Selected quad for the lemma: truth_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n holy_a spirit_n way_n 4,450 5 4.7553 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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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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thing_n because_o we_o can_v find_v it_o do_v we_o think_v ourselves_o of_o so_o pierce_a or_o capacious_a understanding_n that_o nothing_o in_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v intelligible_a can_v escape_v our_o discovery_n those_o who_o have_v acquaint_v themselves_o with_o ancient_n and_o modern_a expositor_n do_v know_v that_o many_o difficulty_n which_o former_a interpreter_n have_v in_o vain_a struggle_v with_o and_o some_o that_o they_o have_v whole_o leave_v untouched_a either_o as_o not_o apprehend_v they_o to_o be_v difficulty_n or_o conceive_v they_o insuperable_a have_v be_v make_v very_o clear_a and_o plain_a by_o some_o late_a writer_n very_o god_n will_v have_v we_o know_v that_o the_o open_n of_o his_o mind_n do_v not_o depend_v only_o or_o chief_o upon_o the_o pregnancy_n of_o man_n wit_n but_o upon_o his_o gracious_a assistance_n and_o blessing_n which_o he_o afford_v or_o withhold_v when_o and_o where_o himself_o see_v fit_a again_o the_o scripture_n be_v pen_v not_o only_o for_o the_o past_a and_o present_a but_o 2._o for_o all_o succeed_a age_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o as_o some_o part_n of_o they_o which_o peculiar_o concern_v some_o age_n past_a be_v perhaps_o better_o understand_v in_o those_o age_n than_o they_o can_v be_v by_o we_o now_o as_o certain_o many_o thing_n be_v that_o belong_v to_o the_o jewish_a oeconomy_n so_o i_o know_v not_o but_o we_o may_v rational_o suppose_v that_o some_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n which_o to_o we_o seem_v unintelligible_a may_v have_v special_a reference_n to_o the_o church_n in_o after-age_n and_o that_o those_o who_o they_o so_o near_o concern_v shall_v have_v more_o light_n afford_v for_o the_o understanding_n of_o they_o in_o their_o day_n than_o we_o have_v in_o we_o as_o without_o doubt_v some_o prophetic_a scripture_n not_o
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
reverence_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o word_n for_o want_v of_o which_o too_o many_o have_v great_o pollute_v these_o holy_a mystery_n with_o the_o wanton_a conceit_n or_o profane_a excursion_n of_o a_o unhollwed_a wit_n and_o mortal_o poison_v themselves_o and_o other_o by_o their_o corrupt_a handle_v this_o bread_n of_o life_n the_o special_a mean_n of_o interpretation_n be_v twofold_a some_o be_v more_o remote_a which_o i_o shall_v only_o name_v not_o intend_v any_o discourse_n about_o they_o because_o my_o work_n lie_v another_o way_n these_o remote_a help_n be_v 1._o some_o competent_a knowledge_n of_o and_o recourse_n to_o the_o original_a tongue_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n be_v first_o pen_v with_o a_o due_a observation_n of_o the_o propriety_n of_o each_o language_n 2._o skill_n to_o discern_v between_o the_o proper_a use_n of_o the_o word_n and_o phrase_n of_o scripture_n and_o that_o which_o be_v tropical_a and_o figurative_a in_o these_o grammar_n and_o rhetoric_n have_v their_o use_n 3._o some_o insight_n into_o the_o peculiar_a law_n custom_n and_o proverbial_a speech_n of_o those_o time_n and_o place_n that_o the_o scripture_n relate_v to_o which_o require_v some_o knowledge_n in_o history_n there_o be_v sundry_a passage_n both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n that_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o know_a custom_n of_o the_o gentile_n as_o in_o their_o divination_n idolatrous_a worship_n public_a game_n and_o many_o more_o that_o have_v relation_n to_o the_o peculiar_a rite_n and_o mode_n of_o speech_n in_o use_n among_o the_o jew_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o part_n of_o phylology_n but_o may_v have_v its_o use_n in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n 4._o there_o be_v great_a use_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o philosophy_n not_o only_o moral_a but_o natural_a for_o the_o clear_n of_o many_o thing_n in_o scripture_n that_o be_v of_o natural_a cognisance_n as_o about_o the_o structure_n of_o man_n body_n and_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o nature_n motion_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n the_o temperament_n of_o the_o several_a region_n of_o the_o world_n as_o also_o about_o the_o element_n and_o meteor_n about_o number_n and_o measure_n the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o several_a creature_n beast_n bird_n and_o plant_n and_o many_o other_o thing_n treat_v of_o in_o the_o bible_n either_o by_o way_n of_o history_n or_o parable_n 5._o logic_n have_v also_o its_o use_n here_o for_o the_o better_a discern_v the_o dependence_n of_o one_o thing_n in_o scripture_n upon_o another_o and_o collect_v of_o one_o thing_n from_o another_o the_o more_o immediate_a mean_n be_v chief_o two_o 1._o a_o due_a observation_n of_o the_o several_a circumstance_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v interpret_v who_o it_o be_v that_o speak_v where_o &_o when_o and_o to_o who_o &_o upon_o what_o occasion_n here_o also_o come_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o coherent_n with_o antecedent_n and_o consequence_n together_o with_o the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o speaker_n all_o which_o be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o discover_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n 2._o compare_v scripture_n with_o scripture_n or_o consult_v other_o scripture_n whether_o parallel_n with_o or_o seem_o opposite_a to_o the_o place_n under_o consideration_n now_o to_o the_o use_n of_o all_o these_o forementioned_a mean_n or_o help_v both_o general_n and_o special_a remote_a and_o immediate_a i_o think_v all_o agree_v but_o about_o the_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n there_o be_v not_o so_o universal_a a_o accord_n the_o romanist_n for_o the_o most_o part_n will_v have_v this_o rule_n to_o be_v the_o judgement_n 3._o of_o the_o present_a church_n mean_v their_o own_o but_o i_o shall_v not_o deal_v with_o this_o it_o be_v weakness_n in_o what_o sense_n soever_o take_v for_o they_o agree_v not_o among_o themselves_o have_v be_v sufficient_o discover_v by_o the_o worthy_a labour_n of_o many_o both_o former_o and_o of_o late_a etc._n some_o few_o there_o be_v who_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o scripture_n suppose_v the_o rule_n and_o summary_n of_o religion_n deliver_v from_o one_o age_n to_o another_o which_o we_o be_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o in_o search_v out_o the_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n