reason_n perform_v it_o work_v aright_o i_o reply_v how_o shall_v that_o be_v know_v by_o what_o rule_n shall_v we_o examine_v and_o find_v out_o when_o reason_n pass_v a_o right_a judgement_n or_o how_o shall_v the_o principle_n that_o reason_n pretend_v to_o use_v in_o matter_n of_o revelation_n be_v try_v
if_o not_o by_o the_o scripture_n shall_v the_o unquestionable_a word_n of_o god_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o bar_n of_o man_n reason_n and_o be_v try_v by_o its_o dictate_v and_o shall_v these_o dictate_v of_o our_o lame_a and_o imperfect_a reason_n in_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o eternity_n be_v uncontrollable_a and_o admit_v without_o any_o debate_n in_o matter_n of_o pure_a revelation_n as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o only_a supremelaw_n overrule_a all_o supernatural_a discovery_n of_o god_n will_n do_v we_o not_o know_v that_o man_n conception_n concern_v the_o principle_n of_o reason_n be_v various_a some_o say_v one_o thing_n be_v a_o sound_a principle_n of_o reason_n and_o other_o will_v plead_v for_o the_o contrary_a beside_o there_o be_v as_o great_a a_o difference_n in_o the_o application_n of_o the_o same_o principle_n to_o particular_a case_n when_o reason_n alone_o be_v the_o warrant_n 3._o and_o the_o guide_n say_v the_o late_a bishop_n of_o down_o a_o man_n shall_v not_o always_o find_v out_o what_o 〈◊〉_d please_v to_o god_n and_o it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o say_v that_o not_o every_o man_n reason_n but_o right_o reason_n shall_v be_v the_o law_n for_o every_o man_n think_v his_o own_o reason_n right_a and_o whole_a nation_n differ_v in_o the_o assignation_n and_o opinon_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o who_o shall_v be_v judge_n of_o all_o but_o god_n this_o be_v certain_a that_o sundry_a philosopher_n of_o old_a who_o be_v cry_v up_o for_o man_n of_o strong_a reason_n and_o many_o learned_a man_n of_o late_a who_o profess_v a_o high_a esteem_n of_o reason_n and_o frequent_o appeal_v to_o that_o in_o their_o novel_a opinion_n be_v chargeable_a with_o many_o gross_a absurdity_n in_o their_o tenet_n inconsistent_a with_o the_o plain_a principle_n of_o natural_a light_n yea_o be_v not_o many_o learned_a atheist_n reckon_v by_o themselves_o and_o other_o great_a master_n of_o reason_n what_o natural_a principle_n more_o clear_a and_o undoubted_a than_o this_o that_o two_o contradiction_n can_v be_v true_a at_o once_o insomuch_o as_o it_o be_v conceive_v by_o some_o that_o all_o principle_n that_o be_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o be_v prove_v in_o any_o natural_a science_n if_o they_o be_v true_o so_o may_v easy_o be_v resolve_v into_o this_o one_o a_o thing_n can_v at_o once_o be_v and_o not_o be_v and_o yet_o even_o this_o principle_n of_o contradiction_n have_v be_v deny_v by_o some_o whereof_o we_o have_v a_o pregnant_a instance_n in_o weigelius_n and_o his_o follower_n and_o a_o late_a carmelite_n friar_n beside_o what_o aristotle_n say_v of_o some_o ancient_a philosopher_n great_a be_v man_n proneness_n to_o judge_v according_a to_o his_o inclination_n and_o interest_n it_o be_v a_o know_a observation_n such_o as_o a_o man_n be_v such_o he_o think_v god_n to_o be_v and_o according_a to_o the_o prevail_a bent_n of_o his_o heart_n so_o be_v his_o conception_n of_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n and_o it_o be_v a_o old_a complaint_n scripturarum_fw-la esse_fw-la volumus_fw-la quae_fw-la nostra_fw-la sunt_fw-la be_v it_o therefore_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v some_o common_a maxim_n wherein_o all_o agree_v be_v such_o as_o shine_v by_o their_o own_o light_n and_o which_o the_o scripture_n always_o suppose_v yet_o these_o be_v so_o general_a and_o so_o few_o that_o they_o will_v not_o reach_v far_o to_o be_v sure_a not_o beyond_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v mere_o natural_a and_o as_o for_o those_o acquire_v principle_n that_o be_v draw_v by_o deduction_n from_o the_o former_a there_o be_v so_o great_a variety_n of_o man_n apprehension_n concern_v they_o that_o they_o can_v be_v allow_v in_o this_o case_n for_o a_o sufficient_a or_o tolerable_a rule_n of_o judgement_n for_o in_o these_o we_o see_v that_o those_o who_o be_v for_o determine_v all_o by_o maxim_n of_o reason_n be_v great_o at_o odds_o among_o themselves_o and_o some_o in_o that_o variety_n must_v needs_o err_v if_o not_o all_o but_o perhaps_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o man_n exposition_n of_o scripture_n be_v inst._n likewise_o various_a and_o many_o time_n erroneous_a and_o yet_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o reject_v because_o that_o be_v always_o the_o same_o and_o incorrupt_a so_o though_o man_n apprehension_n about_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n be_v various_a and_o mistake_v yet_o the_o principle_n themselves_o be_v the_o same_o all_o the_o world_n over_o and_o continue_v in_o all_o age_n uncorrupt_a and_o therefore_o may_v well_o be_v admit_v for_o a_o rule_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v as_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o same_o and_o incorrupt_a notwithstanding_o man_n various_a sol._n and_o erroneous_a apprehension_n and_o interpretation_n so_o we_o can_v tell_v where_o to_o find_v they_o and_o have_v recourse_n to_o they_o and_o consult_v with_o they_o they_o be_v a_o stand_a record_n open_a and_o obvious_a to_o our_o search_n but_o for_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n though_o they_o lie_v fundamental_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n yet_o if_o we_o lay_v scriture_n aside_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v formal_o exist_v any_o where_o but_o in_o the_o mind_n and_o write_n of_o man_n who_o be_v confess_v to_o be_v various_a and_o liable_a to_o mistake_v and_o according_o natural_a principle_n be_v various_o conceive_v and_o may_v be_v dangerous_o pervert_v so_o that_o if_o we_o have_v not_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o sure_a test_n to_o try_v all_o by_o we_o shall_v be_v always_o at_o great_a uncertainty_n and_o in_o apparent_a danger_n of_o miscarry_v for_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v a_o certain_a truth_n that_o the_o bible_n be_v the_o most_o perfect_a comprehension_n of_o all_o principle_n of_o religion_n as_o well_o natural_a as_o supernatural_a nor_o know_v i_o any_o of_o the_o former_a of_o these_o for_o of_o the_o latter_a no_o question_n be_v make_v but_o what_o be_v more_o evident_o and_o distinct_o to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o scripture_n than_o in_o any_o other_o record_n whatsoever_o but_o reason_n say_v some_o be_v of_o god_n 3._o and_o therefore_o can_v deceive_v we_o i_o answer_v 1._o our_o sense_n also_o be_v of_o god_n and_o yet_o they_o may_v and_o do_v deceive_v we_o 2._o adam_n sol._n reason_n be_v of_o god_n and_o yet_o that_o deceive_v he_o even_o in_o his_o first_o state_n much_o more_o may_v we_o now_o 3._o though_o man_n reason_n be_v of_o god_n both_o as_o to_o the_o faculty_n and_o all_o its_o sound_a principle_n yet_o every_o thing_n that_o man_n reason_n suggest_v be_v not_o of_o god_n there_o be_v as_o the_o philosopher_n complain_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o spurious_a and_o adulterate_a kind_n of_o reason_v and_o how_o shall_v i_o know_v whether_o that_o which_o pretend_v to_o reason_n and_o to_o be_v of_o god_n be_v so_o indeed_o but_o by_o bring_v it_o to_o the_o test_n of_o scripture_n where_o god_n have_v make_v know_v his_o mind_n about_o matter_n of_o religion_n for_o of_o they_o i_o speak_v more_o plain_o and_o more_o full_o than_o by_o the_o clear_a beam_n of_o natural_a light_n but_o it_o be_v further_a reply_v that_o truth_n 1_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o truth_n therefore_o nothing_o in_o scripture_n can_v be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n understanding_n it_o of_o sound_a reason_n sol._n this_o be_v all_o grant_v but_o then_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v 1._o that_o every_o thing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v contrary_a to_o reason_v that_o reason_n can_v reach_v 2._o the_o former_a difficulty_n recurr_n how_o or_o where_o shall_v we_o be_v assure_v that_o what_o be_v allege_v for_o sound_a reason_n be_v so_o indeed_o except_v self-evident_a principle_n which_o be_v as_o i_o say_v but_o general_n and_o few_n where_o shall_v it_o be_v try_v see_v there_o have_v be_v and_o be_v many_o maxim_n or_o axiom_n common_o receive_v among_o learned_a man_n that_o will_v not_o hold_v 3._o what_o if_o there_o be_v no_o contrariety_n but_o only_o a_o appearance_n thereof_o it_o do_v not_o therefore_o follow_v that_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v control_v by_o reason_n but_o if_o there_o seem_v any_o opposition_n the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n be_v to_o be_v reduce_v and_o reconcile_v to_o scripture_n for_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n such_o i_o mean_v as_o be_v true_a and_o sound_a may_v carry_v a_o appear_a opposition_n to_o some_o scripture_n assertion_n because_o perhaps_o the_o say_a principle_n though_o general_o receive_v do_v admit_v of_o some_o limitation_n and_o restriction_n which_o through_o the_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o our_o reason_n we_o be_v not_o aware_a of_o in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v bold_a and_o dangerous_a to_o bend_v the_o scripture_n to_o those_o principle_n that_o which_o be_v variable_a and_o fallible_a be_v to_o be_v overrule_v by_o that_o which_o be_v fix_v and_o unerring_a as_o the_o holy_a
scripture_n undoubted_o be_v and_o whatsoever_o be_v indeed_o contrary_a to_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n speak_v in_o this_o sacred_a volume_n whatever_o pretence_n it_o may_v have_v of_o reason_n or_o philosophy_n it_o be_v but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o tim._n 6._o 20._o it_o be_v a_o honest_a speech_n of_o aquinas_n which_o i_o find_v quote_v 27_o by_o our_o judicious_a and_o learned_a davenant_n omnis_fw-la creata_fw-la veritas_fw-la est_fw-la defectibilis_fw-la nisi_fw-la quatenus_fw-la per_fw-la veritatem_fw-la increatam_fw-la rectificatur_fw-la unde_fw-la nec_fw-la homo_fw-la nec_fw-la angelus_n infallibiliter_fw-la ducit_fw-la in_o veritatem_fw-la nisi_fw-la quatenus_fw-la in_o iis_fw-la loquentis_fw-la dei_fw-la testimonium_fw-la consideratur_fw-la to_o which_o i_o shall_v subjoin_v the_o judgement_n of_o cartesius_n who_o authority_n may_v perhaps_o be_v of_o more_o credit_n with_o some_o now_o than_o either_o that_o of_o a_o schoolman_n or_o of_o a_o apostle_n memoriae_fw-la nostrae_fw-la pro_fw-la summa_fw-la 76_o regula_fw-la est_fw-la infigendum_fw-la ea_fw-la quae_fw-la nobis_fw-la à _fw-la deo_fw-la revelata_fw-la sunt_fw-la ut_fw-la omnium_fw-la certissima_fw-la esse_fw-la credenda_fw-la et_fw-la quamvis_fw-la fortè_fw-la lumen_fw-la rationis_fw-la quam_fw-la maximè_fw-la clarum_fw-la &_o evidens_fw-la aliud_fw-la quid_fw-la nobis_fw-la suggerere_fw-la videretur_fw-la soli_fw-la tamen_fw-la auctoritati_fw-la divinae_fw-la potius_fw-la quam_fw-la proprio_fw-la judicio_fw-la fidem_fw-la esse_fw-la adhibendam_fw-la this_o say_v he_o must_v be_v firm_o remember_v as_o our_o chief_a rule_n that_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v reveal_v to_o we_o of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v as_o of_o all_o thing_n the_o most_o certain_a and_o although_o perhaps_o the_o most_o clear_a and_o manifest_a light_n of_o reason_n may_v seem_v to_o suggest_v to_o we_o some_o other_o thing_n we_o be_v nevertheless_o to_o give_v credit_n to_o divine_a authority_n alone_o rather_o than_o to_o our_o own_o judgement_n chap._n iu._n 1._o a_o second_o argument_n from_o the_o disproportion_n between_o man_n reason_n and_o matter_n of_o divine_a revelation_n 2._o a_o exception_n remove_v my_o second_o argument_n be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o proportion_n between_o man_n 2._o reason_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o divine_a revelation_n these_o be_v so_o sublime_a they_o be_v out_o of_o the_o ken_n of_o a_o natural_a understanding_n they_o be_v of_o a_o far_o different_a kind_n from_o the_o high_a natural_a principle_n how_o little_a be_v it_o that_o man_n reason_n by_o its_o own_o light_n can_v discover_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o his_o eternal_a counsel_n the_o heathen_a who_o want_v scripture_n light_n do_v but_o grope_v as_o man_n in_o the_o dark_a act._n 17._o 27._o how_o great_o be_v we_o to_o seek_v in_o judge_v of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o power_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n if_o we_o have_v no_o high_a light_n than_o natural_a reason_n to_o direct_v we_o nor_o need_v this_o seem_v strange_a when_o we_o see_v how_o much_o the_o most_o know_a man_n be_v at_o a_o loss_n concern_v themselves_o the_o nature_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o union_n with_o the_o body_n and_o how_o little_a insight_n they_o have_v into_o many_o of_o the_o minuta_fw-la naturae_fw-la can_v it_o then_o be_v wonder_v that_o man_n reason_n shall_v be_v unable_a by_o its_o own_o light_n to_o have_v a_o clear_a view_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n that_o be_v infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a whence_o be_v it_o that_o so_o many_o of_o the_o wise_a heathen_n be_v so_o gravel_a at_o the_o proceed_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n when_o they_o see_v good_a man_n suffer_v and_o bad_a man_n prosper_v how_o do_v cato_n that_o severe_a moralist_n stumble_v at_o the_o success_n that_o julius_n caesar_n have_v against_o pompey_n but_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o that_o great_a mystery_n of_o man_n redemption_n by_o christ_n the_o line_n of_o man_n reason_n be_v too_o short_a to_o reach_v these_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o cor._n 2._o 10._o therefore_o evangelical_n 12._o doctrine_n be_v frequent_o call_v a_o great_a mystery_n contain_v such_o thing_n as_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v nor_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v thing_n beyond_o the_o reach_n not_o of_o man_n only_o but_o of_o angel_n it_o be_v true_a that_o all_o man_n can_v not_o but_o know_v god_n to_o be_v very_o good_a they_o find_v it_o and_o feel_v it_o in_o the_o daily_a effect_n of_o his_o sustain_n and_o preserve_v providence_n and_o his_o wonderful_a patience_n and_o forbearance_n towards_o they_o and_o they_o do_v know_v also_o that_o god_n be_v just_a and_o a_o righteous_a avenger_n of_o sin_n this_o they_o may_v see_v in_o the_o judgement_n that_o he_o bring_v upon_o the_o world_n beside_o the_o inward_a witness_n of_o their_o own_o accuse_v conscience_n the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n rom._n 1._o 18._o and_o they_o know_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n that_o they_o who_o do_v such_o wickedness_n as_o they_o be_v conscious_a to_o in_o themselves_o be_v worthy_a of_o death_n rom._n 1._o 32._o but_o now_o how_o to_o reconcile_v these_o two_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o his_o creature_n and_o his_o severe_a indignation_n against_o sinner_n so_o as_o with_o any_o satisfaction_n to_o hope_v for_o pardon_n and_o acceptance_n with_o he_o here_o their_o principle_n of_o reason_n faill_v they_o they_o see_v themselves_o in_o a_o very_a ill_a case_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o somewhat_o to_o appease_v the_o provoke_v anger_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n but_o how_o or_o which_o way_n this_o shall_v be_v they_o can_v not_o tell_v and_o therefore_o lose_v themselves_o in_o a_o maze_n of_o infinite_a mistake_v in_o their_o attempt_n about_o it_o now_o it_o be_v so_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o reason_n by_o its_o natural_a principle_n shall_v be_v a_o competent_a judge_n of_o scripture-revelation_n it_o must_v therefore_o submit_v its_o own_o conception_n and_o dictate_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n here_o possible_o it_o will_v be_v reply_v as_o exception_n before_o to_o the_o precedent_a argument_n that_o all_o this_o may_v be_v grant_v of_o those_o that_o enjoy_v not_o the_o gospel_n and_o write_a word_n but_o where_o this_o be_v reason_n may_v be_v allow_v to_o judge_v and_o determine_v by_o its_o principle_n concern_v the_o thing_n there_o reveal_v to_o this_o i_o answer_v two_o thing_n first_o this_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n 1_o for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o word_n or_o sentence_n of_o scripture_n that_o reveal_v any_o mystery_n to_o we_o further_o than_o thereby_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n be_v make_v know_v to_o we_o now_o if_o this_o can_v be_v find_v out_o from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o but_o from_o principle_n of_o reason_n than_o it_o be_v reason_n itself_o that_o first_o discover_v the_o mystery_n i_o grant_v that_o reason_n that_o be_v the_o faculty_n of_o reason_n be_v and_o must_v be_v the_o instrument_n whereby_o we_o apprehend_v what_o god_n speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o if_o there_o be_v any_o part_n of_o scripture_n so_o dark_a as_o that_o its_o meaning_n can_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o word_n neither_o consider_v by_o themselves_o nor_o compare_v with_o other_o passage_n of_o sacred_a writ_n i_o will_v know_v how_o come_v reason_n in_o interpret_n such_o a_o obscure_a place_n suppose_v it_o to_o be_v obscure_a to_o find_v that_o such_o and_o such_o word_n so_o place_v do_v contain_v in_o they_o such_o a_o assertion_n when_o the_o word_n and_o sentence_n themselves_o can_v resolve_v we_o you_o will_v say_v our_o reason_n teach_v we_o by_o the_o light_n of_o its_o own_o common_a notion_n that_o this_o and_o no_o other_o must_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o such_o a_o place_n be_v it_o not_o then_o plain_a that_o human_a reason_n fetch_v that_o truth_n if_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n from_o itself_o and_o not_o from_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o scripture_n according_a to_o this_o hypothesis_n give_v a_o uncertain_a sound_n only_a reason_n determine_v it_o remember_v we_o be_v speak_v of_o matter_n of_o pure_a revelation_n now_o if_o the_o sentence_n of_o scripture_n under_o debate_n do_v neither_o by_o themselves_o nor_o with_o the_o help_n of_o any_o other_o clear_o and_o certain_o signify_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v fasten_v upon_o they_o such_o arguer_n can_v say_v they_o have_v it_o by_o divine_a revelation_n unless_o they_o will_v pretend_v to_o that_o enthusiastic_a inspiration_n which_o they_o profess_v to_o decry_v and_o false_o charge_v upon_o their_o opposite_n second_o i_o add_v further_o that_o there_o be_v sundry_a thing_n reveal_v in_o scripture_n whereof_o god_n give_v we_o no_o other_o reason_n than_o his_o
