duration_n past_a present_a and_o to_o come_v beside_o that_o the_o attribute_n of_o almighty_a be_v also_o a_o part_n of_o this_o description_n which_o be_v so_o peculiar_a a_o property_n of_o god_n i_o mean_v of_o he_o who_o be_v god_n by_o nature_n that_o the_o scripture_n never_o give_v it_o to_o any_o other_o ii_o i_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n produce_v those_o text_n which_o do_v express_o affirm_v that_o the_o world_n and_o all_o creature_n whatsoever_o be_v make_v by_o he_o and_o this_o will_v not_o only_o infer_v his_o existence_n before_o his_o incarnation_n but_o from_o all_o eternity_n and_o for_o this_o beside_o this_o passage_n of_o st._n john_n we_o have_v the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n most_o express_v who_o say_v that_o by_o he_o god_n make_v the_o world_n 2._o and_o st._n paul_n likewise_o say_v the_o same_o more_o full_o and_o particular_o 16._o call_v jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o first_o bear_v of_o every_o creature_n that_o be_v as_o i_o have_v show_v in_o my_o former_a discourse_n the_o heir_n and_o lord_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n for_o by_o he_o say_v he_o be_v all_o thing_n create_v that_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o that_o be_v in_o earth_n visible_a and_o invisible_a whether_o they_o be_v throne_n or_o dominion_n principality_n or_o power_n for_o so_o he_o call_v the_o several_a order_n of_o angel_n all_o thing_n be_v create_v by_o he_o and_o for_o he_o and_o he_o be_v before_o all_o thing_n or_o as_o he_o be_v describe_v in_o st._n john_n vision_n he_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o principle_n and_o efficient_a cause_n of_o the_o creation_n or_o else_o he_o be_v when_o all_o thing_n begin_v to_o be_v make_v and_o therefore_o must_v be_v before_o any_o thing_n be_v create_v and_o for_o that_o reason_n can_v not_o be_v a_o creature_n himself_o and_o consequent_o must_v of_o necessity_n have_v be_v from_o all_o eternity_n now_o these_o text_n must_v necessary_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o old_a creation_n and_o of_o the_o natural_a world_n and_o not_o of_o the_o moral_a world_n and_o the_o renovation_n and_o reformation_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n by_o the_o gospel_n for_o that_o be_v only_o the_o world_n here_o below_o which_o be_v reform_v by_o he_o and_o not_o thing_n in_o heaven_n not_o the_o invisible_a world_n not_o the_o several_a order_n of_o good_a angel_n which_o keep_v their_o first_o station_n and_o have_v no_o need_n to_o be_v reform_v and_o make_v anew_o nor_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o evil_a angel_n for_o though_o since_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o have_v be_v under_o great_a restraint_n and_o keep_v more_o within_o bound_n yet_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o they_o be_v at_o all_o reform_a but_o be_v devil_n still_o and_o have_v the_o same_o malice_n and_o mind_n to_o do_v all_o the_o mischief_n to_o mankind_n that_o god_n will_v suffer_v they_o to_o do_v so_o that_o these_o text_n seem_v at_o first_o view_n to_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o press_v of_o themselves_o but_o they_o appear_v to_o be_v much_o more_o convince_a when_o we_o consider_v the_o groundless_a interpretation_n whereby_o they_o endeavour_v to_o evade_v the_o dint_n and_o force_n of_o they_o for_o can_v any_o man_n that_o serious_o attend_v to_o the_o perpetual_a style_n and_o phrase_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o to_o the_o plain_a scope_n and_o drift_n of_o the_o apostle_n reason_v in_o these_o text_n be_v induce_v to_o believe_v that_o when_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v create_v by_o he_o that_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o that_o be_v in_o earth_n visible_a and_o invisible_a whether_o they_o be_v throne_n or_o dominion_n or_o principality_n or_o power_n i_o say_v can_v any_o man_n of_o good_a sense_n persuade_v himself_o that_o by_o all_o this_o the_o apostle_n mean_v no_o more_o than_o the_o moral_a renovation_n of_o the_o world_n here_o below_o and_o the_o reformation_n of_o mankind_n by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n which_o be_v preach_v unto_o they_o