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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n hear_v speak_v word_n 7,138 5 4.4441 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A66556 The Scriptures genuine interpreter asserted, or, A discourse concerning the right interpretation of Scripture wherein a late exercitation, intituled, Philosophia S. scripturæ interpres, is examin'd, and the Protestant doctrine in that point vindicated : with some reflections on another discourse of L.W. written in answer to the said exercitation : to which is added, An appendix concerning internal illumination, and other operations of the Holy Spirit upon the soul of man, justifying the doctrine of Protestants, and the practice of serious Christians, against the charge of ethusiasm, and other unjust criminations / by John Wilson ... Wilson, John, 17th cent. 1678 (1678) Wing W2903; ESTC R6465 125,777 376

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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 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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 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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 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i_o prove_v by_o the_o follow_a argument_n first_o man_n reason_n though_o furnish_v with_o the_o best_a principle_n and_o 1._o rich_a endowment_n that_o nature_n afford_v it_o in_o this_o lapse_v state_n be_v so_o darken_a and_o deprave_a that_o it_o not_o only_o be_v much_o disable_v for_o apprehend_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o set_v itself_o against_o they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o in_o a_o capacity_n by_o its_o own_o principle_n to_o interpret_v scripture-doctrine_n something_o natural_a light_n discover_v of_o god_n but_o all_o as_o how_o little_a the_o principle_n of_o natural_a knowledge_n be_v but_o general_a and_o confuse_a not_o sufficient_a to_o guide_v man_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o great_a concernment_n it_o teach_v man_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n but_o when_o he_o come_v to_o determine_v what_o a_o one_o he_o be_v how_o lame_a and_o imperfect_a how_o unsuitable_a and_o unbecoming_a be_v man_n natural_a apprehension_n of_o he_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o cor._n 1._o 21._o that_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o world_n by_o wisdom_n know_v not_o god_n where_o he_o mean_v not_o the_o rude_a and_o ignorant_a multitude_n but_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o accomplish_a for_o natural_a ability_n these_o with_o the_o study_n of_o philosophy_n which_o be_v the_o consideration_n of_o god_n infinite_a wisdom_n in_o create_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n do_v not_o arrive_v at_o the_o right_a knowledge_n of_o god_n the_o same_o apostle_n tell_v we_o of_o the_o unconvert_v gentile_n eph._n 4._o 18._o that_o they_o have_v their_o understanding_n darken_v and_o be_v alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n through_o the_o ignorance_n that_o be_v in_o they_o etc._n etc._n and_o rom._n 8._o 7._o he_o say_v the_o carnal_a mind_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o unrenewed_a mind_n of_o man_n be_v enmity_n against_o god_n for_o it_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n neither_o indeed_o can_v be_v but_o i_o shall_v especial_o insist_v upon_o that_o of_o the_o say_a apostle_n in_o 1_o cor._n 2._o 14._o but_o 2._o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v by_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o animal_n or_o natural_a man_n the_o apostle_n mean_v he_o that_o be_v in_o his_o mere_a natural_n have_v no_o other_o wisdom_n or_o understanding_n give_v he_o than_o what_o be_v common_a to_o he_o with_o all_o mankind_n such_o a_o one_o receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v he_o do_v not_o approve_v of_o they_o and_o embrace_v they_o he_o find_v no_o relish_n in_o they_o and_o therefore_o reject_v they_o for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o he_o scorn_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o if_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o heap_n of_o fantastic_a trash_n a_o confuse_a medley_n of_o absurd_a unintelligible_a fancy_n neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o say_v the_o apostle_n because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v that_o be_v he_o can_v as_o he_o be_v in_o this_o unrenewed_a state_n discern_v the_o true_a beauty_n and_o excellency_n of_o they_o because_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v discern_v but_o by_o a_o spiritual_a light_n and_o by_o a_o spiritual_a faculty_n which_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v whole_o destitute_a of_o or_o as_o the_o learned_a bishop_n of_o down_o express_v it_o they_o be_v teach_v 2._o and_o perceive_v by_o the_o aid_n of_o god_n spirit_n revelation_n and_o divine_a assistance_n and_o grace_n great_a endeavour_n have_v be_v use_v to_o 1._o wrest_v this_o scripture_n some_o think_v to_o evade_v the_o dint_n of_o it_o