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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
faith_n church_n doctrine_n err_v 4,912 5 9.7791 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A38031 Sermons on special occasions and subjects ... by John Edwards ... Edwards, John, 1637-1716. 1698 (1698) Wing E211; ESTC R39657 221,769 511

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principle_n and_o consequent_o it_o be_v the_o chief_a business_n of_o a_o preacher_n to_o beat_v down_o all_o immorality_n wickedness_n and_o profaneness_n and_o to_o set_v up_o and_o promote_v whatever_o be_v virtuous_a and_o laudable_a and_o especial_o to_o advance_v the_o evangelical_n virtue_n and_o grace_n and_o such_o duty_n as_o be_v more_o especial_o command_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o this_o very_a thing_n show_v the_o excellency_n of_o our_o office_n when_o it_o be_v right_o discharge_v for_o the_o worthiness_n and_o esteem_n of_o employment_n be_v according_a to_o the_o usefulness_n of_o they_o thus_o to_o instance_n in_o other_o faculty_n he_o be_v the_o best_a la●yer_n that_o most_o successful_o direct_v man_n to_o the_o secure_n of_o their_o estate_n and_o property_n and_o he_o be_v the_o best_a physician_n that_o save_v man_n life_n so_o it_o be_v here_o he_o be_v the_o best_a divine_a he_o be_v the_o best_a preacher_n that_o reform_v me●s_a manner_n and_o effectual_o show_v they_o how_o to_o save_v their_o soul_n the_o true_a preach_v be_v to_o answer_v to_o prophesy_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n more_o particular_o design_v in_o the_o text_n by_o excel_v to_o edification_n and_o this_o you_o find_v be_v esteem_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o the_o best_a and_o most_o valuable_a gift_n because_o it_o be_v most_o advantageous_a to_o the_o church_n he_o that_o propehsy_v say_v he_o speak_v to_o man_n to_o edification_n and_o exhortation_n and_o comfort_n 1_o cor._n fourteen_o 3._o this_o be_v the_o proper_a task_n of_o the_o evangelical_n preacher_n viz._n not_o only_o to_o build_v man_n up_o by_o instruct_v they_o in_o their_o holy_a faith_n but_o by_o powerful_a exhortation_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o christian_a virtue_n to_o make_v they_o better_o and_o to_o enable_v they_o to_o feel_v the_o comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o a_o religious_a life_n in_o order_n to_o this_o his_o instruction_n and_o exhortation_n must_v be_v plain_a and_o intelligible_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v comprehend_v we_o read_v of_o some_o hist._n heretic_n of_o old_a that_o be_v wont_a to_o use_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o hebrew_n in_o their_o religious_a worship_n and_o in_o their_o discourse_n to_o the_o people_n thereby_o to_o astonish_v and_o amaze_v the_o vulgar_a but_o he_o that_o will_v preach_v so_o as_o to_o edify_v must_v not_o use_v any_o such_o art_n he_o must_v not_o soar_v above_o the_o capacity_n of_o those_o that_o hear_v he_o or_o if_o any_o one_o will_v needs_o call_v this_o building_n it_o be_v like_a that_o of_o babel_n where_o they_o understand_v not_o one_o another_o we_o just_o condemn_v the_o papist_n for_o pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n but_o let_v i_o be_v so_o free_a as_o to_o say_v that_o to_o preach_v in_o a_o style_n which_o be_v not_o understand_v by_o the_o people_n be_v every_o whit_n as_o unlawful_a and_o as_o absurd_a therefore_o thou_o o_o man_n of_o god_n flee_v these_o thing_n and_o let_v the_o great_a apostle_n be_v thy_o example_n who_o 19_o will_v rather_o speak_v five_o word_n to_o be_v understand_v and_o to_o edify_v other_o than_o utter_v ten_o thousand_o which_o can_v not_o have_v that_o effect_n upon_o they_o the_o 34._o prophet_n shrink_v himself_o into_o the_o proportion_n of_o the_o child_n he_o mean_v to_o revive_v and_o so_o must_v spiritual_a instructer_n and_o public_a exhorter_n to_o virtue_n deal_v with_o those_o they_o intend_v to_o recover_v out_o of_o their_o sin_n wherein_o they_o be_v dead_a they_o must_v adapt_v themselves_o to_o their_o measure_n they_o must_v suit_v themselves_o to_o their_o mean_a understanding_n and_o condescend_v to_o