this_o be_v the_o christian_a truth_n our_o singular_a glory_n whereby_o we_o be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o those_o who_o profess_v any_o other_o religion_n whatsoever_o whether_o of_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n or_o the_o idolatrous_a gentile_n or_o the_o delude_v saracen_n and_o turk_n or_o downright_a atheist_n and_o other_o of_o a_o like_a perverse_a persuasion_n these_o all_o err_v especial_o the_o three_o first_o rank_n of_o man_n by_o not_o know_v or_o not_o embrace_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v deserve_o style_v 15._o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o be_v the_o only_a supreme_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n we_o then_o who_o embrace_v this_o christian_a rule_n be_v bless_v with_o that_o institution_n which_o be_v pure_a and_o undefiled_a which_o be_v ground_v on_o undoubted_a revelation_n which_o be_v back_v by_o a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n which_o have_v a_o divine_a impress_n stamp_v upon_o it_o so_o that_o our_o religion_n as_o far_o surmount_v all_o other_o as_o the_o gold_n which_o have_v pass_v the_o refiner_n fire_n and_o have_v the_o royal_a stamp_n upon_o it_o outbid_v the_o common_a ore_n and_o shame_v its_o dross_n and_o mean_a alloy_n you_o see_v then_o which_o be_v the_o unalterable_a standard_n of_o truth_n viz._n reason_n and_o revelation_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o of_o scripture_n and_o i_o dare_v confident_o aver_v that_o if_o our_o inquiry_n and_o determination_n in_o religion_n be_v faithful_o manage_v by_o these_o two_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o fail_v of_o truth_n if_o we_o will_v but_o act_v thus_o as_o man_n and_o christian_n and_o that_o be_v as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v we_o can_v miss_v of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v certain_o the_o purchase_n of_o all_o those_o who_o make_v a_o right_a use_n of_o their_o rational_a power_n and_o also_o help_v and_o direct_v those_o power_n by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o sacred_a spirit_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o these_o two_o we_o may_v examine_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a religion_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o will_v abide_v the_o test._n by_o these_o standard_n of_o truth_n we_o may_v examine_v the_o doctrine_n of_o all_o seducer_n that_o be_v abroad_o in_o the_o world_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v they_o to_o be_v false_a and_o adulterate_a if_o we_o will_v sincere_o follow_v these_o rule_n the_o great_a diversity_n of_o opinion_n and_o sentiment_n among_o we_o will_v soon_o be_v reconcile_v if_o we_o will_v faithful_o take_v these_o measure_n i.e._n always_o be_v rule_v and_o conduct_v by_o reason_n and_o scripture_n we_o shall_v easy_o agree_v upon_o what_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o assert_v in_o religion_n and_o all_o our_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n will_v vanish_v now_o from_o what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o discourse_v we_o may_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n be_v able_a not_o only_o to_o return_v a_o answer_n to_o pilate_n question_n what_o be_v truth_n but_o to_o another_o near_o a_o kin_n to_o it_o viz._n what_o be_v error_n and_o falsehood_n all_o proposition_n which_o contradict_v the_o common_a notice_n and_o first_o principle_n in_o our_o mind_n and_o which_o affront_n right_a reason_n and_o the_o plain_a deduction_n make_v from_o it_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o false_a and_o on_o the_o same_o account_n those_o assertion_n which_o overthrow_v the_o verdict_n of_o our_o sense_n and_o much_o more_o those_o that_o imply_v contradiction_n in_o they_o and_o consequent_o impossibility_n can_v be_v true_a and_o on_o these_o ground_n i_o may_v show_v that_o the_o divinity_n of_o some_o high-flown_a enthusiast_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o roman_a catholic_n concern_v transubstantiation_n be_v just_o to_o be_v impeach_v of_o falsehood_n again_o whatsoever_o assertion_n in_o any_o religion_n be_v repugnant_a to_o divine_a revelation_n to_o god_n will_n declare_v by_o some_o positive_a law_n to_o such_o discovery_n as_o be_v know_v to_o be_v immediate_o from_o heaven_n these_o must_v necessary_o be_v false_a and_o on_o this_o ground_n the_o religion_n of_o the_o pagan_n jew_n and_o mahometan_n must_v be_v vote_v to_o be_v such_o because_o they_o oppose_v a_o infallible_a revelation_n and_o that_o confirm_v by_o unparallelled_a miracle_n and_o semblable_o in_o christianity_n all_o those_o tenant_n of_o several_a sect_n which_o bid_v defiance_n to_o any_o part_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n which_o be_v leave_v we_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o roman_a opinion_n the_o doctrine_n of_o pelagian_n socinian_o anabaptist_n antinomian_o libertine_n quaker_n hobbians_n etc._n etc._n be_v false_a and_o erroneous_a thus_o far_o