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
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
of_o its_o own_o interpretation_n chap._n x._o a_o second_o argument_n from_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o philosophy_n answer_v every_o one_o say_v the_o exercitator_n be_v the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o his_o own_o 2._o word_n and_o god_n be_v the_o author_n 1._o of_o philosophy_n to_o he_o be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v whatever_o interpretation_n be_v make_v of_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o maxim_n of_o philosophy_n and_o consequent_o that_o be_v to_o be_v own_v as_o the_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n but_o this_o be_v a_o strange_a way_n of_o argumentation_n sol._n in_o a_o man_n that_o pretend_v to_o reason_n if_o he_o have_v no_o better_a skill_n in_o expound_v than_o he_o have_v in_o argue_v he_o will_v not_o gain_v many_o proselyte_n to_o his_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n among_o understanding_n and_o considerate_a men._n for_o 1._o this_o argument_n may_v with_o full_a as_o much_o or_o more_o strength_n be_v retort_v upon_o he_o and_o that_o two_o way_n first_o if_o because_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o philosophy_n therefore_o philosophy_n must_v unfold_v all_o the_o difficulty_n in_o scripture_n will_v it_o not_o as_o well_o follow_v that_o see_v god_n be_v the_o unquestionable_a author_n of_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o resolve_v all_o the_o difficulty_n in_o philosophy_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o design_v for_o any_o such_o end_n nor_o fit_v for_o such_o a_o use_n as_o to_o untie_v the_o knot_n of_o philosophy_n their_o use_n and_o design_n be_v of_o great_a and_o high_a concernment_n i_o answer_v neither_o be_v philosophy_n design_v to_o clear_a doubt_n in_o matter_n of_o supernatural_a revelation_n its_o use_n be_v limit_v to_o matter_n of_o a_o inferior_a orb._n again_o we_o may_v thus_o also_o retort_v the_o argument_n if_o god_n be_v the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n then_o doubtless_o the_o best_a interpretation_n of_o his_o mind_n be_v to_o be_v fetch_v from_o that_o which_o be_v the_o only_a certain_a and_o undoubted_a record_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o that_o be_v the_o scripture_n second_o that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n 2._o of_o all_o true_a and_o sound_a philosophy_n i_o grant_v nor_o need_v the_o exercitator_n to_o have_v give_v himself_o the_o trouble_n of_o spend_v 3._o so_o many_o line_n to_o prove_v it_o but_o i_o must_v mind_v he_o of_o some_o few_o thing_n to_o rectify_v his_o mistake_n 1._o he_o be_v wide_o out_o in_o suppose_v that_o the_o wisdom_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o scripture_n by_o he_o allege_v be_v no_o other_o than_o philosophy_n the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o most_o if_o not_o all_o of_o those_o place_n speak_v of_o something_o high_o and_o more_o excellent_a than_o mere_a natural_a knowledge_n 2._o whereas_o among_o other_o humane_a testimony_n that_o the_o author_n heap_v up_o to_o prove_v philosophy_n to_o be_v of_o god_n he_o bring_v in_o lucretius_n lib._n 5._o de_fw-la rerum_fw-la natura_fw-la the_o learned_a vogelsangius_fw-la have_v discover_v 67._o his_o shameful_a mistake_n tell_v he_o that_o the_o god_n who_o lucretius_n there_o mean_v when_o he_o say_v deus_fw-la ille_fw-la fuit_fw-la deus_fw-la inclyte_n memmi_n qui_fw-la princeps_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la rationem_fw-la invenit_fw-la eam_fw-la quae_fw-la nunc_fw-la appellatur_fw-la sapientia_fw-la etc._n etc._n be_v no_o other_o than_o epicurus_n and_o must_v epicurus_n philosophy_n be_v the_o scripture_n interpreter_n 3._o this_o i_o must_v add_v by_o way_n of_o limitation_n to_o my_o former_a concession_n that_o god_n be_v not_o so_o the_o author_n of_o philosophy_n as_o he_o be_v of_o the_o scripture_n he_o be_v so_o far_o the_o author_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o that_o he_o have_v infallible_o direct_v his_o servant_n in_o pen_v its_o several_a part_n and_o preserve_v they_o from_o error_n in_o that_o work_n but_o he_o be_v not_o so_o the_o author_n of_o philosophy_n as_o infallible_o to_o direct_v any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n so_o as_o not_o to_o err_v in_o his_o philosophy_n here_o therefore_o be_v a_o very_a great_a difference_n and_o see_v that_o this_o philosophy_n which_o we_o acknowledge_v so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v sound_a and_o true_a to_o be_v god_n gift_n be_v no_o where_o to_o be_v find_v but_o in_o the_o mind_n or_o write_n of_o fallible_a man_n by_o what_o certain_a rule_n shall_v we_o judge_v of_o the_o maxim_n of_o philosophy_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n whether_o they_o be_v undoubted_o true_a or_o no_o or_o which_o way_n shall_v we_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o aforesaid_a maxim_n suppose_v they_o to_o be_v unquestionable_o true_a be_v due_o apply_v to_o the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n whither_o shall_v we_o go_v in_o this_o case_n to_o find_v out_o such_o solid_a satisfaction_n as_o may_v give_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o that_o divine_a faith_n that_o we_o certain_o owe_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o scripture_n three_o suppose_v what_o be_v not_o that_o we_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o perfect_a model_n or_o system_v of_o sound_a philosophy_n to_o have_v recourse_n to_o so_o as_o we_o may_v true_o say_v of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v all_o and_o every_o part_n and_o particle_n of_o it_o of_o divine_a original_a and_o so_o complete_a that_o there_o be_v no_o defect_n in_o it_o yet_o still_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o philosophy_n have_v its_o bound_n and_o discover_v nothing_o to_o we_o but_o those_o necessary_a truth_n which_o fall_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o nature_n and_o so_o far_o we_o may_v take_v it_o for_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n but_o as_o for_o supernatural_a verity_n the_o be_v and_o discovery_n whereof_o depend_v upon_o god_n absolute_a will_n and_o arbitrary_a revelation_n he_o never_o intend_v