to_o mean_v no_o more_o but_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o angel_n these_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d dii_fw-la superi_fw-la and_o dij_fw-la caelestes_fw-la superior_a and_o heavenly_a god_n the_o scripture_n term_v they_o the_o host_n of_o heaven_n mean_v the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n which_o they_o suppose_v to_o be_v animate_v or_o at_o least_o to_o be_v inhabit_v by_o angel_n or_o glorious_a spirit_n who_o they_o call_v go_n other_o of_o their_o deity_n be_v account_v much_o inferior_a to_o these_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o soul_n of_o their_o decease_a hero_n who_o for_o their_o great_a and_o worthy_a deed_n when_o they_o live_v upon_o earth_n be_v suppose_v after_o death_n to_o be_v translate_v into_o the_o number_n of_o their_o go_n and_o these_o be_v call_v semidei_fw-la and_o deastri_fw-la that_o be_v half_a god_n and_o a_o sort_n of_o god_n and_o as_o the_o other_o be_v celestial_a so_o these_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o kind_n of_o terrestrial_a spirit_n that_o be_v precedent_n and_o procurator_n of_o human_a affair_n here_o below_o that_o be_v a_o middle_a sort_n of_o divine_a power_n that_o be_v mediator_n and_o agent_n between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o do_v carry_v the_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n of_o man_n to_o god_n and_o bring_v down_o the_o command_v and_o blessing_n of_o god_n to_o men._n but_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o this_o crowd_n and_o confusion_n of_o deity_n and_o the_o various_a superstition_n about_o they_o the_o wise_a heathen_a as_o thales_n pythagoras_n socrates_n plato_n aristotle_n tully_n plutarch_n and_o other_o preserve_v a_o true_a notion_n of_o one_o supreme_a god_n who_o they_o define_v a_o infinite_a spirit_n pure_a from_o all_o matter_n and_o free_a from_o all_o imperfection_n and_o all_o the_o variety_n of_o their_o worship_n be_v as_o they_o pretend_v in_o excuse_n of_o it_o but_o a_o more_o particular_a own_n of_o the_o various_a representation_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o excellency_n which_o manifest_v themselves_o in_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o several_a communication_n of_o blessing_n and_o favour_n by_o they_o impart_v to_o man_n 10._o and_o tertullian_n observe_v that_o even_o when_o idolatry_n have_v very_o much_o obscure_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o sovereign_a deity_n yet_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n do_v still_o in_o their_o common_a form_n of_o speech_n appropriate_v the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o a_o more_o especial_a and_o peculiar_a manner_n to_o one_o say_v if_o god_n grant_v if_o god_n please_v and_o the_o like_a so_o that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n or_o the_o notion_n of_o one_o supreme_a god_n creator_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n be_v the_o primitive_a and_o general_a belief_n of_o mankind_n and_o that_o polytheism_n and_o idolatry_n be_v a_o corruption_n and_o degeneracy_n from_o the_o original_a notion_n which_o mankind_n have_v concern_v god_n as_o the_o scripture-history_n do_v declare_v and_o testify_v and_o this_o account_n which_o i_o have_v give_v of_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n do_v by_o no_o mean_n excuse_v it_o for_o whatever_o may_v be_v say_v by_o way_n of_o extenuation_n in_o behalf_n of_o some_o few_o of_o the_o wise_a and_o more_o devout_a among_o they_o the_o generality_n be_v gross_o guilty_a both_o of_o believe_v more_o god_n and_o of_o worship_v false_a go_n and_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o very_a great_a crime_n since_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o declare_v god_n to_o be_v particular_o jealous_a in_o this_o case_n and_o that_o he_o will_v not_o give_v his_o glory_n to_o another_o nor_o his_o praise_n to_o grave_a image_n nay_o we_o may_v not_o so_o much_o as_o make_v use_n of_o sensible_a image_n to_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o god_n lest_o devout_a ignorance_n see_v the_o worship_n which_o wise_a man_n pay_v towards_o a_o idol_n shall_v be_v draw_v to_o terminate_v their_o worship_n there_o as_o be_v the_o very_a deity_n itself_o which_o be_v certain_o the_o case_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n and_o sure_o those_o christian_n be_v in_o no_o less_o danger_n of_o idolatry_n who_o pay_v a_o veneration_n to_o image_n by_o kneel_v down_o and_o pray_v before_o they_o and_o in_o this_o they_o be_v much_o more_o inexcusable_a because_o they_o offend_v against_o a_o much_o clear_a light_n and_o yet_o when_o they_o go_v about_o to_o justify_v this_o practice_n be_v able_a to_o bring_v no_o other_o nor_o better_a plea_n for_o themselves_o than_o the_o heathen_a do_v for_o their_o worship_v of_o image_n and_o for_o pray_v to_o their_o inferior_a deity_n who_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o mediator_n between_o the_o god_n in_o heaven_n and_o man_n upon_o earth_n there_o be_v but_o one_o objection_n that_o i_o know_v of_o against_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o mankind_n concern_v the_o unity_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v a_o ancient_a doctrine_n of_o some_o of_o the_o most_o ancient_a nation_n that_o there_o be_v two_o first_o cause_n or_o principle_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o one_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o good_a and_o the_o other_o of_o all_o the_o evil_a that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o reason_n whereof_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v that_o they_o can_v not_o apprehend_v how_o thing_n of_o so_o contrary_a a_o nature_n as_o good_a and_o evil_a can_v proceed_v from_o one_o and_o the_o same_o cause_n and_o these_o two_o principle_n in_o several_a nation_n be_v call_v by_o several_a name_n plutarch_n say_v that_o among_o the_o greek_n the_o good_a principle_n be_v call_v god_n and_o the_o evil_a principle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o the_o devil_n in_o conformity_n to_o which_o ancient_a tradition_n the_o manichee_n a_o sect_n which_o call_v themselves_o christian_n do_v advance_v two_o principle_n the_o one_o infinite_o good_a which_o they_o suppose_v to_o be_v the_o original_a cause_n of_o all_o the_o good_a which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o other_o infinite_o evil_a to_o which_o they_o ascribe_v all_o the_o evil_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n but_o all_o this_o be_v very_o plain_o a_o corruption_n of_o a_o much_o more_o ancient_a tradition_n concern_v