irenaeus_n tertullian_n and_o even_o origen_n himself_o who_o be_v call_v the_o father_n of_o interpreter_n be_v most_o express_a and_o positive_a in_o this_o matter_n for_o ignatius_n be_v the_o scholar_n of_o polycarp_n who_o be_v a_o disciple_n of_o st._n john_n and_o justin_n martyr_v live_v in_o the_o next_o age_n to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o origen_n be_v a_o man_n of_o infinite_a learning_n and_o read_v and_o in_o his_o comment_n upon_o scripture_n seem_v to_o have_v consider_v all_o the_o interpretation_n of_o those_o that_o be_v before_o he_o so_o that_o if_o this_o which_o socinus_n be_v so_o confident_a be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o st._n john_n have_v be_v any_o where_o extant_a he_o will_v not_o probable_o have_v omit_v it_o nay_o rather_o will_v certain_o have_v mention_v it_o if_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n yet_o for_o the_o surprise_a novelty_n and_o strangeness_n of_o it_o with_o which_o he_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v overmuch_o delight_v so_o that_o if_o this_o 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other_o be_v sufficient_a to_o stagger_v any_o prudent_a man_n belief_n of_o this_o interpretation_n and_o as_o to_o the_o novelty_n of_o it_o socinus_n himself_o make_v no_o difficulty_n to_o own_v it_o nay_o he_o seem_v rather_o to_o rejoice_v and_o to_o applaud_v himself_o in_o it_o unhappy_a man_n that_o be_v so_o wed_v to_o his_o own_o opinion_n that_o no_o objection_n no_o difficulty_n can_v divorce_v he_o from_o it_o and_o for_o this_o i_o refer_v myself_o to_o his_o preface_n to_o his_o explication_n of_o this_o first_o chapter_n of_o st._n john_n gospel_n where_o you_o shall_v find_v these_o word_n concern_v the_o passage_n now_o in_o controversy_n quorum_fw-la verus_fw-la sensus_fw-la omnium_fw-la prorsus_fw-la qui_fw-la quidem_fw-la extarent_fw-la explanatores_fw-la latuisse_fw-la videtur_fw-la the_o true_a sense_n of_o which_o word_n say_v he_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v hide_v from_o all_o the_o expositor_n that_o ever_o be_v extant_a and_o upon_o those_o word_n v_o 10._o he_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o he_o he_o have_v this_o expression_n quid_fw-la autem_fw-la hoc_fw-la loco_fw-la sibi_fw-la velit_fw-la johannes_n à _fw-la nemine_fw-la quod_fw-la sciam_fw-la adhuc_fw-la rectè_fw-la expositum_fw-la fuit_fw-la but_o what_o st._n john_n mean_v in_o this_o place_n be_v never_o yet_o that_o i_o know_v of_o by_o any_o man_n right_o explain_v and_o schlictingius_n after_o he_o with_o more_o confidence_n but_o much_o less_o decency_n tell_v we_o that_o concern_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o expression_n in_o the_o beginning_n and_o of_o those_o which_o follow_v concern_v the_o word_n the_o ancient_a interpreter_n do_v ab_fw-la apostoli_fw-la ment_fw-la delirare_fw-la go_v so_o far_o from_o the_o apostle_n meaning_n as_o if_o they_o have_v rave_v and_o be_v out_o of_o their_o wit_n which_o be_v so_o extravagant_o say_v and_o with_o so_o much_o contempt_n of_o those_o great_a and_o venerable_a name_n who_o be_v the_o chief_a 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the_o generality_n of_o the_o popish_a writer_n and_o even_o of_o the_o jesuit_n themselves_o who_o pretend_v to_o all_o the_o reason_n and_o subtlety_n in_o the_o world_n be_v in_o comparison_n of_o they_o but_o mere_a scold_n and_o bungler_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n they_o have_v but_o this_o one_o great_a defect_n that_o they_o want_v a_o good_a cause_n and_o truth_n on_o their_o side_n which_o if_o they_o have_v they_o have_v reason_n and_o wit_n and_o temper_n enough_o to_o defend_v it_o but_o to_o return_v to_o the_o business_n that_o which_o i_o urge_v they_o withal_o and_o that_o from_o their_o own_o confession_n be_v this_o that_o this_o interpretation_n of_o they_o be_v perfect_o new_a and_o unknown_a to_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n before_o socinus_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n in_o my_o opinion_n not_o to_o be_v brag_v of_o because_o it_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o say_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o a_o point_n pretend_v on_o both_o side_n to_o be_v of_o the_o great_a moment_n be_v never_o right_o understand_v by_o any_o since_o the_o apostle_n day_n for_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n together_o and_o which_o make_v the_o matter_n yet_o worse_o that_o the_o religion_n which_o be_v particular_o design_v to_o overthrow_v polytheism_n and_o the_o belief_n of_o more_o god_n have_v according_a to_o they_o be_v so_o ill_o teach_v and_o understand_v by_o christian_n for_o so_o many_o age_n together_o and_o almost_o from_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o chistianity_n as_o do_v necessary_o infer_v a_o plurality_n of_o god_n a_o inconvenience_n so_o great_a as_o no_o cause_n how_o plausible_a soever_o it_o may_v otherwise_o appear_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v under_o and_o to_o sustain_v the_o weight_n of_o it_o for_o this_o the_o socinian_o object_n to_o we_o at_o every_o turn_n as_o the_o unavoidable_a consequence_n of_o our_o interpretation_n of_o this_o passage_n of_o st._n john_n and_o of_o all_o other_o text_n of_o scripture_n produce_v by_o we_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n notwithstanding_o that_o this_o interpretation_n have_v obtain_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o so_o many_o age_n now_o whosoever_o can_v believe_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v do_v the_o work_n for_o which_o it_o be_v principal_o design_v so_o ineffectual_o must_v have_v very_o little_a reverence_n for_o it_o nay_o it_o must_v be_v a_o marvellous_a civility_n in_o he_o if_o he_o believe_v it_o at_o all_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v in_o this_o case_n be_v that_o it_o please_v god_n many_o time_n to_o permit_v man_n to_o hold_v very_o inconsistent_a thing_n and_o which_o do_v in_o truth_n though_o they_o themselves_o discern_v it_o not_o most_o effectual_o overthrow_v one_o another_o second_o another_o mighty_a prejudice_n against_o this_o interpretation_n be_v this_o that_o according_a to_o this_o rate_n of_o liberty_n in_o interpret_n scripture_n it_o will_v signify_v very_o little_a or_o