that_o philosophy_n shall_v be_v our_o guide_n in_o these_o but_o here_o we_o be_v to_o keep_v sole_o and_o whole_o to_o what_o he_o have_v say_v in_o the_o scripture_n chap._n xi_o a_o three_o argument_n from_o the_o suppose_a sufficiency_n of_o philosophy_n to_o interpret_v scripture_n answer_v whatsoever_o say_v the_o aforesaid_a author_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o 3._o rule_n of_o interpretation_n perfect_o agree_v 1._o to_o philosophy_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n for_o they_o be_v undoubted_o true_a free_a from_o all_o danger_n of_o error_n and_o therefore_o can_v deceive_v be_v ground_v upon_o unmoveable_a foundation_n admit_v no_o appeal_n impartial_a not_o incline_v to_o this_o or_o that_o side_n in_o a_o word_n so_o sure_a and_o undoubted_a that_o they_o will_v force_v assent_n provide_v they_o be_v not_o bend_v or_o sway_v by_o mens_fw-la prejudices_fw-la or_o vicious_a inclination_n but_o as_o i_o say_v before_o where_o be_v this_o philosophy_n to_o be_v find_v if_o it_o be_v any_o 1._o where_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o those_o who_o have_v in_o all_o age_n be_v most_o devote_v to_o the_o study_n of_o it_o and_o most_o perspicacious_a and_o successful_a in_o search_v the_o secret_n of_o it_o have_v yet_o in_o many_o thing_n especial_o that_o concern_v religion_n so_o foul_o err_v and_o have_v be_v at_o so_o great_a odds_o not_o only_o one_o with_o another_o but_o each_o with_o himself_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n let_v they_o be_v never_o so_o sound_a and_o stable_a yet_o they_o can_v prevail_v upon_o none_o any_o further_a than_o they_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o mind_n and_o they_o be_v no_o where_o receive_v but_o according_a to_o the_o disposition_n and_o capacity_n of_o the_o subject_a the_o darkness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o who_o understanding_n much_o alter_v the_o conception_n of_o the_o sound_a principle_n beside_o my_o three_o answer_n to_o the_o precedent_a 2._o argument_n will_v serve_v here_o for_o let_v philosophy_n be_v never_o so_o infallible_a it_o must_v be_v keep_v within_o its_o own_o proper_a sphere_n and_o not_o be_v apply_v to_o matter_n supernatural_a that_o be_v whole_o out_o of_o its_o road_n and_o above_o 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by_o natural_a light_n the_o argument_n from_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n bring_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o by_o the_o learned_a keckerman_n and_o by_o claubergius_n a_o late_a cartesian_a be_v examine_v by_o vogolsangius_n in_o his_o indignatio_fw-la justa_n etc._n etc._n and_o discard_a as_o insufficient_a i_o grant_v that_o in_o this_o as_o in_o many_o other_o doctrine_n it_o may_v be_v of_o good_a use_n to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o what_o the_o scripture_n say_v of_o it_o that_o contradict_v any_o sound_a principle_n of_o reason_n but_o to_o go_v about_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n or_o philosophy_n positive_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v impossible_a i_o choose_v to_o say_v of_o this_o mystery_n as_o one_o do_v of_o the_o divine_a essence_n credendo_fw-la intelligitur_fw-la adorando_fw-la enarratur_fw-la it_o be_v best_a understand_v by_o believe_v and_o best_a declare_v by_o adore_v he_o say_v the_o late_a bishop_n of_o 2._o down_o that_o shall_v go_v to_o revelation_n to_o prove_v that_o nine_o and_o nine_o make_v eighteen_o will_v be_v a_o fool_n and_o he_o will_v be_v no_o less_o that_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v a_o trinity_n of_o person_n by_o natural_a reason_n every_o thing_n must_v be_v derive_v from_o its_o own_o fountain_n thus_o aquinas_n tell_v we_o he_o that_o by_o natural_a 1_o reason_n attempt_v to_o prove_v the_o trinity_n of_o person_n do_v a_o double_a prejudice_n to_o the_o faith_n 1._o he_o derogate_v from_o its_o dignity_n it_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o exceed_v man_n reason_n 2._o he_o hinder_v other_o from_o embrace_v the_o faith_n by_o use_v such_o argument_n as_o be_v not_o cogent_a which_o render_v it_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o infidel_n contempt_n this_o be_v plain_a in_o scripture_n that_o the_o father_n be_v god_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v god_n and_o that_o these_o be_v three_o and_o all_o three_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o for_o other_o subtlety_n and_o curious_a inquiry_n of_o busy_a and_o presumptuous_a wit_n without_o and_o beside_o the_o write_a word_n i_o think_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n never_o be_v nor_o ever_o will_v be_v behold_v to_o they_o chap._n xv._n a_o seven_o argument_n from_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o religion_n answer_v one_o argument_n more_o i_o shall_v touch_v which_o i_o find_v allege_v by_o two_o note_a 7._o socinian_o smalcius_n and_o schlichtingius_n as_o they_o be_v cite_v by_o a_o late_a learned_a author_n in_o his_o socinianism_n confut._n to_o prove_v reason_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o decide_v controversy_n of_o faith_n which_o may_v be_v think_v improveable_a upon_o the_o same_o ground_n to_o assert_v that_o reason_n must_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n and_o it_o be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n where_o he_o assert_v the_o service_n that_o god_n require_v of_o christian_n to_o be_v 1._o 〈◊〉_d
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
