a_o design_v end_n to_o the_o socinian_n controversy_n or_o a_o rational_a and_o plain_a discourse_n to_o prove_v that_o no_o other_o person_n but_o the_o father_n of_o christ_n be_v god_n most_o high_a by_o john_n smith_z father_n this_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n john_n 17._o 3._o london_n print_v in_o the_o year_n mdcxcv_o a_o advertisement_n the_o reader_n be_v desire_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o these_o paper_n be_v write_v at_o different_a time_n as_o matter_n do_v offer_v itself_o to_o the_o author_n mind_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n some_o particular_n be_v therein_o touch_v upon_o more_o than_o once_o for_o which_o it_o be_v hope_v however_o that_o there_o will_v need_v little_a excuse_n since_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o whole_a design_n it_o may_v be_v pertinent_a enough_o the_o method_n also_o for_o that_o reason_n be_v somewhat_o unusual_a but_o i_o have_v venture_v however_o to_o let_v it_o pass_v as_o it_o be_v since_o not_o method_n but_o matter_n in_o such_o case_n be_v chief_o to_o be_v mind_v and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o in_o one_o part_n or_o other_o thereof_o every_o part_n of_o the_o controversy_n will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v both_o full_o and_o fair_o discuss_v and_o i_o wish_v none_o that_o read_v it_o may_v be_v of_o that_o evil_a temper_n as_o to_o forbear_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o yet_o in_o conscience_n they_o dare_v not_o deny_v like_o those_o jew_n of_o old_a who_o though_o they_o believe_v in_o christ_n yet_o do_v not_o confess_v he_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n joh._n 12._o 42._o a_o design_v end_n to_o the_o socinian_n controversy_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o be_v as_o god_n by_o which_o be_v mean_v one_o eternal_a mind_n essence_n or_o spiritual_a power_n who_o be_v the_o original_a and_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o other_o being_n beside_o be_v manifest_a for_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o any_o other_o be_v whatsoever_o can_v give_v a_o be_v to_o itself_o certain_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a than_o to_o imagine_v that_o a_o thing_n can_v act_v any_o way_n towards_o its_o own_o production_n before_o it_o be_v hence_o it_o follow_v that_o every_o one_o of_o these_o being_n be_v but_o the_o real_a effect_n of_o this_o first_o cause_n that_o have_v a_o be_v before_o it_o and_o this_o first_o cause_n of_o necessity_n must_v have_v be_v eternal_a and_o without_o beginning_n since_o have_v there_o be_v once_o no_o kind_n of_o be_v at_o all_o there_o then_o can_v never_o have_v be_v such_o a_o be_v as_o god_n no_o nor_o any_o other_o be_v beside_o for_o doubtless_o of_o nothing_o nothing_o can_v be_v produce_v that_o this_o god_n be_v but_o one_o in_o nature_n or_o essence_n and_o as_o it_o be_v thus_o plain_a that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n so_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a that_o there_o can_v be_v any_o more_o than_o one_o god_n for_o whoever_o be_v true_o god_n must_v be_v absolute_o infinite_a or_o immense_a that_o be_v his_o divine_a essence_n must_v be_v boundless_a and_o fill_v all_o that_o endless_a and_o inconceivable_a space_n that_o be_v without_o or_o beyond_o the_o limit_n of_o this_o world_n as_o well_o as_o this_o world_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o be_v whatever_o can_v in_o any_o respect_n be_v great_a than_o god_n be_v or_o contain_v he_o for_o than_o he_o himself_o can_v not_o be_v true_o infinite_a nor_o excel_v in_o all_o perfection_n the_o nature_n or_o essence_n therefore_o of_o god_n be_v infinite_a and_o in_o extent_n be_v without_o bound_n and_o it_o be_v self-evident_o impossible_a for_o two_o or_o more_o infinite_o extend_a being_n to_o subsist_v together_o which_o demonstrate_v by_o consequence_n that_o god_n can_v be_v but_o one_o as_o to_o his_o divine_a essence_n or_o nature_n and_o as_o right_a reason_n do_v plain_o teach_v this_o truth_n so_o do_v the_o scripture_n as_o evident_o declare_v the_o same_o to_o instance_n in_o a_o few_o the_o lord_n he_o be_v god_n there_o be_v none_o else_o beside_o he_o deut._n 4._o 35._o see_v