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 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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
duration_n past_a present_a and_o to_o come_v beside_o that_o the_o attribute_n of_o almighty_a be_v also_o a_o part_n of_o this_o description_n which_o be_v so_o peculiar_a a_o property_n of_o god_n i_o mean_v of_o he_o who_o be_v god_n by_o nature_n that_o the_o scripture_n never_o give_v it_o to_o any_o other_o ii_o i_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n produce_v those_o text_n which_o do_v express_o affirm_v that_o the_o world_n and_o all_o creature_n whatsoever_o be_v make_v by_o he_o and_o this_o will_v not_o only_o infer_v his_o existence_n before_o his_o incarnation_n but_o from_o all_o eternity_n and_o for_o this_o beside_o this_o passage_n of_o st._n john_n we_o have_v the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n most_o express_v who_o say_v that_o by_o he_o god_n make_v the_o world_n 2._o and_o st._n paul_n likewise_o say_v the_o same_o more_o full_o and_o particular_o 16._o call_v jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o first_o bear_v of_o every_o creature_n that_o be_v as_o i_o have_v show_v in_o my_o former_a discourse_n the_o heir_n and_o lord_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n for_o by_o he_o say_v he_o be_v all_o thing_n create_v that_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o that_o be_v in_o earth_n visible_a and_o invisible_a whether_o they_o be_v throne_n or_o dominion_n principality_n or_o power_n for_o so_o he_o call_v the_o several_a order_n of_o angel_n all_o thing_n be_v create_v by_o he_o and_o for_o he_o and_o he_o be_v before_o all_o thing_n or_o as_o he_o be_v describe_v in_o st._n john_n vision_n he_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o principle_n and_o efficient_a cause_n of_o the_o creation_n or_o else_o he_o be_v when_o all_o thing_n begin_v to_o be_v make_v and_o therefore_o must_v be_v before_o any_o thing_n be_v create_v and_o for_o that_o reason_n can_v not_o be_v a_o creature_n himself_o and_o consequent_o must_v of_o necessity_n have_v be_v from_o all_o eternity_n now_o these_o text_n must_v necessary_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o old_a creation_n and_o of_o the_o natural_a world_n and_o not_o of_o the_o moral_a world_n and_o the_o renovation_n and_o reformation_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n by_o the_o gospel_n for_o that_o be_v only_o the_o world_n here_o below_o which_o be_v reform_v by_o he_o and_o not_o thing_n in_o heaven_n not_o the_o invisible_a world_n not_o the_o several_a order_n of_o good_a angel_n which_o keep_v their_o first_o station_n and_o have_v no_o need_n to_o be_v reform_v and_o make_v anew_o nor_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o evil_a angel_n for_o though_o since_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o have_v be_v under_o great_a restraint_n and_o keep_v more_o within_o bound_n yet_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o they_o be_v at_o all_o reform_a but_o be_v devil_n still_o and_o have_v the_o same_o malice_n and_o mind_n to_o do_v all_o the_o mischief_n to_o mankind_n that_o god_n will_v suffer_v they_o to_o do_v so_o that_o these_o text_n seem_v at_o first_o view_n to_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o press_v of_o themselves_o but_o they_o appear_v to_o be_v much_o more_o convince_a when_o we_o consider_v the_o groundless_a interpretation_n whereby_o they_o endeavour_v to_o evade_v the_o dint_n and_o force_n of_o they_o for_o can_v any_o man_n that_o serious_o attend_v to_o the_o perpetual_a style_n and_o phrase_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o to_o the_o plain_a scope_n and_o drift_n of_o the_o apostle_n reason_v in_o these_o text_n be_v induce_v to_o believe_v that_o when_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v create_v by_o he_o that_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o that_o be_v in_o earth_n visible_a and_o invisible_a whether_o they_o be_v throne_n or_o dominion_n or_o principality_n or_o power_n i_o say_v can_v any_o man_n of_o good_a sense_n persuade_v himself_o that_o by_o all_o this_o the_o apostle_n mean_v no_o more_o than_o the_o moral_a renovation_n of_o the_o world_n here_o below_o and_o the_o reformation_n of_o mankind_n by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n which_o be_v preach_v unto_o they_o but_o there_o be_v yet_o one_o text_n more_o to_o this_o purpose_n which_o i_o have_v reserve_v to_o the_o last_o place_n because_o i_o find_v schlictingius_n and_o crellius_n in_o their_o joint_a comment_n upon_o it_o to_o be_v put_v to_o their_o last_o shift_n to_o avoid_v the_o force_n of_o it_o it_o be_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o where_o the_o apostle_n thus_o describe_v the_o son_n of_o god_n 2._o god_n say_v he_o have_v in_o these_o last_o day_n speak_v to_o we_o by_o his_o son_n who_o he_o have_v constitute_v heir_n of_o all_o thing_n by_o who_o also_o he_o make_v the_o world_n from_o whence_o he_o argue_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o gospel_n above_o the_o law_n for_o the_o law_n be_v give_v by_o angel_n but_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o pre-eminence_n above_o the_o angel_n he_o show_v at_o large_a in_o the_o two_o first_o chapter_n of_o this_o epistle_n and_o to_o this_o end_n he_o prove_v the_o two_o part_n of_o the_o description_n which_o have_v be_v give_v of_o he_o namely_o that_o god_n have_v constitute_v he_o heir_n of_o all_o thing_n 2._o and_o that_o by_o he_o he_o make_v the_o world_n first_o that_o god_n have_v constitute_v he_o heir_n of_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v nowhere_o say_v of_o the_o angel_n but_o of_o he_o it_o be_v say_v that_o be_v make_v so_o much_o better_a than_o the_o angel_n as_o he_o have_v by_o inheritance_n obtain_v a_o more_o excellent_a name_n than_o they_o 7._o the_o angel_n be_v only_o call_v god_n minister_n for_o which_o the_o apostle_n cite_v the_o word_n of_o the_o psalmist_n 4._o but_o to_o christ_n he_o give_v the_o title_n of_o his_o son_n and_o his_o first_o beget_v by_o virtue_n whereof_o he_o be_v heir_n of_o all_o thing_n 6._o for_o to_o which_o of_o the_o angel_n say_v he_o at_o any_o time_n thou_o be_v my_o son_n this_o day_n have_v i_o beget_v thou_o and_o this_o i_o will_v agree_v with_o they_o to_o be_v speak_v of_o christ_n with_o respect_n to_o his_o resurrection_n by_o which_o as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o 4._o he_o be_v powerful_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o first_o prerogative_n of_o christ_n above_o the_o angel_n but_o there_o be_v a_o far_o great_a yet_o behind_o for_o he_o prove_v second_o that_o he_o have_v not_o only_o the_o title_n of_o god_n give_v he_o but_o that_o he_o be_v true_o and_o real_o god_n because_o he_o make_v the_o world_n 8._o that_o the_o title_n of_o god_n be_v give_v he_o he_o prove_v by_o a_o citation_n out_o of_o the_o psalmist_n 7._o but_o unto_o the_o son_n he_o say_v thy_o throne_n o_o god_n be_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o etc._n etc._n and_o that_o he_o be_v true_o and_o real_o god_n because_o he_o make_v the_o world_n he_o prove_v by_o a_o citation_n out_o of_o another_o psalm_n where_o it_o be_v say_v of_o he_o 12._o thou_o lord_n in_o the_o begin_n have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o heaven_n be_v the_o work_n of_o they_o hand_n they_o shall_v perish_v etc._n etc._n let_v we_o now_o see_v how_o schlictingius_n and_o crellius_n interpret_v this_o text_n cite_v out_o of_o the_o psalmist_n by_o the_o apostle_n as_o speak_v of_o christ_n they_o say_v est_fw-la that_o the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n can_v not_o have_v refer_v to_o christ_n the_o former_a word_n of_o this_o citation_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o creation_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n unless_o he_o have_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o most_o high_a god_n especial_o if_o they_o be_v understand_v as_o they_o must_v necessary_o be_v by_o those_o who_o take_v this_o for_o grant_v to_o be_v speak_v in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o direct_o to_o or_o concern_v christ_n for_o since_o all_o the_o word_n of_o the_o psalm_n be_v manifest_o speak_v of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n but_o that_o christ_n be_v that_o god_n be_v not_o signify_v no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o by_o one_o word_n in_o that_o psalm_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o if_o you_o will_v have_v these_o word_n to_o be_v direct_v to_o christ_n you_o must_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o christ_n be_v that_o most_o high_a god_n of_o who_o the_o psalmist_n there_o speak_v now_o we_o will_v join_v issue_n with_o these_o interpreter_n upon_o this_o concession_n viz._n that_o the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n can_v not_o have_v refer_v these_o word_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o creation_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o christ_n without_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o christ_n be_v true_o that_o god_n who_o make_v the_o