and_o this_o rule_n they_o say_v be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o monument_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n and_o determination_n of_o council_n from_o whence_o we_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o thereby_o know_v what_o be_v the_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o first_o age_n and_o according_a to_o that_o interpret_v the_o scripture_n but_o if_o this_o must_v be_v our_o way_n of_o proceed_v we_o may_v very_o well_o despair_n of_o ever_o understand_v the_o scripture_n except_o when_o they_o speak_v with_o so_o much_o plainness_n that_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o no_o interpretation_n for_o what_o a_o heap_n of_o uncertainty_n must_v we_o lay_v for_o the_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v that_o the_o father_n do_v oft_o differ_v from_o each_o other_o and_o many_o time_n be_v not_o consistent_a with_o themselves_o council_n have_v determine_v contrary_a one_o to_o another_o and_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v as_o far_o as_o appear_v to_o we_o by_o all_o extant_a monument_n of_o antiquity_n agreeable_a to_o the_o common_a sentiment_n in_o our_o age_n be_v lay_v aside_o in_o another_o beside_o either_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o first_o age_n write_v nothing_o or_o their_o write_n be_v lose_v and_o of_o those_o that_o now_o go_v under_o venerable_a name_n many_o be_v plain_o spurious_a and_o many_o dubious_a nor_o be_v it_o easy_a in_o several_a of_o they_o for_o the_o most_o sagacious_a reader_n to_o find_v out_o the_o right_n insomuch_o as_o we_o can_v have_v any_o tolerable_a assurance_n what_o be_v the_o consentient_a judgement_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o any_o one_o age_n about_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n if_o we_o set_v the_o scripture_n aside_o therefore_o to_o frame_v such_o a_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n as_o this_o be_v no_o better_a than_o to_o build_v a_o house_n of_o straw_n upon_o a_o run_a stream_n there_o be_v very_o few_o writer_n in_o the_o two_o first_o century_n and_o in_o the_o two_o follow_v not_o very_o many_o and_o after_o this_o the_o church_n do_v much_o decline_v and_o degenerate_a as_o well_o in_o doctrine_n as_o manner_n now_o suppose_v we_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o write_n in_o each_o age_n be_v undoubted_o they_o who_o name_v they_o bear_v as_o it_o be_v past_a doubt_n we_o be_v not_o who_o can_v assure_v we_o that_o what_o be_v publish_v by_o those_o few_o be_v the_o consentient_a judgement_n of_o all_o or_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o doctor_n of_o that_o age_n wherein_o they_o live_v may_v there_o not_o be_v a_o great_a number_n differ_v from_o they_o who_o either_o write_v nothing_o or_o who_o work_n be_v perish_v the_o plain_a truth_n be_v that_o this_o way_n of_o interpretation_n do_v in_o the_o upshot_n resolve_v the_o faith_n of_o christian_n not_o into_o the_o certain_a authority_n of_o the_o divinely-inspired_n write_n but_o into_o the_o fallible_a testimony_n of_o the_o most_o uncertain_a tradition_n but_o for_o the_o reader_n further_a satisfaction_n i_o refer_v he_o to_o mounseur_fw-fr daille_n learned_a treatise_n about_o the_o right_a use_n of_o the_o father_n a_o piece_n of_o that_o worth_n that_o the_o lord_n viscount_n falkland_n and_o his_o dear_a friend_n mr._n chillingworth_n do_v high_o esteem_v it_o and_o make_v great_a use_n of_o it_o in_o their_o write_n against_o the_o romanist_n as_o we_o be_v inform_v by_o mr._n tho._n smith_n sometime_o member_n of_o christ_n college_n in_o cambridge_n in_o his_o epistle_n prefix_v to_o the_o english_a translation_n of_o that_o excellent_a and_o elaborate_a discourse_n who_o further_o also_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o have_v in_o that_o tractat_fw-la a_o sufficient_a confutation_n of_o cardinal_n perron_n his_o book_n against_o king_n james_n and_o by_o consequence_n of_o the_o marquis_n of_o worcester_n against_o king_n charles_n and_o of_o doctor_n vane_n and_o other_o epitomizer_n of_o the_o cardinal_n which_o i_o do_v the_o rather_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o it_o may_v obviate_v the_o groundless_a prejudices_fw-la that_o some_o have_v of_o late_o entertain_v against_o that_o incomparable_a piece_n the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o the_o reform_a 4._o church_n both_o ourown_n and_o those_o abroad_o have_v be_v hitherto_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v its_o own_o interpreter_n but_o of_o late_a there_o have_v be_v a_o attempt_n to_o justle_v the_o scripture_n aside_o as_o to_o this_o use_n and_o place_n reason_n and_o philosophy_n in_o its_o room_n there_o be_v a_o belgic_a
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
the_o spirit_n of_o god_n therefore_o the_o best_a and_o safe_a conception_n we_o can_v have_v of_o god_n be_v those_o which_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o in_o and_o by_o the_o scripture_n and_o if_o this_o author_n be_v not_o extreme_o prejudice_v by_o a_o partial_a fondness_n for_o his_o own_o darling_n conceit_n he_o may_v know_v that_o plain_a ordinary_a christian_n who_o never_o have_v aught_o to_o do_v with_o philosophic_a learning_n have_v by_o their_o sole_a acquaintance_n with_o the_o scripture_n come_v to_o much_o clear_a and_o sound_a conception_n of_o god_n his_o nature_n and_o attribute_n than_o the_o learn_a philosopher_n that_o ever_o the_o world_n have_v can_v attain_v by_o all_o his_o wit_n and_o study_n without_o scripture_n light_n and_o that_o to_o any_o reader_n that_o be_v not_o prepossess_v with_o false_a and_o absurd_a notion_n of_o god_n by_o his_o own_o vain_a imagination_n and_o misguide_a reason_n the_o scripture_n that_o speak_v so_o different_o concern_v that_o supreme_a be_v if_o prudent_o compare_v together_o and_o the_o circumstance_n on_o each_o side_n consider_v do_v sufficient_o to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o sober_a mind_n discover_v to_o we_o their_o true_a and_o genuine_a sense_n without_o give_v the_o least_o countenance_n to_o the_o sottish_a and_o irrational_a conceit_n of_o the_o anthropomorphites_n though_o a_o cavil_v dare_a wit_n may_v and_o will_v find_v something_o to_o quarrel_v with_o where_o the_o matter_n be_v as_o clear_a as_o the_o noonday_n sun_n his_o next_o instance_n be_v the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n at_o the_o institution_n of_o his_o last_o 2._o supper_n this_o be_v my_o body_n which_o the_o papist_n interpret_v for_o transubstantiation_n the_o lutheran_n for_o consubstantiation_n the_o reform_a church_n deny_v both_o understand_v the_o word_n tropical_o who_o sense_n he_o say_v can_v be_v no_o otherwise_o defend_v but_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a