have_v since_o make_v it_o a_o lawful_a way_n of_o lie_v which_o their_o father_n of_o who_o they_o learn_v it_o have_v not_o credit_n and_o authority_n enough_o to_o do_v and_o it_o deserve_v likewise_o to_o be_v very_o well_o consider_v by_o we_o that_o nothing_o have_v give_v a_o great_a force_n to_o the_o exception_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n against_o the_o h._n scripture_n be_v a_o sufficient_a and_o certain_a rule_n of_o faith_n than_o the_o uncertainty_n into_o which_o they_o have_v bring_v the_o plain_a text_n imaginable_a for_o the_o establish_n of_o doctrine_n of_o great_a moment_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o their_o remote_a and_o wrest_a interpretation_n of_o they_o which_o way_n of_o deal_n with_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v real_o more_o contumelious_a to_o those_o h._n oracle_n than_o the_o downright_a reject_v of_o their_o authority_n because_o this_o be_v a_o fair_a and_o open_a way_n of_o attacking_z they_o whereas_o the_o other_o be_v a_o insiduous_a and_o therefore_o more_o dangerous_a way_n of_o undermine_v they_o but_o as_o for_o we_o who_o do_v in_o good_a earnest_n believe_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o h._n scripture_n let_v we_o take_v all_o our_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n from_o those_o clear_a fountain_n of_o truth_n not_o disturb_v and_o darken_v by_o search_v anxious_o into_o all_o the_o possible_a sense_n that_o the_o several_a word_n and_o expression_n of_o scripture_n can_v bear_v and_o by_o force_v that_o sense_n upon_o they_o which_o be_v most_o remote_a and_o unnatural_a and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n wilful_o overlook_v and_o pass_v by_o that_o sense_n which_o be_v most_o obvious_a and_o easy_a to_o the_o common_a apprehension_n of_o any_o unbiased_a and_o impartial_a reader_n this_o be_v to_o use_v the_o h._n scripture_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v do_v many_o holy_a and_o good_a man_n who_o they_o be_v please_v to_o brand_v with_o the_o odious_a name_n of_o heretic_n to_o torture_v they_o till_o they_o speak_v the_o mind_n of_o their_o tormentor_n though_o never_o so_o contrary_a to_o their_o own_o i_o will_v now_o conclude_v this_o whole_a discourse_n with_o a_o say_v which_o i_o hear_v from_o a_o great_a and_o judicious_a man_n non_fw-la amo_fw-la nimis_fw-la argutam_fw-la theologiam_fw-la i_o love_v no_o doctrine_n in_o divinity_n which_o stand_v so_o very_a much_o upon_o quirk_n and_o subtlety_n and_o i_o can_v upon_o this_o occasion_n forbear_v to_o say_v that_o those_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n and_o those_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n have_v ever_o be_v to_o i_o the_o most_o suspect_v which_o need_v abundance_n of_o wit_n and_o a_o great_a many_o criticism_n to_o make_v they_o out_o and_o consider_v the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o almighty_a god_n i_o can_v possible_o believe_v but_o that_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v by_o christian_n in_o order_n to_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n be_v plain_o contain_v in_o the_o h._n scripture_n god_n sure_o have_v not_o deal_v so_o hardly_o with_o mankind_n as_o to_o make_v any_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o practise_v by_o we_o which_o he_o have_v not_o make_v sufficient_o plain_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o unlearned_a as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o learned_a god_n forbid_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o to_o get_v to_o heaven_n without_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o learning_n to_o direct_v and_o carry_v he_o thither_o when_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n have_v no_o learning_n at_o all_o it_o be_v well_o say_v by_o erasmus_n that_o it_o be_v never_o well_o with_o the_o christian_a world_n since_o it_o begin_v to_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o so_o much_o subtlety_n and_o wit_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o true_a christian_a sermon_n iii_o concern_v the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n preach_v in_o the_o church_n of_o st._n laurence_n jewry_n december_n 21._o 1680._o john_n i_o 14._o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n the_o last_o year_n about_o this_o time_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o occasion_n of_o the_o annual_a commemoration_n of_o the_o incarnation_n and_o nativity_n of_o our_o b._n lord_n and_o saviour_n i_o begin_v to_o discourse_v to_o you_o upon_o these_o word_n in_o which_o i_o tell_v you_o be_v contain_v three_o great_a point_n concern_v our_o saviour_n the_o