own_o will._n and_o if_o our_o reason_n will_v not_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o that_o it_o will_v but_o weary_v itself_o in_o fruitless_a inquiry_n and_o dangerous_o miscarry_v by_o its_o bold_a determination_n for_o instance_n what_o account_n can_v our_o reason_n give_v why_o god_n shall_v provide_v a_o saviour_n for_o lose_a man_n and_o none_o for_o the_o lapse_v angel_n why_o he_o shall_v clothe_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n with_o our_o dishonour_a nature_n and_o expose_v he_o to_o so_o bitter_a suffering_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n why_o he_o shall_v 〈…〉_z severe_o punish_v the_o crucifier_n of_o his_o son_n when_o what_o they_o do_v be_v fore-determine_a by_o himself_o in_o order_n to_o man_n salvation_n and_o why_o he_o shall_v suffer_v so_o much_o wickedness_n to_o be_v do_v which_o himself_o hate_v and_o can_v if_o he_o please_v by_o his_o almighty_a power_n hinder_v these_o and_o many_o more_o such_o instance_n may_v be_v give_v wherein_o man_n reason_n be_v puzzle_v as_o not_o find_v any_o thing_n wherein_o it_o can_v acquiesce_v but_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n that_o thus_o it_o shall_v be_v again_o god_n require_v we_o shall_v believe_v he_o upon_o his_o naked_a word_n though_o we_o know_v not_o which_o way_n that_o which_o he_o say_v can_v be_v and_o according_o he_o so_o manifest_v to_o we_o his_o mind_n that_o he_o will_v not_o gratify_v our_o vanity_n or_o pride_n in_o resolve_v the_o query_n and_o satisfy_v the_o objection_n that_o our_o curiosity_n may_v start_v about_o the_o truth_n reveal_v it_o be_v enough_o for_o we_o to_o know_v what_o he_o have_v say_v and_o to_o take_v it_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o word_n without_o ask_v how_o or_o why_o and_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o high_a reason_n imaginable_a that_o we_o shall_v give_v absolute_a credit_n to_o what_o he_o speak_v 2._o god_n sovereignty_n say_v the_o learned_a 9_o lord_n verulam_n reach_v to_o the_o whole_a man_n extend_v itself_o no_o less_o to_o his_o reason_n than_o his_o will_n so_o that_o it_o well_o become_v man_n to_o deny_v himself_o universal_o and_o yield_v up_o all_o to_o he_o wherefore_o as_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o the_o reluctancy_n of_o our_o will_n so_o be_v we_o also_o to_o believe_v his_o word_n though_o against_o the_o reluctancy_n of_o our_o reason_n i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o with_o the_o word_n of_o the_o learned_a grotius_n who_o have_v assert_v the_o doctrine_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v no_o way_n contrary_a to_o sound_v reason_n but_o agreeable_a thereunto_o he_o 3._o he_o have_v this_o remarkable_a passage_n ultra_fw-la haec_fw-la pro_fw-la comperto_fw-la aliquid_fw-la affirmare_fw-la aut_fw-la de_fw-la dei_fw-la natura_fw-la aut_fw-la de_fw-la ejus_fw-la voluntate_fw-la solo_fw-la ductu_fw-la humanae_fw-la rationis_fw-la etc._n etc._n how_o dangerous_a and_o deceitful_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o affirm_v any_o thing_n for_o certain_a either_o of_o the_o nature_n or_o will_n of_o god_n beyond_o what_o we_o have_v in_o holy_a writ_n by_o the_o sole_a conduct_n of_o humane_a reason_n we_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o many_o dissentient_a opinion_n not_o only_o of_o school_n but_o of_o particular_a philosopher_n among_o themselves_o nor_o be_v this_o any_o great_a wonder_n for_o if_o they_o run_v out_o into_o very_o differ_v apprehensious_a when_o they_o dispute_v about_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n much_o more_o must_v it_o needs_o be_v so_o with_o those_o who_o be_v desirous_a to_o determine_v any_o thing_n concern_v that_o supreme_a mind_n that_o be_v so_o far_o above_o we_o if_o prudent_a man_n count_v it_o dangerous_a to_o search_v into_o the_o counsel_n of_o king_n which_o by_o all_o our_o search_n we_o can_v discover_v who_o be_v there_o so_o sagacious_a as_o can_v hope_v by_o his_o own_o conjecture_n to_o find_v out_o what_o god_n will_v do_v among_o those_o thing_n that_o depend_v upon_o his_o mere_a pleasure_n chap._n v._n a_o three_o argument_n from_o the_o absurdity_n of_o resolve_v a_o man_n faith_n into_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o reason_n in_o the_o three_o place_n if_o the_o sense_n of_o 3._o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v regulate_v and_o determine_v by_o natural_a principle_n than_o the_o last_o resolution_n of_o a_o man_n faith_n in_o those_o point_n as_o to_o the_o formal_a object_n of_o it_o will_v be_v into_o man_n himself_o and_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o own_o reason_n for_o the_o ultimate_a reason_n or_o ground_n of_o our_o believe_v in_o this_o case_n will_v not_o be_v the_o veracity_n of_o god_n speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o voice_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n persuade_v we_o from_o its_o own_o principle_n when_o we_o can_v see_v nothing_o in_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n to_o require_v it_o and_o this_o plain_o fall_v in_o with_o the_o absurd_a conceit_n of_o the_o quaker_n who_o common_o profess_v to_o own_v nothing_o that_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o bible_n as_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n but_o what_o be_v witness_v by_o the_o light_n within_o they_o which_o be_v no_o more_o in_o other_o term_n than_o this_o that_o they_o will_v take_v nothing_o from_o the_o scripture_n but_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o their_o own_o reason_n for_o the_o light_n they_o speak_v of_o with_o which_o they_o say_v every_o man_n come_v into_o the_o world_n for_o which_o they_o allege_v that_o in_o joh._n 1._o 9_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o man_n reason_n and_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o it_o which_o though_o some_o of_o they_o have_v heretofore_o deny_v yet_o now_o their_o chief_a head_n and_o leader_n do_v open_o avow_v and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o they_o make_v the_o stand_a rule_n of_o what_o they_o believe_v and_o practice_v and_o not_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o rather_o say_v with_o a_o ancient_a schoolman_n apud_fw-la aristotelem_fw-la argumentum_fw-la est_fw-la ratio_fw-la rei_fw-la dubiae_fw-la faciens_fw-la 11._o fidem_fw-la sed_fw-la apud_fw-la christum_fw-la argumentum_fw-la est_fw-la fides_fw-la faciens_fw-la rationem_fw-la the_o way_n of_o argue_v in_o aristotle_n school_n be_v by_o reason_n beget_v assent_n but_o in_o christ_n school_n it_o be_v by_o faith_n which_o be_v instead_o of_o all_o reason_n chap._n vi_o a_o four_o argument_n from_o another_o absurdity_n viz._n that_o in_o matter_n of_o pure_a revelation_n the_o mind_n of_o god_n may_v be_v better_o know_v by_o natural_a light_n than_o by_o scripture_n or_o that_o all_o supernatural_a revelation_n be_v to_o be_v shut_v out_o fourthly_o it_o will_v follow_v from_o this_o supposal_n that_o in_o matter_n of_o pure_a 4._o revelation_n the_o mind_n of_o god_n may_v be_v better_o know_v by_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o natural_a light_n than_o by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o carry_v with_o it_o a_o palpable_a contradiction_n for_o matter_n of_o pure_a revelation_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v supernatural_a and_o if_o these_o as_o lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n can_v be_v understand_v from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o but_o must_v have_v such_o a_o sense_n give_v they_o as_o the_o maxim_n of_o natural_a reason_n shall_v determine_v then_o certain_o it_o be_v not_o revelation_n but_o reason_n that_o discover_v they_o and_o so_o what_o need_n will_v there_o be_v of_o scripture_n indeed_o this_o conceit_n look_v very_o like_o that_o absurd_a dotage_n of_o weigelius_n if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o same_o with_o it_o that_o man_n knowledge_n of_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o must_v be_v fetch_v from_o within_o himself_o &_o not_o from_o without_o tenôris_n say_v he_o &_o omne_fw-la nôris_fw-la omne_fw-la enim_fw-la es_fw-la non_fw-la minus_fw-la quam_fw-la deus_fw-la god_n which_o beside_o many_o other_o prodigious_a absurdity_n plain_o shut_v out_o all_o supernatural_a revelation_n and_o that_o this_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o exercitator_n discourse_n i_o find_v reason_n enough_o to_o suspect_v if_o not_o conclude_v for_o beside_o what_o he_o say_v in_o his_o six_o chapter_n the_o first_o paragraph_n which_o i_o shall_v wave_v insist_v on_o in_o his_o epilogue_n at_o the_o end_n of_o his_o book_n he_o propound_v a_o objection_n against_o his_o whole_a discourse_n viz._n that_o if_o philosophy_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o interpret_n the_o holy_a scripture_n than_o the_o scripture_n be_v useless_a and_o write_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o see_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v to_o be_v search_v out_o and_o try_v by_o philosophy_n must_v first_o be_v perceive_v before_o they_o be_v draw_v out_o and_o examine_v to_o what_o end_n be_v it_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v recourse_n to_o scripture_n to_o learn_v any_o thing_n from_o it_o this_o be_v the_o objection_n which_o himself_o make_v against_o his_o own_o position_n in_o answer_v whereto_o he_o run_v out_o into_o a_o long_a harangue_n of_o word_n and_o as_o his_o manner_n be_v propound_v a_o frivolous_a
distinction_n and_o tedrous_o dilate_v upon_o it_o to_o amuse_v his_o reader_n but_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o come_v to_o this_o that_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n be_v of_o no_o further_a use_n than_o as_o they_o be_v sign_n of_o conception_n and_o thing_n and_o under_o that_o consideration_n they_o can_v be_v understand_v unless_o the_o thing_n signify_v by_o they_o be_v first_o know_v at_o least_o in_o some_o gross_a and_o confuse_a manner_n whereof_o he_o give_v we_o this_o instance_n that_o where_o we_o sin_v in_o scripture_n that_o god_n be_v omniscient_a we_o can_v understand_v this_o unless_o we_o first_o know_v what_o god_n be_v and_o what_o omniscience_n be_v therefore_o say_v he_o all_o the_o benefit_n that_o any_o can_v get_v by_o any_o book_n that_o be_v write_v be_v but_o this_o that_o it_o stir_v up_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o reader_n to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o those_o thing_n in_o his_o mind_n which_o the_o book_n treat_v of_o not_o that_o the_o book_n can_v of_o itself_o bring_v he_o to_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n much_o less_o that_o it_o can_v beget_v any_o clear_a or_o distinct_a idea_n in_o his_o mind_n which_o be_v not_o there_o before_o and_o thus_o he_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v with_o the_o scripture_n all_o the_o use_n of_o it_o be_v to_o stir_v up_o the_o reader_n or_o hearer_n to_o think_v of_o the_o thing_n that_o it_o propound_v and_o inquire_v into_o they_o and_o examine_v they_o whether_o they_o be_v so_o as_o they_o be_v there_o propound_v and_o that_o they_o may_v do_v this_o they_o must_v make_v use_n of_o philosophy_n to_o try_v what_o be_v there_o write_v therefore_o add_v he_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v use_v not_o that_o it_o shall_v of_o itself_o inform_v we_o in_o the_o truth_n or_o render_v the_o truth_n more_o clear_a and_o distinct_a or_o make_v it_o more_o firm_a to_o we_o but_o that_o it_o may_v give_v we_o occasion_n and_o matter_n of_o meditate_v on_o those_o thing_n which_o perhaps_o otherwise_o we_o shall_v never_o have_v mind_v therefore_o say_v he_o still_o the_o utility_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n above_o other_o book_n consist_v only_o in_o this_o that_o the_o thing_n it_o speak_v of_o be_v of_o so_o great_a concernment_n to_o our_o everlasting_a blessedness_n not_o for_o any_o use_n they_o be_v of_o to_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o truth_n this_o be_v all_o the_o use_n that_o he_o allow_v the_o scripture_n from_o whence_o i_o think_v will_v inevitable_o follow_v that_o he_o own_v the_o necessity_n of_o no_o knowledge_n of_o god_n or_o religion_n but_o what_o be_v natural_a and_o so_o all_o supernatural_a revelation_n or_o at_o least_o all_o necessity_n of_o it_o be_v deny_v and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o use_n of_o the_o write_a word_n but_o what_o this_o author_n assign_v it_o it_o be_v put_v into_o the_o same_o rank_n with_o a_o crucifix_n or_o a_o death_n head_n indeed_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o his_o book_n and_o of_o that_o other_o theologico-politicus_a tract_n that_o be_v prefix_v to_o its_o latter_a edition_n write_v as_o be_v suppose_v by_o the_o same_o author_n be_v utter_o to_o undermine_v and_o overthrow_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o need_v not_o wonder_v that_o he_o so_o often_o deride_v and_o calumniate_v the_o protestant_a doctrine_n of_o the_o spirit_n internal_a illumination_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o consist_v in_o cure_v the_o indisposition_n of_o the_o subject_a and_o fit_v it_o for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n of_o which_o more_o hereafter_o in_o a_o appendix_n to_o my_o present_a discourse_n when_o he_o will_v not_o allow_v the_o necessity_n of_o so_o much_o as_o a_o enternal_a light_n for_o the_o revelation_n of_o supernatural_a object_n as_o acknowledge_v no_o such_o thing_n and_o he_o that_o be_v thus_o principled_a must_v needs_o be_v very_o ignorant_a of_o himself_o and_o of_o the_o ruin_n that_o sin_n have_v make_v among_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o adam_n and_o the_o woeful_a depravation_n of_o man_n nature_n by_o his_o first_o apostasy_n but_o for_o the_o reader_n full_a satisfaction_n about_o the_o necessity_n of_o supernatural_a revelation_n i_o dare_v commend_v to_o his_o perusal_n beside_o many_o other_o useful_a discourse_n that_o may_v be_v name_v that_o excellent_a piece_n of_o the_o eminently-accomplished_a sir_n charles_n wols_o concern_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o scripture_n belief_n chap._n vii_o 1._o a_o five_o argument_n that_o this_o will_v open_v a_o gap_n to_o the_o most_o pernicious_a error_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n 2._o and_o practice_n again_o five_o this_o assertion_n le_fw-fr we_o 1._o loose_v the_o bridle_n to_o proud_a and_o 5._o wanton_a wit_n to_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n of_o christian_a religion_n for_o though_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o real_a repugnancy_n between_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o sound_v philosophy_n which_o undoubted_o there_o be_v not_o as_o i_o have_v already_o premise_v and_o assert_v yet_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a and_o infallible_a record_n of_o these_o principle_n by_o which_o as_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o judgement_n particular_a man_n reason_v may_v be_v try_v if_o scripture_n revelation_n must_v be_v interpret_v by_o man_n reason_n i_o know_v not_o the_o any_o error_n that_o have_v ever_o creep_v into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n either_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o practice_n since_o the_o first_o publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o may_v be_v introduce_v anew_o by_o this_o engine_n the_o heretical_a blasphemy_n of_o servetus_n and_o socinus_n which_o spring_v up_o of_o late_a year_n and_o those_o of_o the_o marcionite_n and_o manichee_n that_o infest_a the_o church_n in_o former_a time_n together_o with_o the_o loathsome_a impurity_n of_o the_o gnostic_n who_o esteem_v themselves_o the_o only_o know_v man_n or_o to_o speak_v in_o the_o new_a mode_n the_o only_a rational_a divine_n have_v fair_a way_n make_v they_o by_o this_o trim_a device_n first_o let_v we_o instance_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n whatsoever_o be_v say_v in_o scripture_n about_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o conception_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o a_o virgin_n womb_n the_o personal_a union_n of_o