but_o there_o be_v yet_o one_o text_n more_o to_o this_o purpose_n which_o i_o have_v reserve_v to_o the_o last_o place_n because_o i_o find_v schlictingius_n and_o crellius_n in_o their_o joint_a comment_n upon_o it_o to_o be_v put_v to_o their_o last_o shift_n to_o avoid_v the_o force_n of_o it_o it_o be_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o where_o the_o apostle_n thus_o describe_v the_o son_n of_o god_n 2._o god_n say_v he_o have_v in_o these_o last_o day_n speak_v to_o we_o by_o his_o son_n who_o he_o have_v constitute_v heir_n of_o all_o thing_n by_o who_o also_o he_o make_v the_o world_n from_o whence_o he_o argue_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o gospel_n above_o the_o law_n for_o the_o law_n be_v give_v by_o angel_n but_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o pre-eminence_n above_o the_o angel_n he_o show_v at_o large_a in_o the_o two_o first_o chapter_n of_o this_o epistle_n and_o to_o this_o end_n he_o prove_v the_o two_o part_n of_o the_o description_n which_o have_v be_v give_v of_o he_o namely_o that_o god_n have_v constitute_v he_o heir_n of_o all_o thing_n 2._o and_o that_o by_o he_o he_o make_v the_o world_n first_o that_o god_n have_v constitute_v he_o heir_n of_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v nowhere_o say_v of_o the_o angel_n but_o of_o he_o it_o be_v say_v that_o be_v make_v so_o much_o better_a than_o the_o angel_n as_o he_o have_v by_o inheritance_n obtain_v a_o more_o excellent_a name_n than_o they_o 7._o the_o angel_n be_v only_o call_v god_n minister_n for_o which_o the_o apostle_n cite_v the_o word_n of_o the_o psalmist_n 4._o but_o to_o christ_n he_o give_v the_o title_n of_o his_o son_n and_o his_o first_o beget_v by_o virtue_n whereof_o he_o be_v heir_n of_o all_o thing_n 6._o for_o to_o which_o of_o the_o angel_n say_v he_o at_o any_o time_n thou_o be_v my_o son_n this_o day_n have_v i_o beget_v thou_o and_o this_o i_o will_v agree_v with_o they_o to_o be_v speak_v of_o christ_n with_o respect_n to_o his_o resurrection_n by_o which_o as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o 4._o he_o be_v powerful_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o first_o prerogative_n of_o christ_n above_o the_o angel_n but_o there_o be_v a_o far_o great_a yet_o behind_o for_o he_o prove_v second_o that_o he_o have_v not_o only_o the_o title_n of_o god_n give_v he_o but_o that_o he_o be_v true_o and_o real_o god_n because_o he_o make_v the_o world_n 8._o that_o the_o title_n of_o god_n be_v give_v he_o he_o prove_v by_o a_o citation_n out_o of_o the_o psalmist_n 7._o but_o unto_o the_o son_n he_o say_v thy_o throne_n o_o god_n be_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o etc._n etc._n and_o that_o he_o be_v true_o and_o real_o god_n because_o he_o make_v the_o world_n he_o prove_v by_o a_o citation_n out_o of_o another_o psalm_n where_o it_o be_v say_v of_o he_o 12._o thou_o lord_n in_o the_o begin_n have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o heaven_n be_v the_o work_n of_o they_o hand_n they_o shall_v perish_v etc._n etc._n let_v we_o now_o see_v how_o schlictingius_n and_o crellius_n interpret_v this_o text_n cite_v out_o of_o the_o psalmist_n by_o the_o apostle_n as_o speak_v of_o christ_n they_o say_v est_fw-la that_o the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n can_v not_o have_v refer_v to_o christ_n the_o former_a word_n of_o this_o citation_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o creation_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n unless_o he_o have_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o most_o high_a god_n especial_o if_o they_o be_v understand_v as_o they_o must_v necessary_o be_v by_o those_o who_o take_v this_o for_o grant_v to_o be_v speak_v in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o direct_o to_o or_o concern_v christ_n for_o since_o all_o the_o word_n of_o the_o psalm_n be_v manifest_o speak_v of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n but_o that_o christ_n be_v that_o god_n be_v not_o signify_v no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o by_o one_o word_n in_o that_o psalm_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o if_o you_o will_v have_v these_o word_n to_o be_v direct_v to_o christ_n you_o must_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o christ_n be_v that_o most_o high_a god_n of_o who_o the_o psalmist_n there_o speak_v now_o we_o will_v join_v issue_n with_o these_o interpreter_n upon_o this_o concession_n viz._n that_o the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n can_v not_o have_v refer_v these_o word_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o creation_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o christ_n without_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o christ_n be_v true_o that_o god_n who_o make_v the_o