that_o old_a serpent_n the_o devil_n the_o head_n of_o the_o fall_v angel_n who_o by_o tempt_v our_o first_o parent_n to_o transgress_v a_o positive_a and_o express_a law_n of_o god_n bring_v sin_n first_o into_o the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o evil_n consequent_a upon_o it_o of_o which_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o a_o most_o express_a and_o particular_a account_n and_o as_o to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o be_v infinite_o evil_a into_o which_o this_o tradition_n be_v corrupt_v after_o idolatry_n have_v prevail_v in_o the_o world_n beside_o that_o it_o be_v a_o contradiction_n it_o will_v likewise_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o assert_v two_o opposite_a principle_n of_o infinite_a that_o be_v of_o equal_a force_n and_o power_n for_o two_o infinite_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v equal_a to_o one_o another_o because_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o or_o great_a than_o infinite_a and_o therefore_o if_o two_o infinite_a being_n be_v possible_a they_o will_v certain_o be_v equal_a and_o can_v not_o be_v otherwise_o now_o that_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o principle_n infinite_o evil_a be_v a_o contradiction_n will_v be_v very_o plain_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o what_o be_v infinite_o evil_a must_v in_o strict_a reason_v and_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n be_v infinite_o imperfect_a and_o therefore_o infinite_o weak_a and_o for_o that_o reason_n though_o never_o so_o malicious_a and_o mischievous_a yet_o be_v infinite_o weak_a and_o foolish_a can_v never_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n either_o to_o contrive_v mischief_n or_o to_o execute_v it_o but_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v admit_v that_o a_o be_v infinite_o mischievous_a can_v be_v infinite_o know_v and_o powerful_a yet_o it_o can_v effect_v no_o evil_a because_o the_o opposite_a principle_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n be_v also_o infinite_o wise_a and_o powerful_a they_o will_v tie_v up_o one_o another_o hand_n so_o that_o upon_o this_o supposition_n the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n must_v signify_v just_a nothing_o because_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o eternal_a opposition_n and_o equal_a conflict_n of_o these_o two_o principle_n they_o will_v keep_v one_o another_o at_o a_o perpetual_a bay_n and_o be_v just_o a_o equal_a match_n to_o one_o another_o the_o one_o have_v as_o much_o mind_n and_o power_n to_o do_v good_a as_o the_o other_o to_o do_v evil_a instead_o of_o be_v two_o deity_n they_o will_v be_v but_o two_o idol_n able_a to_o do_v neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a and_o have_v i_o hope_v now_o sufficient_o clear_v this_o objection_n i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o show_v how_o agreeable_a this_o principle_n that_o there_o be_v but_o
the_o maker_n be_v always_o before_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v make_v so_o be_v he_o also_o better_o and_o of_o great_a dignity_n and_o yet_o i_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o small_a difficulty_n in_o the_o interpretation_n i_o have_v give_v of_o this_o expression_n in_o which_o christ_n be_v say_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n or_o of_o the_o whole_a creation_n because_o in_o strictness_n of_o speech_n the_o first-born_a be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o those_o in_o respect_n of_o who_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o first-born_a and_o if_o so_o than_o he_o must_v be_v a_o creature_n as_o well_o as_o those_o in_o respect_n of_o who_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o first-born_a this_o be_v the_o objection_n in_o its_o full_a strength_n and_o i_o do_v own_o it_o to_o have_v a_o very_a plausible_a appearance_n and_o yet_o i_o hope_v before_o i_o have_v do_v to_o satisfy_v any_o one_o that_o will_v consider_v thing_n impartial_o and_o without_o prejudice_n and_o will_v due_o attend_v to_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n reason_v in_o this_o text_n and_o compare_v it_o with_o other_o parallel_a place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o it_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v the_o apostle_n meaning_n in_o affirm_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n to_o insinuate_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v a_o creature_n for_o how_o can_v this_o possible_o agree_v with_o that_o which_o follow_v and_o be_v give_v as_o the_o reason_n why_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n namely_o because_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o the_o apostle_n word_n be_v these_o the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n or_o of_o the_o whole_a creation_n for_o by_o he_o all_o thing_n be_v create_v but_o now_o according_a to_o the_o socinian_n interpretation_n this_o will_v be_v a_o reason_n just_o the_o contrary_a way_n for_o if_o all_o thing_n be_v create_v by_o he_o than_o he_o himself_o be_v not_o a_o creature_n so_o that_o the_o apostle_n meaning_n in_o this_o expression_n must_v either_o be_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n our_o b._n saviour_n be_v before_o all_o creature_n as_o it_o be_v say_v present_o after_o that_o he_o be_v before_o all_o thing_n and_o then_o the_o reason_n which_o be_v add_v will_v be_v very_o proper_a and_o pertinent_a he_o be_v before_o all_o thing_n because_o all_o thing_n be_v create_v by_o he_o in_o which_o sense_n it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n elsewhere_o call_v himself_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n 14._o mean_v by_o it_o as_o the_o philosopher_n most_o frequent_o use_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o principle_n or_o efficient_a cause_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o so_o we_o find_v the_o same_o word_n which_o our_o translation_n render_v the_o beginning_n use_v together_o with_o the_o word_n first-born_a as_o if_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o importance_n the_o beginning_n and_o first-born_a from_o the_o dead_a 18._o that_o be_v the_o principle_n and_o efficient_a cause_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a or_o else_o which_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v the_o most_o probable_a and_o indeed_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o expression_n by_o this_o title_n of_o the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n the_o apostle_n mean_v that_o he_o be_v lord_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o creation_n