their_o weakness_n and_o often_o inculcate_v the_o same_o divine_a lesson_n therein_o have_v regard_n to_o the_o forgetfulness_n as_o well_o as_o the_o ignorance_n and_o shallowness_n of_o their_o common_a hearer_n and_o as_o for_o the_o mode_n of_o deliver_v our_o doctrine_n whether_o by_o book_n or_o without_o that_o be_v of_o the_o mean_a consideration_n and_o no_o intelligent_a person_n will_v be_v very_o solicitous_a about_o it_o so_o it_o be_v grave_a and_o proper_a certain_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a we_o shall_v commit_v every_o sermon_n to_o our_o memory_n such_o perpetual_a cunning_a be_v too_o like_o a_o school-boy's_a task_n methinks_v as_o if_o our_o auditor_n be_v pedagogue_n and_o we_o stand_v in_o continual_a fear_n of_o the_o ferula_fw-la if_o we_o shall_v not_o have_v all_o our_o lesson_n by_o heart_n much_o less_o be_v preach_v a_o needless_a muster_v up_o of_o author_n a_o unmerciful_a hale_v of_o the_o father_n out_o of_o their_o grave_n to_o no_o purpose_n a_o rude_a claim_v acquaintance_n with_o greek_a and_o latin_a writer_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o sentence_n or_o two_o out_o of_o they_o it_o be_v not_o please_v the_o people_n with_o little_a and_o trifle_a thing_n or_o astonish_v they_o with_o too_o great_a and_o high_a one_o nor_o be_v it_o yet_o any_o thing_n make_v up_o of_o a_o affect_a tone_n or_o gesture_n or_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o sort_n but_o as_o i_o represent_v it_o it_o be_v a_o sober_a inform_v of_o man_n judgement_n and_o establish_v they_o in_o the_o grand_a point_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o bold_a rebuke_v of_o vice_n and_o a_o warm_a exhortation_n to_o virtue_n it_o be_v a_o affectionate_a application_n of_o truth_n to_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o the_o hearer_n this_o be_v preach_v and_o thus_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v build_v up_o thus_o this_o great_a pile_n be_v raise_v and_o reach_n with_o its_o utmost_a top_n even_o to_o heaven_n where_o it_o be_v triumphant_a five_o in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o must_v not_o forget_v to_o add_v that_o we_o be_v to_o mind_v those_o thing_n also_o which_o respect_n the_o discipline_n and_o order_n the_o unity_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n to_o this_o purpose_n its_o solemn_a censure_n be_v institute_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o if_o there_o shall_v happen_v any_o dilapidation_n in_o the_o building_n of_o the_o church_n it_o may_v by_o these_o be_v speedy_o repair_v that_o person_n of_o unholy_a and_o disorder_v life_n may_v be_v debar_v communion_n with_o so_o holy_a a_o society_n and_o the_o law_n of_o decency_n be_v prudent_o design_v to_o extirpate_v all_o confusion_n and_o distraction_n and_o to_o render_v the_o church_n and_o all_o its_o service_n beautiful_a and_o venerable_a the_o apostle_n concern_v his_o convert_v of_o colosse_n profess_v that_o he_o rejoice_v in_o behold_v their_o order_n col._n two_o 5._o a_o military_a word_n and_o signify_v the_o orderly_a disposal_n of_o soldier_n in_o a_o army_n such_o shall_v be_v the_o regular_a marshal_n of_o the_o church_n militant_a it_o be_v requisite_a for_o its_o security_n and_o welfare_n that_o all_o keep_v their_o proper_a rank_n and_o station_n and_o that_o a_o decorum_n be_v every_o where_o observe_v we_o find_v that_o circumstance_n as_o well_o as_o substantial_o be_v to_o be_v look_v after_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o eleven_o chapter_n of_o this_o epistle_n control_v the_o solecism_n of_o their_o external_n behaviour_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n he_o check_v their_o rudeness_n and_o irreverence_n and_o give_v rule_n for_o the_o outward_a deportment_n and_o carriage_n in_o pray_v and_o prophesy_v it_o be_v fit_a that_o some_o care_n shall_v be_v take_v of_o religion_n outside_o that_o she_o have_v a_o comely_a equipage_n decent_a and_o fit_v circumstance_n be_v the_o wall_n about_o the_o spiritual_a building_n they_o be_v the_o hedge_n about_o the_o field_n of_o the_o church_n which_o contribute_v much_o to_o her_o preservation_n and_o welfare_n it_o be_v such_o