by_o allege_v that_o alii_fw-la by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v mean_v one_o that_o be_v lead_v by_o fleshly_a lust_n because_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v sometime_o take_v for_o the_o sensitive_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o opposition_n to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v the_o rational_a to_o this_o i_o answer_v two_o thing_n first_o suppose_v this_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1._o the_o natural_a man_n be_v take_v for_o one_o seduce_v by_o corrupt_a and_o inordinate_a affection_n yet_o this_o will_v include_v all_o man_n as_o they_o be_v by_o nature_n and_o as_o unregenerate_v witness_v what_o the_o apostle_n say_v ephes._n 2._o 1_o 2_o 3._o and_o you_o have_v he_o quicken_v who_o be_v sometime_o dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n wherein_o in_o time_n past_o you_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o course_n of_o the_o world_n according_a to_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o air_n the_o spirit_n that_o now_o work_v in_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n among_o who_o also_o we_o all_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o time_n past_a in_o the_o lust_n of_o our_o flesh_n fulfil_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o the_o mind_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o all_o mankind_n by_o our_o first_o apostasy_n from_o god_n to_o be_v in_o bondage_n to_o sinful_a lust_n till_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n have_v set_v we_o free_a and_o this_o none_o but_o a_o pelagian_a will_v deny_v second_o it_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o context_n that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v in_o this_o place_n oppose_v to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d spiritual_a and_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v as_o the_o apostle_n judas_n explain_v it_o in_o his_o epistle_n vers_fw-la 19_o one_o that_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n and_o consequent_o he_o be_v one_o that_o have_v no_o high_a inward_a principle_n to_o guide_v he_o than_o his_o own_o reason_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v the_o learned_a grotius_n non_fw-la est_fw-la idem_fw-la quod_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d qui_fw-la corporis_fw-la affectibus_fw-la gubernatur_fw-la sed_fw-la est_fw-la be_v qui_fw-la humanae_fw-la tantum_fw-la rationis_fw-la luce_fw-fr ducitur_fw-la the_o natural_a be_v not_o the_o same_o with_o the_o carnal_a who_o be_v sway_v by_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o body_n but_o it_o be_v he_o who_o be_v lead_v only_o by_o the_o light_n of_o humane_a reason_n or_o as_o i_o find_v the_o greek_a scholiast_n cite_v by_o a_o late_a author_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o man_n that_o be_v endue_v with_o mere_a humane_a wisdom_n such_o a_o one_o whatsoever_o his_o natural_a endowment_n may_v be_v and_o how_o learned_a or_o wise_a soever_o according_a to_o the_o best_a improvement_n of_o nature_n light_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o our_o learned_a davinant_n philosophus_fw-la 8._o quà_fw-la philosophus_fw-la nihil_fw-la aliud_fw-la est_fw-la quam_fw-la animalis_fw-la home_n &_o ipsa_fw-la ratio_fw-la non_fw-la illuminata_fw-la fide_fw-la ad_fw-la hanc_fw-la animalitatem_fw-la pertinet_fw-la but_o let_v we_o hear_v what_o the_o exercitator_n 2._o say_v to_o this_o place_n the_o apostle_n say_v he_o speak_v not_o here_o of_o a_o man_n that_o by_o natural_a 4._o light_n have_v attain_v the_o right_a knowledge_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n for_o a_o true_o wise_a man_n never_o censure_v what_o he_o do_v not_o discern_v whereas_o the_o man_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v one_o that_o know_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o yet_o account_v they_o foolishness_n which_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o the_o true_a philosopher_n for_o such_o a_o one_o suspend_v his_o judgement_n of_o thing_n till_o such_o time_n as_o he_o have_v attain_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a perception_n of_o they_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n must_v needs_o be_v understand_v either_o of_o a_o man_n utter_o ignorant_a or_o of_o one_o that_o follow_v the_o sway_n of_o his_o blind_a affection_n such_o a_o one_o say_v he_o receive_v not_o spiritual_a thing_n that_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o rational_a soul_n which_o be_v a_o spirit_n to_o this_o pass_v by_o so_o much_o of_o it_o as_o 1._o be_v meet_v with_o already_o in_o the_o former_a exception_n i_o answer_v several_a thing_n first_o whereas_o he_o say_v that_o by_o the_o animal_n or_o natural_a man_n be_v not_o mean_v he_o that_o have_v by_o natural_a light_n attain_v the_o right_a knowledge_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n i_o say_v so_o too_o for_o the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o it_o one_o that_o have_v no_o other_o than_o natural_a light_n in_o search_v after_o truth_n and_o goodness_n who_o may_v there-therefore_a easy_o yea_o who_o will_v certain_o mistake_v have_v no_o better_a guide_n second_o whereas_o he_o say_v a_o true_a philosopher_n never_o be_v rash_a in_o his_o censure_n of_o thing_n but_o always_o suspend_v his_o judgement_n till_o he_o have_v attain_v a_o clear_a perception_n of_o they_o and_o that_o therefore_o such_o a_o one_o can_v be_v think_v to_o judge_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n