that_o 20._o we_o may_v know_v he_o that_o be_v true_a and_o this_o be_v promise_v of_o old_a when_o the_o lord_n say_v by_o his_o prophet_n i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n 33_o into_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n which_o beside_o a_o external_a revelation_n imply_v necessary_o a_o internal_a illumination_n most_o true_a it_o be_v that_o as_o the_o light_n of_o the_o body_n be_v the_o eye_n so_o the_o light_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v reason_n but_o if_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v this_o light_n which_o be_v in_o we_o be_v darkness_n how_o great_a be_v that_o 23._o darkness_n and_o that_o it_o be_v so_o with_o this_o internal_a eye_n as_o to_z matter_n heavenly_a till_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n enlighten_v it_o be_v 8._o evident_a by_o scripture_n and_o all_o experience_n but_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v understand_v there_o 5._o be_v two_o thing_n in_o the_o present_a point_n that_o be_v especial_o quarrel_v at_o viz._n that_o the_o spirit_n enlighten_v of_o our_o mind_n be_v affirm_v to_o be_v supernatural_a and_o to_o be_v immediate_a i_o shall_v say_v something_o to_o they_o both_o first_o some_o be_v angry_a at_o our_o divine_n for_o maintain_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o supernatural_a illumination_n the_o 3._o exercitator_n reject_v all_o supernatural_a light_n as_o a_o figment_n and_o 10._o velthusius_n for_o who_o orthodoxy_n wolzogen_n credit_n lie_v at_o stake_n 1667._o deny_v the_o distinction_n of_o natural_a and_o supernatural_a light_n and_o affirm_v peremptory_o that_o our_o knowledge_n of_o whatsoever_o object_n whether_o natural_a or_o reveal_v be_v attain_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o internal_a light_n and_o that_o with_o he_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o natural_a light_n of_o reason_n now_o if_o his_o meaning_n be_v no_o more_o but_o this_o that_o whatsoever_o object_n be_v present_v to_o we_o natural_a or_o supernatural_a they_o be_v all_o perceive_v by_o the_o same_o natural_a faculty_n of_o reason_n or_o understanding_n i_o know_v no_o man_n so_o absurd_a as_o to_o deny_v it_o but_o if_o he_o mean_v as_o he_o must_v if_o he_o mean_v any_o thing_n that_o our_o reason_n or_o understanding_n apprehend_v all_o object_n of_o what_o kind_n soever_o by_o no_o other_o inward_a light_n but_o what_o be_v connatural_a to_o it_o need_v no_o supernatural_a light_n to_o help_v it_o he_o must_v pardon_v we_o if_o we_o prefer_v the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n before_o his_o novel_a conceit_n sure_o when_o david_n pray_v for_o the_o open_n of_o 1â—_n his_o eye_n to_o see_v the_o wonder_n of_o god_n law_n and_o when_o st._n paul_n pray_v that_o the_o ephesian_n may_v have_v the_o eye_n of_o 18._o their_o mind_n enlighten_v they_o do_v not_o conceive_v that_o by_o the_o spirit_n enlighten_v no_o more_o be_v mean_v than_o the_o natural_a light_n of_o man_n reason_n for_o they_o know_v that_o themselves_o and_o those_o they_o pray_v for_o have_v that_o already_o as_o they_o be_v rational_a creature_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o more_o need_n to_o pray_v for_o that_o than_o to_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v make_v they_o men._n but_o for_o the_o further_o clear_v of_o this_o the_o word_n supernatural_a may_v have_v respect_n either_o 1._o to_o man_n nature_n as_o finite_a and_o so_o far_o innocent_o imperfect_a or_o 2._o to_o man_n nature_n deprave_v and_o so_o sinful_o defective_a if_o we_o consider_v man_n in_o his_o first_o state_n though_o his_o actual_a knowledge_n be_v short_a of_o what_o by_o further_a experience_n he_o may_v have_v attain_v and_o at_o the_o best_a have_v its_o bound_n from_o the_o finiteness_n of_o his_o be_v yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o he_o have_v sufficient_a light_n connatural_a to_o his_o understanding_n for_o the_o perception_n of_o the_o high_a mystery_n whensoever_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v propound_v to_o he_o with_o clear_a objective_n evidence_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o man_n fall_v the_o light_n of_o man_n natural_a understanding_n be_v now_o so_o weak_a and_o dim_a that_o there_o need_v a_o new_a supervenient_a light_n raise_v and_o quicken_a the_o mind_n to_o a_o great_a perspicacity_n than_o lapse_v nature_n have_v or_o can_v of_o itself_o attain_v to_o for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n how_o plain_o soever_o propound_v and_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o own_o and_o assert_v the_o save_a light_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v supernatural_a in_o that_o it_o elevate_v the_o understanding_n to_o such_o a_o power_n or_o ability_n of_o know_v heavenly_a mystery_n as_o nature_n in_o its_o lapse_v state_n have_v not_o of_o itself_o nor_o can_v recover_v by_o its_o own_o great_a industry_n without_o the_o special_a grace_n of_o god_n 30._o it_o be_v a_o acknowledge_a truth_n that_o every_o thing_n be_v receive_v according_a to_o the_o capacity_n and_o fitness_n of_o the_o recipient_a to_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o any_o thing_n there_o be_v require_v a_o suitableness_n between_o the_o faculty_n and_o the_o object_n the_o eye_n can_v perceive_v smell_n nor_o the_o ear_n hear_v colour_n nor_o can_v any_o sensitive_a power_n reach_v to_o the_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n pure_o intellectual_a so_o neither_o can_v the_o mind_n of_o a_o mere_a natural_a man_n that_o be_v darken_v and_o deprave_v by_o sin_n while_o it_o so_o remain_v due_o apprehend_v matter_n spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a it_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o a_o late_a author_n that_o the_o 45._o best_a and_o most_o effectual_a remedy_n for_o the_o through_o cure_v of_o our_o intellectual_a disease_n be_v that_o which_o alter_v the_o crasis_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o mind_n because_o as_o he_o very_o well_o argue_v it_o be_v suitableness_n to_o that_o which_o make_v the_o way_n to_o man_n judgement_n and_o settle_v they_o in_o their_o persuasion_n there_o be_v few_o as_o he_o further_o add_v that_o hold_v their_o opinion_n by_o argument_n and_o dry_a reason_n but_o by_o congruity_n to_o the_o understanding_n and_o consequent_o by_o relish_n in_o the_o affection_n now_o as_o sound_v philosophy_n do_v according_a to_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n go_v far_o for_o the_o cure_n of_o man_n mistake_n by_o give_v their_o mind_n another_o tincture_n to_o wit_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o lie_v within_o the_o sphere_n of_o nature_n so_o where_o this_o come_v short_a as_o in_o thing_n of_o supernatural_a revelation_n it_o certain_o do_v there_o be_v need_n of_o supernatural_a aid_n this_o mr._n baxter_n have_v very_o well_o express_v i_o think_v say_v he_o that_o in_o the_o very_a hear_n etc._n or_o read_v god_n spirit_n often_o so_o concur_v as_o that_o the_o will_n itself_o shall_v be_v touch_v with_o a_o internal_a gust_n or_o savour_n of_o the_o goodness_n contain_v