a_o fence_n to_o she_o as_o the_o bark_n be_v to_o the_o tree_n which_o when_o it_o be_v utter_o neglect_v the_o fruit_n and_o sometime_o the_o tree_n itself_o be_v endanger_v even_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v but_o accessary_a and_o accidental_a to_o devotion_n be_v of_o great_a use_n and_o the_o devotion_n and_o worship_n themselves_o will_v not_o be_v long_o keep_v up_o without_o these_o but_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o they_o be_v but_o circumstance_n and_o appendage_n and_o that_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v chief_o to_o be_v concern_v for_o in_o religion_n be_v of_o a_o high_a nature_n and_o that_o the_o mind_n be_v principal_o to_o be_v employ_v here_o the_o main_a care_n in_o god_n worship_n must_v be_v that_o it_o be_v spiritual_a and_o sincere_a that_o the_o heart_n be_v right_o dispose_v for_o this_o be_v the_o sacrifice_n which_o he_o chief_o require_v and_o regard_v all_o must_v be_v so_o do_v in_o his_o service_n that_o the_o simplicity_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o abate_v that_o real_a and_o internal_a religion_n be_v not_o diminish_v and_o that_o the_o
visible_a face_n of_o it_o be_v never_o without_o the_o vital_n and_o spirit_n of_o it_o let_v religion_n outward_o appear_v as_o comely_a and_o beautiful_a as_o the_o rule_n of_o christian_a edification_n will_v allow_v but_o by_o no_o mean_n let_v she_o exceed_v in_o ornament_n and_o bravery_n for_o she_o will_v soon_o vanish_v when_o she_o grow_v pompous_a and_o run_v into_o external_n show_v and_o pageantry_n with_o decency_n and_o comeliness_n be_v general_o couple_v unity_n and_o concord_n and_o these_o we_o be_v to_o be_v concern_v for_o likewise_o it_o be_v the_o harmony_n and_o uniformity_n of_o the_o part_n of_o a_o building_n that_o make_v it_o both_o beautiful_a and_o useful_a without_o this_o it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o well-ordered_a edifice_n but_o a_o confuse_a heap_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o by_o our_o love_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n we_o shall_v successful_o contribute_v towards_o the_o building_n of_o the_o church_n for_o there_o be_v history_n enough_o to_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o ancient_a heretic_n and_o schismatic_n betray_v the_o faith_n when_o they_o destroy_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o make_v a_o breach_n in_o her_o wall_n they_o undermine_v her_o foundation_n it_o behoove_v we_o of_o the_o clergy_n then_o to_o maintain_v mutual_a amity_n and_o agreement_n both_o among_o ourselves_o and_o other_o it_o be_v high_a time_n to_o banish_v all_o dissension_n to_o put_v a_o period_n to_o all_o our_o animosity_n and_o vain_a jangle_n to_o dote_v no_o long_o on_o fruitless_a dispute_n but_o to_o pursue_v the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a and_o to_o embrace_v our_o religion_n with_o a_o entire_a affection_n and_o to_o commend_v it_o to_o the_o world_n by_o our_o practise_v of_o it_o and_o so_o i_o pass_v to_o the_o last_o thing_n which_o i_o intend_v to_o name_n seek_v that_o you_o may_v excel_v in_o a_o holy_a life_n st._n paul_n in_o his_o visitation_n sermon_n to_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n enjoin_v they_o to_o take_v heed_n to_o themselves_o as_o well_o as_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n act_v xxviii_o 28._o and_o he_o command_v timothy_n to_o be_v a_o example_n of_o the_o believer_n in_o word_n in_o conversation_n in_o charity_n in_o spirit_n in_o faith_n in_o purity_n 1_o tim._n four_o 12._o and_o more_o brief_o ver_fw-la 16._o take_v heed_n unto_o thyself_o and_o to_o thy_o doctrine_n i.e._n to_o thy_o life_n as_o well_o as_o to_o thy_o preach_v and_o he_o charge_v titus_n that_o in_o all_o thing_n he_o show_v himself_o a_o pattern_n of_o good_a work_n tit._n two_o 7._o as_o there_o be_v a_o special_a designation_n to_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n so_o there_o must_v be_v a_o special_a holiness_n accompany_v it_o there_o must_v be_v a_o consecration_n of_o their_o life_n as_o well_o as_o of_o their_o person_n as_o their_o function_n exalt_v they_o above_o other_o in_o