philosophy_n for_o answer_v to_o this_o i_o grant_v that_o in_o sol._n clear_v this_o controversy_n there_o be_v good_a use_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o philosophy_n and_o natural_a reason_n and_o so_o there_o be_v also_o of_o sense_n which_o undeniable_o convince_v we_o that_o what_o we_o see_v and_o feel_v and_o taste_v be_v bread_n yet_o sure_o we_o be_v not_o to_o make_v sense_n the_o rule_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n but_o the_o true_a and_o proper_a rule_n of_o interpret_n our_o saviour_n word_n this_n be_v my_o body_n be_v that_o which_o the_o scripture_n itself_o and_o that_o alone_o have_v teach_v we_o viz._n that_o christ_n assume_v a_o true_a humane_a body_n which_o be_v a_o truth_n that_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n can_v never_o inform_v we_o of_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o pure_a revelation_n now_o this_o be_v lay_v down_o as_o the_o chief_a postulatum_fw-la the_o thing_n to_o be_v inquire_v into_o be_v what_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o humane_a body_n and_o what_o be_v the_o essential_a property_n of_o all_o natural_a body_n and_o this_o natural_a philosophy_n instruct_v we_o in_o as_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o revelation_n but_o lie_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o natural_a light_n which_o teach_v we_o that_o every_o natural_a body_n be_v quantitative_a and_o divisible_a and_o confine_v to_o one_o certain_a place_n consequent_o that_o the_o bread_n in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o eucharist_n can_v be_v proper_o and_o substantial_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o as_o scripture_n inform_v we_o be_v once_o nail_v to_o the_o cross_n but_o be_v now_o glorify_v in_o heaven_n now_o the_o force_n of_o all_o this_o for_o the_o expound_v of_o our_o saviour_n word_n lie_v in_o the_o former_a supposition_n that_o our_o saviour_n assume_v a_o true_a natural_a humane_a body_n together_o with_o what_o be_v even_o now_o mention_v that_o the_o same_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o assume_v be_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n both_o which_o be_v scripture-revelation_n beside_o there_o be_v a_o wide_a difference_n between_o these_o two_o a_o help_n to_o overthrow_v a_o false_a interpretation_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o establish_v the_o true_a one_o philosophy_n may_v do_v the_o former_a but_o not_o the_o latter_a as_o in_o this_o controversy_n the_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n do_v convince_o assure_v we_o that_o bread_n be_v not_o can_v be_v the_o body_n of_o a_o man._n but_o they_o can_v assure_v we_o what_o be_v our_o saviour_n meaning_n when_o hold_v the_o bread_n in_o his_o hand_n he_o say_v this_o be_v my_o body_n this_o must_v be_v resolve_v by_o what_o the_o scripture_n itself_o speak_v either_o there_o or_o elsewhere_o his_o three_o and_o last_o instance_n be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n which_o he_o say_v 3._o can_v be_v clear_v without_o have_v recourse_n 3._o to_o philosophy_n and_o here_o have_v deride_v the_o attempt_n of_o many_o to_o explicate_v and_o confirm_v this_o great_a mystery_n by_o their_o metaphysical_a speculation_n he_o high_o applaud_v the_o learned_a keckerman_n for_o his_o happy_a endeavour_n in_o unfolding_a and_o demonstrate_v it_o exit_fw-la immotis_fw-la philisophiae_n fundamentis_fw-la out_o of_o the_o unmoveable_a foundation_n of_o philosophy_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o curious_a sol._n speculation_n and_o philosophic_a nice●ies_n of_o the_o school_n about_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n have_v do_v it_o more_o prejudice_n than_o advantage_n and_o give_v great_a occasion_n to_o the_o adverse_a part_n to_o reject_v it_o when_o they_o find_v so_o strange_a and_o incomprehensible_a a_o mystery_n defend_v by_o such_o thin_a airy_a cobweb_n notion_n it_o have_v be_v much_o better_o if_o man_n have_v content_v themselves_o with_o those_o discovery_n the_o scripture_n make_v of_o this_o inexplicable_a mystery_n it_o be_v a_o doctrine_n pure_o of_o supernatural_a revelation_n and_o not_o at_o all_o discoverable_a by_o natural_a light_n the_o argument_n from_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n bring_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o by_o the_o learned_a keckerman_n and_o by_o claubergius_n a_o late_a cartesian_a be_v examine_v by_o vogolsangius_n in_o his_o indignatio_fw-la justa_n etc._n etc._n and_o discard_a as_o insufficient_a i_o grant_v that_o in_o this_o as_o in_o many_o other_o doctrine_n it_o may_v be_v of_o good_a use_n to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o what_o the_o scripture_n say_v of_o it_o that_o contradict_v any_o sound_a principle_n of_o reason_n but_o to_o go_v about_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n or_o philosophy_n positive_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v impossible_a i_o choose_v to_o say_v of_o this_o mystery_n as_o one_o do_v of_o the_o divine_a essence_n credendo_fw-la intelligitur_fw-la adorando_fw-la enarratur_fw-la it_o be_v best_a understand_v by_o believe_v and_o best_a declare_v by_o adore_v he_o say_v the_o late_a bishop_n of_o 2._o down_o that_o shall_v go_v to_o revelation_n to_o prove_v that_o nine_o and_o nine_o make_v eighteen_o will_v be_v a_o fool_n and_o he_o will_v be_v no_o less_o that_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v a_o trinity_n of_o person_n by_o natural_a reason_n every_o thing_n must_v be_v derive_v from_o its_o own_o fountain_n thus_o aquinas_n tell_v we_o he_o that_o by_o natural_a 1_o reason_n attempt_v to_o prove_v the_o trinity_n of_o person_n do_v a_o double_a prejudice_n to_o the_o faith_n 1._o he_o derogate_v from_o its_o dignity_n it_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o exceed_v man_n reason_n 2._o he_o hinder_v other_o from_o embrace_v the_o faith_n by_o use_v such_o argument_n as_o be_v not_o cogent_a which_o render_v it_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o infidel_n contempt_n this_o be_v plain_a in_o scripture_n that_o the_o father_n be_v god_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v god_n and_o that_o these_o be_v three_o and_o all_o three_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o for_o other_o subtlety_n and_o curious_a inquiry_n of_o busy_a and_o presumptuous_a wit_n without_o and_o beside_o the_o write_a word_n i_o think_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n never_o be_v nor_o ever_o will_v be_v behold_v to_o they_o chap._n xv._n a_o seven_o argument_n from_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o religion_n answer_v one_o argument_n more_o i_o shall_v touch_v which_o i_o find_v allege_v by_o two_o note_a 7._o socinian_o smalcius_n and_o schlichtingius_n as_o they_o be_v cite_v by_o a_o late_a learned_a author_n in_o his_o socinianism_n confut._n to_o prove_v reason_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o decide_v controversy_n of_o faith_n which_o may_v be_v think_v improveable_a upon_o the_o same_o ground_n to_o assert_v that_o reason_n must_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n and_o it_o be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n where_o he_o assert_v the_o service_n that_o god_n require_v of_o christian_n to_o be_v 1._o 〈◊〉_d