author_n and_o founder_n of_o our_o religion_n first_o his_o incarnation_n the_o word_n be_v make_v or_o become_v flesh_n second_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n here_o among_o we_o and_o dwell_v among_o we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o pitch_v his_o tabernacle_n among_o we_o he_o live_v here_o below_o in_o this_o world_n and_o for_o some_o time_n make_v his_o residence_n and_o abode_n with_o we_o three_o that_o in_o this_o state_n of_o his_o humiliation_n he_o give_v great_a and_o clear_a evidence_n of_o his_o divinity_n whilst_o he_o appear_v as_o a_o man_n and_o live_v among_o we_o there_o be_v great_a and_o glorious_a testimony_n give_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o in_o so_o peculiar_a a_o manner_n as_o no_o creature_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v and_o we_o behold_v his_o glory_n the_o glory_n as_o of_o the_o only_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o namely_o his_o incarnation_n the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n for_o the_o full_a and_o clear_a explication_n of_o which_o word_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n i._o the_o person_n here_o speak_v of_o and_o who_o it_o be_v that_o be_v here_o say_v to_o be_v incarnate_a or_o make_v flesh_n namely_o the_o word_n and_o this_o i_o have_v handle_v at_o large_a in_o my_o two_o former_a discourse_n upon_o this_o text._n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v in_o the_o ii_o second_o place_n to_o give_v some_o account_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o manner_n of_o this_o incarnation_n so_o far_o as_o the_o scripture_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o reveal_v and_o declare_v this_o mystery_n to_o we_o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n that_o be_v he_o who_o be_v personal_o call_v the_o word_n and_o who_o the_o evangelist_n have_v so_o full_o and_o clear_o describe_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o gospel_n he_o become_v flesh_n that_o be_v assume_v our_o nature_n and_o become_v man_n for_o so_o the_o word_n flesh_n be_v frequent_o use_v in_o scripture_n for_o man_n or_o human_a nature_n so_o that_o by_o the_o word_n be_v become_v flesh_n that_o be_v man_n the_o evangelist_n do_v not_o only_o intend_v to_o express_v to_o we_o that_o he_o assume_v a_o human_a body_n without_o a_o soul_n but_o that_o he_o become_v a_o perfect_a man_n consist_v of_o soul_n and_o body_n unite_v it_o be_v very_o probable_a indeed_o that_o the_o evangelist_n do_v purposely_o choose_v the_o word_n flesh_n which_o signify_v the_o frail_a and_o mortal_a part_n of_o humanity_n to_o denote_v to_o we_o the_o great_a condescension_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o assume_v our_o nature_n with_o all_o its_o infirmity_n and_o become_a subject_n to_o frailty_n and_o mortality_n for_o our_o sake_n have_v thus_o explain_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o proposition_n the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n i_o shall_v in_o a_o further_a prosecution_n of_o this_o argument_n take_v into_o consideration_n these_o three_o thing_n first_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 second_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o objection_n which_o be_v common_o bring_v against_o this_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n from_o the_o seem_a impossibility_n or_o incongruity_n of_o the_o thing_n three_o and_o because_o after_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v in_o answer_n to_o those_o objection_n it_o may_v still_o appear_v to_o we_o very_o strange_a that_o god_n who_o can_v without_o all_o this_o circumstance_n and_o 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nothing_o when_o any_o person_n or_o party_n be_v concern_v to_o oppose_v any_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o and_o the_o plain_a text_n for_o any_o article_n of_o faith_n how_o fundamental_a and_o necessary_a soever_o may_v by_o the_o same_o art_n and_o way_n of_o interpretation_n be_v elude_v and_o render_v utter_o ineffectual_a for_o the_o establish_n of_o it_o for_o example_n if_o any_o man_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o call_v in_o question_n that_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n concern_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n why_o may_v he_o not_o according_a to_o socinus_n his_o way_n of_o interpret_n st._n john_n understand_v the_o first_o chapter_n of_o genesis_n concern_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a dispensation_n and_o interpret_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n to_o be_v the_o institution_n of_o the_o jewish_a polity_n and_o religion_n as_o