dignity_n so_o they_o shall_v surpass_v they_o in_o all_o laudable_a action_n according_a to_o those_o word_n use_v by_o our_o church_n in_o her_o canon_n 75._o they_o must_v have_v always_o in_o mind_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o excel_v other_o in_o purity_n of_o life_n and_o shall_v be_v example_n to_o the_o people_n to_o live_v well_o and_o christianly_o let_v not_o that_o which_o be_v part_n of_o the_o pharisee_n character_n be_v fasten_v on_o they_o 3._o they_o say_v but_o do_v not_o they_o preach_v well_o but_o live_v not_o according_o let_v not_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o seducer_n and_o false_a teacher_n be_v apply_v to_o they_o 6._o they_o profess_v that_o they_o know_v god_n but_o in_o work_n they_o deny_v he_o if_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o latter_a they_o pull_v all_o down_o that_o they_o have_v build_v they_o render_v all_o their_o instruction_n admonition_n reproof_n and_o exhortation_n ineffectual_a they_o obstruct_v the_o truth_n in_o or_o by_o their_o vnrighteousness_n for_o so_o rom._n i._n 18._o may_v be_v read_v according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o hinder_v the_o force_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o truth_n on_o themselves_o and_o the_o propagation_n of_o it_o to_o other_o by_o a_o impious_a life_n yea_o they_o take_v a_o course_n to_o ruin_n religion_n itself_o thence_o it_o be_v the_o usual_a speech_n and_o maxim_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o pious_a dr._n hammond_n the_o exemplary_a virtue_n of_o the_o clergy_n must_v restore_v this_o church_n it_o be_v that_o must_v commend_v we_o to_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n it_o be_v that_o must_v powerful_o influence_n upon_o they_o and_o teach_v they_o to_o be_v religious_a in_o good_a earnest_n a_o minister_n can_v choose_v a_o more_o efficacious_a way_n of_o prevail_v with_o other_o to_o be_v god_n than_o by_o let_v they_o see_v that_o he_o be_v so_o himself_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v no_o marvel_n that_o the_o sheep_n wander_v if_o the_o shepherd_n stray_v every_o one_o eye_n be_v upon_o their_o guide_n all_o man_n be_v look_v up_o to_o these_o star_n these_o torch_n of_o the_o world_n if_o they_o burn_v dim_a it_o will_v be_v observe_v and_o which_o be_v worse_o it_o will_v be_v imitate_v it_o be_v observe_v by_o a_o traveller_n of_o good_a repute_n that_o atheism_n thrive_v in_o italy_n because_o they_o see_v so_o much_o of_o the_o cheat_n and_o juggle_v of_o many_o of_o the_o priest_n and_o that_o interest_n be_v all_o their_o religion_n wherefore_o let_v it_o be_v know_v by_o our_o exemplary_a life_n that_o we_o be_v not_o incline_v to_o gratify_v atheist_n and_o to_o promote_v irreligion_n in_o the_o world_n especial_o let_v it_o be_v see_v that_o we_o act_n not_o out_o of_o worldly_a design_n that_o we_o make_v not_o the_o ministry_n a_o secular_a call_v but_o that_o our_o principle_n be_v sincere_a and_o that_o we_o do_v all_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o great_a master_n in_o brief_a one_o of_o our_o character_n shall_v like_o john_n the_o baptist_n be_v 35._o a_o burn_a and_o a_o shine_v light_n burn_v in_o his_o own_o breast_n with_o entire_a flame_n of_o goodness_n and_o devotion_n with_o pure_a intention_n of_o honour_v god_n and_o promote_a religion_n and_o shine_v in_o his_o life_n and_o action_n by_o a_o uniform_a practice_n of_o piety_n by_o a_o holiness_n that_o be_v conspicuous_a and_o resplendent_a indeed_o some_o of_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o entertain_v this_o false_a apprehension_n that_o the_o thing_n beforementioned_a viz._n right_a opinion_n preach_v of_o true_a doctrine_n conformity_n to_o the_o church_n order_n and_o discipline_n be_v sufficient_a though_o they_o be_v abstract_v from_o holiness_n thence_o some_o labour_n to_o be_v account_v orthodox_n and_o yet_o mind_v not_o their_o life_n they_o teach_v other_o what_o they_o be_v to_o do_v but_o be_v regardless_o of_o their_o own_o action_n they_o be_v hot_a for_o ceremony_n but_o cool_a and_o indifferent_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n but_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o