require_v of_o we_o exemplify_v in_o our_o nature_n and_o real_o perform_v and_o practise_v by_o a_o man_n like_o ourselves_o and_o that_o likewise_o in_o our_o nature_n he_o may_v conquer_v and_o triumph_v over_o the_o two_o great_a enemy_n of_o our_o salvation_n the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o by_o first_o suffer_v death_n and_o then_o overcome_v it_o and_o by_o rescue_v our_o nature_n from_o the_o power_n of_o it_o by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a he_o may_v deliver_v we_o from_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o give_v we_o the_o glorious_a hope_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n for_o by_o assume_v our_o frail_a and_o mortal_a nature_n he_o become_v capable_a of_o suffer_v and_o of_o shed_v his_o precious_a blood_n for_o we_o and_o by_o that_o mean_n of_o purchase_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a redemption_n for_o we_o and_o further_a yet_o that_o by_o be_v subject_n to_o the_o misery_n and_o infirmity_n of_o humanity_n he_o may_v from_o his_o own_o experience_n the_o sure_a and_o most_o sensible_a sort_n of_o knowledge_n and_o instruction_n learn_v to_o have_v a_o more_o compassionate_a sense_n of_o our_o infirmity_n and_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o commiserate_v we_o in_o all_o our_o suffering_n and_o temptation_n and_o more_o ready_a to_o succour_v we_o labour_v under_o they_o and_o final_o that_o as_o a_o reward_n of_o his_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n in_o our_o nature_n he_o may_v in_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v exalt_v to_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o majesty_n on_o high_a there_o to_o continue_v for_o ever_o to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o ii_o i_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n consider_v the_o objection_n against_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n from_o the_o suppose_a impossibility_n and_o incongruity_n of_o the_o thing_n i_o shall_v mention_v three_o and_o endeavour_v in_o as_o few_o word_n as_o i_o can_v to_o give_v a_o clear_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o they_o first_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o i_o have_v explain_v it_o neccessary_o suppose_v a_o union_n of_o the_o divinity_n with_o human_a nature_n be_v if_o not_o altogether_o impossible_a yet_o a_o very_a unintelligible_a thing_n now_o that_o there_o be_v no_o impossibility_n in_o the_o thing_n seem_v to_o be_v very_o evident_a from_o the_o instance_n whereby_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o illustrate_v it_o of_o the_o union_n between_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o body_n of_o man_n which_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o thing_n possible_a because_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o it_o be_v and_o yet_o no_o man_n can_v explain_v either_o to_o himself_o or_o to_o any_o one_o else_o the_o manner_n how_o it_o be_v or_o can_v be_v conceive_v to_o be_v but_o for_o all_o that_o we_o be_v certain_a as_o we_o can_v be_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o it_o be_v so_o and_o be_v it_o not_o every_o whit_n as_o possible_a for_o god_n if_o he_o so_o please_v to_o unite_v himself_o to_o human_a nature_n as_o it_o be_v for_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o body_n and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conceive_v the_o manner_n how_o this_o be_v or_o can_v be_v do_v ought_v not_o in_o reason_n to_o be_v any_o prejudice_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o thing_n this_o indeed_o may_v make_v it_o seem_v strange_a to_o we_o but_o by_o no_o mean_n incredible_a because_o we_o do_v most_o firm_o believe_v a_o great_a many_o thing_n to_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o who_o be_v we_o do_v not_o at_o all_o comprehend_v and_o therefore_o i_o take_v it_o for_o a_o undoubted_a principle_n which_o no_o man_n can_v gainsay_v that_o to_o assure_v we_o that_o a_o thing_n real_o be_v it_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v the_o manner_n how_o it_o be_v or_o can_v be_v it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o to_o know_v that_o the_o thing_n be_v not_o impossible_a and_o of_o that_o we_o have_v the_o very_o best_a demonstration_n that_o can_v be_v if_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o it_o be_v second_o suppose_v this_o thing_n to_o be_v possible_a and_o capable_a in_o any_o measure_n to_o be_v understand_v which_o yet_o i_o have_v show_v not_o to_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o firm_a belief_n of_o it_o it_o be_v further_o object_v that_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o thing_n very_o incongruous_a and_o much_o beneath_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o be_v unite_v to_o human_a nature_n and_o to_o submit_v to_o so_o near_o a_o alliance_n with_o that_o which_o be_v so_o very_o mean_a and_o despicable_a yea_o to_o be_v infinite_o more_o below_o he_o than_o for_o the_o great_a prince_n in_o this_o world_n to_o match_v with_o the_o poor_a and_o most_o contemptible_a beggar_n but_o herein_o sure_o we_o measure_v god_n too_o much_o by_o ourselves_o and_o because_o we_o who_o be_v evil_a have_v seldom_o so_o much_o goodness_n as_o to_o stoop_v beneath_o ourselves_o for_o the_o benefit_n and_o good_a of_o other_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o god_n have_v not_o so_o much_o goodness_n neither_o and_o because_o our_o ill_a nature_n and_o pride_n and_o folly_n as_o indeed_o all_o pride_n be_v folly_n will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o do_v it_o we_o present_o conclude_v that_o it_o do_v not_o become_v god_n but_o what_o pliny_n say_v to_o the_o emperor_n trajan_n concern_v earthly_a king_n and_o potentate_n be_v much_o more_o true_a of_o the_o lord_n of_o glory_n the_o great_a king_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n cui_fw-la nihil_fw-la ad_fw-la augendum_fw-la fastigium_fw-la supereft_v hoc_fw-la uno_fw-la modo_fw-la crescere_fw-la potest_fw-la si_fw-la se_fw-la ipse_fw-la submittat_fw-la securus_fw-la magnitudinis_fw-la suae_fw-la he_o that_o be_v at_o the_o top_n and_o can_v rise_v no_o high_o have_v yet_o this_o one_o way_n leave_v to_o become_v great_a by_o stoop_v beneath_o himself_o which_o he_o may_v very_o safe_o do_v be_v secure_a of_o his_o own_o greatness_n the_o low_a any_o be_v be_v he_o never_o so_o high_a condescend_v to_o do_v good_a the_o glory_n of_o his_o goodness_n shine_v so_o much_o the_o bright_a man_n be_v many_o time_n too_o proud_a and_o stiff_o to_o bend_v too_o perverse_a and_o ill_a nature_a to_o stoop_v beneath_o their_o own_o little_a greatness_n for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o but_o god_n who_o way_n be_v not_o as_o our_o way_n and_o who_o thought_n be_v as_o much_o above_o our_o low_a and_o narrow_a thought_n as_o the_o heaven_n be_v high_a above_o the_o earth_n do_v not_o disdain_v nor_o think_v it_o below_o he_o to_o become_v man_n for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n and_o as_o much_o as_o the_o divinity_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v so_o to_o become_v miserable_a to_o make_v we_o happy_a we_o may_v be_v afraid_a that_o if_o we_o humble_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v be_v despise_v that_o if_o we_o stoop_v other_o will_v get_v above_o we_o and_o trample_v upon_o we_o but_o god_n though_o he_o condescend_v never_o so_o low_a be_v still_o secure_a of_o his_o own_o greatness_n and_o that_o none_o can_v take_v it_o from_o he_o so_o that_o in_o truth_n and_o according_a to_o right_a reason_n it_o be_v no_o real_a diminution_n or_o disparagement_n to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o become_v man_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v a_o most_o glorious_a