then_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o premise_n we_o have_v advance_v that_o when_o there_o be_v several_a claim_n and_o pretence_n to_o truth_n and_o it_o be_v inquire_v what_o judge_n shall_v decide_v the_o controversy_n the_o answer_n must_v be_v that_o right_a reason_n and_o inspire_a scripture_n be_v the_o only_a judge_n they_o be_v the_o fix_a standard_n and_o measure_n of_o truth_n but_o then_o here_o will_v lie_v the_o main_a difficulty_n of_o all_o that_o in_o the_o question_n and_o debate_n of_o religion_n scripture_n be_v quote_v with_o equal_a vigour_n and_o confidence_n on_o all_o side_n as_o if_o what_o the_o jewish_a rabbi_n say_v of_o scripture_n that_o it_o have_v seventy-two_a face_n be_v the_o receive_a opinion_n of_o christian_n nay_o some_o of_o these_o seem_v to_o acknowledge_v by_o their_o strange_a way_n of_o interpret_n it_o that_o it_o have_v not_o only_o different_a but_o contrary_a aspect_n when_o therefore_o there_o be_v dispute_n about_o scripture-interpretation_n what_o must_v we_o do_v how_o can_v we_o discern_v what_o be_v truth_n by_o consult_v of_o scripture_n when_o as_o that_o be_v dubious_a and_o uncertain_a if_o contrary_a sect_n and_o party_n quote_v it_o and_o plead_v it_o how_o can_v it_o be_v a_o fix_a standard_n of_o truth_n how_o be_v it_o a_o unerring_a guide_n it_o may_v suffice_v to_o say_v in_o general_n that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o all_o opinionist_n even_o the_o wild_a of_o they_o make_v use_n of_o scripture_n yea_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o turk_n alcoran_n be_v express_a word_n of_o the_o bible_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n i_o say_v since_o scripture_n be_v quote_v by_o satan_n himself_o who_o when_o he_o tempt_v our_o saviour_n misapply_v it_o to_o the_o vile_a purpose_n but_o particular_o to_o satisfy_v this_o great_a and_o affright_v difficulty_n we_o may_v inform_v ourselves_o that_o in_o religion_n there_o be_v five_o sort_n of_o inquiry_n and_o doctrine_n now_o i_o will_v brief_o show_v how_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o and_o when_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o apply_v it_o to_o any_o of_o these_o particular_n i._o some_o point_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v in_o themselves_o mystical_a and_o profound_a and_o the_o sacred_a write_n have_v not_o explain_v they_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o we_o shall_v ever_o do_v it_o such_o difficult_a and_o sublime_a doctrine_n as_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o sacred_a trinity_n i.e._n a_o trinity_n of_o divine_a person_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n the_o union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n in_o one_o person_n the_o manner_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o the_o like_a be_v not_o to_o be_v thorough_o know_v by_o we_o as_o long_o as_o we_o sojourn_v on_o earth_n these_o be_v like_o the_o book_n in_o the_o revelation_n 6._o which_o none_o be_v able_a to_o open_v in_o heaven_n or_o in_o earth_n but_o the_o lamb._n and_o see_v he_o be_v not_o please_v to_o unfold_v they_o to_o we_o we_o must_v admire_v and_o adore_v they_o but_o not_o be_v solicitous_a to_o comprehend_v they_o we_o be_v to_o remember_v this_o that_o some_o thing_n must_v be_v believe_v on_o the_o mere_a authority_n of_o the_o speaker_n and_o it_o argue_v infidelity_n to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o or_o so_o much_o as_o to_o be_v inquisitive_a about_o they_o the_o thing_n be_v speak_v by_o god_n therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v credit_n to_o they_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o they_o be_v not_o discover_v therefore_o i_o be_o oblige_v not_o to_o pry_v into_o they_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n as_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o origen_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o believe_v some_o article_n of_o faith_n on_o the_o bare_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v object_v to_o the_o christian_n by_o the_o heathen_n their_o complaint_n against_o they_o be_v that_o they_o will_v neither_o give_v nor_o receive_v a_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n but_o be_v wont_a to_o cry_v out_o â—_o examine_v not_o but_o believe_v here_o likewise_o i_o may_v rank_v some_o insuperable_a problem_n concern_v the_o divine_a decree_n and_o predestination_n the_o abstruseness_n of_o which_o forbid_v