by_o the_o new_a heaven_n and_o the_o new_a earth_n they_o pretend_v be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o new_a state_n of_o thing_n under_o the_o gospel_n and_o why_o may_v not_o the_o chaos_n signify_v that_o state_n of_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n in_o which_o the_o world_n be_v before_o the_o give_n of_o the_o law_n by_o moses_n and_o so_o on_o worcester_n as_o a_o very_a learned_a divine_a of_o our_o own_o have_v ingenious_o show_v more_o at_o large_a there_o be_v no_o end_n of_o wit_n and_o fancy_n which_o can_v turn_v any_o thing_n any_o way_n and_o can_v make_v whatever_o they_o please_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o any_o book_n though_o never_o so_o contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a design_n of_o it_o and_o to_o that_o sense_n which_o at_o the_o first_o hear_v and_o read_v of_o it_o be_v obvious_a to_o every_o man_n of_o common_a sense_n and_o this_o in_o my_o opinion_n socinus_n have_v do_v in_o the_o case_n now_o before_o we_o by_o impose_v a_o new_a and_o odd_a and_o violent_a sense_n upon_o this_o passage_n of_o st._n john_n direct_o contrary_a to_o what_o any_o man_n will_v 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than_o to_o use_v it_o so_o disingenuous_o and_o to_o wrest_v the_o plain_a expression_n of_o it_o with_o so_o much_o strain_v and_o violence_n from_o their_o most_o natural_a and_o obvious_a sense_n for_o no_o doctrine_n whatsever_v can_v have_v any_o certain_a foundation_n in_o any_o book_n if_o this_o liberty_n be_v once_o admit_v without_o regard_n to_o the_o plain_a scope_n and_o occasion_n of_o it_o to_o play_v upon_o the_o word_n and_o phrase_n with_o all_o the_o art_n of_o criticism_n and_o with_o all_o the_o variety_n of_o allegory_n which_o a_o brisk_a and_o lively_a imagination_n can_v devise_v which_o i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o admire_v in_o the_o expound_v of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o i_o be_o always_o jealous_a of_o a_o over-laboured_a and_o far-fetched_a interpretation_n of_o any_o author_n whatsoever_o i_o do_v ready_o grant_v that_o the_o socinian_n writer_n have_v manage_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n against_o the_o innovation_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n with_o great_a acuteness_n and_o advantage_n in_o many_o respect_n but_o i_o be_o sorry_a to_o have_v cause_n to_o say_v that_o they_o have_v likewise_o put_v into_o their_o hand_n better_a and_o sharp_a weapon_n than_o ever_o they_o have_v before_o for_o the_o weaken_n and_o undermine_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o h._n scripture_n which_o socinus_n indeed_o have_v in_o the_o general_a strong_o assert_v have_v he_o not_o by_o a_o dangerous_a liberty_n of_o impose_v a_o foreign_a and_o foree_v sense_n upon_o particular_a text_n bring_v the_o whole_a into_o uncertainty_n three_o which_o be_v as_o considerable_a a_o prejudice_n against_o this_o new_a interpretation_n of_o this_o passage_n of_o st._n john_n as_o either_o of_o the_o former_a i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o this_o point_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o the_o word_n before_o his_o incarnation_n do_v not_o rely_v only_o upon_o this_o single_a passage_n of_o st._n john_n but_o be_v likewise_o confirm_v by_o many_o other_o text_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n conspire_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o utter_o incapable_a of_o the_o interpretation_n which_o socinus_n give_v of_o it_o i_o find_v he_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o have_v it_o take_v for_o grant_v that_o this_o be_v the_o only_a text_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o this_o purpose_n and_o therefore_o he_o say_v very_o cunning_o that_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n before_o his_o incarnation_n be_v too_o great_a a_o doctrine_n to_o be_v establish_v upon_o one_o single_a text_n and_o this_o be_v be_v something_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o text_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o do_v plain_o deliver_v the_o same_o sense_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o bring_v in_o question_n the_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o this_o passage_n of_o st._n john_n that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n will_v i_o hope_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o very_a weighty_a and_o fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n and_o yet_o i_o be_o very_o much_o mistake_v if_o there_o be_v any_o more_o than_o one_o text_n in_o the_o whole_a bible_n that_o say_v so_o and_o that_o text_n be_v only_o in_o