humility_n and_o the_o great_a instance_n of_o the_o true_a goodness_n that_o ever_o be_v and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n when_o he_o say_v that_o christ_n glorify_v not_o himself_o to_o be_v make_v a_o highpriest_n 5._o but_o be_v appoint_v of_o god_n to_o this_o office_n as_o be_v aaronâ—_n do_v hereby_o seem_v to_o intimate_v that_o it_o be_v a_o glory_n to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o be_v make_v a_o highpriest_n for_o the_o son_n of_o man_n for_o though_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a condescension_n yet_o be_v it_o likewise_o a_o most_o wonderful_a argument_n of_o his_o goodness_n which_o be_v the_o high_a glory_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o short_a if_o god_n for_o our_o sake_n do_v submit_v himself_o to_o a_o condition_n which_o we_o may_v think_v do_v less_o become_v he_o here_o be_v great_a cause_n of_o thankfulness_n but_o none_o sure_o of_o cavil_n and_o exception_n we_o have_v infinite_a reason_n to_o acknowledge_v and_o admire_v his_o goodness_n but_o none_o at_o all_o to_o upbraid_v he_o with_o his_o kindness_n and_o to_o quarrel_v with_o he_o for_o have_v descend_v so_o much_o beneath_o himself_o to_o testify_v his_o love_n to_o we_o and_o his_o tender_a concernment_n for_o our_o happiness_n beside_o that_o when_o we_o have_v say_v all_o we_o can_v about_o this_o matter_n i_o hope_v we_o will_v allow_v god_n himself_o to_o be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o competent_a judge_n what_o
this_o whole_a passage_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o st._n john_n gospel_n quite_o to_o another_o sense_n never_o mention_v nor_o i_o believe_v think_v of_o by_o any_o christian_a writer_n whatsoever_o before_o socinus_n and_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o imagine_v how_o any_o opinion_n can_v be_v load_v with_o a_o great_a and_o heavy_a prejudice_n than_o this_o be_v and_o this_o i_o shall_v now_o take_v into_o consideration_n and_o show_v beside_o the_o novelty_n of_o this_o interpretation_n and_o the_o great_a violence_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o it_o the_o utter_a inconsistency_n of_o it_o with_o other_o plain_a text_n of_o new_a testament_n but_o this_o be_v whole_o matter_n of_o controversy_n and_o will_v require_v a_o large_a discourse_n by_o itself_o i_o shall_v therefore_o wave_v the_o further_a prosecution_n of_o it_o at_o present_a and_o apply_v myself_o to_o that_o which_o be_v more_o practical_a and_o proper_a for_o the_o occasion_n of_o this_o season_n so_o that_o at_o present_a i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o text_n viz._n the_o person_n here_o speak_v of_o who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v incarnate_a namely_o the_o word_n it_o be_v he_o that_o be_v make_v flesh_n i_o shall_v then_o have_v proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n which_o i_o propose_v to_o consider_v viz._n the_o mystery_n itself_o or_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o incarnation_n so_o far_o as_o the_o scripture_n have_v reveal_v and_o declare_v it_o to_o we_o namely_o by_o assume_v our_o nature_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o that_o the_o divinity_n become_v unite_v to_o a_o human_a soul_n and_o body_n but_o this_o i_o have_v already_o endeavour_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o explain_v and_o shall_v do_v it_o more_o full_o in_o some_o of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n upon_o this_o text._n i_o shall_v now_o only_o make_v a_o short_a and_o useful_a reflection_n upon_o it_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o solemnity_n of_o this_o time_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v to_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o a_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o great_a love_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n by_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o word_n the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v deign_v to_o have_v such_o a_o regard_n to_o we_o in_o our_o low_a condition_n and_o to_o take_v our_o case_n so_o much_o to_o heart_n as_o to_o think_v of_o redeem_v and_o save_v mankind_n from_o that_o depth_n of_o misery_n into_o which_o we_o have_v plunge_v ourselves_o and_o to_o do_v this_o in_o so_o wonderful_a and_o astonish_a a_o manner_n that_o god_n shall_v employ_v his_o eternal_a and_o only_o beget_v son_n who_o have_v be_v with_o he_o from_o all_o eternity_n partaker_n of_o his_o happiness_n and_o glory_n and_o be_v god_n of_o god_n to_o save_v the_o son_n of_o man_n by_o so_o infinite_a and_o amaze_a a_o condescension_n that_o god_n shall_v vouchsafe_v to_o become_v man_n to_o reconcile_v man_n to_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o earth_n to_o raise_v we_o from_o earth_n to_o heaven_n that_o he_o shall_v assume_v our_o vile_a and_o frail_a and_o mortal_a nature_n that_o he_o may_v clothe_v we_o with_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n that_o he_o shall_v suffer_v death_n to_o save_v we_o from_o hell_n and_o shed_v his_o blood_n to_o purchase_v eternal_a redemption_n for_o we_o for_o certain_o the_o great_a the_o person_n be_v that_o be_v employ_v in_o this_o merciful_a design_n so_o much_o the_o great_a be_v the_o condescension_n and_o the_o love_n and_o goodness_n express_v in_o it_o so_o much_o the_o more_o admirable_a that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v stoop_v from_o the_o height_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n to_o the_o low_a degree_n of_o abasement_n and_o to_o the_o very_a depth_n of_o misery_n for_o our_o sake_n who_o be_v so_o mean_a and_o inconsiderable_a so_o guilty_a and_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o severity_n of_o his_o justice_n so_o altogether_o unworthy_a of_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n and_o so_o very_o unwilling_a to_o receive_v it_o when_o it_o be_v so_o free_o offer_v to_o we_o for_o as_o the_o evangelist_n here_o tell_v we_o he_o come_v to_o his_o own_o and_o his_o own_o receive_v he_o not_o to_o his_o own_o creature_n and_o they_o do_v not_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v their_o maker_n to_o his_o own_o nation_n and_o kindred_n and_o they_o despise_v he_o and_o esteem_v he_o not_o lord_n what_o be_v man_n that_o god_n shall_v be_v so_o mindful_a of_o he_o or_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o visit_v he_o in_o so_o much_o humility_n and_o condescension_n and_o with_o so_o much_o kindness_n and_o compassion_n bless_a god_n and_o saviour_n of_o mankind_n what_o shall_v we_o render_v to_o thou_o for_o such_o mighty_a love_n for_o such_o inestimable_a benefit_n as_o thou_o have_v purchase_v for_o we_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o confer_v upon_o we_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o thou_o o_o thou_o preserver_n and_o lover_n of_o soul_n so_o often_o as_o we_o approach_v thy_o h._n table_n there_o to_o commemorate_v this_o mighty_a love_n of_o thou_o to_o we_o and_o to_o partake_v of_o those_o invaluable_a blessing_n which_o by_o thy_o precious_a bloodshedding_n thou_o have_v obtain_v for_o we_o so_o often_o as_o we_o there_o remember_v that_o thou_o be_v please_v to_o assume_v our_o mortal_a nature_n on_o purpose_n to_o live_v among_o we_o for_o our_o instruction_n and_o for_o our_o example_n and_o to_o lay_v down_o thy_o life_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o for_o the_o expiation_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o take_v part_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n that_o thou_o may_v shed_v it_o for_o our_o sake_n what_o affection_n shall_v these_o thought_n raise_v in_o we_o what_o vow_n and_o resolution_n shall_v they_o engage_v we_o in_o of_o perpetual_a love_n and_o gratitude_n and_o obedience_n to_o thou_o the_o most_o gracious_a and_o most_o glorious_a redeemer_n of_o mankind_n and_o with_o what_o religious_a solemnity_n shall_v we_o more_o especial_o at_o this_o time_n celebrate_v the_o incarnation_n and_o birth_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o give_v praise_n and_o glory_n to_o god_n in_o the_o high_a and_o by_o all_o possible_a demonstration_n of_o charity_n and_o goodwill_n to_o man_n and_o as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o assume_v our_o nature_n so_o shall_v we_o especial_o at_o this_o season_n put_v on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v sincere_o embrace_v and_o practise_v his_o religion_n make_v no_o provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o