now_o that_o i_o even_o i_o be_o he_o and_o there_o be_v no_o god_n with_o i_o deut._n 32._o 39_o there_o be_v none_o like_o thou_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o god_n beside_o thou_o 1_o chron._n 17._o 20._o i_o be_o the_o first_o and_o i_o be_o the_o last_o and_o beside_o methere_o be_v no_o god_n isa_n 44._o 6._o we_o know_v that_o a_o idol_n be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o there_o be_v none_o other_o god_n but_o one_o 1_o cor._n 8._o 4._o to_o we_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n 1_o cor._n 8._o 6._o i_o may_v add_v a_o great_a number_n of_o other_o text_n that_o speak_v to_o the_o very_a same_o purpose_n but_o i_o think_v it_o be_v needless_a in_o a_o case_n so_o plain_a that_o this_o one_o true_a god_n be_v but_o one_o in_o person_n now_o as_o it_o be_v thus_o plain_a that_o god_n be_v but_o one_o as_o to_o his_o nature_n or_o essence_n so_o it_o be_v evident_a likewise_o that_o he_o can_v in_o no_o sense_n be_v any_o more_o than_o one_o in_o person_n for_o if_o as_o some_o affirm_v the_o divine_a nature_n do_v contain_v in_o it_o several_a person_n as_o do_v the_o humane_a nature_n than_o each_o of_o those_o must_v be_v true_o immense_a true_o almighty_a and_o true_o most_o wise_a else_o they_o can_v not_o each_o of_o they_o be_v true_o god_n as_o some_o have_v unwary_o assert_v and_o the_o trinitarian_n notion_n suppose_v for_o whoever_o be_v true_o god_n must_v be_v every_o way_n thus_o qualify_v in_o all_o respect_n for_o if_o that_o person_n that_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v god_n be_v not_o true_o immense_a than_o some_o other_o be_v of_o necessity_n must_v be_v great_a than_o he_o for_o whoever_o be_v not_o infinite_a must_v be_v bound_v by_o some_o other_o be_v which_o in_o that_o respect_n do_v true_o surpass_v that_o bound_v be_v in_o greatness_n but_o as_o i_o say_v before_o nothing_o can_v in_o any_o kind_n or_o respect_n whatsoever_o be_v great_a than_o god_n be_v or_o contain_v he_o and_o by_o consequence_n he_o alone_o be_v true_o immense_a the_o person_n that_o be_v true_o god_n must_v be_v also_o almighty_a that_o be_v he_o must_v be_v able_a to_o do_v more_o than_o any_o or_o than_o all_o other_o being_n together_a can_v do_v for_o doubtless_o none_o be_v the_o most_o high_a but_o he_o that_o in_o may_v and_o strength_n do_v transcend_v all_o other_o touch_v the_o almighty_a say_v job_n he_o excel_v in_o power_n ch_n 37._o 28._o the_o person_n also_o that_o be_v true_o god_n must_v be_v most_o wise_a and_o know_v it_o be_v doubtless_o a_o property_n essential_a to_o the_o true_a god_n to_o know_v more_o than_o any_o other_o be_v beside_o can_v know_v of_o that_o day_n and_o hour_n say_v our_o saviour_n know_v no_o man_n no_o not_o the_o angel_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n neither_o the_o son_n but_o the_o father_n only_o matth._n 24._o 36._o mar._n 13._o 32._o now_o if_o that_o person_n who_o be_v true_o god_n must_v be_v thus_o immense_a in_o his_o person_n almighty_a in_o his_o power_n and_o most_o wise_a in_o his_o knowledge_n than_o it_o follow_v by_o direct_a consequence_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o more_o than_o one_o person_n to_o be_v true_o god_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a than_o to_o believe_v or_o affirm_v that_o two_o or_o three_o distinct_a being_n such_o as_o all_o personal_a being_n be_v can_v be_v each_o of_o they_o unlimited_a as_o to_o the_o extent_n of_o their_o personal_a being_n can_v be_v each_o of_o they_o able_a to_o do_v more_o than_o the_o rest_n can_v do_v or_o that_o each_o of_o they_o can_v know_v more_o than_o the_o other_o know_v suppose_v for_o instance_n two_o such_o being_n as_o a_o and_o b_o now_o if_o the_o person_n of_o a_o can_v do_v more_o than_o the_o person_n of_o b_o than_o the_o person_n of_o b_o can_v do_v more_o than_o the_o person_n of_o a_o for_o if_o he_o can_v then_o will_v not_o a_o be_v able_a to_o do_v more_o than_o b_o and_o by_o consequence_n he_o can_v not_o be_v almighty_a again_o if_o the_o person_n of_o a_o be_v most_o wise_a and_o know_v more_o than_o the_o person_n of_o b_o then_z b_o can_v know_v more_o than_o a_o for_o if_o he_o do_v then_o will_v not_o a_o know_v more_o than_o b_o and_o so_o by_o consequence_n will_v not_o be_v most_o wise_a which_o evident_o demonstrate_v that_o no_o more_o than_o one_o person_n can_v be_v true_o god_n since_o no_o more_o than_o one_o can_v be_v true_o infinite_a in_o all_o these_o aforementioned_a divine_a perfection_n that_o this_o one_o person_n who_o
