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
and_o veracity_n god_n perfect_o know_v all_o the_o several_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n that_o he_o have_v utter_v in_o scripture_n and_o whatver_o the_o reader_n can_v apprehend_v in_o they_o and_o he_o be_v also_o most_o true_a and_o faithful_a and_o therefore_o will_v not_o deceive_v or_o delude_v any_o by_o his_o word_n hence_o he_o gather_v that_o whatsoever_o sense_n may_v be_v make_v of_o any_o part_n of_o scripture_n if_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o truth_n it_o must_v be_v own_a for_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o that_o place_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v be_v all_o this_o intend_v only_o of_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o subordinate_a sense_n depend_v on_o and_o deducible_a from_o that_o immediate_a sense_n which_o be_v but_o one_o the_o argument_n will_v hold_v firm_a for_o if_o any_o thing_n do_v true_o lie_v in_o any_o man_n word_n or_o by_o due_a consequence_n be_v deducible_a from_o they_o which_o himself_o do_v not_o mean_v when_o he_o speak_v they_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v charge_v to_o be_v either_o ignorant_a or_o fallacious_a but_o be_v intend_v as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o author_n of_o a_o multiplicity_n of_o collateral_a and_o immediate_a sense_n his_o argument_n be_v a_o miserable_a inconsequence_n next_o he_o attempt_v to_o prove_v this_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o learned_a man_n and_o begin_v with_o the_o jewish_a rabbin_n who_o childish_a and_o absurd_a conceit_n need_v no_o confutation_n witness_v that_o instance_a by_o this_o author_n their_o prove_v the_o multiplicity_n of_o sense_n out_o of_o psalm_n 62._o 12._o the_o 11._o in_o our_o english_a translation_n god_n have_v speak_v once_o twice_o have_v i_o hear_v this_o that_o power_n belong_v unto_o god_n that_o be_v say_v they_o god_n have_v propound_v one_o single_a speech_n but_o such_o as_o i_o can_v understand_v two_o way_n that_o be_v many_o way_n a_o certain_a number_n be_v put_v for_o a_o uncertain_a by_o draw_v several_a sense_n from_o it_o wherein_o the_o power_n of_o god_n consist_v that_o he_o can_v so_o order_v and_o dispose_v his_o speech_n as_o thereby_o to_o teach_v man_n a_o multitude_n of_o truth_n and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o goodly_a gloss_n upon_o the_o text_n and_o a_o irrefragable_a proof_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n whereas_o the_o psalmist_n twice_o hear_v what_o god_n have_v once_o speak_v be_v no_o more_o but_o his_o diligent_a and_o attentive_a mind_v of_o that_o great_a and_o weighty_a truth_n that_o power_n belong_v unto_o god_n what_o he_o further_o cite_v out_o of_o the_o father_n concern_v the_o fecundity_n of_o scripture_n contain_v much_o in_o a_o few_o word_n be_v all_o grant_v be_v understand_v as_o before_o of_o subordinate_a not_o coordinate_a sense_n for_o that_o the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v as_o a_o formless_a mass_n capable_a of_o be_v turn_v by_o philosophy_n into_o a_o thousand_o shape_n which_o this_o author_n conceit_n tend_v to_o never_o be_v for_o aught_o i_o can_v find_v any_o part_n of_o their_o meaning_n 2._o whereas_o he_o say_v philosophy_n be_v a_o true_a certain_a undoubted_a knowledge_n 2._o of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n demonstrate_v by_o natural_a light_n i_o ask_v do_v philosophy_n comprehend_v the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o thing_n or_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o all_o thing_n discernible_a by_o natural_a light_n there_o be_v in_o scripture_n many_o thing_n historical_a prophetical_a and_o dogmatical_a the_o knowledge_n whereof_o depend_v whole_o upon_o supernatural_a revelation_n what_o can_v philosophy_n do_v here_o and_o even_o in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v natural_a and_o belong_v to_o the_o cognisance_n of_o philosophy_n how_o short_a be_v that_o knowledge_n that_o the_o most_o learned_a have_v attain_v therefore_o whereas_o this_o author_n so_o proud_o deride_v 4._o our_o reform_a divine_n for_o complain_v of_o the_o darkness_n of_o man_n natural_a reason_n if_o he_o be_v not_o too_o wise_a to_o be_v teach_v he_o may_v have_v learn_v more_o modesty_n from_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n the_o best_a and_o wise_a whereof_o do_v great_o bewail_v the_o darkness_n of_o man_n understanding_n even_o aristotle_n who_o never_o i_o think_v be_v judge_v to_o have_v disparage_v humane_a reason_n acknowledge_v that_o our_o understanding_n even_o as_o to_o the_o most_o manifest_a thing_n in_o nature_n be_v but_o as_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o owl_n and_o bat_n to_o the_o daylight_n and_o though_o both_o he_o and_o other_o of_o they_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o scripture_n can_v not_o clear_o discover_v the_o true_a original_n of_o this_o darkness_n yet_o some_o weak_a conjecture_n some_o of_o they_o have_v make_v of_o it_o and_o whether_o by_o any_o tradition_n receive_v from_o the_o jew_n or_o by_o some_o other_o mean_v i_o shall_v not_o inquire_v some_o general_a and_o confuse_a intimation_n they_o have_v that_o man_n have_v lose_v his_o primitive_a excellency_n that_o the_o wing_n of_o his_o soul_n for_o so_o they_o express_v it_o have_v by_o some_o sad_a fall_n be_v so_o break_v that_o he_o can_v not_o arrive_v at_o any_o considerable_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n by_o his_o great_a industry_n and_o hence_o arise_v that_o fond_a mistake_n among_o some_o of_o they_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n have_v have_v a_o pre-existence_n before_o their_o union_n with_o their_o body_n and_o have_v offend_v in_o that_o state_n be_v for_o a_o punishment_n of_o their_o error_n thrust_v into_o these_o gross_a terrestrial_a receptacle_n and_o that_o this_o cause_v the_o imperfection_n and_o obscurity_n of_o man_n understanding_n but_o to_o those_o who_o own_o the_o scripture_n and_o may_v learn_v from_o thence_o what_o man_n be_v primitive_a state_n be_v and_o how_o he_o fall_v and_o be_v any_o whit_n acquaint_v with_o themselves_o methinks_v it_o shall_v be_v no_o strange_a riddle_n that_o the_o mind_n be_v cloud_v and_o benight_a even_o in_o thing_n natural_a and_o therefore_o in_o supernatural_a much_o more_o but_o where_o be_v that_o philosophy_n that_o this_o exercitator_n cry_v up_o for_o so_o certain_a and_o infallible_a and_o which_o another_o author_n of_o like_a principle_n do_v theologia_n with_o profane_a boldness_n magnify_v as_o equal_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o its_o complete_a perfection_n and_o infallible_a certainty_n where_o be_v it_o in_o the_o cloud_n sure_o it_o never_o be_v extant_a among_o man_n save_v in_o the_o crazy_a conceit_n of_o some_o haughty_a self-admirer_n 3._o as_o to_o what_o our_o author_n speak_v of_o 3._o philosophy_n be_v useful_a to_o detect_v false_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n i_o grant_v that_o where_o such_o false_a interpretation_n be_v give_v as_o do_v real_o entrench_v upon_o the_o undoubted_a principle_n of_o reason_n the_o weakness_n and_o folly_n of_o they_o may_v well_o be_v discover_v by_o philosophy_n but_o all_o corrupt_a or_o perverse_a exposition_n be_v not_o to_o be_v so_o limit_v nor_o be_v this_o enough_o to_o render_v philosophy_n a_o sufficient_a rule_n of_o interpretation_n the_o heathen_a philosopher_n can_v discover_v the_o error_n of_o their_o vulgar_a religion_n but_o can_v not_o direct_v man_n to_o the_o true_a and_o right_a as_o i_o have_v show_v before_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v in_o the_o present_a case_n 4._o whereas_o our_o exercitator_n further_o 4._o add_v in_o the_o close_a of_o this_o argument_n that_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n those_o who_o be_v the_o most_o profound_a philosopher_n be_v general_o confess_v to_o be_v the_o happy_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n i_o be_o far_o from_o be_v of_o his_o mind_n none_o have_v more_o corrupt_v and_o deprave_v the_o scripture_n than_o man_n of_o great_a eminency_n for_o philosophic_a learning_n which_o i_o do_v not_o at_o all_o impute_v to_o philosophy_n true_o so_o call_v but_o to_o the_o rashness_n and_o folly_n of_o man_n who_o be_v desirous_a to_o advance_v that_o wherein_o they_o will_v be_v think_v to_o excel_v have_v adventure_v to_o make_v use_n of_o their_o philosophic_a principle_n in_o matter_n of_o a_o quite_o different_a and_o more_o sublime_a nature_n but_o suppose_v we_o the_o utmost_a that_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o a_o eminent_a philosopher_n be_v furnish_v with_o all_o the_o most_o necessary_a accomplishment_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o scripture_n and_o shall_v due_o improve_v they_o for_o that_o end_n yet_o this_o will_v no_o more_o prove_v philosophy_n to_o be_v the_o supreme_a rule_n of_o interpretation_n than_o grammar_n or_o rhetoric_n which_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o necessary_a and_o useful_a to_o such_o a_o work_n if_o not_o more_o no_o further_o do_v any_o thing_n help_v we_o in_o understand_v the_o scripture_n than_o it_o direct_v we_o to_o those_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o evidence_n of_o the_o true_a sense_n that_o lie_v within_o the_o scripture_n itself_o that_o be_v by_o help_v we_o to_o use_v the_o scripture_n as_o the_o rule_n