in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o understanding_n with_o a_o internal_a irradiation_n which_o breed_v such_o a_o sudden_a apprehension_n of_o the_o verity_n of_o it_o as_o nature_n give_v man_n of_o natural_a principle_n and_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o this_o increase_v by_o more_o experience_n and_o love_n 6._o and_o inward_a gust_n do_v hold_v most_o christian_n fast_o to_o christ_n than_o naked_a reason_n can_v do_v and_o be_v it_o not_o for_o this_o unlearned_a ignorant_a person_n be_v still_o in_o danger_n of_o apostasy_n by_o every_o subtle_a caviller_n that_o assault_v they_o and_o i_o believe_v that_o all_o true_a christian_n have_v this_o kind_n of_o internal_a knowledge_n from_o the_o suitableness_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o their_o new_a quicken_v illuminate_v sanctify_a soul_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o god_n who_o command_v the_o light_n to_o shine_v out_o of_o darkness_n have_v shine_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o give_v the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ._n where_o he_o manifest_o compare_v the_o great_a work_n of_o god_n in_o enlighten_v the_o dark_a heart_n of_o man_n with_o spiritual_a knowledge_n to_o the_o first_o form_v of_o light_n which_o be_v 3_o the_o act_n of_o a_o create_a power_n when_o darkness_n cover_v the_o face_n of_o the_o deep_a let_v the_o great_a external_n or_o objective_a light_n be_v afford_v if_o there_o be_v not_o likewise_o in_o order_n to_o the_o reception_n of_o that_o a_o subjective_a light_n infuse_v it_o will_v prove_v as_o we_o find_v in_o joh._n 1._o 5._o the_o light_n shine_v in_o darkness_n and_o the_o darkness_n comprehend_v it_o not_o two_o passage_n in_o the_o exercitator_n i_o 1._o shall_v here_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o one_o be_v where_o he_o say_v that_o the_o opinion_n of_o our_o divine_n concern_v this_o supernatural_a light_n seem_v to_o he_o to_o have_v have_v its_o original_a from_o the_o receive_a axiom_n of_o the_o aristotelick_n philosopher_n
that_o nothing_o be_v in_o the_o understanding_n that_o have_v not_o be_v first_o in_o the_o sense_n which_o say_v he_o the_o divine_n receive_v for_o a_o undoubted_a truth_n do_v never_o call_v off_o their_o mind_n from_o their_o sense_n and_o find_v the_o knowledge_n draw_v from_o thence_o to_o be_v very_o lame_a and_o imperfect_a and_o next_o to_o nothing_o they_o judge_v all_o rational_a knowledge_n to_o be_v no_o better_o yet_o happen_v by_o chance_n sometime_o to_o make_v use_n of_o their_o mere_a understanding_n in_o the_o perception_n of_o some_o thing_n and_o thereby_o attain_v some_o true_a and_o solid_a knowledge_n which_o they_o find_v to_o be_v of_o a_o far_a other_o nature_n than_o that_o which_o they_o use_v to_o fetch_v from_o the_o sense_n therefore_o they_o take_v this_o latter_a kind_n of_o knowledge_n to_o be_v something_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o by_o what_o power_n or_o authority_n do_v this_o confident_a gentleman_n 1._o break_v window_n into_o the_o breast_n of_o other_o and_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o know_v the_o secret_a thought_n and_o inward_a conception_n of_o their_o mind_n do_v they_o ever_o tell_v he_o that_o this_o be_v their_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n or_o that_o their_o doctrine_n of_o supernatural_a light_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o aristotle_n or_o deduce_v from_o any_o of_o his_o axiom_n or_o do_v his_o new_a philosophy_n furnish_v he_o with_o skill_n sufficient_a to_o search_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n touch_v their_o particular_a sentiment_n as_o he_o pretend_v it_o do_v to_o show_v he_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o scripture-revelation_n i_o think_v it_o furnish_v he_o for_o both_o alike_o but_o i_o wish_v it_o have_v teach_v he_o better_a to_o know_v himself_o 2._o neither_o be_v aristotle_n nor_o his_o follower_n such_o dolt_n or_o blockhead_n in_o maintain_v the_o forementioned_a axiom_n as_o to_o take_v it_o in_o that_o absurd_a meaning_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o understanding_n but_o what_o be_v the_o object_n of_o sense_n for_o they_o clear_o maintain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o fall_v not_o under_o sense_n as_o of_o god_n and_o angel_n and_o of_o universals_z that_o be_v abstract_v from_o sense_n but_o that_o all_o our_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n without_o we_o come_v in_o by_o the_o sense_n especial_o by_o those_o two_o that_o be_v not_o unfit_o call_v the_o sense_n of_o discipline_n sight_n and_o hear_v be_v i_o think_v evident_a enough_o by_o all_o experience_n beside_o what_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n concern_v the_o knowledge_n we_o have_v of_o god_n which_o be_v either_o natural_a or_o by_o revelation_n now_o as_o for_o the_o former_a the_o apostle_n sure_o be_v not_o deceive_v by_o aristotle_n axiom_n when_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n from_o 20_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n and_o for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n reveal_v we_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o same_o apostle_n that_o faith_n come_v by_o 17._o hear_v and_o our_o saviour_n most_o usual_a method_n of_o preach_v by_o parable_n may_v show_v we_o how_o requisite_a it_o be_v for_o man_n in_o this_o state_n to_o have_v his_o understanding_n inform_v even_o in_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a by_o the_o help_n of_o sense_n and_o sensible_a object_n the_o other_o passage_n be_v that_o where_o he_o say_v that_o this_o supernatural_a light_n be_v 3._o a_o thing_n unintelligible_a he_o know_v not_o what_o to_o make_v of_o it_o nor_o how_o to_o conceive_v of_o it_o be_v it_o say_v he_o something_o ordinary_a or_o be_v it_o extraordinary_a to_o his_o demand_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o corrupt_a and_o deprave_a 1._o nature_n and_o so_o it_o be_v extraordinary_a but_o it_o be_v the_o inseparable_a privilege_n of_o renew_v nature_n and_o so_o far_o it_o be_v ordinary_a for_o it_o be_v communicate_v to_o all_o who_o partake_v in_o the_o save_a grace_n of_o christ._n but_o 2._o whereas_o this_o author_n say_v 2._o he_o know_v not_o what_o this_o enlighten_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v