be_v not_o there_o mean_v this_o i_o shall_v prove_v by_o four_o argument_n 1._o he_o who_o be_v the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n be_v the_o same_o who_o shed_v his_o blood_n ver_fw-la 14._o for_o the_o redemption_n of_o man_n as_o i_o note_v before_o now_o he_o who_o shed_v his_o blood_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o man_n can_v be_v no_o other_o but_o jesus_n christ_n man_n but_o this_o very_a jesus_n christ_n man_n be_v there_o style_v the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n by_o who_o all_o thing_n be_v create_v etc._n etc._n as_o we_o translate_v the_o word_n therefore_o this_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n not_o of_o a_o man._n yes_o you_o will_v say_v for_o he_o be_v god_n as_o well_o as_o man_n and_o therefore_o may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v create_v the_o world_n i_o answer_v where_o have_v you_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o christ_n be_v god_n as_o well_o as_o man_n i_o know_v he_o be_v call_v man_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o i_o can_v never_o find_v he_o there_o style_v god-man_n as_o he_o shall_v have_v often_o be_v if_o he_o be_v both_o do_v the_o apostle_n make_v a_o distinction_n between_o his_o two_o nature_n do_v he_o say_v we_o have_v redemption_n through_o his_o blood_n as_o he_o be_v a_o man_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n and_o have_v create_v all_o thing_n as_o he_o be_v god_n not_o at_o all_o but_o only_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o same_o jesus_n christ_n in_o who_o we_o have_v redemption_n through_o his_o blood_n be_v the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n and_o by_o who_o all_o thing_n be_v create_v etc._n etc._n why_o shall_v we_o contrive_v a_o distinction_n of_o our_o own_o when_o the_o apostle_n make_v none_o but_o 2._o i_o can_v but_o wonder_n that_o man_n shall_v attribute_v the_o old_a or_o first_o creation_n to_o christ_n since_o we_o have_v no_o warrant_n from_o scripture_n for_o it_o i_o mean_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v never_o say_v in_o express_a word_n that_o christ_n have_v create_v heaven_n and_o earth_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a description_n of_o the_o old_a creation_n or_o of_o the_o creation_n strict_o and_o proper_o so_o call_v and_o the_o description_n usual_a in_o scripture_n when_o it_o speak_v of_o that_o creation_n as_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n the_o father_n of_o christ_n have_v i_o do_v observe_v so_o great_a a_o difference_n between_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o sacred_a writer_n concern_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n by_o god_n and_o those_o expression_n which_o be_v suppose_v to_o import_v the_o same_o creation_n by_o christ_n that_o i_o can_v forbear_v allege_v some_o place_n concern_v both_o i_o omit_v those_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v so_o many_o and_o will_v insist_v only_o upon_o some_o take_v out_o of_o the_o new_a god_n say_v st._n paul_n act_v 17._o 24._o that_o make_v the_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n therein_o see_v that_o he_o be_v lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n dwell_v not_o in_o temple_n make_v with_o hand_n and_o act_v 4._o 11._o lord_n thou_o be_v god_n which_o have_v make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o the_o sea_n and_o all_o that_o in_o they_o be_v act_n 14._o 15._o we_o preach_v unto_o you_o that_o you_o shall_v turn_v from_o these_o vanity_n unto_o the_o live_a god_n which_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o the_o sea_n and_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v therein_o and_o rev._n 14._o 7._o fear_v god_n and_o worship_v he_o that_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o the_o sea_n and_o the_o fountain_n of_o water_n this_o be_v the_o true_a and_o proper_a description_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v it_o ascribe_v to_o christ_n in_o such_o express_a term_n we_o can_v not_o doubt_v that_o christ_n have_v create_v the_o world_n which_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v believe_v they_o will_v undoubted_o have_v teach_v we_o so_o great_a a_o truth_n and_o that_o both_o in_o express_a and_o plain_a term_n and_o often_o no_o christ_n be_v never_o say_v to_o have_v create_v heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o sea_n and_o all_o that_o be_v therein_o in_o this_o very_a place_n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o