and_o now_o that_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n be_v rise_v upon_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v walk_v as_o child_n of_o the_o light_n and_o demean_v ourselves_o decent_o as_o in_o the_o day_n not_o in_o riot_v and_o drunkenness_n not_o in_o chamber_v and_o wantonness_n not_o in_o strife_n and_o envy_n and_o shall_v be_v very_o careful_a not_o to_o abuse_v ourselves_o by_o sin_n and_o sensuality_n upon_o this_o very_a consideration_n that_o the_o son_n have_v put_v such_o a_o honour_n and_o dignity_n upon_o we_o we_o shall_v reverence_v that_o nature_n which_o god_n do_v not_o disdain_v to_o assume_v and_o to_o inhabit_v here_o on_o earth_n and_o in_o which_o he_o now_o glorious_o reign_v in_o heaven_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o his_o father_n to_o who_o be_v glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n sermon_n ii_o concern_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n preach_v in_o the_o church_n of_o st._n laurence_n jewry_n january_n 6._o 1679._o john_n i_o 14._o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o prosecute_v the_o three_o corollary_n or_o conclusion_n which_o do_v necessary_o follow_v from_o the_o description_n which_o st._n john_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o gospel_n give_v of_o the_o word_n and_o which_o i_o have_v so_o large_o explain_v in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o the_o word_n here_o describe_v by_o the_o evangelist_n have_v a_o existence_n before_o his_o incarnation_n and_o his_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o b._n virgin_n this_o assertion_n i_o tell_v you_o be_v level_v direct_o against_o the_o socinian_o who_o affirm_v our_o b._n saviour_n to_o be_v a_o mere_a man_n and_o deny_v that_o he_o have_v any_o existence_n before_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n his_o mother_n which_o position_n of_o they_o do_v perfect_o contradict_v all_o the_o former_a conclusion_n which_o have_v be_v so_o evident_o draw_v from_o the_o description_n here_o give_v of_o the_o word_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o have_v force_v they_o to_o interpret_v this_o whole_a passage_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o st._n john_n gospel_n in_o a_o very_a different_a sense_n from_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 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a_o step_n be_v here_o make_v in_o order_n to_o the_o reconcile_n of_o man_n to_o god_n from_o heaven_n to_o earth_n from_o the_o top_n of_o glory_n and_o majesty_n to_o the_o low_a gulf_n of_o meanness_n and_o misery_n the_o evangelist_n seem_v here_o to_o use_v the_o word_n flesh_n which_o signify_v the_o mean_a and_o vile_a part_n of_o humanity_n to_o express_v to_o we_o how_o low_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v content_v to_o stoop_v for_o the_o redemption_n of_o man._n the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n two_o term_n at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o one_o another_o be_v here_o bring_v together_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v here_o express_v to_o we_o by_o one_o of_o his_o high_a and_o most_o glorious_a title_n the_o word_n which_o import_v both_o power_n and_o wisdom_n christ_n the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v he_o and_o human_a nature_n be_v here_o describe_v by_o its_o vile_a part_n flesh_n which_o import_v frailty_n and_o infirmity_n the_o word_n become_v flesh_n that_o be_v submit_v to_o that_o from_o which_o it_o be_v at_o the_o great_a distance_n he_o who_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n 24._o submit_v not_o only_o to_o be_v call_v but_o real_o to_o become_v a_o frail_a and_o miserable_a man_n not_o only_o to_o assume_v our_o nature_n but_o to_o put_v on_o all_o the_o infirmity_n and_o which_o be_v the_o great_a of_o all_o the_o mortality_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n that_o be_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o god_n shall_v be_v manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o become_v man_n with_o a_o most_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a design_n to_o bring_v man_n back_o again_o to_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v become_v a_o miserable_a and_o a_o mortal_a man_n to_o save_v we_o from_o eternal_a death_n and_o to_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o everlasting_a life_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v condescend_v to_o inhabit_v our_o 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to_o become_v man_n that_o by_o converse_v with_o we_o in_o the_o likeness_n and_o nature_n of_o man_n he_o may_v become_v a_o human_a and_o in_o some_o sort_n a_o equal_a and_o familiar_a a_o imitable_a and_o encourage_v example_n of_o innocency_n and_o goodness_n of_o meekness_n and_o humility_n of_o patience_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n under_o the_o forest_n affliction_n and_o suffering_n and_o in_o a_o word_n a_o most_o perfect_a pattern_n of_o a_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a conversation_n upon_o earth_n and_o that_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o may_v for_o our_o great_a encouragement_n in_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n see_v all_o that_o which_o the_o law_n of_o god_n
man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n by_o who_o we_o be_v to_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o that_o we_o need_v not_o look_v out_o for_o any_o other_o since_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n tell_v we_o 25._o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o save_v to_o the_o uttermost_a all_o those_o that_o come_v to_o god_n by_o he_o see_v he_o live_v for_o ever_o to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v altogether_o inexcusable_a in_o this_o point_n for_o introduce_v more_o mediator_n and_o intercessor_n more_o patron_n and_o advocate_n in_o heaven_n for_o we_o and_o this_o not_o only_o without_o any_o necessity_n for_o who_o can_v add_v any_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n to_o the_o powerful_a and_o prevalent_a intercession_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o likewise_o in_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o the_o express_a constitution_n and_o appointment_n of_o god_n himself_o who_o say_v there_o be_v but_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o they_o say_v there_o ought_v to_o be_v many_o more_o not_o only_o the_o b._n virgin_n but_o all_o the_o saint_n and_o angel_n in_o heaven_n beside_o that_o by_o this_o very_a thing_n they_o revive_v one_o notorious_a piece_n of_o the_o old_a pagan_a idolatry_n which_o god_n so_o plain_o design_v to_o extinguish_v by_o appoint_v one_o only_a mediator_n between_o god_n and_o men._n by_o this_o condescension_n likewise_o god_n have_v give_v we_o the_o comfortable_a assurance_n of_o a_o most_o powerful_a and_o a_o perpetual_a intercessor_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n in_o our_o behalf_n for_o if_o we_o consider_v christ_n as_o man_n and_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o we_o bone_n of_o our_o bone_n and_o flesh_n of_o our_o flesh_n so_o very_o near_o ally_v and_o relate_v to_o we_o we_o may_v easy_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v a_o most_o tender_a care_n and_o concernment_n for_o we_o that_o he_o sincere_o wish_v our_o happiness_n and_o will_v by_o all_o mean_n seek_v to_o procure_v it_o if_o we_o ourselves_o by_o our_o own_o wilful_a obstinacy_n do_v not_o hinder_v it_o and_o resist_v the_o kindness_n and_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o ourselves_o for_o if_o we_o be_v resolve_v to_o continue_v impenitent_a there_o be_v no_o help_n for_o we_o we_o must_v die_v in_o our_o sin_n and_o salvation_n itself_o can_v save_v we_o but_o to_o proceed_v it_o can_v sure_o but_o be_v matter_n of_o great_a consolation_n to_o we_o that_o the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n who_o be_v now_o so_o high_o exalt_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o who_o have_v all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n commit_v to_o he_o be_v our_o patron_n and_o advocate_n in_o heaven_n to_o plead_v our_o cause_n with_o god_n since_o we_o can_v but_o think_v that_o he_o who_o be_v please_v to_o become_v brother_n to_o we_o all_o do_v bear_v a_o true_a affection_n and_o good_a will_n to_o we_o and_o that_o he_o who_o assume_v our_o nature_n will_v hearty_o espouse_v