A commentary or, exposition upon the divine second epistle general, writtenA commentary or, exposition vpon the diuine second epistle generall, written

VERSE 20. Knowing this first, that no Prophecy of the Scripture is of any private Interpretation. VERSE 21. For the Prophecy came not in old time (or, at any time) by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

VERSE 20. Knowing this first, that no Prophecie of the Scripture is of any private Interpretation. VERSE 21. For the Prophecie came not in old time (or, at any time) by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

The Apostle had formerly commended reading of the Prophets ab utilitate, by the benefit of them: how in reading them he gives warning a difficultate, from the difficulty of understanding them. There are things in them hard to be understood: the history is not without the mystery: and there often lies a deep and hidden sense, under a familiar and easy sentence. Let not men rush into their exposition, like hasty soldiers into a thicket, without seeking direction from the Captain. When we come to read them, we must throw away the sense of flesh and blood, and subject our selves Magisterio Spiritus. Some copies have read [Greek or Hebrew], which signifies, Quidam Impetus: then the sense were thus; No Scripture is of any private motion. But the most and best read, [Greek or Hebrew], Interpretation. Now let him that gave the proposition, give also the exposition: the Spirit which inspired the Prophets, can only declare the prophecies. We grant this to men, giving every one leave to be his own Interpreter, and to expound his own meaning. Deny not this to the Holy Ghost: that which Gods Spirit hath indited, must be by the same spirit interpreted.

THe Apostle had formerly commended reading of the Prophets ab utilitate, by the benefite of them: how in reading them he gives warning a difficultate, from the difficultie of understanding them. There are things in them hard to be understood: the historie is not without the mysterie: and there often lies a deepe and hidden sense, under a familiar and easy sentence. Let not men rush into their exposition, like hasty souldiers into a thicket, without seeking direction from the Captaine. When we come to read them, we must throw away the sense of flesh and bloud, and subject our selves Magisterio Spiritus. Some copies have read , which signifies, Quidam Impetus: then the sense were thus; No Scripture is of any private motion. But the most and best read, , Interpretation. Now let him that gave the proposition, give also the exposition: the Spirit which inspired the Prophets, can onely declare the prophecies. We grant this to men, giving every one leave to bee his owne Interpreter, and to expound his owne meaning. Deny not this to the Holy Ghost: that which Gods Spirit hath indited, must be by the same spirit interpreted.