i_o easy_o believe_v he_o consider_v what_o our_o saviour_n say_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o he_o promise_v to_o his_o disciple_n that_o the_o world_n can_v 17._o not_o receive_v he_o because_o it_o see_v he_o not_o neither_o receive_v he_o and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n for_o man_n to_o speak_v slight_o or_o contemptuous_o of_o the_o thing_n they_o know_v not_o upon_o which_o very_a account_n many_o excellent_a truth_n plain_o reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v by_o audacious_a wit_n explode_a and_o deride_v as_o unintelligible_a mystery_n yet_o 3._o i_o think_v man_n reason_n 3._o may_v tell_v they_o if_o it_o be_v not_o woeful_o blind_v by_o pride_n prejudice_n or_o passion_n that_o the_o unaccountableness_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o thing_n or_o of_o the_o manner_n how_o it_o be_v can_v be_v no_o sufficient_a argument_n against_o its_o existence_n the_o most_o perspicacious_a inquirer_n into_o the_o secret_n of_o nature_n do_v acknowledge_v themselves_o convince_v of_o the_o certain_a existence_n of_o many_o thing_n the_o nature_n whereof_o and_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o production_n they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conceive_v much_o less_o to_o discover_v thou_o know_v not_o say_v solomon_n what_o be_v the_o way_n of_o the_o spirit_n 5._o nor_o how_o the_o bone_n do_v grow_v in_o the_o womb_n of_o she_o that_o be_v with_o child_n it_o be_v beyond_o the_o ken_n of_o man_n understanding_n infallible_o to_o know_v or_o demonstrative_o to_o prove_v 1._o the_o way_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o soul_n whether_o it_o be_v produce_v by_o creation_n or_o traduction_n or_o what_o other_o way_n and_o 2._o how_o the_o body_n be_v form_v in_o the_o womb._n i_o know_v some_o learned_a man_n have_v go_v far_o in_o their_o discovery_n but_o the_o able_a of_o they_o have_v be_v put_v to_o a_o stop_n meet_v with_o some_o knot_n which_o they_o can_v not_o untie_v i_o may_v ask_v these_o curious_a questionist_n how_o they_o can_v solve_v the_o many_o doubt_n that_o may_v be_v raise_v about_o the_o species_n of_o sensible_a object_n and_o about_o the_o phantasm_n in_o the_o mind_n or_o give_v we_o a_o satisfy_a account_n whence_o they_o come_v how_o they_o be_v frame_v and_o where_o it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v first_o receive_v or_o i_o may_v demand_v of_o they_o which_o way_n the_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v unite_v to_o each_o other_o and_o how_o they_o come_v to_o act_v one_o upon_o another_o with_o a_o thousand_o more_o difficulty_n that_o occur_v where_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v unsearchable_a though_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v undeniable_a how_o much_o more_o may_v this_o be_v affirm_v of_o thing_n pure_o reveal_v the_o sublimity_n whereof_o so_o vast_o exceed_v the_o former_a second_o another_o thing_n these_o man_n 7._o dislike_n be_v that_o the_o spirit_n enlighten_v of_o the_o mind_n be_v say_v to_o be_v immediate_a 1._o now_o if_o the_o word_n immediate_n be_v 1._o take_v as_o it_o be_v sometime_o explain_v for_o such_o as_o supersede_v man_n use_n of_o god_n appoint_a mean_n as_o if_o he_o be_v to_o expect_v some_o internal_a voice_n or_o impulse_n to_o reveal_v to_o he_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n we_o disclaim_v all_o immediate_a act_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o this_o sense_n but_o if_o immediate_a be_v take_v as_o it_o may_v very_o proper_o for_o such_o a_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o do_v immediatè_fw-la attingere_fw-la mentem_fw-la that_o by_o itself_o without_o the_o interposition_n of_o any_o second_o cause_n reach_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n so_o we_o maintain_v that_o there_o be_v no_o effectual_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n but_o what_o be_v in_o this_o sense_n immediate_n for_o what_o create_v agent_n be_v there_o to_o come_v between_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n or_o that_o can_v by_o its_o own_o efficiency_n come_v at_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o work_v upon_o it_o this_o nothing_o can_v do_v but_o a_o infinite_a spirit_n if_o any_o will_v say_v that_o there_o be_v something_o else_o come_v between_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o this_o business_n let_v they_o assign_v what_o it_o be_v be_v it_o the_o scripture_n itself_o that_o can_v act_v but_o objective_o nor_o can_v it_o do_v that_o further_o than_o it_o be_v understand_v and_o believe_v that_o therefore_o which_o work_v upon_o the_o mind_n by_o a_o proper_a efficiency_n to_o redress_v the_o indisposition_n of_o the_o faculty_n and_o to_o enable_v it_o to_o know_v and_o
ground_n of_o religion_n or_o principle_n of_o sober_a reason_n be_v not_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n to_o be_v tremble_v at_o and_o be_v not_o sinful_a man_n capable_a of_o feel_v the_o bitterness_n hereof_o nay_o do_v it_o not_o stand_v he_o great_o in_o hand_n to_o be_v affect_v with_o they_o be_v these_o nothing_o but_o the_o reek_v and_o vapour_n of_o melancholy_n overwhelm_v the_o fancy_n and_o fill_v it_o full_a of_o fear_n and_o dreadful_a apprehension_n this_o indeed_o will_v be_v very_o grateful_a to_o the_o mad_a crew_n who_o will_v ready_o gather_v from_o hence_o that_o whensoever_o conscience_n give_v they_o any_o close_a sting_a gripe_n for_o their_o wickedness_n as_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o do_v sometime_o it_o be_v but_o make_v themselves_o believe_v that_o this_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o melancholic_a qualm_n and_o then_o they_o will_v soon_o conclude_v that_o the_o best_a way_n to_o be_v rid_v of_o such_o a_o unpleasing_a guest_n be_v to_o run_v to_o a_o tavern_n or_o a_o playhouse_n to_o drink_v or_o sport_n away_o these_o fanatic_a vapour_n and_o superstitious_a fear_n that_o break_v people_n of_o their_o ease_n and_o be_v enemy_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o mankind_n and_o such_o mountebank-medicine_n may_v possible_o for_o a_o while_n skin_n over_o the_o sore_n and_o smother_v the_o check_n of_o conscience_n by_o cast_v the_o careless_a sinner_n into_o a_o frolick-fit_a but_o whenever_o god_n come_v thorough_o to_o grapple_v