unreasonable_a and_o absurd_a for_o the_o thing_n beforenamed_n be_v in_o order_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n the_o proper_a tendency_n of_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o obedience_n the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n and_o the_o keep_n up_o of_o decency_n and_o order_n be_v original_o design_v to_o beget_v and_o nourish_v religion_n and_o virtue_n let_v we_o therefore_o correct_v our_o conception_n concern_v these_o matter_n and_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o a_o vicious_a life_n be_v as_o contrary_a to_o god_n and_o religion_n as_o erroneous_a doctrine_n that_o to_o break_v one_o of_o the_o commandment_n be_v as_o bad_a or_o worse_o than_o to_o deny_v a_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n that_o drunkenness_n swear_v uncleanness_n be_v as_o black_a crime_n as_o schism_n yea_o let_v we_o be_v convince_v that_o by_o profaneness_n and_o wickedness_n the_o comeliness_n of_o our_o worship_n be_v render_v deform_v our_o most_o decent_a rite_n become_v sordid_a our_o white_a garment_n be_v stain_v and_o pollute_v let_v we_o fix_v upon_o our_o mind_n that_o of_o the_o devout_a abbot_n of_o claraval_n what_o will_v our_o canonical_a ordination_n profit_v we_o if_o we_o live_v vncanonical_o to_o be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n to_o preach_v it_o to_o other_o to_o be_v peaceable_a and_o orderly_a and_o to_o observe_v the_o ecclesiastical_a rule_n and_o law_n be_v of_o no_o worth_a and_o value_n if_o our_o life_n be_v impure_a and_o irregular_a wherefore_o to_o sum_n up_o all_o in_o a_o few_o word_n let_v he_o that_o earnest_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n for_o the_o order_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o ancient_a christian_n think_v himself_o oblige_v also_o to_o live_v the_o life_n of_o a_o primitive_a saint_n you_o see_v your_o call_v brethren_n you_o see_v what_o be_v your_o office_n your_o work_n your_o
short_a of_o the_o other_o in_o this_o that_o he_o have_v not_o attain_v to_o that_o spiritual_a discern_v of_o evangelical_n truth_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o and_o without_o which_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a to_o have_v such_o a_o knowledge_n of_o they_o as_o will_v be_v effectual_a to_o salvation_n and_o happiness_n i_o will_v add_v only_o one_o text_n more_o 2_o cor._n 4._o 3._o if_o our_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v hide_v to_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n i.e._n satan_n have_v blind_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o who_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o here_o it_o be_v imply_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v hide_v from_o some_o person_n yea_o and_o we_o be_v tell_v from_o who_o viz._n such_o as_o according_a to_o the_o forego_n stile_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v natural_a man_n those_o that_o live_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o suffer_v their_o mind_n to_o be_v blind_v and_o pervert_v to_o be_v corrupt_v and_o debauch_v by_o the_o diabolick_a spirit_n the_o prince_n and_o ruler_n of_o this_o low_a world_n to_o such_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v mere_a darkness_n thus_o it_o abundant_o appear_v from_o the_o sacred_a writ_n whence_o we_o be_v to_o fetch_v our_o discovery_n concern_v these_o thing_n that_o the_o proposition_n which_o i_o lay_v down_o be_v a_o impregnable_a and_o unshaken_a truth_n viz._n that_o christianity_n retain_v still_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o mystery_n and_o that_o more_o especial_o as_o so_o some_o person_n the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o natural_a strength_n be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o itself_o to_o discover_v these_o divine_a truth_n unless_o the_o soul_n be_v illuminate_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n these_o remain_v unintelligible_a and_o whole_o ineffectual_a and_o useless_a as_o to_o any_o save_v virtue_n and_o efficacy_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o our_o saviour_n word_n john_n 3._o 