world_n and_o if_o the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n do_v affirm_v these_o word_n of_o the_o psalmist_n to_o be_v speak_v of_o christ_n than_o they_o must_v acknowledge_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o true_a god_n who_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n but_o the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n do_v as_o evident_o affirm_v these_o word_n to_o be_v speak_v to_o or_o of_o christ_n as_o he_o do_v the_o word_n of_o any_o other_o text_n cite_v in_o this_o chapter_n and_o for_o this_o i_o appeal_v to_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o every_o man_n that_o read_v they_o these_o interpreter_n indeed_o be_v content_v that_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o this_o citation_n shall_v be_v speak_v of_o christ_n but_o not_o the_o former_a but_o why_o not_o the_o former_a as_o well_o as_o the_o latter_a when_o they_o have_v so_o express_o tell_v we_o that_o all_o the_o word_n of_o this_o psalm_n be_v manifest_o speak_v of_o god_n what_o be_v the_o mystery_n of_o this_o can_v they_o not_o as_o easy_o have_v interpret_v the_o former_a part_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o creation_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n concern_v the_o moral_a world_n and_o the_o new_a creation_n or_o reformation_n of_o mankind_n by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n as_o well_o as_o so_o many_o other_o plain_a text_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n no_o doubt_v they_o can_v as_o well_o have_v do_v it_o and_o have_v set_v as_o good_a a_o face_n upon_o it_o when_o they_o have_v do_v it_o but_o why_o then_o do_v they_o not_o do_v it_o it_o be_v for_o a_o reason_n which_o they_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o tell_v but_o yet_o be_v not_o hard_a to_o be_v guess_v at_o namely_o that_o if_o they_o have_v admit_v the_o former_a word_n to_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o christ_n they_o know_v not_o what_o to_o do_v with_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o this_o citation_n 12._o they_o shall_v perish_v but_o thou_o remain_v they_o shall_v wax_v old_a as_o agarment_n and_o as_o a_o vesture_n shall_v thou_o fold_v they_o up_o and_o they_o shall_v be_v change_v what_o shall_v perish_v and_o wax_v old_a and_o be_v change_v why_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o heaven_n which_o the_o son_n have_v make_v that_o be_v the_o moral_a world_n the_o reformation_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o new_a creation_n of_o thing_n by_o the_o gospel_n all_o these_o must_v have_v undergo_v the_o same_o fate_n with_o the_o natural_a world_n and_o must_v not_o only_o have_v be_v deface_v but_o utter_o destroy_v and_o bring_v to_o nothing_o this_o they_o will_v not_o say_v but_o they_o do_v see_v it_o though_o they_o will_v not_o seem_v to_o see_v it_o and_o we_o may_v plain_o see_v by_o this_o that_o they_o can_v interpret_v a_o text_n right_n when_o necessity_n force_v they_o to_o it_o and_o they_o can_v without_o great_a inconvenience_n to_o their_o cause_n avoid_v it_o but_o when_o man_n have_v once_o resolve_v to_o hold_v fast_o a_o opinion_n they_o have_v take_v up_o it_o than_o become_v not_o only_o convenient_a but_o necessary_a to_o understand_v nothing_o that_o make_v against_o it_o and_o this_o be_v true_o the_o present_a case_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n where_o be_v ingenuity_n and_o love_n of_o truth_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v with_o all_o the_o clearness_n and_o brevity_n i_o can_v search_v to_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o this_o new_a interpretation_n of_o this_o passage_n of_o the_o evangelist_n upon_o which_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v so_o firm_o establish_v and_o likewise_o of_o the_o gross_a misinterpretation_n of_o several_a other_o text_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n in_o this_o evangelist_n and_o in_o other_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n all_o which_o interpretation_n i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o show_v to_o be_v not_o only_o contrary_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o antiquity_n of_o which_o as_o socinus_n have_v but_o little_a knowledge_n so_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v make_v but_o little_a account_n but_o to_o be_v also_o evident_o contrary_a to_o the_o perpetual_a tenor_n and_o style_n of_o the_o h._n scripture_n before_o i_o go_v off_o from_o this_o argument_n i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o one_o thing_n wherein_o our_o adversary_n in_o this_o cause_n do_v perpetual_o glory_v as_o a_o mighty_a advantage_n which_o they_o think_v they_o have_v over_o we_o in_o this_o point_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o in_o that_o other_o point_n of_o the_o b._n trinity_n namely_o that_o they_o have_v reason_n clear_o on_o their_o side_n in_o this_o controversy_n and_o that_o the_o difficulty_n and_o absurdity_n be_v much_o great_a and_o plain_a on_o our_o part_n than_o on_o they_o here_o they_o be_v please_v to_o triumph_v without_o modesty_n and_o without_o measure_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o i_o be_o not_o afraid_a here_o likewise_o to_o join_v issue_n with_o they_o and_o be_o content_v to_o have_v this_o matter_n bring_v to_o a_o fair_a trial_n at_o the_o bar_n of_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o of_o scripture_n expound_v by_o the_o general_a tradition_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n i_o say_v by_o general_a tradition_n which_o next_o to_o scripture_n be_v the_o best_a and_o sure_a confirmation_n of_o this_o great_a point_n now_o in_o question_n between_o we_o and_o that_o which_o give_v we_o the_o great_a and_o true_a light_n for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n not_o only_o in_o this_o but_o in_o most_o other_o important_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o be_o not_o without_o some_o good_a hope_n i_o will_v not_o say_v confidence_n for_o i_o never_o think_v that_o to_o be_v so_o great_a a_o advantage_n to_o any_o cause_n as_o some_o man_n will_v be_v glad_a to_o make_v other_o believe_v it_o be_v hope_v to_o help_v and_o support_v a_o weak_a argument_n by_o a_o strong_a and_o mighty_a confidence_n but_o sure_o modesty_n never_o hurt_v any_o cause_n and_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v much_o like_o the_o wrath_n of_o man_n which_o st._n 20._o james_n tell_v we_o work_v not_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n that_o be_v it_o never_o do_v any_o good_a it_o never_o serve_v any_o wise_a and_o real_a purpose_n of_o religion_n i_o say_v i_o be_o