mere_a critical_a skill_n in_o word_n without_o regard_n to_o the_o true_a occasion_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v make_v and_o without_o any_o manner_n of_o knowledge_n and_o insight_n into_o the_o history_n of_o the_o age_n in_o which_o they_o be_v write_v i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n which_o i_o propose_v to_o consider_v namely_o ii_o the_o description_n here_o give_v of_o the_o word_n by_o this_o evangelist_n in_o his_o entrance_n into_o his_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o beginning_n say_v he_o be_v the_o word_n and_o the_o word_n be_v with_o god_n and_o the_o word_n be_v god_n the_o same_o be_v in_o the_o begin_n with_o god_n all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o and_o without_o he_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n make_v that_o be_v make_v in_o which_o passage_n of_o the_o evangelist_n four_o thing_n be_v say_v of_o the_o word_n which_o will_v require_v a_o more_o particular_a explication_n first_o that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n second_o that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o begin_n with_o god_n three_o that_o he_o be_v god_n four_o that_o all_o be_v make_v by_o he_o one_a that_o he_o he_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1._o which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o the_o beginning_n where_o speak_v of_o christ_n by_o the_o name_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n that_o say_v he_o which_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n nonnus_n the_o ancient_a paraphra_v of_o st._n john_n gospel_n by_o way_n of_o explication_n of_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o his_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n add_v that_o he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o time_n that_o be_v before_o all_o time_n and_o if_o so_o than_o he_o be_v from_o all_o eternity_n in_o the_o beginning_n be_v the_o word_n that_o be_v when_o thing_n begin_v to_o be_v make_v he_o be_v not_o then_o begin_v to_o be_v but_o then_o already_o be_v and_o do_v exist_v before_o any_o thing_n be_v make_v and_o 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who_o be_v a_o invisible_a mind_n have_v from_o the_o beginning_n the_o word_n in_o himself_o 2_o that_o in_o the_o begin_n the_o word_n be_v with_o god_n and_o so_o solomon_n when_o he_o will_v express_v the_o eternity_n of_o wisdom_n say_v it_o be_v with_o god_n and_o so_o likewise_o the_o son_n of_o sirach_n speak_v of_o wisdom_n say_v it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o god_n and_o so_o the_o ancient_a jew_n often_o call_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o word_n which_o be_v before_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v with_o he_o or_o in_o his_o presence_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o evangelist_n say_v here_o that_o the_o word_n be_v with_o god_n that_o be_v it_o be_v always_o together_o with_o he_o partake_v of_o his_o happiness_n and_o glory_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n refer_v in_o his_o prayer_n 5._o glorify_v i_o with_o thy_o own_o self_n with_o the_o glory_n which_o i_o have_v with_o thou_o before_o the_o world_n be_v and_o this_o be_v with_o god_n the_o evangelist_n oppose_v to_o his_o appear_v and_o be_v manifest_v to_o the_o world_n v_o 10._o he_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o he_o and_o the_o world_n know_v he_o not_o that_o be_v he_o who_o from_o all_o eternity_n be_v with_o god_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o when_o he_o do_v so_o though_o he_o have_v make_v the_o world_n yet_o the_o world_n will_v not_o own_v he_o and_o this_o