first-born_a create_a heaven_n and_o earth_n but_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o that_o be_v in_o earth_n and_o the_o all_o thing_n of_o which_o he_o speak_v he_o limit_v to_o all_o throne_n dominion_n principality_n and_o power_n visible_a and_o invisible_a which_o shall_v be_v explain_v hereafter_o this_o second_o reflection_n that_o this_o text_n contain_v not_o the_o proper_a description_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n use_v in_o scripture_n be_v add_v to_o the_o forego_n that_o this_o context_n speak_v of_o christ_n as_o man_n aught_o to_o persuade_v any_o unprejudiced_a man_n that_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o here_o attribute_v to_o christ_n the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v so_o far_o from_o believe_v that_o christ_n create_v the_o world_n that_o as_o the_o father_n only_o be_v call_v god_n in_o the_o apostle_n creed_n so_o he_o only_o be_v style_v maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n 3._o as_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n be_v a_o excellent_a commentary_n on_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n so_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n must_v be_v make_v use_n of_o for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o colossian_n the_o design_n and_o scope_n of_o those_o two_o epistle_n be_v the_o same_o so_o that_o we_o must_v look_v into_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o this_o controvert_v text_n in_o the_o colossian_n now_o he_o that_o serious_o compare_v these_o two_o epistle_n with_o one_o another_o will_v find_v that_o coloss_n 1._o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o must_v be_v interpret_v by_o ephes_n 1._o 20_o 21_o 22._o and_o ephes_n 1._o 10._o be_v a_o true_a commentary_n on_o coloss_n 1._o 20._o coloss_n 1._o 18._o run_v thus_o and_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o body_n the_o church_n who_o be_v the_o beginning_n the_o first-born_a from_o the_o dead_a that_o in_o all_o thing_n he_o may_v have_v the_o preeminence_n to_o which_o answer_v part_n of_o the_o 22d_o verse_n in_o the_o ephesian_n in_o these_o word_n and_o give_v he_o to_o be_v head_n over_o all_o thing_n to_o the_o church_n col._n 1._o 15_o 16_o 17._o run_v thus_o who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o the_o invisible_a god_n the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n for_o by_o he_o be_v all_o thing_n create_v as_o we_o translate_v the_o word_n 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 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 and_o by_o he_o all_o thing_n consist_v to_o these_o verse_n do_v answer_v the_o 20_o 21_o and_o part_n of_o the_o 22d_o verse_n of_o chap._n 1._o to_o the_o ephesian_n in_o these_o word_n he_o god_n raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o set_v he_o at_o his_o own_o right_a hand_n in_o the_o heavenly_a place_n far_o above_o all_o principality_n and_o power_n and_o may_v and_o dominion_n and_o every_o name_n that_o be_v name_v not_o only_o in_o this_o world_n but_o in_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o have_v put_v all_o thing_n under_o his_o foot_n now_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n we_o see_v there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o the_o creation_n ascribe_v to_o christ_n but_o only_o of_o his_o exaltation_n above_o all_o the_o order_n of_o angel_n and_o all_o earthly_a power_n which_o plain_o show_v that_o the_o apostle_n mean_v not_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o forecited_a verse_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o colossian_n nay_o be_v it_o so_o he_o will_v speak_v nonsense_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o colossian_n he_o will_v tell_v we_o that_o christ_n have_v create_v all_o the_o order_n of_o angel_n the_o visible_a and_o invisible_a throne_n etc._n etc._n which_o plain_o show_v that_o he_o be_v thereby_o as_o far_o above_o they_o as_o the_o creator_n be_v above_o his_o creature_n but_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n he_o will_v tell_v we_o that_o christ_n have_v be_v exalt_v far_o above_o all_o the_o order_n of_o angel_n and_o all_o earthly_a throne_n and_o power_n which_o undeniable_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v not_o so_o before_o now_o what_o be_v a_o contradiction_n if_o this_o be_v not_o to_o say_v that_o christ_n create_v they_o and_o that_o the_o father_n set_v he_o far_o above_o they_o we_o must_v therefore_o of_o necessity_n explain_v