be_v true_o god_n be_v he_o only_o who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v undeniable_o evident_a from_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n or_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n be_v the_o only_a true_a god_n for_o thus_o it_o be_v write_v thou_o be_v god_n and_o thou_o alone_o of_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n 2_o king_n 19_o 15._o there_o be_v none_o like_o thou_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o god_n beside_o thou_o 2_o chron._n 17._o 20._o thou_o be_v god_n alone_o psal_n 86._o 10._o beside_o i_o there_o be_v no_o god_n isa_n 44._o 6._o i_o be_o god_n and_o there_o be_v none_o else_o isa_n 46._o 9_o thou_o shall_v know_v no_o other_o god_n but_o i_o hos_fw-la 13._o 4._o now_o as_o this_o be_v plain_a beyond_o contradiction_n so_o do_v all_o christian_n general_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o god_n here_o mention_v be_v he_o only_o who_o afterward_o be_v call_v the_o father_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n no_o truth_n be_v more_o full_o and_o plain_o express_v than_o this_o be_v thus_o say_v our_o lord_n himself_o father_n this_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n joh._n 17._o 1_o 3._o the_o same_o do_v his_o apostle_n affirm_v blessed_n be_v god_n even_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 3._o bless_a be_v the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n eph._n 1._o 3._o with_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o mouth_n glorify_v god_n even_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n rom._n 15._o 6._o we_o give_v thanks_o to_o god_n and_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n col._n 1._o 3_o he_o shall_v deliver_v up_o the_o kingdom_n to_o god_n even_o the_o father_n 1_o cor._n 15._o 24._o therewith_o bless_v we_o god_n even_o the_o father_n jam._n 3._o 9_o to_o we_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n the_o father_n 1_o cor._n 8._o 6._o now_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o one_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n can_v be_v more_o full_o and_o plain_o express_v in_o scripture_n than_o this_o be_v the_o word_n can_v be_v understand_v in_o no_o other_o sense_n than_o what_o at_o the_o first_o sight_n they_o do_v plain_o signify_v and_o they_o give_v the_o most_o satisfy_a answer_n that_o can_v be_v give_v to_o any_o one_o that_o shall_v ask_v who_o god_n be_v namely_o that_o he_o be_v only_o that_o most_o divine_a person_n who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o if_o in_o this_o case_n plain_a scripture_n be_v not_o to_o be_v rely_v on_o i_o see_v not_o of_o what_o great_a use_v our_o bible_n can_v be_v to_o we_o yet_o this_o so_o plain_a and_o evident_a truth_n be_v common_o deny_v for_o a_o very_a great_a number_n of_o profess_a christian_n do_v notwithstanding_o believe_v that_o in_o the_o godhead_n there_o be_v indeed_o more_o person_n than_o only_a one_o and_o that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v god_n also_o as_o well_o as_o his_o father_n but_o of_o this_o error_n the_o former_a argument_n be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v they_o for_o if_o none_o be_v god_n but_o the_o father_n of_o christ_n then_o can_v the_o son_n be_v true_o god_n also_o since_o he_o in_o no_o sense_n whatever_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v of_o himself_o and_o certain_o if_o man_n will_v resolve_v faithful_o to_o make_v use_v but_o of_o common_a sense_n and_o common_a honesty_n they_o can_v not_o but_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o absurdity_n of_o this_o opinion_n by_o only_o read_v so_o often_o as_o they_o do_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n of_o jesus_n christ_n his_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o how_o can_v he_o be_v god_n himself_o who_o true_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o son_n of_o god_n if_o he_o be_v the_o son_n only_o then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o