with_o the_o guilty_a soul_n and_o set_v his_o sin_n in_o order_n before_o he_o cast_v fire-ball_n of_o wrath_n and_o horror_n into_o his_o conscience_n the_o poor_a wretch_n will_v find_v that_o these_o anodynes_n will_v prove_v but_o miserable_a comforter_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o 31_o the_o live_a god_n but_o what_o do_v we_o think_v of_o the_o scripture-instance_n give_v before_o job_n david_n heman_n what_o of_o the_o lamentable_a state_n of_o fr._n spira_n beside_o other_o example_n not_o a_o few_o of_o late_a year_n what_o be_v they_o nothing_o but_o melancholic_a fancy_n that_o draw_v from_o those_o distress_a soul_n such_o bitter_a complaint_n and_o dreadful_a outcry_n when_o the_o last-mentioned_a person_n fall_v into_o that_o woeful_a agony_n his_o friend_n suppose_v that_o melancholy_a etc._n overshadow_v his_o judgement_n may_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o trouble_n convey_v he_o to_o milan_n a_o note_a university_n in_o italy_n and_o have_v the_o advice_n of_o three_o eminent_a physician_n who_o after_o due_a examination_n and_o mature_a consideration_n of_o thing_n return_v this_o verdict_n that_o they_o can_v not_o discern_v that_o his_o body_n be_v afflict_v with_o any_o dangerous_a distemper_n original_o from_o itself_o by_o the_o predominancy_n of_o any_o humour_n but_o that_o extreme_a grief_n oppress_v the_o spirit_n stir_v up_o ill_a humour_n in_o the_o body_n and_o thereby_o discompose_v he_o and_o when_o they_o have_v endeavour_v by_o physic_n to_o consume_v those_o humour_n or_o at_o least_o to_o divert_v the_o course_n of_o they_o from_o the_o brain_n but_o all_o without_o the_o desire_a success_n spira_n nothing_o it_n thus_o bespeak_v they_o alas_o poor_a man_n how_o 52._o far_o wide_a be_v you_o do_v you_o think_v that_o this_o disease_n be_v to_o be_v cure_v by_o potion_n believe_v i_o there_o must_v be_v another_o manner_n of_o medicine_n it_o be_v neither_o plaster_n nor_o drug_n that_o can_v help_v a_o faint_a soul_n cast_v down_o with_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n it_o be_v only_a christ_n that_o must_v be_v the_o physician_n and_o the_o gospel_n the_o sole_a antidote_n the_o physician_n say_v the_o relator_n easy_o believe_v he_o have_v understand_v the_o whole_a truth_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o therefore_o wish_v he_o to_o seek_v some_o spiritual_a comfort_n i_o grant_v indeed_o that_o melancholy_a where_o it_o be_v predominant_a give_v great_a advantage_n to_o the_o increase_n of_o sadness_n and_o the_o multiply_a of_o perplex_v fear_n and_o when_o conscience_n be_v awaken_v its_o fear_n and_o disquietment_n may_v be_v heighten_v by_o imagination_n and_o this_o set_v on_o work_n by_o small_a accident_n as_o the_o sound_n of_o a_o knell_n or_o the_o rattle_n of_o thunder_n or_o some_o frightful_a sight_n but_o still_o the_o first_o and_o principal_a cause_n of_o the_o distress_n be_v something_o real_o formidable_a to_o a_o sober_a and_o sedate_v mind_n and_o if_o any_o shall_v judge_v otherwise_o i_o think_v i_o may_v without_o any_o imputation_n of_o rashness_n or_o uncharitableness_n suspect_v they_o to_o doubt_v whether_o vindictive_a justice_n and_o the_o everlasting_a pain_n of_o hell_n be_v a_o reality_n and_o if_o any_o shall_v be_v of_o that_o mind_n let_v they_o if_o they_o think_v good_a solace_n themselves_o with_o such_o dream_n till_o experience_n resolve_v the_o question_n come_v we_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o speak_v 3_o something_o of_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v beget_v in_o a_o christian_n heart_n by_o the_o discovery_n of_o god_n love_n to_o he_o touch_v this_o thus_o much_o we_o find_v 1._o that_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v shed_v abroad_o 5._o in_o the_o heart_n of_o christian_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o same_o holy_a spirit_n witness_v with_o their_o spirit_n that_o they_o 17._o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n of_o glory_n where_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o a_o twofold_a witness_n of_o our_o adoption_n 1._o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n witness_v this_o partly_o by_o beget_v that_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n that_o be_v the_o peculiar_a character_n of_o 30._o a_o child_n of_o god_n in_o which_o respect_n he_o be_v say_v to_o seal_v believer_n to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n viz._n by_o stamp_v the_o holy_a image_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o partly_o by_o enable_v they_o to_o discern_v this_o work_n and_o see_v this_o seal_n stamp_v upon_o they_o 12_o 2._o the_o regenerate_a conscience_n enable_v and_o assist_v by_o god_n spirit_n to_o see_v this_o do_v thence_o infer_v a_o christian_n sonship_n 2._o where_o this_o be_v wrought_v it_o serve_v to_o fill_v the_o heart_n with_o exceed_a joy_n above_o what_o the_o great_a earthly_a comfort_n can_v beget_v witness_v that_o of_o the_o psalmist_n there_o be_v many_o that_o say_v who_o 7._o will_v show_v we_o any_o good_a lord_n lift_v thou_o up_o the_o light_n of_o thy_o countenance_n upon_o we_o thou_o have_v put_v gladness_n in_o my_o heart_n more_o than_o in_o the_o time_n that_o their_o corn_n and_o their_o wine_n increase_v and_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n who_o speak_v of_o christ_n say_v who_o have_v not_o see_v you_o love_v in_o who_o 8._o though_o now_o you_o see_v he_o not_o yet_o believe_v you_o rejoice_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n the_o testimony_n that_o conscience_n 12._o give_v to_o a_o christian_a of_o his_o integrity_n be_v as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o matter_n of_o much_o joy_n but_o there_o be_v who_o conceive_v that_o beside_o this_o there_o be_v sometime_o afford_v some_o more_o immediate_a refreshment_n from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o of_o this_o mind_n be_v a_o learned_a author_n in_o a_o treatise_n publish_v some_o few_o year_n ago_o where_o he_o thus_o speak_v the_o feast_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n 1._o be_v the_o true_a christian_n daily_a diet_n and_o sure_a whatever_o the_o rich_a man_n of_o the_o world_n think_v he_o only_o can_v be_v say_v to_o fare_v delicious_o nay_o he_o have_v yet_o more_o supernatural_a food_n manna_n rain_v down_o immediate_o from_o