for_o the_o first-born_a be_v natural_a heir_n and_o justinian_n tell_v we_o that_o heir_n do_v ancient_o signify_v lord_n and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n use_v these_o term_n promiscuous_o and_o as_o if_o they_o be_v equivalent_a 36._o for_o whereas_o st._n peter_n faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o he_o be_v lord_n of_o all_o st._n paul_n call_v he_o heir_n of_o all_o thing_n 14._o and_o then_o the_o reason_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n why_o he_o call_v he_o the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n will_v be_v very_o fit_a and_o proper_a because_o all_o thing_n be_v create_v by_o he_o for_o well_o may_v he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v lord_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o creation_n who_o make_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v and_o without_o who_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n make_v that_o be_v make_v and_o this_o will_v yet_o appear_v much_o more_o evident_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n who_o by_o several_a of_o the_o ancient_n be_v think_v to_o be_v st._n paul_n where_o he_o give_v to_o christ_n some_o of_o the_o very_a same_o title_n which_o st._n paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o colossian_n have_v do_v call_v he_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n do_v instead_o of_o the_o title_n of_o the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n call_v he_o the_o heir_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o then_o add_v as_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o title_n that_o by_o he_o god_n make_v the_o world_n god_n say_v he_o have_v in_o these_o last_o day_n speak_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o son_n who_o he_o have_v constitute_v heir_n of_o all_o thing_n who_o be_v the_o brightness_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n and_o uphold_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o power_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v exact_o parallel_v with_o that_o passage_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o colossian_n where_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o image_n of_o the_o invisible_a god_n and_o where_o it_o be_v likewise_o say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o make_v all_o thing_n and_o that_o by_o he_o all_o thing_n do_v subsist_v which_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n in_o different_a word_n but_o to_o the_o very_a same_o sense_n express_v by_o his_o uphold_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o power_n that_o be_v by_o the_o same_o powerful_a word_n by_o which_o all_o thing_n at_o first_o be_v make_v but_o then_o instead_o of_o call_v he_o the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n because_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o he_o call_v he_o the_o heir_n of_o all_o thing_n by_o who_o god_n also_o make_v the_o world_n and_o indeed_o that_o expression_n of_o the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n can_v admit_v of_o any_o other_o sense_n which_o will_v agree_v so_o well_o with_o the_o reason_n that_o follow_v as_o the_o sense_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v namely_o that_o he_o be_v therefore_o heir_n and_o lord_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n because_o all_o creature_n be_v make_v by_o he_o which_o exact_o answer_v those_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n who_o he_o have_v constitute_v heir_n of_o all_o thing_n by_o who_o also_o he_o make_v the_o world_n and_o now_o i_o apppeal_v to_o any_o sober_a and_o considerate_a man_n whether_o the_o interpretation_n which_o i_o have_v give_v of_o that_o expression_n of_o the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n be_v not_o much_o more_o agreeable_a both_o to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o the_o plain_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n argument_n and_o reason_n in_o that_o text._n i_o have_v insist_v the_o long_a upon_o this_o because_o it_o be_v the_o great_a text_n upon_o which_o the_o arian_n lay_v the_o main_a strength_n and_o stress_n of_o their_o opinion_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v a_o creature_n because_o he_o be_v say_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n by_o which_o expression_n if_o no_o more_o be_v mean_v than_o that_o he_o be_v heir_n and_o lord_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n which_o i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v very_o agreeable_a both_o to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n first_o bear_v among_o the_o hebrew_n and_o likewise_o to_o the_o description_n give_v of_o christ_n in_o that_o parallel_n text_n which_o i_o cite_v out_o of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n than_o this_o expression_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v of_o every_o creature_n be_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o the_o purpose_n either_o of_o the_o arian_n or_o the_o socinian_o to_o prove_v the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o be_v a_o creature_n beside_o that_o the_o interpretation_n which_o i_o have_v give_v of_o it_o make_v the_o apostle_n sense_n much_o more_o current_a and_o easy_a for_o then_o the_o text_n will_v run_v thus_o who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o the_o invisible_a god_n heir_n and_o lord_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n for_o by_o he_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v so_o that_o in_o these_o four_o expression_n of_o the_o evangelist_n which_o i_o have_v explain_v there_o be_v these_o four_o thing_n distinct_o affirm_v of_o the_o word_n first_o that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n that_o be_v that_o he_o already_o be_v and_o do_v exist_v when_o thing_n begin_v to_o be_v create_v he_o be_v before_o any_o thing_n be_v
