An analytical exposition of both the epistles of the Apostle Peter illustratedAn analyticall exposition of both the epistles of the Apostle Peter illustrated

The Papists and some others gather from this place, that the interpretation of Scripture doth not belong unto private men, but unto the Church, that is, the Pope and the Councils whom he approves of: but in this sense this place makes most against them: for first it is not here said that a private man may not interpret the Scriptures, but that he may not make an interpretation of his own; now by a mans own interpretation is meant a humane interpretation, that is made by the will of man; as it evidently appears by the opposition, verse 21. So that the Prophets themselves, although they were public Doctors of the Church, yet if they should have said any thing of themselves without the revelation of God, that would have been their own, that is, a humane interpretation: whence also it follows that every interpretation of the Pope, which he takes not from clear Scripture, or hath it not by some extraordinary revelation, is his own in that sense as this word is taken in this place. Secondly, By interpretation ⟨p. 186⟩in this place is not meant the interpretation of Scripture, that was before revealed, but the revelation it self, as it appears by the 21 vers where this interpretation is made to consist therein, that the Prophets spake their prophesies as they were moved by the holy Ghost. 3 Peter himself, who in the opinion of the Papists was at that time head of the Church, bids the faithful here, search the Scriptures, he doth not bid them depend upon him, and always look for interpretation. 4 He attributes more and greater strength unto the Scripture, then to his own testimony. 5 He calls the Scripture a light, and the condition of the Church a dark place▪ the Papists on the contrary attribute darkness unto the Scripture, and light and clearness unto the Church. 6 He commends the vulgar sort of the faithful, that they did take heed unto the Scriptures, in these words, Ye do well. But the Papists by this interpretation debar the faithful from the reading of the Scripture.

The Papists and some others gather from this place, that the interpretation of Scripture doth not belong unto private men, but unto the Church, that is, the Pope and the Councels whom he approves of: but in this sense this place makes most against them: for first it is not here said that a private man may not interpret the Scriptures, but that he may not make an interpretation of his owne; now by a mans owne interpretation is meant a humane interpretation, that is made by the will of man; as it evidently appeares by the opposition, verse 21. So that the Prophets themselves, although they were publick Doctors of the Church, yet if they should have said any thing of themselves without the revelation of God, that would have beene their owne, that is, a humane interpretation: whence also it followes that every interpretation of the Pope, which he takes not from cleare Scripture, or hath it not by some extraordinary revelation, is his owne in that sense as this word is taken in this place. Secondly, By interpretation