opposition_n between_o his_o be_v with_o god_n and_o his_o be_v manifest_v in_o the_o world_n the_o same_o st._n john_n mention_n elsewhere_o 2._o i_o show_v unto_o you_o that_o eternal_a life_n which_o be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o be_v manifest_v unto_o we_o 3_o that_o he_o be_v god_n and_o so_o justin_n martyr_n say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v god_n before_o the_o world_n that_o be_v from_o all_o eternity_n but_o then_o the_o evangelist_n add_v by_o way_n of_o explication_n the_o same_o be_v in_o the_o begin_n with_o god_n that_o be_v though_o the_o word_n be_v true_o and_o real_o god_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o god_n the_o father_n who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o the_o deity_n but_o a_o emanation_n from_o he_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n from_o all_o eternity_n with_o he_o to_o denote_v to_o we_o that_o which_o be_v common_o call_v by_o divine_n and_o for_o any_o thing_n i_o can_v ever_o see_v proper_o enough_o the_o distinction_n of_o person_n in_o the_o deity_n at_o least_o we_o know_v not_o a_o fit_a word_n whereby_o to_o express_v that_o great_a mystery_n four_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o this_o seem_v to_o refer_v to_o the_o description_n which_o moses_n make_v of_o the_o creation_n 1._o where_o god_n be_v represent_v create_v thing_n by_o his_o word_n god_n say_v let_v there_o be_v light_n and_o there_o be_v light_a and_o so_o likewise_o the_o psalmist_n 6._o by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o heaven_n make_v and_o all_o the_o host_n of_o they_o by_o the_o breath_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o so_o st._n peter_n also_o express_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o heaven_n be_v of_o old_a 5._o and_o the_o earth_n make_v out_o of_o water_n and_o in_o the_o ancient_a book_n of_o the_o chaldean_n and_o the_o verse_n ascribe_v to_o orpheus_n the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n be_v call_v the_o word_n and_o the_o divine_a word_n and_o so_o tertullian_n tell_v the_o pagan_n that_o by_o their_o philosopher_n the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n or_o reason_n and_o philo_n the_o jew_n follow_v plato_n who_o himself_o most_o probable_o have_v it_o from_o the_o jew_n say_v that_o the_o world_n be_v create_v by_o the_o word_n who_o he_o call_v the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n two_o of_o which_o glorious_a title_n be_v ascribe_v to_o he_o together_o with_o that_o of_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n in_o these_o last_o day_n say_v he_o god_n have_v speak_v to_o we_o by_o his_o son_n by_o who_o also_o he_o make_v the_o world_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 to_o the_o same_o purpose_n st._n paul_n 17._o speak_v of_o christ_n call_v he_o the_o image_n of_o the_o invisible_a god_n the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n that_o be_v bear_v before_o any_o thing_n be_v create_v as_o do_v evident_o follow_v from_o the_o reason_n give_v in_o the_o next_o word_n why_o he_o call_v he_o 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 that_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n visible_a and_o invisible_a 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 subsist_v from_o whence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o by_o his_o be_v the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n thus_o much_o at_o least_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v that_o he_o be_v before_o all_o creature_n and_o therefore_o he_o himself_o can_v be_v a_o creature_n unless_o he_o can_v be_v before_o himself_o nay_o the_o apostle_n say_v it_o express_o in_o this_o very_a text_n in_o which_o he_o be_v call_v the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n or_o of_o the_o whole_a creation_n that_o he_o be_v before_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v he_o have_v a_o be_v before_o there_o be_v any_o create_v be_v he_o be_v before_o all_o creature_n both_o in_o duration_n and_o in_o dignity_n for_o so_o must_v he_o of_o necessity_n be_v if_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o for_o as_o