nothing_o when_o any_o person_n or_o party_n be_v concern_v to_o oppose_v any_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o and_o the_o plain_a text_n for_o any_o article_n of_o faith_n how_o fundamental_a and_o necessary_a soever_o may_v by_o the_o same_o art_n and_o way_n of_o interpretation_n be_v elude_v and_o render_v utter_o ineffectual_a for_o the_o establish_n of_o it_o for_o example_n if_o any_o man_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o call_v in_o question_n that_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n concern_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n why_o may_v he_o not_o according_a to_o socinus_n his_o way_n of_o interpret_n st._n john_n understand_v the_o first_o chapter_n of_o genesis_n concern_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a dispensation_n and_o interpret_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n to_o be_v the_o institution_n of_o the_o jewish_a polity_n and_o religion_n as_o by_o the_o new_a heaven_n and_o the_o new_a earth_n they_o pretend_v be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o new_a state_n of_o thing_n under_o the_o gospel_n and_o why_o may_v not_o the_o chaos_n signify_v that_o state_n of_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n in_o which_o the_o world_n be_v before_o the_o give_n of_o the_o law_n by_o moses_n and_o so_o on_o worcester_n as_o a_o very_a learned_a divine_a of_o our_o own_o have_v ingenious_o show_v more_o at_o large_a there_o be_v no_o end_n of_o wit_n and_o fancy_n which_o can_v turn_v any_o thing_n any_o way_n and_o can_v make_v whatever_o they_o please_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o any_o book_n though_o never_o so_o contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a design_n of_o it_o and_o to_o that_o sense_n which_o at_o the_o first_o hear_v and_o read_v of_o it_o be_v obvious_a to_o every_o man_n of_o common_a sense_n and_o this_o in_o my_o opinion_n socinus_n have_v do_v in_o the_o case_n now_o before_o we_o by_o impose_v a_o new_a and_o odd_a and_o violent_a sense_n upon_o this_o passage_n of_o st._n john_n direct_o contrary_a to_o what_o any_o man_n will_v imagine_v to_o be_v the_o plain_a and_o obvious_a meaning_n of_o it_o and_o contrary_a likewise_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o all_o age_n down_o to_o his_o time_n who_o yet_o have_v as_o great_a or_o great_a advantage_n of_o understanding_n st._n john_n aright_o and_o as_o much_o integrity_n as_o any_o man_n can_v now_o modest_o pretend_v to_o and_o all_o this_o only_a to_o serve_v and_o support_v a_o opinion_n which_o he_o have_v entertain_v before_o and_o therefore_o be_v resolve_v one_o way_n or_o other_o to_o bring_v the_o scripture_n to_o comply_v with_o it_o and_o if_o he_o can_v not_o have_v do_v it_o it_o be_v great_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o he_o will_v at_o last_o have_v call_v in_o question_n the_o divine_a authority_n of_o st._n john_n gospel_n rather_o than_o have_v quit_v his_o opinion_n and_o to_o speak_v free_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v that_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o a_o much_o fair_a way_n to_o reject_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o a_o book_n than_o to_o use_v it_o so_o disingenuous_o and_o to_o wrest_v the_o plain_a expression_n of_o it_o with_o so_o much_o strain_v and_o violence_n from_o their_o most_o natural_a and_o obvious_a sense_n for_o no_o doctrine_n whatsever_v can_v have_v any_o certain_a foundation_n in_o any_o book_n if_o this_o liberty_n be_v once_o admit_v without_o regard_n to_o the_o plain_a scope_n and_o occasion_n of_o it_o to_o play_v upon_o the_o word_n and_o phrase_n with_o all_o the_o art_n of_o criticism_n and_o with_o all_o the_o variety_n of_o allegory_n which_o a_o brisk_a and_o lively_a imagination_n can_v devise_v which_o i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o admire_v in_o the_o expound_v of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o i_o be_o always_o jealous_a of_o a_o over-laboured_a and_o far-fetched_a interpretation_n of_o any_o author_n whatsoever_o i_o do_v ready_o grant_v that_o the_o socinian_n writer_n have_v manage_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n against_o the_o innovation_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n with_o great_a acuteness_n and_o advantage_n in_o many_o respect_n but_o i_o be_o sorry_a to_o have_v cause_n to_o say_v that_o they_o have_v likewise_o put_v into_o their_o hand_n better_a and_o sharp_a weapon_n than_o ever_o they_o have_v before_o for_o the_o weaken_n and_o undermine_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o h._n scripture_n which_o socinus_n indeed_o have_v in_o the_o general_a strong_o assert_v have_v he_o not_o by_o a_o dangerous_a liberty_n of_o impose_v a_o foreign_a and_o foree_v sense_n upon_o particular_a text_n bring_v the_o whole_a into_o uncertainty_n three_o which_o be_v as_o considerable_a a_o prejudice_n against_o this_o new_a interpretation_n of_o this_o passage_n of_o st._n john_n as_o either_o of_o the_o former_a i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o this_o point_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o the_o word_n before_o his_o incarnation_n do_v not_o rely_v only_o upon_o this_o single_a passage_n of_o st._n john_n but_o be_v likewise_o confirm_v by_o many_o other_o text_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n conspire_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o utter_o incapable_a of_o the_o interpretation_n which_o socinus_n give_v of_o it_o i_o find_v he_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o have_v it_o take_v for_o grant_v that_o this_o be_v the_o only_a text_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o this_o purpose_n and_o therefore_o he_o say_v very_o cunning_o that_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n before_o his_o incarnation_n be_v too_o great_a a_o doctrine_n to_o be_v establish_v upon_o one_o single_a text_n and_o this_o be_v be_v something_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o text_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o do_v plain_o deliver_v the_o same_o sense_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o bring_v in_o question_n the_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o this_o passage_n of_o st._n john_n that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n will_v i_o hope_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o very_a weighty_a and_o fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n and_o yet_o i_o be_o very_o much_o mistake_v if_o there_o be_v any_o more_o than_o one_o text_n in_o the_o whole_a bible_n that_o say_v so_o and_o that_o text_n be_v only_o in_o st._n john_n gospel_n i_o know_v it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o from_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a reason_n it_o may_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n but_o sure_o socinus_n of_o all_o man_n can_v say_v this_o with_o a_o good_a grace_n because_o he_o deny_v that_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n can_v be_v know_v by_o natural_a light_n without_o divine_a revelation_n and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v know_v by_o natural_a light_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n much_o less_o can_v it_o be_v know_v by_o natural_a light_n what_o god_n be_v whether_o a_o spirit_n