our_o cause_n and_o plead_v it_o powerful_o for_o we_o and_o will_v with_o all_o possible_a advantage_n recommend_v our_o petition_n and_o request_n to_o god_n but_o then_o if_o we_o consider_v further_o that_o he_o do_v not_o only_o take_v our_o nature_n but_o likewise_o take_v our_o infirmity_n and_o bear_v they_o many_o year_n in_o which_o he_o have_v long_o and_o continual_a experience_n of_o the_o sad_a suffering_n to_o which_o human_a nature_n be_v subject_a in_o this_o world_n and_o be_v tempt_v in_o all_o thing_n like_v as_o we_o be_v this_o give_v we_o still_o great_a assurance_n that_o he_o who_o suffer_v and_o be_v tempt_v himself_o can_v but_o be_v touch_v with_o a_o lively_a sense_n of_o our_o infirmity_n and_o must_v have_v learn_v by_o his_o own_o suffering_n to_o compassionate_v we_o and_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o succour_v we_o when_o we_o be_v tempt_v and_o to_o afford_v we_o grace_n and_o help_v suitable_a to_o all_o our_o want_n and_o infirmity_n for_o nothing_o give_v we_o so_o just_a a_o sense_n of_o the_o suffering_n of_o other_o as_o the_o remembrance_n of_o our_o own_o and_o the_o bitter_a experience_n of_o the_o like_a suffering_n and_o temptation_n in_o ourselves_o and_o this_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n do_v very_o particular_o insist_v upon_o as_o matter_n of_o great_a comfort_n and_o encouragement_n to_o we_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v not_o only_o assume_v our_o nature_n but_o be_v make_v in_o all_o thing_n like_v unto_o we_o and_o during_o his_o abode_n here_o upon_o earth_n do_v suffer_v and_o be_v tempt_v like_a as_o we_o be_v for_o very_o say_v the_o apostle_n 18._o he_o take_v not_o on_o he_o the_o nature_n of_o angel_n but_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n wherefore_o in_o all_o thing_n it_o behove_v he_o to_o be_v make_v like_o unto_o his_o brethren_n that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o merciful_a and_o faithful_a highpriest_n in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o god_n for_o in_o that_o he_o himself_o suffer_v be_v tempt_v he_o be_v able_a to_o succour_v they_o that_o be_v tempt_v and_o again_o exhort_v the_o jew_n who_o be_v new_o convert_v to_o christianity_n to_o continue_v stedfact_n in_o their_o profession_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o suffering_n to_o which_o upon_o that_o account_n they_o be_v expose_v he_o comfort_v they_o with_o this_o consideration_n that_o we_o have_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n so_o powerful_a a_o advocate_n and_o intercessor_n for_o we_o as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v sensible_a of_o our_o case_n have_v suffer_v the_o same_o thing_n himself_o and_o therefore_o we_o can_v doubt_v of_o his_o compassion_n to_o we_o and_o readiness_n to_o support_v we_o in_o the_o like_a suffering_n 16._o see_v then_o say_v he_o that_o we_o have_v a_o great_a high_a priest_n that_o be_v pass_v into_o the_o heaven_n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o our_o profession_n for_o we_o have_v not_o a_o highpriest_n that_o can_v be_v touch_v with_o the_o feel_n of_o our_o infirmity_n but_o be_v in_o all_o point_v tempt_v like_a as_o we_o be_v yet_o without_o sin_n from_o whence_o he_o conclude_v that_o have_v such_o a_o intercessor_n we_o may_v with_o great_a confidence_n and_o assurance_n address_v our_o supplication_n to_o god_n for_o his_o mercy_n and_o help_n in_o all_o our_o want_n and_o weakness_n to_o supply_v the_o one_o and_o to_o assist_v the_o other_o let_v we_o therefore_o say_v he_o come_v bold_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v obtain_v mercy_n and_o find_v grace_n to_o help_v in_o time_n of_o need_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d grace_n for_o seasonable_a relief_n so_o that_o our_o b._n saviour_n and_o redeemer_n now_o that_o he_o be_v advance_v to_o heaven_n and_o exalt_v to_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n be_v not_o unmindful_a of_o we_o in_o this_o height_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o greatness_n but_o with_o the_o tender_a affection_n and_o compassion_n to_o mankind_n do_v still_o prosecute_v the_o design_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o in_o virtue_n of_o his_o meritorious_a obedience_n and_o suffering_n which_o he_o present_v to_o god_n continual_o he_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o he_o and_o plead_v our_o cause_n with_o he_o and_o represent_v to_o he_o all_o our_o want_n and_o necessity_n and_o procure_v for_o we_o a_o favourable_a answer_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o supply_n of_o grace_n and_o strength_n proportionable_a to_o our_o temptation_n and_o infirmity_n and_o thus_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o prevalent_a intercession_n of_o he_o with_o god_n for_o we_o our_o sin_n be_v forgive_v and_o our_o want_n supply_v and_o our_o request_n grant_v and_o the_o gracious_a assistance_n and_o support_v of_o god_n h._n spirit_n be_v seasonable_o afford_v to_o we_o and_o we_o be_v keep_v by_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n through_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n in_o a_o word_n all_o those_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n be_v procure_v for_o we_o by_o his_o intercession_n in_o heaven_n which_o he_o purchase_v for_o we_o by_o his_o blood_n upon_o earth_n so_o that_o in_o this_o method_n of_o our_o salvation_n beside_o many_o other_o gracious_a condescension_n which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o the_o weakness_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o mankind_n our_o b._n saviour_n have_v perfect_o supply_v the_o two_o great_a want_v concern_v which_o mankind_n be_v at_o so_o great_a a_o loss_n before_o namely_o the_o want_n of_o a_o effectual_a expiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o sin_n upon_o earth_n and_o of_o a_o prevalent_a mediator_n and_o intercessor_n with_o god_n in_o heaven_n and_o he_o have_v in_o great_a goodness_n and_o condescension_n to_o our_o inveterate_a prejudices_fw-la concern_v these_o thing_n take_v effectual_a care_n full_o to_o supply_v both_o these_o want_v have_v appear_v in_o the_o
end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o take_v away_o sin_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o and_o in_o virtue_n of_o that_o sacrifice_n appear_v now_o in_o heaven_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n for_o we_o he_o be_v become_v our_o perpetual_a advocate_n and_o a_o most_o prevalent_a intercessor_n with_o god_n in_o our_o behalf_n for_o instead_o of_o the_o various_a and_o endless_a sacrifice_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_a the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v by_o one_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n perfect_v for_o ever_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v and_o instead_o of_o the_o mediation_n of_o daemon_n and_o hero_n to_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n which_o be_v the_o intercessor_n make_v use_v of_o among_o the_o heathen_a we_o have_v one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o even_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v enter_v into_o heaven_n itself_o there_o to_o appear_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n for_o we_o and_o to_o assure_v we_o that_o he_o commiserate_v our_o case_n and_o have_v a_o true_a and_o tender_a sense_n of_o our_o infirmity_n and_o suffering_n the_o very_a manner_n of_o his_o intercession_n for_o we_o as_o the_o scripture_n represent_v it_o to_o we_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o he_o intercede_v for_o we_o in_o heaven_n by_o represent_v to_o god_n his_o father_n his_o suffering_n upon_o earth_n and_o plead_v they_o in_o our_o behalf_n so_o that_o the_o very_a argument_n which_o he_o use_v to_o god_n for_o we_o can_v but_o stir_v up_o compassion_n in_o he_o towards_o we_o and_o whilst_o he_o represent_v his_o own_o suffering_n in_o our_o behalf_n we_o can_v think_v that_o he_o be_v unmindful_a and_o insensible_a of_o we_o you_o see_v then_o that_o in_o this_o dispensation_n of_o god_n for_o our_o salvation_n by_o send_v his_o son_n in_o our_o nature_n thing_n be_v not_o only_o suit_v in_o great_a condescension_n to_o our_o apprehension_n but_o be_v likewise_o in_o great_a compassion_n to_o we_o every_o way_n fit_v for_o our_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n god_n have_v make_v he_o our_o great_a patron_n and_o advocate_n who_o be_v our_o sacrifice_n and_o