st._n john_n gospel_n i_o know_v it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o from_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a reason_n it_o may_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n but_o sure_o socinus_n of_o all_o man_n can_v say_v this_o with_o a_o good_a grace_n because_o he_o deny_v that_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n can_v be_v know_v by_o natural_a light_n without_o divine_a revelation_n and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v know_v by_o natural_a light_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n much_o less_o can_v it_o be_v know_v by_o natural_a light_n what_o god_n be_v whether_o a_o spirit_n or_o a_o body_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o it_o be_v very_o far_o from_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o text_n to_o this_o purpose_n which_o yet_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o insinuate_v by_o way_n of_o excuse_n for_o the_o novelty_n and_o boldness_n of_o his_o interpretation_n of_o which_o any_o one_o that_o read_v he_o may_v see_v that_o he_o be_v sufficient_o conscious_a to_o himself_o and_o therefore_o be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o endeavour_v by_o this_o sly_a insinuation_n to_o provide_v and_o lay_v in_o against_o it_o i_o have_v likewise_o another_o reason_n which_o very_o much_o incline_v i_o to_o believe_v that_o socinus_n be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o this_o interpretation_n because_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o next_o to_o impossible_a that_o a_o man_n of_o so_o good_a a_o understanding_n as_o he_o be_v can_v ever_o have_v be_v so_o fond_a of_o so_o ill-favoured_a a_o child_n if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v his_o own_o and_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o at_o all_o wonder_n that_o his_o follower_n come_v in_o to_o it_o so_o ready_o since_o they_o have_v he_o in_o so_o great_a a_o veneration_n it_o be_v natural_a to_o all_o sect_n to_o admire_v their_o master_n beside_o that_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o they_o be_v very_o glad_a to_o have_v so_o great_a a_o authority_n as_o they_o think_v he_o to_o be_v to_o vouch_v for_o a_o interpretation_n which_o be_v so_o seasonable_o devise_v for_o the_o relief_n of_o their_o cause_n in_o so_o much_o danger_n to_o be_v overthrow_v by_o a_o text_n that_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o full_a against_o they_o and_o how_o little_a ground_n there_o be_v for_o this_o insinuation_n that_o this_o be_v the_o only_a text_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o this_o purpose_n i_o shall_v now_o show_v from_o a_o multitude_n of_o other_o text_n to_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o purpose_n with_o this_o passage_n of_o st._n john_n and_o i_o shall_v rank_v they_o under_o
arbitrary_a and_o precarious_a a_o supposition_n that_o i_o must_v confess_v myself_o not_o a_o little_a out_o of_o countenance_n for_o they_o that_o man_n of_o so_o much_o wit_n and_o reason_n shall_v ever_o be_v put_v to_o so_o sorry_a and_o pitiful_a a_o shift_n for_o can_v any_o man_n imagine_v that_o in_o so_o exact_a a_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n write_v by_o several_a person_n the_o relation_n of_o so_o important_a a_o matter_n as_o this_o and_o of_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v whole_o omit_v that_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o his_o be_v carry_v into_o egypt_n in_o his_o infancy_n and_o of_o the_o time_n when_o he_o be_v bring_v back_o from_o thence_o of_o his_o dispute_v in_o the_o temple_n with_o the_o jewish_a doctor_n and_o put_v they_o to_o silence_n when_o he_o be_v but_o twelve_o year_n of_o age_n a_o punctual_a relation_n of_o his_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n and_o how_o after_o that_o he_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n into_o the_o wilderness_n to_o be_v tempt_v of_o the_o devil_n and_o be_v carry_v by_o that_o evil_a spirit_n from_o one_o place_n to_o another_o but_o not_o one_o word_n of_o his_o be_v take_v up_o by_o god_n into_o heaven_n and_o of_o his_o come_n down_o again_o from_o thence_o not_o the_o least_o intimation_n give_v either_o of_o the_o time_n or_o any_o other_o circumstance_n of_o so_o memorable_a a_o thing_n upon_o which_o according_a to_o the_o socinian_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o mission_n and_o the_o divinity_n of_o his_o doctrine_n do_v so_o much_o depend_v when_o so_o many_o thing_n of_o so_o much_o less_o moment_n be_v so_o minutely_o and_o exact_o report_v what_o can_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o deep_a silence_n in_o all_o