chief_a of_o the_o orthodox_n interpreter_n have_v thus_o explain_v this_o context_n of_o the_o colossian_n among_o the_o ancient_n st._n cyril_n fulgentius_n procopius_n gazeus_n and_o even_o athanasius_n himself_o of_o the_o modern_n salmero_n montanus_n grotius_n and_o many_o more_o before_o i_o put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o i_o must_v observe_v that_o our_o author_n be_v great_o mistake_v in_o his_o explication_n of_o col._n 1._o 18._o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o proceed_v from_o christ_n creation_n of_o the_o natural_a world_n to_o his_o mediatory_a kingdom_n which_o prove_v that_o he_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o that_o before_o i_o see_v the_o author_n do_v not_o observe_v his_o own_o rule_n p._n 146._o to_o consider_v in_o expound_v scripture_n what_o go_v before_o and_o what_o follow_v it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o see_v that_o the_o apostle_n at_o ver._n 16._o speak_v first_o in_o the_o general_a of_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o that_o be_v in_o earth_n visible_a and_o invisible_a but_o then_o afterward_o he_o explain_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n viz._n all_o the_o order_n of_o angel_n this_o he_o do_v in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o same_o verse_n and_o what_o he_o mean_v by_o thing_n that_o be_v on_o earth_n he_o tell_v we_o full_o at_o ver._n 18._o viz._n the_o church_n the_o 18_o verse_n be_v a_o explication_n of_o some_o part_n of_o ver._n 16._o it_o appear_v not_o to_o have_v be_v paul_n design_n to_o proceed_v from_o christ_n creation_n of_o the_o world_n to_o his_o mediatory_a kingdom_n thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o famous_a context_n of_o col._n 1._o 15_o 16_o etc._n etc._n the_o author_n of_o the_o brief_a history_n have_v prove_v that_o christ_n be_v god_n minister_n and_o servant_n because_o he_o be_v appoint_v or_o make_v by_o god_n the_o apostle_n and_o highpriest_n of_o our_o profession_n to_o this_o the_o author_n i_o be_o now_o consider_v answer_n but_o here_o be_v a_o restriction_n to_o his_o be_v highpriest_n and_o therefore_o no_o danger_n of_o blasphemy_n though_o he_o be_v god_n for_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o tho'_o the_o jewish_a highpriest_n be_v but_o a_o man_n yet_o he_o be_v a_o type_n of_o a_o highpriest_n who_o be_v more_o than_o man_n even_o the_o eternal_a son_n or_o word_n of_o god_n as_o some_o of_o the_o learned_a jew_n acknowledge_v this_o be_v indeed_o a_o admirable_a answer_n christ_n have_v be_v appoint_v by_o god_n a_o highpriest_n which_o seem_v to_o prove_v that_o himself_o be_v not_o god_n no_o say_v the_o doctor_n you_o be_v mistake_v for_o tho'_o the_o jewish_a highpriest_n be_v but_o a_o man_n yet_o he_o be_v a_o type_n of_o a_o highpriest_n more_o than_o man_n of_o a_o highpriest_n who_o be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n how_o do_v he_o prove_v it_o as_o some_o say_v he_o of_o the_o learned_a jew_n acknowledge_v and_o what_o then_o if_o some_o learned_a jew_n have_v speak_v nonsense_n must_v we_o speak_v nonsense_n too_o one_o will_v expect_v the_o author_n shall_v prove_v by_o scripture_n and_o not_o by_o jewish_a writer_n that_o the_o jewish_a highpriest_n be_v a_o type_n of_o a_o high_a priest_n who_o be_v the_o eternal_a son_n and_o word_n of_o god_n the_o jewish_a highpriest_n be_v a_o type_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o type_n of_o a_o highpriest_n more_o eminent_a and_o great_a than_o himself_o in_o all_o respect_n tho'_o he_o be_v not_o god_n he_o go_v on_o for_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a proper_a mediator_n and_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n if_o you_o ask_v he_o why_o he_o will_v answer_v philo_n judaeus_n who_o often_o call_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o word_n the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o highpriest_n say_v so_o and_o show_v that_o the_o garment_n of_o the_o highpriest_n be_v figure_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n which_o seem_v to_o signify_v that_o the_o eternal_a word_n which_o make_v the_o world_n be_v the_o true_a highpriest_n here_o come_v upon_o the_o stage_n one_o of_o his_o learned_a jew_n philo_n by_o who_o testimony_n he_o prove_v that_o the_o second_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v the_o only_a proper_a mediator_n and_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n but_o philo_n be_v plato_n follower_n do_v not_o believe_v such_o a_o trinity_n as_o the_o doctor_n teach_v