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
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 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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 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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
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 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expound_v it_o in_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o verse_n it_o be_v by_o he_o that_o sinner_n be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o father_n that_o be_v to_o reconciliation_n with_o he_o and_o fruition_n of_o he_o it_o be_v by_o he_o that_o be_v by_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o blood_n by_o the_o light_n of_o his_o doctrine_n by_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o pattern_n and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o herein_o he_o be_v the_o truth_n that_o be_v the_o substance_n and_o real_a completion_n of_o all_o the_o type_n and_o shadow_n under_o the_o law_n and_o consequent_o he_o be_v the_o life_n by_o a_o know_a metonyme_n of_o the_o effect_n for_o the_o cause_n in_o that_o he_o be_v the_o author_n that_o be_v the_o purchaser_n and_o bestower_n of_o that_o eternal_a life_n that_o sinner_n come_v to_o enjoy_v in_o god_n a_o further_a instance_n be_v give_v in_o those_o 7._o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n this_o be_v my_o body_n where_o he_o affirm_v that_o the_o plain_a and_o easy_a sense_n which_o the_o word_n of_o themselves_o offer_v to_o the_o reader_n be_v that_o which_o the_o romish_a church_n take_v they_o in_o but_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o speak_v they_o which_o he_o grant_v to_o be_v that_o which_o the_o reform_a church_n give_v of_o they_o this_o he_o say_v be_v dark_a and_o obscure_a but_o i_o suppose_v he_o can_v be_v ignorant_a sol._n that_o there_o be_v considerable_a doctor_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n eminent_a for_o learning_n who_o have_v acknowledge_v that_o they_o shall_v never_o have_v entertain_v that_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n which_o assert_n transubstantiation_n if_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n have_v not_o move_v they_o and_o our_o writer_n have_v abundant_o manifest_v the_o gross_a absurdity_n of_o that_o sense_n and_o among_o other_o dr._n brevint_n in_o his_o late_a excellent_a discourse_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o romish_a mass_n have_v clear_o and_o to_o great_a satisfaction_n prove_v the_o protestant_a sense_n of_o that_o speech_n of_o our_o saviour_n from_o the_o very_a word_n themselves_o i_o can_v well_o understand_v by_o this_o author_n discourse_n of_o what_o settle_a persuasion_n he_o be_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n he_o now_o and_o then_o insinuate_v something_o that_o carry_v with_o it_o a_o dislike_n of_o the_o romanist_n and_o their_o way_n but_o it_o be_v plain_a enough_o by_o this_o and_o many_o other_o passage_n in_o his_o book_n that_o the_o reform_a church_n be_v little_o befriend_v by_o he_o last_o he_o instance_n in_o those_o scripture_n 5._o where_o god_n be_v say_v to_o be_v lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o king_n of_o nation_n and_o king_n of_o king_n and_o where_o he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v beget_v a_o son_n psal._n 2._o and_o to_o have_v love_v the_o world_n joh._n 3._o 16._o in_o all_o which_o he_o say_v the_o obvious_a but_o mistake_v sense_n and_o that_o which_o the_o vulgar_a apprehend_v be_v that_o god_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n be_v a_o lord_n and_o king_n and_o do_v beget_v and_o love_v which_o he_o esteem_v to_o be_v gross_o absurd_a to_o these_o i_o answer_v distinct_o 1._o as_o for_o the_o place_n where_o god_n be_v 1._o call_v lord_n and_o king_n and_o say_v to_o reign_v over_o the_o nation_n with_o all_o of_o like_a import_n in_o these_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o what_o we_o find_v elsewhere_o in_o scripture_n to_o remove_v from_o god_n whatever_o savour_v of_o imperfection_n and_o to_o ascribe_v nothing_o to_o he_o but_o what_o suit_v with_o a_o most_o excellent_a and_o most_o perfect_a be_v nor_o do_v the_o aforesaid_a expression_n in_o their_o plain_a and_o obvious_a sense_n signify_v either_o more_o or_o less_o than_o that_o god_n be_v the_o universal_a sovereign_n of_o the_o world_n rule_v his_o creature_n with_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o power_n according_a to_o their_o different_a nature_n and_o condition_n the_o inferior_a sort_n by_o instinct_n and_o natural_a