3._o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n unless_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v he_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o that_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n he_o can_v understand_v aright_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v call_v frequent_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o of_o heaven_n he_o can_v see_v he_o can_v enter_v into_o as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o v_o 5._o those_o divine_a thing_n this_o be_v that_o which_o our_o saviour_n aver_v mat._n 11._o 27._o neither_o know_v any_o man_n the_o father_n but_o the_o son_n and_o he_o to_o whosoever_o the_o son_n will_v reveal_v he_o viz._n by_o a_o inward_a and_o effectual_a discovery_n for_o they_o have_v the_o outward_a revelation_n then_o when_o the_o apostle_n st._n peter_n acknowledge_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n our_o saviour_n tell_v he_o that_o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o reveal_v this_o to_o he_o but_o his_o father_n who_o be_v in_o heaven_n mat._n 16._o 17._o it_o be_v not_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n but_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o father_n that_o have_v effectual_o wrought_v this_o knowledge_n in_o he_o this_o sort_n of_o light_n be_v peculiarly_a from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n this_o singular_a wisdom_n be_v from_o above_o and_o according_o as_o some_o interpret_v that_o place_n john_n 3._o 13._o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v call_v ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n from_o thence_o be_v derive_v that_o insight_n into_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n which_o no_o natural_a man_n have_v attain_v to_o for_o in_o this_o degenerate_a state_n of_o mankind_n the_o great_a point_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v under_o a_o seal_n and_o lock_v up_o from_o we_o and_o be_v never_o to_o be_v disclose_v till_o a_o divine_a light_n open_v our_o eye_n we_o must_v of_o necessity_n remain_v blind_a till_o that_o eyesalve_n rev._n 3._o 18._o be_v effectual_o apply_v and_o it_o can_v be_v apply_v only_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o proper_a work_n it_o be_v to_o dispel_v that_o spiritual_a darkness_n whereby_o the_o mind_n be_v indispose_v to_o understand_v and_o discern_v divine_a matter_n aright_o this_o be_v various_o express_v in_o the_o holy_a write_n viz._n by_o such_o term_n as_o these_o shine_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o give_v the_o light_n of_o knowledge_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 6._o give_v we_o a_o understanding_n to_o know_v 1_o john_n 5._o 20._o enlighten_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n eph._n 1._o 18._o a_o unction_n from_o the_o holy_a one_o 1_o john_n 2._o 20._o which_o can_v be_v better_a paraphrase_v and_o explain_v than_o in_o the_o word_n of_o a_o eminent_a prelate_n of_o our_o church_n 328._o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o reveal_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n general_o to_o the_o universal_a church_n do_v also_o illuminate_v the_o understanding_n of_o such_o as_o believe_v that_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o truth_n for_o faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n not_o only_o in_o the_o object_n but_o also_o in_o the_o act._n and_o afterward_o in_o the_o close_a he_o have_v these_o word_n we_o affirm_v not_o only_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o also_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o be_v part_n of_o the_o office_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n against_o the_o old_a and_o new_a palagian_n so_o that_o judicious_a writer_n it_o be_v this_o holy_a instructor_n that_o dispose_v the_o mind_n to_o receive_v the_o light_n of_o divine_a truth_n by_o cure_v it_o of_o its_o natural_a darkness_n and_o ignorance_n and_o by_o prepare_v the_o heart_n to_o receive_v its_o ray_n there_o be_v require_v a_o special_a grace_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o enlighten_v the_o soul_n and_o to_o make_v due_a impression_n upon_o