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book_n church_n scripture_n word_n 7,766 5 4.4516 3 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A96858 Gnōston tou Theou, k[a]i gnōston tou Christou, or, That which may be knovvn of God by the book of nature; and the excellent knowledge of Jesus Christ by the Book of Scripture. Delivered at St Mary's in Oxford, by Edward Wood M.A. late proctor of the University and fellow of Merton Coll. Oxon. Published since his death by his brother A.W. M.A. Wood, Edward, 1626 or 7-1655.; Wood, Anthony à, 1632-1695. 1656 (1656) Wing W3387; Thomason E1648_1; ESTC R204118 76,854 234

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the_o danger_n of_o the_o latter_a time_n and_o the_o error_n of_o evil_a man_n and_o seducer_n do_v give_v his_o son_n timothy_n a_o antidote_n against_o their_o poison_n exhort_v he_o in_o the_o 14._o verse_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o time_n indeed_o be_v very_o evil_a error_n very_o rife_o persecution_n every_o where_o offer_v to_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o say_v he_o continue_v thou_o in_o the_o thing_n which_o thou_o have_v learned_a etc._n etc._n this_o exhortation_n he_o seem_v to_o press_v by_o several_a argument_n thou_o must_v continue_v in_o sound_a doctrine_n 1._o because_o thou_o have_v learn_v it_o it_o be_v to_o that_o purpose_n deposit_v with_o thou_o and_o instill_v into_o thou_o that_o thou_o may_v continue_v in_o it_o 2._o because_o thou_o have_v be_v assure_v of_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o will_v argue_v want_n of_o judgement_n and_o folly_n in_o thou_o to_o fall_v from_o it_o and_o because_o thou_o 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tacitus_n and_o suetonius_n note_n of_o he_o who_o seem_v better_o furnish_v with_o moral_a principle_n than_o zeno_n and_o socrates_n and_o yet_o even_o they_o so_o little_o obey_v they_o that_o they_o relapse_v into_o unnatural_a lust_n as_o plutarch_n and_o laërtius_n observe_v of_o they_o and_z as_o saint_n paul_n of_o other_o gentile_n in_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o this_o chapter_n wherefore_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o now_o in_o the_o three_o place_n to_o inquire_v whether_o or_o no_o this_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v sufficient_a unto_o salvation_n or_o whether_o one_o may_v be_v save_v by_o this_o light_n of_o nature_n without_o say_v in_o christ_n this_o say_v our_o montacute_n in_o the_o first_o of_o his_o ecclesiastical_a apparatus_fw-la be_v the_o opinion_n of_o many_o of_o the_o father_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n justin_n martyr_n cyril_n of_o alexandria_n and_o other_o who_o he_o there_o reckon_v up_o how_o ever_o this_o same_o author_n show_v the_o contrary_a opinion_n of_o most_o of_o the_o rest_n and_o sure_o i_o be_o that_o austin_n in_o many_o of_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr civitate_fw-la dei_fw-la be_v against_o they_o and_o so_o be_v most_o of_o the_o schoolman_n the_o modern_a especial_o together_o with_o most_o of_o the_o popish_a doctor_n and_o protestant_a reformer_n but_o to_o omit_v the_o citation_n of_o their_o word_n which_o you_o may_v elsewhere_o find_v that_o i_o may_v according_a to_o the_o judgement_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o best_a divine_v brief_o and_o clear_o state_n the_o point_n i_o shall_v premise_v these_o four_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o ignorance_n of_o christ_n can_v in_o itself_o excuse_v a_o man_n and_o free_v he_o from_o damnation_n there_o be_v a_o twofold_a ignorance_n you_o know_v either_o juris_fw-la when_o a_o man_n be_v ignorant_a of_o what_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o know_v or_o facti_fw-la when_o he_o be_v only_o ignorant_a of_o some_o particular_a circumstance_n of_o what_o be_v do_v this_o latter_a may_v excuse_v as_o appear_v in_o the_o case_n of_o abimelech_n gen._n 20._o 6._o the_o former_a do_v not_o and_o therefore_o god_n have_v reveal_v his_o will_n in_o the_o scripture_n concern_v himself_o and_o christ_n every_o man_n upon_o forfeiture_n of_o his_o salvation_n be_v and_o be_v bind_v to_o know_v it_o as_o if_o a_o prince_n shall_v publish_v a_o proclamation_n out_o of_o a_o man_n hear_v and_o in_o his_o absence_n it_o be_v not_o his_o absence_n or_o the_o not_o hear_v thereof_o that_o can_v exempt_v he_o from_o punishment_n if_o he_o disobeye_n it_o 2._o second_o that_o there_o be_v &_o ever_o have_v be_v most_o of_o the_o gentile_n utter_o destitute_a of_o any_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o explicit_a distinct_a particular_a knowledge_n of_o he_o and_o his_o office_n or_o a_o implicit_a only_a and_o general_a concern_v the_o truth_n and_o subsistence_n of_o such_o a_o saviour_n and_o therefore_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n be_v call_v a_o hide_a mystery_n to_o former_a age_n col._n 1._o vers_fw-la 26._o and_o saint_n paul_n call_v those_o time_n before_o christ_n the_o