not_o without_o some_o good_a hope_n that_o i_o have_v in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n clear_o show_v that_o the_o tenor_n of_o scripture_n and_o general_a tradition_n be_v on_o our_o side_n in_o this_o argument_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o give_v myself_o the_o trouble_n to_o examine_v this_o matter_n over_o again_o now_o as_o to_o the_o point_n of_o reason_n the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o absurdity_n which_o they_o object_n to_o our_o doctrine_n concern_v this_o mystery_n amount_v to_o thus_o much_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o above_o reason_n but_o plain_o contrary_a to_o it_o as_o to_o its_o be_v above_o reason_n which_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o admit_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v this_o i_o think_v will_v bear_v no_o great_a dispute_n because_o if_o they_o will_v be_v please_v to_o speak_v out_o they_o can_v mean_v no_o more_o by_o this_o but_o that_o our_o reason_n be_v not_o able_a full_o to_o comprehend_v it_o but_o what_o then_o be_v there_o no_o mystery_n in_o religion_n that_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o will_v not_o say_v because_o god_n who_o infinite_a nature_n and_o perfection_n be_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v certain_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o all_o other_o and_o the_o most_o incomprehensible_a but_o we_o must_v not_o nay_o they_o will_v not_o for_o this_o reason_n deny_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o be_v as_o god_n and_o therefore_o if_o there_o be_v mystery_n in_o religion_n it_o be_v no_o reasonable_a objection_n against_o they_o that_o we_o can_v full_o comprehend_v they_o because_o all_o mystery_n in_o what_o kind_n soever_o whether_o in_o religion_n or_o in_o nature_n so_o long_o and_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v mystery_n be_v for_o that_o very_a reason_n incomprehensible_a but_o they_o urge_v the_o matter_n much_o further_o that_o this_o particular_a mystery_n now_o under_o debate_n be_v plain_o contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o if_o they_o can_v make_v this_o good_a i_o will_v confess_v that_o they_o have_v gain_v a_o great_a point_n upon_o we_o but_o then_o they_o be_v to_o be_v put_v in_o mind_n that_o to_o make_v this_o good_a against_o we_o they_o must_v clear_o show_v some_o plain_a contradiction_n in_o this_o doctrine_n which_o i_o can_v never_o yet_o see_v do_v by_o any_o great_a difficulty_n i_o acknowledge_v there_o be_v in_o the_o explication_n of_o it_o in_o which_o the_o further_o we_o go_v beyond_o what_o god_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o reveal_v to_o we_o in_o scripture_n concern_v it_o the_o more_o we_o
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
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 beget_v thou_o and_o this_o i_o will_v agree_v with_o they_o to_o be_v speak_v of_o christ_n with_o respect_n to_o his_o resurrection_n by_o which_o as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o 4._o he_o be_v powerful_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o first_o prerogative_n of_o christ_n above_o the_o angel_n but_o there_o be_v a_o far_o great_a yet_o behind_o for_o he_o prove_v second_o that_o he_o have_v not_o only_o the_o title_n of_o god_n give_v he_o but_o that_o he_o be_v true_o and_o real_o god_n because_o he_o make_v the_o world_n 8._o that_o the_o title_n of_o god_n be_v give_v he_o he_o prove_v by_o a_o citation_n out_o of_o the_o psalmist_n 7._o but_o unto_o the_o son_n he_o say_v thy_o throne_n o_o god_n be_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o etc._n etc._n and_o that_o he_o be_v true_o and_o real_o god_n because_o he_o make_v the_o world_n he_o prove_v by_o a_o citation_n out_o of_o another_o psalm_n where_o it_o be_v say_v of_o he_o 12._o thou_o lord_n in_o the_o 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
require_v of_o we_o exemplify_v in_o our_o nature_n and_o real_o perform_v and_o practise_v by_o a_o man_n like_o ourselves_o and_o that_o likewise_o in_o our_o nature_n he_o may_v conquer_v and_o triumph_v over_o the_o two_o great_a enemy_n of_o our_o salvation_n the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o by_o first_o suffer_v death_n and_o then_o overcome_v it_o and_o by_o rescue_v our_o nature_n from_o the_o power_n of_o it_o by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a he_o may_v deliver_v we_o from_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o give_v we_o the_o glorious_a hope_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n for_o by_o assume_v our_o frail_a and_o mortal_a nature_n he_o become_v capable_a of_o suffer_v and_o of_o shed_v his_o precious_a blood_n for_o we_o and_o by_o that_o mean_n of_o purchase_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a redemption_n for_o we_o and_o further_a yet_o that_o by_o be_v subject_n to_o the_o misery_n and_o infirmity_n of_o humanity_n he_o may_v from_o his_o own_o experience_n the_o sure_a and_o most_o sensible_a sort_n of_o knowledge_n and_o instruction_n learn_v to_o have_v a_o more_o compassionate_a sense_n of_o our_o infirmity_n and_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o commiserate_v we_o in_o all_o our_o suffering_n and_o temptation_n and_o more_o ready_a to_o succour_v we_o labour_v under_o they_o and_o final_o that_o as_o a_o reward_n of_o his_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n in_o our_o nature_n he_o may_v in_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v exalt_v to_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o majesty_n on_o high_a there_o to_o continue_v for_o ever_o to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o ii_o i_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n consider_v the_o objection_n against_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n from_o the_o suppose_a impossibility_n and_o incongruity_n of_o the_o thing_n i_o shall_v mention_v three_o and_o endeavour_v in_o as_o few_o word_n as_o i_o can_v to_o give_v a_o clear_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o they_o first_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o i_o have_v explain_v it_o neccessary_o suppose_v a_o union_n of_o the_o divinity_n with_o human_a nature_n be_v if_o not_o altogether_o impossible_a yet_o a_o very_a unintelligible_a thing_n now_o that_o there_o be_v no_o impossibility_n in_o the_o thing_n seem_v to_o be_v very_o evident_a from_o the_o instance_n whereby_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o