and_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o search_n and_o inquiry_n about_o divine_a truth_n this_o discourse_n lay_v the_o foundation_n for_o those_o which_o follow_v for_o even_o the_o sacred_a verity_n and_o principle_n of_o our_o religion_n have_v a_o tendency_n to_o practise_v the_o second_o be_v of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o ruler_n and_o judge_n wherein_o i_o have_v endeavonr_v to_o establish_v the_o right_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o civil_a governor_n upon_o the_o sure_a basis_n of_o reason_n and_o scripture_n and_o thereon_o have_v ground_v our_o obedience_n to_o they_o which_o be_v a_o indispensable_a law_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o christian_a institution_n but_o as_o we_o be_v to_o obey_v magistrate_n so_o they_o be_v to_o do_v homage_n to_o the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n and_o to_o give_v proof_n of_o this_o reverence_n and_o submission_n by_o their_o religious_a and_o holy_a demeanour_n wherefore_o in_o the_o three_o place_n i_o have_v show_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o their_o be_v exemplary_a in_o their_o life_n and_o of_o their_o surpass_v other_o in_o all_o moral_a and_o religious_a action_n next_o i_o undertake_v to_o display_v thâ—_n office_n of_o the_o guide_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o public_a instructor_n of_o soul_n and_o to_o show_v what_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v master_n of_o in_o order_n to_o their_o edify_v the_o church_n of_o christ._n then_o i_o descend_v to_o the_o more_o particular_a case_n and_o condition_n of_o person_n and_o show_v how_o necessary_a religion_n and_o virtue_n be_v to_o man_n of_o traffic_n and_o business_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o the_o decay_n of_o riches_n and_o plenty_n in_o a_o nation_n be_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o their_o vicious_a practice_n afterward_o i_o represent_v to_o the_o reader_n that_o extravagant_a pride_n and_o vanity_n of_o apparel_n which_o be_v so_o conspicuous_a in_o this_o age_n and_o with_o that_o freedom_n which_o become_v a_o dispenser_n of_o the_o divine_a oracle_n i_o set_v before_o the_o offender_n the_o sinfulness_n and_o mischief_n of_o this_o excess_n again_o i_o take_v occasion_n from_o the_o commence_v of_o the_o late_a war_n to_o satisfy_v the_o scrupulous_a about_o the_o lawfulness_n yea_o and_o necessity_n in_o some_o case_n of_o go_v to_o war._n and_o soon_o after_o there_o be_v ground_n for_o another_o discourse_n viz._n concern_v the_o cause_n of_o ill_a success_n in_o martial_a affair_n and_o because_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o whilst_o we_o be_v engage_v the_o enemy_n abroad_o there_o shall_v be_v peace_n at_o home_n i_o impartial_o represent_v the_o mischievous_a and_o pernicious_a consequence_n of_o intestine_a broil_n and_o division_n in_o a_o kingdom_n and_o warm_o exhort_v to_o unity_n and_o concord_n this_o be_v a_o brief_a view_n of_o ten_o of_o the_o sermon_n in_o this_o volume_n which_o be_v so_o mix_v that_o there_o be_v no_o degree_n or_o quality_n of_o person_n but_o will_v find_v themselves_o concern_v in_o the_o subject_n here_o treat_v of_o prince_n and_o monarch_n inferior_a ruler_n and_o magistrate_n ecclesiastical_a person_n and_o all_o other_o whether_o public_a or_o private_a civil_a or_o military_a wealthy_a or_o indigent_a of_o the_o manly_a or_o of_o the_o soft_a sex_n have_v their_o share_n in_o these_o paper_n as_o for_o the_o two_o last_o sermon_n they_o have_v their_o birth_n from_o the_o two_o much_o prevail_a opinion_n of_o those_o man_n who_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v mystery_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o strike_v only_o at_o that_o general_n doctrine_n and_o wave_v all_o set_a reflection_n on_o particular_a person_n or_o their_o attempt_n the_o sum_n of_o my_o undertake_n here_o be_v this_o i_o give_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o word_n mystery_n as_o it_o be_v mention_v and_o understand_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n more_o especial_o i_o settle_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o that_o term_n as_o it_o peculiar_o respect_v the_o present_a case_n and_o have_v reference_n to_o christianity_n i_o show_v upon_o what_o reason_n and_o ground_n this_o doctrine_n of_o mystery_n be_v found_v i_o represent_v the_o notorious_a blemish_n of_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n and_o last_o i_o intersperse_v such_o proper_a inference_n as_o be_v the_o natural_a result_n of_o the_o respective_a particular_n thus_o though_o other_o have_v handle_v this_o subject_a i_o make_v it_o a_o peculiar_a province_n by_o the_o particular_a way_n of_o my_o undertake_n and_o manage_v it_o which_o whether_o it_o be_v do_v aright_o and_o to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o pious_a i_o leave_v to_o the_o reader_n to_o judge_v but_o this_o only_o i_o be_o able_a to_o say_v and_o that_o most_o sincere_o that_o i_o design_v what_o i_o have_v here_o write_v for_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o christianity_n and_o for_o the_o glory_n and_o honour_n of_o its_o divine_a author_n and_o this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o all_o my_o write_n of_o what_o subject_n soever_o i_o have_v already_o treat_v or_o shall_v hereafter_o treat_v some_o perhaps_o may_v think_v i_o pour_v they_o in_o too_o fast_o upon_o the_o reader_n and_o do_v it_o keep_v a_o due_a distance_n such_o as_o they_o will_v have_v between_o one_o book_n and_o another_o i_o be_o so_o vncivil_a a_o writer_n that_o i_o will_v scarce_o give_v the_o reader_n time_n to_o breath_n and_o beside_o