propitiation_n and_o sure_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o who_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n humble_v himself_o and_o become_v obedient_a to_o the_o death_n for_o our_o sake_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o do_v we_o all_o good_a office_n now_o that_o he_o be_v advance_v to_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n that_o he_o who_o die_v for_o we_o upon_o earth_n now_o that_o he_o live_v again_o will_v make_v intercession_n for_o we_o in_o heaven_n and_o perfect_a that_o salvation_n which_o he_o purchase_v for_o we_o upon_o the_o cross_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o as_o the_o purchase_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o death_n and_o suffering_n of_o christ_n so_o the_o perfect_a of_o it_o be_v attribute_v to_o his_o intercession_n for_o we_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o his_o father_n wherefore_o say_v the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n he_o be_v able_a to_o save_v to_o the_o uttermost_a all_o those_o that_o come_v to_o god_n by_o he_o see_v he_o live_v for_o ever_o to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o he_o die_v once_o to_o purchase_v these_o benefit_n but_o he_o live_v for_o ever_o to_o procure_v they_o for_o we_o and_o to_o apply_v they_o to_o we_o and_o now_o that_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n he_o be_v as_o intent_n upon_o our_o concernment_n and_o lay_v our_o happiness_n as_o much_o to_o heart_n as_o when_o he_o dwell_v here_o among_o we_o on_o earth_n and_o pour_v out_o his_o blood_n a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o that_o when_o he_o live_v here_o below_o he_o suffer_v and_o be_v tempt_v as_o we_o be_v this_o very_a consideration_n give_v we_o the_o great_a assurance_n possible_a that_o he_o be_v still_o touch_v with_o the_o feel_n of_o our_o infirmity_n and_o have_v a_o lively_a sense_n of_o our_o suffering_n and_o consequent_o that_o he_o do_v compassionate_a our_o case_n and_o will_v use_v all_o his_o power_n and_o interest_n for_o our_o advantage_n for_o our_o seasonable_a support_n and_o succour_v in_o all_o our_o trial_n and_o suffering_n but_o beside_o the_o wonderful_a gondescension_n of_o this_o dispensation_n there_o be_v likewise_o in_o the_o five_o and_o last_o place_n a_o great_a congruity_n and_o fitness_n in_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o this_o method_n of_o our_o salvation_n which_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v pitch_v upon_o be_v in_o many_o other_o respect_v very_o much_o for_o our_o real_a benefit_n and_o comfort_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o have_v a_o perfect_a and_o familiar_a example_n of_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n in_o our_o own_o nature_n by_o which_o we_o plain_o see_v that_o god_n require_v nothing_o of_o we_o but_o what_o he_o himself_o when_o he_o submit_v to_o become_v man_n do_v think_v fit_a to_o do_v for_o be_v make_v of_o a_o woman_n he_o be_v of_o necessity_n make_v under_o the_o law_n and_o by_o assume_v human_a nature_n he_o become_v natural_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n and_o condition_n of_o his_o be_v and_o here_o likewise_o be_v a_o provision_n make_v for_o the_o expiation_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n in_o a_o way_n not_o only_o very_o honourable_a to_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o law_n but_o likewise_o very_o effectual_a to_o discountenance_v sin_n and_o to_o deter_v man_n from_o it_o since_o god_n do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o forgive_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n without_o great_a suffering_n and_o that_o in_o our_o nature_n for_o though_o god_n be_v willing_a to_o save_v the_o sinner_n yet_o rather_o than_o encouragement_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o sin_n by_o let_v it_o go_v unpunished_a he_o be_v content_v to_o give_v up_o the_o dear_o belove_v of_o his_o soul_n to_o be_v a_o sarcifice_n and_o propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n by_o the_o same_o mean_n also_o we_o have_v a_o most_o powerful_a antidote_n against_o the_o fear_n of_o suffer_v and_o particular_o against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n one_o of_o the_o great_a slavery_n of_o human_a nature_n so_o also_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n tell_v we_o 15._o that_o for_o this_o cause_n christ_n himself_o also_o take_v part_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_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 again_o we_o have_v hereby_o full_a assurance_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n in_o another_o life_n because_o in_o our_o nature_n death_n and_o all_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n be_v baffle_v and_o overcome_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n which_o can_v not_o have_v be_v without_o his_o incarnation_n and_o so_o likewise_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n be_v sensible_a demonstration_n to_o all_o mankind_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n after_o death_n which_o be_v the_o most_o powerful_a motive_n in_o the_o world_n to_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o last_o we_o may_v upon_o this_o account_n promise_n to_o ourselves_o a_o fair_a and_o equal_a trial_n at_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n because_o we_o shall_v then_o be_v judge_v by_o a_o man_n like_o ourselves_o our_o saviour_n and_o judge_n himself_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o for_o this_o reason_n god_n have_v commit_v all_o judgement_n to_o the_o son_n 27._o because_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o this_o in_o human_a judgement_n be_v account_v a_o great_a privilege_n to_o be_v judge_v by_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o same_o rank_a and_o condition_n with_o ourselves_o and_o who_o be_v likely_a to_o understand_v best_a and_o most_o careful_o to_o examine_v and_o consider_v all_o our_o circumstance_n and_o to_o render_v our_o case_n as_o if_o it_o be_v their_o own_o so_o equitable_o do_v god_n deal_v with_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v acquit_v or_o condemn_v by_o such_o a_o judge_n as_o according_a to_o human_a measure_n we_o ourselves_o shall_v have_v choose_v by_o one_o in_o our_o own_o nature_n who_o be_v make_v in_o all_o thing_n like_v unto_o we_o that_o only_o except_v which_o will_v have_v render_v he_o incapable_a of_o be_v our_o judge_n because_o it_o will_v have_v make_v he_o a_o criminal_a like_o ourselves_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n offer_v this_o as_o a_o firm_a ground_n of_o assurance_n to_o we_o that_o god_n will_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n because_o this_o judgement_n shall_v be_v administer_v by_o a_o man_n like_o ourselves_o he_o have_v say_v he_o appoint_v a_o
day_n wherein_o be_v will_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n by_o that_o man_n who_o be_v bathe_v ordain_v etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v now_o only_o make_v a_o practical_a inference_n or_o two_o from_o what_o have_v be_v deliver_v upon_o this_o argument_n and_o so_o conclude_v this_o whole_a discourse_n first_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o b._n saviour_n shall_v effectual_o prevail_v with_o we_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n become_a man_n and_o dwell_n among_o we_o and_o of_o his_o do_v and_o suffer_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v record_v of_o he_o in_o the_o history_n of_o his_o life_n and_o death_n write_v by_o the_o h._n evangelist_n i_o say_v the_o consideration_n hereof_o shall_v persuade_v we_o all_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o great_a design_n of_o all_o this_o which_o be_v the_o reformation_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o recovery_n of_o we_o out_o of_o that_o sinful_a and_o miserable_a estate_n into_o which_o we_o be_v fall_v because_o the_o salvation_n which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v purchase_v for_o we_o and_o which_o he_o offer_v to_o we_o by_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o to_o be_v accomplish_v and_o bring_v about_o any_o other_o way_n than_o by_o our_o forsake_v our_o sin_n and_o reform_v our_o life_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n and_o bring_v salvation_n will_v not_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o it_o in_o any_o other_o way_n nor_o by_o any_o other_o mean_n