illustrate_v it_o of_o the_o union_n between_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o body_n of_o man_n which_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o thing_n possible_a because_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o it_o be_v and_o yet_o no_o man_n can_v explain_v either_o to_o himself_o or_o to_o any_o one_o else_o the_o manner_n how_o it_o be_v or_o can_v be_v conceive_v to_o be_v but_o for_o all_o that_o we_o be_v certain_a as_o we_o can_v be_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o it_o be_v so_o and_o be_v it_o not_o every_o whit_n as_o possible_a for_o god_n if_o he_o so_o please_v to_o unite_v himself_o to_o human_a nature_n as_o it_o be_v for_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o body_n and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conceive_v the_o manner_n how_o this_o be_v or_o can_v be_v do_v ought_v not_o in_o reason_n to_o be_v any_o prejudice_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o thing_n this_o indeed_o may_v make_v it_o seem_v strange_a to_o we_o but_o by_o no_o mean_n incredible_a because_o we_o do_v most_o firm_o believe_v a_o great_a many_o thing_n to_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o who_o be_v we_o do_v not_o at_o all_o comprehend_v and_o therefore_o i_o take_v it_o for_o a_o undoubted_a principle_n which_o no_o man_n can_v gainsay_v that_o to_o assure_v we_o that_o a_o thing_n real_o be_v it_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v the_o manner_n how_o it_o be_v or_o can_v be_v it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o to_o know_v that_o the_o thing_n be_v not_o impossible_a and_o of_o that_o we_o have_v the_o very_o best_a demonstration_n that_o can_v be_v if_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o it_o be_v second_o suppose_v this_o thing_n to_o be_v possible_a and_o capable_a in_o any_o measure_n to_o be_v understand_v which_o yet_o i_o have_v show_v not_o to_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o firm_a belief_n of_o it_o it_o be_v further_o object_v that_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o thing_n very_o incongruous_a and_o much_o beneath_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o be_v unite_v to_o human_a nature_n and_o to_o submit_v to_o so_o near_o a_o alliance_n with_o that_o which_o be_v so_o very_o mean_a and_o despicable_a yea_o to_o be_v infinite_o more_o below_o he_o than_o for_o the_o great_a prince_n in_o this_o world_n to_o match_v with_o the_o poor_a and_o most_o contemptible_a beggar_n but_o herein_o sure_o we_o measure_v god_n too_o much_o by_o ourselves_o and_o because_o we_o who_o be_v evil_a have_v seldom_o so_o much_o goodness_n as_o to_o stoop_v beneath_o ourselves_o for_o the_o benefit_n and_o good_a of_o other_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o god_n have_v not_o so_o much_o goodness_n neither_o and_o because_o our_o ill_a nature_n and_o pride_n and_o folly_n as_o indeed_o all_o pride_n be_v folly_n will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o do_v it_o we_o present_o conclude_v that_o it_o do_v not_o become_v god_n but_o what_o pliny_n say_v to_o the_o emperor_n trajan_n concern_v earthly_a king_n and_o potentate_n be_v much_o more_o true_a of_o the_o lord_n of_o glory_n the_o great_a king_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n cui_fw-la nihil_fw-la ad_fw-la augendum_fw-la fastigium_fw-la supereft_v hoc_fw-la uno_fw-la modo_fw-la crescere_fw-la potest_fw-la si_fw-la se_fw-la ipse_fw-la submittat_fw-la securus_fw-la magnitudinis_fw-la suae_fw-la he_o that_o be_v at_o the_o top_n and_o can_v rise_v no_o high_o have_v yet_o this_o one_o way_n leave_v to_o become_v great_a by_o stoop_v beneath_o himself_o which_o he_o may_v very_o safe_o do_v be_v secure_a of_o his_o own_o greatness_n the_o low_a any_o be_v be_v he_o never_o so_o high_a condescend_v to_o do_v good_a the_o glory_n of_o his_o goodness_n shine_v so_o much_o the_o bright_a man_n be_v many_o time_n too_o proud_a and_o stiff_o to_o bend_v too_o perverse_a and_o ill_a nature_a to_o stoop_v beneath_o their_o own_o little_a greatness_n for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o but_o god_n who_o way_n be_v not_o as_o our_o way_n and_o who_o thought_n be_v as_o much_o above_o our_o low_a and_o narrow_a thought_n as_o the_o heaven_n be_v high_a above_o the_o earth_n do_v not_o disdain_v nor_o think_v it_o below_o he_o to_o become_v man_n for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n and_o as_o much_o as_o the_o divinity_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v so_o to_o become_v miserable_a to_o make_v we_o happy_a we_o may_v be_v afraid_a that_o if_o we_o humble_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v be_v despise_v that_o if_o we_o stoop_v other_o will_v get_v above_o we_o and_o trample_v upon_o we_o but_o god_n though_o he_o condescend_v never_o so_o low_a be_v still_o secure_a of_o his_o own_o greatness_n and_o that_o none_o can_v take_v it_o from_o he_o so_o that_o in_o truth_n and_o according_a to_o right_a reason_n it_o be_v no_o real_a diminution_n or_o disparagement_n to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o become_v man_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v a_o most_o glorious_a humility_n and_o the_o great_a instance_n of_o the_o true_a goodness_n that_o ever_o be_v and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n when_o he_o say_v that_o christ_n glorify_v not_o himself_o to_o be_v make_v a_o highpriest_n 5._o but_o be_v appoint_v of_o god_n to_o this_o office_n as_o be_v aaronâ—_n do_v hereby_o seem_v to_o intimate_v that_o it_o be_v a_o glory_n to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o be_v make_v a_o highpriest_n for_o the_o son_n of_o man_n for_o though_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a condescension_n yet_o be_v it_o likewise_o a_o most_o wonderful_a argument_n of_o his_o goodness_n which_o be_v the_o high_a glory_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o short_a if_o god_n for_o our_o sake_n do_v submit_v himself_o to_o a_o condition_n which_o we_o may_v think_v do_v less_o become_v he_o here_o be_v great_a cause_n of_o thankfulness_n but_o none_o sure_o of_o cavil_n and_o exception_n we_o have_v infinite_a reason_n to_o acknowledge_v and_o admire_v his_o goodness_n but_o none_o at_o all_o to_o upbraid_v he_o with_o his_o kindness_n and_o to_o quarrel_v with_o he_o for_o have_v descend_v so_o much_o beneath_o himself_o to_o testify_v his_o love_n to_o we_o and_o his_o tender_a concernment_n for_o our_o happiness_n beside_o that_o when_o we_o have_v say_v all_o we_o can_v about_o this_o matter_n i_o hope_v we_o will_v allow_v god_n himself_o to_o be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o competent_a judge_n what_o