or_o a_o body_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o it_o be_v very_o far_o from_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o text_n to_o this_o 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all_o sect_n to_o admire_v their_o master_n beside_o that_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o they_o be_v very_o glad_a to_o have_v so_o great_a a_o authority_n as_o they_o think_v he_o to_o be_v to_o vouch_v for_o a_o interpretation_n which_o be_v so_o seasonable_o devise_v for_o the_o relief_n of_o their_o cause_n in_o so_o much_o danger_n to_o be_v overthrow_v by_o a_o text_n that_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o full_a against_o they_o and_o how_o little_a ground_n there_o be_v for_o this_o insinuation_n that_o this_o be_v the_o only_a text_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o this_o purpose_n i_o shall_v now_o show_v from_o a_o multitude_n of_o other_o text_n to_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o purpose_n with_o this_o passage_n of_o st._n john_n and_o i_o shall_v rank_v they_o under_o
duration_n past_a present_a and_o to_o come_v beside_o that_o the_o attribute_n of_o almighty_a be_v also_o a_o part_n of_o this_o description_n which_o be_v so_o peculiar_a a_o property_n of_o god_n i_o mean_v of_o he_o who_o be_v god_n by_o nature_n that_o the_o scripture_n never_o give_v it_o to_o any_o other_o ii_o i_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n produce_v those_o text_n which_o do_v express_o affirm_v that_o the_o world_n and_o all_o creature_n whatsoever_o be_v make_v by_o he_o and_o this_o will_v not_o only_o infer_v his_o existence_n before_o his_o incarnation_n but_o from_o all_o eternity_n and_o for_o this_o beside_o this_o passage_n of_o st._n john_n we_o have_v the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n most_o express_v who_o say_v that_o by_o he_o god_n make_v the_o world_n 2._o and_o st._n paul_n likewise_o say_v the_o same_o more_o full_o and_o particular_o 16._o call_v jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o first_o bear_v of_o every_o creature_n that_o be_v as_o i_o have_v show_v in_o my_o former_a discourse_n the_o heir_n and_o lord_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n for_o by_o he_o say_v he_o be_v all_o thing_n create_v that_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o that_o be_v in_o earth_n visible_a and_o invisible_a whether_o they_o be_v throne_n or_o dominion_n principality_n or_o power_n for_o so_o he_o call_v the_o several_a order_n of_o angel_n all_o thing_n be_v create_v by_o he_o and_o for_o he_o and_o he_o be_v before_o all_o thing_n or_o as_o he_o be_v describe_v in_o st._n john_n vision_n he_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o principle_n and_o efficient_a cause_n of_o the_o creation_n or_o else_o he_o be_v when_o all_o thing_n begin_v to_o be_v make_v and_o therefore_o must_v be_v before_o any_o thing_n be_v create_v and_o for_o that_o reason_n can_v not_o be_v a_o creature_n himself_o and_o consequent_o must_v of_o necessity_n have_v be_v from_o all_o eternity_n now_o these_o text_n must_v necessary_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o old_a creation_n and_o of_o the_o natural_a world_n and_o not_o of_o the_o moral_a world_n and_o the_o renovation_n and_o reformation_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n by_o the_o gospel_n for_o that_o be_v only_o the_o world_n here_o below_o which_o be_v reform_v by_o he_o and_o not_o thing_n in_o heaven_n not_o the_o invisible_a world_n not_o the_o several_a order_n of_o good_a angel_n which_o keep_v their_o first_o station_n and_o have_v no_o need_n to_o be_v reform_v and_o make_v anew_o nor_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o evil_a angel_n for_o though_o since_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o have_v be_v under_o great_a restraint_n and_o keep_v more_o within_o bound_n yet_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o they_o be_v at_o all_o reform_a but_o be_v devil_n still_o and_o have_v the_o same_o malice_n and_o mind_n to_o do_v all_o the_o mischief_n to_o mankind_n that_o god_n will_v suffer_v they_o to_o do_v so_o that_o these_o text_n seem_v at_o first_o view_n to_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o press_v of_o themselves_o but_o they_o appear_v to_o be_v much_o more_o convince_a when_o we_o consider_v the_o groundless_a interpretation_n whereby_o they_o endeavour_v to_o evade_v the_o dint_n and_o force_n of_o they_o for_o can_v any_o man_n that_o serious_o attend_v to_o the_o perpetual_a style_n and_o phrase_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o to_o the_o plain_a scope_n and_o drift_n of_o the_o apostle_n reason_v in_o these_o text_n be_v induce_v to_o believe_v that_o when_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v create_v by_o he_o that_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o that_o be_v in_o earth_n visible_a and_o invisible_a whether_o they_o be_v throne_n or_o dominion_n or_o principality_n or_o power_n i_o say_v can_v any_o man_n of_o good_a sense_n persuade_v himself_o that_o by_o all_o this_o the_o apostle_n mean_v no_o more_o than_o the_o moral_a renovation_n of_o the_o world_n here_o below_o and_o the_o reformation_n of_o mankind_n by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n which_o be_v preach_v unto_o they_o but_o there_o be_v yet_o one_o text_n more_o to_o this_o purpose_n which_o i_o have_v reserve_v to_o the_o last_o place_n because_o i_o find_v schlictingius_n and_o crellius_n in_o their_o joint_a comment_n upon_o it_o to_o be_v put_v to_o their_o last_o shift_n to_o avoid_v the_o force_n of_o it_o it_o be_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o where_o the_o apostle_n thus_o describe_v the_o son_n of_o god_n 2._o god_n say_v he_o have_v in_o these_o last_o day_n speak_v to_o we_o by_o his_o son_n who_o he_o have_v constitute_v heir_n of_o all_o thing_n by_o who_o also_o he_o make_v the_o world_n from_o whence_o he_o argue_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o gospel_n above_o the_o law_n for_o the_o law_n be_v give_v by_o angel_n but_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o pre-eminence_n above_o the_o angel_n he_o show_v at_o large_a in_o the_o two_o first_o chapter_n of_o this_o epistle_n and_o to_o this_o end_n he_o prove_v the_o two_o part_n of_o the_o description_n which_o have_v be_v give_v of_o he_o namely_o that_o god_n have_v constitute_v he_o heir_n of_o all_o thing_n 2._o and_o that_o by_o he_o he_o make_v the_o world_n first_o that_o god_n have_v constitute_v he_o heir_n of_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v nowhere_o say_v of_o the_o angel_n but_o of_o he_o it_o