perspicuous_a 〈◊〉_d revelation_n of_o god_n will._n whatsoever_o may_v be_v the_o ignorance_n or_o darkness_n of_o man_n which_o hinder_v they_o from_o know_v what_o god_n have_v say_v in_o these_o sacred_a record_n yet_o the_o objective_a perspicuity_n of_o they_o be_v general_o assert_v by_o protestant_n against_o the_o romanist_n not_o that_o all_o truth_n reveal_v in_o scripture_n be_v so_o low_a and_o common_a as_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n to_o be_v obvious_a to_o man_n understanding_n but_o that_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o delivery_n they_o be_v so_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o that_o they_o may_v be_v understand_v by_o and_o from_o the_o scripture_n yet_o we_o mean_v not_o that_o every_o part_n or_o passage_n of_o scripture_n be_v clear_a for_o that_o there_o be_v many_o difficulty_n therein_o we_o acknowledge_v but_o that_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n be_v somewhere_o or_o other_o in_o scripture_n plain_o propound_v so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v it_o one_o part_n of_o it_o give_v light_n to_o another_o so_o that_o the_o whole_a scripture_n take_v together_o be_v a_o perspicuous_a manifestation_n of_o his_o will_n this_o be_v prove_v by_o moses_n word_n in_o deut._n 30._o 12_o 13_o 14._o speak_v of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o apostle_n word_n rom._n 10._o 6._o etc._n etc._n speak_v the_o same_o of_o the_o gospel_n hence_o the_o write_a word_n be_v frequent_o compare_v to_o a_o light_n and_o be_v 22._o say_v to_o give_v understanding_n to_o the_o simple_a have_v not_o the_o scripture_n be_v perspicuous_a how_o can_v timothy_n in_o his_o childhood_n have_v understand_v they_o how_o can_v our_o saviour_n out_o of_o they_o have_v convince_v the_o sadducee_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n or_o the_o apostle_n out_o of_o they_o prove_v irrefragable_o the_o acts._n truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n against_o the_o gainsay_v jew_n or_o how_o can_v the_o berean_o try_v the_o apostle_n doctrine_n by_o search_v the_o scripture_n these_o be_v undeniable_a 11._o proof_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v perspicuous_a and_o that_o they_o have_v a_o plain_a and_o certain_a sense_n obvious_a to_o a_o considerate_a reader_n but_o all_o this_o will_v signify_v nothing_o if_o the_o scripture_n have_v not_o that_o light_n in_o it_o that_o may_v discover_v itself_o and_o clear_v up_o its_o own_o meaning_n without_o borrow_a light_n from_o some_o other_o principle_n now_o because_o much_o of_o the_o stress_n of_o this_o cause_n lie_v on_o this_o we_o must_v a_o little_a consider_v what_o be_v say_v against_o it_o the_o late_a romanist_n do_v general_o cry_v out_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a partly_o that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o fair_a colour_n to_o take_v they_o out_o of_o the_o people_n hand_n lest_o they_o shall_v mistake_v or_o pervert_v they_o though_o none_o among_o they_o have_v be_v more_o guilty_a of_o that_o than_o their_o doctor_n of_o great_a name_n for_o learning_n partly_o that_o they_o may_v bring_v in_o their_o unwritten_a tradition_n as_o expository_n of_o scripture-revelation_n and_o partly_o also_o that_o they_o may_v establish_v a_o necessity_n of_o a_o infallible_a visible_a judge_n here_o on_o earth_n to_o interpret_v scripture_n and_o decide_v all_o controversy_n yet_o i_o know_v not_o any_o of_o they_o but_o will_v own_o that_o many_o thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a but_o there_o be_v a_o late_a writer_n that_o deny_v this_o my_o next_o work_n therefore_o shall_v be_v to_o deal_v with_o he_o and_o clear_v the_o truth_n from_o his_o exception_n in_o some_o of_o the_o follow_a chapter_n of_o this_o discourse_n chap._n iu._n the_o exercitator_n exception_n against_o the_o scripture_n perspicuity_n from_o the_o ambiguity_n of_o word_n answer_v the_o belgic_a exercitator_n who_o i_o have_v oft_o mention_v before_o that_o he_o may_v make_v sure_a work_n rise_v high_a in_o deny_v the_o scripture_n perspicuity_n than_o any_o that_o i_o have_v ever_o meet_v with_o and_o with_o confidence_n affirm_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v universal_o obscure_a and_o that_o no_o part_n of_o it_o be_v of_o itself_o clear_a and_o 9_o plain_a and_o thereupon_o deny_v that_o one_o part_n of_o scripture_n can_v be_v expound_v by_o another_o yea_o this_o he_o lay_v as_o the_o foundation_n of_o his_o main_a assertion_n against_o the_o scripture_n interpret_n itself_o and_o one_o great_a reason_n he_o give_v be_v 1._o what_o he_o have_v take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o tedious_a pedantic_a pain_n to_o prove_v in_o his_o three_o chapter_n that_o all_o speech_n be_v make_v up_o of_o word_n and_o phrase_n be_v obscure_a and_o doubtful_a because_o the_o word_n whereof_o it_o consist_v be_v capable_a of_o different_a signification_n and_o consequent_o may_v be_v take_v in_o a_o various_a sense_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v universal_o ambiguous_a and_o therefore_o obscure_a to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o if_o this_o reason_n 1._o hold_v then_o there_o be_v no_o speech_n or_o write_v in_o the_o world_n but_o will_v fall_v under_o the_o same_o unhappy_a fate_n no_o law_n of_o the_o land_n no_o letter_n of_o a_o friend_n no_o oral_a discourse_n no_o treatise_n of_o whatsoever_o subject_n and_o how_o accurate_o soever_o write_v shall_v be_v account_v intelligible_a for_o all_o write_n and_o discourse_n be_v make_v up_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o word_n and_o phrase_n and_o capable_a of_o be_v adorn_v with_o the_o same_o trope_n and_o figure_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v and_o every_o whit_n as_o liable_a to_o be_v take_v in_o for_o different_a sense_n and_o thus_o no_o man_n shall_v know_v how_o to_o speak_v or_o write_v any_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v clear_o understand_v and_o that_o excellent_a gift_n of_o speech_n which_o god_n have_v bestow_v upon_o man_n to_o be_v a_o instrument_n of_o society_n and_o converse_n shall_v be_v of_o no_o other_o use_n but_o to_o be_v make_v a_o engine_n of_o deceit_n and_o treachery_n second_o if_o thing_n be_v thus_o to_o what_o 2._o end_n do_v this_o author_n trouble_v himself_o to_o write_v and_o other_o to_o read_v this_o book_n of_o he_o if_o all_o speech_n and_o write_n be_v ambiguous_a and_o obscure_a and_o not_o to_o be_v understand_v without_o a_o interpreter_n of_o what_o use_n be_v this_o jewel_n of_o his_o fancy_n do_v he_o hope_v to_o lead_v the_o whole_a world_n of_o interpreter_n out_o of_o their_o labyrinth_n into_o the_o right_a path_n by_o such_o a_o ignis_fw-la fatuus_fw-la that_o by_o its_o ambiguity_n and_o uncertainty_n may_v scare_v and_o amuse_v they_o and_o carry_v they_o hither_o and_o thither_o according_a to_o the_o wind_n of_o their_o own_o imagination_n or_o have_v he_o attain_v to_o a_o faculty_n above_o all_o other_o writer_n even_o the_o best_a and_o holy_a to_o write_v in_o such_o word_n and_o phrase_n as_o may_v open_v his_o meaning_n without_o entangle_v his_o reader_n in_o ambiguity_n if_o he_o think_v his_o book_n be_v free_a from_o this_o blemish_n methinks_v he_o may_v have_v have_v the_o modesty_n to_o conceive_v that_o the_o penman_n of_o scripture_n know_v how_o to_o write_v as_o well_o as_o he_o if_o his_o thought_n of_o his_o book_n be_v otherwise_o he_o may_v have_v keep_v it_o to_o himself_o and_o feed_v the_o moth_n with_o it_o three_o yet_o again_o if_o it_o be_v thus_o that_o all_o word_n in_o whatsoever_o contexture_n be_v 3._o so_o ambiguous_a and_o obscure_a what_o will_v become_v of_o this_o infallible_a interpreter_n which_o our_o author_n will_v set_v up_o for_o whatsoever_o interpretation_n be_v make_v of_o any_o scripture_n it_o must_v be_v frame_v in_o such_o word_n as_o other_o man_n use_v and_o as_o all_o kind_n of_o write_n be_v draw_v up_o in_o and_o if_o when_o all_o be_v do_v these_o be_v obscure_a what_o be_v we_o the_o better_a for_o certain_o according_a to_o this_o author_n argument_n even_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o most_o unquestionable_a maxim_n of_o philosophy_n when_o turn_v into_o word_n and_o sentence_n will_v be_v as_o ambiguous_a and_o consequent_o as_o dark_a as_o the_o scripture_n four_o whereas_o his_o impeach_v the_o scripture_n of_o ambiguity_n and_o obscurity_n 4._o be_v not_o only_o to_o disable_v they_o from_o expound_v themselves_o but_o that_o he_o may_v set_v up_o philosophy_n as_o the_o only_a interpreter_n he_o instance_n in_o several_a scripture_n 24._o which_o he_o say_v be_v thus_o ambiguous_a and_o obscure_a in_o the_o clear_n whereof_o philosophy_n can_v possible_o afford_v we_o any_o help_n as_o for_o example_n when_o he_o suppose_v of_o our_o saviour_n word_n in_o joh._n 5._o 39_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o it_o be_v doubtful_a whether_o this_o be_v to_o be_v take_v imperative_o search_v the_o scripture_n or_o indicative_o you_o do_v search_v the_o scripture_n can_v any_o
appendix_n concern_v internal_a illumination_n and_o other_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n etc._n etc._n chap._n i._n 1._o what_o our_o protestant_a divine_n mean_v by_o that_o illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o they_o assert_v as_o necessary_a to_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o exercitator_n censure_v of_o it_o as_o enthusiasm_n approve_v by_o wolzogen_n 2._o the_o falsehood_n of_o that_o calumny_n discover_v 3._o wolzogen_n '_o s_o disingenuity_n and_o inconstancy_n 4._o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a illumination_n prove_v 5._o in_o what_o sense_n it_o be_v supernatural_a 6._o some_o of_o the_o exercitator_n cavil_v answer_v 7._o in_o what_o sense_n this_o illumination_n be_v immediate_a in_o the_o forego_n paper_n design_v 1_o to_o clear_a and_o vindicate_v the_o protestant_a doctrine_n concern_v the_o supreme_a bull_fw-mi of_o interpret_n scripture_n i_o have_v have_v occasion_n frequent_o to_o deal_v with_o the_o belgic_a exercitator_n and_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o what_o he_o have_v say_v that_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o any_o moment_n so_o far_o as_o concern_v that_o point_n but_o whereas_o he_o be_v please_v in_o the_o procedure_n of_o his_o discourse_n to_o step_v out_o of_o his_o way_n and_o deride_o to_o oppose_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n about_o the_o spirit_n assistance_n in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n as_o savour_v of_o enthusiasm_n i_o than_o wave_v meddle_v with_o that_o part_n of_o his_o book_n think_v it_o more_o expedient_a to_o say_v something_o to_o it_o in_o a_o appendix_n by_o itself_o this_o be_v a_o question_n altogether_o distinct_a