the_o evangelist_n concern_v this_o matter_n but_o above_o all_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wonder_v that_o st._n john_n who_o write_v his_o gospel_n last_o and_o as_o eusebius_n tell_v we_o on_o purpose_n to_o supply_v the_o omission_n of_o the_o other_o evangelist_n shall_v give_v no_o account_n of_o this_o thing_n and_o yet_o as_o the_o socinian_o suppose_v shall_v so_o often_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v and_o refer_v to_o it_o as_o when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o come_v forth_o from_o god_n and_o be_v send_v from_o god_n and_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n beside_o several_a other_o expression_n to_o this_o purpose_n who_o can_v believe_v this_o and_o can_v it_o then_o be_v reasonable_a to_o suppose_v such_o a_o thing_n and_o this_o without_o any_o ground_n from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n only_o to_o serve_v a_o hypothesis_n which_o they_o have_v take_v up_o and_o which_o they_o can_v maintain_v unless_o they_o may_v have_v leave_n to_o make_v a_o supposition_n for_o which_o they_o have_v nothing_o in_o truth_n to_o say_v but_o only_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o defend_v a_o opinion_n which_o they_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o part_v with_o upon_o any_o term_n this_o be_v so_o inartificial_a not_o to_o say_v absurd_a a_o way_n of_o avoid_v a_o difficulty_n to_o take_v for_o grant_v whatever_o be_v necessary_a to_o that_o purpose_n that_o no_o man_n of_o common_a ingenuity_n will_v make_v use_n of_o it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o sure_a sign_n that_o a_o cause_n be_v great_o distress_v than_o to_o be_v drive_v to_o such_o a_o shift_n for_o do_v but_o give_v a_o man_n leave_v to_o suppose_v what_o he_o please_v and_o he_o may_v prove_v what_o he_o will_v and_o avoid_v any_o difficulty_n whatever_o that_o can_v be_v object_v to_o he_o beside_o that_o according_a to_o this_o device_n the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v not_o first_o come_v from_o heaven_n into_o the_o world_n as_o the_o scripture_n seem_v every_o where_o to_o say_v but_o first_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o then_o go_v to_o heaven_n and_o from_o thence_o come_v back_o into_o the_o world_n again_o and_o he_o be_v not_o in_o the_o begin_n with_o god_n but_o be_v first_o in_o the_o world_n and_o afterward_o with_o god_n whereas_o st._n john_n say_v that_o the_o word_n be_v in_o the_o beginning_n and_o then_o be_v make_v flesh_n and_o dwell_v among_o we_o but_o they_o say_v that_o he_o first_o be_v make_v flesh_n and_o then_o a_o great_a while_n after_o be_v in_o the_o begin_n with_o god_n a_o supposition_n which_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o all_o the_o text_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v nor_o do_v the_o several_a part_n of_o this_o interpretation_n of_o they_o agree_v very_o well_o together_o in_o the_o beginning_n that_o be_v say_v they_o when_o the_o gospel_n first_o begin_v to_o be_v publish_v be_v the_o word_n and_o then_o that_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n he_o be_v with_o god_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n to_o receive_v from_o god_n that_o doctrine_n which_o he_o be_v to_o deliver_v to_o the_o world_n but_o if_o by_o the_o beginning_n be_v mean_v the_o first_o publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o be_v not_o then_o with_o god_n but_o have_v be_v with_o he_o and_o be_v come_v back_o from_o he_o before_o he_o enter_v upon_o his_o public_a ministry_n which_o they_o make_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o beginning_n and_o in_o the_o beginning_n he_o be_v god_n that_o be_v say_v they_o not_o god_n by_o nature_n but_o by_o office_n and_o divine_a constitution_n and_o yet_o in_o this_o again_o they_o fall_v foul_a upon_o themselves_o for_o they_o say_v he_o be_v not_o declare_v to_o be_v god_n till_o after_o his_o resurrection_n and_o his_o be_v advance_v to_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n so_o that_o he_o be_v not_o god_n in_o their_o sense_n of_o the_o beginning_n that_o be_v when_o he_o enter_v upon_o his_o public_a ministry_n and_o begin_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n second_o as_o to_o some_o other_o text_n which_o speak_v of_o his_o existence_n before_o his_o incarnation_n as_o that_o he_o be_v glorify_v with_o his_o father_n before_o the_o world_n be_v and_o before_o abraham_n be_v i_o be_o these_o they_o interpret_v thus_o that_o he_o be_v glorify_v with_o his_o father_n before_o the_o world_n be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v before_o abraham_n be_v viz._n in_o the_o divine_a foreknowledge_n