nothing_o when_o any_o person_n or_o party_n be_v concern_v to_o oppose_v any_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o and_o the_o plain_a text_n for_o any_o article_n of_o faith_n how_o fundamental_a and_o necessary_a soever_o may_v by_o the_o same_o art_n and_o way_n of_o interpretation_n be_v elude_v and_o render_v utter_o ineffectual_a for_o the_o establish_n of_o it_o for_o example_n if_o any_o man_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o call_v in_o question_n that_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n concern_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n why_o may_v he_o not_o according_a to_o socinus_n his_o way_n of_o interpret_n st._n john_n understand_v the_o first_o chapter_n of_o genesis_n concern_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a dispensation_n and_o interpret_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n to_o be_v the_o institution_n of_o the_o jewish_a polity_n and_o religion_n as_o by_o the_o new_a heaven_n and_o the_o new_a earth_n they_o pretend_v be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o new_a state_n of_o thing_n under_o the_o gospel_n and_o why_o may_v not_o the_o chaos_n signify_v that_o state_n of_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n in_o which_o the_o world_n be_v before_o the_o give_n of_o the_o law_n by_o moses_n and_o so_o on_o worcester_n as_o a_o very_a learned_a divine_a of_o our_o own_o have_v ingenious_o show_v more_o at_o large_a there_o be_v no_o end_n of_o wit_n and_o fancy_n which_o can_v turn_v any_o thing_n any_o way_n and_o can_v make_v whatever_o they_o please_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o any_o book_n though_o never_o so_o contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a design_n of_o it_o and_o to_o that_o sense_n which_o at_o the_o first_o hear_v and_o read_v of_o it_o be_v obvious_a to_o every_o man_n of_o common_a sense_n and_o this_o in_o my_o opinion_n socinus_n have_v do_v in_o the_o case_n now_o before_o we_o by_o impose_v a_o new_a and_o odd_a and_o violent_a sense_n upon_o this_o passage_n of_o st._n john_n direct_o contrary_a to_o what_o any_o man_n will_v imagine_v to_o be_v the_o plain_a and_o obvious_a meaning_n of_o it_o and_o contrary_a likewise_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o all_o age_n down_o to_o his_o time_n who_o yet_o have_v as_o great_a or_o great_a advantage_n of_o understanding_n st._n john_n aright_o and_o as_o much_o integrity_n as_o any_o man_n can_v now_o modest_o pretend_v to_o and_o all_o this_o only_a to_o serve_v and_o support_v a_o opinion_n which_o he_o have_v entertain_v before_o and_o therefore_o be_v resolve_v one_o way_n or_o other_o to_o bring_v the_o scripture_n to_o comply_v with_o it_o and_o if_o he_o can_v not_o have_v do_v it_o it_o be_v great_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o he_o will_v at_o last_o have_v call_v in_o question_n the_o divine_a authority_n of_o st._n john_n gospel_n rather_o than_o have_v quit_v his_o opinion_n and_o to_o speak_v free_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v that_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o a_o much_o fair_a way_n to_o reject_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o a_o book_n than_o to_o use_v it_o so_o disingenuous_o and_o to_o wrest_v the_o plain_a expression_n of_o it_o with_o so_o much_o strain_v and_o violence_n from_o their_o most_o natural_a and_o obvious_a sense_n for_o no_o doctrine_n whatsever_v can_v have_v any_o certain_a foundation_n in_o any_o book_n if_o this_o liberty_n be_v once_o admit_v without_o regard_n to_o the_o plain_a scope_n and_o occasion_n of_o it_o to_o play_v upon_o the_o word_n and_o phrase_n with_o all_o the_o art_n of_o criticism_n and_o with_o all_o the_o variety_n of_o allegory_n which_o a_o brisk_a and_o lively_a imagination_n can_v devise_v which_o i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o admire_v in_o the_o expound_v of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o i_o be_o always_o jealous_a of_o a_o over-laboured_a and_o far-fetched_a interpretation_n of_o any_o author_n whatsoever_o i_o do_v ready_o grant_v that_o the_o socinian_n writer_n have_v manage_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n against_o the_o innovation_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n with_o great_a