man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n by_o who_o we_o be_v to_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o that_o we_o need_v not_o look_v out_o for_o any_o other_o since_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n tell_v we_o 25._o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o save_v to_o the_o uttermost_a all_o those_o that_o come_v to_o god_n by_o he_o see_v he_o live_v for_o ever_o to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v altogether_o inexcusable_a in_o this_o point_n for_o introduce_v more_o mediator_n and_o intercessor_n more_o patron_n and_o advocate_n in_o heaven_n for_o we_o and_o this_o not_o only_o without_o any_o necessity_n for_o who_o can_v add_v any_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n to_o the_o powerful_a and_o prevalent_a intercession_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o likewise_o in_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o the_o express_a constitution_n and_o appointment_n of_o god_n himself_o who_o say_v there_o be_v but_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o they_o say_v there_o ought_v to_o be_v many_o more_o not_o only_o the_o b._n virgin_n but_o all_o the_o saint_n and_o angel_n in_o heaven_n beside_o that_o by_o this_o very_a thing_n they_o revive_v one_o notorious_a piece_n of_o the_o old_a pagan_a idolatry_n which_o god_n so_o plain_o design_v to_o extinguish_v by_o appoint_v one_o only_a mediator_n between_o god_n and_o men._n by_o this_o condescension_n likewise_o god_n have_v give_v we_o the_o comfortable_a assurance_n of_o a_o most_o powerful_a and_o a_o perpetual_a intercessor_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n in_o our_o behalf_n for_o if_o we_o consider_v christ_n as_o man_n and_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o we_o bone_n of_o our_o bone_n and_o flesh_n of_o our_o flesh_n so_o very_o near_o ally_v and_o relate_v to_o we_o we_o may_v easy_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v a_o most_o tender_a care_n and_o concernment_n for_o we_o that_o he_o sincere_o wish_v our_o happiness_n and_o will_v by_o all_o mean_n seek_v to_o procure_v it_o if_o we_o ourselves_o by_o our_o own_o wilful_a obstinacy_n do_v not_o hinder_v it_o and_o resist_v the_o kindness_n and_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o ourselves_o for_o if_o we_o be_v resolve_v to_o continue_v impenitent_a there_o be_v no_o help_n for_o we_o we_o must_v die_v in_o our_o sin_n and_o salvation_n itself_o can_v save_v we_o but_o to_o proceed_v it_o can_v sure_o but_o be_v matter_n of_o great_a consolation_n to_o we_o that_o the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n who_o be_v now_o so_o high_o exalt_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o who_o have_v all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n commit_v to_o he_o be_v our_o patron_n and_o advocate_n in_o heaven_n to_o plead_v our_o cause_n with_o god_n since_o we_o can_v but_o think_v that_o he_o who_o be_v please_v to_o become_v brother_n to_o we_o all_o do_v bear_v a_o true_a affection_n and_o good_a will_n to_o we_o and_o that_o he_o who_o assume_v our_o nature_n will_v hearty_o espouse_v our_o cause_n and_o plead_v it_o powerful_o for_o we_o and_o will_v with_o all_o possible_a advantage_n recommend_v our_o petition_n and_o request_n to_o god_n but_o then_o if_o we_o consider_v further_o that_o he_o do_v not_o only_o take_v our_o nature_n but_o likewise_o take_v our_o infirmity_n and_o bear_v they_o many_o year_n in_o which_o he_o have_v long_o and_o continual_a experience_n of_o the_o sad_a suffering_n to_o which_o human_a nature_n be_v subject_a in_o this_o world_n and_o be_v tempt_v in_o all_o thing_n like_v as_o we_o be_v this_o give_v we_o still_o great_a assurance_n that_o he_o who_o suffer_v and_o be_v tempt_v himself_o can_v but_o be_v touch_v with_o a_o lively_a sense_n of_o our_o infirmity_n and_o must_v have_v learn_v by_o his_o own_o suffering_n to_o compassionate_v we_o and_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o succour_v we_o when_o we_o be_v tempt_v and_o to_o afford_v we_o grace_n and_o help_v suitable_a to_o all_o our_o want_n and_o infirmity_n for_o nothing_o give_v we_o so_o just_a a_o sense_n of_o the_o suffering_n of_o other_o as_o the_o remembrance_n of_o our_o own_o and_o the_o bitter_a experience_n of_o the_o like_a suffering_n and_o temptation_n in_o ourselves_o and_o this_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n do_v very_o particular_o insist_v upon_o as_o matter_n of_o great_a comfort_n and_o encouragement_n to_o we_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v not_o only_o assume_v our_o nature_n but_o be_v make_v in_o all_o thing_n like_v unto_o we_o and_o during_o his_o abode_n here_o upon_o earth_n do_v suffer_v and_o be_v tempt_v like_a as_o we_o be_v for_o very_o say_v the_o apostle_n 18._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 wherefore_o in_o all_o thing_n it_o behove_v he_o to_o be_v make_v like_o unto_o his_o brethren_n that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o merciful_a and_o faithful_a highpriest_n in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o god_n for_o in_o that_o he_o himself_o suffer_v be_v tempt_v he_o be_v able_a to_o succour_v they_o that_o be_v tempt_v and_o again_o exhort_v the_o jew_n who_o be_v new_o convert_v to_o christianity_n to_o continue_v stedfact_n in_o their_o profession_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o suffering_n to_o which_o upon_o that_o account_n they_o be_v expose_v he_o comfort_v they_o with_o this_o consideration_n that_o we_o have_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n so_o powerful_a a_o advocate_n and_o intercessor_n for_o we_o as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v sensible_a of_o our_o case_n have_v suffer_v the_o same_o thing_n himself_o and_o therefore_o we_o can_v doubt_v of_o his_o compassion_n to_o we_o and_o readiness_n to_o support_v we_o in_o the_o like_a suffering_n 16._o see_v then_o say_v he_o that_o we_o have_v a_o great_a high_a priest_n that_o be_v pass_v into_o the_o heaven_n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o our_o profession_n for_o we_o have_v not_o a_o highpriest_n that_o can_v be_v touch_v with_o the_o feel_n of_o our_o infirmity_n but_o be_v in_o all_o point_v