it_o be_v a_o blemish_n to_o my_o reputation_n that_o i_o hereby_o give_v occasion_n to_o some_o to_o censure_v i_o for_o be_v too_o forward_a a_o man_n and_o one_o that_o affect_v to_o appear_v often_o in_o public_a view_n and_o therefore_o they_o prudent_o advise_v to_o observe_v a_o moderation_n and_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o husbandry_n to_o lie_v fallow_a some_o time_n i_o thank_v these_o gentleman_n for_o the_o care_n they_o pretend_v to_o have_v of_o the_o reader_n and_o i_o but_o i_o must_v tell_v they_o this_o good_a advice_n of_o they_o belong_v to_o those_o novice_n who_o want_v material_n for_o a_o scribble_n though_o it_o be_v but_o a_o four-penny_n cut_v or_o those_o poor_a starve_a soul_n that_o write_v for_o bread_n and_o clap_v all_o their_o book_n and_o sometime_o more_o than_o be_v in_o it_o into_o the_o title_n page_n here_o the_o counsel_n will_v be_v seasonable_a especial_o for_o the_o reader_n good_a to_o be_v temperate_a writer_n but_o if_o they_o will_v be_v so_o civil_a as_o not_o to_o rank_v i_o in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o forementioned_a person_n i_o think_v i_o have_v enough_o to_o plead_v in_o behalf_n of_o the_o frequency_n of_o my_o write_n i_o can_v support_v myself_o herein_o by_o very_o good_a and_o vnexceptionable_a example_n half_o a_o dozen_o of_o the_o best_a penman_n we_o have_v at_o this_o day_n among_o we_o two_o of_o the_o learnede_a prelate_n of_o our_o church_n who_o fail_v not_o every_o year_n to_o present_v the_o learned_a with_o a_o offer_n and_o their_o teem_v thought_n be_v still_o design_v to_o oblige_v the_o world_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n but_o wave_a precedent_n especial_o those_o which_o be_v too_o high_a for_o i_o i_o will_v justify_v my_o practice_n from_o the_o reason_n and_o equity_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o i_o hold_v it_o proper_a to_o offer_v sâ—meâ—_n truth_n to_o the_o world_n now_o whilst_o i_o be_o able_a to_o defend_v they_o against_o the_o objection_n which_o some_o may_v think_v fit_a to_o make_v against_o they_o as_o i_o have_v in_o some_o part_n find_v it_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v already_o and_o i_o know_v not_o why_o truth_n may_v not_o be_v as_o sharp_a as_o error_n beside_o some_o thing_n be_v proper_a for_o this_o peculiar_a age_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v defer_v will_v prove_v unseasonable_a i_o conceive_v our_o sceptical_a time_n require_v some_o such_o sort_n of_o write_n as_o i_o have_v have_v occasion_n to_o publish_v more_o than_o any_o that_o be_v before_o or_o perhaps_o ever_o will_v be_v again_o what_o i_o do_v be_v pursuant_n to_o my_o character_n and_o function_n which_o exact_a a_o public_a appearance_n and_o a_o open_v do_v of_o good_a to_o mankind_n for_o a_o clergyman_n shall_v give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o time_n to_o the_o world_n as_o well_o as_o to_o god_n wherefore_o being_n not_o engage_v at_o present_a in_o the_o employment_n of_o the_o pulpit_n i_o think_v myself_o oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o â—â—eak_v to_o the_o world_n from_o the_o press_n and_o to_o let_v my_o pen_n do_v the_o office_n of_o my_o tongue_n and_o true_o why_o one_o shall_v be_v a_o crime_n and_o not_o the_o other_o be_v unaccountable_a or_o rather_o it_o be_v not_o much_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o those_o man_n who_o i_o have_v to_o do_v with_o at_o present_a look_v upon_o both_o equal_o
we_o this_o excellent_a memorandum_n this_o be_v to_o be_v fix_v on_o our_o memory_n as_o a_o principal_a rule_n that_o whatever_o thing_n be_v reveal_v unto_o we_o by_o god_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v by_o we_o as_o the_o most_o certain_a of_o all_o and_o though_o perhaps_o the_o most_o clear_a and_o evident_a light_n of_o reason_n shall_v seem_v to_o suggest_v to_o we_o some_o other_o thing_n notwithstanding_o this_o we_o be_v to_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o sole_a authority_n of_o god_n rather_o than_o to_o our_o own_o judgement_n thus_o these_o mighty_a genius_n of_o philosophy_n give_v their_o suffrage_n to_o our_o great_a apostle_n and_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n how_o rational_a it_o be_v to_o keep_v the_o reason_v as_o well_o as_o the_o elective_a part_n in_o subjection_n and_o indeed_o see_v it_o be_v the_o same_o soul_n that_o affect_v will_n and_o understand_v and_o these_o faculty_n be_v not_o real_o different_a from_o the_o soul_n itself_o it_o follow_v that_o if_o the_o soul_n in_o one_o capacity_n may_v be_v check_v and_o regulate_v than_o it_o may_v be_v so_o in_o another_o and_o if_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o chastise_v the_o extravagancy_n of_o the_o will_n and_o appetite_n we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o correct_v the_o disorder_n of_o the_o understanding_n the_o socinian_o grant_v the_o former_a but_o deny_v the_o latter_a though_o without_o any_o ground_n for_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o the_o one_o that_o there_o be_v