acuteness_n and_o advantage_n in_o many_o respect_n but_o i_o be_o sorry_a to_o have_v cause_n to_o say_v that_o they_o have_v likewise_o put_v into_o their_o hand_n better_a and_o sharp_a weapon_n than_o ever_o they_o have_v before_o for_o the_o weaken_n and_o undermine_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o h._n scripture_n which_o socinus_n indeed_o have_v in_o the_o general_a strong_o assert_v have_v he_o not_o by_o a_o dangerous_a liberty_n of_o impose_v a_o foreign_a and_o foree_v sense_n upon_o particular_a text_n bring_v the_o whole_a into_o uncertainty_n three_o which_o be_v as_o considerable_a a_o prejudice_n against_o this_o new_a interpretation_n of_o this_o passage_n of_o st._n john_n as_o either_o of_o the_o former_a i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o this_o point_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o the_o word_n before_o his_o incarnation_n do_v not_o rely_v only_o upon_o this_o single_a passage_n of_o st._n john_n but_o be_v likewise_o confirm_v by_o many_o other_o text_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n conspire_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o utter_o incapable_a of_o the_o interpretation_n which_o socinus_n give_v of_o it_o i_o find_v he_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o have_v it_o take_v for_o grant_v that_o this_o be_v the_o only_a text_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o this_o purpose_n and_o therefore_o he_o say_v very_o cunning_o that_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n before_o his_o incarnation_n be_v too_o great_a a_o doctrine_n to_o be_v establish_v upon_o one_o single_a text_n and_o this_o be_v be_v something_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o text_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o do_v plain_o deliver_v the_o same_o sense_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o bring_v in_o question_n the_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o this_o passage_n of_o st._n john_n that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n will_v i_o hope_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o very_a weighty_a and_o fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n and_o yet_o i_o be_o very_o much_o mistake_v if_o there_o be_v any_o more_o than_o one_o text_n in_o the_o whole_a bible_n that_o say_v so_o and_o that_o text_n be_v only_o in_o st._n john_n gospel_n i_o know_v it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o from_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a reason_n it_o may_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n but_o sure_o socinus_n of_o all_o man_n can_v say_v this_o with_o a_o good_a grace_n because_o he_o deny_v that_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n can_v be_v know_v by_o natural_a light_n without_o divine_a revelation_n and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v know_v by_o natural_a light_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n much_o less_o can_v it_o be_v know_v by_o natural_a light_n what_o god_n be_v whether_o a_o spirit_n or_o a_o body_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o it_o be_v very_o far_o from_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o text_n to_o this_o 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
world_n and_o if_o the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n do_v affirm_v these_o word_n of_o the_o psalmist_n to_o be_v speak_v of_o christ_n than_o they_o must_v acknowledge_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o true_a god_n who_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n but_o the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n do_v as_o evident_o affirm_v these_o word_n to_o be_v speak_v to_o or_o of_o christ_n as_o he_o do_v the_o word_n of_o any_o other_o text_n cite_v in_o this_o chapter_n and_o for_o this_o i_o appeal_v to_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o every_o man_n that_o read_v they_o these_o interpreter_n indeed_o be_v content_v that_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o this_o citation_n shall_v be_v speak_v of_o christ_n but_o not_o the_o former_a but_o why_o not_o the_o former_a as_o well_o as_o the_o latter_a when_o they_o have_v so_o express_o tell_v we_o that_o