and_o decree_n but_o then_o sure_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o this_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o may_v have_v be_v say_v of_o any_o other_o man_n and_o even_o of_o abraham_n himself_o that_o before_o he_o be_v that_o be_v before_o he_o have_v a_o real_a and_o actual_a existence_n he_o be_v in_o the_o purpose_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n that_o be_v before_o he_o be_v god_n do_v intend_v he_o shall_v be_v which_o be_v a_o sense_n so_o very_o flat_a that_o i_o can_v hardly_o abstain_v from_o say_v it_o be_v ridiculous_a for_o certain_o our_o saviour_n do_v intend_v by_o say_v this_o of_o himself_o to_o give_v himself_o some_o preference_n and_o advantage_n above_o abraham_n which_o this_o sense_n and_o interpretation_n do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o do_v because_o of_o any_o other_o man_n as_o well_o as_o of_o our_o b._n saviour_n it_o may_v as_o true_o be_v say_v that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o foreknowledge_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n before_o abraham_n be_v bear_v and_o i_o can_v but_o observe_v further_o that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o say_v before_o abraham_n be_v i_o be_v but_o before_o abraham_n be_v i_o be_o which_o be_v the_o proper_a name_n of_o god_n whereby_o be_v signify_v the_o eternal_a duration_n and_o permanency_n of_o his_o be_v in_o which_o sense_n he_o be_v say_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n to_o be_v the_o same_o yesterday_o 8._o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o and_o so_o likewise_o he_o describe_v himself_o in_o st._n john_n vision_n 8._o i_o be_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o beginning_n and_o the_o end_n say_v the_o lord_n which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v the_o almighty_a and_o that_o this_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o son_n you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o same_o chapter_n where_o he_o say_v of_o himself_o 17._o i_o be_o the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o and_o so_o likewise_o he_o describe_v himself_o again_o 13._o i_o be_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o beginning_n and_o the_o end_n the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o doubt_v who_o it_o be_v that_o thus_o describe_v his_o own_o eternity_n he_o continue_v still_o to_o speak_v in_o the_o same_o person_n say_v 16._o i_o jesus_n have_v send_v my_o angel_n etc._n etc._n after_o this_o i_o shall_v only_o observe_v that_o all_o these_o expression_n be_v the_o common_a description_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v of_o the_o eternity_n of_o god_n who_o be_v be_v commensurate_a to_o all_o the_o several_a respect_n of_o
be_v fit_a for_o god_n to_o do_v and_o that_o he_o need_v not_o to_o take_v counsel_n of_o any_o of_o his_o creature_n what_o will_v best_o become_v he_o in_o this_o or_o any_o other_o case_n 13._o behold_v in_o this_o thou_o be_v not_o just_a i_o will_v answer_v thou_o that_o god_n be_v great_a than_o man_n why_o do_v thou_o dispute_v against_o he_o for_o he_o give_v not_o account_n of_o any_o of_o his_o matter_n three_o if_o our_o reason_n can_v get_v over_o this_o difficulty_n and_o admit_v that_o god_n may_v become_v man_n yet_o it_o seem_v very_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o to_o his_o great_a design_n of_o instruct_v and_o reform_v mankind_n to_o appear_v in_o so_o low_a and_o suffer_v a_o condition_n this_o to_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n who_o as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o by_o wisdom_n know_v not_o god_n do_v not_o only_o seem_v unreasonable_a but_o even_o ridiculous_a 21._o so_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o we_o say_v he_o preach_v christ_n crucify_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumble_a block_n and_o to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n to_o think_v that_o so_o poor_a and_o mean_a a_o man_n be_v fit_a to_o give_v law_n to_o mankind_n and_o to_o awe_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o doctrine_n that_o one_o who_o be_v put_v to_o death_n himself_o shall_v be_v believe_v by_o other_o when_o he_o promise_v to_o they_o life_n and_o immortality_n in_o another_o world_n can_v not_o but_o appear_v very_o strange_a and_o unreasonable_a for_o answer_v to_o this_o beside_o other_o excellent_a reason_n and_o end_n which_o the_o scripture_n express_o assign_v of_o our_o b._n saviour_n humiliation_n in_o his_o assume_v our_o nature_n with_o the_o frailty_n and_o misery_n of_o it_o as_o that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o teacher_n and_o a_o