A Key to Open Scripture Metaphors, To the reader 2
TO THE READER.
HAving spent many Years in a Ministerial Capacity, and having the Charge of a particular Flock committed to me, (altho in many respects unfit for the Management of so great a Trust) partly, a particular Inclination, but principally the Edification of my Hearers, drew out my Heart to study the Nature of Scripture Metaphors, and other Tropes and figurative Speeches there used; and finding the Scriptures abounding with Metaphors, Allegories, &c. and that those Divine Matters which the Holy Spirit dictates, are represented by Similitudes borrowed from earthly Things; yea, that they are often called by the very Names that material or earthly Things are; God, by a gracious Condescension, conveying the knowledg of spiritual Things by preaching them by their respective earthly Parallels: I betook my self to preach upon some Metaphors, which, by the Aid of Divine Goodness, wanted neither Success, nor the general Satisfaction of my Auditory: And having many brief Heads of my Notes, respecting some principal Metaphors, by me, it was judged by divers worthy Men, worth my Time and Pains to compile an entire Work upon this Subject, for Publick Good. And altho I knew the Work to be too heavy for a single Undertaker, yet I have adventured this Essay. And that there might be no Defect, for want of any humane Literature needful, I have procured such Helps, as I hope (to speak modestly) have given sufficient proof, that they want neither Learning nor Languages; particularly, the Help of the Gentleman that translated our Philologia Sacra, he being my Friend, and one that had leisure, and a willing mind to contribute his Assistance. After much Labour and Pains, it is brought so far as thou seest; and if thou reapest any Benefit by it, give God the Praise.
As to the Work it self, we have had it recommended by several learned and judicious Ministers to their Christian Friends, in order to its being encouraged. The Matter of it is Divine, but the Manner of handling possibly will not please all. I must confess my own Defects and Disabilities for the undertaking of so great a Subject, and am assured, the Christian and candid Peruser will overlook Frailties, and take that in good part, which was design'd for the Publick Good. As for Carpers and Censurers, that like nothing but what they do themselves, they are below regard. I have met with an Objection against my Method, viz. That no Parallels are to be drawn beyond the Scope of the Text, answering the Intention of the Spirit there. To which I say,
First; That I have endeavoured with all diligence to conform all my Parallels to plain Scripture, and the Analogy of the Orthodox Faith; and if I go beyond what the Scope of a particular Text is, yet I agree with the general Tenor of God's Word.
Secondly; Metaphors being Terms borrowed from Things that have divers Properties, as far as they yield Parities or Disparities (with the Object represented) agreeable to the Word of God, if they tend to Edification, may be safely used: As for example; God (in a Metaphorical Notion) is called a Father; how can a Parallel be limited, till you apply all the good Properties of a natural Father to Him? So of Christ a Shepherd, &c. See our Sacred Philology, pag. 67, & 171. The like may be said of many other general Terms, &c.
Thirdly; If our Method is not useful to critical Objectors, yet 'tis hoped it will be so to the plain serious Reader; and the other may furnish himself with what he likes, or let alone what he wants not.
Fourthly; If Example be any Warrant, I have the Precedents of the learned Glassius, Illyricus, Dr. Franzius, and our own Caryl, Burroughs, Blackwood, and divers others, who have parallel'd divers Metaphors in the same nature as I have done. All which, I presume, will satisfy such as can be satisfied, with respect to this Objection.
I can truly say, that we have spared no Cost or Pains, to consult the best Authors extant, whether Divines, Naturalists, Philosophers, Philologists, or Criticks, &c. in order to make this Essay useful for the end intended; and have carefully labour'd to avoid any Notion of Things, that may offend such as are sound in the Faith; but have kept all along within the Bounds of that Gravity, and Orthodoxy of Matter, which the Christian Religion requires, and the Reformed Protestants profess.
The Helps I have had from others, whether dead or alive, I readily acknowledg; for I would not own that for mine which is not; and to accommodate the Work the better, I have, I confess, expressed some Things in the very Words of divers worthy and learned Divines.
As to the Work in general, and the Use of it, read the Epistle to the First Book. Only this let me add here: Such who would see what Improvement may be fairly made of a Metaphor, may read Light, (Book 3. p. 1, to 40.) which contains the Substance of several Sermons, preached upon 2 Cor. 4.4. with good Acceptance.
Reader, This I must say, (what Profit it may yield thee I know not) yet when the Second Volume is finished, thou wilt have the Fruit of near twenty Years Study, in which time (divers that know me can say) I have not been idle. And thou mayest perceive, that what I have received I am willing to communicate to others; Talents must not be hid in Napkins. And that it may bring Glory to God, Advantage to Thee, and to the Church of Christ in general, is, and shall be the constant Prayer of him, who is willing to serve thee in the Work of the Gospel, for Christ's sake,
B. KEACH.