the_o two_o nature_n the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n at_o the_o last_o day_n these_o with_o many_o more_o that_o may_v be_v name_v let_v they_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o bar_n of_o reason_n and_o try_v by_o its_o principle_n as_o they_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o what_o will_v it_o come_v to_o we_o have_v see_v already_o what_o use_v some_o man_n have_v make_v of_o this_o way_n to_o subvert_v the_o weighty_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o here_o it_o will_v be_v except_v perhaps_o exception_n by_o some_o that_o the_o fundamental_o of_o christian_a religion_n be_v clear_a and_o plain_a in_o scripture_n there_o be_v no_o fear_n of_o this_o inconvenience_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o if_o divine_a revelation_n must_v be_v 1._o no_o otherwise_o receive_v or_o understand_v than_o as_o man_n see_v ground_n for_o they_o in_o their_o own_o reason_n the_o plain_a and_o clear_a doctrine_n of_o scripture_n will_v be_v reject_v i_o shall_v here_o give_v two_o instance_n as_o i_o find_v they_o quote_v by_o a_o late_a learned_a author_n the_o one_o be_v of_o socinus_n who_o say_v that_o he_o will_v not_o believe_v servatore_fw-la christ_n to_o have_v satisfy_v for_o our_o sin_n though_o he_o shall_v read_v it_o once_o and_o again_o in_o scripture_n the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o revealer_n not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o establish_v it_o unless_o he_o have_v declare_v it_o by_o its_o cause_n and_o effect_n and_o so_o satisfy_v man_n reason_n concern_v the_o possibility_n of_o it_o smalcius_n be_v the_o other_o who_o say_v that_o 1._o he_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n though_o he_o shall_v meet_v with_o it_o in_o express_a term_n in_o the_o bible_n the_o same_o author_n say_v elsewhere_o that_o frantzium_n by_o reason_n alone_o we_o determine_v the_o possibility_n and_o impossibility_n of_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n to_o which_o i_o may_v add_v the_o bold_a assertion_n of_o a_o late_a english_a remonstrant_n in_o a_o volume_n publish_v some_o year_n ago_o where_o he_o say_v i_o very_o believe_v 33._o that_o in_o case_n any_o such_o unchangeableness_n of_o god_n love_n viz._n as_o shall_v assure_v the_o saint_n infallible_a perseverance_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o or_o can_v regular_o be_v deduce_v from_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v a_o just_a ground_n to_o any_o consider_a man_n to_o question_v their_o authority_n or_o whether_o they_o be_v from_o god_n or_o no._n and_o a_o late_a belgic_a tractator_n have_v affirm_v that_o the_o
miraculous_a 6._o work_n speak_v of_o in_o scripture_n be_v not_o any_o thing_n against_o or_o beside_o the_o establish_a order_n of_o nature_n absolute_o conclude_v that_o whatsoever_o the_o scripture_n affirm_v to_o have_v be_v do_v do_v all_o necessary_o come_v to_o pass_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o if_o any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o this_o can_v be_v find_v in_o scripture_n or_o true_o gather_v from_o any_o thing_n in_o it_o that_o be_v certain_o add_v to_o the_o scripture_n by_o some_o sacrilegious_a hand_n as_o be_v against_o nature_n and_o therefore_o against_o reason_n second_o man_n that_o resolve_v to_o make_v 〈◊〉_d their_o reason_n the_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n will_v not_o stick_v to_o charge_v the_o scripture_n with_o obscurity_n in_o its_o plain_a proposition_n if_o they_o suit_v not_o with_o their_o preconceive_a notion_n the_o experience_n of_o the_o present_a age_n put_v it_o past_o all_o denial_n or_o dispute_n that_o when_o man_n have_v espouse_v a_o hypothesis_n which_o they_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o relinquish_v they_o will_v quarrel_v with_o the_o most_o evident_a scripture_n accuse_v it_o of_o obscurity_n and_o to_o make_v their_o charge_n good_a they_o will_v endeavour_v by_o their_o strain_a gloss_n to_o raise_v a_o dust_n and_o darken_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o though_o it_o shine_v never_o so_o clear_o by_o its_o own_o light_n to_o every_o impartial_a and_o unprejudiced_a reader_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o papist_n do_v so_o frequent_o with_o open_a mouth_n charge_v the_o apostle_n paul_n with_o obscurity_n in_o his_o write_n because_o indeed_o he_o speak_v more_o clear_o and_o plain_o than_o they_o will_v have_v he_o for_o that_o great_a doctrine_n of_o justification_n by_o the_o impute_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n and_o against_o justification_n by_o our_o own_o work_n and_o it_o may_v be_v some_o will_v be_v as_o ready_a to_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o same_o apostle_n when_o he_o say_v ephes._n 5._o 18._o be_v not_o drink_v with_o wine_n wherein_o be_v excess_n but_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o spirit_n as_o speak_v too_o dark_o because_o indeed_o they_o think_v he_o speak_v too_o broad_o against_o the_o debauchery_n that_o they_o practice_n and_o so_o plain_o for_o the_o spirit_n which_o they_o scorn_v and_o deride_v three_o nay_o more_o some_o be_v grow_v to_o that_o height_n as_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n 3._o to_o show_v more_o full_o in_o my_o second_o part_n as_o to_o assert_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a in_o nothing_o but_o universal_o obscure_a and_o make_v this_o their_o great_a ground_n for_o their_o set_n up_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n as_o the_o rule_n to_o determine_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o let_v this_o be_v grant_v they_o they_o will_v soon_o make_v the_o scripture_n speak_v whatsoever_o themselves_o please_v and_o so_o the_o bible_n shall_v be_v but_o as_o a_o dead_a image_n and_o man_n deprave_a reason_n like_o the_o daemon_n within_o shall_v give_v the_o oracle_n 2._o come_v we_o next_o to_o matter_n of_o 2._o practice_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o instance_n in_o several_a command_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n that_o be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o whole_a corrupt_a interest_n of_o lapse_v nature_n as_o when_o he_o require_v the_o mortify_n of_o our_o earthly_a desire_n the_o love_n of_o our_o deadly_a enemy_n the_o deny_v our_o of_o self_n in_o whatsoever_o be_v dear_a to_o we_o in_o this_o world_n even_o to_o the_o lay_v down_o of_o our_o life_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o his_o truth_n upon_o the_o bare_a hope_n of_o a_o invisible_a happiness_n in_o another_o world_n now_o consider_v how_o man_n reason_n be_v darken_v and_o enslave_v and_o no_o where_o perfect_o cure_v if_o man_n reason_n must_v by_o its_o own_o principle_n interpret_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n how_o numerous_a be_v the_o objection_n that_o will_v be_v make_v against_o these_o and_o all_o other_o precept_n that_o be_v not_o to_o the_o gust_n of_o man_n degenerate_a nature_n thus_o do_v the_o gnostic_n of_o old_a plead_v for_o deny_v the_o faith_n in_o persecute_v time_n to_o save_v their_o life_n for_o what_o say_v they_o do_v god_n delight_n in_o the_o death_n of_o man_n he_o stand_v in_o no_o need_n of_o our_o blood_n christ_n come_v to_o save_v man_n life_n and_o not_o to_o expose_v they_o to_o hazard_v and_o with_o these_o reason_n they_o shi_v off_o the-command_a of_o own_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o face_n of_o danger_n and_o what_o the_o author_n of_o the_o leviathan_n have_v write_v of_o this_o with_o a_o specious_a though_o fallacious_a pretence_n of_o reason_n be_v not_o unknown_a but_o i_o shall_v instance_n in_o two_o extraordinary_a command_n give_v to_o particular_a person_n the_o one_o be_v that_o which_o god_n do_v by_o immediate_a revelation_n give_v to_o abraham_n require_v he_o to_o offer_v up_o his_o 22._o only_a son_n isaac_n for_o a_o burnt-offering_a what_o will_v the_o principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n have_v say_v to_o this_o may_v they_o have_v be_v admit_v to_o interpret_v this_o command_n what_o can_v infinite_a goodness_n require_v such_o a_o unnatural_a act_n as_o this_o for_o a_o father_n to_o lay_v violent_a hand_n on_o his_o own_o child_n have_v not_o god_n strict_o forbid_a murder_n have_v he_o not_o always_o manifest_v his_o tender_a regard_n to_o the_o life_n of_o man_n and_o have_v he_o not_o plant_v that_o tender_a affection_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o parent_n that_o make_v he_o abhor_v to_o imbrue_v his_o hand_n in_o child_n blood_n therefore_o sure_o will_v man_n reason_n say_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o injunction_n be_v something_o else_o far_o different_a from_o what_o the_o word_n seem_v to_o sound_v there_o be_v some_o more_o mysterious_a sense_n to_o be_v find_v out_o and_o a_o mild_a interpretation_n to_o be_v make_v of_o this_o divine_a oracle_n such_o as_o may_v consist_v with_o those_o notion_n of_o god_n which_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o that_o internal_a light_n that_o shine_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o men._n it_o be_v most_o rational_a therefore_o to_o interpret_v it_o by_o a_o allegory_n isaac_n must_v be_v sacrifice_v in_o effigy_n or_o a_o lamb_n out_o of_o the_o flock_n must_v have_v isaac_n name_n put_v upon_o it_o and_o so_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n or_o according_a to_o the_o notation_n of_o his_o name_n we_o must_v sacrifice_v that_o joy_n and_o delight_n that_o we_o have_v have_v in_o our_o son_n isaac_n wherein_o perhaps_o we_o have_v exceed_v by_o mortify_v our_o affectious_a to_o he_o and_o have_v he_o hereafter_o as_o if_o we_o have_v he_o not_o the_o other_o instance_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o command_n give_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o the_o rich_a young_a man_n to_o sell_v all_o and_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a and_o follow_v he_o in_o hope_n of_o a_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n we_o may_v probable_o suppose_v by_o the_o man_n turn_v his_o back_n what_o objection_n his_o reason_n make_v against_o it_o be_v not_o my_o possession_n the_o good_a gift_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v i_o unthankful_o cast_v away_o what_o he_o have_v give_v i_o i_o be_o to_o love_v my_o neighbour_n as_o myself_o therefore_o sure_o not_o to_o strip_v myself_o of_o my_o subsistence_n to_o help_v my_o neighbour_n and_o so_o lose_v the_o use_n and_o benefit_n of_o what_o i_o have_v true_o here_o be_v a_o plain_a command_n but_o can_v not_o this_o man_n reason_n have_v excogitated_a some_o hide_a sense_n to_o satisfy_v the_o command_n and_o yet_o save_v his_o good_n yes_o sure_a have_v the_o man_n learn_v but_o this_o new_a art_n of_o interpret_n that_o some_o have_v get_v now_o adays_o he_o may_v have_v think_v within_o himself_o that_o sell_v all_o be_v the_o disengage_v of_o his_o affection_n from_o they_o and_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a his_o relieve_v they_o in_o a_o convenient_a proportion_n so_o as_o still_o to_o preserve_v his_o estate_n and_o follow_v christ_n he_o may_v in_o a_o good_a and_o holy_a life_n though_o he_o do_v not_o always_o personal_o attend_v he_o but_o now_o will_v not_o this_o way_n of_o interpretation_n in_o either_o of_o the_o forename_a instance_n have_v be_v a_o plain_a elude_n of_o a_o express_a command_n and_o yet_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o bold_a attempt_n of_o some_o in_o our_o age_n who_o be_v great_a pretender_n to_o reason_n have_v in_o sundry_a considerable_a and_o clear_a point_n of_o religion_n go_v as_o far_o as_o this_o come_v to_o and_o much_o further_o in_o torture_v the_o scripture_n into_o a_o sense_n as_o contrary_a to_o that_o which_o they_o fair_o give_v we_o of_o themselves_o as_o darkness_n be_v to_o light_v and_o indeed_o by_o the_o help_n of_o this_o engine_n what_o will_v not_o be_v adventure_v by_o audacious_a wit_n that_o have_v cast_v off_o the_o awe_n of_o god_n and_o of_o
his_o holy_a word_n man_n who_o glory_n it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d let_v but_o other_o follow_v the_o tract_n that_o some_o have_v already_o tread_v out_o to_o they_o and_o they_o will_v make_v the_o whole_a bible_n one_o great_a cipher_n utter_o insignificant_a of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n by_o who_o authority_n it_o be_v indict_v and_o that_o which_o erasmus_n fear_v in_o his_o time_n ne_o sub_fw-la obtentu_fw-la priscae_fw-la literaturae_fw-la caput_fw-la erigere_fw-la tentet_fw-la paganismus_fw-la may_v be_v unhappy_o fulfil_v in_o our_o day_n chap._n viii_o the_o six_o and_o last_o argument_n from_o one_o great_a end_n of_o scripture-revelation_n to_o supply_v the_o defect_n and_o correct_v the_o mistake_v of_o our_o reason_n a_o exception_n of_o the_o exercitator_n answer_v last_o one_o great_a end_n of_o scripture-revelation_n 6._o be_v to_o help_v our_o understanding_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n partly_o by_o rectify_v our_o mistake_a and_o deprave_a reason_n and_o keep_v we_o from_o be_v mislead_v in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n by_o the_o principle_n we_o have_v receive_v partly_o by_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o reason_n acquaint_v it_o with_o those_o thing_n which_o by_o its_o own_o natural_a light_n it_o can_v never_o reach_v be_v by_o their_o sublimity_n and_o mysteriousness_n whole_o above_o it_o therefore_o the_o doctrine_n of_o scripture_n do_v in_o its_o tendency_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d cast_v down_o reason_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d captivate_v every_o notion_n or_o conception_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n 2._o cor._n 10._o 5._o for_o any_o therefore_o in_o matter_n of_o doubt_n or_o difficulty_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture-revelation_n to_o run_v to_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n be_v to_o measure_v the_o rule_n by_o that_o which_o shall_v be_v measure_v by_o it_o and_o what_o a_o base_a dishonour_n be_v this_o to_o the_o sacred_a oracle_n to_o subject_v they_o to_o the_o usurp_a dictatorship_n of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o they_o and_o to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o its_o final_a judgement_n but_o here_o the_o exercitator_n reply_v 9_o that_o in_o the_o present_a case_n the_o divine_a oracle_n be_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o reason_n or_o philosophy_n but_o only_o the_o letter_n and_o syllable_n the_o word_n and_o sentence_n of_o scriture_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o loquaces_fw-la soni_fw-la aut_fw-la horum_fw-la mutae_fw-la notae_fw-la some_o wordy_a sound_n or_o the_o dumb_a sign_n of_o they_o frame_v for_o the_o purpose_n by_o humane_a institution_n which_o therefore_o may_v without_o any_o disparagement_n be_v subject_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n which_o be_v the_o eminent_a gift_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o better_a manage_n of_o this_o plea_n he_o make_v great_a use_n of_o a_o discinction_n which_o he_o elsewhere_o inculcate_n to_o wit_n the_o consideration_n of_o the_o scripture_n material_o or_o formal_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o sure_o have_v the_o ancient_a church_n be_v of_o this_o gentleman_n mind_n they_o 1._o will_v never_o have_v so_o severe_o censure_v the_o traditores_fw-la that_o deliver_v up_o their_o bibles_n to_o the_o persecuter_n to_o save_v their_o own_o life_n in_o the_o day_n of_o dicolesian_n and_o it_o may_v have_v be_v plead_v in_o their_o behalf_n that_o they_o do_v not_o give_v up_o the_o divine_a oracle_n but_o only_o a_o heap_n of_o dumb_a sign_n or_o character_n in_o ink_n and_o paper_n 2._o and_o the_o same_o will_v have_v justify_v the_o rage_n of_o antiochus_n in_o tear_v 2._o and_o burn_v the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n 56._o and_o the_o madness_n of_o the_o papist_n in_o do_v the_o like_a at_o several_a time_n by_o the_o protestant_n bibles_n all_o which_o may_v by_o the_o help_n of_o this_o shuffle_n have_v plead_v for_o themselves_o that_o they_o do_v not_o burn_v the_o holy_a scripture_n no_o by_o no_o mean_n but_o only_o a_o bundle_n of_o unsense_v character_n 3._o as_o for_o the_o exercitator_n distiction_n 3._o which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o this_o conceit_n i_o intend_v to_o deal_v with_o it_o hereafter_o when_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o scripture_n be_v its_o own_o interpreter_n therefore_o 12_o at_o present_a i_o shall_v let_v it_o pass_v chap._n ix_o the_o contrary_a argument_n examine_v and_o answer_v the_o first_o from_o some_o position_n of_o the_o exercitator_n about_o the_o manifold_a sense_n of_o scripture_n etc._n etc._n i_o come_v now_o to_o examine_v what_o be_v allege_v by_o the_o adverse_a part_n and_o to_o answer_v the_o argument_n whereby_o they_o will_v prove_v reason_n and_o philosophy_n to_o be_v the_o scripture_n best_o interpreter_n 1._o the_o exercitator_n argue_v from_o some_o position_n by_o he_o former_o lay_v down_o 1._o which_o he_o suppose_v himself_o to_o have_v daemon_n 1._o strative_o prove_v in_o his_o four_o chapter_n viz._n that_o the_o next_o and_o immediate_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v manifold_a and_o whatsoever_o truth_n occur_v to_o the_o reader_n mind_v in_o the_o perusal_n of_o any_o scripture_n they_o be_v all_o to_o be_v take_v for_o the_o true_a intend_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o