example_n to_o we_o that_o by_o his_o bitter_a passion_n he_o may_v make_v expiation_n for_o sin_n and_o â—et_v we_o a_o pattern_n of_o the_o great_a meekness_n and_o patience_n under_o the_o great_a provocation_n and_o suffering_n that_o have_v suffer_v so_o grievous_o himself_o he_o may_v know_v how_o to_o commiserate_v and_o pity_v we_o in_o all_o our_o temptation_n and_o suffering_n that_o by_o death_n he_o may_v destroy_v he_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o death_n that_o be_v the_o devil_n and_o may_v deliver_v those_o who_o through_o fear_n of_o death_n be_v all_o their_o life-time_n subject_a to_o bondage_n i_o say_v beside_o all_o this_o it_o be_v of_o great_a use_n that_o the_o great_a teacher_n and_o reformer_n of_o mankind_n shall_v live_v in_o so_o mean_a and_o afflict_a a_o condition_n to_o confront_v the_o pride_n and_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n by_o this_o consideration_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o very_o best_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v be_v a_o beggar_n and_o have_v not_o where_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n and_o likewise_o to_o convince_v man_n of_o these_o two_o great_a truth_n that_o god_n may_v grievous_o afflict_v those_o who_o he_o dear_o love_v and_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o be_v innocent_a and_o content_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o poverty_n and_o reproach_n and_o suffering_n have_v our_o b._n saviour_n appear_v in_o the_o person_n and_o pomp_n of_o a_o great_a temporal_a prince_n the_o influence_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o example_n will_v probable_o have_v make_v more_o hypocrite_n and_o servile_a convert_v but_o not_o have_v persuade_v man_n one_o jot_n more_o to_o be_v inward_o holy_a and_o good_a the_o great_a argument_n that_o must_v do_v that_o must_v not_o be_v fetch_v from_o the_o pomp_n and_o prosperity_n of_o this_o world_n but_o from_o the_o great_a and_o eternal_a recompense_n of_o the_o other_o and_o it_o be_v very_o well_o worth_a our_o observation_n that_o nothing_o puzzle_v cesar_n vaninus_n who_o be_v perhaps_o the_o first_o and_o the_o only_a martyr_n for_o atheism_n that_o ever_o be_v i_o say_v nothing_o puzzle_v he_o more_o than_o that_o he_o can_v not_o from_o the_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n and_o action_n write_v by_o the_o evangelist_n with_o so_o native_a a_o simplicity_n fasten_v upon_o he_o any_o probable_a imputation_n of_o a_o secular_a interest_n and_o design_n in_o any_o thing_n that_o he_o say_v or_o do_v no_o doubt_n but_o vaninus_n before_o he_o make_v this_o acknowledgement_n have_v search_v very_o narrow_o into_o this_o matter_n and_o can_v he_o have_v find_v any_o colour_n for_o such_o a_o imputation_n he_o will_v have_v think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o have_v blast_v both_o he_o and_o his_o religion_n you_o may_v be_v please_v to_o consider_v further_o that_o it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o wise_a jew_n that_o the_o best_a man_n the_o child_n of_o god_n who_o call_v god_n their_o father_n be_v many_o time_n expose_v to_o the_o great_a suffering_n and_o reproach_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o meekness_n and_o patience_n as_o we_o may_v see_v at_o large_a in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o solomon_n where_o speak_v of_o the_o malice_n and_o enmity_n of_o the_o wicked_a to_o one_o that_o be_v eminent_o righteous_a he_o bring_v they_o in_o say_v after_o this_o manner_n 20._o let_v we_o lie_v in_o wait_n for_o the_o righteous_a because_o he_o be_v not_o for_o our_o turn_n he_o be_v clean_o contrary_a to_o our_o do_n he_o upbraid_v we_o with_o our_o offend_v the_o law_n and_o object_v to_o our_o infamy_n the_o transgression_n of_o our_o youth_n he_o profess_v to_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o he_o call_v himself_o the_o child_n of_o the_o lord_n he_o be_v grievous_a unto_o we_o even_o to_o behold_v for_o his_o life_n be_v not_o like_o other_o man_n his_o way_n be_v of_o another_o fashion_n we_o be_v esteem_v of_o he_o as_o counterfeit_v he_o abstain_v from_o our_o way_n as_o from_o filthiness_n he_o pronounce_v the_o end_n of_o the_o just_a to_o be_v bless_v and_o make_v his_o boast_n that_o god_n be_v his_o father_n let_v we_o see_v if_o his_o word_n be_v true_a and_o what_o shall_v happen_v in_o the_o end_n of_o he_o for_o if_o the_o just_a man_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o will_v help_v he_o and_o deliver_v he_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o enemy_n let_v we_o examine_v he_o with_o despitefulness_n and_o torture_n that_o we_o may_v know_v his_o meekness_n and_o