for_o the_o other_o which_o show_v that_o they_o despise_v the_o parity_n of_o reason_n that_o they_o attend_v not_o to_o the_o consequence_n of_o their_o proposition_n that_o they_o argue_v not_o alike_o in_o thinâ—â—_n that_o be_v alike_o that_o they_o vary_v in_o case_n that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n that_o they_o deal_v not_o fair_o and_o ingenious_o that_o they_o contradict_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v froward_a and_o perverse_a and_o be_v resolve_v to_o 〈…〉_z and_o partiality_n have_v the_o 〈…〉_z three_o there_o be_v yet_o another_o great_a disparagement_n and_o blemish_n lie_v upon_o this_o sentiment_n and_o this_o behaviour_n for_o as_o they_o be_v the_o offspring_n of_o pride_n and_o insolence_n of_o partiality_n and_o perverseness_n so_o they_o be_v the_o nurse_n of_o indifferency_n and_o scepticism_n in_o religion_n whilst_o person_n acquiesce_v in_o divine_a revelation_n they_o be_v upon_o safe_a and_o firm_a ground_n but_o when_o they_o quit_v this_o and_o undertake_v to_o measure_n christianity_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a and_o common_a reason_n they_o have_v no_o sure_a foot_n but_o they_o waver_v and_o fluctuate_v they_o start_v query_n about_o all_o thing_n and_o utter_o overthrow_v all_o certainty_n in_o religious_a and_o divine_a matter_n for_o when_o overcurious_a and_o wrangle_a head_n come_v to_o argue_v about_o those_o high_a point_n of_o christianity_n which_o i_o have_v before_o mention_v and_o make_v they_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o formal_a dispute_n and_o encounter_v they_o with_o mere_a dint_n of_o reason_n they_o soon_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v victor_n in_o such_o a_o engagement_n and_o then_o they_o carry_v their_o conquest_n further_o and_o range_v and_o fly_v about_o and_o make_v it_o their_o work_n to_o unsettle_v religion_n and_o bring_v all_o the_o concern_v of_o it_o into_o question_n they_o teach_v man_n to_o doubt_v of_o all_o the_o proposition_n which_o they_o before_o receive_v and_o especial_o to_o dispute_v about_o every_o part_n of_o christianity_n for_o they_o infuse_v this_o notion_n into_o man_n head_n that_o they_o must_v not_o admit_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o such_o receive_a article_n of_o faith_n because_o they_o be_v against_o reason_n and_o reason_n with_o they_o be_v their_o own_o prejudice_n and_o dislike_n which_o prompt_v they_o to_o use_v a_o sort_n of_o argumentation_n against_o these_o truth_n but_o they_o be_v able_a to_o use_v the_o like_a reason_n against_o all_o other_o article_n of_o christianity_n and_o when_o there_o be_v occasion_n they_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o do_v it_o for_o they_o seem_v to_o begin_v with_o those_o â—â—ore_o difficult_a and_o abstruse_a point_n and_o to_o bring_v people_n off_o from_o they_o because_o they_o think_v they_o can_v easy_o maintain_v they_o that_o they_o may_v make_v way_n for_o shake_v the_o plain_a one_o afterward_o i_o must_v needs_o profess_v i_o have_v more_o charity_n than_o to_o think_v that_o this_o be_v a_o form_a design_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o that_o profess_v the_o socinian_n way_n for_o i_o believe_v there_o be_v some_o well_o dispose_v person_n among_o they_o but_o i_o be_o incline_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o project_n carry_v on_o by_o some_o ill-minded_n and_o perverse_a man_n who_o take_v this_o opportunity_n to_o render_v religion_n doubtful_a and_o disputable_a and_o by_o degree_n to_o represent_v it_o as_o a_o indifferent_a and_o uncertain_a thing_n by_o this_o course_n which_o they_o be_v at_o this_o day_n take_v the_o most_o sacred_a and_o venerable_a truth_n will_v be_v slight_v nay_o they_o be_v already_o slight_v and_o actual_o disregard_v by_o this_o race_n of_o man_n as_o 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o artribute_n of_o god_n christ_n 〈◊〉_d the_o rise_n of_o the_o same_o body_n the_o subsistence_n and_o perception_n of_o separate_a soul_n the_o torment_n of_o hell_n etc._n etc._n and_o sundry_a other_o substantial_a verity_n as_o the_o existence_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a angel_n the_o universal_a providence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o many_o more_o such_o doctrine_n be_v either_o doubt_v of_o or_o deny_v by_o deist_n or_o atheist_n and_o that_o on_o the_o socinian_n principle_n that_o be_v the_o thing_n observable_a at_o present_a i_o say_v upon_o the_o socinian_n principle_n viz._n because_o there_o be_v some_o difficulty_n that_o attend_v the_o notion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o because_o they_o be_v not_o on_o all_o account_n adjust_v to_o the_o model_n of_o man_n ordinary_a reason_n therefore_o they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o admit_v of_o they_o on_o that_o very_a account_n but_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n all_o the_o main_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v be_v doubt_v of_o the_o weight_a article_n of_o our_o religion_n will_v be_v vote_v to_o be_v