that_o scripture_n and_o philosophy_n be_v the_o true_a certain_a and_o undoubted_a knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n demonstrative_o deduce_v from_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a light_n therefore_o by_o this_o the_o several_a truth_n that_o lie_v in_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v best_a draw_v out_o and_o demonstrate_v and_o all_o false_a interpretation_n discover_v and_o consequent_o this_o be_v the_o infallible_a rule_n of_o interpretation_n this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o his_o argument_n for_o answer_v here_o be_v sol._n many_o thing_n crowd_v together_o in_o this_o captious_a sorite_n which_o must_v be_v particular_o discuss_v that_o the_o vanity_n and_o folly_n of_o the_o whole_a may_v the_o better_o appear_v 1._o he_o suppose_v the_o immediate_a sense_n 1._o of_o scripture_n to_o be_v manifold_a and_o that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o sentence_n of_o scripture_n afford_v great_a variety_n of_o different_a sense_n this_o i_o deny_v and_o do_v maintain_v with_o the_o consentient_a judgement_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n that_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v but_o one_o thus_o much_o i_o grant_v 1._o that_o there_o may_v be_v varions_fw-fr application_n or_o accommodation_n make_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o liâ—eral_a sense_n of_o scripture_n so_o it_o be_v do_v with_o due_a caution_n and_o â—o_o otherwise_o can_v that_o threefold_a sense_n which_o some_o speak_v of_o allegoricla_n anagogical_n tropological_n be_v allow_v 2._o that_o one_o single_a sentence_n of_o scripture_n may_v and_o frequent_o do_v contain_v many_o very_a weighty_a truth_n in_o it_o but_o these_o be_v not_o coordinate_a sense_n of_o the_o same_o proposition_n this_o be_v but_o one_o the_o rest_n be_v but_o either_o some_o special_n include_v in_o their_o general_n or_o some_o deduction_n from_o scripture_n assertion_n as_o of_o conclusion_n from_o their_o principle_n wherein_o they_o be_v virtual_o comprehend_v 3._o i_o further_o grant_v that_o sundry_a passage_n of_o scripture_n especial_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v a_o mystical_a sense_n beside_o the_o literal_a to_o wit_n when_o one_o thing_n be_v propound_v as_o a_o type_n represent_v somewhat_o else_o but_o then_o the_o thing_n signify_v by_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n be_v but_o one_o namely_o that_o only_o which_o the_o literal_a sense_n exhibit_n which_o propound_v the_o type_n the_o antitype_n be_v not_o signify_v by_o the_o word_n in_o those_o scripture_n but_o by_o the_o type_n which_o those_o word_n do_v immediate_o speak_v of_o for_o example_n when_o we_o find_v in_o numb_a 21._o 8_o 9_o how_o by_o god_n command_n moses_n set_v up_o a_o brazen_a serpent_n upon_o a_o pole_n for_o the_o bite_a israelite_n to_o look_v on_o that_o he_o may_v be_v heal_v these_o word_n that_o relate_v the_o history_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o what_o they_o literal_o import_v but_o the_o brazen_a serpent_n there_o speak_v of_o do_v indeed_o signify_v somewhat_o else_o for_o it_o do_v tipical_o represent_v the_o future_a crucifixion_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o sinner_n as_o our_o saviour_n himself_o have_v teach_v we_o joh._n 3._o 14._o indeed_o this_o conceit_n of_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o sense_n serve_v our_o exercitator_n turn_v very_o well_o because_o it_o help_v to_o render_v the_o scripture_n ambiguous_a and_o thereby_o obscure_a and_o that_o be_v the_o principal_a strength_n of_o his_o cause_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v speak_v hereafter_o in_o due_a place_n mean_a while_n let_v we_o see_v what_o he_o have_v to_o say_v for_o this_o fancy_n two_o kind_n of_o proof_n he_o use_v the_o one_o from_o reason_n the_o other_o from_o the_o testimony_n 4._o of_o learned_a men._n his_o reason_n be_v draw_v from_o god_n omniscience_n
and_o veracity_n god_n perfect_o know_v all_o the_o several_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n that_o he_o have_v utter_v in_o scripture_n and_o whatver_o the_o reader_n can_v apprehend_v in_o they_o and_o he_o be_v also_o most_o true_a and_o faithful_a and_o therefore_o will_v not_o deceive_v or_o delude_v any_o by_o his_o word_n hence_o he_o gather_v that_o whatsoever_o sense_n may_v be_v make_v of_o any_o part_n of_o scripture_n if_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o truth_n it_o must_v be_v own_a for_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o that_o place_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v be_v all_o this_o intend_v only_o of_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o subordinate_a sense_n depend_v on_o and_o deducible_a from_o that_o immediate_a sense_n which_o be_v but_o one_o the_o argument_n will_v hold_v firm_a for_o if_o any_o thing_n do_v true_o lie_v in_o any_o man_n word_n or_o by_o due_a consequence_n be_v deducible_a from_o they_o which_o himself_o do_v not_o mean_v when_o he_o speak_v they_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v charge_v to_o be_v either_o ignorant_a or_o fallacious_a but_o be_v intend_v as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o author_n of_o a_o multiplicity_n of_o collateral_a and_o immediate_a sense_n his_o argument_n be_v a_o miserable_a inconsequence_n next_o he_o attempt_v to_o prove_v this_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o learned_a man_n and_o begin_v with_o the_o jewish_a rabbin_n who_o childish_a and_o absurd_a conceit_n need_v no_o confutation_n witness_v that_o instance_a by_o this_o author_n their_o prove_v the_o multiplicity_n of_o sense_n out_o of_o psalm_n 62._o 12._o the_o 11._o in_o our_o english_a translation_n god_n have_v speak_v once_o twice_o have_v i_o hear_v this_o that_o power_n belong_v unto_o god_n that_o be_v say_v they_o god_n have_v propound_v one_o single_a speech_n but_o such_o as_o i_o can_v understand_v two_o way_n that_o be_v many_o way_n a_o certain_a number_n be_v put_v for_o a_o uncertain_a by_o draw_v several_a sense_n from_o it_o wherein_o the_o power_n of_o god_n consist_v that_o he_o can_v so_o order_v and_o dispose_v his_o speech_n as_o thereby_o to_o teach_v man_n a_o multitude_n of_o truth_n and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o goodly_a gloss_n upon_o the_o text_n and_o a_o irrefragable_a proof_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n whereas_o the_o psalmist_n twice_o hear_v what_o god_n have_v once_o speak_v be_v no_o more_o but_o his_o diligent_a and_o attentive_a mind_v of_o that_o great_a and_o weighty_a truth_n that_o power_n belong_v unto_o god_n what_o he_o further_o cite_v out_o of_o the_o father_n concern_v the_o fecundity_n of_o scripture_n contain_v much_o in_o a_o few_o word_n be_v all_o grant_v be_v understand_v as_o before_o of_o subordinate_a not_o coordinate_a sense_n for_o that_o the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v as_o a_o formless_a mass_n capable_a of_o be_v turn_v by_o philosophy_n into_o a_o thousand_o shape_n which_o this_o author_n conceit_n tend_v to_o never_o be_v for_o aught_o i_o can_v find_v any_o part_n of_o their_o meaning_n 2._o whereas_o he_o say_v philosophy_n be_v a_o true_a certain_a undoubted_a knowledge_n 2._o of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n demonstrate_v by_o natural_a light_n i_o ask_v do_v philosophy_n comprehend_v the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o thing_n or_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o all_o thing_n discernible_a by_o natural_a light_n there_o be_v in_o scripture_n many_o thing_n historical_a prophetical_a and_o dogmatical_a the_o knowledge_n whereof_o depend_v whole_o upon_o supernatural_a revelation_n what_o can_v philosophy_n do_v here_o and_o even_o in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v natural_a and_o belong_v to_o the_o cognisance_n of_o philosophy_n how_o short_a be_v that_o knowledge_n that_o the_o most_o learned_a have_v attain_v therefore_o whereas_o this_o author_n so_o proud_o deride_v 4._o our_o reform_a divine_n for_o complain_v of_o the_o darkness_n of_o man_n natural_a reason_n if_o he_o be_v not_o too_o wise_a to_o be_v teach_v he_o may_v have_v learn_v more_o modesty_n from_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n the_o best_a and_o wise_a whereof_o do_v great_o bewail_v the_o darkness_n of_o man_n understanding_n even_o aristotle_n who_o never_o i_o think_v be_v judge_v to_o have_v disparage_v humane_a reason_n acknowledge_v that_o our_o understanding_n even_o as_o to_o the_o most_o manifest_a thing_n in_o nature_n be_v but_o as_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o owl_n and_o bat_n to_o the_o daylight_n and_o though_o both_o he_o and_o other_o of_o they_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o scripture_n can_v not_o clear_o discover_v the_o true_a original_n of_o this_o darkness_n yet_o some_o weak_a conjecture_n some_o of_o they_o have_v make_v of_o it_o and_o whether_o by_o any_o tradition_n receive_v from_o the_o jew_n or_o by_o some_o other_o mean_v i_o shall_v not_o inquire_v some_o general_a and_o confuse_a intimation_n they_o have_v that_o man_n have_v lose_v his_o primitive_a excellency_n that_o the_o wing_n of_o his_o soul_n for_o so_o they_o express_v it_o have_v by_o some_o sad_a fall_n be_v so_o break_v that_o he_o can_v not_o arrive_v at_o any_o considerable_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n by_o his_o great_a industry_n and_o hence_o arise_v that_o fond_a mistake_n among_o some_o of_o they_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n have_v have_v a_o pre-existence_n before_o their_o union_n with_o their_o body_n and_o have_v offend_v in_o that_o state_n be_v for_o a_o punishment_n of_o their_o error_n thrust_v into_o these_o gross_a terrestrial_a receptacle_n and_o that_o this_o cause_v the_o imperfection_n and_o obscurity_n of_o man_n understanding_n but_o to_o those_o who_o own_o the_o scripture_n and_o may_v learn_v from_o thence_o what_o man_n be_v primitive_a state_n be_v and_o how_o he_o fall_v and_o be_v any_o whit_n acquaint_v with_o themselves_o methinks_v it_o shall_v be_v no_o strange_a riddle_n that_o the_o mind_n be_v cloud_v and_o benight_a even_o in_o thing_n natural_a and_o therefore_o in_o supernatural_a much_o more_o but_o where_o be_v that_o philosophy_n that_o this_o exercitator_n cry_v up_o for_o so_o certain_a and_o infallible_a and_o which_o another_o author_n of_o like_a principle_n do_v theologia_n with_o profane_a boldness_n magnify_v as_o equal_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o its_o complete_a perfection_n and_o infallible_a certainty_n where_o be_v it_o in_o the_o cloud_n sure_o it_o never_o be_v extant_a among_o man_n save_v in_o the_o crazy_a conceit_n of_o some_o haughty_a self-admirer_n 3._o as_o to_o what_o our_o author_n speak_v of_o 3._o philosophy_n be_v useful_a to_o detect_v false_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n i_o grant_v that_o where_o such_o false_a interpretation_n be_v give_v as_o do_v real_o entrench_v upon_o the_o undoubted_a principle_n of_o reason_n the_o weakness_n and_o folly_n of_o they_o may_v well_o be_v discover_v by_o philosophy_n but_o all_o corrupt_a or_o perverse_a exposition_n be_v not_o to_o be_v so_o limit_v nor_o be_v this_o enough_o to_o render_v philosophy_n a_o sufficient_a rule_n of_o interpretation_n the_o heathen_a philosopher_n can_v discover_v the_o error_n of_o their_o vulgar_a religion_n but_o can_v not_o direct_v man_n to_o the_o true_a and_o right_a as_o i_o have_v show_v before_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v in_o the_o present_a case_n 4._o whereas_o our_o exercitator_n further_o 4._o add_v in_o the_o close_a of_o this_o argument_n that_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n those_o who_o be_v the_o most_o profound_a philosopher_n be_v general_o confess_v to_o be_v the_o happy_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n i_o be_o far_o from_o be_v of_o his_o mind_n none_o have_v more_o corrupt_v and_o deprave_v the_o scripture_n than_o man_n of_o great_a eminency_n for_o philosophic_a learning_n which_o i_o do_v not_o at_o all_o impute_v to_o philosophy_n true_o so_o call_v but_o to_o the_o rashness_n and_o folly_n of_o man_n who_o be_v desirous_a to_o advance_v that_o wherein_o they_o will_v be_v think_v to_o excel_v have_v adventure_v to_o make_v use_n of_o their_o philosophic_a principle_n in_o matter_n of_o a_o quite_o different_a and_o more_o sublime_a nature_n but_o suppose_v we_o the_o utmost_a that_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o a_o eminent_a philosopher_n be_v furnish_v with_o all_o the_o most_o necessary_a accomplishment_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o scripture_n and_o shall_v due_o improve_v they_o for_o that_o end_n yet_o this_o will_v no_o more_o prove_v philosophy_n to_o be_v the_o supreme_a rule_n of_o interpretation_n than_o grammar_n or_o rhetoric_n which_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o necessary_a and_o useful_a to_o such_o a_o work_n if_o not_o more_o no_o further_o do_v any_o thing_n help_v we_o in_o understand_v the_o scripture_n than_o it_o direct_v we_o to_o those_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o evidence_n of_o the_o true_a sense_n that_o lie_v within_o the_o scripture_n itself_o that_o be_v by_o help_v we_o to_o use_v the_o scripture_n as_o the_o rule_n
and_o so_o remain_v as_o evil_a doer_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v say_v to_o come_v forth_o of_o the_o grave_n of_o ignorance_n and_o impiety_n or_o to_o rise_v by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n to_o newness_n of_o life_n because_o they_o be_v express_o say_v to_o come_v forth_o to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o damnation_n but_o if_o the_o exercitator_n principle_n will_v allow_v he_o to_o write_v after_o the_o rate_n he_o here_o do_v i_o think_v none_o that_o have_v any_o veneration_n for_o the_o scripture_n will_v be_v overfond_a of_o such_o a_o corrupt_a and_o fallacious_a interpreter_n but_o when_o man_n be_v hammer_v out_o a_o new_a divinity_n they_o must_v either_o find_v out_o a_o new_a scripture_n or_o a_o new_a way_n of_o expound_v the_o old_a to_o countenance_v their_o own_o dream_n that_o when_o by_o this_o artifice_n they_o have_v turn_v out_o the_o true_a christianity_n they_o may_v bring_v we_o in_o a_o pagan_a religion_n fine_o set_v out_o in_o the_o stately_a dress_n of_o eternal_a reason_n no_o wonder_n they_o cry_v out_o of_o system_n acquiescere_fw-la as_o chain_n and_o fetter_n to_o their_o desultorious_a and_o volatile_a wit_n they_o have_v rather_o as_o one_o say_v of_o wanton_a head_n â—e_v the_o purchaser_n of_o error_n than_o the_o heir_n of_o truth_n of_o who_o the_o lord_n verulam_n veritate_fw-la give_v we_o a_o very_a fit_a character_n certè_fw-la sunt_fw-la qui_fw-la cogitationum_fw-la vertigine_fw-la delectantur_fw-la ac_fw-la pro_fw-la servitute_fw-la habent_fw-la fide_fw-la fixa_fw-la &_o axiomatis_fw-la constantibus_fw-la restringi_fw-la liberi_fw-la arbitrii_fw-la usum_fw-la in_o cogitando_fw-la non_fw-la mixùs_fw-la quam_fw-la in_o agendo_fw-la affectantes_fw-la very_o say_v he_o there_o be_v some_o who_o be_v delight_v in_o a_o giddiness_n of_o opinion_n and_o take_v it_o for_o a_o bondage_n to_o be_v restrain_v by_o a_o fix_a faith_n and_o settle_a principle_n no_o less_o affect_v the_o use_n of_o their_o free_a will_n in_o think_v than_o in_o act_v and_o so_o i_o have_v dispatch_v the_o first_o part_n of_o my_o work_n and_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o part_n ii_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o only_a sure_a interpreter_n of_o itself_o chap._n i._n 1._o the_o proposition_n assert_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v its_o own_o interpreter_n lay_v down_o lud._n walzogen_n rashness_n and_o inconsistency_n with_o himself_o in_o give_v the_o sense_n of_o our_o reform_a divine_n in_o this_o point_n 2._o their_o true_a meaning_n clear_v and_o something_o touch_v about_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n 3._o the_o judgement_n of_o divine_n ancient_a and_o modern_a in_o this_o business_n have_v endeavour_v to_o 2._o disprove_v the_o new_a pretend_a rule_n of_o interpretation_n i_o come_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o assert_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o lay_v down_o this_o proposition_n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v its_o own_o only_a sure_a interpreter_n but_o before_o i_o enter_v upon_o the_o open_n and_o confirm_v of_o it_o i_o must_v remove_v something_o that_o lie_v in_o my_o way_n ludovicus_n wolzogen_n in_o his_o two_o book_n de_fw-fr scripturarum_fw-la interpret_v attempt_v to_o answer_v the_o exercitator_n profess_v to_o maintain_v the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o the_o protestant_a church_n in_o this_o point_n but_o pretend_v to_o a_o more_o clear_a and_o distinct_a handle_n of_o it_o than_o have_v hitherto_o be_v perform_v by_o our_o divine_n whereas_o indeed_o that_o which_o he_o propound_v to_o maintain_v be_v a_o novel_a fancy_n of_o his_o own_o never_o yet_o own_v by_o any_o orthodox_n divine_a that_o i_o have_v read_v or_o hear_v of_o viz._n that_o the_o scripture_n interpret_v itself_o by_o the_o usus_fw-la loquendi_fw-la the_o custom_n of_o speak_v and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o only_a sure_a and_o undoubted_a rule_n of_o interpretation_n but_o whereas_o he_o most_o immodest_o charge_v all_o that_o have_v go_v before_o he_o with_o confusedness_n in_o this_o controversy_n as_o not_o well_o understanding_n either_o