it_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o understanding_n must_v be_v purify_v and_o so_o make_v fit_a to_o apprehend_v spiritual_a object_n this_o be_v part_n of_o the_o renew_a nature_n and_o regenerate_v principle_n and_o consequent_o where_o this_o be_v not_o the_o great_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v hide_a secret_n and_o unknown_a mystery_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o will_v only_o draw_v these_o two_o corollary_n 1._o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o the_o follower_n of_o socinus_n will_v not_o acknowledge_v christianity_n to_o be_v a_o mystery_n for_o they_o hold_v 26._o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o ●_o supernatural_a light_n no_o need_n of_o illumination_n from_o the_o spirit_n in_o order_n to_o the_o due_a apprehend_n and_o understand_v of_o the_o divine_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v they_o say_v in_o all_o man_n that_o natural_a ability_n whereby_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o discern_v all_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a matter_n in_o a_o spiritual_a way_n they_o be_v enable_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o inbred_a power_n in_o their_o mind_n abstract_a from_o what_o be_v supernatural_a to_o perceive_v and_o believe_v as_o they_o ought_v all_o the_o evangelical_n doctrine_n propound_v to_o they_o interpret_v wolzogen_fw-mi ridicules_fw-la the_o internal_a and_o supernatural_a illumination_n i_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o 9_o velthusius_n a_o author_n that_o be_v much_o applaud_v by_o some_o of_o socinus_n follwer_n tell_v we_o plain_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o regenerate_a and_o unregenerate_a man_n concern_v the_o thing_n and_o mystery_n of_o faith_n differ_v not_o from_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n i_o appeal_v to_o the_o intelligent_a whether_o this_o be_v not_o a_o approach_n to_o a_o heresy_n long_o since_o condemn_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o pelagian_a error_n to_o assert_v that_o man_n can_v attain_v to_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o a_o ability_n to_o perform_v it_o by_o mere_a natural_a reason_n by_o the_o bare_a help_n of_o that_o light_n which_o nature_n give_v they_o and_o in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o some_o other_o point_n the_o socinian_o symbolize_v with_o those_o ancient_a heretic_n they_o cry_v up_o reason_n as_o the_o only_a thing_n in_o religion_n this_o with_o they_o like_o the_o archaeus_n among_o the_o chemist_n do_v all_o feat_n produce_v all_o operation_n though_o these_o man_n 45._o seem_v to_o be_v great_a abhorrer_n of_o those_o who_o talk_v of_o the_o light_n within_o they_o yet_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o allow_v of_o the_o very_a same_o principle_n and_o practice_n they_o equal_v the_o light_n of_o reason_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o say_v it_o will_v serve_v instead_o of_o this_o and_o that_o it_o be_v as_o good_a as_o scripture_n because_o all_o man_n may_v be_v save_v by_o it_o therefore_o this_o they_o urge_v
thing_n show_v their_o mistake_n and_o that_o they_o be_v on_o this_o side_n of_o that_o place_n for_o they_o betray_v the_o weakness_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o their_o knowledge_n these_o person_n indiscreet_o antedate_v the_o last_o day_n anticipate_v the_o future_a world_n and_o confront_v the_o reveal_v purpose_n of_o heaven_n for_o it_o be_v not_o design_v by_o the_o supreme_a be_v that_o we_o shall_v here_o below_o have_v a_o full_a insight_n into_o those_o divine_a recess_n this_o be_v reserve_v for_o another_o state_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o reason_n so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v apprehend_v why_o christianity_n be_v a_o mystery_n that_o be_v why_o some_o of_o the_o most_o weighty_a and_o momentous_a doctrine_n of_o it_o be_v in_o some_o part_n hide_v from_o all_o man_n understanding_n what_o i_o have_v say_v administer_v to_o we_o this_o double_a reflection_n 1._o from_o the_o premise_n we_o may_v discover_v the_o vanity_n and_o falsity_n of_o