but_o arbitrary_a hypothesis_n and_o christianity_n itself_o will_v be_v think_v to_o be_v no_o other_o as_o we_o find_v in_o the_o write_n both_o of_o our_o foreign_a and_o domestic_a adversary_n christianity_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o same_o scale_n with_o judaism_n and_o turcism_n and_o some_o part_n of_o it_o nay_o the_o weighty_a be_v determine_v to_o be_v light_a than_o any_o in_o the_o other_o two_o this_o natural_o follow_v from_o their_o arrogant_o presume_v upon_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o understanding_n and_o reason_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n from_o their_o peremptory_a resolve_v to_o entertain_v nothing_o in_o religion_n but_o what_o be_v commensurate_a to_o natural_a principle_n from_o their_o oppose_a and_o deny_v a_o doctrine_n which_o be_v plain_o and_o express_o assert_v in_o scripture_n mere_o because_o they_o can_v define_v the_o exact_a manner_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v assert_v this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o sound_v all_o religion_n upon_o natural_a reason_n and_o argument_n we_o must_v throw_v up_o a_o great_a part_n of_o that_o which_o be_v reveal_v mere_o to_o gratify_v the_o deist_n and_o racovian_o nay_o this_o will_v not_o suffice_v for_o it_o be_v to_o be_v suspect_v that_o those_o who_o strike_v at_o reveal_v religion_n bear_v no_o kindness_n whatever_o they_o pretend_v to_o the_o natural_a it_o be_v likely_a that_o those_o who_o bid_v defiance_n to_o the_o former_a will_v do_v the_o same_o in_o time_n to_o the_o latter_a for_o we_o can_v imagine_v but_o that_o those_o bold_a man_n who_o disregard_n the_o immediate_a discovery_n of_o heaven_n to_o mankind_n and_o represent_v they_o as_o altogether_o incredible_a by_o intelligent_a and_o inquisitive_a mind_n will_v also_o vilify_v the_o more_o mediate_v and_o common_a dictate_v of_o nature_n those_o that_o slight_a the_o extraordinary_a voice_n of_o god_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o attend_v to_o the_o ordinary_a one_o those_o that_o refuse_v to_o hear_v he_o speak_v in_o the_o holy_a writ_n will_v not_o be_v obsequious_a to_o he_o dictate_v in_o their_o own_o breast_n thus_o you_o see_v how_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a a_o opinion_n our_o adversary_n maintain_v and_o promote_v we_o see_v how_o they_o feed_v the_o humour_n of_o this_o sceptical_a age_n and_o work_v upon_o unstable_a and_o waver_a mind_n and_o wheadle_n they_o out_o of_o their_o religion_n by_o plausible_a insinuation_n and_o pretence_n of_o humane_a reason_n by_o this_o mean_v they_o direct_o lead_v they_o
to_o defame_v libel_n and_o blaspheme_v christianity_n and_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o it_o and_o they_o make_v use_v of_o their_o reason_n to_o make_v void_a their_o faith_n but_o now_o all_o this_o may_v be_v prevent_v and_o hinder_v by_o a_o humble_a and_o christian_n submission_n to_o the_o sacred_a oracle_n by_o a_o free_a resign_v ourselves_o to_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o give_v credit_n to_o it_o article_n because_o they_o be_v deliver_v and_o attest_v by_o god_n himself_o in_o the_o infallible_a write_n which_o even_a reason_n itself_o dictate_v to_o be_v the_o best_a method_n we_o can_v take_v to_o establish_v and_o confirm_v we_o in_o our_o religion_n and_o to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o its_o doctrine_n be_v they_o never_o so_o perplex_v and_o mysterious_a nor_o do_v this_o introduce_v a_o blind_a credulity_n and_o such_o a_o implicit_a faith_n as_o some_o of_o the_o romanist_n defend_v for_o when_o we_o resign_v up_o our_o judgement_n to_o divine_a revelation_n we_o be_v not_o debar_v from_o examine_v and_o search_v into_o and_o satisfy_v ourselves_o about_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o speak_v of_o but_o only_o of_o the_o mode_n of_o they_o which_o make_v it_o a_o quite_o different_a thing_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o roman_a proselyte_n who_o be_v bid_v to_o swallow_v down_o whatever_o be_v dictate_v to_o they_o and_o that_o upon_o the_o bare_a authority_n and_o warrant_n of_o the_o church_n but_o here_o be_v no_o such_o crude_a method_n prescribe_v we_o be_v to_o 11._o search_v the_o scripture_n whether_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o and_o we_o be_v to_o make_v use_n of_o reason_n to_o show_v and_o convince_v we_o how_o fit_v it_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v believe_v what_o be_v reveal_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o see_v since_o the_o revolt_n and_o original_a depravation_n of_o man_n we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o revelation_n to_o direct_v we_o right_a reason_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v unsafe_a to_o rely_v on_o the_o bare_a suggestion_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n in_o the_o great_a matter_n of_o religion_n this_o acquaint_v we_o that_o though_o we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o answer_v all_o difficulty_n in_o those_o point_n