it_o or_o themselves_o his_o learned_a self_n when_o he_o come_v to_o take_v it_o in_o hand_n be_v so_o intricate_a and_o perplex_a so_o various_a and_o inconstant_a that_o it_o be_v a_o difficult_a matter_n to_o understand_v what_o he_o will_v have_v he_o turn_v himself_o into_o so_o many_o form_n and_o wind_n himself_o so_o many_o way_n and_o fall_v into_o so_o many_o self-contradiction_n that_o he_o seem_v to_o design_n the_o entangle_v of_o his_o reader_n and_o the_o hide_v of_o himself_o in_o a_o castle_n of_o cloud_n first_o one_o while_o he_o will_v have_v we_o understand_v this_o usus_fw-la loquendi_fw-la of_o the_o vulgar_a 42._o use_n of_o speech_n common_a to_o the_o scripture_n with_o other_o write_n and_o give_v we_o his_o reason_n why_o this_o must_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n because_o common_a use_n be_v the_o only_a master_n of_o speech_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o speaker_n and_o writer_n give_v law_n to_o the_o signification_n of_o etc._n word_n and_o that_o the_o use_n of_o speech_n be_v form_v by_o much_o and_o long_a custom_n which_o when_o it_o have_v at_o last_o prevail_v do_v as_o it_o be_v imprint_v a_o public_a character_n upon_o word_n which_o come_v by_o tacit_a consent_n to_o be_v receive_v of_o all_o and_o 72._o he_o profess_v he_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o any_o shall_v deny_v that_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n depend_v upon_o this_o use_n of_o speech_n which_o himself_n say_v be_v found_v upon_o humane_a institution_n but_o adopt_v and_o approve_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o endite_v the_o scripture_n now_o that_o this_o usus_fw-la loquendi_fw-la shall_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o interpret_n the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v far_o wide_a from_o the_o truth_n and_o from_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o protestant_n and_o as_o far_o as_o i_o know_v of_o all_o other_o expositor_n for_o 1._o when_o they_o say_v the_o scripture_n be_v its_o own_o interpreter_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o the_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n to_o itself_o they_o understand_v it_o of_o something_o in_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o not_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v common_a to_o it_o with_o other_o write_n but_o the_o vulgar_a and_o customary_a use_n of_o speech_n be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o write_n where_o the_o same_o language_n be_v make_v use_n of_o 2._o it_o be_v grant_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o this_o usus_fw-la loquendi_fw-la or_o custom_n of_o speech_n have_v its_o place_n among_o those_o mean_n that_o i_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o entrance_n of_o my_o discourse_n that_o do_v remote_o conduce_v to_o interpretation_n but_o it_o reach_v no_o further_o next_o and_o immediate_o than_o to_o verbal_a interpretation_n which_o be_v call_v translation_n by_o guide_v we_o to_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o word_n and_o phrase_n and_o the_o several_a modes_n of_o speech_n but_o this_o come_v not_o up_o to_o that_o which_o we_o call_v real_a interpretation_n which_o be_v the_o exposition_n of_o the_o author_n mind_n signify_v by_o those_o word_n as_o they_o be_v so_o and_o so_o place_v we_o do_v not_o therefore_o shut_v out_o the_o use_n of_o speech_n but_o suppose_v it_o and_o look_v at_o something_o further_o for_o instance_n suppose_v i_o be_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o sense_n of_o that_o place_n joh._n 1._o 1._o which_o be_v the_o instance_n give_v by_o Ê‹ander_n weayen_v i_o may_v by_o the_o use_n of_o speech_n 12._o know_v what_o these_o several_a word_n begin_v and_o word_n and_o god_n signify_v but_o i_o must_v have_v something_o else_o to_o guide_v i_o to_o the_o right_a meaning_n of_o the_o entire_a sentence_n in_o the_o beginning_n be_v the_o word_n and_o the_o word_n be_v with_o god_n and_o the_o word_n be_v god_n and_o wolzogen_n himself_o acknowledge_v 107._o that_o there_o be_v a_o wide_a difference_n between_o word_n take_v single_o and_o in_o their_o first_o original_n and_o take_v as_o conjoin_v in_o proposition_n i_o may_v add_v with_o very_o good_a reason_n that_o there_o be_v also_o a_o wide_a difference_n between_o proposition_n take_v single_o and_o take_v in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o contexture_n of_o discourse_n now_o the_o use_n of_o speech_n will_v not_o help_v we_o to_o distinguish_v here_o 3._o how_o can_v the_o common_a use_n of_o speech_n be_v a_o rule_n in_o matter_n of_o pure_a revelation_n i_o think_v all_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o sense_n of_o word_n vary_v according_a to_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o subject_a matter_n about_o which_o they_o be_v use_v now_o matter_n of_o pure_a revelation_n be_v so_o remote_a from_o vulgar_a use_n that_o they_o have_v never_o be_v speak_v or_o write_v by_o any_o man_n if_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v not_o indict_v they_o and_o communicate_v they_o to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v deliver_v not_o
interpretation_n here_o be_v no_o such_o difference_n as_o shall_v just_o give_v occasion_n to_o any_o to_o say_v that_o our_o divine_n speak_v various_o or_o uncertain_o or_o that_o they_o agree_v not_o one_o with_o another_o or_o with_o themselves_o for_o in_o the_o issue_n the_o meaning_n of_o they_o all_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o now_o here_o i_o must_v look_v back_o upon_o what_o i_o have_v say_v in_o the_o introduction_n to_o my_o discourse_n concern_v the_o special_a immediate_a mean_n of_o interpretation_n viz._n a_o due_a observation_n of_o the_o several_a circumstance_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v expound_v and_o the_o compare_v of_o scripture_n with_o scripture_n in_o the_o use_n of_o which_o mean_n lie_v the_o apply_v of_o the_o right_a rule_n of_o interpretation_n it_o be_v the_o use_n of_o scripture_n to_o expound_v scripture_n and_o when_o a_o dark_a or_o difficult_a scripture_n be_v compare_v with_o some_o other_o wherein_o the_o same_o truth_n or_o doctrine_n be_v more_o clear_o and_o perspicuous_o deliver_v this_o be_v conceive_v by_o many_o learned_a man_n to_o be_v intend_v in_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n rom._n 12._o 6._o whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o no_o i_o shall_v not_o at_o present_a debate_n much_o less_o determine_v noâ—_n shall_v i_o inquire_v whether_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d form_n of_o sound_a word_n speak_v of_o by_o the_o same_o apostle_n in_o 2_o tim._n 1._o 13._o be_v the_o same_o with_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o some_o conceive_v it_o be_v but_o this_o i_o may_v have_v leave_n to_o say_v that_o i_o see_v no_o incongruity_n or_o inconvenience_n in_o use_v the_o expression_n or_o in_o say_v that_o to_o explain_v obscure_a place_n of_o scripture_n by_o such_o as_o be_v more_o clear_a and_o easy_a be_v to_o expound_v scripture_n according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n analogy_n say_v quintilian_n be_v that_o which_o the_o latin_n call_v proportion_n the_o force_n 6._o whereof_o be_v this_o that_o what_o be_v in_o doubt_n may_v be_v refer_v to_o something_o like_o it_o that_o be_v out_o of_o question_n that_o so_o the_o uncertain_a may_v be_v prove_v by_o the_o certain_a and_o why_o may_v not_o the_o like_a use_n of_o the_o word_n be_v allow_v in_o this_o case_n sure_o i_o be_o eminent_a writer_n both_o of_o the_o roman_a and_o reform_a church_n have_v thus_o use_v it_o analogy_n say_v aquinas_n be_v when_o the_o 10._o truth_n of_o one_o scripture_n be_v evidence_v not_o to_o oppose_v the_o truth_n of_o another_o the_o analogy_n locis_fw-la of_o faith_n say_v our_o learned_a whitaker_n be_v the_o constant_a and_o perpetual_a sentence_n of_o scripture_n in_o those_o place_n that_o be_v undoubted_o plain_a and_o obvious_a to_o our_o understanding_n i_o may_v allege_v to_o the_o like_a sense_n many_o more_o author_n who_o excellent_a worth_n set_v they_o sufficient_o above_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o exercitator_n and_o other_o of_o his_o mind_n that_o jeer_n and_o deride_v the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n but_o wave_v the_o term_n that_o which_o i_o be_o concern_v to_o assert_v be_v the_o thing_n itself_o that_o in_o expound_v scripture_n we_o must_v be_v regulate_v and_o determine_v by_o the_o scripture_n itself_o and_o that_o whatsoever_o it_o speak_v dark_o and_o uncertain_o in_o any_o place_n be_v to_o be_v explain_v by_o itself_o in_o those_o other_o place_n where_o it_o speak_v more_o plain_o which_o plain_a place_n do_v sufficient_o interpret_v themselves_o by_o their_o own_o light_n now_o this_o way_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n by_o itself_o have_v be_v approve_v of_o 3._o as_o the_o best_a and_o safe_a by_o most_o eminent_a author_n ancient_a and_o modern_a clemens_n alexandrinus_n iraeneus_n hilary_n and_o other_o be_v cite_v to_o this_o purpose_n by_o 6._o chamier_n 18._o rivet_n 15._o dr._n holdsworth_n as_o esdras_n and_o his_o companion_n of_o old_a so_o shall_v we_o now_o interpret_v scripture_n by_o scripture_n compare_v among_o themselves_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v indict_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n say_v the_o learned_a sacra_fw-la grotius_n plain_o refer_v to_o that_o in_o neh._n 8._o 7_o 8._o mr._n 16._o hales_n of_o eton_n in_o his_o golden_a remain_n say_v other_o exposition_n may_v give_v rule_n of_o direction_n for_o understand_v their_o author_n but_o the_o scripture_n giveâ—_n rule_v to_o expound_v itself_o when_o the_o father_n say_v the_o 36â—_n bishop_n of_o down_o confirm_v a_o exposition_n of_o one_o place_n of_o scripture_n by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o another_o then_o and_o then_o only_o they_o think_v they_o have_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o scripture_n demonstration_n and_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o necessary_a belief_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o christian_a doctor_n origen_n do_v express_o affirm_v and_o however_o the_o roman_a doctor_n of_o this_o latter_a age_n especial_o have_v vehement_o contend_v against_o this_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o church_n may_v take_v place_n yet_o we_o find_v that_o in_o some_o of_o they_o that_o come_v full_a up_o to_o what_o we_o say_v i_o shall_v give_v one_o instance_n 21._o josephus_n a_o costa_n as_o i_o find_v he_o cite_v by_o chamier_n and_o riveâ—_n nihil_fw-la perinde_n scripturam_fw-la videtur_fw-la apâ—rire_fw-la atque_fw-la ipsa_fw-la scriptura_fw-la itaque_fw-la diligens_fw-la attenta_fw-la frequensque_fw-la lectio_fw-la â—um_fw-la meditatio_fw-la &_o collatio_fw-la scripturarum_fw-la omnium_fw-la fumma_fw-la regula_n ad_fw-la intelligendum_fw-la wehee_v semper_fw-la visâ—_n naâ—…_n ex_fw-la aliâ—â—_n scripture_n be_v aliae_fw-la optime_fw-la intelligâ—â—tur_fw-la nothing_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o open_v the_o scripture_n like_o the_o scripture_n itself_o therefore_o diligent_a attentive_a and_o frequent_a read_n with_o meditation_n and_o compare_v of_o scripture_n have_v always_o seem_v to_o i_o the_o chief_a rule_n of_o all_o for_o understanding_n for_o by_o some_o scripture_n other_o be_v best_a understand_v chap._n ii_o argument_n to_o confirm_v the_o proposition_n the_o first_o from_o the_o scripture_n sole_a sufficiency_n to_o be_v its_o own_o interpreter_n make_v good_a by_o three_o thing_n and_o first_o by_o its_o perfection_n i_o proceed_v to_o some_o argument_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o second_o proposition_n i_o shall_v pass_v over_o many_o of_o those_o that_o be_v numerous_o bring_v in_o by_o other_o writer_n choose_v to_o insist_v upon_o those_o that_o i_o take_v to_o be_v of_o great_a force_n and_o against_o which_o the_o great_a endeavour_n have_v be_v use_v to_o overthrow_v they_o my_o first_o shall_v be_v this_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o all_o other_o best_o fit_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n 1._o to_o guide_v we_o in_o the_o determine_n of_o its_o own_o sense_n and_o meaning_n nothing_o else_o be_v so_o well_o qualify_v for_o this_o use_n and_o this_o may_v be_v evince_v by_o its_o three_o property_n its_o perfection_n perspicuity_n and_o authenticness_n it_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a perspicuous_a and_o authentic_a record_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n of_o these_o three_o i_o must_v distinct_o treat_v first_o this_o and_o this_o only_a be_v the_o perfect_a 1._o record_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n full_o manifest_v it_o to_o we_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v it_o in_o order_n to_o our_o duty_n and_o our_o happiness_n the_o apostle_n speak_v clear_o and_o full_o for_o this_o 2_o tim._n 3._o 15_o 16_o 17._o from_o a_o child_n thou_o have_v know_v the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v able_a to_o make_v thou_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n through_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n etc._n etc._n here_o two_o thing_n be_v evident_o assert_v viz._n that_o the_o scripture_n contain_v in_o they_o what_o be_v sufficient_a both_o for_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n to_o teach_v and_o for_o any_o christian_n to_o know_v to_o make_v he_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n neither_o of_o which_o can_v be_v if_o there_o be_v not_o that_o in_o the_o scripture_n itself_o out_o of_o which_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n therein_o deliver_v may_v be_v sufficient_o understand_v without_o the_o supplement_n of_o some_o other_o overrule_a principle_n for_o 1._o how_o can_v the_o scripture_n make_v any_o man_n wise_a unto_o salvation_n if_o it_o fall_v short_a in_o point_n of_o objective_a evidence_n necessary_a to_o beget_v that_o divine_a knowledge_n wherein_o all_o save_a wisdom_n consist_v 2._o how_o can_v it_o sufficient_o furnish_v a_o minister_n for_o his_o work_n of_o instruct_v his_o hearer_n and_o conduct_a they_o to_o life_n if_o from_o thence_o he_o can_v fetch_v enough_o to_o clear_v the_o truth_n he_o be_v to_o deliver_v to_o they_o chap._n iii_o the_o second_o branch_n of_o the_o first_o argument_n the_o scripture_n perspicuity_n prove_v second_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o
principle_n of_o philosophy_n satisfy_v we_o whether_o the_o verb_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d there_o use_v be_v of_o the_o indicative_a mood_n or_o of_o the_o imperative_a so_o when_o he_o say_v its_o doubtful_a whether_o our_o saviour_n word_n to_o peter_n john_n 21._o 16_o 17_o 18._o shall_v be_v take_v interrogative_o do_v thou_o love_v i_o or_o affirmative_o thou_o do_v love_v i_o and_o his_o word_n to_o his_o disciple_n math._n 26._o 45._o whether_o they_o be_v to_o be_v read_v imperative_o sleep_v on_o now_o etc._n etc._n or_o interrogative_o do_v you_o sleep_v on_o &_o c_o and_o so_o of_o pilat_n word_n to_o our_o saviour_n what_o be_v truth_n whether_o they_o be_v a_o serious_a question_n or_o a_o irony_n in_o these_o and_o many_o other_o if_o the_o matter_n and_o coherence_n do_v not_o resolve_v we_o philosophy_n can_v relieve_v we_o how_o then_o do_v these_o allegation_n serve_v our_o author_n end_n which_o be_v that_o the_o scripture_n can_v interpret_v itself_o but_o all_o its_o interpretation_n must_v be_v regulate_v by_o philosophy_n bùt_fw-la last_o i_o deny_v this_o charge_n lay_v 5._o against_o the_o scripture_n of_o its_o be_v universal_o ambiguous_a and_o obscure_a as_o high_o contumelious_a to_o god_n the_o author_n of_o it_o for_o it_o suppose_v either_o that_o he_o can_v not_o or_o that_o he_o will_v not_o speak_v his_o mind_n to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n for_o who_o eternal_a concern_v he_o design_v this_o sacred_a volume_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o they_o may_v understand_v it_o and_o be_v better_v by_o it_o as_o it_o be_v out_o of_o love_n and_o mercy_n to_o sinner_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v indict_v that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o sure_a guide_n to_o blessedness_n so_o they_o be_v write_v for_o all_o sort_n and_o rank_n of_o man_n to_o make_v use_n of_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n draw_v in_o a_o vulgar_a condescend_v style_n but_o if_o they_o can_v be_v understand_v without_o philosophy_n yea_o a_o very_a great_a insight_n into_o philosophy_n as_o this_o author_n sometime_o intimate_v not_o one_o of_o a_o thousand_o of_o they_o that_o have_v the_o scripture_n will_v be_v able_a to_o understand_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o they_o they_o be_v according_a to_o this_o man_n word_n so_o totallydark_a and_o doubtful_a chap._n v._n a_o second_o exception_n from_o the_o exercitator_n unsatisfiedness_n about_o the_o meaning_n of_o our_o divine_n when_o they_o speak_v of_o any_o scripture_n be_v perspicuous_a in_o themselves_o remove_v second_o whereas_o it_o be_v usual_o say_v 2._o by_o our_o divine_n that_o such_o place_n of_o scripture_n as_o be_v clear_a and_o plain_a in_o themselves_o do_v interpret_v such_o as_o 6._o be_v obscure_a the_o great_a question_n be_v what_o do_v they_o mean_v by_o a_o place_n that_o be_v clear_a and_o perspicuous_a in_o or_o of_o itself_o i_o have_v make_v inquiry_n about_o this_o say_v the_o exercitator_n and_o can_v find_v nothing_o