from_o that_o other_o of_o the_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n in_o the_o fourteen_o chapter_n of_o his_o oft-mentioned_n exercitation_n he_o quote_v several_a of_o our_o protestant_a author_n of_o great_a name_n and_o worth_n give_v in_o the_o word_n of_o some_o of_o they_o and_o refer_v we_o for_o other_o to_o the_o cite_a place_n the_o drift_n of_o their_o several_a discourse_n about_o this_o point_n seem_v to_o be_v that_o there_o need_v a_o effectual_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o enlighten_v man_n understanding_n and_o cause_v they_o right_o to_o apprehend_v and_o ready_o to_o approve_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n that_o their_o meaning_n may_v be_v more_o clear_o propound_v we_o must_v distinguish_v of_o a_o twofold_a understanding_n of_o scripture_n there_o be_v a_o natural_a and_o mere_o grammatical_a perception_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture-proposition_n which_o a_o man_n destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n may_v attain_v by_o common_a assistance_n in_o the_o use_n of_o ordinary_a mean_n and_o there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a apprehension_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o contain_v in_o those_o proposition_n which_o include_v in_o it_o a_o hearty_a believe_v and_o embrace_v they_o that_o be_v not_o attain_v without_o the_o sanctify_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n renew_v the_o mind_n by_o indue_a it_o with_o a_o heavenly_a supernatural_a light_n this_o i_o find_v thus_o express_v and_o illustrate_v by_o the_o late_a reverend_a bishop_n of_o norwich_n natural_a man_n say_v he_o have_v their_o principle_n 119._o vitiate_v their_o faculty_n bind_v that_o they_o can_v understand_v spiritual_a thing_n till_o god_n have_v as_o it_o be_v implant_v a_o new_a understanding_n in_o they_o frame_v the_o heart_n to_o attend_v and_o set_v it_o at_o liberty_n to_o see_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n with_o open_a face_n though_o the_o veil_n do_v not_o keep_v out_o grammatical_a construction_n yet_o it_o blind_v the_o heart_n against_o the_o spiritual_a light_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o word_n we_o see_v even_o in_o common_a science_n where_o the_o conclusion_n be_v suitable_a to_o our_o innate_a and_o implant_v notion_n yet_o he_o that_o can_v distinct_o construe_v and_o make_v grammar_n of_o a_o principle_n in_o euclid_n may_v be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o mathematical_a sense_n and_o use_v of_o it_o much_o more_o may_v a_o man_n in_o divine_a truth_n be_v spiritual_o ignorant_a even_o where_o in_o some_o respect_n he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o know_v for_o the_o scripture_n pronounce_v man_n ignorant_a of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o see_v and_o know_v in_o divine_a doctrine_n obedience_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o knowledge_n and_o holiness_n the_o best_a qualification_n to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n to_o this_o spiritual_a understanding_n there_o be_v need_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a supernatural_a light_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v understand_v our_o divine_n mean_v when_o they_o assert_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o spirit_n illumination_n thus_o speak_v the_o church_n of_o england_n scripture_n the_o revelation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n inspire_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n into_o we_o in_o truth_n we_o can_v without_o it_o attain_v true_a save_v knowledge_n yea_o of_o this_o mind_n be_v erasmus_n no_o enthusiast_n who_o thus_o speak_v sunt_fw-la he_o err_v vehement_o who_o believe_v he_o can_v ever_o attain_v to_o the_o true_a understanding_n of_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n unless_o he_o be_v inspire_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o indict_v they_o and_o again_o 2._o they_o have_v the_o book_n of_o scripture_n but_o not_o the_o scripture_n that_o want_v the_o spirit_n without_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o understand_v and_o m._n luther_n 336._o quote_v a_o speech_n of_o aben-ezra_n sine_fw-la supra_fw-la &_o infra_fw-la i._n e._n without_o point_n and_o accent_n the_o scripture_n can_v be_v understand_v add_v a_o three_o sine_fw-la intra_fw-la without_o somewhat_o within_o viz._n the_o light_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n now_o let_v we_o hear_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o exercitator_n and_o his_o pretend_a answerer_n wolzogen_n about_o this_o as_o for_o the_o former_a if_o say_v he_o the_o meaning_n of_o 1._o these_o divine_n be_v this_o that_o no_o sense_n of_o scripture_n by_o what_o way_n or_o method_n soever_o find_v out_o can_v be_v full_o certain_a to_o any_o unless_o by_o the_o natural_a light_n of_o our_o understanding_n we_o can_v clear_o and_o distinct_o perceive_v it_o and_o be_v full_o persuade_v of_o its_o truth_n and_o that_o this_o clear_a perception_n and_o the_o sense_n a_o man_n have_v of_o it_o be_v that_o inward_a persuasion_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o they_o intend_v this_o will_v be_v grant_v they_o but_o if_o they_o mean_v not_o the_o natural_a light_n of_o man_n understanding_n or_o what_o be_v build_v upon_o that_o but_o a_o supernatural_a light_n above_z and_o beyond_o man_n natural_a reason_n not_o include_v in_o the_o mind_n or_o acquire_v by_o 3._o it_o but_o infuse_v and_o inspire_v from_o above_o this_o say_v he_o we_o disclaim_v and_o condemn_v for_o enthusiasm_n this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o censure_n that_o he_o pass_v upon_o this_o doctrine_n and_o lud._n wolzogen_n who_o pretend_v to_o take_v up_o the_o buckler_n against_o he_o in_o defence_n of_o the_o protestant_a cause_n in_o stead_n of_o vindicate_v the_o forecited_a author_n and_o their_o doctrine_n join_v with_o the_o exercitator_n in_o the_o calumny_n as_o appear_v undeniable_o by_o his_o own_o word_n for_o thus_o he_o speak_v because_o 126._o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v indeed_o still_o exert_v some_o power_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n therefore_o some_o have_v believe_v that_o he_o open_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o interpret_v they_o to_o the_o faithful_a which_o opinion_n the_o exercitator_n do_v just_o decry_v and_o determine_v that_o it_o contain_v mere_a enthusiasm_n where_o he_o express_o approve_v and_o applaud_v what_o the_o exercitator_n have_v say_v against_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n charge_v they_o with_o enthusiasm_n for_o maintain_v a_o necessity_n of_o a_o supernatural_a light_n for_o a_o save_a perception_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n and_o himself_o do_v so_o frequent_o strike_v upon_o this_o string_n in_o several_a place_n of_o his_o book_n that_o he_o seem_v to_o design_n the_o blemish_v and_o defame_v of_o our_o most_o eminent_a protestant_a writer_n and_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v assert_v against_o papist_n and_o pelagian_n these_o man_n can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o 2._o the_o divine_n who_o they_o thus_o impeach_v have_v all_o along_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o like_a imputation_n from_o popish_a and_o socinian_n author_n express_o and_o vehement_o disclaim_v all_o compliance_n with_o enthusiast_n and_o that_o some_o of_o they_o have_v write_v learned_o and_o smart_o against_o that_o sort_n of_o men._n they_o utter_o disavow_v their_o expect_v any_o such_o illumination_n as_o be_v give_v to_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o do_v plain_o deliver_v their_o mind_n that_o what_o they_o assert_v do_v not_o consist_v in_o discover_v any_o new_a doctrine_n unrevealed_a in_o scripture_n but_o in_o qualify_a and_o
dispose_v the_o mind_n for_o a_o right_a understanding_n and_o receive_v that_o which_o the_o scripture_n propound_v for_o they_o suppose_v what_o the_o scripture_n plain_o affirm_v and_o what_o none_o ever_o deny_v but_o pelagius_n and_o his_o follower_n that_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o the_o fall_n be_v blind_a in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n that_o it_o can_v right_o and_o sufficient_o unto_o salvation_n discern_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n when_o present_v to_o it_o unless_o that_o inward_a blindness_n be_v remove_v that_o the_o scripture_n propound_v to_o we_o the_o truth_n we_o be_v to_o receive_v but_o the_o spirit_n dispose_v we_o to_o receive_v they_o which_o the_o reverend_a bishop_n of_o chester_n thus_o express_v 327._o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o reveal_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n general_o to_o the_o universal_a church_n viz._n by_o the_o h._n scripture_n which_o be_v give_v by_o the_o motion_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o he_o have_v say_v a_o few_o line_n before_o do_v also_o illuminate_v the_o understanding_n of_o such_o as_o believe_v that_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o truth_n for_o faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n not_o only_o in_o the_o object_n but_o also_o in_o the_o act._n and_o a_o little_a after_o conclude_v his_o discourse_n on_o this_o head_n he_o say_v thus_o we_o affirm_v not_o only_o the_o 328._o revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o also_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o be_v part_n of_o the_o office_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n against_o the_o old_a and_o new_a pelagian_n that_o subjective_a light_n whereby_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v enable_v to_o see_v divine_a truth_n this_o all_o sound_a protestant_n own_v to_o come_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n immediate_o irradiate_a the_o mind_n and_o cure_v that_o spiritual_a darkness_n that_o possess_v it_o whereby_o it_o be_v indispose_v for_o understand_v spiritual_a thing_n in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n but_o all_o the_o objective_a