yet_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o doctrine_n themselves_o because_o they_o be_v found_v on_o scripture_n which_o be_v divine_o inspire_v this_o principle_n in_o we_o assure_v we_o that_o though_o we_o can_v full_o explain_v these_o thing_n by_o reason_n yet_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v the_o holy_a writ_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o our_o faith_n yea_o notwithstanding_o those_o point_n seem_v to_o thwart_v the_o natural_a principle_n of_o reason_n thus_o far_o we_o have_v reason_n on_o our_o side_n and_o then_o for_o scripture_n that_o be_v whole_o and_o entire_o we_o those_o grand_a article_n which_o our_o antagonist_n renounce_v be_v find_v there_o particular_o to_o instance_n in_o that_o great_a and_o celebrate_a doctrine_n which_o i_o have_v so_o often_o mention_v one_o will_v think_v it_o may_v suffice_v that_o this_o be_v so_o direct_o so_o plain_o so_o frequent_o assert_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o we_o find_v three_o express_o name_v father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n to_o who_o the_o divinity_n be_v ascribe_v and_o therefore_o we_o believe_v these_o three_o to_o be_v one_o god_n but_o how_o these_o three_o distinct_a hypostasis_n be_v one_o entire_a indivisible_a essence_n be_v a_o ineffable_a and_o incomprehensible_a mystery_n yet_o though_o we_o can_v conceive_v the_o manner_n of_o this_o yet_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v clear_o and_o plain_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o the_o socinian_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o brag_v that_o they_o be_v a_o 9_o accountable_a and_o reasonable_a faith_n when_o it_o absolute_o oppose_v and_o contradict_v the_o holy_a oracle_n of_o the_o bible_n this_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o so_o it_o be_v think_v to_o be_v by_o that_o learned_a writer_n who_o i_o before_o quote_v who_o have_v the_o repute_n even_o among_o these_o man_n of_o a_o person_n of_o great_a reason_n and_o sense_n speak_v of_o they_o he_o 6._o thus_o express_v himself_o their_o opinion_n i_o look_v upon_o as_o fundamental_o repugnant_a to_o christianity_n itself_o if_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n for_o i_o know_v nothing_o more_o express_a than_o that_o viz._n the_o trinity_n in_o those_o write_n and_o therefore_o the_o deny_v of_o the_o trinity_n be_v the_o deny_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o if_o they_o will_v pretend_v they_o can_v interpret_v thing_n there_o so_o as_o to_o evade_v this_o doctrine_n by_o the_o same_o reason_n i_o think_v they_o may_v evade_v any_o and_o so_o still_o the_o sacred_a writ_n shall_v stand_v for_o a_o cypher_n and_o signify_v nothing_o which_o tend_v main_o to_o the_o enervate_n of_o our_o faith_n these_o be_v very_o weighty_a word_n and_o the_o more_o to_o be_v consider_v by_o our_o adversary_n because_o they_o come_v from_o one_o of_o a_o large_a compass_n of_o mind_n and_o a_o great_a asserter_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o these_o gentleman_n pretend_v much_o to_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o he_o say_v be_v this_o that_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v so_o too_o if_o divine_a revelation_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v than_o this_o also_o must_v be_v embrace_v and_o on_o this_o very_a account_n it_o have_v be_v embrace_v by_o all_o religious_a and_o pious_a mind_n that_o have_v have_v a_o reverence_n for_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o it_o be_v the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n so_o it_o have_v ever_o since_o be_v the_o steady_a belief_n of_o all_o the_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n of_o jesus_n and_o all_o the_o true_a professor_n of_o christianity_n and_o it_o have_v with_o invincible_a force_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n bear_v down_o all_o opposition_n that_o have_v be_v make_v against_o it_o and_o i_o question_v not_o but_o those_o violent_a effort_n and_o insult_v which_o have_v be_v and_o be_v make_v against_o it_o in_o this_o present_a age_n will_v prove_v vain_a and_o successless_a though_o we_o have_v see_v the_o rain_n descend_v and_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o the_o wind_n blow_v and_o beat_v upon_o it_o yet_o it_o shall_v never_o fall_v because_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o rock_n the_o same_o rock_n on_o which_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v build_v viz._n the_o confession_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o inspire_a apostle_n the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o veracity_n of_o god_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o all_o the_o other_o sacred_a mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n have_v the_o very_a same_o stable_a foundation_n and_o therefore_o be_v impregnable_a let_v this_o then_o satisfy_v we_o that_o these_o doctrine_n be_v sufficient_o reveal_v though_o they_o be_v not_o full_o know_v i_o say_v they_o be_v sufficient_o reveal_v because_o