tempt_v like_a as_o we_o be_v yet_o without_o sin_n from_o whence_o he_o conclude_v that_o have_v such_o a_o intercessor_n we_o may_v with_o great_a confidence_n and_o assurance_n address_v our_o supplication_n to_o god_n for_o his_o mercy_n and_o help_n in_o all_o our_o want_n and_o weakness_n to_o supply_v the_o one_o and_o to_o assist_v the_o other_o let_v we_o therefore_o say_v he_o come_v bold_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v obtain_v mercy_n and_o find_v grace_n to_o help_v in_o time_n of_o need_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d grace_n for_o seasonable_a relief_n so_o that_o our_o b._n saviour_n and_o redeemer_n now_o that_o he_o be_v advance_v to_o heaven_n and_o exalt_v to_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n be_v not_o unmindful_a of_o we_o in_o this_o height_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o greatness_n but_o with_o the_o tender_a affection_n and_o compassion_n to_o mankind_n do_v still_o prosecute_v the_o design_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o in_o virtue_n of_o his_o meritorious_a obedience_n and_o suffering_n which_o he_o present_v to_o god_n continual_o he_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o he_o and_o plead_v our_o cause_n with_o he_o and_o represent_v to_o he_o all_o our_o want_n and_o necessity_n and_o procure_v for_o we_o a_o favourable_a answer_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o supply_n of_o grace_n and_o strength_n proportionable_a to_o our_o temptation_n and_o infirmity_n and_o thus_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o prevalent_a intercession_n of_o he_o with_o god_n for_o we_o our_o sin_n be_v forgive_v and_o our_o want_n supply_v and_o our_o request_n grant_v and_o the_o gracious_a assistance_n and_o support_v of_o god_n h._n spirit_n be_v seasonable_o afford_v to_o we_o and_o we_o be_v keep_v by_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n through_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n in_o a_o word_n all_o those_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n be_v procure_v for_o we_o by_o his_o intercession_n in_o heaven_n which_o he_o purchase_v for_o we_o by_o his_o blood_n upon_o earth_n so_o that_o in_o this_o method_n of_o our_o salvation_n beside_o many_o other_o gracious_a condescension_n which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o the_o weakness_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o mankind_n our_o b._n saviour_n have_v perfect_o supply_v the_o two_o great_a want_v concern_v which_o mankind_n be_v at_o so_o great_a a_o loss_n before_o namely_o the_o want_n of_o a_o effectual_a expiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o sin_n upon_o earth_n and_o of_o a_o prevalent_a mediator_n and_o intercessor_n with_o god_n in_o heaven_n and_o he_o have_v in_o great_a goodness_n and_o condescension_n to_o our_o inveterate_a prejudices_fw-la concern_v these_o thing_n take_v effectual_a care_n full_o to_o supply_v both_o these_o want_v have_v appear_v in_o the_o
be_v a_o free_a act_n of_o his_o goodness_n to_o save_v we_o even_o by_o the_o satisfaction_n and_o suffering_n of_o his_o own_o son_n two_o it_o be_v in_o effect_n free_o too_o notwithstanding_o the_o mighty_a price_n which_o be_v pay_v for_o our_o redemption_n because_o this_o price_n be_v not_o of_o our_o own_o procure_n but_o of_o god_n provide_v he_o find_v out_o this_o ransom_n for_o we_o and_o will_v any_o man_n say_v that_o a_o prince_n who_o prevail_v with_o his_o son_n to_o intercede_v for_o the_o pardon_n of_o a_o rebel_n yea_o and_o to_o suffer_v some_o punishment_n or_o to_o pay_v a_o fine_a for_o the_o obtain_n of_o it_o do_v not_o in_o effect_n and_o in_o all_o equitable_a and_o grateful_a construction_n forgive_v he_o free_o three_o 3d._n it_o be_v yet_o further_o object_v that_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v more_o unreasonable_a than_o the_o sacrifice_a of_o beast_n among_o the_o jew_n nay_o than_o the_o sacrifice_a of_o man_n among_o the_o heathen_a and_o even_o of_o their_o own_o son_n and_o daughter_n because_o this_o be_v the_o offer_v up_o of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o most_o innocent_a and_o the_o most_o excellent_a person_n that_o ever_o be_v to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o manner_n and_o the_o design_n of_o it_o the_o thing_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o god_n do_v not_o command_v his_o son_n to_o be_v sacrifice_v but_o his_o providence_n permit_v the_o wickedness_n and_o violence_n of_o man_n to_o put_v he_o to_o death_n and_o then_o his_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n do_v over-rule_v this_o worst_a of_o action_n to_o the_o best_a of_o ends._n and_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o matter_n aright_o how_o be_v this_o any_o more_o a_o reflection_n upon_o the_o holy_a providence_n of_o god_n than_o any_o enormity_n and_o cruelty_n which_o by_o his_o permission_n be_v daily_o commit_v in_o the_o world_n and_o then_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o this_o permission_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o the_o application_n of_o it_o to_o the_o purpose_n of_o a_o general_a expiation_n we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v and_o even_o adore_v the_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a design_n of_o it_o for_o by_o this_o mean_v god_n do_v at_o once_o put_v a_o end_n to_o that_o unreasonable_a and_o bloody_a way_n of_o worship_n which_o have_v be_v so_o long_o practise_v in_o the_o world_n and_o after_o this_o one_o sacrifice_n which_o be_v so_o infinite_o dear_a to_o god_n the_o benefit_n of_o expiation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v in_o any_o other_o way_n all_o other_o sacrifice_n be_v worthless_a and_o vain_a in_o comparison_n of_o this_o and_o it_o have_v ever_o since_o obtain_v this_o effect_n of_o make_v all_o other_o sacrifice_n to_o cease_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n where_o christianity_n have_v prevail_v four_o four_o the_o last_o objection_n be_v the_o injustice_n and_o cruelty_n of_o a_o innocent_a person_n be_v suffer_v instead_o of_o the_o offender_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o they_o who_o make_v so_o great_a a_o noise_n with_o this_o objection_n do_v seem_v to_o i_o to_o give_v a_o full_a and_o clear_a answer_n to_o it_o themselves_o by_o acknowledge_v as_o they_o constant_o and_o express_o do_v that_o our_o saviour_n suffer_v all_o this_o for_o our_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n