and_o so_o remain_v as_o evil_a doer_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v say_v to_o come_v forth_o of_o the_o grave_n of_o ignorance_n and_o impiety_n or_o to_o rise_v by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n to_o newness_n of_o life_n because_o they_o be_v express_o say_v to_o come_v forth_o to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o damnation_n but_o if_o the_o exercitator_n principle_n will_v allow_v he_o to_o write_v after_o the_o rate_n he_o here_o do_v i_o think_v none_o that_o have_v any_o veneration_n for_o the_o scripture_n will_v be_v overfond_a of_o such_o a_o corrupt_a and_o fallacious_a interpreter_n but_o when_o man_n be_v hammer_v out_o a_o new_a divinity_n they_o must_v either_o find_v out_o a_o new_a scripture_n or_o a_o new_a way_n of_o expound_v the_o old_a to_o countenance_v their_o own_o dream_n that_o when_o by_o this_o artifice_n they_o have_v turn_v out_o the_o true_a christianity_n they_o may_v bring_v we_o in_o a_o pagan_a religion_n fine_o set_v out_o in_o the_o stately_a dress_n of_o eternal_a reason_n no_o wonder_n they_o cry_v out_o of_o system_n acquiescere_fw-la as_o chain_n and_o fetter_n to_o their_o desultorious_a and_o volatile_a wit_n they_o have_v rather_o as_o one_o say_v of_o wanton_a head_n ●e_v the_o purchaser_n of_o error_n than_o the_o heir_n of_o truth_n of_o who_o the_o lord_n verulam_n veritate_fw-la give_v we_o a_o very_a fit_a character_n certè_fw-la sunt_fw-la qui_fw-la cogitationum_fw-la vertigine_fw-la delectantur_fw-la ac_fw-la pro_fw-la servitute_fw-la habent_fw-la fide_fw-la fixa_fw-la &_o axiomatis_fw-la constantibus_fw-la restringi_fw-la liberi_fw-la arbitrii_fw-la usum_fw-la in_o cogitando_fw-la non_fw-la mixùs_fw-la quam_fw-la in_o agendo_fw-la affectantes_fw-la very_o say_v he_o there_o be_v some_o who_o be_v delight_v in_o a_o giddiness_n of_o opinion_n and_o take_v it_o for_o a_o bondage_n to_o be_v restrain_v by_o a_o fix_a faith_n and_o settle_a principle_n no_o less_o affect_v the_o use_n of_o their_o free_a will_n in_o think_v than_o in_o act_v and_o so_o i_o have_v dispatch_v the_o first_o part_n of_o my_o work_n and_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o part_n ii_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o only_a sure_a interpreter_n of_o itself_o chap._n i._n 1._o the_o proposition_n assert_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v its_o own_o interpreter_n lay_v down_o lud._n walzogen_n rashness_n and_o inconsistency_n with_o himself_o in_o give_v the_o sense_n of_o our_o reform_a divine_n in_o this_o point_n 2._o their_o true_a meaning_n clear_v and_o something_o touch_v about_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n 3._o the_o judgement_n of_o divine_n ancient_a and_o modern_a in_o this_o business_n have_v endeavour_v to_o 2._o disprove_v the_o new_a pretend_a rule_n of_o interpretation_n i_o come_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o assert_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o lay_v down_o this_o proposition_n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v its_o own_o only_a sure_a interpreter_n but_o before_o i_o enter_v upon_o the_o open_n and_o confirm_v of_o it_o i_o must_v remove_v something_o that_o lie_v in_o my_o way_n ludovicus_n wolzogen_n in_o his_o two_o book_n de_fw-fr scripturarum_fw-la interpret_v attempt_v to_o answer_v the_o exercitator_n profess_v to_o maintain_v the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o the_o protestant_a church_n in_o this_o point_n but_o pretend_v to_o a_o more_o clear_a and_o distinct_a handle_n of_o it_o than_o have_v hitherto_o be_v perform_v by_o our_o divine_n whereas_o indeed_o that_o which_o he_o propound_v to_o maintain_v be_v a_o novel_a fancy_n of_o his_o own_o never_o yet_o own_v by_o any_o orthodox_n divine_a that_o i_o have_v read_v or_o hear_v of_o viz._n that_o the_o scripture_n interpret_v itself_o by_o the_o usus_fw-la loquendi_fw-la the_o custom_n of_o speak_v and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o only_a sure_a and_o undoubted_a rule_n of_o interpretation_n but_o whereas_o he_o most_o immodest_o charge_v all_o that_o have_v go_v before_o he_o with_o confusedness_n in_o this_o controversy_n as_o not_o well_o understanding_n either_o it_o or_o themselves_o his_o learned_a self_n when_o he_o come_v to_o take_v it_o in_o hand_n be_v so_o intricate_a and_o perplex_a so_o various_a and_o inconstant_a that_o it_o be_v a_o difficult_a matter_n to_o understand_v what_o he_o will_v have_v he_o turn_v himself_o into_o so_o many_o form_n and_o wind_n himself_o so_o many_o way_n and_o fall_v into_o so_o many_o self-contradiction_n that_o he_o seem_v to_o design_n the_o entangle_v of_o his_o reader_n and_o the_o hide_v of_o himself_o in_o a_o castle_n of_o cloud_n first_o one_o while_o he_o will_v have_v we_o understand_v this_o usus_fw-la loquendi_fw-la of_o the_o vulgar_a 42._o use_n of_o speech_n common_a to_o the_o scripture_n with_o other_o write_n and_o give_v we_o his_o reason_n why_o this_o must_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n because_o common_a use_n be_v the_o only_a master_n of_o speech_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o speaker_n and_o writer_n give_v law_n to_o the_o signification_n of_o etc._n word_n and_o that_o the_o use_n of_o speech_n be_v form_v by_o much_o and_o long_a custom_n which_o when_o it_o have_v at_o last_o prevail_v do_v as_o it_o be_v imprint_v a_o public_a character_n upon_o word_n which_o come_v by_o tacit_a consent_n to_o be_v receive_v of_o all_o and_o 72._o he_o profess_v he_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o any_o shall_v deny_v that_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n depend_v upon_o this_o use_n of_o speech_n which_o himself_n say_v be_v found_v upon_o humane_a institution_n but_o adopt_v and_o approve_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o endite_v the_o scripture_n now_o that_o this_o usus_fw-la loquendi_fw-la shall_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o interpret_n the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v far_o wide_a from_o the_o truth_n and_o from_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o protestant_n and_o as_o far_o as_o i_o know_v of_o all_o other_o expositor_n for_o 1._o when_o they_o