light_n or_o evidence_n that_o we_o have_v of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n they_o acknowledge_v to_o lie_v in_o the_o scripture_n itself_o and_o therefore_o our_o learned_a whitaker_n in_o his_o contest_v with_o the_o romish_a doctor_n make_v this_o clear_a and_o candid_a profession_n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o protestant_n internas_fw-la persuasiones_fw-la 2._o sine_fw-la externo_fw-la verbo_fw-la tanquam_fw-la satanae_n ludibria_fw-la cavemus_fw-la exit_fw-la scripture_n sapimus_fw-la cum_fw-la scripture_n sentimus_fw-la propter_fw-la scripturas_fw-la credimus_fw-la we_o shun_v internal_a persuasion_n without_o the_o external_n word_n as_o the_o delusion_n of_o satan_n we_o fetch_v our_o wisdom_n from_o the_o scripture_n we_o regulate_v our_o sentiment_n by_o the_o scripture_n we_o build_v our_o faith_n upon_o the_o scripture_n but_o wolzogen_n as_o he_o deal_v most_o disingenuous_o with_o our_o protestant_a divine_n 3_o in_o report_v their_o doctrine_n insert_v somewhat_o of_o his_o own_o that_o quite_o change_v its_o meaning_n and_o so_o render_v it_o more_o obnoxious_a to_o censure_v so_o he_o be_v very_o variable_a and_o uncertain_a in_o deliver_v his_o own_o mind_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o wind_a up_o say_v as_o much_o as_o all_o that_o come_v to_o which_o he_o together_o with_o the_o exercitator_n call_v enthusiasm_n for_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o spirit_n correct_v that_o 65._o corruption_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o hinder_v we_o from_o discern_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o that_o he_o exert_v his_o power_n about_o 253._o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o mind_n which_o he_o have_v acknowledge_v before_o to_o be_v cover_v 13._o with_o the_o darkness_n of_o a_o natural_a ignorance_n by_o enlighten_v they_o but_o then_o he_o say_v this_o be_v not_o by_o put_v any_o new_a light_n into_o our_o mind_n for_o all_o that_o shine_v in_o the_o scripture_n where_o he_o strange_o confound_v the_o objective_n and_o subjective_a light_n as_o if_o they_o be_v all_o one_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o a_o man_n see_v of_o visible_a object_n that_o there_o be_v a_o external_n light_n in_o the_o air_n but_o there_o must_v be_v a_o internal_a light_n in_o the_o eye_n and_o if_o this_o be_v lose_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o blind_a it_o must_v be_v restore_v or_o the_o man_n will_v never_o see_v though_o there_o be_v never_o so_o much_o light_n about_o he_o yet_o after_o all_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n tell_v we_o elsewhere_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n so_o powerful_o and_o efficacious_o 144._o affect_v our_o mind_n by_o enlighten_v exciting_a move_a lead_v they_o that_o the_o darkness_n of_o our_o natural_a ignorance_n be_v dissipate_v we_o may_v save_o perceive_v the_o divine_a object_n present_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o again_o he_o say_v 266._o the_o eye_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v vitiate_a the_o holy_a spirit_n restore_v its_o sight_n and_o yet_o more_o i_o grant_v say_v he_o that_o in_o this_o business_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n imprint_n a_o new_a 280._o light_n upon_o our_o mind_n if_o by_o this_o be_v mean_v that_o he_o give_v we_o as_o it_o be_v a_o new_a faculty_n of_o receive_v that_o light_n that_o shine_v in_o the_o scripture_n not_o any_o new_a light_n i._n e._n not_o any_o new_a objective_n light_n distinct_a from_o the_o scripture_n now_o true_o this_o for_o any_o thing_n i_o can_v see_v be_v that_o very_a doctrine_n of_o our_o reform_a divine_n which_o the_o exercitator_n have_v so_o bold_o charge_v with_o enthusiasm_n and_o that_o with_o this_o author_n approbation_n but_o i_o perceive_v there_o be_v some_o man_n 4._o whereof_o the_o exercitator_n be_v one_o who_o make_v account_v that_o all_o the_o darkness_n man_n be_v in_o even_o as_o to_o matter_n spiritual_a be_v only_o a_o want_n of_o such_o a_o light_n as_o shall_v discover_v the_o object_n without_o cure_v the_o faculty_n thus_o schlichtingius_n write_v against_o meisuerus_fw-la in_o defence_n of_o socinus_n say_v homo_fw-la intellectu_fw-la praeditus_fw-la in_o divinis_fw-la mysteriis_fw-la ita_fw-la caecus_fw-la est_fw-la quemadmodum_fw-la be_v qui_fw-la oculos_fw-la quidem_fw-la habet_fw-la sed_fw-la in_o tenebris_fw-la sedet_fw-la amove_v tenebras_fw-la &_o lumen_fw-la offer_fw-mi videbit_fw-la oculi_fw-la hominum_fw-la sunt_fw-la intellectus_fw-la lux_fw-la est_fw-la christi_fw-la doctrina_fw-la man_n endue_v with_o understanding_n be_v no_o otherwise_o blind_a in_o divine_a mystery_n than_o as_o he_o who_o have_v eye_n but_o sit_v in_o the_o dark_a remove_v the_o darkness_n and_o bring_v he_o a_o light_n and_o he_o will_v see_v the_o eye_n of_o a_o man_n be_v his_o understanding_n the_o light_n be_v christ_n doctrine_n to_o this_o purpose_n speak_v the_o author_n of_o a_o late_a pamphlet_n that_o when_o once_o the_o mystery_n 58._o of_o christ_n jesus_n be_v reveal_v even_o humane_a reason_n be_v able_a to_o behold_v and_o confess_v it_o not_o that_o grace_n have_v alter_v the_o eyesight_n of_o reason_n but_o that_o it_o have_v draw_v the_o object_n near_o to_o it_o but_o that_o defect_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n which_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o be_v evident_o a_o internal_a darkness_n not_o only_o a_o darkness_n about_o he_o but_o a_o darkness_n within_o he_o which_o the_o great_a external_a light_n without_o something_o else_o will_v never_o redress_v no_o more_o than_o the_o bring_n of_o a_o light_n into_o a_o dark_a room_n can_v make_v a_o blind_a man_n see_v and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o thus_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o man_n shall_v be_v count_v any_o more_o blind_a or_o ignorant_a in_o reference_n to_o matter_n of_o heaven_n and_o eternity_n than_o in_o reference_n to_o art_n and_o science_n and_o common_a trade_n which_o he_o be_v whole_o at_o a_o loss_n in_o till_o the_o principle_n of_o they_o be_v clear_o and_o distinct_o propound_v to_o he_o but_o lamentable_a experience_n make_v it_o abundant_o manifest_a that_o man_n of_o quick_a understanding_n and_o great_a proficiency_n in_o these_o matter_n yet_o remain_v as_o blind_a as_o beetle_n in_o divine_a mystery_n notwithstanding_o all_o outward_a mean_n of_o instruction_n the_o apostle_n paul_n be_v train_v up_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n at_o the_o foot_n of_o gamaliel_n and_o very_o strict_a he_o be_v in_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n according_a to_o the_o understanding_n that_o he_o have_v of_o it_o and_o yet_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v all_o that_o while_n without_o the_o law_n because_o he_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o true_a spiritual_a 9_o knowledge_n of_o it_o that_o disciplinary_a knowledge_n that_o he_o have_v from_o his_o teacher_n be_v not_o sufficient_a because_o he_o want_v the_o inward_a light_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o cure_v his_o blindness_n and_o remove_v his_o prejudices_fw-la this_o the_o apostle_n john_n call_v give_v we_o a_o understanding_n
the_o large_a portion_n shall_v know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o wide_a difference_n between_o earth_n and_o heaven_n and_o that_o they_o be_v yet_o but_o pilgrim_n and_o in_o their_o wilderness-state_n though_o he_o sometime_o give_v they_o for_o their_o encouragement_n a_o pisgah-sight_n of_o that_o heavenly_a canaan_n towards_o which_o they_o be_v pass_v but_o what_o must_v all_o the_o forementioned_a joy_n and_o refresh_a comfort_n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n speak_v of_o and_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o saint_n bear_v witness_v to_o be_v count_v no_o better_a than_o a_o juggle_n or_o a_o cheat_n the_o transport_v of_o frantic_a rapture_n or_o the_o mere_a illusion_n of_o a_o enthusiastic_a fancy_n refresh_v with_o brisk_a and_o active_a spirit_n and_o fill_v with_o warm_a and_o sprightly_a imagination_n be_v it_o such_o a_o imaginary_a comfort_n that_o david_n pray_v for_o when_o he_o say_v make_v i_o to_o 8._o hear_v joy_n and_o gladness_n that_o the_o bone_n which_o thou_o have_v break_v may_v rejoice_v and_o again_o restore_v to_o i_o the_o joy_n of_o thy_o salvation_n 12._o and_o when_o the_o psalmist_n say_v in_o the_o multitude_n of_o my_o thought_n within_o 19_o i_o thy_o comfort_n delight_v my_o soul_n and_o again_o to_o the_o upright_a there_o arise_v light_n 4._o in_o the_o darkness_n be_v this_o nothing_o but_o the_o raise_n of_o the_o blood_n and_o the_o break_n out_o of_o the_o natural_a spirit_n from_o the_o oppression_n of_o melancholic_a fume_n and_o refresh_v the_o droop_a fancy_n when_o the_o apostle_n profess_v that_o he_o be_v fill_v with_o comfort_n and_o exceed_v joyful_a in_o all_o his_o tribulation_n be_v this_o nothing_o but_o 4._o the_o effect_n of_o a_o sanguine_a complexion_n or_o the_o product_n of_o please_a phantasm_n do_v this_o make_n paul_n and_o silas_n sing_v in_o their_o chain_n or_o be_v it_o this_o that_o cheer_v the_o heart_n of_o those_o bless_a martyr_n who_o with_o so_o much_o joy_n and_o triumph_v embrace_v the_o stake_n and_o clap_v their_o half-consumed_n hand_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o flame_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o many_o instance_n that_o may_v be_v give_v both_o in_o elder_n and_o late_a time_n of_o person_n eminent_a for_o wisdom_n and_o holiness_n who_o in_o languish_a sickness_n when_o their_o body_n have_v be_v so_o waste_v and_o their_o strength_n so_o impair_v that_o they_o can_v not_o stir_v to_o feed_v or_o help_v themselves_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o nature_n be_v break_v by_o cruciate_a and_o consume_a pain_n yet_o have_v then_o feel_v those_o inward_a joy_n in_o their_o soul_n which_o they_o can_v not_o siother_n but_o as_o man_n that_o stand_v upon_o the_o threshold_n of_o glory_n and_o have_v a_o ravish_a sight_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o