all_o the_o word_n of_o this_o psalm_n be_v manifest_o speak_v of_o god_n what_o be_v the_o mystery_n of_o this_o can_v they_o not_o as_o easy_o have_v interpret_v the_o former_a part_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o creation_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n concern_v the_o moral_a world_n and_o the_o new_a creation_n or_o reformation_n of_o mankind_n by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n as_o well_o as_o so_o many_o other_o plain_a text_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n no_o doubt_v they_o can_v as_o well_o have_v do_v it_o and_o have_v set_v as_o good_a a_o face_n upon_o it_o when_o they_o have_v do_v it_o but_o why_o then_o do_v they_o not_o do_v it_o it_o be_v for_o a_o reason_n which_o they_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o tell_v but_o yet_o be_v not_o hard_a to_o be_v guess_v at_o namely_o that_o if_o they_o have_v admit_v the_o former_a word_n to_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o christ_n they_o know_v not_o what_o to_o do_v with_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o this_o citation_n 12._o they_o shall_v perish_v but_o thou_o remain_v they_o shall_v wax_v old_a as_o agarment_n and_o as_o a_o vesture_n shall_v thou_o fold_v they_o up_o and_o they_o shall_v be_v change_v what_o shall_v perish_v and_o wax_v old_a and_o be_v change_v why_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o heaven_n which_o the_o son_n have_v make_v that_o be_v the_o moral_a world_n the_o reformation_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o new_a creation_n of_o thing_n by_o the_o gospel_n all_o these_o must_v have_v undergo_v the_o same_o fate_n with_o the_o natural_a world_n and_o must_v not_o only_o have_v be_v deface_v but_o utter_o destroy_v and_o bring_v to_o nothing_o this_o they_o will_v not_o say_v but_o they_o do_v see_v it_o though_o they_o will_v not_o seem_v to_o see_v it_o and_o we_o may_v plain_o see_v by_o this_o that_o they_o can_v interpret_v a_o text_n right_n when_o necessity_n force_v they_o to_o it_o and_o they_o can_v without_o great_a inconvenience_n to_o their_o cause_n avoid_v it_o but_o when_o man_n have_v once_o resolve_v to_o hold_v fast_o a_o opinion_n they_o have_v take_v up_o it_o than_o become_v not_o only_o convenient_a but_o necessary_a to_o understand_v nothing_o that_o make_v against_o it_o and_o this_o be_v true_o the_o present_a case_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n where_o be_v ingenuity_n and_o love_n of_o truth_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v with_o all_o the_o clearness_n and_o brevity_n i_o can_v search_v to_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o this_o new_a interpretation_n of_o this_o passage_n of_o the_o evangelist_n upon_o which_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v so_o firm_o establish_v and_o likewise_o of_o the_o gross_a misinterpretation_n of_o several_a other_o text_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n in_o this_o evangelist_n and_o in_o other_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n all_o which_o interpretation_n i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o show_v to_o be_v not_o only_o contrary_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o antiquity_n of_o which_o as_o socinus_n have_v but_o little_a knowledge_n so_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v make_v but_o little_a account_n but_o to_o be_v also_o evident_o contrary_a to_o the_o perpetual_a tenor_n and_o style_n of_o the_o h._n scripture_n before_o i_o go_v off_o from_o this_o argument_n i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o one_o thing_n wherein_o our_o adversary_n in_o this_o cause_n do_v perpetual_o glory_v as_o a_o mighty_a advantage_n which_o they_o think_v they_o have_v over_o we_o in_o this_o point_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o in_o that_o other_o point_n of_o the_o b._n trinity_n namely_o that_o they_o have_v reason_n clear_o on_o their_o side_n in_o this_o controversy_n and_o that_o the_o difficulty_n and_o absurdity_n be_v much_o great_a and_o plain_a on_o our_o part_n than_o on_o they_o here_o they_o be_v please_v to_o triumph_v without_o modesty_n and_o without_o measure_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o