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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
cause_n good_a great_a true_a 2,848 5 3.8360 3 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A62619 Sermons concerning the divinity and incarnation of our blessed Saviour preached in the Church of St. Lawrence Jewry by John, late Lord Archbishop of Canterbury. Tillotson, John, 1630-1694. 1695 (1695) Wing T1255A; ESTC R35216 99,884 305

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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 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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
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
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
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 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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