say_v the_o scripture_n be_v its_o own_o interpreter_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o the_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n to_o itself_o they_o understand_v it_o of_o something_o in_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o not_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v common_a to_o it_o with_o other_o write_n but_o the_o vulgar_a and_o customary_a use_n of_o speech_n be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o write_n where_o the_o same_o language_n be_v make_v use_n of_o 2._o it_o be_v grant_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o this_o usus_fw-la loquendi_fw-la or_o custom_n of_o speech_n have_v its_o place_n among_o those_o mean_n that_o i_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o entrance_n of_o my_o discourse_n that_o do_v remote_o conduce_v to_o interpretation_n but_o it_o reach_v no_o further_o next_o and_o immediate_o than_o to_o verbal_a interpretation_n which_o be_v call_v translation_n by_o guide_v we_o to_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o word_n and_o phrase_n and_o the_o several_a modes_n of_o speech_n but_o this_o come_v not_o up_o to_o that_o which_o we_o call_v real_a interpretation_n which_o be_v the_o exposition_n of_o the_o author_n mind_n signify_v by_o those_o word_n as_o they_o be_v so_o and_o so_o place_v we_o do_v not_o therefore_o shut_v out_o the_o use_n of_o speech_n but_o suppose_v it_o and_o look_v at_o something_o further_o for_o instance_n suppose_v i_o be_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o sense_n of_o that_o place_n joh._n 1._o 1._o which_o be_v the_o instance_n give_v by_o ʋander_n weayen_v i_o may_v by_o the_o use_n of_o speech_n 12._o know_v what_o these_o several_a word_n begin_v and_o word_n and_o god_n signify_v but_o i_o must_v have_v something_o else_o to_o guide_v i_o to_o the_o right_a meaning_n of_o the_o entire_a sentence_n in_o the_o beginning_n be_v the_o word_n and_o the_o word_n be_v with_o god_n and_o the_o word_n be_v god_n and_o wolzogen_n himself_o acknowledge_v 107._o that_o there_o be_v a_o wide_a difference_n between_o word_n take_v single_o and_o in_o their_o first_o original_n and_o take_v as_o conjoin_v in_o proposition_n i_o may_v add_v with_o very_o good_a reason_n that_o there_o be_v also_o a_o wide_a difference_n between_o proposition_n take_v single_o and_o take_v in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o contexture_n of_o discourse_n now_o the_o use_n of_o speech_n will_v not_o help_v we_o to_o distinguish_v here_o 3._o how_o can_v the_o common_a use_n of_o speech_n be_v a_o rule_n in_o matter_n of_o pure_a revelation_n i_o think_v all_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o sense_n of_o word_n vary_v according_a to_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o subject_a matter_n about_o which_o they_o be_v use_v now_o matter_n of_o pure_a revelation_n be_v so_o remote_a from_o vulgar_a use_n that_o they_o have_v never_o be_v speak_v or_o write_v by_o any_o man_n if_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v not_o indict_v they_o and_o communicate_v they_o to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v deliver_v not_o
right_a mean_n to_o understand_v be_v confess_v but_o the_o multitude_n of_o exposition_n do_v not_o at_o all_o prove_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v so_o obscure_a as_o to_o be_v disable_v for_o be_v the_o supreme_a rule_n to_o interpret_v itself_o for_o whatsoever_o note_n or_o commentary_n be_v write_v upon_o the_o bible_n by_o learned_n man_n they_o be_v either_o such_o as_o true_o conduce_v to_o the_o suppose_a end_n the_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o to_o the_o due_a practical_a improvement_n of_o what_o be_v so_o understand_v or_o they_o fail_v of_o this_o and_o do_v rather_o darken_v and_o cloud_v the_o text._n these_o of_o the_o latter_a sort_n do_v not_o deserve_v the_o honour_n to_o be_v esteem_v interpretation_n of_o scripture_n for_o they_o render_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o more_o in●…icate_a and_o perplex_v and_o true_o it_o have_v be_v no_o unusual_a thing_n for_o man_n that_o write_v only_o to_o make_v ostentation_n of_o their_o learning_n and_o draw_v the_o eye_n of_o other_o upon_o they_o or_o to_o make_v trial_n of_o their_o wit_n in_o their_o attempt_n upon_o the_o scripture_n to_o vent_v some_o odd_a notion_n that_o serve_v rather_o to_o amuse_v than_o edify_v the_o reader_n and_o leave_v he_o more_o in_o the_o dark_a than_o when_o he_o peruse_v the_o text_n alone_o without_o their_o gloss_n as_o it_o have_v fare_v with_o some_o voluminous_a commentator_n upon_o aquinas_n who_o under_o pretence_n of_o expound_v their_o author_n have_v run_v out_o into_o so_o many_o intricate_a and_o frivolous_a question_n that_o by_o that_o time_n they_o have_v do_v they_o have_v leave_v the_o author_n text_n less_o intelligible_a than_o it_o be_v before_o they_o meddle_v with_o it_o true_o so_o it_o be_v with_o some_o that_o have_v undertake_v to_o write_v upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o i_o take_v such_o man_n write_n rather_o for_o depravation_n than_o exposition_n and_o the_o chief_a cause_n of_o this_o evil_n have_v be_v what_o this_o exercitator_n be_v not_o well_o aware_a of_o that_o they_o make_v too_o much_o use_v of_o their_o philosophic_a notion_n in_o their_o endeavour_n to_o interpret_v scripture-revelation_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o commentary_n or_o annotation_n on_o scripture_n be_v such_o as_o do_v contribute_v any_o help_n towards_o the_o unfolding_n of_o the_o true_a sense_n this_o have_v be_v chief_o by_o collect_v and_o compare_v the_o several_a part_n of_o scripture_n together_o and_o consider_v the_o circumstance_n of_o each_o text_n expound_v and_o so_o fetch_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o which_o be_v the_o only_a sure_a and_o warrantable_a way_n of_o interpretation_n chap._n ix_o 1._o the_o three_o and_o last_o branch_n of_o my_o first_o argument_n the_o scripture_n authenticness_n 2._o the_o exercitator_n exception_n remove_v 3._o wolzogen_n exception_n deny_v god_n to_o be_v the_o interpreter_n of_o scripture_n answer_v have_v vindicate_v the_o second_o 1_o branch_n of_o my_o first_o argument_n viz._n the_o scripture_n perspicuity_n from_o the_o many_o exception_n make_v against_o it_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o viz._n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a authentic_a 3._o record_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v the_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a voice_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o what_o that_o speak_v he_o speaks_z and_o who_o so_o fit_a to_o interpret_v the_o meaning_n of_o his_o word_n as_o himself_o ejus_fw-la est_fw-la interpr●tari_fw-la