unconceivable_a pleasure_n of_o that_o other_o world_n have_v with_o that_o vigour_n and_o alacrity_n and_o yet_o with_o judgement_n and_o prudence_n pour_v out_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o their_o gracious_a redeemer_n that_o it_o have_v at_o once_o delight_v and_o astonish_v the_o heart_n of_o their_o intelligent_a friend_n that_o come_v to_o visit_v they_o i_o can_v think_v it_o possible_a that_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v question_v 4._o by_o any_o that_o do_v indeed_o believe_v the_o scripture_n and_o have_v feel_v the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n upon_o their_o heart_n but_o there_o be_v a_o scoptick_a generation_n of_o man_n who_o mind_n be_v so_o tincture_v with_o a_o profane_a gaiety_n that_o the_o whole_a bible_n be_v become_v to_o they_o no_o better_a than_o a_o playbook_n or_o a_o romance_n upon_o which_o they_o love_v to_o exercise_v their_o droll_a wit_n by_o put_v the_o doctrine_n and_o discourse_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n into_o a_o ridiculous_a dress_n the_o better_a to_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o scorn_n of_o infidel_n as_o if_o they_o read_v that_o sacred_a volume_n to_o no_o other_o purpose_n than_o as_o a_o late_a author_n speak_v of_o some_o 6._o to_o enable_v they_o to_o blaspheme_v god_n in_o his_o own_o stile_n i_o have_v indeed_o oft_o wonder_v what_o shall_v betray_v any_o to_o this_o fond_a and_o irrational_a conceit_n of_o resolve_v the_o agony_n of_o distress_a conscience_n and_o the_o contrary_a joy_n of_o serious_a christian_n under_o assurance_n into_o the_o different_a temperature_n of_o their_o body_n and_o the_o suitable_a work_n of_o their_o fancy_n till_o i_o meet_v with_o a_o piece_n of_o new_a divinity_n in_o a_o late_a belgic_a tractator_n and_o then_o i_o begin_v to_o suspect_v out_o of_o what_o chimney_n come_v all_o this_o smoke_n for_o this_o account_n do_v that_o gentleman_n give_v we_o of_o the_o holy_a prophet_n mention_v in_o scripture_n that_o their_o revelation_n proceed_v from_o the_o 2._o strength_n and_o height_n of_o imagination_n and_o be_v diversify_v according_a to_o the_o different_a temper_n and_o constitution_n of_o their_o body_n which_o cause_v different_a work_n in_o their_o fancy_n hence_o he_o say_v those_o prophet_n that_o be_v of_o cheerful_a and_o debonair_a complexion_n prophesy_v altogether_o of_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n victory_n over_o enemy_n and_o all_o thing_n to_o man_n heart_n content_a these_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o best_a suit_v with_o their_o imagination_n on_o the_o other_o side_n those_o prophet_n that_o be_v sad_a and_o melancholic_a or_o of_o angry_a and_o morose_a temper_n they_o altogether_o prophesy_v of_o war_n and_o bloodshed_n desolation_n and_o destruction_n these_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o their_o droop_a and_o deject_a fancy_n do_v most_o run_v upon_o according_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o whatsoever_o revelation_n the_o prophet_n receive_v they_o do_v not_o at_o all_o better_a or_o advance_v their_o understanding_n or_o beget_v in_o they_o any_o solid_a knowledge_n they_o be_v good_a honest_a man_n indeed_o but_o none_o of_o the_o wise_a for_o man_n of_o note_n for_o wisdom_n never_o be_v prophet_n that_o be_v a_o work_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o imagination_n and_o not_o to_o the_o judgement_n in_o the_o same_o chapter_n he_o undertake_v to_o give_v we_o a_o reason_n why_o josiah_n when_o he_o have_v hear_v the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n read_v in_o his_o ear_n and_o be_v thereby_o make_v apprehensive_a of_o some_o impendent_a calamity_n will_v not_o send_v to_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n though_o then_o live_a because_o forsooth_o he_o be_v a_o melancholic_a man_n and_o one_o who_o by_o his_o many_o suffering_n and_o hard_a usage_n death_n be_v grow_v weary_a of_o his_o life_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o likely_a to_o prophesy_v any_o good_a but_o he_o choose_v to_o send_v rather_o to_o the_o prophetess_n huldah_fw-mi who_o be_v a_o woman_n and_o so_o it_n seem_v according_a to_o the_o softness_n of_o that_o sex_n more_o incline_v to_o tenderness_n and_o compassion_n be_v a_o fit_a instrument_n for_o god_n to_o reveal_v his_o mercy_n by_o this_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o that_o author_n political_a atheology_n and_o true_o i_o know_v no_o kind_n of_o divinity_n if_o we_o may_v call_v any_o such_o thing_n by_o that_o name_n from_o which_o this_o conceit_n that_o we_o have_v under_o consideration_n can_v more_o fair_o be_v think_v to_o derive_v its_o original_n but_o if_o we_o must_v look_v any_o high_a for_o its_o pedigree_n i_o can_v tell_v who_o to_o father_n it_o upon_o next_o to_o the_o father_n of_o lie_n unless_o it_o be_v that_o arabian_a philosopher_n of_o great_a note_n for_o avicenna_n learning_n who_o be_v say_v to_o ascribe_v the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o primitive_a christian_n to_o the_o power_n of_o a_o exalt_a imagination_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o he_o say_v they_o have_v entertain_v a_o strong_a conceit_n of_o the_o deity_n of_o their_o master_n and_o this_o fancy_n in_o his_o apprehension_n be_v that_o which_o wrought_v such_o wonder_n in_o christ_n name_n whether_o that_o which_o heighten_v this_o pagan_n confidence_n to_o so_o bold_a and_o absurd_a a_o assertion_n be_v any_o extraordinary_a skill_n he_o have_v in_o the_o anatomy_n of_o the_o brain_n or_o the_o law_n of_o mechanism_n i_o know_v not_o but_o whatever_o ground_n he_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v i_o think_v none_o that_o hearty_o own_v the_o christian_a name_n will_v ascribe_v such_o a_o ridiculous_a persuasion_n to_o the_o depth_n of_o his_o philosophy_n but_o to_o the_o height_n of_o his_o infidelity_n chap._n iii_o 1._o regular_a zeal_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n justify_v 2._o and_o vindicate_v from_o the_o charge_n of_o enthusiasm_n 3._o madness_n 4._o dissimulation_n and_o place_v the_o whole_a of_o religion_n in_o such_o fervor_n 5._o and_o of_o aim_v at_o ill_a end_n i_o come_v now_o in_o the_o last_o place_n to_o speak_v something_o of_o the_o prejudices_fw-la take_v 1_o at_o those_o fervor_n that_o appear_v in_o some_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n break_v forth_o
foolishness_n before_o he_o know_v they_o this_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v a_o true_a philosopher_n be_v a_o chimaera_n for_o it_o seem_v he_o be_v one_o who_o never_o determine_v of_o any_o thing_n till_o he_o clear_o perceive_v what_o it_o be_v and_o then_o what_o he_o determine_v be_v undoubted_o true_a whence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o every_o true_a philosopher_n be_v infallible_a and_o where_o be_v such_o a_o one_o ever_o yet_o to_o be_v find_v certain_a it_o be_v that_o the_o most_o eminent_a philosopher_n not_o inferior_a in_o their_o natural_a learning_n to_o this_o exercitator_n or_o any_o of_o his_o companion_n do_v in_o the_o first_o break_v out_o of_o the_o gospel_n make_v a_o mock_n of_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n thus_o do_v the_o philosopher_n at_o athens_n when_o they_o hear_v st._n paul_n and_o thus_o do_v porphyry_n celsus_n and_o other_o after_o the_o apostle_n day_n three_o when_o this_o author_n will_v have_v no_o more_o mean_v here_o by_o thing_n spiritual_a but_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o rational_a soul_n which_o be_v a_o spirit_n he_o be_v gross_o over-seen_a to_o speak_v no_o worse_o for_o the_o apostle_n word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o certain_o be_v not_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o when_o the_o apostle_n judas_n describe_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sensual_a or_o natural_a by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v not_o the_o spirit_n sure_o he_o do_v not_o mean_a they_o have_v no_o rational_a soul_n but_o that_o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o regenerate_a spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o of_o this_o spirit_n the_o apostle_n paul_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o place_n under_o present_a consideration_n the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o his_o discourse_n from_o vers_fw-la 9_o to_o 15._o do_v undeniable_o manifest_a if_o at_o least_o by_o this_o gentleman_n good_a leave_n the_o scripture_n may_v be_v allow_v to_o interpret_v itself_o the_o woeful_a ignorance_n and_o perverseness_n concern_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n that_o 3._o discover_v itself_o in_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a civilise_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o such_o as_o have_v improve_v their_o natural_a light_n to_o as_o high_a a_o pitch_n as_o any_o other_o we_o can_v read_v of_o be_v a_o abundant_a evidence_n of_o what_o i_o assert_v concern_v the_o darkness_n and_o pravity_n of_o man_n reason_n they_o become_v as_o the_o apostle_n say_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n and_o their_o foolish_a heart_n be_v darken_v profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v wise_a they_o become_v fool_n rom._n 1._o 21_o 22._o they_o acknowledge_v a_o deity_n and_o that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v but_o in_o the_o manner_n and_o way_n of_o worship_n how_o woeful_o be_v they_o mistake_v yea_o those_o time_n and_o place_n that_o be_v best_o cultivate_v and_o that_o flourish_v most_o in_o all_o humane_a learning_n be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o sottish_a in_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n give_v religious_a adoration_n to_o brute_n creature_n to_o dumb_a picture_n to_o disease_n and_o humane_a passion_n yea_o to_o hellish_a fury_n and_o whereas_o some_o that_o be_v more_o sagacious_a than_o the_o rest_n as_o socrates_n cicero_n and_o such_o like_a see_v enough_o to_o condemn_v that_o way_n of_o religion_n that_o be_v then_o in_o use_n observe_v the_o rite_n in_o fashion_n tanquam_fw-la