than_o by_o teach_v we_o to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n god_n send_v his_o son_n jesus_n to_o bless_v we_o by_o turn_v we_o away_o every_o one_o from_o his_o iniquity_n and_o unless_o this_o change_n be_v effectual_o wrought_v in_o we_o we_o be_v utter_o incapable_a of_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n all_o that_o he_o have_v do_v for_o we_o without_o we_o will_v avail_v we_o nothing_o unless_o we_o be_v inward_o transform_v and_o renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n unless_o we_o become_v new_a creature_n unless_o we_o make_v it_o the_o continual_a and_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o our_o life_n to_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n for_o the_o scripture_n be_v most_o express_a and_o positive_a in_o this_o matter_n that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n 14._o that_o every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o 3_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n to_o be_v save_v by_o he_o must_v purify_v himself_o even_o as_o be_v be_v pure_a we_o do_v not_o right_o and_o true_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n if_o we_o be_v not_o also_o thorough_o convince_v that_o it_o be_v as_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o leave_v our_o sin_n as_o to_o believe_v this_o most_o faithful_a and_o credible_a say_v the_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n of_o our_o b._n saviour_n be_v indeed_o account_v to_o we_o for_o righteousness_n and_o will_v most_o certain_o redound_v to_o our_o unspeakable_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n upon_o our_o performance_n of_o the_o condition_n which_o the_o gospel_n do_v require_v on_o our_o part_n namely_o that_o every_o man_n that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n h._n spirit_n be_v ready_a to_o enable_v we_o to_o perform_v this_o condition_n if_o we_o earnest_o ask_v it_o and_o do_v sincere_o cooperate_v with_o it_o provide_v we_o do_v what_o we_o can_v on_o our_o part_n god_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o we_o on_o his._n but_o if_o we_o receive_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a and_o take_v no_o care_n to_o perform_v the_o condition_n and_o do_v neglect_v to_o implore_v the_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n h._n spirit_n to_o that_o purpose_n we_o have_v none_o to_o blame_v but_o ourselves_o because_o it_o be_v then_o whole_o our_o own_o fault_n if_o we_o fall_v short_a of_o that_o happiness_n which_o christ_n have_v purchase_v and_o promise_v to_o we_o upon_o such_o easy_a and_o reasonable_a conditian_n as_o the_o gospel_n propose_v but_o i_o no_o where_o find_v that_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o force_v happiness_n upon_o the_o negligent_a and_o a_o reward_n upon_o the_o wicked_a and_o slothful_a servant_n a_o gift_n may_v be_v give_v for_o nothing_o but_o sure_o a_o reward_n do_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o it_o always_o suppose_v some_o service_n none_o but_o a_o righteous_a man_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o righteous_a man_n reward_n and_o st._n john_n have_v sufficient_o caution_v we_o not_o to_o think_v ourselves_o righteous_a unless_o we_o be_v doer_n of_o righteousness_n 7._o little_a child_n say_v he_o let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v righteous_a even_o as_o he_o be_v righteous_a this_o be_v so_o very_o plain_a a_o text_n that_o if_o man_n be_v not_o either_o very_o easy_a to_o be_v deceive_v by_o other_o or_o very_o willing_a to_o deceive_v themselves_o they_o can_v not_o possible_o mistake_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v repeat_v it_o once_o more_o little_a child_n let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v righteous_a even_o as_o he_o be_v righteous_a second_o the_o other_o inference_n which_o i_o will_v make_v from_o the_o precedent_a discourse_n be_v this_o that_o with_o all_o possible_a thankfulness_n we_o shall_v acknowledge_v and_o adore_v the_o wonderful_a goodness_n and_o condescension_n of_o almighty_a god_n in_o send_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n into_o the_o world_n in_o our_o nature_n to_o be_v make_v flesh_n and_o to_o dwell_v among_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o recovery_n and_o salvation_n a_o method_n and_o dispensation_n not_o only_o full_a of_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n but_o of_o great_a condescension_n to_o our_o meanness_n and_o of_o mighty_a virtue_n and_o efficacy_n for_o our_o redemption_n and_o deliverance_n from_o the_o gild_n and_o dominion_n of_o sin_n and_o upon_o all_o account_v every_o way_n so_o much_o for_o our_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n so_o that_o well_o may_v we_o say_v with_o st._n paul_n this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o credible_a word_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n that_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v embrace_v and_o entertain_v with_o all_o possible_a joy_n and_o thankfulness_n that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n what_o a_o everlasting_a fountain_n of_o the_o most_o invaluable_a blessing_n and_o benefit_n to_o mankind_n be_v the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n his_o vouchsafe_v to_o assume_v our_o nature_n and_o to_o reside_v and_o converse_v so_o long_o with_o we_o and_o what_o be_v we_o that_o the_o eternal_a and_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n shall_v condescend_v to_o do_v all_o this_o for_o we_o that_o the_o high_a and_o glorious_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n shall_v stoop_v down_o to_o the_o earth_n and_o be_v content_v to_o be_v clothe_v with_o misery_n and_o mortality_n that_o he_o shall_v submit_v to_o so_o poor_a and_o low_a a_o condition_n to_o such_o dreadful_a and_o disgraceful_a suffering_n for_o our_o sake_n for_o what_o be_v we_o vile_a and_o despicable_a creature_n guilty_a and_o unworthy_a offender_n and_o apostate_n enemy_n and_o rebel_n bless_a god_n how_o great_a be_v thy_o goodness_n how_o infinite_a be_v thy_o tender_a mercy_n and_o compassion_n to_o mankind_n that_o thou_o shall_v regard_v we_o whilst_o we_o neglect_v thou_o and_o remember_v we_o in_o our_o low_a condition_n when_o we_o have_v forget_v thou_o day_n without_o number_n and_o shall_v take_v such_o pity_n on_o we_o when_o we_o show_v none_o to_o ourselves_o and_o whilst_o we_o be_v thy_o declare_a and_o implacable_a enemy_n shall_v express_v more_o kindness_n and_o good_a will_n to_o we_o than_o the_o best_a of_o man_n ever_o do_v to_o their_o best_a friend_n when_o we_o reflect_v serious_o upon_o those_o great_a thing_n which_o god_n have_v do_v in_o our_o behalf_n and_o consider_v that_o mighty_a salvation_n which_o god_n have_v wrought_v for_o we_o what_o thanks_o can_v we_o possible_o render_v what_o acknowledgement_n shall_v we_o ever_o be_v able_a to_o make_v i_o do_v not_o say_v equal_a but_o in_o any_o wise_a meet_a and_o become_a to_o this_o great_a benefactor_n of_o mankind_n who_o when_o we_o have_v so_o high_o offend_v and_o provoke_v he_o and_o so_o foolish_o and_o so_o fatal_o undo_v ourselves_o when_o we_o be_v become_v so_o guilty_a and_o so_o miserable_a and_o so_o much_o fit_a to_o have_v eternal_o be_v the_o object_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o indignation_n than_o of_o his_o pity_n and_o compassion_n be_v please_v