i_o be_o not_o afraid_a here_o likewise_o to_o join_v issue_n with_o they_o and_o be_o content_v to_o have_v this_o matter_n bring_v to_o a_o fair_a trial_n at_o the_o bar_n of_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o of_o scripture_n expound_v by_o the_o general_a tradition_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n i_o say_v by_o general_a tradition_n which_o next_o to_o scripture_n be_v the_o best_a and_o sure_a confirmation_n of_o this_o great_a point_n now_o in_o question_n between_o we_o and_o that_o which_o give_v we_o the_o great_a and_o true_a light_n for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n not_o only_o in_o this_o but_o in_o most_o other_o important_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o be_o not_o without_o some_o good_a hope_n i_o will_v not_o say_v confidence_n for_o i_o never_o think_v that_o to_o be_v so_o great_a a_o advantage_n to_o any_o cause_n as_o some_o man_n will_v be_v glad_a to_o make_v other_o believe_v it_o be_v hope_v to_o help_v and_o support_v a_o weak_a argument_n by_o a_o strong_a and_o mighty_a confidence_n but_o sure_o modesty_n never_o hurt_v any_o cause_n and_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v much_o like_o the_o wrath_n of_o man_n which_o st._n 20._o james_n tell_v we_o work_v not_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n that_o be_v it_o never_o do_v any_o good_a it_o never_o serve_v any_o wise_a and_o real_a purpose_n of_o religion_n i_o say_v i_o be_o not_o without_o some_o good_a hope_n that_o i_o have_v in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n clear_o show_v that_o the_o tenor_n of_o scripture_n and_o general_a tradition_n be_v on_o our_o side_n in_o this_o argument_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o give_v myself_o the_o trouble_n to_o examine_v this_o matter_n over_o again_o now_o as_o to_o the_o point_n of_o reason_n the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o absurdity_n which_o they_o object_n to_o our_o doctrine_n concern_v this_o mystery_n amount_v to_o thus_o much_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o above_o reason_n but_o plain_o contrary_a to_o it_o as_o to_o its_o be_v above_o reason_n which_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o admit_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v this_o i_o think_v will_v bear_v no_o great_a dispute_n because_o if_o they_o will_v be_v please_v to_o speak_v out_o they_o can_v mean_v no_o more_o by_o this_o but_o that_o our_o reason_n be_v not_o able_a full_o to_o comprehend_v it_o but_o what_o then_o be_v there_o no_o mystery_n in_o religion_n that_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o will_v not_o say_v because_o god_n who_o infinite_a nature_n and_o perfection_n be_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v certain_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o all_o other_o and_o the_o most_o incomprehensible_a but_o we_o must_v not_o nay_o they_o will_v not_o for_o this_o reason_n deny_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o be_v as_o god_n and_o therefore_o if_o there_o be_v mystery_n in_o religion_n it_o be_v no_o reasonable_a objection_n against_o they_o that_o we_o can_v full_o comprehend_v they_o because_o all_o mystery_n in_o what_o kind_n soever_o whether_o in_o religion_n or_o in_o nature_n so_o long_o and_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v mystery_n be_v for_o that_o very_a reason_n incomprehensible_a but_o they_o urge_v the_o matter_n much_o further_o that_o this_o particular_a mystery_n now_o under_o debate_n be_v plain_o contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o if_o they_o can_v make_v this_o good_a i_o will_v confess_v that_o they_o have_v gain_v a_o great_a point_n upon_o we_o but_o then_o they_o be_v to_o be_v put_v in_o mind_n that_o to_o make_v this_o good_a against_o we_o they_o must_v clear_o show_v some_o plain_a contradiction_n in_o this_o doctrine_n which_o i_o can_v never_o yet_o see_v do_v by_o any_o great_a difficulty_n i_o acknowledge_v there_o be_v in_o the_o explication_n of_o it_o in_o which_o the_o further_o we_o go_v beyond_o what_o god_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o reveal_v to_o we_o in_o scripture_n concern_v it_o the_o more_o we_o