solid_a or_o satisfactory_a to_o this_o i_o answer_v in_o few_o word_n that_o sol._n place_n or_o text_n of_o scripture_n be_v plain_a and_o perspicuous_a in_o itself_o who_o sense_n so_o fair_o rise_v out_o of_o the_o word_n and_o their_o connexion_n with_o what_o go_v before_o and_o after_o that_o the_o intelligent_a reader_n need_v not_o miss_v of_o it_o if_o he_o be_v not_o want_v to_o himself_o and_o i_o appeal_v to_o any_o man_n that_o be_v not_o resolve_v to_o cavil_v whether_o there_o be_v not_o thousand_o of_o scripture-sentence_n who_o sense_n be_v thus_o clear_a and_o evident_a but_o here_o the_o exercitator_n reply_v object_n the_o word_n whereof_o scripture-proposition_n consist_v have_v their_o signification_n from_o humane_a institution_n and_o their_o 5._o sense_n depend_v upon_o common_a use_n if_o therefore_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v any_o where_o so_o plain_a as_o to_o be_v know_v by_o the_o word_n than_o it_o be_v not_o scripture_n but_o usus_fw-la loquendi_fw-la the_o common_a use_n of_o speech_n that_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n but_o this_o say_v he_o be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o dangerous_a and_o deceitful_a rule_n to_o go_v by_o cause_v many_o monstrous_a conception_n of_o god_n and_o thing_n divine_a suitable_a to_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o ignorant_a and_o besot_v vulgar_a to_o this_o captious_a objection_n i_o answer_v 1._o two_o thing_n 1._o we_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o such_o scripture_n who_o sense_n be_v obvious_a and_o so_o according_a 7._o to_o the_o exercitator_n own_o rule_n give_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o discourse_n need_v no_o interpreter_n for_o he_o plain_o say_v if_o at_o least_o there_o be_v any_o plain_a say_n to_o be_v find_v that_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o interpretation_n be_v such_o a_o speech_n as_o be_v obscure_a this_o cavil_v therefore_o be_v here_o be_v very_o disingenuous_a be_v against_o his_o own_o premise_a rule_n in_o scripture_n there_o be_v somewhat_o common_a 2._o with_o other_o write_n and_o something_o proper_a to_o itself_o as_o each_o particular_a write_n have_v the_o word_n it_o use_v be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o those_o of_o other_o write_n and_o single_o take_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v the_o like_a signification_n according_a to_o common_a use_n but_o as_o those_o word_n be_v frame_v into_o proposition_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o those_o proposition_n conjoin_v in_o such_o a_o contexture_n of_o discourse_n so_o they_o may_v and_o oft_o do_v carry_v a_o peculiar_a sense_n which_o arise_v not_o from_o humane_a institution_n appoint_v the_o signification_n of_o such_o word_n but_o from_o divine_a ordination_n place_v those_o word_n in_o such_o a_o order_n without_o which_o they_o will_v not_o signify_v what_o they_o do_v and_o though_o the_o several_a word_n and_o clause_n of_o scripture_n take_v separately_z from_o the_o place_n wherein_o they_o stand_v may_v have_v a_o dubious_a or_o indeterminate_a sense_n yet_o take_v they_o together_o with_o the_o whole_a discourse_n to_o which_o they_o belong_v and_o whereof_o they_o be_v part_n and_o the_o sense_n may_v be_v undeniable_o clear_a and_o determinate_a and_o this_o be_v one_o way_n whereby_o scripture_n expound_v itself_o as_o the_o other_o be_v what_o have_v be_v most_o insist_v on_o by_o compare_v dark_a place_n with_o those_o that_o be_v plain_a take_v for_o instance_n one_o of_o those_o nominate_v by_o the_o â—xercitator_n the_o word_n 5._o of_o our_o saviour_n in_o matth._n 5._o 34._o swear_v not_o at_o all_o what_o it_o be_v to_o swear_v be_v i_o think_v well_o know_v though_o not_o serious_o consider_v by_o the_o most_o and_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d at_o all_o what_o it_o signify_v in_o common_a use_n we_o all_o know_v and_o if_o this_o clause_n be_v take_v single_o it_o will_v seem_v to_o import_v a_o absolute_a prohibition_n of_o swear_v at_o any_o time_n in_o any_o manner_n whatsoever_o but_o take_v it_o as_o it_o here_o stand_v as_o a_o branch_n of_o that_o whole_a discourse_n that_o begin_v at_o verse_n 33._o and_o end_n at_o ver_fw-la 37._o and_o so_o interpreter_n understand_v our_o saviour_n meaning_n either_o to_o forbid_v all_o swear_v by_o the_o creature_n and_o in_o familiar_a discourse_n or_o to_o caution_n they_o against_o the_o common_a conceit_n and_o practice_n that_o then_o obtain_v of_o swear_v rash_o and_o fallacious_o by_o the_o creature_n upon_o supposal_n that_o such_o oath_n be_v noâ—_n oblige_v because_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v not_o interpose_v chap._n vi_o a_o three_o exception_n that_o what_o be_v clear_a to_o one_o be_v obscure_a to_o another_o where_o he_o deny_v all_o perspicuity_n and_o obscurity_n but_o what_o be_v relative_n but_o that_o which_o be_v plain_a to_o one_o 3._o may_v be_v obscure_a to_o another_o say_v the_o exercitator_n who_o thereupon_o assert_n that_o there_o be_v no_o perspicuity_n or_o obscurity_n but_o what_o be_v pure_o relative_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o reader_n or_o hearer_n and_o according_a to_o his_o wont_a modesty_n condemn_v the_o reform_a divine_n and_o he_o may_v have_v add_v the_o ancient_a father_n for_o affirm_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v in_o themselves_o perspicuous_a though_o obscure_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o indisposition_n of_o man_n mind_n i_o answer_v 1._o if_o there_o be_v no_o objective_a perspicuity_n nor_o anything_o clear_a in_o it_o 1._o self_n but_o only_o as_o it_o relate_v to_o the_o actual_a exercise_n of_o man_n apprehensive_a faculty_n than_o it_o seem_v there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o a_o clear_a day_n and_o a_o cloudy_a but_o only_o in_o reference_n to_o our_o sight_n and_o the_o sun_n must_v not_o be_v say_v to_o shine_v bright_a because_o man_n that_o have_v lose_v their_o eye_n or_o be_v shut_v up_o in_o a_o dungeon_n can_v see_v it_o but_o i_o think_v the_o vanity_n of_o such_o
right_a mean_n to_o understand_v be_v confess_v but_o the_o multitude_n of_o exposition_n do_v not_o at_o all_o prove_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v so_o obscure_a as_o to_o be_v disable_v for_o be_v the_o supreme_a rule_n to_o interpret_v itself_o for_o whatsoever_o note_n or_o commentary_n be_v write_v upon_o the_o bible_n by_o learned_n man_n they_o be_v either_o such_o as_o true_o conduce_v to_o the_o suppose_a end_n the_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o to_o the_o due_a practical_a improvement_n of_o what_o be_v so_o understand_v or_o they_o fail_v of_o this_o and_o do_v rather_o darken_v and_o cloud_v the_o text._n these_o of_o the_o latter_a sort_n do_v not_o deserve_v the_o honour_n to_o be_v esteem_v interpretation_n of_o scripture_n for_o they_o render_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o more_o inâ—…icate_a and_o perplex_v and_o true_o it_o have_v be_v no_o unusual_a thing_n for_o man_n that_o write_v only_o to_o make_v ostentation_n of_o their_o learning_n and_o draw_v the_o eye_n of_o other_o upon_o they_o or_o to_o make_v trial_n of_o their_o wit_n in_o their_o attempt_n upon_o the_o scripture_n to_o vent_v some_o odd_a notion_n that_o serve_v rather_o to_o amuse_v than_o edify_v the_o reader_n and_o leave_v he_o more_o in_o the_o dark_a than_o when_o he_o peruse_v the_o text_n alone_o without_o their_o gloss_n as_o it_o have_v fare_v with_o some_o voluminous_a commentator_n upon_o aquinas_n who_o under_o pretence_n of_o expound_v their_o author_n have_v run_v out_o into_o so_o many_o intricate_a and_o frivolous_a question_n that_o by_o that_o time_n they_o have_v do_v they_o have_v leave_v the_o author_n text_n less_o intelligible_a than_o it_o be_v before_o they_o meddle_v with_o it_o true_o so_o it_o be_v with_o some_o that_o have_v undertake_v to_o write_v upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o i_o take_v such_o man_n write_n rather_o for_o depravation_n than_o exposition_n and_o the_o chief_a cause_n of_o this_o evil_n have_v be_v what_o this_o exercitator_n be_v not_o well_o aware_a of_o that_o they_o make_v too_o much_o use_v of_o their_o philosophic_a notion_n in_o their_o endeavour_n to_o interpret_v scripture-revelation_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o commentary_n or_o annotation_n on_o scripture_n be_v such_o as_o do_v contribute_v any_o help_n towards_o the_o unfolding_n of_o the_o true_a sense_n this_o have_v be_v chief_o by_o collect_v and_o compare_v the_o several_a part_n of_o scripture_n together_o and_o consider_v the_o circumstance_n of_o each_o text_n expound_v and_o so_o fetch_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o which_o be_v the_o only_a sure_a and_o warrantable_a way_n of_o interpretation_n chap._n ix_o 1._o the_o three_o and_o last_o branch_n of_o my_o first_o argument_n the_o scripture_n authenticness_n 2._o the_o exercitator_n exception_n remove_v 3._o wolzogen_n exception_n deny_v god_n to_o be_v the_o interpreter_n of_o scripture_n answer_v have_v vindicate_v the_o second_o 1_o branch_n of_o my_o first_o argument_n viz._n the_o scripture_n perspicuity_n from_o the_o many_o exception_n make_v against_o it_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o viz._n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a authentic_a 3._o record_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v the_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a voice_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o what_o that_o speak_v he_o speaks_z and_o who_o so_o fit_a to_o interpret_v the_o meaning_n of_o his_o word_n as_o himself_o ejus_fw-la est_fw-la interprâ—tari_fw-la cujus_fw-la est_fw-la condere_fw-la be_v a_o approve_a rule_n in_o the_o civil_a law_n he_o that_o make_v the_o law_n be_v fit_a to_o interpret_v it_o and_o in_o the_o present_a case_n the_o reason_n be_v evident_a god_n best_o know_v his_o own_o mind_n and_o he_o have_v no_o where_o so_o plain_o and_o full_o reveal_v his_o mind_n as_o in_o scripture_n certain_o there_o can_v be_v none_o so_o sure_a and_o infallible_a interpreter_n of_o these_o sacred_a record_n as_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o indict_v they_o and_o he_o interpret_v they_o not_o by_o suggest_v to_o we_o any_o thing_n for_o their_o understanding_n which_o be_v not_o there_o already_o but_o by_o speak_v to_o we_o more_o clear_o from_o some_o part_n of_o scripture_n what_o be_v deliver_v more_o dark_o in_o other_o can_v any_o man_n or_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n pretend_v to_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n better_a than_o himself_o or_o give_v we_o better_o assurance_n what_o his_o mind_n be_v than_o the_o word_n which_o himself_o have_v appoint_v to_o be_v write_v for_o this_o very_a purpose_n whatsoever_o sense_n may_v be_v put_v upon_o any_o scripture-assertion_n and_o by_o whosoever_o frame_v it_o can_v challenge_v our_o undoubted_a reception_n unless_o we_o can_v discern_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n in_o it_o and_o that_o be_v no_o where_o to_o be_v hear_v with_o evidence_n and_o assurance_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o supernatural_a revelation_n which_o be_v that_o we_o chief_o deal_v with_o in_o this_o controversy_n but_o from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o but_o here_o the_o exercitator_n come_v in_o 9_o with_o his_o reply_n for_o acknowledge_v that_o without_o controversy_n god_n be_v a_o infallible_a interpreter_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n he_o nevertheless_o deny_v that_o therefore_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v its_o own_o interpreter_n or_o the_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n to_o itself_o because_o say_v he_o the_o same_o author_n may_v write_v several_a treatise_n and_o yet_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o the_o one_o shall_v interpret_v the_o other_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v the_o comparison_n sol._n be_v very_o unequal_a man_n write_v of_o different_a subject_n many_o time_n and_o for_o very_o different_a end_n and_o may_v withal_o so_o far_o forget_v themselves_o or_o be_v so_o unconstant_a to_o themselves_o as_o to_o cross_v in_o one_o discourse_v what_o they_o have_v write_v in_o another_o but_o god_n the_o author_n of_o scripture_n have_v design_v that_o whole_a volume_n to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o use_v and_o end_v to_o be_v a_o declaration_n of_o his_o mind_n to_o man_n that_o they_o may_v thereby_o be_v direct_v in_o their_o great_a affair_n and_o have_v a_o sure_a guide_n to_o happiness_n it_o be_v therefore_o every_o way_n most_o consistent_a with_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n so_o to_o order_v the_o endite_v of_o scripture_n in_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a excellency_n and_o necessity_n that_o his_o mind_n may_v be_v know_v from_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o either_o by_o the_o plainness_n of_o the_o particular_a sentence_n or_o by_o the_o dependence_n on_o and_o connexion_n with_o the_o antecedent_n and_o consequent_n or_o collation_n with_o the_o more_o remote_a part_n thereof_o but_o there_o be_v another_o author_n who_o 250._o pretend_v to_o maintain_v the_o protestant_a cause_n against_o the_o exercitator_n deal_v less_o candid_o with_o we_o than_o that_o profess_a adversary_n for_o in_o stead_n of_o answer_v the_o aforesaid_a exception_n he_o say_v again_o and_o again_o that_o god_n be_v not_o nor_o can_v proper_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o interpreter_n of_o scripture_n or_o the_o expositor_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n therein_o and_o he_o give_v we_o this_o strange_a reason_n for_o it_o because_o to_o this_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o by_o a_o oracle_n that_o be_v i_o suppose_v either_o by_o audible_a voice_n or_o secret_a instinct_n he_o shall_v according_a to_o the_o enthusiast_n fancy_n express_o pronounce_v to_o we_o that_o this_o or_o that_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o such_o or_o such_o a_o scripture_n unless_o he_o do_v this_o he_o can_v be_v allow_v by_o this_o dictator_n to_o be_v the_o interpreter_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o this_o i_o reply_v do_v we_o not_o all_o acknowledge_v 30._o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o in_o it_o and_o that_o what_o that_o say_v god_n say_v and_o be_v it_o not_o the_o usual_a language_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o bible_n that_o the_o scripture_n say_v thus_o and_o thus_o which_o sure_o can_v be_v no_o otherwise_o take_v for_o truth_n or_o sense_n but_o as_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n to_o we_o and_o wolzogen_n 26._o himself_o say_v several_a time_n that_o in_o the_o scripture_n god_n speak_v to_o we_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n and_o see_v sometime_o the_o text_n be_v so_o plain_a that_o it_o speak_v clear_o its_o own_o mind_n and_o sometime_o what_o be_v speak_v in_o one_o part_n of_o scripture_n be_v explain_v by_o what_o be_v speak_v in_o another_o both_o which_o himself_o acknowledge_v why_o may_v it_o not_o with_o as_o much_o propriety_n be_v say_v that_o god_n be_v the_o interpreter_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n in_o scripture_n though_o he_o use_v no_o
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