heaven_n the_o holy_a spirit_n send_v on_o purpose_n to_o refresh_v and_o support_v he_o those_o joy_n which_o differ_v rather_o in_o degree_n than_o kind_n from_o those_o which_o be_v to_o be_v his_o final_a portion_n 3._o hence_o be_v christian_n enable_v to_o pass_v cheerful_o through_o the_o sharp_a trial_n and_o sore_a affliction_n that_o can_v befall_v they_o in_o this_o their_o mournful_a pilgrimage_n we_o rejoice_v say_v the_o apostle_n 3_o in_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o we_o glory_n in_o tribulation_n also_o and_o the_o hebrew_n take_v joyful_o the_o spoil_n 34._o of_o their_o good_n know_v in_o themselves_o that_o they_o have_v in_o heaven_n a_o better_a and_o a_o endure_a substance_n 4._o where_o these_o joy_n be_v in_o their_o full_a tide_n they_o carry_v the_o christian_a triumphant_o through_o the_o bitter_a pang_n of_o death_n of_o which_o there_o be_v numerous_a example_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n these_o comfort_n be_v not_o afford_v to_o all_o in_o like_a measure_n nor_o to_o any_o always_o at_o the_o same_o height_n it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n so_o to_o dispense_v they_o as_o that_o those_o who_o have_v
interpretation_n here_o be_v no_o such_o difference_n as_o shall_v just_o give_v occasion_n to_o any_o to_o say_v that_o our_o divine_n speak_v various_o or_o uncertain_o or_o that_o they_o agree_v not_o one_o with_o another_o or_o with_o themselves_o for_o in_o the_o issue_n the_o meaning_n of_o they_o all_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o now_o here_o i_o must_v look_v back_o upon_o what_o i_o have_v say_v in_o the_o introduction_n to_o my_o discourse_n concern_v the_o special_a immediate_a mean_n of_o interpretation_n viz._n a_o due_a observation_n of_o the_o several_a circumstance_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v expound_v and_o the_o compare_v of_o scripture_n with_o scripture_n in_o the_o use_n of_o which_o mean_n lie_v the_o apply_v of_o the_o right_a rule_n of_o interpretation_n it_o be_v the_o use_n of_o scripture_n to_o expound_v scripture_n and_o when_o a_o dark_a or_o difficult_a scripture_n be_v compare_v with_o some_o other_o wherein_o the_o same_o truth_n or_o doctrine_n be_v more_o clear_o and_o perspicuous_o deliver_v this_o be_v conceive_v by_o many_o learned_a man_n to_o be_v intend_v in_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n rom._n 12._o 6._o whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o no_o i_o shall_v not_o at_o present_a debate_n much_o less_o determine_v noâ—_n shall_v i_o inquire_v whether_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d form_n of_o sound_a word_n speak_v of_o by_o the_o same_o apostle_n in_o 2_o tim._n 1._o 13._o be_v the_o same_o with_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o some_o conceive_v it_o be_v but_o this_o i_o may_v have_v leave_n to_o say_v that_o i_o see_v no_o incongruity_n or_o inconvenience_n in_o use_v the_o expression_n or_o in_o say_v that_o to_o explain_v obscure_a place_n of_o scripture_n by_o such_o as_o be_v more_o clear_a and_o easy_a be_v to_o expound_v scripture_n according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n analogy_n say_v quintilian_n be_v that_o which_o the_o latin_n call_v proportion_n the_o force_n 6._o whereof_o be_v this_o that_o what_o be_v in_o doubt_n may_v be_v refer_v to_o something_o like_o it_o that_o be_v out_o of_o question_n that_o so_o the_o uncertain_a may_v be_v prove_v by_o the_o certain_a and_o why_o may_v not_o the_o like_a use_n of_o the_o word_n be_v allow_v in_o this_o case_n sure_o i_o be_o eminent_a writer_n both_o of_o the_o roman_a and_o reform_a church_n have_v thus_o use_v it_o analogy_n say_v aquinas_n be_v when_o the_o 10._o truth_n of_o one_o scripture_n be_v evidence_v not_o to_o oppose_v the_o truth_n of_o another_o the_o analogy_n locis_fw-la of_o faith_n say_v our_o learned_a whitaker_n be_v the_o constant_a and_o perpetual_a sentence_n of_o scripture_n in_o those_o place_n that_o be_v undoubted_o plain_a and_o obvious_a to_o our_o understanding_n i_o may_v allege_v to_o the_o like_a sense_n many_o more_o author_n who_o excellent_a worth_n set_v they_o sufficient_o above_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o exercitator_n and_o other_o of_o his_o mind_n that_o jeer_n and_o deride_v the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n but_o wave_v the_o term_n that_o which_o i_o be_o concern_v to_o assert_v be_v the_o thing_n itself_o that_o in_o expound_v scripture_n we_o must_v be_v regulate_v and_o determine_v by_o the_o scripture_n itself_o and_o that_o whatsoever_o it_o speak_v dark_o and_o uncertain_o in_o any_o place_n be_v to_o be_v explain_v by_o itself_o in_o those_o other_o place_n where_o it_o speak_v more_o plain_o which_o plain_a place_n do_v sufficient_o interpret_v themselves_o by_o their_o own_o light_n now_o this_o way_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n by_o itself_o have_v be_v approve_v of_o 3._o as_o the_o best_a and_o safe_a by_o most_o eminent_a author_n ancient_a and_o modern_a clemens_n alexandrinus_n iraeneus_n hilary_n and_o other_o be_v cite_v to_o this_o purpose_n by_o 6._o chamier_n 18._o rivet_n 15._o dr._n holdsworth_n as_o esdras_n and_o his_o companion_n of_o old_a so_o shall_v we_o now_o interpret_v scripture_n by_o scripture_n compare_v among_o themselves_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v indict_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n say_v the_o learned_a sacra_fw-la grotius_n plain_o refer_v to_o that_o in_o neh._n 8._o 7_o 8._o mr._n 16._o hales_n of_o eton_n in_o his_o golden_a remain_n say_v other_o exposition_n may_v give_v rule_n of_o direction_n for_o understand_v their_o author_n but_o the_o scripture_n giveâ—_n rule_v to_o expound_v itself_o when_o the_o father_n say_v the_o 36â—_n bishop_n of_o down_o confirm_v a_o exposition_n of_o one_o place_n of_o scripture_n by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o another_o then_o and_o then_o only_o they_o think_v they_o have_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o scripture_n demonstration_n and_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o necessary_a belief_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o christian_a doctor_n origen_n do_v express_o affirm_v and_o however_o the_o roman_a doctor_n of_o this_o latter_a age_n especial_o have_v vehement_o