though_o not_o in_o our_o place_n and_o stead_n for_o this_o to_o my_o apprehension_n be_v plain_o to_o give_v up_o the_o cause_n unless_o they_o can_v show_v a_o good_a reason_n why_o there_o be_v not_o as_o much_o injustice_n and_o cruelty_n in_o a_o innocent_a person_n be_v suffer_v for_o the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o a_o malefactor_n as_o in_o his_o suffering_n in_o his_o stead_n so_o little_o do_v man_n in_o the_o heat_n of_o dispute_n and_o opposition_n who_o be_v resolve_v to_o hold_v fast_o a_o opinion_n in_o despite_n of_o reason_n and_o good_a sense_n consider_v that_o they_o do_v many_o time_n in_o effect_n and_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n grant_v the_o very_a thing_n which_o in_o express_a term_n they_o do_v so_o stiff_o and_o pertinacious_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n be_v this_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o injustice_n or_o cruelty_n in_o either_o case_n neither_o in_o a_o innocent_a person_n be_v suffer_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o a_o offender_n nor_o in_o his_o stead_n suppose_v the_o suffer_v to_o be_v voluntary_a but_o they_o have_v equal_o the_o same_o appearance_n of_o injustice_n and_o cruelty_n nor_o can_v i_o possible_o discern_v any_o reason_n why_o injustice_n and_o cruelty_n shall_v be_v object_v in_o the_o one_o case_n more_o than_o in_o the_o other_o there_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o little_a reason_n why_o a_o innocent_a person_n shall_v suffer_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o a_o criminal_a as_o why_o he_o shall_v suffer_v in_o his_o stead_n so_o that_o i_o hope_v this_o objection_n which_o above_o all_o the_o rest_n have_v be_v so_o loud_o and_o so_o invidious_o urge_v have_v receive_v a_o just_a answer_n and_o i_o believe_v if_o the_o matter_n be_v search_v to_o the_o bottom_n all_o this_o perverse_a contention_n about_o our_o saviour_n suffering_n for_o our_o benefit_n but_o not_o in_o our_o stead_n will_v signify_v just_a nothing_o for_o if_o christ_n die_v for_o our_o henefit_n so_o as_o some_o way_n or_o other_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n to_o save_v we_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o to_o procure_v our_o escape_n from_o eternal_a death_n this_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v be_v all_o that_o any_o body_n mean_v by_o his_o die_v in_o our_o stead_n for_o he_o that_o die_v with_o a_o intention_n to_o do_v that_o benefit_n to_o another_o as_o to_o save_v he_o from_o death_n do_v certain_o to_o all_o intent_n and_o purpose_n die_v in_o his_o place_n and_o stead_n and_o if_o they_o will_v grant_v this_o to_o be_v their_o meaning_n the_o controversy_n be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o both_o side_n be_v agree_v in_o the_o thing_n and_o do_v only_o differ_v in_o the_o phrase_n and_o manner_n of_o expression_n which_o be_v to_o seek_v a_o quarrel_n and_o a_o occasion_n of_o difference_n where_o there_o be_v no_o real_a ground_n for_o it_o a_o thing_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o far_o from_o reasonable_a and_o peaceable_a mind_n for_o the_o socinian_o say_v that_o our_o saviour_n voluntary_a obedience_n and_o suffering_n do_v procure_v his_o exaltation_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o forgive_v sin_n and_o to_o give_v eternal_a life_n to_o as_o many_o as_o he_o please_v so_o that_o they_o grant_v that_o his_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n in_o the_o meritorious_a consequence_n of_o they_o do_v redound_v to_o our_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n as_o much_o as_o we_o pretend_v and_o say_v they_o do_v only_o they_o be_v loath_a in_o express_a term_n to_o acknowledge_v that_o christ_n die_v in_o our_o stead_n and_o this_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n that_o i_o can_v imagine_v but_o because_o they_o have_v deny_v it_o so_o often_o and_o so_o long_o but_o i_o appeal_v to_o the_o ingenuity_n of_o our_o adversary_n whether_o this_o do_v not_o in_o the_o last_o issue_n come_v all_o to_o one_o and_o be_v not_o on_o their_o part_n a_o mere_a controversy_n about_o word_n for_o suppose_v a_o malefactor_n condemn_v to_o some_o grievous_a punishment_n and_o the_o king_n son_n to_o save_v he_o from_o it_o be_v content_v to_o submit_v to_o great_a disgrace_n and_o suffering_n in_o reward_n of_o which_o suffering_n the_o king_n take_v his_o son_n into_o his_o throne_n and_o set_v he_o at_o his_o own_o right_a hand_n and_o give_v he_o power_n to_o pardon_v this_o malefactor_n and_o upon_o a_o fit_a submission_n and_o repentance_n to_o advance_v he_o to_o honour_n will_v not_o any_o man_n in_o this_o case_n allow_v that_o the_o king_n son_n suffer_v instead_o of_o this_o malefactor_n and_o smile_v at_o any_o man_n that_o shall_v be_v so_o nice_a as_o to_o grant_v that_o indeed_o he_o suffer_v for_o he_o but_o yet_o to_o deny_v that_o he_o be_v punish_v for_o he_o to_o allow_v that_o he_o bear_v the_o inconvenience_n of_o his_o fault_n but_o yet_o obstinate_o to_o stand_v it_o out_o that_o the_o fault_n of_o this_o malefactor_n be_v not_o lay_v upon_o he_o or_o in_o any_o wise_a so_o impute_v to_o he_o that_o he_o can_v be_v say_v to_o have_v suffer_v in_o his_o stead_n this_o be_v just_a the_o case_n and_o the_o difference_n in_o reality_n and_o in_o the_o last_o result_n of_o thing_n be_v nothing_o but_o word_n thus_o far_o have_v i_o try_v your_o patience_n in_o a_o contentious_a argument_n in_o which_o i_o take_v no_o pleasure_n but_o yet_o shall_v be_v glad_a if_o i_o may_v be_v so_o happy_a as_o
