I. Scripture-light the most sure light ... delivered in three sermons on 2 Pet.…

Thirdly: Study your Condition by the Scripture, and the Scripture by your Condition; Condition gives understanding. In case you be under a Temptation,¹ study those Scriptures that do concern such Temptation; if you be in an Affliction, study those Scriptures that do concern such Afflictions; if you be in a Desertion, study those Scriptures which do concern such Desertions: and whatever your Condition be, study those Scriptures which do concern your Condition, and this will help you to understand rhe Scriptures.

Thirdly: Study your Condition by the Scripture, and the Scripture by your Condition; Condition gives understanding. In case you be under a Temptation,¹ study those Scriptures that do concern such Temptation; if you be in an Affliction, study those Scriptures that do concern such Afflictions; if you be in a Desertion, study those Scrip•ures which do concern such Desertions: and whatever your Condition be, study those Scriptures which do concern your Condition, and this wil help you to understand rhe Scriptures.

1. 1Conditio d•• Intellectum.

Yet Fourthly: Take heed that you be not too indulgent to your own Condition,¹ Disposition, or Opinion. It's a good speech of Hilary; He is the best Interpreter of Scripture, that doth rather bring ⟨p. 53⟩his Sense from the Scripture, than carry his Sense to the Scripture. We are very apt to interpret Scripture according to our own opinion, or disposition. Interpretation ordinarily follows disposition, or opinion: As when there was a great Controversy in the Popish Church, betwixt the two Liturgies of Ambrose and Gregory; by common consent of both Parties, it was agreed, that both the Mass Books should be laid on the Altar, expecting the decision of the matter by Revelation: and the doors being opened the next morning, Gregory's Mass-Book was rent and torn in many pieces, and scattered abroad in the place; but Ambroses lay whole, and open upon the Altar, which some thought signified thus much; That Gregory's Mass-Book should be cancelled; others, as the Pope himself said, nay, but this renting and scattering of the Leaves, signified the dispersing of it over all the Christian World. Thus men interpret things, according to their own Dispositions and Opinions, even when they come to Scripture also. Would you therefore see clearly into the mind of God in the Scripture? then, as when you come to Christ for Righteousness, ye come with naked shoulders; so when you come to the Truth of Christ, take heed of your own Disposition, and Opinion: you must come to Christ as a Prophet, as well as to Christ as a Priest, with naked shoulders.