time_n of_o ignorance_n act._n 17._o 30._o 3._o three_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o faith_n in_o he_o be_v every_o way_n necessary_a unto_o salvation_n necessary_a as_o the_o only_a mean_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o it_o for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o name_n give_v under_o heaven_n whereby_o we_o must_v be_v save_v act_n 4._o 2._o and_o necessary_a by_o virtue_n of_o the_o injunction_n and_o positive_a command_n of_o god_n for_o this_o be_v his_o commandment_n that_o we_o shall_v believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n 1_o joh._n 3._o 23._o 4._o four_o that_o god_n may_v instill_v oftentimes_o this_o faith_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o many_o by_o mean_n altogether_o unknown_a unto_o we_o and_o therefore_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o altogether_o to_o despair_v of_o the_o salvation_n of_o such_o gentile_n who_o 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present_a tranquillity_n of_o conscience_n they_o enjoy_v in_o this_o world_n like_o enough_o their_o torment_n may_v be_v more_o tolerable_a in_o the_o next_o but_o this_o we_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o the_o strict_a of_o they_o either_o in_o life_n or_o profession_n can_v never_o fulfil_v the_o law_n and_o so_o consequent_o never_o attain_v unto_o salvation_n for_o there_o never_o have_v be_v any_o more_o than_o two_o way_n unto_o heaven_n either_o by_o the_o law_n or_o by_o the_o gospel_n but_o as_o for_o the_o law_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o fulfil_v it_o and_o as_o for_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v suppose_v in_o the_o question_n that_o they_o never_o believe_v it_o i_o know_v very_o well_o that_o there_o have_v be_v many_o who_o have_v go_v about_o to_o canonize_v the_o gentile_n for_o their_o excellent_a virtue_n among_o who_o be_v zuinglius_fw-la of_o latter_a day_n and_o some_o of_o the_o father_n of_o old_a but_o certain_o have_v they_o weigh_v even_o their_o best_a action_n in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n they_o have_v find_v they_o light_a than_o vanity_n itself_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n as_o i_o conceive_v main_o considerable_a in_o every_o action_n the_o principle_n from_o whence_o it_o proceed_v and_o the_o end_n unto_o which_o it_o be_v direct_v now_o both_o these_o in_o the_o gentile_n be_v carnal_a and_o not_o the_o least_o way_n acceptable_a to_o god_n for_o as_o for_o the_o principle_n and_o fountain_n of_o their_o action_n it_o be_v flesh_n but_o flesh_n and_o blood_n can_v never_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n 1_o cor_n 15._o 50._o and_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n be_v flesh_n john_n 3._o 6._o and_o as_o for_o the_o end_n of_o their_o action_n it_o be_v usual_o ambition_n and_o hope_n of_o praise_n or_o covetousness_n and_o hope_n of_o reward_n and_o this_o be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o pharisee_n and_o yet_o our_o saviour_n say_v except_o our_o righteousness_n exceed_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n we_o shall_v in_o no_o wise_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n mat_n 5._o 20._o it_o be_v the_o end_n that_o make_v the_o action_n good_a or_o bad._n almesgiving_n material_o and_o in_o itself_o consider_v be_v a_o good_a act_n but_o then_o be_v perform_v by_o a_o pharisee_fw-mi for_o a_o bad_a end_n it_o become_v evil_a and_o so_o likewise_o the_o virtuous_a action_n of_o the_o gentile_n may_v according_a to_o their_o outward_a matter_n be_v moral_o good_a when_o as_o if_o we_o consider_v either_o the_o principle_n from_o whence_o they_o proceed_v or_o the_o end_n unto_o which_o they_o be_v direct_v they_o be_v but_o at_o the_o best_a splendida_fw-la peccata_fw-la handsome_a and_o well_o dress_v sin_n and_o therefore_o neither_o ex_fw-la congruo_fw-la as_o some_o of_o the_o arminian_o and_o papist_n hold_v lead_v unto_o further_a grace_n nor_o at_o all_o acceptable_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n second_o this_o may_v further_o appear_v by_o consider_v the_o necessity_n of_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n for_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n heb._n 11._o 6._o and_o if_o it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o this_o only_a be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o have_v send_v joh._n 17._o 3._o then_o doubtless_o be_v those_o in_o a_o very_a sad_a condition_n who_o never_o so_o much_o as_o hear_v of_o this_o author_n of_o salvation_n this_o christ_n in_o who_o only_a god_n be_v well_o please_v and_o however_o some_o man_n urge_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o necessity_n for_o the_o gentile_n believe_v because_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o thus_o to_o believe_v have_v have_v heretofore_o no_o income_n or_o way_n to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o we_o answer_v first_o that_o absolute_o