necessity_n his_o intellectual_a creature_n by_o law_n as_o the_o proper_a instrument_n of_o moral_a government_n and_o what_o the_o exercitator_n sentiment_n be_v about_o this_o i_o can_v conjecture_v if_o he_o be_v for_o that_o novel_a opinion_n of_o thomas_n anglus_fw-la ab_fw-la albis_n that_o god_n do_v not_o proper_o govern_v we_o by_o law_n as_o king_n do_v their_o kingdom_n but_o as_o a_o engineer_n do_v his_o engine_n by_o physical_a motion_n and_o that_o therefore_o he_o be_v call_v our_o lord_n and_o king_n only_o in_o a_o metaphorical_a sense_n i_o must_v enter_v a_o dissent_n against_o such_o a_o absurd_a and_o atheistical_a conceit_n and_o put_v he_o to_o prove_v his_o assertion_n and_o answer_v the_o argument_n that_o be_v in_o print_n against_o it_o 2._o as_o for_o the_o second_o of_o beget_v a_o son_n psal_n 2._o 7._o interpreter_n do_v much_o 〈◊〉_d differ_v about_o it_o some_o conceive_v the_o first_o and_o immediate_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n to_o respect_n david_n who_o god_n have_v deliver_v out_o of_o his_o great_a affliction_n and_o raise_v to_o a_o kingdom_n which_o deliverance_n and_o exaltation_n be_v to_o he_o as_o a_o second_o birth_n and_o this_o they_o illustrate_v by_o what_o be_v say_v of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n that_o they_o have_v two_o birth-day_n the_o one_o of_o their_o person_n when_o they_o come_v into_o the_o world_n the_o other_o of_o their_o empire_n when_o they_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o throne_n and_o that_o christ_n be_v here_o intend_a only_o as_o the_o antitype_n prefigure_v by_o david_n other_o understand_v these_o word_n proper_o and_o immediate_o of_o christ_n and_o that_o with_o respect_n to_o one_o of_o these_o two_o either_o 1._o to_o his_o eternal_a generation_n in_o reference_n to_o which_o he_o be_v call_v the_o eternal_a and_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o generation_n we_o
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 ●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 spe●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 ●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 gain_v a_o thousand_o proselyte_n than_o one_o to_o his_o new_a way_n 3._o this_o will_v save_v man_n the_o labour_n of_o search_a commentator_n because_o in_o this_o way_n they_o may_v by_o their_o own_o industry_n find_v out_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n without_o any_o help_n from_o other_o and_o so_o they_o may_v according_a to_o his_o principle_n without_o ever_o look_v into_o the_o bible_n at_o all_o 4._o by_o this_o way_n we_o may_v best_o find_v out_o all_o corruption_n depravation_n and_o mutilation_n of_o the_o original_a text_n whether_o hebrew_n or_o greek_a and_o be_v it_o not_o pity_v the_o ancient_a church_n do_v not_o think_v of_o this_o happy_a expedient_a that_o they_o may_v have_v call_v a_o council_n of_o learned_a philosopher_n such_o as_o porphyry_n celsus_n and_o other_o to_o draw_v they_o up_o a_o more_o correct_a copy_n of_o the_o bible_n 5._o &_o 6._o by_o this_o we_o may_v know_v how_o to_o judge_v of_o all_o various_a lection_n which_o be_v genuine_a which_o not_o yea_o by_o this_o we_o may_v discover_v the_o error_n of_o translation_n make_v out_o of_o deprave_a copy_n or_o spurious_a readins_n though_o we_o have_v no_o skill_n at_o all_o in_o the_o original_a tongue_n doubtless_o a_o singular_a receipt_n that_o will_v help_v a_o man_n to_o distinguish_v of_o colour_n in_o the_o dark_a midnight_n as_o well_o as_o at_o noonday_n we_o see_v what_o a_o rare_a pampharmacon_n this_o aesculapius_n have_v prescribe_v which_o he_o may_v well_o call_v his_o nostrum_fw-la that_o can_v work_v as_o great_a wonder_n as_o the_o headsman_n axe_n that_o infallible_o cure_v all_o disease_n with_o one_o blow_n for_o that_o his_o grand_a design_n be_v utter_o to_o cashier_v the_o scripture_n as_o useless_a and_o unprofitable_a be_v plain_a enough_o by_o sundry_a passage_n in_o his_o book_n but_o especial_o that_o in_o his_o epilogue_n which_o i_o light_o touch_v at_o in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o my_o discourse_n chap._n 6._o but_o deserve_v a_o more_o severe_a castigation_n the_o scripture_n with_o he_o be_v of_o no_o use_n to_o instruct_v we_o in_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v not_o nor_o yet_o to_o confirm_v we_o in_o what_o we_o know_v all_o the_o use_n he_o allow_v it_o be_v only_o this_o that_o by_o read_v therein_o we_o may_v be_v occasion_v and_o excite_v to_o consider_v of_o the_o thing_n there_o treat_v of_o and_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o by_o philosophy_n and_o as_o much_o as_o this_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o jew_n talmud_n or_o the_o turk_n alcoran_n be_v there_o ever_o any_o who_o call_v himself_o a_o christian_n since_o the_o christian_a name_n be_v hear_v of_o that_o have_v manifest_v a_o more_o vile_a esteem_n of_o god_n write_a word_n or_o a_o more_o bold_a contempt_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a doctrine_n have_v god_n in_o mercy_n leave_v we_o this_o only_a
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