cujus_fw-la est_fw-la condere_fw-la be_v a_o approve_a rule_n in_o the_o civil_a law_n he_o that_o make_v the_o law_n be_v fit_a to_o interpret_v it_o and_o in_o the_o present_a case_n the_o reason_n be_v evident_a god_n best_o know_v his_o own_o mind_n and_o he_o have_v no_o where_o so_o plain_o and_o full_o reveal_v his_o mind_n as_o in_o scripture_n certain_o there_o can_v be_v none_o so_o sure_a and_o infallible_a interpreter_n of_o these_o sacred_a record_n as_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o indict_v they_o and_o he_o interpret_v they_o not_o by_o suggest_v to_o we_o any_o thing_n for_o their_o understanding_n which_o be_v not_o there_o already_o but_o by_o speak_v to_o we_o more_o clear_o from_o some_o part_n of_o scripture_n what_o be_v deliver_v more_o dark_o in_o other_o can_v any_o man_n or_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n pretend_v to_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n better_a than_o himself_o or_o give_v we_o better_o assurance_n what_o his_o mind_n be_v than_o the_o word_n which_o himself_o have_v appoint_v to_o be_v write_v for_o this_o very_a purpose_n whatsoever_o sense_n may_v be_v put_v upon_o any_o scripture-assertion_n and_o by_o whosoever_o frame_v it_o can_v challenge_v our_o undoubted_a reception_n unless_o we_o can_v discern_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n in_o it_o and_o that_o be_v no_o where_o to_o be_v hear_v with_o evidence_n and_o assurance_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o supernatural_a revelation_n which_o be_v that_o we_o chief_o deal_v with_o in_o this_o controversy_n but_o from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o but_o here_o the_o exercitator_n come_v in_o 9_o with_o his_o reply_n for_o acknowledge_v that_o without_o controversy_n god_n be_v a_o infallible_a interpreter_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n he_o nevertheless_o deny_v that_o therefore_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v its_o own_o interpreter_n or_o the_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n to_o itself_o because_o say_v he_o the_o same_o author_n may_v write_v several_a treatise_n and_o yet_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o the_o one_o shall_v interpret_v the_o other_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v the_o comparison_n sol._n be_v very_o unequal_a man_n write_v of_o different_a subject_n many_o time_n and_o for_o very_o different_a end_n and_o may_v withal_o so_o far_o forget_v themselves_o or_o be_v so_o unconstant_a to_o themselves_o as_o to_o cross_v in_o one_o discourse_v what_o they_o have_v write_v in_o another_o but_o god_n the_o author_n of_o scripture_n have_v design_v that_o whole_a volume_n to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o use_v and_o end_v to_o be_v a_o declaration_n of_o his_o mind_n to_o man_n that_o they_o may_v thereby_o be_v direct_v in_o their_o great_a affair_n and_o have_v a_o sure_a guide_n to_o happiness_n it_o be_v therefore_o every_o way_n most_o consistent_a with_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n so_o to_o order_v the_o endite_v of_o scripture_n in_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a excellency_n and_o necessity_n that_o his_o mind_n may_v be_v know_v from_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o either_o by_o the_o plainness_n of_o the_o particular_a sentence_n or_o by_o the_o dependence_n on_o and_o connexion_n with_o the_o antecedent_n and_o consequent_n or_o collation_n with_o the_o more_o remote_a part_n thereof_o but_o there_o be_v another_o author_n who_o 250._o pretend_v to_o maintain_v the_o protestant_a cause_n 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that_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o in_o it_o and_o that_o what_o that_o say_v god_n say_v and_o be_v it_o not_o the_o usual_a language_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o bible_n that_o the_o scripture_n say_v thus_o and_o thus_o which_o sure_o can_v be_v no_o otherwise_o take_v for_o truth_n or_o sense_n but_o as_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n to_o we_o and_o wolzogen_n 26._o himself_o say_v several_a time_n that_o in_o the_o scripture_n god_n speak_v to_o we_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n and_o see_v sometime_o the_o text_n be_v so_o plain_a that_o it_o speak_v clear_o its_o own_o mind_n and_o sometime_o what_o be_v speak_v in_o one_o part_n of_o scripture_n be_v explain_v by_o what_o be_v speak_v in_o another_o both_o which_o himself_o acknowledge_v why_o may_v it_o not_o with_o as_o much_o propriety_n be_v say_v that_o god_n be_v the_o interpreter_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n in_o scripture_n though_o he_o use_v no_o
yet_o accomplish_v will_v be_v make_v clear_a by_o the_o event_n when_o they_o come_v to_o be_v fulfil_v if_o there_o be_v any_o difficulty_n in_o any_o one_o 3._o part_n of_o scripture_n which_o can_v be_v clear_v from_o some_o other_o by_o the_o best_a inquiry_n we_o can_v make_v it_o will_v be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o attempt_v the_o find_n of_o it_o out_o any_o other_o way_n but_o we_o must_v be_v in_o such_o case_n content_a to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o their_o meaning_n nor_o yet_o will_v those_o scripture_n be_v utter_o useless_a or_o in_o vain_a to_o we_o if_o from_o their_o obscurity_n we_o can_v learn_v this_o needful_a lesson_n the_o more_o reverent_o to_o adore_v the_o majesty_n of_o the_o write_a word_n and_o more_o humble_o to_o acknowledge_v our_o own_o ignorance_n and_o weakness_n and_o to_o this_o may_v be_v refer_v what_o be_v object_v about_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d where_o the_o sense_n be_v not_o obvious_a yet_o again_o it_o be_v object_v if_o the_o scripture_n be_v its_o own_o sufficient_a interpreter_n 8._o what_o mean_v those_o many_o rule_n that_o divine_n give_v for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o scripture_n if_o the_o scripture_n itself_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o all_o these_o thus_o the_o exercitator_n who_o make_v a_o particular_a enumeration_n of_o several_a rule_n that_o be_v give_v by_o st._n austin_n and_o other_o to_o this_o childish_a cavil_v which_o the_o author_n bring_v in_o by_o the_o by_o i_o answer_v whatsoever_o rule_n be_v give_v by_o divine_n for_o the_o right_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n such_o as_o be_v sound_a and_o good_a be_v only_o to_o direct_v the_o reader_n how_o with_o most_o ease_n and_o great_a certainty_n to_o fetch_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o those_o rule_n therefore_o be_v but_o subordinate_a and_o ministerial_a do_v no_o way_n contradict_v or_o overthrow_v this_o which_o be_v the_o supreme_a and_o 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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 