of_o scripture_n may_v have_v correspondency_n with_o another_o and_o this_o so_o far_o as_o that_o the_o one_o may_v expound_v the_o other_o but_o now_o the_o case_n be_v alter_v if_o it_o be_v reply_v in_o his_o behalf_n that_o these_o place_n by_o he_o quote_v be_v pen_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o writer_n and_o therefore_o may_v well_o have_v correspondency_n each_o with_o other_o but_o this_o make_v nothing_o for_o those_o who_o interpret_v one_o part_n of_o scripture_n by_o some_o other_o that_o be_v not_o write_v by_o the_o same_o hand_n i_o rejoin_v that_o the_o first_o and_o second_o book_n of_o king_n be_v indict_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n i_o grant_v and_o shall_v make_v some_o use_n of_o it_o in_o my_o three_o answer_n to_o this_o author_n objection_n but_o that_o they_o be_v both_o write_v by_o the_o same_o hand_n or_o suppose_v they_o be_v that_o the_o writer_n intend_v by_o the_o latter_a to_o explain_v what_o he_o have_v write_v in_o the_o former_a be_v more_o than_o he_o or_o any_o other_o for_o he_o can_v prove_v 3._o the_o scripture_n though_o write_v 3._o by_o part_n and_o at_o several_a time_n and_o by_o several_a person_n yet_o they_o all_o own_o god_n for_o their_o author_n by_o who_o spirit_n they_o be_v indict_v and_o they_o be_v all_o together_o to_o be_v take_v for_o his_o counsel_n to_o sinner_n and_o then_o what_o injury_n or_o incongruity_n be_v there_o in_o make_v use_n of_o what_o one_o have_v write_v more_o plain_o to_o unfold_v what_o be_v more_o dark_o write_v by_o another_o when_o we_o compare_v the_o evangelist_n together_o to_o explain_v what_o one_o say_v more_o brief_o by_o what_o another_o lay_v down_o more_o full_o we_o do_v not_o in_o this_o so_o much_o inquire_v into_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o evangelist_n as_o into_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n who_o secretary_n they_o be_v the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o prophet_n if_o the_o prophet_n or_o apostle_n speak_v of_o their_o own_o head_n or_o write_v only_o a_o signification_n of_o their_o own_o private_a sentiment_n there_o may_v be_v some_o colour_n for_o this_o objection_n but_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o no_o prophecy_n of_o scripture_n be_v of_o private_a interpretation_n 21._o that_o be_v 5._o the_o prophet_n in_o their_o write_n be_v not_o the_o interpreter_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n but_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n by_o who_o they_o be_v send_v and_o by_o who_o spirit_n they_o be_v act_v as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n for_o prophecy_n come_v not_o in_o old_a time_n by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o thus_o much_o the_o exercitator_n acknowledge_v where_o he_o say_v that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o he_o do_v always_o guide_v his_o amanuensis_n to_o write_v the_o truth_n give_v they_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o unerring_a spirit_n and_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o wroteâ—…_n pure_a truth_n free_a from_o all_o mixture_n of_o falsehood_n or_o error_n but_o there_o be_v another_o discourse_n prefix_v 7._o to_o a_o latter_a edition_n of_o the_o so_o oft-mentioned_n exercitation_n and_o think_v by_o many_o to_o come_v from_o the_o same_o author_n the_o writer_n whereof_o stick_v not_o to_o assert_v this_o audacious_a falsehood_n that_o the_o prophet_n in_o their_o narkative_n and_o in_o all_o matter_n of_o speculation_n that_o be_v whatsoever_o be_v not_o matter_n of_o moral_a duty_n do_v disagree_v among_o themselves_o and_o consequent_o that_o what_o be_v say_v by_o one_o be_v not_o to_o be_v explain_v by_o the_o word_n of_o another_o which_o with_o other_o passage_n of_o like_a import_n do_v at_o once_o call_v in_o question_n the_o whole_a truth_n and_o consequent_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o if_o the_o pâ—â—men_n of_o scripture_n elash_v one_o against_o another_o in_o their_o write_n either_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o whâ—â—_n they_o write_v but_o themselves_o or_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n must_v be_v charge_v with_o falsehood_n for_o of_o two_o diâ—…ent_a opinion_n both_o can_v be_v true_a who_o design_n it_o be_v that_o the_o author_n of_o that_o theologico-political_n tractat_fw-la drive_v except_o that_o of_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o mankind_n i_o know_v not_o but_o he_o sufficient_o manifest_v a_o vile_a esteem_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o a_o desire_n to_o beget_v the_o like_a in_o other_o for_o he_o take_v very_o earnest_a pain_n 10._o with_o the_o utmost_a of_o his_o art_n and_o skill_n to_o â—â—ke_v up_o and_o exagitate_v their_o seem_a disagreement_n as_o real_a contradiction_n cast_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o scorn_n upon_o all_o expositor_n as_o fool_n or_o madman_n that_o attempt_n to_o reconcile_v they_o his_o discourse_n in_o this_o and_o sundry_a other_o odious_a passage_n which_o i_o abhor_v to_o mention_v do_v apparent_o tend_v to_o promote_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o antiscripturist_n beside_o the_o help_n 〈◊〉_d afford_v which_o be_v not_o a_o little_a to_o the_o romish_a interest_n the_o author_n indeed_o will_v seem_v by_o some_o expression_n here_o and_o there_o to_o intimate_v his_o dislike_n of_o the_o pontifician_n party_n but_o we_o know_v it_o be_v consistent_a enough_o with_o the_o politic_a principle_n of_o man_n of_o that_o way_n to_o speak_v much_o more_o than_o he_o have_v do_v against_o that_o very_a cause_n that_o they_o be_v studious_o project_v under_o that_o covert_a to_o advance_v but_o i_o return_v from_o this_o digression_n to_o what_o i_o be_v about_o if_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o law_n of_o a_o kingdom_n be_v difficult_a and_o perplex_a and_o there_o be_v something_o in_o some_o other_o law_n of_o the_o same_o kingdom_n though_o write_v or_o print_v by_o other_o hand_n that_o speak_v more_o clear_o of_o that_o matter_n what_o wrong_n be_v it_o to_o the_o law_n or_o the_o lawmaker_n or_o printer_n if_o a_o learned_a council_n compare_v one_o with_o another_o expound_v that_o which_o be_v more_o dark_a in_o one_o part_n of_o the_o law_n by_o that_o which_o be_v more_o perspicuous_a in_o another_o both_o proceed_n from_o the_o same_o authority_n and_o both_o oblige_v to_o the_o same_o person_n judge_v alike_o in_o the_o present_a case_n this_o objection_n therefore_o be_v of_o no_o force_n but_o it_o be_v further_o urge_v that_o there_o 7._o be_v some_o difficult_a place_n of_o scripture_n that_o be_v no_o where_o explain_v in_o any_o other_o part_n and_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v but_o once_o speak_v in_o scripture_n can_v be_v explain_v by_o any_o parallel_a place_n and_o here_o our_o â—â—ercitator_n refer_v we_o for_o instance_n to_o his_o great_a friend_n stapleton_n for_o answer_v 1._o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v 1._o there_o be_v difficulty_n in_o some_o part_n of_o scripture_n that_o be_v no_o where_o clear_v how_o do_v any_o man_n know_v this_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n because_o we_o can_v find_v it_o do_v we_o think_v ourselves_o of_o so_o pierce_a or_o capacious_a understanding_n that_o nothing_o in_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v intelligible_a can_v escape_v our_o discovery_n those_o who_o have_v acquaint_v themselves_o with_o ancient_n and_o modern_a expositor_n do_v know_v that_o many_o difficulty_n which_o former_a interpreter_n have_v in_o vain_a struggle_v with_o and_o some_o that_o they_o have_v whole_o leave_v untouched_a either_o as_o not_o apprehend_v they_o to_o be_v difficulty_n or_o conceive_v they_o insuperable_a have_v be_v make_v very_o clear_a and_o plain_a by_o some_o late_a writer_n very_o god_n will_v have_v we_o know_v that_o the_o open_n of_o his_o mind_n do_v not_o depend_v only_o or_o chief_o upon_o the_o pregnancy_n of_o man_n wit_n but_o upon_o his_o gracious_a assistance_n and_o blessing_n which_o he_o afford_v or_o withhold_v when_o and_o where_o himself_o see_v fit_a again_o the_o scripture_n be_v pen_v not_o only_o for_o the_o past_a and_o present_a but_o 2._o for_o all_o succeed_a age_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o as_o some_o part_n of_o they_o which_o peculiar_o concern_v some_o age_n past_a be_v perhaps_o better_o understand_v in_o those_o age_n than_o they_o can_v be_v by_o we_o now_o as_o certain_o many_o thing_n be_v that_o belong_v to_o the_o jewish_a oeconomy_n so_o i_o know_v not_o but_o we_o may_v rational_o suppose_v that_o some_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n which_o to_o we_o seem_v unintelligible_a may_v have_v special_a reference_n to_o the_o church_n in_o after-age_n and_o that_o those_o who_o they_o so_o near_o concern_v shall_v have_v more_o light_n afford_v for_o the_o understanding_n of_o they_o in_o their_o day_n than_o we_o have_v in_o we_o as_o without_o doubt_v some_o prophetic_a scripture_n not_o
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
authentic_a record_n of_o his_o mind_n to_o conduct_v we_o in_o our_o way_n to_o blessedness_n and_o be_v this_o all_o it_o be_v good_a for_o it_o seem_v by_o this_o man_n account_n all_o the_o knowledge_n that_o we_o have_v any_o use_n for_o be_v in_o we_o already_o by_o nature_n light_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v deliver_v in_o scripture_n must_v be_v try_v by_o that_o what_o can_v a_o blind_a pagan_n have_v say_v more_o to_o the_o scripture_n dishonour_n as_o it_o be_v pass_v all_o doubt_n that_o the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n in_o who_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o be_v aught_o to_o be_v worship_v and_o serve_v by_o his_o rational_a creature_n so_o i_o think_v it_o shall_v be_v as_o unquestionable_a that_o he_o can_v be_v serve_v right_o and_o acceptable_o but_o by_o such_o a_o worship_n as_o be_v according_a to_o the_o appointment_n of_o his_o own_o will._n the_o mean_a man_n live_v that_o have_v any_o depend_v on_o he_o look_v they_o shall_v serve_v he_o according_a to_o his_o mind_n and_o not_o according_a to_o their_o own_o arbitrary_a choice_n and_o shall_v we_o think_v the_o great_a sovereign_n of_o the_o world_n will_v be_v please_v with_o a_o worship_n of_o man_n own_o â—â—aming_n without_o any_o order_n or_o direction_n from_o he_o now_o by_o which_o way_n or_o mean_n can_v we_o know_v what_o that_o worship_n be_v which_o god_n approve_v if_o we_o be_v in_o this_o inpsed_a state_n leave_v to_o the_o mere_a conduct_n of_o natural_a light_n and_o have_v nor_o divine_a revelation_n to_o inform_v and_o guide_v we_o what_o piâ—…ful_a work_n do_v the_o â—…st_n and_o learn_a of_o the._n heathen_a make_v about_o this_o 〈◊〉_d what_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v they_o admit_v into_o their_o religious_a worship_n as_o i_o have_v already_o 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o my_o discourse_n beside_o there_o be_v in_o scripture_n many_o thing_n historical_a and_o many_o prophetical_a can_v these_o 〈◊〉_d know_v by_o natural_a light_n or_o can_v we_o judge_v whether_o these_o be_v true_a or_o no_o by_o the_o help_n of_o philosophy_n moses_n give_v we_o the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n 〈◊〉_d the_o general_a deluge_n of_o the_o destruction_n of_o sodom_n of_o israel_n deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n by_o strange_a wonder_n and_o the_o bring_n of_o they_o after_o forty_o year_n wander_v into_o the_o promise_a land_n and_o their_o establishment_n there_o for_o some_o year_n till_o for_o their_o idolatry_n and_o other_o sin_n they_o be_v remove_v be_v record_v by_o other_o sacred_a writer_n beside_o many_o other_o remarkable_a history_n of_o more_o personal_a concernment_n now_o if_o we_o must_v not_o take_v these_o for_o truth_n from_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n which_o way_n shall_v we_o be_v satisfy_v reason_n indeed_o may_v convince_v we_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o impossible_a but_o whether_o they_o be_v real_o so_o or_o so_o do_v as_o be_v report_v all_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n all_o the_o maxim_n of_o philosophy_n will_v never_o resolve_v we_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o many_o prophecy_n concern_v christ_n and_o the_o afterstate_n of_o the_o church_n and_o about_o the_o four_o great_a monarchy_n that_o be_v successive_o to_o arise_v with_o their_o progress_n and_o period_n if_o these_o and_o such_o like_v be_v examine_v by_o philosophy_n what_o can_v it_o say_v to_o they_o must_v these_o be_v all_o reject_v so_o it_o seem_v by_o this_o author_n discourse_n for_o he_o have_v no_o kindness_n for_o any_o thing_n in_o scripture_n but_o what_o may_v mind_v we_o of_o what_o we_o know_v natural_o and_o may_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n be_v examine_v and_o determine_v and_o then_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o the_o great_a doctrine_n of_o man_n salvation_n by_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o grand_a subject_n and_o principal_a scope_n the_o of_o scripture_n be_v there_o ever_o any_o syllable_n of_o this_o make_v know_v to_o the_o world_n otherwise_o than_o by_o revelation_n there_o be_v indeed_o a_o natural_a theology_n but_o i_o can_v never_o yet_o see_v ground_n to_o be_v persuade_v that_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a christianity_n the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o our_o creator_n and_o preserver_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n but_o very_o imperfect_o attainable_a by_o natural_a light_n but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o redeemer_n of_o sinner_n reconcile_a they_o to_o god_n and_o deliver_v they_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n have_v never_o be_v attain_v have_v there_o not_o be_v something_o above_o nature_n to_o discover_v it_o if_o any_o think_v otherwise_o let_v they_o tell_v i_o how_o it_o come_v about_o that_o in_o those_o country_n where_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v never_o publish_v there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o print_n or_o footstep_n of_o this_o great_a mystery_n to_o be_v find_v but_o certain_o he_o that_o talk_v of_o the_o scripture_n after_o the_o rate_n of_o this_o author_n can_v be_v think_v to_o apprehend_v himself_o to_o stand_v in_o any_o need_n of_o a_o redeemer_n or_o to_o have_v any_o better_a esteem_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o that_o triple-crowned_n gentleman_n at_o rome_n 10._o be_v say_v to_o have_v manifest_v long_o since_o in_o his_o discourse_n with_o cardinal_n bembus_n for_o aught_o i_o see_v this_o man_n own_v nothing_o in_o the_o scripture_n but_o what_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o three_o head_n 1._o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o his_o attribute_n 2._o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o consequent_o man_n be_v future_a state_n in_o another_o world_n and_o 3._o the_o rule_n or_o law_n of_o moral_a duty_n because_o of_o these_o we_o have_v some_o notice_n by_o natural_a light_n but_o how_o miserable_o defective_a be_v that_o light_n even_o in_o these_o so_o that_o here_o also_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o further_a guide_n some_o knowledge_n the_o heathen_n have_v of_o god_n and_o of_o man_n future_a state_n but_o alas_o what_o do_v all_o that_o they_o have_v write_v hereabout_o come_v to_o but_o some_o faint_a guess_n and_o probable_a conjecture_n and_o though_o they_o have_v in_o their_o ethic_n many_o excellent_a thing_n and_o of_o great_a use_n yet_o they_o fall_v extreme_a short_a in_o sundry_a particular_n of_o very_a weighty_a concernment_n whereof_o we_o shall_v have_v be_v utter_o ignorant_a if_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v not_o afford_v we_o a_o more_o clear_a and_o perfect_a rule_n of_o practice_n and_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v by_o some_o that_o those_o gentile_a philosopher_n who_o flourish_v after_o the_o general_a promulgation_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o they_o continue_v still_o in_o their_o old_a gentilism_n yet_o they_o write_v much_o more_o clear_o and_o sublime_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o of_o man_n duty_n here_o and_o his_o eternal_a state_n hereafter_o than_o those_o who_o be_v before_o they_o whether_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o be_v the_o converse_n they_o may_v have_v with_o christian_n and_o their_o write_n or_o whether_o that_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v vouchsafe_v in_o those_o time_n may_v in_o some_o degree_n as_o to_o common_a enlightening_n extend_v itself_o beyond_o the_o church_n pale_a i_o will_v not_o determine_v but_o sure_o something_o there_o be_v beyond_o mere_a natural_a light_n that_o make_v they_o in_o their_o notion_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n so_o much_o 〈…〉_z of_o their_o predecessor_n i_o shall_v shut_v up_o all_o with_o this_o hearty_a and_o serious_a wish_n that_o all_o who_o call_v upon_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ_n will_v high_o honour_v and_o esteem_v the_o holy_a scripture_n make_v they_o their_o study_n and_o delight_n in_o order_n to_o the_o better_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o manifest_v the_o power_n and_o purity_n of_o this_o word_n by_o a_o sober_a righteous_a and_o godly_a conversation_n which_o will_v more_o effectual_o vindicate_v this_o bless_a book_n from_o the_o scorn_n and_o reproach_n of_o atheist_n and_o antiscripturist_n than_o all_o dispute_n a_o appendix_n concern_v internal_a illumination_n and_o other_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man._n vindicate_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o protestant_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o serious_a christian_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o enthusiasm_n and_o other_o unjust_a crimination_n in_o the_o savoy_n print_v by_o tho._n newcomb_n for_o robert_n boulter_n at_o the_o turk_n head_n in_o cornhill_n over_o against_o the_o royal_a exchange_n 1677._o a_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o content_n of_o the_o follow_a appendix_n chap._n i._n the_o protestant_n doctrine_n concern_v the_o spirit_n illumination_n explain_v and_o defend_v chap._n ii_o the_o nature_n of_o distress_n of_o conscience_n and_o spiritual_a joy_n open_v and_o the_o reality_n of_o they_o prove_v chap._n iii_o true_a zeal_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n justify_v a_o
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