the_o socinian_n notion_n that_o there_o be_v no_o mystery_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n 2._o we_o may_v gather_v what_o be_v our_o proper_a duty_n and_o concern_v in_o the_o case_n before_o we_o first_o i_o say_v this_o discover_v and_o detect_v and_o at_o the_o same_o baffle_v the_o false_a apprehension_n of_o those_o man_n who_o cry_v down_o all_o mystery_n in_o christianity_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o all_o be_v level_v to_o the_o mean_a capacity_n notwithstanding_o those_o remarkable_a attestation_n to_o the_o contrary_a truth_n from_o the_o plain_a word_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n yet_o they_o perverse_o oppose_v and_o deny_v it_o and_o magnify_v reason_n as_o the_o only_a measure_n of_o truth_n and_o rule_n of_o faith_n whatever_o their_o 11._o late_a pretence_n be_v and_o nothing_o will_v serve_v they_o in_o religion_n but_o logic_n and_o downright_a demonstration_n i_o have_v observe_v it_o in_o the_o modern_a write_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n and_o of_o one_o also_o that_o be_v a_o late_a friend_n of_o they_o that_o they_o seldom_o or_o never_o finish_v a_o discourse_n though_o it_o be_v about_o religion_n without_o bring_v in_o of_o geometrical_a term_n especial_o angle_n and_o triangle_n these_o gentleman_n under_o a_o pretext_n of_o mathematics_n will_v subvert_v christianity_n and_o demonstrate_v we_o out_o of_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o make_v a_o triangle_n baffle_v the_o trinity_n this_o be_v the_o grand_a source_n of_o their_o present_a delusion_n and_o of_o that_o disturbance_n which_o they_o make_v in_o the_o world_n viz._n their_o labour_a to_o exclude_v all_o mystery_n from_o christianity_n it_o arise_v whole_o from_o this_o that_o they_o will_v not_o give_v credit_n to_o any_o thing_n in_o religion_n but_o what_o be_v entire_o clear_a and_o evident_a and_o commensurate_a to_o exact_v reason_n this_o be_v perfect_o according_a to_o that_o description_n which_o one_o of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n give_v of_o st._n paul_n natural_a man_n loc_n he_o be_v one_o say_v he_o that_o attribute_n all_o to_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o think_v not_o that_o he_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o help_n from_o above_o neither_o will_v be_v receive_v any_o thing_n by_o faith_n but_o count_v all_o foolishness_n which_o can_v be_v make_v out_o by_o demonstration_n and_o a_o ancient_a critic_n define_v he_o thus_o 〈◊〉_d he_o be_v one_o who_o turn_v all_o over_o to_o humane_a reason_n and_o admit_v not_o of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n i._n e._n any_o thing_n that_o be_v supernatural_a in_o religion_n this_o be_v the_o brief_a but_o full_a character_n of_o a_o disciple_n of_o socinus_n so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v concern_v in_o he_o upon_o the_o present_a occasion_n but_o certain_o it_o ill_o become_v a_o christian_a man_n for_o i_o have_v prove_v already_o that_o such_o a_o spirit_n and_o genius_n be_v against_o the_o plain_a determination_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n against_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o present_a state_n we_o be_v in_o such_o a_o one_o forget_v to_o distinguish_v between_o philosophy_n and_o christianity_n the_o professor_n of_o the_o former_a act_n not_o amiss_o in_o square_n all_o their_o opinion_n and_o sentiment_n by_o strict_a reason_n but_o the_o adherer_n to_o the_o latter_a who_o be_v eminent_o style_v believer_n must_v yield_v their_o assent_n to_o thing_n which_o they_o can_v by_o reason_n comprehend_v otherwise_o they_o confound_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o take_v away_o the_o distinction_n between_o reason_n and_o faith_n which_o be_v much_o more_o absurd_a and_o unaccountable_a than_o what_o scenkius_fw-la in_o his_o medical_n observation_n fancy_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o receive_v the_o visible_a species_n through_o his_o nostril_n or_o in_o plain_a term_n that_o a_o man_n may_v see_v with_o his_o nose_n for_o here_o be_v only_o a_o substitute_n of_o 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