be_v say_v that_o be_v make_v so_o much_o better_a than_o the_o angel_n as_o he_o have_v by_o inheritance_n obtain_v a_o more_o excellent_a name_n than_o they_o 7._o the_o angel_n be_v only_o call_v god_n minister_n for_o which_o the_o apostle_n cite_v the_o word_n of_o the_o psalmist_n 4._o but_o to_o christ_n he_o give_v the_o title_n of_o his_o son_n and_o his_o first_o beget_v by_o virtue_n whereof_o he_o be_v heir_n of_o all_o thing_n 6._o for_o to_o which_o of_o the_o angel_n say_v he_o at_o any_o time_n thou_o be_v my_o son_n this_o day_n have_v i_o 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begin_n have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o heaven_n be_v the_o work_n of_o they_o hand_n they_o shall_v perish_v etc._n etc._n let_v we_o now_o see_v how_o schlictingius_n and_o crellius_n interpret_v this_o text_n cite_v out_o of_o the_o psalmist_n by_o the_o apostle_n as_o speak_v of_o christ_n they_o say_v est_fw-la that_o the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n can_v not_o have_v refer_v to_o christ_n the_o former_a word_n of_o this_o citation_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o creation_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n unless_o he_o have_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o most_o high_a god_n especial_o if_o they_o be_v understand_v as_o they_o must_v necessary_o be_v by_o those_o who_o take_v this_o for_o grant_v to_o be_v speak_v in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o direct_o to_o or_o concern_v christ_n for_o since_o all_o the_o word_n of_o the_o psalm_n be_v manifest_o speak_v of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n but_o that_o christ_n be_v that_o god_n be_v not_o signify_v no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o by_o one_o word_n in_o that_o psalm_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o if_o you_o will_v have_v these_o word_n to_o be_v direct_v to_o christ_n you_o must_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o christ_n be_v that_o most_o high_a god_n of_o who_o the_o psalmist_n there_o speak_v now_o we_o will_v join_v issue_n with_o these_o interpreter_n upon_o this_o concession_n viz._n that_o the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n can_v not_o have_v refer_v these_o word_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o creation_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o christ_n without_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o christ_n be_v true_o that_o god_n who_o make_v the_o
more_o for_o our_o comfort_n and_o advantage_n than_o any_o other_o way_n which_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n will_v have_v be_v apt_a to_o devise_v and_o pitch_n upon_o and_o in_o all_o this_o i_o shall_v all_o along_o take_v either_o the_o plain_a declaration_n of_o scripture_n or_o the_o pregnant_a intimation_n of_o it_o for_o my_o ground_n and_o guide_v i._o i_o shall_v consider_v more_o distinct_o what_o may_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v imply_v in_o this_o expression_n of_o the_o word_n be_v be_v make_v flesh_n namely_o these_o five_o thing_n first_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v not_o only_o appear_v in_o the_o form_n of_o human_a flesh_n but_o do_v real_o assume_v it_o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n as_o the_o evangelist_n express_o declare_v for_o if_o this_o have_v be_v only_o a_o phantasm_n and_o apparition_n as_o some_o heretic_n of_o old_a do_v fancy_n it_o will_v in_o all_o probability_n have_v be_v like_o the_o appearance_n of_o angel_n mention_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n sudden_a and_o of_o short_a continuance_n and_o will_v after_o a_o little_a while_n have_v vanish_v and_o disappear_v but_o he_o dwell_v among_o we_o and_o converse_v familiar_o with_o we_o a_o long_a time_n and_o for_o many_o year_n together_o and_o the_o scripture_n use_v all_o the_o expression_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o signify_v a_o real_a man_n and_o a_o real_a human_a body_n and_o there_o be_v all_o the_o sign_n and_o evidence_n of_o reality_n that_o can_v be_v for_o the_o word_n be_v say_v to_o be_v make_v flesh_n and_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n and_o to_o be_v make_v of_o a_o woman_n and_o all_o this_o to_o show_v that_o he_o be_v a_o real_a man_n and_o have_v a_o real_a and_o substantial_a body_n for_o he_o be_v bear_v and_o by_o degree_n grow_v up_o to_o be_v a_o man_n and_o do_v perform_v all_o such_o action_n as_o be_v natural_a and_o proper_a to_o man_n he_o continue_v a_o great_a while_n in_o the_o world_n and_o at_o last_o suffer_v and_o die_v and_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o grave_n he_o do_v not_o vanish_v and_o disappear_v like_o a_o phantasm_n or_o spirit_n but_o he_o die_v like_o other_o man_n and_o his_o body_n be_v raise_v again_o out_o of_o the_o grave_n and_o after_o he_o be_v rise_v he_o converse_v forty_o day_n upon_o earth_n and_o permit_v his_o body_n to_o be_v handle_v and_o last_o of_o all_o be_v visible_o take_v up_o into_o heaven_n so_o that_o either_o we_o must_v grant_v he_o to_o have_v have_v a_o real_a body_n or_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o doubt_v whether_o all_o mankind_n be_v not_o mere_a phantasm_n and_o apparition_n for_o great_a evidence_n no_o man_n can_v give_v that_o he_o be_v real_o clothe_v with_o and_o carry_v about_o he_o a_o true_a and_o substantial_a body_n than_o the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n it_o be_v to_o i_o very_o wonderful_a upon_o what_o ground_n or_o indeed_o to_o what_o end_n the_o heretic_n of_o old_a martion_n and_o other_o do_v deny_v the_o reality_n of_o christ_n flesh_n sure_o they_o have_v a_o great_a mind_n to_o be_v heretic_n who_o take_v up_o so_o senseless_a a_o opinion_n for_o no_o reason_n and_o to_o no_o purpose_n second_o another_o thing_n employ_v in_o the_o word_n be_v be_v make_v flesh_n be_v that_o this_o be_v do_v peculiar_o for_o the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o man_n the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n that_o be_v become_v man_n for_o so_o i_o have_v show_v the_o word_n flesh_n to_o be_v often_o use_v in_o scripture_n and_o this_o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n take_v very_o special_a notice_n of_o as_o a_o great_a grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n that_o his_o son_n appear_v in_o our_o nature_n and_o consequent_o for_o our_o salvation_n as_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o nicene_n creed_n who_o for_o we_o man_n and_o for_o our_o salvation_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o be_v incarnate_a etc._n etc._n for_o very_o