legibus_fw-la jussa_fw-la non_fw-la tanquam_fw-la diis_fw-la grata_fw-la as_o st._n 10._o aug._n observe_v out_o of_o seneca_n yet_o when_o they_o come_v to_o inquire_v and_o determine_v of_o the_o true_a religion_n they_o be_v confess_o at_o a_o loss_n and_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o can_v better_o cry_v down_o the_o wrong_n than_o find_v out_o the_o right_n they_o have_v what_o be_v indelible_o plant_v in_o all_o man_n a_o desire_n of_o happiness_n but_o they_o be_v miserable_o bewilder_v in_o their_o search_n after_o it_o and_o whereas_o they_o be_v some_o of_o they_o sensible_a of_o a_o dreadful_a blow_n that_o man_n nature_n have_v receive_v discern_v a_o combat_n in_o themselves_o between_o their_o reason_n and_o their_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o see_v the_o world_n general_o overrun_v with_o wickedness_n and_o consequent_o vex_v with_o a_o continual_a succession_n of_o calamity_n yet_o as_o they_o can_v never_o by_o nature_n light_n find_v out_o the_o source_n and_o spring_n of_o all_o this_o and_o what_o it_o be_v that_o first_o bring_v sin_n and_o sorrow_n upon_o mankind_n so_o in_o vain_a do_v they_o weary_v themselves_o in_o invent_v way_n of_o reconcile_a themselves_o to_o god_n and_o procure_v his_o favour_n who_o they_o see_v to_o be_v displease_v and_o of_o cure_v the_o malady_n of_o their_o disorder_a and_o discompose_v nature_n in_o both_o which_o they_o take_v such_o strange_a and_o horrid_a course_n as_o do_v but_o increase_v the_o evil_n they_o lie_v under_o and_o exceed_o multiply_v their_o own_o guilt_n now_o it_o be_v thus_o how_o can_v the_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n be_v a_o safe_a rule_n whereby_o to_o interpret_v the_o holy_a scripture_n chap._n iii_o 1._o several_a exception_n against_o the_o forego_n argument_n remove_v viz._n that_o this_o hold_v only_o where_o the_o scripture_n be_v unknown_a 2._o that_o it_o strike_v not_o at_o right_a reason_n and_o sound_v principle_n 3._o that_o reason_n be_v of_o god_n and_o that_o truth_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o truth_n to_o this_o argument_n all_o the_o reply_n 1._o that_o i_o can_v conceive_v will_v be_v make_v may_v be_v reduce_v to_o a_o few_o particular_n which_o i_o shall_v brief_o dispatch_v it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o this_o argument_n hold_v of_o man_n reason_n while_o 1._o he_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o write_a word_n but_o reach_v not_o they_o who_o have_v the_o scripture_n to_o enlighten_v they_o to_o pass_v by_o other_o answer_n that_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o sol._n say_v this_o exception_n yield_v the_o cause_n for_o it_o suppose_v man_n reason_n unable_a to_o discover_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n without_o scripture_n light_n and_o if_o so_o than_o whatsoever_o reveal_v truth_n be_v more_o dark_o deliver_v in_o any_o one_o part_n of_o scripture_n must_v receive_v light_n from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o somewhere_o else_o where_o it_o speak_v more_o plain_o without_o which_o man_n reason_n notwithstanding_o the_o best_a natural_a principle_n to_o assist_v it_o will_v leave_v he_o at_o a_o loss_n consequent_o it_o be_v not_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n that_o must_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n but_o the_o scripture_n itself_o as_o shall_v be_v show_v hereafter_o but_o say_v some_o when_o we_o say_v reason_n 2._o by_o its_o principle_n be_v to_o interpret_v scripture_n we_o mean_v it_o of_o right_a reason_n 2._o proceed_v upon_o sound_a principle_n and_o not_o of_o reason_n deprave_v and_o principle_n corrupt_v i_o answer_v these_o be_v smooth_a word_n but_o what_o do_v they_o signify_v there_o be_v sol._n some_o colour_n for_o this_o reply_n if_o uncorrupt_a reason_n either_o in_o the_o faculty_n or_o the_o principle_n be_v infallible_o to_o be_v find_v the_o exception_n speak_v of_o reason_n abstract_o and_o in_o the_o idea_n suppose_v it_o free_v from_o all_o those_o depravation_n and_o entanglement_n that_o have_v captive_v and_o debase_v it_o whereas_o we_o be_v speak_v of_o reason_n as_o it_o be_v in_o man_n who_o be_v to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o and_o we_o know_v what_o be_v say_v of_o man_n gen._n 6._o 5._o god_n see_v that_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n be_v great_a in_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o every_o imagination_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v only_o evil_a continual_o every_o man_n be_v thus_o deprave_a from_o his_o birth_n so_o that_o we_o have_v all_o need_n of_o renew_v in_o our_o high_a faculty_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n eph._n 4._o 23._o and_o this_o original_a depravation_n be_v increase_v by_o a_o far_o contract_v malignity_n through_o vicious_a habit_n and_o deceitfulness_n of_o sinful_a lust_n in_o the_o most_o it_o remain_v whole_o thus_o and_o in_o the_o best_a in_o this_o life_n it_o be_v but_o in_o part_n renew_v and_o therefore_o in_o danger_n to_o mistake_v and_o that_o gross_o in_o thing_n spiritual_a when_o it_o go_v to_o work_v only_o by_o its_o own_o natural_a principle_n and_o whereas_o it_o may_v be_v think_v or_o say_v there_o be_v no_o danger_n so_o long_o as_o reason_n perform_v it_o work_v aright_o i_o reply_v how_o shall_v that_o be_v know_v by_o what_o rule_n shall_v we_o examine_v and_o find_v out_o when_o reason_n pass_v a_o right_a judgement_n or_o how_o shall_v the_o principle_n that_o reason_n pretend_v to_o use_v in_o matter_n of_o revelation_n be_v try_v
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
cause_n it_o may_v not_o unfit_o be_v call_v the_o persuasion_n dictate_v testimony_n inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n which_o divine_v common_o but_o mistake_o ascribe_v to_o that_o which_o they_o call_v supernatural_a light_n out_o of_o their_o low_a esteem_n of_o reason_n and_o that_o natural_a light_n that_o be_v in_o every_o man._n this_o i_o confess_v the_o author_n do_v not_o sol._n make_v use_n of_o among_o the_o argument_n that_o he_o produce_v to_o defend_v his_o cause_n yet_o because_o it_o tend_v to_o beget_v a_o conceit_n according_a to_o the_o drift_n of_o his_o discourse_n that_o what_o man_n apprehend_v themselves_o to_o have_v a_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o by_o reason_n or_o philosophy_n be_v infallible_o certain_a and_o thereby_o qualify_v for_o the_o sure_a interpret_n of_o scripture_n i_o think_v fit_a not_o to_o pass_v it_o over_o without_o some_o animadversion_n this_o assertion_n be_v a_o piece_n of_o wild_a somewhat_o for_o whether_o i_o 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divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n and_o such_o like_a touch_v which_o i_o grant_v we_o must_v have_v a_o clear_a perception_n that_o they_o be_v reveal_v ere_o we_o can_v believe_v they_o but_o a_o clear_a perception_n of_o the_o reveal_v object_n themselves_o we_o can_v have_v they_o be_v to_o we_o incomprehensible_a mystery_n upon_o which_o ground_n both_o these_o and_o sundry_a other_o scripture-doctrine_n be_v by_o some_o reject_v as_o unintelligible_a and_o irrational_a but_o here_o des_fw-mi cartes_n acquit_v himself_o for_o he_o somewhere_o give_v his_o reader_n this_o caution_n that_o we_o shall_v remember_v 24._o god_n the_o maker_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v infinite_a and_o ourselves_o finite_a and_o therefore_o if_o he_o reveal_v any_o thing_n to_o we_o of_o himself_o or_o other_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o natural_a wit_n such_o as_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n and_o the_o trinity_n we_o must_v not_o deny_v they_o credit_n 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which_o the_o word_n offer_n may_v be_v plain_a and_o easy_a when_o the_o sense_n that_o the_o author_n intend_v by_o they_o which_o be_v a_o clean_a other_o thing_n be_v very_o dark_a and_o obscure_a and_o so_o confident_a be_v the_o gentleman_n in_o this_o conceit_n that_o he_o supercilious_o slight_v expositor_n of_o scripture_n for_o not_o mind_v this_o distinction_n 7._o and_o for_o want_n hereof_o take_v oft_o time_n the_o simple_a sense_n for_o the_o true_a one_o to_o make_v this_o wild_a and_o senseless_a distinon_n good_a he_o instance_v in_o several_a passage_n of_o scripture_n wherein_o he_o will_v make_v we_o believe_v this_o twofold_n sense_n be_v to_o be_v find_v i_o shall_v therefore_o before_o i_o proceed_v endeavour_v to_o clear_v those_o passage_n or_o the_o principal_a of_o they_o sect._n 2._o one_o instance_n he_o give_v be_v of_o those_o 4._o expression_n in_o scripture_n the_o arm_n and_o finger_n of_o god_n the_o simple_a sense_n of_o which_o word_n and_o that_o which_o they_o do_v of_o themselves_o offer_v to_o the_o reader_n he_o say_v be_v very_o obvious_a be_v know_v by_o common_a use_n but_o â—he_n think_v no_o divine_a so_o void_a of_o wit_n as_o to_o take_v that_o obvious_a sense_n for_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o author_n by_o this_o it_o appear_v this_o gentleman_n sol._n conceive_v that_o the_o sense_n which_o those_o word_n of_o themselves_o offer_v be_v proper_a without_o any_o trope_n or_o figure_n as_o if_o god_n have_v a_o bodily_a arm_n or_o finger_n as_o a_o man_n have_v but_o by_o his_o favour_n he_o be_v great_o out_o the_o arm_n and_o finger_n of_o god_n according_a to_o common_a acceptation_n with_o any_o that_o be_v verse_v in_o the_o scripture_n have_v no_o other_o than_o a_o improper_a sense_n nor_o do_v they_o signify_v any_o more_o than_o the_o power_n of_o god_n though_o the_o word_n arm_v or_o finger_n either_o single_o take_v or_o apply_v to_o man_n signify_v somewhat_o else_o according_a to_o that_o know_a 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which_o the_o word_n of_o themselves_o offer_v to_o the_o reader_n be_v that_o which_o the_o romish_a church_n take_v they_o in_o but_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o speak_v they_o which_o he_o grant_v to_o be_v that_o which_o the_o reform_a church_n give_v of_o they_o this_o he_o say_v be_v dark_a and_o obscure_a but_o i_o suppose_v