sure_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o plato_n three_o principle_n and_o the_o doctor_n be_v trinity_n but_o if_o there_o be_v not_o must_v we_o believe_v philo_n judaeus_n rather_o than_o st._n paul_n who_o plain_o tell_v we_o in_o direct_a opposition_n to_o philo_n that_o as_o there_o be_v one_o god_n so_o there_o be_v one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n 1_o tim._n 2._o 5._o as_o for_o the_o garment_n of_o the_o highpriest_n which_o philo_n will_v have_v to_o be_v a_o figure_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o our_o author_n story_n about_o jaddus_n both_o which_o our_o author_n allege_v as_o argument_n at_o least_o as_o congruity_n whereby_o to_o prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n i_o shall_v so_o far_o trust_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o mean_a reader_n as_o to_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o that_o which_o follow_v be_v no_o less_o ridiculous_a i_o be_o sure_a say_v the_o author_n the_o apostle_n distinguish_v christ_n from_o high-priest_n take_v from_o among_o man_n and_o make_v his_o sonship_n the_o foundation_n of_o his_o priesthood_n heb._n 5._o 1_o 6._o the_o contrary_a to_o both_o these_o be_v true_a and_o evident_a also_o in_o the_o text_n he_o cite_v the_o priesthood_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o sonship_n and_o aaron_n and_o christ_n be_v there_o make_v instance_n of_o high-priest_n take_v from_o among_o men._n the_o objection_n therefore_o remain_v still_o that_o christ_n be_v a_o highpriest_n appoint_v and_o make_v by_o god_n can_v himself_o be_v god_n he_o go_v on_o as_o for_o his_o next_o objection_n from_o 1_o cor._n 3._o 23._o christ_n be_v god_n i_o know_v not_o what_o he_o mean_v by_o it_o for_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o christ_n be_v god_n son_n god_n christ_n god_n highpriest_n serve_v the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o what_o then_o therefore_o he_o be_v not_o god_n by_o no_o mean_n he_o may_v conclude_v that_o he_o be_v not_o god_n the_o father_n because_o he_o acta_fw-la subordinate_o not_o that_o therefore_o he_o be_v not_o god_n the_o son_n the_o author_n of_o the_o brief_a history_n mean_v i_o suppose_v this_o that_o as_o you_o be_v christ_n in_o that_o text_n signify_v man_n be_v subject_a to_o christ_n so_o christ_n be_v god_n must_v signify_v christ_n be_v subject_v to_o god_n and_o therefore_o not_o himself_o god_n this_o i_o think_v be_v good_a sonse_n and_o a_o good_a argument_n but_o can_v it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o second_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n who_o be_v the_o supreme_a god_n nay_o one_o god_n with_o the_o first_o be_v god_n son_n god_n christ_n god_n high_a priest_n serve_v the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o god_n glory_n all_o these_o title_n denote_v a_o dependence_n upon_o the_o father_n and_o a_o real_a subjection_n to_o he_o which_o can_v agree_v to_o any_o person_n who_o be_v indeed_o himself_o a_o supreme_a god_n here_o be_v another_o senseless_a answer_n to_o a_o good_a and_o strong_a objection_n p._n 158._o his_o next_o proof_n be_v that_o god_n call_v christ_n his_o servant_n in_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n but_o it_o be_v his_o servant_n in_o who_o his_o soul_n be_v please_v which_o be_v the_o peculiar_a character_n of_o his_o son_n and_o be_v that_o very_a testimony_n which_o god_n give_v to_o christ_n at_o his_o baptism_n this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v i_o desire_v here_o the_o reader_n to_o observe_v the_o doctor_n be_v accurate_a way_n of_o reason_v this_o be_v the_o objection_n christ_n be_v call_v god_n servant_n therefore_o he_o be_v not_o god_n no_o this_o be_v a_o mistake_n say_v he_o for_o christ_n be_v god_n belove_a servant_n p._n 159._o he_o say_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n from_o phil._n 2._o 8_o 9_o because_o he_o voluntary_o condescend_v below_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o nature_n do_v he_o forfeit_v the_o dignity_n of_o his_o nature_n but_o i_o ask_v can_v it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o supreme_a god_n with_o who_o be_v no_o variableness_n neither_o shadow_n of_o turn_v that_o he_o have_v condescend_v below_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o nature_n p._n 159_o 160._o he_o go_v on_o in_o a_o florid_n way_n of_o speech_n to_o show_v how_o inconsistent_a it_o be_v that_o christ_n be_v he_o a_o mere_a creature_n shall_v be_v advance_v to_o that_o power_n and_o authority_n whereunto_o he_o have_v be_v promote_v hereupon_o i_o observe_v