contend_v against_o this_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o church_n may_v take_v place_n yet_o we_o find_v that_o in_o some_o of_o they_o that_o come_v full_a up_o to_o what_o we_o say_v i_o shall_v give_v one_o instance_n 21._o josephus_n a_o costa_n as_o i_o find_v he_o cite_v by_o chamier_n and_o riveâ—_n nihil_fw-la perinde_n scripturam_fw-la videtur_fw-la apâ—rire_fw-la atque_fw-la ipsa_fw-la scriptura_fw-la itaque_fw-la diligens_fw-la attenta_fw-la frequensque_fw-la lectio_fw-la â—um_fw-la meditatio_fw-la &_o collatio_fw-la scripturarum_fw-la omnium_fw-la fumma_fw-la regula_n ad_fw-la intelligendum_fw-la wehee_v semper_fw-la visâ—_n naâ—…_n ex_fw-la aliâ—â—_n scripture_n be_v aliae_fw-la optime_fw-la intelligâ—â—tur_fw-la nothing_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o open_v the_o scripture_n like_o the_o scripture_n itself_o therefore_o diligent_a attentive_a and_o frequent_a read_n with_o meditation_n and_o compare_v of_o scripture_n have_v always_o seem_v to_o i_o the_o chief_a rule_n of_o all_o for_o understanding_n for_o by_o some_o scripture_n other_o be_v best_a understand_v chap._n ii_o argument_n to_o confirm_v the_o proposition_n the_o first_o from_o the_o scripture_n sole_a sufficiency_n to_o be_v its_o own_o interpreter_n make_v good_a by_o three_o thing_n and_o first_o by_o its_o perfection_n i_o proceed_v to_o some_o argument_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o second_o proposition_n i_o shall_v pass_v over_o many_o of_o those_o that_o be_v numerous_o bring_v in_o by_o other_o writer_n choose_v to_o insist_v upon_o those_o that_o i_o take_v to_o be_v of_o great_a force_n and_o against_o which_o the_o great_a endeavour_n have_v be_v use_v to_o overthrow_v they_o my_o first_o shall_v be_v this_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o all_o other_o best_o fit_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n 1._o to_o guide_v we_o in_o the_o determine_n of_o its_o own_o sense_n and_o meaning_n nothing_o else_o be_v so_o well_o qualify_v for_o this_o use_n and_o this_o may_v be_v evince_v by_o its_o three_o property_n its_o perfection_n perspicuity_n and_o authenticness_n it_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a perspicuous_a and_o authentic_a record_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n of_o these_o three_o i_o must_v distinct_o treat_v first_o this_o and_o this_o only_a be_v the_o perfect_a 1._o record_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n full_o manifest_v it_o to_o we_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v it_o in_o order_n to_o our_o duty_n and_o our_o happiness_n the_o apostle_n speak_v clear_o and_o full_o for_o this_o 2_o tim._n 3._o 15_o 16_o 17._o from_o a_o child_n thou_o have_v know_v the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v able_a to_o make_v thou_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n through_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n etc._n etc._n here_o two_o thing_n be_v evident_o assert_v viz._n that_o the_o scripture_n contain_v in_o they_o what_o be_v sufficient_a both_o for_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n to_o teach_v and_o for_o any_o christian_n to_o know_v to_o make_v he_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n neither_o of_o which_o can_v be_v if_o there_o be_v not_o that_o in_o the_o scripture_n itself_o out_o of_o which_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n therein_o deliver_v may_v be_v sufficient_o understand_v without_o the_o supplement_n of_o some_o other_o overrule_a principle_n for_o 1._o how_o can_v the_o scripture_n make_v any_o man_n wise_a unto_o salvation_n if_o it_o fall_v short_a in_o point_n of_o objective_a evidence_n necessary_a to_o beget_v that_o divine_a knowledge_n wherein_o all_o save_a wisdom_n consist_v 2._o how_o can_v it_o sufficient_o furnish_v a_o minister_n for_o his_o work_n of_o instruct_v his_o hearer_n and_o conduct_a they_o to_o life_n if_o from_o thence_o he_o can_v fetch_v enough_o to_o clear_v the_o truth_n he_o be_v to_o deliver_v to_o they_o chap._n iii_o the_o second_o branch_n of_o the_o first_o argument_n the_o scripture_n perspicuity_n prove_v second_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o
perspicuous_a 〈◊〉_d revelation_n of_o god_n will._n whatsoever_o may_v be_v the_o ignorance_n or_o darkness_n of_o man_n which_o hinder_v they_o from_o know_v what_o god_n have_v say_v in_o these_o sacred_a record_n yet_o the_o objective_a perspicuity_n of_o they_o be_v general_o assert_v by_o protestant_n against_o the_o romanist_n not_o that_o all_o truth_n reveal_v in_o scripture_n be_v so_o low_a and_o common_a as_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n to_o be_v obvious_a to_o man_n understanding_n but_o that_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o delivery_n they_o be_v so_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o that_o they_o may_v be_v understand_v by_o and_o from_o the_o scripture_n yet_o we_o mean_v not_o that_o every_o part_n or_o passage_n of_o scripture_n be_v clear_a for_o that_o there_o be_v many_o difficulty_n therein_o we_o acknowledge_v but_o that_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n be_v somewhere_o or_o other_o in_o scripture_n plain_o propound_v so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v it_o one_o part_n of_o it_o give_v light_n to_o another_o so_o that_o the_o whole_a scripture_n take_v together_o be_v a_o perspicuous_a manifestation_n of_o his_o will_n this_o be_v prove_v by_o moses_n word_n in_o deut._n 30._o 12_o 13_o 14._o speak_v of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o apostle_n word_n rom._n 10._o 6._o etc._n etc._n speak_v the_o same_o of_o the_o gospel_n hence_o the_o write_a word_n be_v frequent_o compare_v to_o a_o light_n and_o be_v 22._o say_v to_o give_v understanding_n to_o the_o simple_a have_v not_o the_o scripture_n be_v perspicuous_a how_o can_v timothy_n in_o his_o childhood_n have_v understand_v they_o how_o can_v our_o saviour_n out_o of_o they_o have_v convince_v the_o sadducee_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n or_o the_o apostle_n out_o of_o they_o prove_v irrefragable_o the_o acts._n truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n against_o the_o gainsay_v jew_n or_o how_o can_v the_o berean_o try_v the_o apostle_n doctrine_n by_o 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