he_o can_v be_v ignorant_a sol._n that_o there_o be_v considerable_a doctor_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n eminent_a for_o learning_n who_o have_v acknowledge_v that_o they_o shall_v never_o have_v entertain_v that_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n which_o assert_n transubstantiation_n if_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n have_v not_o move_v they_o and_o our_o writer_n have_v abundant_o manifest_v the_o gross_a absurdity_n of_o that_o sense_n and_o among_o other_o dr._n brevint_n in_o his_o late_a excellent_a discourse_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o romish_a mass_n have_v clear_o and_o to_o great_a satisfaction_n prove_v the_o protestant_a sense_n of_o that_o speech_n of_o our_o saviour_n from_o the_o very_a word_n themselves_o i_o can_v well_o understand_v by_o this_o author_n discourse_n of_o what_o settle_a persuasion_n he_o be_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n he_o now_o and_o then_o insinuate_v something_o that_o carry_v with_o it_o a_o dislike_n of_o the_o romanist_n and_o their_o way_n but_o it_o be_v plain_a enough_o by_o this_o and_o many_o other_o passage_n in_o his_o book_n that_o the_o reform_a church_n be_v little_o befriend_v by_o he_o last_o he_o instance_n in_o those_o scripture_n 5._o where_o god_n be_v say_v to_o be_v lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o king_n of_o nation_n and_o king_n of_o king_n and_o where_o he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v beget_v a_o son_n psal._n 2._o and_o to_o have_v love_v the_o world_n joh._n 3._o 16._o in_o all_o which_o he_o say_v the_o obvious_a but_o mistake_v sense_n and_o that_o which_o the_o vulgar_a apprehend_v be_v that_o god_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n be_v a_o lord_n and_o king_n and_o do_v beget_v and_o love_v which_o he_o esteem_v to_o be_v gross_o absurd_a to_o these_o i_o answer_v distinct_o 1._o as_o for_o the_o place_n where_o god_n be_v 1._o call_v lord_n and_o king_n and_o say_v to_o reign_v over_o the_o nation_n with_o all_o of_o like_a import_n in_o these_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o what_o we_o find_v elsewhere_o in_o scripture_n to_o remove_v from_o god_n whatever_o savour_v of_o imperfection_n and_o to_o ascribe_v nothing_o to_o he_o but_o what_o suit_v with_o a_o most_o excellent_a and_o most_o perfect_a be_v nor_o do_v the_o aforesaid_a expression_n in_o their_o plain_a and_o obvious_a sense_n signify_v either_o more_o or_o less_o than_o that_o god_n be_v the_o universal_a sovereign_n of_o the_o world_n rule_v his_o creature_n with_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o power_n according_a to_o their_o different_a nature_n and_o condition_n the_o inferior_a sort_n by_o instinct_n and_o natural_a necessity_n his_o intellectual_a creature_n by_o law_n as_o the_o proper_a instrument_n of_o moral_a government_n and_o what_o the_o exercitator_n sentiment_n be_v about_o this_o i_o can_v conjecture_v if_o he_o be_v for_o that_o novel_a opinion_n of_o thomas_n anglus_fw-la ab_fw-la albis_n that_o god_n do_v not_o proper_o govern_v we_o by_o law_n as_o king_n do_v their_o kingdom_n but_o as_o a_o engineer_n do_v his_o engine_n by_o physical_a motion_n and_o that_o therefore_o he_o be_v call_v our_o lord_n and_o king_n only_o in_o a_o metaphorical_a sense_n i_o must_v enter_v a_o dissent_n against_o such_o a_o absurd_a and_o atheistical_a conceit_n and_o put_v he_o to_o prove_v his_o assertion_n and_o answer_v the_o argument_n that_o be_v in_o print_n against_o it_o 2._o as_o for_o the_o second_o of_o beget_v a_o son_n psal_n 2._o 7._o interpreter_n do_v much_o 〈◊〉_d differ_v about_o it_o some_o conceive_v the_o first_o and_o immediate_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n to_o respect_n david_n who_o god_n have_v deliver_v out_o of_o his_o great_a affliction_n and_o raise_v to_o a_o kingdom_n which_o deliverance_n and_o exaltation_n be_v to_o he_o as_o a_o second_o birth_n and_o this_o they_o illustrate_v by_o what_o be_v say_v of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n that_o they_o have_v two_o birth-day_n the_o one_o of_o their_o person_n when_o they_o come_v into_o the_o world_n the_o other_o of_o their_o empire_n when_o they_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o throne_n and_o that_o christ_n be_v here_o intend_a only_o as_o the_o antitype_n prefigure_v by_o david_n other_o understand_v these_o word_n proper_o and_o immediate_o of_o christ_n and_o that_o with_o respect_n to_o one_o of_o these_o two_o either_o 1._o to_o his_o eternal_a generation_n in_o reference_n to_o which_o he_o be_v call_v the_o eternal_a and_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o generation_n we_o
be_v upon_o scripture-testimony_n to_o receive_v without_o search_v into_o the_o manner_n it_o be_v a_o mystery_n infinite_o above_o our_o reach_n which_o therefore_o he_o that_o will_v bold_o intrude_v into_o may_v just_o fear_v to_o be_v overwhelm_v with_o its_o glory_n or_o 2._o to_o the_o temporal_a manifestation_n of_o that_o eternal_a generation_n a_o thing_n be_v then_o say_v to_o be_v do_v when_o it_o be_v manifest_v to_o be_v do_v and_o so_o the_o word_n be_v apply_v by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n to_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n 33_o whereby_o as_o the_o same_o apostle_n say_v elsewhere_o he_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o 4._o son_n of_o god_n with_o power_n though_o i_o know_v there_o be_v who_o understand_v those_o word_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n immediate_o and_o in_o itself_o partly_o because_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o second_o birth_n to_o the_o humane_a nature_n partly_o because_o it_o be_v as_o they_o conceive_v the_o beginning_n of_o his_o instalment_n into_o his_o regal_a office_n which_o may_v be_v call_v his_o birth_n by_o analogy_n to_o what_o be_v say_v before_o concern_v the_o roman_a emperor_n i_o shall_v not_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o determine_v which_o of_o these_o way_n of_o explication_n be_v to_o be_v adhere_v to_o but_o be_v it_o what_o it_o will_v this_o i_o need_v not_o be_v afraid_a to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v scripture_n if_o any_o thing_n that_o must_v clear_v the_o difficulty_n and_o decide_v the_o difference_n it_o be_v not_o philosophy_n in_o its_o high_a exaltation_n that_o can_v be_v a_o sufficient_a rule_n to_o resolve_v we_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n be_v so_o whole_o foreign_a to_o the_o best_a and_o clear_a natural_a light_n 3._o then_o for_o the_o last_o instance_n joh._n 3._o 16._o where_o god_n be_v say_v to_o love_v the_o 3._o world_n though_o in_o this_o as_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n we_o be_v not_o to_o measure_v god_n by_o ourselves_o yet_o this_o be_v undoubted_a that_o by_o god_n love_n to_o mankind_n be_v every_o where_o plain_o and_o clear_o mean_v his_o will_n to_o do_v they_o good_a discover_v itself_o in_o answerable_a effect_n and_o the_o complacency_n that_o he_o take_v in_o the_o good_a that_o he_o do_v for_o they_o or_o work_n in_o they_o nor_o do_v i_o think_v that_o any_o man_n who_o heedful_o read_v the_o scripture_n can_v take_v it_o otherwise_o and_o this_o be_v no_o way_n unbecoming_a the_o divine_a perfection_n but_o full_o agree_v to_o his_o nature_n and_o the_o manifestation_n that_o he_o have_v make_v of_o himself_o both_o by_o natural_a and_o supernatural_a light_n now_o as_o to_o this_o distinction_n which_o the_o 6._o exercitator_n so_o much_o applaud_v condemn_v all_o other_o that_o be_v not_o as_o fond_a of_o it_o as_o himself_o i_o find_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o reject_v it_o and_o do_v affirm_v that_o the_o word_n and_o sentence_n of_o scripture_n take_v in_o such_o a_o coherence_n among_o themselves_o and_o connexion_n with_o the_o whole_a and_o otherwise_o than_o thus_o they_o have_v no_o sense_n that_o be_v proper_o they_o do_v exhibit_v to_o the_o reader_n no_o other_o sense_n than_o what_o be_v indeed_o the_o author_n meaning_n be_v write_v for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o signify_v his_o mind_n for_o our_o safe_a guidance_n to_o blessedness_n and_o to_o think_v that_o they_o have_v any_o other_o sense_n than_o what_o be_v indeed_o the_o truemind_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o author_n be_v â—o_o charge_v the_o holy_a scripture_n with_o the_o vile_a imposture_n what_o 21._o will_v we_o think_v of_o that_o man_n that_o shall_v either_o speâ—k_v or_o write_v so_o as_o that_o his_o word_n shall_v carry_v one_o meaning_n and_o himself_o intend_v another_o will_v he_o not_o be_v judge_v a_o deceiver_n and_o shall_v we_o dare_v to_o fasten_v such_o a_o piece_n of_o hypocrisy_n upon_o the_o holy_a god_n and_o that_o in_o a_o business_n wherein_o man_n everlasting_a happiness_n be_v concern_v what_o thought_n have_v these_o man_n of_o god_n who_o can_v talk_v thus_o of_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v his_o acknowledge_a word_n but_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v before_o i_o leave_v this_o matter_n whether_o our_o author_n do_v not_o by_o this_o distinction_n contradict_v himself_o for_o 1._o when_o he_o be_v in_o preparation_n designantur_fw-la to_o his_o future_a discourse_n explain_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o the_o material_a object_n of_o interpretation_n he_o plain_o assert_n that_o word_n be_v first_o and_o immediate_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o inward_a conception_n of_o the_o mind_n â—and_v because_o those_o conception_n be_v representation_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o understanding_n hence_o the_o word_n that_o declare_v those_o conception_n be_v use_v to_o signify_v and_o denote_v thing_n now_o if_o so_o how_o come_v it_o about_o that_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n can_v have_v a_o different_a sense_n from_o what_o the_o author_n intend_v see_v as_o the_o exercitator_n acknowledge_v they_o be_v sign_n or_o note_n of_o the_o conception_n of_o his_o mind_n 2._o this_o same_o author_n when_o he_o be_v prove_v a_o