the_o context_n of_o the_o colossian_n by_o that_o of_o the_o ephesian_n and_o put_v such_o a_o sense_n upon_o it_o as_o import_v no_o true_a and_o proper_a creation_n 4._o coloss_n 1._o 19_o 20._o be_v interpret_v by_o ephes_n 1._o 10._o be_v a_o confirmation_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v hitherto_o the_o former_a coloss_n 1._o 19_o 20._o run_v thus_o for_o it_o please_v the_o father_n that_o in_o he_o shall_v all_o fullness_n dwell_v and_o have_v make_v peace_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o cross_n by_o he_o to_o reconcile_v all_o thing_n to_o himself_o by_o he_o i_o say_v whether_o they_o be_v thing_n in_o earth_n or_o thing_n in_o heaven_n to_o which_o answer_v the_o other_o text_n eph._n 2._o 10._o in_o these_o word_n that_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n he_o may_v gather_v together_o in_o one_o all_o thing_n in_o christ_n both_o which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o which_o be_v in_o earth_n even_o in_o he_o no_o man_n i_o hope_v will_v deny_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o colossian_n which_o we_o render_v to_o reconcile_v aught_o to_o be_v interpret_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o text_n of_o the_o ephesian_n which_o signify_v to_o gather_v together_o in_o one_o or_o to_o sum_n up_o so_o that_o the_o meaning_n of_o both_o place_n be_v this_o that_o it_o please_v god_n in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n to_o unite_v both_o angel_n and_o man_n under_o one_o head_n even_o christ_n who_o he_o set_v up_o lord_n and_o king_n over_o they_o now_o this_o do_v perfect_o agree_v with_o what_o st._n paul_n say_v to_o the_o ephesian_n concern_v christ_n exaltation_n above_o all_o the_o order_n of_o angel_n and_o his_o be_v head_n of_o the_o church_n for_o his_o argument_n run_v thus_o god_n have_v exalt_v christ_n above_o all_o the_o order_n of_o angel_n and_o make_v he_o head_n of_o the_o church_n for_o he_o have_v decree_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n to_o unite_v both_o angel_n and_o man_n under_o one_o head_n christ_n but_o if_o the_o text_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o colossian_n be_v mean_v of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n this_o will_v be_v perfect_a nonsense_n for_o thus_o it_o ought_v to_o run_v christ_n have_v create_v all_o order_n of_o angel_n and_o all_o power_n on_o earth_n and_o be_v make_v head_n of_o the_o church_n for_o god_n have_v decree_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n to_o unite_v both_o angel_n and_o man_n under_o one_o head_n christ._n no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v speak_v great_a nonsense_n than_o this_o will_v be_v be_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n ascribe_v to_o christ_n in_o the_o controvert_v text._n i_o desire_v the_o author_n to_o reconcile_v his_o explication_n of_o these_o word_n that_o in_o all_o thing_n he_o may_v have_v the_o preeminence_n with_o what_o follow_v that_o be_v say_v he_o at_o p._n 157._o that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o first_o upon_o all_o account_n before_o the_o world_n and_o the_o first-born_a from_o the_o dead_a so_o the_o whole_a argument_n according_a to_o the_o author_n must_v run_v thus_o christ_n be_v the_o first_o upon_o all_o account_n before_o the_o world_n and_o the_o first-born_a from_o the_o dead_a for_o god_n be_v please_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n to_o unite_v both_o angel_n and_o man_n under_o christ_n as_o their_o head_n can_v any_o thing_n be_v say_v more_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a the_o author_n skill_n in_o scripture_n and_o reason_n be_v i_o think_v alike_o 2._o have_v thus_o prove_v that_o the_o old_a creation_n or_o the_o creation_n proper_o so_o call_v be_v not_o ascribe_v to_o christ_n in_o this_o context_n of_o the_o colossian_n i_o come_v now_o to_o explain_v its_o true_a sense_n as_o clear_o as_o possible_o i_o can_v ver._n 15._o who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o the_o invisible_a god_n the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n the_o meaning_n of_o these_o last_o word_n be_v not_o that_o christ_n be_v beget_v before_o all_o creature_n as_o this_o author_n will_v have_v it_o but_o that_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n and_o king_n of_o every_o intelligent_a creature_n in_o allusion_n to_o the_o first-born_a of_o a_o family_n who_o be_v heir_n of_o all_o thing_n this_o i_o prove_v by_o the_o 17_o and_o 