now_o to_o grapple_v withal_o and_o this_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v in_o some_o measure_n do_v in_o one_o of_o the_o former_a discourse_n ii_o nor_o indeed_o do_v i_o see_v that_o it_o be_v any_o way_n necessary_a to_o do_v more_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o god_n have_v declare_v what_o he_o think_v fit_a in_o this_o matter_n and_o that_o we_o do_v firm_o believe_v what_o he_o say_v concern_v it_o to_o be_v true_a though_o we_o do_v not_o perfect_o comprehend_v the_o meaning_n of_o all_o that_o he_o have_v say_v about_o it_o for_o in_o this_o and_o the_o like_a case_n i_o take_v a_o implicit_a faith_n to_o be_v very_o commendable_a that_o be_v to_o believe_v whatever_o we_o be_v sufficient_o assure_v god_n have_v reveal_v though_o we_o do_v not_o full_o understand_v his_o meaning_n in_o such_o a_o revelation_n and_o thus_o every_o man_n who_o believe_v the_o h._n scripture_n to_o be_v a_o true_o divine_a revelation_n do_v implicit_o believe_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o prophetical_a book_n of_o scripture_n and_o several_a obscure_a expression_n in_o those_o book_n though_o he_o do_v not_o particular_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o all_o the_o prediction_n and_o expression_n contain_v in_o they_o in_o like_a manner_n there_o be_v certain_o a_o great_a many_o very_a good_a christian_n who_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o comprehend_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n nice_o enough_o to_o approve_v themselves_o to_o a_o scholastical_a and_o magisterial_a judge_n of_o controversy_n who_o yet_o if_o they_o do_v hearty_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v clear_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n and_o live_v up_o to_o the_o plain_a precept_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n will_v i_o doubt_v not_o be_v very_o well_o approve_v by_o the_o great_a and_o just_a and_o by_o the_o infallible_o infallible_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n iii_o let_v it_o be_v further_o consider_v that_o though_o neither_o the_o word_n trinity_n nor_o perhaps_o person_n in_o the_o sense_n in_o which_o it_o be_v use_v by_o divine_n when_o they_o treat_v of_o this_o mystery_n be_v any_o where_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o scripture_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o three_o be_v there_o speak_v of_o by_o the_o name_n of_o father_n son_n and_o h._n ghost_n in_o who_o name_n every_o christian_n be_v baptize_v and_o to_o each_o of_o who_o the_o high_a title_n and_o property_n of_o god_n be_v in_o scripture_n attribute_v and_o these_o three_o be_v speak_v of_o with_o as_o much_o distinction_n from_o one_o another_o as_o we_o use_v to_o speak_v of_o three_o several_a person_n so_o that_o though_o the_o word_n trinity_n be_v not_o find_v in_o scripture_n yet_o these_o three_o be_v there_o express_o and_o frequent_o mention_v and_o a_o trinity_n be_v nothing_o but_o three_o of_o any_o thing_n and_o so_o likewise_o though_o the_o word_n person_n be_v not_o there_o express_o apply_v to_o father_n son_n and_o h._n ghost_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v very_o hard_a to_o find_v a_o more_o convenient_a word_n whereby_o to_o express_v the_o distinction_n of_o these_o three_o for_o which_o reason_n i_o can_v never_o yet_o see_v any_o just_a cause_n to_o quarrel_v at_o this_o term_n for_o since_o the_o h._n spirit_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n have_v think_v fit_a in_o speak_v of_o these_o three_o to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o one_o another_o as_o we_o use_v in_o common_a speech_n to_o distinguish_v three_o several_a person_n i_o can_v see_v any_o reason_n why_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o mystery_n which_o pure_o depend_v upon_o divine_a revelation_n we_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o it_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o scripture_n do_v and_o though_o the_o word_n person_n be_v now_o become_v a_o â—erm_n of_o art_n i_o see_v no_o cause_n why_o we_o shall_v decline_v it_o so_o long_o as_o we_o mean_v by_o it_o neither_o more_o nor_o less_o than_o what_o the_o scripture_n say_v in_o other_o word_n iv._o it_o deserve_v further_a to_o be_v consider_v that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o very_a ancient_a tradition_n concern_v three_o real_a difference_n or_o distinction_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o these_o as_o i_o say_v before_o very_o near_o resemble_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n whence_o this_o tradition_n have_v its_o original_n be_v not_o easy_a upon_o good_a and_o certain_a ground_n to_o say_v but_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o the_o jew_n ancient_o have_v this_o notion_n and_o that_o they_o do_v distinguish_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o h._n spirit_n of_o god_n from_o he_o who_o be_v absolute_o call_v god_n and_o who_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o all_o thing_n as_o be_v plain_a from_o philo_n judaeus_n and_o moses_n nachmanides_n 5._o and_o other_o cite_v by_o the_o learned_a grotius_n in_o his_o incomparable_a book_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o among_o the_o heathen_a plato_n who_o probable_o enough_o may_v have_v this_o notion_n from_o the_o jew_n do_v make_v three_o distinction_n in_o the_o deity_n by_o the_o name_n of_o essential_a goodness_n and_o mind_n and_o spirit_n so_o that_o whatever_o objection_n this_o matter_n may_v be_v liable_a to_o it_o be_v not_o so_o peculiar_a a_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o many_o have_v imagine_v though_o it_o be_v reveal_v by_o it_o with_o much_o more_o clearness_n and_o certainty_n and_o consequent_o neither_o the_o jew_n nor_o plato_n have_v any_o reason_n to_o object_n be_v to_o we_o christian_n especial_o since_o they_o pretend_v no_o other_o ground_n for_o it_o but_o either_o their_o own_o reason_n or_o a_o ancient_a tradition_n from_o their_o father_n whereas_o we_o christian_n do_v appeal_v to_o express_v divine_a revelation_n for_o what_o we_o believe_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o do_v believe_v it_o single_o upon_o that_o account_n v._o it_o be_v beside_o very_o considerable_a that_o the_o scripture_n do_v deliver_v this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n without_o any_o manner_n of_o doubt_n or_o question_n concern_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o do_v most_o steadfast_o and_o constant_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o in_o those_o very_a text_n in_o which_o these_o three_o difference_n be_v mention_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v express_o assert_v as_o where_o st._n john_n make_v mention_n of_o the_o father_n the_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n the_o unity_n of_o these_o three_o be_v likewise_o affirm_v there_o be_v three_o that_o bear_v record_n in_o heaven_n the_o father_n the_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n and_o these_o three_o be_v one._n vi_o it_o be_v yet_o further_o considerable_a that_o from_o this_o mystery_n as_o deliver_v in_o scripture_n a_o plurality_n of_o god_n can_v be_v infer_v without_o make_v the_o scripture_n gross_o to_o contradict_v itself_o which_o i_o charitable_o suppose_v the_o socinian_o will_v be_v as_o loath_a to_o admit_v as_o 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