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among_o themselves_o let_v they_o first_o reconcile_v their_o own_o difference_n before_o they_o undertake_v so_o great_a a_o enterprise_n elsewhere_o 2._o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a ease_n to_o the_o interpreter_n because_o whatever_o sense_n he_o can_v make_v of_o any_o part_n of_o scripture_n if_o philosophy_n allow_v it_o for_o a_o truth_n he_o may_v be_v sure_a it_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o that_o text_n this_o way_n allow_v a_o plurality_n of_o immediate_a sense_n in_o the_o same_o scripture_n and_o where_o it_o be_v thus_o it_o be_v easy_a say_v he_o to_o find_v the_o true_a meaning_n than_o where_o according_a to_o the_o protestant_n opinion_n the_o sense_n be_v but_o one_o and_o yet_o sure_a when_o we_o speak_v of_o inquire_v after_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n we_o mean_v the_o whole_a sense_n not_o part_n of_o it_o only_o and_o if_o many_o sense_n may_v be_v more_o easy_o find_v out_o than_o one_o than_o perhaps_o our_o author_n may_v find_v it_o a_o easy_a thing_n to_o gain_v a_o thousand_o proselyte_n than_o one_o to_o his_o new_a way_n 3._o this_o will_v save_v man_n the_o labour_n of_o search_a commentator_n because_o in_o this_o way_n they_o may_v by_o their_o own_o industry_n find_v out_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n without_o any_o help_n from_o other_o and_o so_o they_o may_v according_a to_o his_o principle_n without_o ever_o look_v into_o the_o bible_n at_o all_o 4._o by_o this_o way_n we_o may_v best_o find_v out_o all_o corruption_n depravation_n and_o mutilation_n of_o the_o original_a text_n whether_o hebrew_n or_o greek_a and_o be_v it_o not_o pity_v the_o ancient_a church_n do_v not_o think_v of_o this_o happy_a expedient_a that_o they_o may_v have_v call_v a_o council_n of_o learned_a philosopher_n such_o as_o porphyry_n celsus_n and_o other_o to_o draw_v they_o up_o a_o more_o correct_a copy_n of_o the_o bible_n 5._o &_o 6._o by_o this_o we_o may_v know_v how_o to_o judge_v of_o all_o various_a lection_n which_o be_v genuine_a which_o not_o yea_o by_o this_o we_o may_v discover_v the_o error_n of_o translation_n make_v out_o of_o deprave_a copy_n or_o spurious_a readins_n though_o we_o have_v no_o skill_n at_o all_o in_o the_o original_a tongue_n doubtless_o a_o singular_a receipt_n that_o will_v help_v a_o man_n to_o distinguish_v of_o colour_n in_o the_o dark_a midnight_n as_o well_o as_o at_o noonday_n we_o see_v what_o a_o rare_a pampharmacon_n this_o aesculapius_n have_v prescribe_v which_o he_o may_v well_o call_v his_o nostrum_fw-la that_o can_v work_v as_o great_a wonder_n as_o the_o headsman_n axe_n that_o infallible_o cure_v all_o disease_n with_o one_o blow_n for_o that_o his_o grand_a design_n be_v utter_o to_o cashier_v the_o scripture_n as_o useless_a and_o unprofitable_a be_v plain_a enough_o by_o sundry_a passage_n in_o his_o book_n but_o especial_o that_o in_o his_o epilogue_n which_o i_o light_o touch_v at_o in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o my_o discourse_n chap._n 6._o but_o deserve_v a_o more_o severe_a castigation_n the_o scripture_n with_o he_o be_v of_o no_o use_n to_o instruct_v we_o in_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v not_o nor_o yet_o to_o confirm_v we_o in_o what_o we_o know_v all_o the_o use_n he_o allow_v it_o be_v only_o this_o that_o by_o read_v therein_o we_o may_v be_v occasion_v and_o excite_v to_o consider_v of_o the_o thing_n there_o treat_v of_o and_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o by_o philosophy_n and_o as_o much_o as_o this_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o jew_n talmud_n or_o the_o turk_n alcoran_n be_v there_o ever_o any_o who_o call_v himself_o a_o christian_n since_o the_o christian_a name_n be_v hear_v of_o that_o have_v manifest_v a_o more_o vile_a esteem_n of_o god_n write_a word_n or_o a_o more_o bold_a contempt_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a doctrine_n have_v god_n in_o mercy_n leave_v we_o this_o only_a
authentic_a record_n of_o his_o mind_n to_o conduct_v we_o in_o our_o way_n to_o blessedness_n and_o be_v this_o all_o it_o be_v good_a for_o it_o seem_v by_o this_o man_n account_n all_o the_o knowledge_n that_o we_o have_v any_o use_n for_o be_v in_o we_o already_o by_o nature_n light_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v deliver_v in_o scripture_n must_v be_v try_v by_o that_o what_o can_v a_o blind_a pagan_n have_v say_v more_o to_o the_o scripture_n dishonour_n as_o it_o be_v pass_v all_o doubt_n that_o the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n in_o who_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o be_v aught_o to_o be_v worship_v and_o serve_v by_o his_o rational_a creature_n so_o i_o think_v it_o shall_v be_v as_o unquestionable_a that_o he_o can_v be_v serve_v right_o and_o acceptable_o but_o by_o such_o a_o worship_n as_o be_v according_a to_o the_o appointment_n of_o his_o own_o will._n the_o mean_a man_n live_v that_o have_v any_o depend_v on_o he_o look_v they_o shall_v serve_v he_o according_a to_o his_o mind_n and_o not_o according_a to_o their_o own_o arbitrary_a choice_n and_o shall_v we_o think_v the_o great_a sovereign_n of_o the_o world_n will_v be_v please_v with_o a_o worship_n of_o man_n own_o ●●aming_n without_o any_o order_n or_o direction_n from_o he_o now_o by_o which_o way_n or_o mean_n can_v we_o know_v what_o that_o worship_n be_v which_o god_n approve_v if_o we_o be_v in_o this_o inpsed_a state_n leave_v to_o the_o mere_a conduct_n of_o natural_a light_n and_o have_v nor_o divine_a revelation_n to_o inform_v and_o guide_v we_o what_o pi●…ful_a work_n do_v the_o ●…st_n and_o learn_a of_o the._n heathen_a make_v about_o this_o 〈◊〉_d what_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v they_o admit_v into_o their_o religious_a worship_n as_o i_o have_v already_o 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o my_o discourse_n beside_o there_o be_v in_o scripture_n many_o thing_n historical_a and_o many_o prophetical_a can_v these_o 〈◊〉_d know_v by_o natural_a light_n or_o can_v we_o judge_v whether_o these_o be_v true_a or_o no_o by_o the_o help_n of_o philosophy_n moses_n give_v we_o the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n 〈◊〉_d the_o general_a deluge_n of_o the_o destruction_n of_o sodom_n of_o israel_n deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n by_o strange_a wonder_n and_o the_o bring_n of_o they_o after_o forty_o year_n wander_v into_o the_o promise_a land_n and_o their_o establishment_n there_o for_o some_o year_n till_o for_o their_o idolatry_n and_o other_o sin_n they_o be_v remove_v be_v record_v by_o other_o sacred_a writer_n beside_o many_o other_o remarkable_a history_n of_o more_o personal_a concernment_n now_o