18_o verse_n ver._n 17._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o he_o be_v before_o all_o thing_n be_v the_o explication_n of_o the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n and_o signify_v not_o that_o he_o be_v before_o all_o creature_n in_o order_n of_o time_n but_o of_o dignity_n and_o power_n be_v by_o god_n set_v over_o all_o the_o order_n of_o angel_n and_o over_o the_o church_n as_o their_o head_n and_o king_n but_o if_o you_o do_v rest_n satisfy_v with_o this_o parallel_a place_n the_o 18_o verse_n will_v afford_v a_o undeniable_a proof_n of_o what_o i_o say_v there_o you_o find_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v right_o render_v in_o our_o bibles_n that_o in_o all_o thing_n he_o may_v have_v the_o preeminence_n both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n among_o angel_n and_o in_o the_o church_n i_o say_v now_o these_o last_o word_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o explication_n of_o the_o two_o beforementioned_a expression_n to_o be_v the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n and_o to_o be_v before_o all_o thing_n aught_o to_o be_v interpret_v by_o his_o have_v the_o praeeminence_n in_o all_o thing_n so_o that_o he_o be_v the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n be_v this_o he_o have_v the_o preeminence_n over_o every_o creature_n thus_o by_o the_o context_n itself_o we_o find_v out_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o in_o the_o english_a we_o translate_v first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n and_o thus_o too_o be_v these_o word_n interpret_v by_o the_o principal_a critic_n among_o the_o orthodox_n as_o they_o be_v call_v gomarus_n camero_n piscator_fw-la drusius_n vorstius_n davenant_n dally_n grotius_n for_o they_o will_v have_v he_o also_o to_o be_v orthodox_n hammond_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o next_o verse_n for_o by_o he_o be_v all_o thing_n create_v i_o have_v full_o prove_v they_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o old_a creation_n the_o creation_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o the_o sea_n and_o of_o the_o thing_n in_o they_o which_o be_v the_o creation_n proper_o so_o call_v therefore_o to_o reconcile_v this_o verse_n with_o the_o forego_n and_o with_o the_o word_n before_o cite_v out_o of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n he_o god_n set_v he_o at_o his_o own_o right-hand_n far_o above_o all_o principality_n and_o power_n and_o every_o name_n that_o be_v name_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o render_v create_v aught_o to_o be_v render_v model_v dispose_a or_o reform_v into_o a_o new_a order_n so_o that_o the_o sense_n will_v run_v thus_o christ_n be_v the_o lord_n of_o every_o creature_n for_o by_o he_o be_v all_o both_o visible_a and_o invisible_a creature_n even_o all_o man_n and_o angel_n model_v or_o dispose_v into_o a_o new_a order_n be_v subject_v to_o he_o and_o his_o command_n as_o for_o angel_n all_o the_o order_n of_o they_o whether_o they_o be_v throne_n or_o dominion_n none_o of_o they_o be_v exempt_v from_o his_o power_n and_o authority_n he_o rule_v over_o they_o which_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o ver._n 17._o and_o they_o be_v all_o as_o it_o be_v compact_v in_o one_o body_n under_o his_o conduct_n as_o for_o man_n as_o he_o be_v the_o beginning_n and_o the_o first-born_a from_o the_o dead_a so_o he_o be_v also_o make_v head_n of_o the_o church_n his_o body_n so_o that_o in_o all_o thing_n he_o have_v the_o preeminence_n he_o rule_v in_o heaven_n and_o on_o earth_n over_o angel_n and_o over_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o ver._n 18._o this_o i_o hope_n make_v a_o clear_a sense_n agreeable_a to_o the_o whole_a context_n and_o to_o the_o text_n in_o the_o ephesian_n i_o observe_v that_o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o he_o be_v before_o all_o thing_n be_v the_o explication_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n or_o he_o be_v the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o and_o by_o he_o all_o thing_n consist_v or_o be_v compact_v into_o one_o body_n aught_o to_o be_v the_o explication_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o by_o he_o be_v all_o thing_n not_o create_v as_o it_o be_v render_v in_o the_o english_a but_o model_v or_o reform_v i_o know_v not_o why_o dr._n sherlock_n have_v call_v this_o a_o socinian_n explication_n as_o if_o it_o be_v devise_v by_o they_o to_o serve_v their_o hypothesis_n the_o truth_n be_v the_o