say_v the_o apostle_n 16._o he_o take_v not_o on_o he_o the_o nature_n of_o angel_n but_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o do_v not_o assume_v the_o angelical_a nature_n so_o our_o translator_n understand_v the_o phrase_n but_o the_o word_n also_o signify_v to_o take_v hold_n of_o a_o thing_n which_o be_v fall_v as_o well_o as_o to_o assume_v or_o take_v on_o he_o he_o do_v not_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o angel_n when_o they_o be_v fall_v but_o suffer_v they_o to_o lapse_v irrecoverable_o into_o misery_n and_o ruin_n but_o he_o take_v hold_v of_o human_a nature_n when_o it_o be_v fall_v and_o particular_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n and_o by_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n that_o be_v by_o himself_o in_o who_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v he_o bring_v salvation_n first_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o then_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n the_o apostle_n choose_v to_o derive_v this_o blessing_n from_o abraham_n that_o so_o he_o may_v bring_v it_o near_o to_o the_o jew_n to_o who_o he_o write_v this_o epistle_n and_o may_v thereby_o more_o effectual_o recommend_v the_o gospel_n to_o they_o and_o the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o that_o great_a salvation_n in_o which_o they_o have_v so_o peculiar_a a_o interest_n and_o it_o be_v some_o confirmation_n of_o the_o interpretation_n i_o have_v give_v of_o that_o expression_n he_o take_v not_o on_o he_o etc._n etc._n that_o the_o evangelist_n use_v the_o very_a same_o word_n for_o take_v hold_n of_o one_o that_o be_v ready_a to_o sink_v for_o so_o it_o be_v say_v of_o st._n peter_n when_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o sink_v that_o christ_n put_v forth_o his_o hand_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o catch_v hold_n of_o he_o 31._o and_o save_v he_o from_o drown_v and_o thus_o the_o son_n of_o god_n catch_v hold_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v ready_a to_o sink_v into_o eternal_a perdition_n he_o lay_v hold_v of_o our_o nature_n or_o as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o same_o chapter_n he_o take_v part_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n that_o in_o our_o nature_n he_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o effect_v our_o redemption_n and_o deliverance_n but_o it_o be_v no_o where_o say_v in_o scripture_n not_o the_o least_o intimation_n give_v there_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n ever_o show_v such_o grace_n and_o favour_n to_o the_o angel_n but_o the_o word_n become_v flesh_n that_o be_v become_v man_n he_o do_v not_o assume_v the_o angelical_a nature_n but_o be_v content_v to_o be_v clothe_v with_o the_o rag_n of_o humanity_n and_o to_o be_v make_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o sinful_a flesh_n that_o be_v of_o sinful_a man._n three_o this_o expression_n of_o the_o word_n be_v be_v make_v flesh_n may_v further_o imply_v his_o assume_v the_o infirmity_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o misery_n of_o human_a nature_n this_o i_o collect_v from_o the_o word_n flesh_n by_o which_o the_o scripture_n often_o use_v to_o express_v our_o frail_a and_o mortal_a nature_n the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v not_o only_o condescend_v to_o be_v make_v man_n but_o also_o to_o become_v mortal_a and_o miseraable_a for_o our_o sake_n he_o submit_v to_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v account_v most_o grievous_a and_o calamitous_a to_o human_a nature_n to_o hunger_n and_o want_n to_o shame_n and_o contempt_n to_o bitter_a pain_n and_o agony_n and_o to_o a_o most_o cruel_a and_o disgraceful_a death_n so_o that_o in_o this_o sense_n also_o he_o become_v flesh_n not_o only_o by_o be_v clothe_v with_o human_a nature_n but_o by_o become_v liable_a to_o all_o the_o frailty_n and_o suffering_n of_o it_o of_o which_o he_o have_v a_o great_a share_n than_o any_o of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n ever_o have_v for_o never_o be_v sorrow_n like_a to_o his_o sorrow_n nor_o suffer_v like_a to_o his_o suffering_n the_o weight_n and_o bitterness_n whereof_o be_v such_o as_o to_o wring_v from_o he_o the_o meek_a and_o most_o patient_a endurer_n of_o suffering_n that_o ever_o be_v that_o doleful_a complaint_n my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o four_o in_o this_o expression_n the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n be_v likewise_o employ_v the_o union_n of_o the_o divinity_n with_o human_a nature_n in_o one_o person_n and_o this_o the_o text_n express_v in_o such_o word_n as_o seem_v to_o signify_v a_o most_o perfect_a and_o intimate_v and_o vital_a union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o human_a nature_n of_o christ_n in_o one_o person_n the_o word_n be_v make_v or_o become_v flesh_n which_o what_o else_o can_v it_o signify_v but_o one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n either_o that_o the_o eternal_a
for_o there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n who_o give_v himself_o a_o ransom_n for_o all_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v this_o universal_a charity_n of_o christian_n in_o pray_v for_o all_o man_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o acceptable_a to_o he_o to_o who_o we_o put_v up_o our_o prayer_n god_n the_o father_n who_o send_v his_o son_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o all_o man_n and_o to_o he_o likewise_o by_o who_o we_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o be_v among_o we_o christian_n the_o only_a media_n or_o between_o god_n and_o man_n in_o virtue_n of_o that_o price_n and_o ransom_n which_o he_o pay_v for_o the_o redemption_n of_o all_o mankind_n i_o say_v for_o this_o reason_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v very_o acceptable_a to_o he_o that_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o all_o man_n because_o he_o die_v for_o all_o man_n and_o now_o that_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n intercede_v with_o he_o for_o the_o salvation_n of_o those_o for_o who_o he_o die_v there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n who_o give_v himself_o a_o ransom_n for_o all_o which_o word_n though_o they_o be_v bring_v in_o to_o prove_v more_o immediate_o that_o it_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n our_o saviour_n that_o we_o shall_v put_v up_o prayer_n to_o he_o for_o all_o man_n because_o he_o desire_v the_o salvation_n of_o all_o man_n and_o have_v send_v his_o son_n to_o purchase_v the_o salvation_n of_o all_o man_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o and_o in_o virtue_n