the_o book_n of_o god_n assure_v we_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o but_o they_o be_v not_o full_o know_v because_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o discover_v the_o argument_n on_o which_o they_o be_v found_v we_o discern_v not_o the_o foot_n on_o which_o they_o stand_v god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o hide_v this_o from_o we_o but_o then_o this_o be_v to_o be_v say_v it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o renounce_v our_o belief_n of_o that_o which_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a because_o it_o be_v mix_v with_o something_o which_o be_v dark_a and_o intricate_a it_o be_v a_o excellent_a caution_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o great_a st._n augustine_n 14._o nunquid_fw-la ideo_fw-la negandum_fw-la quod_fw-la apertum_fw-la est_fw-la quia_fw-la comprehendi_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la quod_fw-la occultum_fw-la est_fw-la the_o truth_n of_o a_o doctrine_n may_v be_v evident_a and_o perspicuous_a and_o that_o be_v sufficient_a to_o command_v our_o assent_n though_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o be_v not_o the_o modes_n and_o circumstance_n appertain_v to_o divine_a thing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v for_o at_o least_o if_o we_o can_v clear_v they_o up_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o quit_v the_o grand_a truth_n themselves_o these_o be_v not_o to_o be_v abandon_v because_o they_o be_v not_o according_a to_o our_o ordinary_a level_n because_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o render_v a_o punctual_a account_n of_o they_o because_o we_o can_v perfect_o gauge_v they_o and_o sound_v they_o to_o the_o very_a bottom_n in_o a_o word_n because_o they_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o tribunal_n of_o reason_n but_o if_o we_o have_v any_o regard_n to_o the_o sacred_a and_o infallible_a volume_n
a_o curious_a and_o close_a enquiry_n but_o this_o be_v most_o true_a that_o modesty_n be_v the_o most_o commendable_a virtue_n here_o theâ—doret_n say_v well_o genes_n i_o think_v it_o boldness_n to_o pronounce_v peremptory_o concern_v those_o thing_n of_o which_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n deliver_v nothing_o plain_o god_n be_v not_o please_v to_o deliver_v all_o thing_n with_o equal_a evidence_n and_o why_o then_o shall_v we_o undertake_v to_o make_v every_o thing_n plain_a and_o demonstrable_a or_o why_o be_v we_o angry_a if_o other_o think_v some_o thing_n be_v not_o so_o those_o word_n which_o i_o meet_v with_o in_o one_o of_o st._n ierom_n epistle_n be_v admirable_a and_o be_v worth_a the_o observation_n of_o those_o especial_o who_o be_v student_n of_o divinity_n perscrutamur_fw-la when_o we_o search_v say_v he_o with_o too_o much_o nicety_n and_o curiosity_n into_o those_o thing_n which_o god_n will_v not_o have_v we_o know_v but_o have_v purposely_o conceal_v from_o we_o we_o catch_v only_o at_o shadow_n we_o entertain_v and_o busy_v ourselves_o with_o trifle_n we_o quit_v the_o fountain_n truth_n and_o run_v after_o the_o fruitless_a stream_n of_o mere_a opinion_n and_o fancy_n let_v we_o fix_v this_o on_o our_o mind_n that_o there_o be_v some_o unsearchable_a mystery_n and_o it_o be_v design_v by_o the_o alwise_a god_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v acquaint_v with_o they_o we_o may_v say_v here_o as_o qu._n seneca_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o comet_n god_n only_o who_o sole_a prerogative_n be_v to_o have_v a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o truth_n know_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a and_o the_o very_a manner_n of_o they_o though_o it_o be_v hide_v from_o we_o when_o we_o peremptory_o say_v this_o or_o that_o concern_v these_o obscure_a matter_n we_o may_v err_v and_o we_o can_v tell_v when_o we_o do_v but_o when_o we_o determine_v nothing_o precise_o above_o what_o be_v determine_v in_o scripture_n we_o be_v sure_o we_o do_v not_o err_v and_o we_o 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plain_a yet_o wrangle_a head_n will_v fall_v a_o dispute_v and_o make_v way_n for_o error_n by_o that_o mean_n and_o here_o it_o be_v their_o way_n common_o to_o make_v use_n of_o one_o or_o two_o place_n of_o scripture_n and_o to_o oppose_v they_o against_o a_o whole_a heap_n of_o other_o text_n the_o old_a heretic_n those_o interfectores_fw-la vâ—ritatis_fw-la as_o tertullian_n call_v they_o those_o murderer_n and_o assasine_n of_o truth_n frequent_o use_v this_o way_n praxeam_n a_o few_o text_n yea_o sometime_o a_o single_a one_o shall_v serve_v to_o baffle_v a_o great_a number_n it_o may_v be_v show_v in_o particular_a instance_n how_o erroneous_a doctrine_n be_v ground_v on_o some_o man_n attend_v to_o one_o or_o a_o very_a few_o place_n of_o scripture_n whilst_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o several_a and_o divers_a text_n which_o look_v another_o way_n nay_o not_o only_o a_o few_o text_n but_o those_o also_o which_o be_v very_o dark_a and_o obscure_a 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