4. Being to interpret any Allegorical place of Scripture, we would see, not only to the scope of all Scripture, and the analogy of Faith in general; but to the scope of the Spirit in that place: As for example, If we would understand what is intended by the Parable of the Prodigal, we would first consider the scope, which is to show God's ready welcoming of a sinner, and then level the exposition, as serving to illustrat that scope. So we would consider what is the Brides scope, Chap. 5. 10. and it's to describe Christ: And Chap. 7. 1. we would consider what is the Bridegroom's scope; and it's to describe her. So then it agrees with the scope, to open these places, & apply them to what is commendable in him, and her: And thus the Exposition, and Doctrines from it, do not only suit with the analogy of Faith, and are not contrary to found Doctrine; but also suit with the intention of the Spirit there, and are agreeable to it: For the Holy Ghost under general commendations, may include all particulars, which may serve to make out the general; and so when the scope is to hold Christ out, as all desires, then what ever makes him appear desirable, and standeth with the analogy of the expression, may well stand with that scope: This is sure, especially when negatively it's inferred; that is, when such a scope necessarily inferreth such a Doctrine, and when that scope could not be attained, if such a ⟨p. 27⟩Doctrine were not supposed: As when in general, Christ and his Church are holden out to stand in a near relation together, and so to carry one towards each other, as being under such a relation; this will necessarily infer a covenant, and an union by saith upon the grounds of it, and some evidencing of the proofs of Christ's love, &c. because without these, that relation could never have been, nor can it without them be understood by us.
4. Being to interpret any Allegorical place of Scripture, we would see, not only to the scope of all Scripture, and the analogy of Faith in general; but to the scope of the Spirit in that place: As for example, If we would understand what is intended by the Parable of the Prodigal, we would first consider the scope, which is to shew God's ready welcoming of a sinner, and then lavel the exposition, as serving to illustrat that scope. So we would consider what is the Brides scope, Chap. 5. 10. and it's to discribe Christ: And Chap. 7. 1. we would consider what is the Bridegroom's scope; and it's to discribe her. So then it agrees with the scope, to open these places, & apply them to what is commendable in him, and her: And thus the Exposition, and Doctrines from it, do not only sute with the analogy of Faith, and are not contrare to found Doctrine; but also sute with the intention of the Spirit there, and are agreeable to it: For the Holy Ghost under general commendations, may include all particulars, which may serve to make out the general; and so when the scope is to hold Christ out, as all desires, then what ever makes him appear desirable, and standeth with the analogy of the expression, may well stand with that scope: This is sure, especially when negatively it's inferred; that is, when such a scope necessarily inferreth such a Doctrine, and when that scope could not be attained, if such a ⟨p. 27⟩Doctrine were not supposed: As when in general, Christ and his Church are holden out to stand in a neer relation together, and so to carry one towards each other, as being under such a relation; this will necessarily infer a covenant, and an union by saith upon the grounds of it, and some evidencing of the proofs of Christ's love, &c. because without these, that relation could never have been, nor can it without them be understood by us.