of_o that_o sacrifice_n to_o be_v the_o only_a mediator_n between_o god_n and_o we_o i_o say_v though_o this_o be_v the_o immediate_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o these_o word_n yet_o they_o be_v likewise_o a_o direction_n to_o we_o unto_o who_o we_o ought_v to_o address_v our_o prayer_n namely_o to_o god_n and_o by_o who_o mediation_n and_o intercession_n we_o ought_v to_o put_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n the_o father_n namely_o by_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v constitute_v the_o only_a mediator_n between_o god_n and_o men._n there_o be_v several_a proposition_n contain_v in_o this_o and_o the_o follow_a verse_n but_o i_o shall_v at_o present_a confine_v myself_o to_o the_o first_o namely_o that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n 4._o that_o be_v but_o one_o as_o st._n paul_n elsewhere_o express_v it_o there_o be_v none_o other_o god_n but_o one._n and_o moses_n lay_v this_o as_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o natural_a law_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n 35._o the_o lord_n he_o be_v one_o god_n and_o there_o be_v none_o beside_o he_o that_o be_v beside_o jehovah_n who_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n do_v worship_n as_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o this_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n perpetual_o declare_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o polytheism_n and_o variety_n of_o god_n among_o the_o heathen_a 6._o i_o be_o the_o first_o and_o i_o be_o the_o last_o and_o beside_o i_o there_o be_v no_o god_n 8._o and_o again_o be_v there_o any_o god_n beside_o i_o there_o be_v no_o god_n i_o know_v not_o any_o he_o who_o have_v a_o infinite_a knowledge_n and_o know_v all_o thing_n know_v no_o other_o god_n and_o our_o b._n saviour_n make_v this_o the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o necessary_a to_o every_o man_n salvation_n this_o say_v he_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v a_o notion_n wherein_o the_o great_a and_o the_o wise_a part_n of_o mankind_n do_v always_o agree_v and_o therefore_o may_v reasonable_o be_v presume_v to_o be_v either_o natural_a or_o to_o have_v spring_v from_o some_o original_a tradition_n deliver_v down_o to_o we_o from_o the_o first_o parent_n of_o mankind_n i_o mean_v that_o there_o be_v one_o supreme_a be_v the_o author_n and_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n who_o the_o most_o ancient_a of_o the_o heathen_a poet_n common_o call_v the_o father_n of_o god_n and_o man_n and_o thus_o aristotle_n in_o his_o metaphysic_n define_v god_n the_o eternal_a and_o most_o excellent_a or_o best_a of_o all_o live_a being_n and_o this_o notion_n of_o one_o supreme_a be_v agree_v very_o well_o with_o that_o exact_a harmony_n which_o appear_v in_o the_o frame_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n in_o which_o we_o see_v all_o thing_n conspire_v to_o one_o end_v and_o continue_v in_o one_o uniform_a order_n and_o course_n which_o can_v reasonable_o be_v ascribe_v to_o any_o other_o but_o a_o constant_a and_o uniform_a cause_n and_o which_o to_o a_o consider_v man_n do_v plain_o show_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v and_o govern_v by_o that_o one_o powerful_a principle_n and_o great_a and_o wise_a mind_n which_o we_o call_v god_n but_o although_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n have_v a_o notion_n of_o one_o supreme_a god_n yet_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o heathen_a plain_o show_v that_o this_o notion_n in_o process_n of_o time_n be_v great_o degenerate_v and_o corrupt_v into_o a_o apprehension_n of_o a_o plurality_n of_o god_n though_o in_o reason_n it_o be_v evident_a enough_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o god_n than_o one_o and_o that_o one_o who_o be_v of_o infinite_a perfection_n be_v as_o sufficient_a to_o all_o purpose_n whatsoever_o as_o ten_o thousand_o deity_n if_o they_o be_v possible_a can_v possible_o be_v as_o i_o shall_v show_v in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n now_o this_o multitude_n of_o deity_n which_o the_o fond_a superstition_n and_o vain_a imagination_n of_o man_n have_v form_v to_o themselves_o be_v by_o the_o wise_a sort_n who_o be_v force_v to_o comply_v with_o the_o folly_n of_o the_o people_n endeavour_v to_o make_v the_o best_a of_o they_o suppose_v to_o be_v either_o part_n of_o the_o universe_n which_o the_o egyptian_n as_o plutarch_n tell_v we_o think_v to_o be_v the_o same_o with_o god_n but_o then_o the_o more_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o universe_n they_o parcel_v out_o into_o several_a deity_n and_o as_o the_o ocean_n have_v several_a name_n according_a to_o the_o several_a coast_n and_o country_n by_o which_o it_o pass_v so_o they_o give_v several_a name_n to_o this_o one_o deity_n according_a to_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o several_a nation_n make_v the_o object_n of_o their_o worship_n or_o else_o they_o adore_v the_o several_a perfection_n and_o power_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n under_o several_a name_n and_o title_n with_o regard_n to_o the_o various_a blessing_n and_o benefit_n which_o they_o think_v they_o receive_v from_o he_o thus_o the_o indian_a philosopher_n the_o brahmin_n be_v say_v to_o have_v worship_v the_o sun_n as_o the_o supreme_a deity_n and_o he_o certain_o be_v the_o most_o worshipful_a of_o all_o sensible_a being_n and_o bid_v fair_a for_o a_o deity_n especial_o if_o he_o be_v as_o they_o suppose_v animate_v by_o a_o spirit_n endue_v with_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n and_o if_o a_o man_n who_o have_v be_v breed_v in_o a_o dark_a cave_n shall_v all_o on_o the_o sudden_a be_v bring_v out_o at_o noonday_n to_o behold_v this_o visible_a world_n after_o he_o have_v view_v and_o consider_v it_o a_o while_n he_o will_v in_o all_o probability_n pitch_v upon_o the_o sun_n as_o the_o most_o likely_a of_o all_o the_o thing_n he_o have_v see_v to_o be_v a_o deity_n for_o if_o such_o a_o man_n have_v any_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n and_o be_v to_o choose_v one_o upon_o sight_n he_o will_v without_o dispute_n fix_v upon_o the_o sun_n and_o fall_v down_o before_o he_o and_o worship_n he_o and_o macrobius_n manage_v this_o as_o his_o main_a plea_n for_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o heathen_a that_o under_o all_o the_o several_a name_n of_o their_o god_n they_o worship_v the_o sun_n and_o this_o diversity_n of_o name_n be_v but_o a_o more_o distinct_a conception_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o many_o 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