But, like many others, who can't write Coherence, nor consistently with themselves; so the _Bishop_, for all his saying that the allegorical Interpretations of Scripture by the Fathers are of little or no Authority, yet almost, if not altogether, contradicts himself, and grants as much as I desire, saying[377] thus, "With relation to any Expositions of Scripture made by the Fathers in early Times, they must be allow'd to have had _some_ Advantage in being near to the Fountain itself." I ask for nothing more from the Bishop. Why do I contend for the Authority of the Fathers as Interpreters and Expositors? Only because they lived nearer to the Days of _Christ_ and his Apostles, whose Mind and Will consequently they must needs know better, than we at this Distance: And because (what the _Bishop_ elsewhere grants) those primitive Ages, as well as the Apostolical one, were in some measure inspired, upon the credible Testimonies of _Origen_, _Irenæus_, and _Eusebius_, whose Words I shall not stay here to produce. Hence then, in the Authority of the Fathers, I should think, there is Foundation enough to build allegorical Interpretations on, and particularly to prove the literal Stories of Christ's Miracles to be Emblems of future and mysterious Operations; but all this will not do to pacify and stop the Mouths of my Gainsayers. This Controversy is _pro Aris & Focis_, for the ALL of the Clergy that is dear to them; and therefore they will shuffle and trifle for and against any Argument, rather than yield. Tho' the _Bishop_ of _St. David_'s above speaks favourably of _Expositions made by the Fathers in early Times_, and may grant that the Church, in her first Ages was inspired, yet he will still wrangle against allegorical Interpretations, especially such as I have made on some Miracles; as for Instance, "On _Jesus_'s driving the Buyers and Sellers out of the Temple; "On his precipitating the Swine with the Devils into the Sea; "On his healing the Woman of an Issue of Blood; and the Woman of a Spirit of Infirmity, _&c._ because the Interests and Reputations of the _Clergy_, as _Ministers_ of the _Letter_, are touch'd to the quick by them. So true is that Saying of the _Bishop_ of _London_, which deserves to be repeated, That "where there is an Unwillingness to part with Prejudices and worldly Interests, there must of Course be a _Desire_ that the Christian Religion (_which consists in the Ministry of the Spirit_) should not be true; and a _Willingness_ to favour and embrace any Argument that is brought against it, and to cherish any Doubts and Scruples that shall be rais'd concerning it.