to_o mean_v no_o more_o but_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o angel_n these_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d dii_fw-la superi_fw-la and_o dij_fw-la caelestes_fw-la superior_a and_o heavenly_a god_n the_o scripture_n term_v they_o the_o host_n of_o heaven_n mean_v the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n which_o they_o suppose_v to_o be_v animate_v or_o at_o least_o to_o be_v inhabit_v by_o angel_n or_o glorious_a spirit_n who_o they_o call_v go_n other_o of_o their_o deity_n be_v account_v much_o inferior_a to_o these_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o soul_n of_o their_o decease_a hero_n who_o for_o their_o great_a and_o worthy_a deed_n when_o they_o live_v upon_o earth_n be_v suppose_v after_o death_n to_o be_v translate_v into_o the_o number_n of_o their_o go_n and_o these_o be_v call_v semidei_fw-la and_o deastri_fw-la that_o be_v half_a god_n and_o a_o sort_n of_o god_n and_o as_o the_o other_o be_v celestial_a so_o these_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o kind_n of_o terrestrial_a spirit_n that_o be_v precedent_n and_o procurator_n of_o human_a affair_n here_o below_o that_o be_v a_o middle_a sort_n of_o divine_a power_n that_o be_v mediator_n and_o agent_n between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o do_v carry_v the_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n of_o man_n to_o god_n and_o bring_v down_o the_o command_v and_o blessing_n of_o god_n to_o men._n but_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o this_o crowd_n and_o confusion_n of_o deity_n and_o the_o various_a superstition_n about_o they_o the_o wise_a heathen_a as_o thales_n pythagoras_n socrates_n plato_n aristotle_n tully_n plutarch_n and_o other_o preserve_v a_o true_a notion_n of_o one_o supreme_a god_n who_o they_o define_v a_o infinite_a spirit_n pure_a from_o all_o matter_n and_o free_a from_o all_o imperfection_n and_o all_o the_o variety_n of_o their_o worship_n be_v as_o they_o pretend_v in_o excuse_n of_o it_o but_o a_o more_o particular_a own_n of_o the_o various_a representation_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o excellency_n which_o manifest_v themselves_o in_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o several_a communication_n of_o blessing_n and_o favour_n by_o they_o impart_v to_o man_n 10._o and_o tertullian_n observe_v that_o even_o when_o idolatry_n have_v very_o much_o obscure_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o sovereign_a deity_n yet_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n do_v still_o in_o their_o common_a form_n of_o speech_n appropriate_v the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o a_o more_o especial_a and_o peculiar_a manner_n to_o one_o say_v if_o god_n grant_v if_o god_n please_v and_o the_o like_a so_o that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n or_o the_o notion_n of_o one_o supreme_a god_n creator_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n be_v the_o primitive_a and_o general_a belief_n of_o mankind_n and_o that_o polytheism_n and_o idolatry_n be_v a_o corruption_n and_o degeneracy_n from_o the_o original_a notion_n which_o mankind_n have_v concern_v god_n as_o the_o scripture-history_n do_v declare_v and_o testify_v and_o this_o account_n which_o i_o have_v give_v of_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n do_v by_o no_o mean_n excuse_v it_o for_o whatever_o may_v be_v say_v by_o way_n of_o extenuation_n in_o behalf_n of_o some_o few_o of_o the_o wise_a and_o more_o devout_a among_o they_o the_o generality_n be_v gross_o guilty_a both_o of_o believe_v more_o god_n and_o of_o worship_v false_a go_n and_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o very_a great_a crime_n since_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o declare_v god_n to_o be_v particular_o jealous_a in_o this_o case_n and_o that_o he_o will_v not_o give_v his_o glory_n to_o another_o nor_o his_o praise_n to_o grave_a image_n nay_o we_o may_v not_o so_o much_o as_o make_v use_n of_o sensible_a image_n to_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o god_n lest_o devout_a ignorance_n see_v the_o worship_n which_o wise_a man_n pay_v towards_o a_o idol_n shall_v be_v draw_v to_o terminate_v their_o worship_n there_o as_o be_v the_o very_a deity_n itself_o which_o be_v certain_o the_o case_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n and_o sure_o those_o christian_n be_v in_o no_o less_o danger_n of_o idolatry_n who_o pay_v a_o veneration_n to_o image_n by_o kneel_v down_o and_o pray_v before_o they_o and_o in_o this_o they_o be_v much_o more_o inexcusable_a because_o they_o offend_v against_o a_o much_o clear_a light_n and_o yet_o when_o they_o go_v about_o to_o justify_v this_o practice_n be_v able_a to_o bring_v no_o other_o nor_o better_a plea_n for_o themselves_o than_o the_o heathen_a do_v for_o their_o worship_v of_o image_n and_o for_o pray_v to_o their_o inferior_a deity_n who_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o mediator_n between_o the_o god_n in_o heaven_n and_o man_n upon_o earth_n there_o be_v but_o one_o objection_n that_o i_o know_v of_o against_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o mankind_n concern_v the_o unity_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v a_o ancient_a doctrine_n of_o some_o of_o the_o most_o ancient_a nation_n that_o there_o be_v two_o first_o cause_n or_o principle_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o one_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o good_a and_o the_o other_o of_o all_o the_o evil_a that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o reason_n whereof_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v that_o they_o can_v not_o apprehend_v how_o thing_n of_o so_o contrary_a a_o nature_n as_o good_a and_o evil_a can_v proceed_v from_o one_o and_o the_o same_o cause_n and_o these_o two_o principle_n in_o several_a nation_n be_v call_v by_o several_a name_n plutarch_n say_v that_o among_o the_o greek_n the_o good_a principle_n be_v call_v god_n and_o the_o evil_a principle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o the_o devil_n in_o conformity_n to_o which_o ancient_a tradition_n the_o manichee_n a_o sect_n which_o call_v themselves_o christian_n do_v advance_v two_o principle_n the_o one_o infinite_o good_a which_o they_o suppose_v to_o be_v the_o original_a cause_n of_o all_o the_o good_a which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o other_o infinite_o evil_a to_o which_o they_o ascribe_v all_o the_o evil_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n but_o all_o this_o be_v very_o plain_o a_o corruption_n of_o a_o much_o more_o ancient_a tradition_n concern_v that_o old_a serpent_n the_o devil_n the_o head_n of_o the_o fall_v angel_n who_o by_o tempt_v our_o first_o parent_n to_o transgress_v a_o positive_a and_o express_a law_n of_o god_n bring_v sin_n first_o into_o the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o evil_n consequent_a upon_o it_o of_o which_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o a_o most_o express_a and_o particular_a account_n and_o as_o to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o be_v infinite_o evil_a into_o which_o this_o tradition_n be_v corrupt_v after_o idolatry_n have_v prevail_v in_o the_o world_n beside_o that_o it_o be_v a_o contradiction_n it_o will_v likewise_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o assert_v two_o opposite_a principle_n of_o infinite_a that_o be_v of_o equal_a force_n and_o power_n for_o two_o infinite_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v equal_a to_o one_o another_o because_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o or_o great_a than_o infinite_a and_o therefore_o if_o two_o infinite_a being_n be_v possible_a they_o will_v certain_o be_v equal_a and_o can_v not_o be_v otherwise_o now_o that_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o principle_n infinite_o evil_a be_v a_o contradiction_n will_v be_v very_o plain_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o what_o be_v infinite_o evil_a must_v in_o strict_a reason_v and_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n be_v infinite_o imperfect_a and_o therefore_o infinite_o weak_a and_o for_o that_o reason_n though_o never_o so_o malicious_a and_o mischievous_a yet_o be_v infinite_o weak_a and_o foolish_a can_v never_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n either_o to_o contrive_v mischief_n or_o to_o execute_v it_o but_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v admit_v that_o a_o be_v infinite_o mischievous_a can_v be_v infinite_o know_v and_o powerful_a yet_o it_o can_v effect_v no_o evil_a because_o the_o opposite_a principle_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n be_v also_o infinite_o wise_a and_o powerful_a they_o will_v tie_v up_o one_o another_o hand_n so_o that_o upon_o this_o supposition_n the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n must_v signify_v just_a nothing_o because_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o eternal_a opposition_n and_o equal_a conflict_n of_o these_o two_o principle_n they_o will_v keep_v one_o another_o at_o a_o perpetual_a bay_n and_o be_v just_o a_o equal_a match_n to_o one_o another_o the_o one_o have_v as_o much_o mind_n and_o power_n to_o do_v good_a as_o the_o other_o to_o do_v evil_a instead_o of_o be_v two_o deity_n they_o will_v be_v but_o two_o idol_n able_a to_o do_v neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a and_o have_v i_o hope_v now_o sufficient_o clear_v this_o objection_n i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o show_v how_o agreeable_a this_o principle_n that_o there_o be_v but_o