the_o large_a portion_n shall_v know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o wide_a difference_n between_o earth_n and_o heaven_n and_o that_o they_o be_v yet_o but_o pilgrim_n and_o in_o their_o wilderness-state_n though_o he_o sometime_o give_v they_o for_o their_o encouragement_n a_o pisgah-sight_n of_o that_o heavenly_a canaan_n towards_o which_o they_o be_v pass_v but_o what_o must_v all_o the_o forementioned_a joy_n and_o refresh_a comfort_n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n speak_v of_o and_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o saint_n bear_v witness_v to_o be_v count_v no_o better_a than_o a_o juggle_n or_o a_o cheat_n the_o transport_v of_o frantic_a rapture_n or_o the_o mere_a illusion_n of_o a_o enthusiastic_a fancy_n refresh_v with_o brisk_a and_o active_a spirit_n and_o fill_v with_o warm_a and_o sprightly_a imagination_n be_v it_o such_o a_o imaginary_a comfort_n that_o david_n pray_v for_o when_o he_o say_v make_v i_o to_o 8._o hear_v joy_n and_o gladness_n that_o the_o bone_n which_o thou_o have_v break_v may_v rejoice_v and_o again_o restore_v to_o i_o the_o joy_n of_o thy_o salvation_n 12._o and_o when_o the_o psalmist_n say_v in_o the_o multitude_n of_o my_o thought_n within_o 19_o i_o thy_o comfort_n delight_v my_o soul_n and_o again_o to_o the_o upright_a there_o arise_v light_n 4._o in_o the_o darkness_n be_v this_o nothing_o but_o the_o raise_n of_o the_o blood_n and_o the_o break_n out_o of_o the_o natural_a spirit_n from_o the_o oppression_n of_o melancholic_a fume_n and_o refresh_v the_o droop_a fancy_n when_o the_o apostle_n profess_v that_o he_o be_v fill_v with_o comfort_n and_o exceed_v joyful_a in_o all_o his_o tribulation_n be_v this_o nothing_o but_o 4._o the_o effect_n of_o a_o sanguine_a complexion_n or_o the_o product_n of_o please_a phantasm_n do_v this_o make_n paul_n and_o silas_n sing_v in_o their_o chain_n or_o be_v it_o this_o that_o cheer_v the_o heart_n of_o those_o bless_a martyr_n who_o with_o so_o much_o joy_n and_o triumph_v embrace_v the_o stake_n and_o clap_v their_o half-consumed_n hand_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o flame_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o many_o instance_n that_o may_v be_v give_v both_o in_o elder_n and_o late_a time_n of_o person_n eminent_a for_o wisdom_n and_o holiness_n who_o in_o languish_a sickness_n when_o their_o body_n have_v be_v so_o waste_v and_o their_o strength_n so_o impair_v that_o they_o can_v not_o stir_v to_o feed_v or_o help_v themselves_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o nature_n be_v break_v by_o cruciate_a and_o consume_a pain_n yet_o have_v then_o feel_v those_o inward_a joy_n in_o their_o soul_n which_o they_o can_v not_o siother_n but_o as_o man_n that_o stand_v upon_o the_o threshold_n of_o glory_n and_o have_v a_o ravish_a sight_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o unconceivable_a pleasure_n of_o that_o other_o world_n have_v with_o that_o vigour_n and_o alacrity_n and_o yet_o with_o judgement_n and_o prudence_n pour_v out_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o their_o gracious_a redeemer_n that_o it_o have_v at_o once_o delight_v and_o astonish_v the_o heart_n of_o their_o intelligent_a friend_n that_o come_v to_o visit_v they_o i_o can_v think_v it_o possible_a that_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v question_v 4._o by_o any_o that_o do_v indeed_o believe_v the_o scripture_n and_o have_v feel_v the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n upon_o their_o heart_n but_o there_o be_v a_o scoptick_a generation_n of_o man_n who_o mind_n be_v so_o tincture_v with_o a_o profane_a gaiety_n that_o the_o whole_a bible_n be_v become_v to_o they_o no_o better_a than_o a_o playbook_n or_o a_o romance_n upon_o which_o they_o love_v to_o exercise_v their_o droll_a wit_n by_o put_v the_o doctrine_n and_o discourse_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n into_o a_o ridiculous_a dress_n the_o better_a to_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o scorn_n of_o infidel_n as_o if_o they_o read_v that_o sacred_a volume_n to_o no_o other_o purpose_n than_o as_o a_o late_a author_n speak_v of_o some_o 6._o to_o enable_v they_o to_o blaspheme_v god_n in_o his_o own_o stile_n i_o have_v indeed_o oft_o wonder_v what_o shall_v betray_v any_o to_o this_o fond_a and_o irrational_a conceit_n of_o resolve_v the_o agony_n of_o distress_a conscience_n and_o the_o contrary_a joy_n of_o serious_a christian_n under_o assurance_n into_o the_o different_a temperature_n of_o their_o body_n and_o the_o suitable_a work_n of_o their_o fancy_n till_o i_o meet_v with_o a_o piece_n of_o new_a divinity_n in_o a_o late_a belgic_a tractator_n and_o then_o i_o begin_v to_o suspect_v out_o of_o what_o chimney_n come_v all_o this_o smoke_n for_o this_o account_n do_v that_o gentleman_n give_v we_o of_o the_o holy_a prophet_n mention_v in_o scripture_n that_o their_o revelation_n proceed_v from_o the_o 2._o strength_n and_o height_n of_o imagination_n and_o be_v diversify_v according_a to_o the_o different_a temper_n and_o constitution_n of_o their_o body_n which_o cause_v different_a work_n in_o their_o fancy_n hence_o he_o say_v those_o prophet_n that_o be_v of_o cheerful_a and_o debonair_a complexion_n prophesy_v altogether_o of_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n victory_n over_o enemy_n and_o all_o thing_n to_o man_n heart_n content_a these_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o best_a suit_v with_o their_o imagination_n on_o the_o other_o side_n those_o prophet_n that_o be_v sad_a and_o melancholic_a or_o of_o angry_a and_o morose_a temper_n they_o altogether_o prophesy_v of_o war_n and_o bloodshed_n desolation_n and_o destruction_n these_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o their_o droop_a and_o deject_a fancy_n do_v most_o run_v upon_o according_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o whatsoever_o revelation_n the_o prophet_n receive_v they_o do_v not_o at_o all_o better_a or_o advance_v their_o understanding_n or_o beget_v in_o they_o any_o solid_a knowledge_n they_o be_v good_a honest_a man_n indeed_o but_o none_o of_o the_o wise_a for_o man_n of_o note_n for_o wisdom_n never_o be_v prophet_n that_o be_v a_o work_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o imagination_n and_o not_o to_o the_o judgement_n in_o the_o same_o chapter_n he_o undertake_v to_o give_v we_o a_o reason_n why_o josiah_n when_o he_o have_v hear_v the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n read_v in_o his_o ear_n and_o be_v thereby_o make_v apprehensive_a of_o some_o impendent_a calamity_n will_v not_o send_v to_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n though_o then_o live_a because_o forsooth_o he_o be_v a_o melancholic_a man_n and_o one_o who_o by_o his_o many_o suffering_n and_o hard_a usage_n death_n be_v grow_v weary_a of_o his_o life_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o likely_a to_o prophesy_v any_o good_a but_o he_o choose_v to_o send_v rather_o to_o the_o prophetess_n huldah_fw-mi who_o be_v a_o woman_n and_o so_o it_n seem_v according_a to_o the_o softness_n of_o that_o sex_n more_o incline_v to_o tenderness_n and_o compassion_n be_v a_o fit_a instrument_n for_o god_n to_o reveal_v his_o mercy_n by_o this_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o that_o author_n political_a atheology_n and_o true_o i_o know_v no_o kind_n of_o divinity_n if_o we_o may_v call_v any_o such_o thing_n by_o that_o name_n from_o which_o this_o conceit_n that_o we_o have_v under_o consideration_n can_v more_o fair_o be_v think_v to_o derive_v its_o original_n but_o if_o we_o must_v look_v any_o high_a for_o its_o pedigree_n i_o can_v tell_v who_o to_o father_n it_o upon_o next_o to_o the_o father_n of_o lie_n unless_o it_o be_v that_o arabian_a philosopher_n of_o great_a note_n for_o avicenna_n learning_n who_o be_v say_v to_o ascribe_v the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o primitive_a christian_n to_o the_o power_n of_o a_o exalt_a imagination_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o he_o say_v they_o have_v entertain_v a_o strong_a conceit_n of_o the_o deity_n of_o their_o master_n and_o this_o fancy_n in_o his_o apprehension_n be_v that_o which_o wrought_v such_o wonder_n in_o christ_n name_n whether_o that_o which_o heighten_v this_o pagan_n confidence_n to_o so_o bold_a and_o absurd_a a_o assertion_n be_v any_o extraordinary_a skill_n he_o have_v in_o the_o anatomy_n of_o the_o brain_n or_o the_o law_n of_o mechanism_n i_o know_v not_o but_o whatever_o ground_n he_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v i_o think_v none_o that_o hearty_o own_v the_o christian_a name_n will_v ascribe_v such_o a_o ridiculous_a persuasion_n to_o the_o depth_n of_o his_o philosophy_n but_o to_o the_o height_n of_o his_o infidelity_n chap._n iii_o 1._o regular_a zeal_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n justify_v 2._o and_o vindicate_v from_o the_o charge_n of_o enthusiasm_n 3._o madness_n 4._o dissimulation_n and_o place_v the_o whole_a of_o religion_n in_o such_o fervor_n 5._o and_o of_o aim_v at_o ill_a end_n i_o come_v now_o in_o the_o last_o place_n to_o speak_v something_o of_o the_o prejudices_fw-la take_v 1_o at_o those_o fervor_n that_o appear_v in_o some_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n break_v forth_o
never_o so_o inconsistent_a with_o or_o opposite_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o the_o dictate_v of_o sound_n and_o sober_a reason_n and_o be_v by_o this_o mean_v lay_v open_a to_o satanical_a delusion_n they_o be_v easy_o draw_v to_o believe_v the_o gross_a absurdity_n and_o some_o of_o they_o to_o practise_v the_o vile_a wickedness_n contrary_a to_o common_a honesty_n and_o the_o public_a peace_n justify_v all_o by_o their_o pretend_a revelation_n this_o be_v the_o character_n we_o have_v of_o enthusiast_n both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a from_o author_n of_o unquestionable_a credit_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o where_o in_o this_o world_n any_o of_o the_o remainder_n of_o that_o sect_n as_o it_o be_v probable_a enough_o there_o be_v that_o entertain_v such_o wild_a and_o frantic_a conception_n let_v they_o bear_v their_o sin_n and_o shame_n but_o of_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o the_o person_n thus_o charge_v by_o wolzogen_n and_o his_o complice_n can_v safe_o appeal_v to_o all_o unprejudiced_a person_n that_o know_v they_o and_o to_o the_o most_o wise_a and_o holy_a god_n who_o be_v great_a than_o all_o that_o they_o be_v as_o clear_v from_o any_o compliance_n with_o that_o infatuate_v generation_n as_o the_o best_a of_o their_o accuser_n for_o 1._o they_o hearty_o own_o and_o submit_v to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o the_o only_a sure_a and_o sufficient_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n according_o whatsoever_o conception_n may_v rise_v within_o they_o or_o be_v suggest_v to_o they_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n they_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o bar_n of_o scripture_n to_o stand_v or_o fall_v according_a to_o its_o judgement_n not_o impose_v their_o sentiment_n upon_o the_o scripture_n but_o receive_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o according_a to_o what_o have_v be_v assert_v in_o the_o precedent_a discourse_n 2._o in_o matter_n difficult_a and_o obscure_a that_o be_v more_o dark_o lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n especial_o in_o the_o prophetic_a part_n of_o it_o they_o forbear_v to_o determine_v peremptory_o choose_v rather_o to_o satisfy_v themselves_o with_o a_o modest_a hesitancy_n and_o abhor_v to_o make_v their_o judgement_n the_o measure_n of_o another_o faith_n or_o supercilious_o to_o censure_v or_o despise_v any_o for_o their_o different_a apprehension_n 3._o they_o plead_v for_o no_o other_o spirit_n of_o revelation_n than_o what_o the_o apostle_n pray_v for_o in_o behalf_n of_o the_o ephesian_n chap._n 1._o vers._n 17_o 18_o 19_o which_o revelation_n consist_v not_o in_o discover_v any_o new_a object_n to_o be_v receive_v unrevealed_a in_o scripture_n but_o only_o in_o qualify_a the_o subject_a by_o cure_v the_o native_a and_o acquire_v blindness_n and_o carnality_n of_o our_o mind_n that_o we_o may_v right_o understand_v and_o embrace_v the_o truth_n which_o the_o scripture_n propound_v 4._o they_o solemn_o profess_v and_o declare_v to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o whatsoever_o they_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o it_o be_v by_o and_o from_o the_o scripture_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o regular_a exercise_n of_o their_o rational_a faculty_n and_o such_o as_o they_o be_v â—eady_o at_o all_o time_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o from_o scripture-ground_n to_o any_o sober_a intelligent_a person_n that_o shall_v demand_v it_o they_o therefore_o disow_v and_o reject_v the_o absurd_a principle_n and_o arrogant_a presumption_n of_o the_o falsly-called_a mystical_a theology_n set_v on_o fooâ—_n ancient_o and_o revive_v in_o late_a year_n that_o pretend_v to_o ecstatick_a rapture_n and_o deification_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o a_o utter_a cessation_n of_o all_o intellectual_a operation_n the_o original_a of_o which_o fantastic_a theology_n dr._n meric_n casaubon_n derive_v from_o 3._o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n intimate_v withal_o the_o great_a affinity_n between_o this_o and_o the_o new_a method_n so_o much_o cry_v up_o of_o late_a which_o those_o who_o it_o concern_v may_v consider_v of_o at_o their_o leisure_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o take_v that_o for_o grant_v which_o have_v be_v agreeable_o to_o plain_a and_o evident_a scripture_n the_o acknowledge_a doctrine_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n however_o deny_v and_o deride_v by_o some_o late_a innovator_n that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n be_v according_a to_o christ_n own_o promise_n give_v to_o dwell_v 27._o in_o the_o heart_n of_o christian_n to_o beget_v and_o preserve_v spiritual_a life_n in_o they_o to_o conduct_v they_o in_o their_o way_n to_o strengthen_v they_o with_o might_n in_o the_o inner_a man_n to_o shed_v abroad_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o witness_v their_o adoption_n to_o assist_v they_o in_o holy_a service_n and_o gradual_o to_o perfect_v the_o work_n of_o sanctification_n in_o they_o to_o spend_v many_o word_n in_o prove_v this_o which_o be_v already_o so_o clear_a to_o all_o unbiased_a judgement_n be_v to_o to_o light_v a_o candle_n before_o the_o sun_n as_o for_o that_o ridiculous_a sense_n that_o some_o have_v endeavour_v to_o fasten_v upon_o these_o or_o some_o of_o these_o scripture_n as_o if_o they_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v only_o of_o the_o spirit_n as_o give_v to_o the_o church_n in_o common_a and_o not_o to_o particular_a christian_n it_o be_v so_o utter_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o scope_n of_o those_o respective_a place_n and_o run_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o whole_a stream_n of_o scripture_n and_o all_o antiquity_n that_o i_o think_v it_o needless_a to_o waste_v time_n in_o refute_v it_o he_o that_o will_v but_o considerate_o read_v over_o the_o several_a place_n and_o faithful_o examine_v the_o context_n may_v easy_o see_v the_o vanity_n of_o it_o that_o of_o the_o learned_a grotius_n be_v clear_a and_o full_a not_o only_o 22._o the_o whole_a collective_a body_n of_o the_o faithful_a but_o also_o particular_a believer_n be_v right_o call_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n because_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o their_o mind_n and_o if_o those_o who_o be_v careful_a according_a to_o the_o apostle_n counsel_n not_o to_o quench_v the_o spirit_n but_o to_o stir_v up_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o they_o have_v their_o heart_n more_o warm_v and_o enlarge_v in_o holy_a duty_n than_o other_o who_o either_o want_n that_o measure_n of_o gift_n or_o be_v defective_a in_o improve_n they_o i_o can_v conjecture_v why_o this_o shall_v be_v make_v a_o matter_n of_o reproach_n but_o that_o some_o man_n be_v angry_a at_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o just_a of_o their_o own_o size_n or_o not_o suitable_a to_o their_o gust_n and_o therefore_o be_v resolve_v to_o revile_v and_o calumniate_v it_o though_o by_o those_o wound_v the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o religion_n be_v find_v to_o lie_v a_o bleed_a to_o shut_v up_o this_o i_o may_v here_o mind_v the_o objector_n and_o those_o of_o his_o way_n how_o much_o it_o concern_v they_o to_o acquit_v themselves_o of_o that_o enthusiasm_n which_o they_o impeach_v other_o for_o it_o be_v know_v to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o that_o grand_a enthusiast_n valentius_n weigelius_n weigelianis_fw-la that_o he_o who_o will_v know_v the_o truth_n must_v forget_v whatsoever_o he_o have_v learn_v from_o man_n and_o book_n and_o lay_v it_o all_o aside_o as_o if_o he_o have_v never_o be_v acquaint_v with_o any_o thing_n and_o retreat_n into_o himself_o and_o fetch_v all_o his_o knowledge_n from_o thence_o let_v philosophic_a this_o be_v refer_v to_o our_o author_n consideration_n wherein_o this_o differ_v from_o the_o great_a principle_n of_o his_o admire_a master_n but_o let_v we_o hear_v what_o be_v further_o object_v to_o justify_v these_o mens_fw-la prejudices_fw-la second_o it_o be_v say_v by_o some_o these_o 2._o heat_n be_v but_o the_o frantic_a freak_n of_o a_o craze_v brain_n and_o the_o product_n of_o a_o religious_a frenzy_n i_o answer_v 1._o we_o need_v not_o be_v much_o move_v with_o this_o senseless_a charge_n when_o 1._o we_o find_v the_o penman_n of_o sacred_a writ_n to_o have_v little_o better_a measure_n make_v they_o by_o the_o same_o hand_n for_o of_o they_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o they_o write_v many_o time_n they_o know_v not_o what_o and_o give_v forth_o oracle_n 6._o when_o they_o be_v beside_o themselves_o his_o word_n be_v alienata_fw-la ment_fw-la which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o vile_a position_n of_o the_o montanisis_n and_o cataphrygian_o esaiam_n reject_v and_o condemn_v both_o by_o ancient_n and_o modern_a divine_n and_o yet_o to_o justify_v this_o assertion_n our_o author_n 132_o grave_o cite_v cicero_n de_fw-fr divinatione_fw-la call_v the_o rapture_n of_o their_o pagan_a vates_fw-la by_o the_o name_n of_o furor_n and_o virgil_n call_v sibylla_n a_o mad_a prophetess_n and_o justin_n the_o historian_n lib._n 24._o where_o speak_v of_o the_o much-famed_n oracle_n at_o delphos_n he_o tell_v we_o of_o a_o very_a