if_o we_o must_v not_o take_v these_o for_o truth_n from_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n which_o way_n shall_v we_o be_v satisfy_v reason_n indeed_o may_v convince_v we_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o impossible_a but_o whether_o they_o be_v real_o so_o or_o so_o do_v as_o be_v report_v all_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n all_o the_o maxim_n of_o philosophy_n will_v never_o resolve_v we_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o many_o prophecy_n concern_v christ_n and_o the_o afterstate_n of_o the_o church_n and_o about_o the_o four_o great_a monarchy_n that_o be_v successive_o to_o arise_v with_o their_o progress_n and_o period_n if_o these_o and_o such_o like_v be_v examine_v by_o philosophy_n what_o can_v it_o say_v to_o they_o must_v these_o be_v all_o reject_v so_o it_o seem_v by_o this_o author_n discourse_n for_o he_o have_v no_o kindness_n for_o any_o thing_n in_o scripture_n but_o what_o may_v mind_v we_o of_o what_o we_o know_v natural_o and_o may_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n be_v examine_v and_o determine_v and_o then_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o the_o great_a doctrine_n of_o man_n salvation_n by_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o grand_a subject_n and_o principal_a scope_n the_o of_o scripture_n be_v there_o ever_o any_o syllable_n of_o this_o make_v know_v to_o the_o world_n otherwise_o than_o by_o revelation_n there_o be_v indeed_o a_o natural_a theology_n but_o i_o can_v never_o yet_o see_v ground_n to_o be_v persuade_v that_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a christianity_n the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o our_o creator_n and_o preserver_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n but_o very_o imperfect_o attainable_a by_o natural_a light_n but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o redeemer_n of_o sinner_n reconcile_a they_o to_o god_n and_o deliver_v they_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n have_v never_o be_v attain_v have_v there_o not_o be_v something_o above_o nature_n to_o discover_v it_o if_o any_o think_v otherwise_o let_v they_o tell_v i_o how_o it_o come_v about_o that_o in_o those_o country_n where_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v never_o publish_v there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o print_n or_o footstep_n of_o this_o great_a mystery_n to_o be_v find_v but_o certain_o he_o that_o talk_v of_o the_o scripture_n after_o the_o rate_n of_o this_o author_n can_v be_v think_v to_o apprehend_v himself_o to_o stand_v in_o any_o need_n of_o a_o redeemer_n or_o to_o have_v any_o better_a esteem_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o that_o triple-crowned_n gentleman_n at_o rome_n 10._o be_v say_v to_o have_v manifest_v long_o since_o in_o his_o discourse_n with_o cardinal_n bembus_n for_o aught_o i_o see_v this_o man_n own_v nothing_o in_o the_o scripture_n but_o what_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o three_o head_n 1._o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o his_o attribute_n 2._o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o consequent_o man_n be_v future_a state_n in_o another_o world_n and_o 3._o the_o rule_n or_o law_n of_o moral_a duty_n because_o of_o these_o we_o have_v some_o notice_n by_o natural_a light_n but_o how_o miserable_o defective_a be_v that_o light_n even_o in_o these_o so_o that_o here_o also_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o further_a guide_n some_o knowledge_n the_o heathen_n have_v of_o god_n and_o of_o man_n future_a state_n but_o alas_o what_o do_v all_o that_o they_o have_v write_v hereabout_o come_v to_o but_o some_o faint_a guess_n and_o probable_a conjecture_n and_o though_o they_o have_v in_o their_o ethic_n many_o excellent_a thing_n and_o of_o great_a use_n yet_o they_o fall_v extreme_a short_a in_o sundry_a particular_n of_o very_a weighty_a concernment_n whereof_o we_o shall_v have_v be_v utter_o ignorant_a if_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v not_o afford_v we_o a_o more_o clear_a and_o perfect_a rule_n of_o practice_n and_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v by_o some_o that_o those_o gentile_a philosopher_n who_o flourish_v after_o the_o general_a promulgation_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o they_o continue_v still_o in_o their_o old_a gentilism_n yet_o they_o write_v much_o more_o clear_o and_o sublime_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o of_o man_n duty_n here_o and_o his_o eternal_a state_n hereafter_o than_o those_o who_o be_v before_o they_o whether_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o be_v the_o converse_n they_o may_v have_v with_o christian_n and_o their_o write_n or_o whether_o that_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v vouchsafe_v in_o those_o time_n may_v in_o some_o degree_n as_o to_o common_a enlightening_n extend_v itself_o beyond_o the_o church_n pale_a i_o will_v not_o determine_v but_o sure_o something_o there_o be_v beyond_o mere_a natural_a light_n that_o make_v they_o in_o their_o notion_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n so_o much_o 〈…〉_z of_o their_o predecessor_n i_o shall_v shut_v up_o all_o with_o this_o hearty_a and_o serious_a wish_n that_o all_o who_o call_v upon_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ_n will_v high_o honour_v and_o esteem_v the_o holy_a scripture_n make_v they_o their_o study_n and_o delight_n in_o order_n to_o the_o better_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o manifest_v the_o power_n and_o purity_n of_o this_o word_n by_o a_o sober_a righteous_a and_o godly_a conversation_n which_o will_v more_o effectual_o vindicate_v this_o bless_a book_n from_o the_o scorn_n and_o reproach_n of_o atheist_n and_o antiscripturist_n than_o all_o dispute_n a_o appendix_n concern_v internal_a illumination_n and_o other_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man._n vindicate_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o protestant_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o serious_a christian_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o enthusiasm_n and_o other_o unjust_a crimination_n in_o the_o savoy_n print_v by_o tho._n newcomb_n for_o robert_n boulter_n at_o the_o turk_n head_n in_o cornhill_n over_o against_o the_o royal_a exchange_n 1677._o a_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o content_n of_o the_o follow_a appendix_n chap._n i._n the_o protestant_n doctrine_n concern_v the_o spirit_n illumination_n explain_v and_o defend_v chap._n ii_o the_o nature_n of_o distress_n of_o conscience_n and_o spiritual_a joy_n open_v and_o the_o reality_n of_o they_o prove_v chap._n iii_o true_a zeal_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n justify_v a_o