person_n of_o god_n the_o father_n and_o the_o father_n indeed_o be_v but_o one_o person_n but_o here_o he_o take_v for_o grant_v that_o the_o son_n be_v the_o second_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n contrary_a to_o the_o apostle_n who_o speak_v only_o of_o the_o person_n of_o god_n not_o of_o the_o person_n of_o god_n the_o father_n distinct_a from_o the_o person_n of_o god_n the_o son_n if_o the_o person_n of_o who_o the_o son_n be_v here_o say_v to_o be_v the_o express_a image_n be_v only_o the_o person_n of_o the_o father_n then_o the_o person_n of_o the_o father_n only_o at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n speak_v in_o time_n pass_v to_o the_o father_n by_o the_o prophet_n ver._n 1._o for_o ver._n 2._o the_o son_n be_v call_v the_o image_n of_o the_o same_o person_n who_o speak_v to_o the_o father_n at_o ver._n 1._o but_o the_o person_n of_o the_o father_n only_o be_v not_o the_o true_a god_n in_o the_o author_n hypothesis_n therefore_o he_o must_v conclude_v that_o the_o true_a god_n speak_v not_o to_o the_o father_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a contradiction_n to_o the_o apostle_n who_o say_v that_o god_n undoubted_o the_o true_a god_n speak_v to_o the_o father_n far_o by_o god_n who_o speak_v to_o the_o father_n we_o must_v understand_v either_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n or_o the_o father_n only_o if_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v to_o the_o father_n it_o can_v not_o be_v here_o say_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o image_n of_o that_o god_n person_n for_o he_o be_v three_o person_n if_o the_o father_n only_o speak_v to_o the_o father_n than_o the_o father_n only_o be_v the_o true_a god_n for_o the_o true_a god_n speak_v to_o the_o father_n also_o than_o god_n be_v but_o one_o person_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n we_o contend_v for_o he_o go_v on_o as_o for_o his_o singular_a pronoun_n i_o thou_o etc._n etc._n they_o prove_v indeed_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n as_o we_o all_o own_o not_o that_o there_o be_v not_o three_o person_n in_o the_o godhead_n but_o do_v not_o singular_a pronoun_n denote_v singular_a person_n in_o all_o language_n when_o therefore_o they_o be_v apply_v to_o god_n they_o show_v that_o he_o be_v a_o singular_a that_o be_v but_o one_o person_n unless_o they_o will_v say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o particular_a language_n different_a from_o all_o other_o but_o this_o be_v false_a for_o be_v write_v to_o man_n the_o form_n of_o speak_v and_o the_o sense_n of_o they_o be_v the_o same_o as_o in_o all_o other_o language_n and_o otherways_o the_o scripture_n will_v not_o be_v give_v we_o to_o instruct_v we_o but_o to_o pervert_v and_o deceive_v we_o 5._o the_o five_o argument_n have_v the_o son_n or_o holy_a ghost_n be_v god_n this_o will_v not_o have_v be_v omit_v in_o the_o apostle_n creed_n he_o answer_v have_v not_o the_o son_n be_v god_n and_o also_o the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o will_v never_o have_v be_v put_v into_o the_o apostle_n creed_n no_o more_o than_o the_o form_n of_o baptism_n which_o be_v the_o original_a of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n but_o why_o not_o suppose_v the_o son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o god_n since_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v by_o the_o one_o and_o confirm_v by_o the_o other_o why_o may_v not_o they_o be_v put_v into_o the_o creed_n as_o well_o as_o the_o catholic_a church_n by_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v if_o our_o creed_n only_o mention_v god_n the_o father_n almighty_n maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n it_o will_v fit_v a_o jew_n as_o well_o as_o a_o christian_a therefore_o a_o christian_a creed_n as_o such_o must_v make_v mention_n of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n tho'_o they_o be_v not_o god_n or_o god_n a_o christian_a as_o such_o must_v profess_v in_o his_o creed_n that_o he_o believe_v not_o only_o in_o god_n the_o father_n almighty_a but_o also_o in_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v send_v by_o he_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o which_o it_o please_v god_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o by_o such_o a_o belief_n he_o be_v distinguish_v from_o a_o jew_n or_o any_o other_o man._n he_o add_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v believe_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n we_o be_v sufficient_o assure_v from_o all_o the_o ancient_a record_n of_o their_o faith_n