prove_v his_o patience_n let_v we_o condemn_v he_o to_o a_o shameful_a death_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v so_o exact_a a_o character_n of_o our_o b._n saviour_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o holiness_n and_o innocency_n of_o his_o life_n and_o of_o the_o reproach_n and_o suffering_n which_o he_o meet_v with_o from_o the_o wicked_a and_o malicious_a jew_n who_o persecute_v he_o all_o his_o life_n and_o at_o last_o conspire_v his_o death_n that_o whoever_o read_v this_o passage_n can_v hardly_o forbear_v to_o think_v it_o a_o prophetical_a description_n of_o the_o innocency_n and_o suffering_n of_o the_o b._n jesus_n for_o he_o certain_o in_o the_o most_o eminent_a manner_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v call_v by_o the_o evangelist_n the_o only_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n or_o if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o prediction_n concern_v our_o b._n saviour_n yet_o thus_o much_o at_o least_o may_v be_v conclude_v from_o it_o that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o wise_a among_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v not_o unworthy_a of_o the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n to_o permit_v the_o best_a man_n to_o be_v so_o ill_o treat_v by_o wicked_a man_n and_o further_o that_o in_o their_o judgement_n the_o innocency_n and_o virtue_n of_o a_o eminent_o righteous_a man_n be_v then_o set_v off_o to_o the_o best_a advantage_n and_o do_v shine_v forth_o with_o the_o great_a lustre_n when_o he_o be_v under_o the_o hard_a circumstance_n of_o suffering_n and_o persecution_n from_o a_o evil_a world_n add_v to_o this_o likewise_o that_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n do_v frequent_o inculcate_v such_o doctrine_n as_o these_o that_o worldly_a greatness_n and_o power_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admire_v but_o rather_o to_o be_v despise_v by_o a_o wise_a man_n that_o man_n may_v be_v very_o good_a and_o dear_a to_o the_o god_n and_o yet_o liable_a to_o the_o great_a misery_n and_o suffering_n in_o this_o world_n that_o whoever_o suffer_v unjust_o and_o bear_v it_o patient_o give_v the_o great_a testimony_n to_o goodness_n and_o do_v most_o effectual_o recommend_v piety_n and_o virtue_n as_o thing_n of_o great_a value_n than_o the_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o present_a life_n nay_o further_o that_o a_o good_a man_n cast_v into_o the_o hard_a circumstance_n of_o poverty_n and_o misery_n of_o reproach_n and_o suffering_n be_v the_o fit_a person_n of_o all_o other_o to_o be_v the_o minister_n and_o apostle_n and_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 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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 we_o ourselves_o be_v and_o if_o either_o council_n or_o father_n or_o schoolman_n have_v so_o explain_v this_o mystery_n as_o to_o give_v any_o just_a ground_n or_o so_o much_o as_o a_o plausible_a colour_n for_o such_o a_o inference_n let_v the_o blame_v fall_v where_o it_o be_v due_a and_o let_v it_o not_o be_v charge_v on_o the_o h._n scripture_n but_o rather_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o another_o case_n let_v god_n be_v true_a and_o every_o man_n a_o liar_n viithly_fw-mi and_o last_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n to_o believe_v some_o thing_n which_o be_v incomprehensible_a by_o our_o reason_n provide_v that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a ground_n and_o reason_n for_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o especial_o if_o they_o be_v concern_v god_n who_o be_v in_o his_o nature_n incomprehensible_a and_o we_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o he_o have_v reveal_v they_o and_o therefore_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o offend_v we_o that_o these_o difference_n in_o the_o deity_n be_v incomprehensible_a by_o our_o finite_a understanding_n because_o the_o divine_a nature_n itself_o be_v so_o and_o yet_o the_o belief_n of_o that_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o thing_n in_o nature_n which_o we_o can_v comprehend_v how_o they_o either_o be_v or_o can_v be_v as_o the_o continuity_n of_o matter_n that_o be_v how_o the_o part_n of_o it_o do_v hang_v so_o fast_o together_o that_o they_o be_v many_o time_n very_o hard_o to_o be_v part_v and_o yet_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o it_o be_v so_o because_o we_o see_v it_o every_o day_n so_o likewise_o how_o the_o small_a seed_n of_o thing_n contain_v the_o whole_a form_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n from_o which_o they_o proceed_v and_o into_o which_o by_o degree_n they_o grow_v and_o yet_o we_o