multiplicity_n of_o true_a sense_n in_o the_o same_o text_n of_o scripture_n and_o that_o 8._o whatsoever_o interpretation_n be_v they_o never_o so_o many_o and_o various_a be_v give_v if_o they_o be_v truth_n in_o themselves_o they_o be_v also_o the_o true_a exposition_n of_o that_o place_n use_v this_o argument_n that_o else_o god_n will_v be_v chargeable_a with_o deceive_a man_n by_o use_v such_o word_n as_o he_o know_v man_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o take_v in_o such_o different_a sense_n as_o he_o never_o mean_v this_o the_o author_n reject_v with_o abhorrence_n as_o not_o agree_v with_o the_o divine_a perfection_n how_o well_o he_o agree_v with_o himself_o and_o how_o this_o may_v be_v reconcile_v with_o the_o forementioned_a conceit_n of_o such_o a_o twofold_a sense_n as_o we_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o the_o simple_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o speaker_n let_v the_o reader_n judge_n chap._n viii_o 1._o a_o five_o exception_n that_o the_o plain_a scripture_n may_v be_v wrest_v 2._o a_o six_o from_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o commentary_n and_o exposition_n remove_v in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o will_v be_v say_v 5._o that_o the_o plain_a scripture_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v wrest_v and_o pervert_v by_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n therefore_o they_o be_v not_o perspicuous_a enough_o to_o interpret_v themselves_o suppose_v what_o be_v indeed_o too_o true_a and_o sufficient_o make_v good_a by_o our_o adversary_n sol._n in_o this_o cause_n that_o the_o plain_a scripture_n may_v be_v pervert_v so_o may_v the_o best_a and_o true_a principle_n of_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n nor_o can_v any_o man_n devise_v how_o to_o speak_v or_o write_v so_o but_o a_o wicked_a and_o malicious_a wit_n may_v put_v a_o absurd_a or_o horrid_a sense_n upon_o the_o most_o innocent_a word_n and_o of_o this_o i_o think_v we_o have_v instance_n enough_o every_o day_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o sense_n which_o the_o word_n and_o sentence_n of_o scripture_n in_o such_o a_o contexture_n and_o with_o reference_n to_o and_o dependence_n upon_o the_o antecedent_n and_o consequent_n and_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o author_n discourse_n do_v offer_v to_o the_o reader_n that_o the_o scripture_n thus_o consider_v be_v of_o itself_o liable_a to_o such_o ambiguous_a sense_n be_v a_o profane_a and_o senseless_a calumny_n bring_v that_o holy_a volume_n under_o the_o same_o condemnation_n with_o the_o devil_n oracle_n that_o be_v purposely_o contrive_v by_o that_o great_a enemy_n of_o mankind_n to_o cheat_v and_o abuse_v the_o pagan_a world_n but_o may_v some_o say_v do_v not_o many_o object_n take_v the_o word_n of_o scripture_n in_o a_o far_o different_a sense_n from_o what_o the_o author_n of_o scripture_n intend_v no_o doubt_v they_o do_v what_o then_o sol._n that_o be_v not_o because_o the_o word_n give_v they_o that_o sense_n but_o because_o they_o impose_v that_o sense_n upon_o the_o word_n to_o make_v they_o comply_v with_o their_o own_o apprehension_n in_o the_o six_o place_n the_o exercitator_n 1._o argue_v against_o the_o perspicuity_n of_o the_o scripture_n from_o the_o multitude_n of_o commentary_n animadversion_n interpretation_n for_o he_o love_v to_o heap_v up_o word_n write_v by_o learned_a man_n upon_o the_o whole_a scripture_n or_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o whence_o he_o conclude_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n unquestionable_a that_o the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a so_o obscure_a that_o it_o can_v interpret_v its_o own_o sense_n i_o answer_v that_o there_o be_v some_o difficulty_n sol._n in_o scripture_n that_o may_v exercise_v yea_o and_o exceed_v the_o able_a wit_n and_o that_o many_o thing_n in_o it_o may_v be_v obscure_a to_o the_o reader_n for_o want_v of_o use_v the_o
yet_o accomplish_v will_v be_v make_v clear_a by_o the_o event_n when_o they_o come_v to_o be_v fulfil_v if_o there_o be_v any_o difficulty_n in_o any_o one_o 3._o part_n of_o scripture_n which_o can_v be_v clear_v from_o some_o other_o by_o the_o best_a inquiry_n we_o can_v make_v it_o will_v be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o attempt_v the_o find_n of_o it_o out_o any_o other_o way_n but_o we_o must_v be_v in_o such_o case_n content_a to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o their_o meaning_n nor_o yet_o will_v those_o scripture_n be_v utter_o useless_a or_o in_o vain_a to_o we_o if_o from_o their_o obscurity_n we_o can_v learn_v this_o needful_a lesson_n the_o more_o reverent_o to_o adore_v the_o majesty_n of_o the_o write_a word_n and_o more_o humble_o to_o acknowledge_v our_o own_o ignorance_n and_o weakness_n and_o to_o this_o may_v be_v refer_v what_o be_v object_v about_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d where_o the_o sense_n be_v not_o obvious_a yet_o again_o it_o be_v object_v if_o the_o scripture_n be_v its_o own_o sufficient_a interpreter_n 8._o what_o mean_v those_o many_o rule_n that_o divine_n give_v for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o scripture_n if_o the_o scripture_n itself_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o all_o these_o thus_o the_o exercitator_n who_o make_v a_o particular_a enumeration_n of_o several_a rule_n that_o be_v give_v by_o st._n austin_n and_o other_o to_o this_o childish_a cavil_v which_o the_o author_n bring_v in_o by_o the_o by_o i_o answer_v whatsoever_o rule_n be_v give_v by_o divine_n for_o the_o right_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n such_o as_o be_v sound_a and_o good_a be_v only_o to_o direct_v the_o reader_n how_o with_o most_o ease_n and_o great_a certainty_n to_o fetch_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o those_o rule_n therefore_o be_v but_o subordinate_a and_o ministerial_a do_v no_o way_n contradict_v or_o overthrow_v this_o which_o be_v the_o supreme_a and_o autocratorical_a suppose_v a_o master-workman_n have_v a_o building_n to_o frame_v employ_v some_o under_o he_o who_o be_v as_o yet_o raw_a and_o unskilful_a till_o they_o have_v get_v some_o insight_n into_o the_o carpenter_n or_o mason_n art_n when_o he_o show_v they_o as_o they_o must_v have_v a_o learning_n how_o to_o use_v the_o square_n or_o the_o rule_n or_o the_o plumb-line_n sure_o his_o direction_n that_o he_o give_v they_o do_v not_o at_o all_o argue_v the_o uselessness_n or_o insufficiency_n of_o those_o instrument_n for_o the_o purpose_n to_o which_o they_o be_v design_v but_o rather_o the_o contrary_n so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o present_a case_n those_o inferior_a and_o subservient_fw-fr rule_n that_o be_v prescribe_v by_o any_o for_o the_o expound_v of_o scripture_n be_v design_v and_o direct_v if_o they_o be_v such_o as_o they_o shall_v be_v to_o teach_v man_n how_o to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o supreme_a rule_n the_o scripture_n itself_o for_o the_o better_a find_v out_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o it_o have_v confirm_v my_o proposition_n vindicate_v my_o argument_n for_o it_o and_o answer_v the_o objection_n against_o it_o it_o be_v time_n for_o i_o to_o draw_v to_o a_o conclusion_n as_o for_o the_o exercitator_n with_o who_o i_o have_v most_o deal_v in_o this_o controversy_n when_o i_o weigh_v his_o argument_n i_o can_v but_o wonder_v at_o his_o confidence_n but_o he_o who_o have_v no_o better_a weapon_n must_v fight_v with_o a_o bulrush_n and_o it_o be_v now_o become_v the_o mode_n of_o polemic_a writer_n that_o have_v prurient_a wit_n to_o sharpen_v their_o dull_a argument_n with_o high_a confidence_n in_o themselves_o and_o a_o proud_a contempt_n of_o their_o antagonist_n in_o both_o which_o this_o author_n excel_v but_o it_o be_v such_o a_o excellency_n for_o which_o no_o wise_a or_o sober_a man_n will_v envy_v he_o the_o conclusion_n the_o author_n who_o i_o have_v chief_o and_o design_o deal_v with_o hitherto_o have_v engage_v himself_o in_o a_o contest_v with_o the_o whole_a world_n of_o christian_a writer_n especial_o with_o the_o expositor_n of_o scripture_n and_o have_v in_o his_o own_o apprehension_n win_v the_o day_n come_v in_o his_o epilogue_n to_o make_v preparation_n for_o his_o triumph_n bring_v forth_o his_o spoil_n and_o tell_v we_o how_o great_o he_o have_v bless_v the_o world_n with_o his_o exploit_n and_o lest_o we_o shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o our_o happiness_n acquire_v by_o his_o victorious_a arm_n he_o set_v it_o out_o in_o six_o considerable_a point_n 1._o he_o tell_v we_o this_o new_a way_n of_o interpretation_n be_v sure_a and_o infallible_a will_n if_o it_o be_v take_v forthwith_o banish_v all_o dispute_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o thereby_o restore_v peace_n to_o the_o christian_a world_n but_o i_o wonder_v how_o this_o shall_v be_v effect_v by_o philosophy_n which_o be_v itself_o so_o full_a of_o dispute_n and_o the_o professor_n whereof_o be_v at_o such_o variance_n among_o themselves_o let_v they_o first_o reconcile_v their_o own_o difference_n before_o they_o undertake_v so_o great_a a_o enterprise_n elsewhere_o 2._o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a ease_n to_o the_o interpreter_n because_o whatever_o sense_n he_o can_v make_v of_o any_o part_n of_o scripture_n if_o philosophy_n allow_v it_o for_o a_o truth_n he_o may_v be_v sure_a it_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o that_o text_n this_o way_n allow_v a_o plurality_n of_o immediate_a sense_n in_o the_o same_o scripture_n and_o where_o it_o be_v thus_o it_o be_v easy_a say_v he_o to_o find_v the_o true_a meaning_n than_o where_o according_a to_o the_o protestant_n opinion_n the_o sense_n be_v but_o one_o and_o yet_o sure_a when_o we_o speak_v of_o inquire_v after_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n we_o mean_v the_o whole_a sense_n not_o part_n of_o it_o only_o and_o if_o many_o sense_n may_v be_v more_o easy_o find_v out_o than_o one_o than_o perhaps_o our_o author_n may_v find_v it_o a_o easy_a thing_n to_o 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