but_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o express_v this_o in_o so_o short_a a_o creed_n before_o the_o arian_n and_o socinian_n heresy_n have_v disturb_v the_o church_n it_o be_v plain_a our_o author_n have_v not_o read_v the_o record_n of_o which_o he_o speak_v and_o whereas_o he_o say_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o express_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n in_o the_o creed_n it_o be_v very_o marvellous_a to_o i_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o express_v a_o article_n which_o he_o and_o his_o party_n say_v be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o that_o a_o man_n be_v no_o christian_n that_o believe_v it_o not_o but_o he_o say_v it_o be_v not_o necessary_a in_o so_o short_a a_o creed_n but_o i_o say_v have_v the_o article_n be_v necessary_a or_o so_o much_o as_o true_a the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a church_n will_v have_v enlarge_v their_o creed_n to_o make_v room_n for_o a_o necessary_a article_n a_o article_n much_o more_o necessary_a than_o the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n and_o other_o article_n there_o express_v beside_o what_o enlargement_n will_v it_o have_v be_v what_o encumbrance_n to_o the_o learner_n memory_n to_o have_v add_v twice_o this_o single_a and_o short_a word_n god_n and_o in_o god_n the_o son_n jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n etc._n etc._n i_o believe_v in_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n as_o trinitarian_n express_v themselves_o now_o a_o day_n it_o be_v plain_a therefore_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o ancient_a church_n can_v have_v no_o other_o reason_n why_o in_o their_o creed_n they_o make_v no_o mention_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n no_o other_o but_o that_o they_o believe_v it_o not_o but_o why_o have_v our_o author_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o what_o the_o socinian_n historian_n have_v object_v at_o pag._n 22_o 23_o 24._o be_v it_o too_o hot_a or_o to_o heavy_a for_o he_o last_o he_o say_v it_o need_v not_o to_o be_v add_v because_o the_o son_n of_o god_n must_v be_v by_o nature_n god_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v as_o essential_o god_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n be_v essential_a to_o a_o man._n but_o must_v he_o that_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v also_o by_o nature_n god_n st._n luke_n say_v of_o adam_n who_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n luke_n 1._o 38._o be_v adam_n by_o nature_n god_n be_v not_o angel_n in_o scripture_n call_v son_n of_o god_n and_o all_o good_a christian_n be_v they_o not_o also_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o language_n of_o scripture_n job_n 1._o 6._o and_o 38._o 7._o john_n 1._o 12._o 1_o john_n 3._o 2._o for_o his_o other_o say_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v as_o essential_o god_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n be_v essential_a to_o a_o man_n if_o one_o have_v leisure_n there_o may_v be_v answer_n enough_o make_v to_o it_o all_o that_o i_o say_v be_v i_o pray_v prove_v it_o 6._o the_o historian_n conclude_v that_o the_o socinian_n faith_n be_v a_o accountable_a and_o reasonable_a faith_n but_o that_o of_o the_o trinitarian_n be_v absurd_a and_o contrary_a both_o to_o reason_n and_o to_o itself_o and_o therefore_o not_o only_o false_a but_o impossible_a on_o the_o contrary_a our_o author_n draw_v up_o against_o the_o socinian_n system_v this_o charge_n 1._o it_o ridicules_a the_o scripture_n 2._o it_o ridicules_a the_o whole_a jewish_a occonomy_n 3._o it_o ridicules_a the_o christian_a religion_n 4._o it_o justify_v at_o least_o excuse_n both_o pagan_a and_o popish_a idolatry_n if_o it_o be_v so_o my_o master_n the_o socinian_o be_v ill_a man_n indeed_o but_o let_v we_o do_v they_o this_o common_a right_n to_o examine_v what_o proof_n there_o be_v of_o this_o indictment_n chap._n vii_o 1._o the_o first_o pretence_n be_v that_o the_o socinian_n doctrine_n ridicules_a the_o scripture_n by_o put_v either_o a_o very_a absurd_a or_o a_o very_a trifle_a sense_n on_o it_o unworthy_a of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n by_o who_o it_o be_v inspire_v he_o instance_n in_o some_o exposition_n of_o scripture_n which_o he_o find_v in_o the_o brief_a history_n of_o the_o unitarian_n for_o example_n the_o historian_n in_o answer_n to_o psal_n 45._o 6_o 7._o which_o the_o apostle_n at_o heb._n 1._o 8._o apply_v to_o christ_n say_v in_o the_o hebrew_n and_o in_o the_o greek_a