he_o be_v not_o the_o father_n also_o who_o alone_o be_v god_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a according_a to_o the_o notion_n we_o have_v of_o son_n for_o any_o be_v whatever_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o himself_o no_o understanding_n man_n when_o at_o any_o time_n he_o hear_v mention_n make_v of_o the_o son_n of_o a_o king_n be_v so_o idle_a in_o his_o imagination_n as_o to_o believe_v that_o thereby_o be_v mean_v the_o king_n who_o be_v his_o father_n he_o certain_o then_o must_v be_v very_o senseless_a who_o can_v think_v that_o by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v any_o way_n mean_v god_n that_o be_v god_n most_o high_a christ_n not_o the_o true_a god_n because_o he_o himself_o have_v a_o god_n above_o he_o it_o be_v also_o evident_a beyond_o contradiction_n that_o our_o bless_a lord_n can_v be_v true_o god_n since_o both_o he_o himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n do_v very_o plain_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o have_v a_o god_n above_o he_o for_o instance_n my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o mat._n 27._o 46._o i_o ascend_v to_o my_o god_n and_o to_o your_o god_n joh._n 20._o 17._o he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o make_v a_o pillar_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o my_o god_n rev._n 3._o 12._o the_o head_n of_o every_o man_n be_v christ_n and_o the_o head_n of_o christ_n be_v god_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 3._o bless_a be_v the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n eph._n 1._o 3._o the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n know_v i_o lie_v not_o 2_o cor._n 11._o 31._o that_o the_o god_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n may_v give_v you_o the_o spirit_n eph._n 1._o 17._o therefore_o god_n even_o thy_o god_n have_v anoint_v thou_o with_o the_o oil_n of_o gladness_n above_o thy_o fellow_n heb._n 1._o 8_o 9_o these_o text_n be_v very_o plain_a and_o need_v no_o interpretation_n to_o make_v they_o be_v understand_v now_o if_o our_o lord_n christ_n have_v thus_o a_o god_n above_o he_o then_o it_o be_v evident_a if_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v so_o that_o he_o himself_o be_v not_o god_n most_o high_a christ_n not_o god_n because_o what_o he_o do_v be_v by_o a_o power_n receive_v from_o god_n this_o truth_n christ_n himself_o do_v plain_o declare_v i_o can_v say_v he_o of_o my_o own_o self_n do_v nothing_o joh._n 5._o 30._o all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o i_o both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n mat._n 28._o 18._o when_o the_o multitude_n see_v his_o miracle_n they_o marvel_v and_o glorify_a god_n who_o have_v give_v such_o power_n unto_o man_n mat._n 9_o 8._o now_o these_o thing_n can_v in_o no_o tolerable_a sense_n be_v say_v of_o he_o that_o be_v true_o god_n for_o he_o that_o be_v god_n most_o high_a have_v essential_o in_o himself_o all_o kind_n of_o divine_a dignity_n and_o excellency_n and_o can_v without_o the_o high_a of_o blasphemy_n be_v in_o any_o sense_n say_v to_o receive_v they_o of_o another_o but_o of_o our_o lord_n it_o be_v record_v that_o he_o neither_o say_v nor_o do_v any_o thing_n especial_o in_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n but_o what_o he_o be_v command_v to_o say_v and_o do_v by_o his_o father_n i_o have_v not_o speak_v of_o myself_o say_v he_o but_o the_o father_n which_o send_v i_o he_o give_v i_o a_o commandment_n what_o i_o shall_v say_v and_o what_o i_o shall_v speak_v joh._n 12._o 49._o be_v he_o able_a to_o save_v the_o world_n to_o this_o power_n he_o be_v raise_v by_o god_n him_n have_v god_n exalt_v to_o be_v a_o prince_n and_o a_o saviour_n act_v 5._o 31._o can_v he_o give_v power_n to_o believer_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n this_o power_n he_o also_o have_v receive_v thou_o have_v give_v he_o power_n over_o all_o flesh_n that_o he_o shall_v give_v eternal_a life_n to_o as_o many_o as_o thou_o have_v give_v he_o joh._n 17._o 2._o have_v he_o power_n to_o raise_v from_o the_o dead_a even_o this_o power_n also_o he_o do_v receive_v as_o the_o father_n have_v life_n in_o himself_o so_o have_v he_o give_v to_o the_o son_n to_o have_v life_n in_o himself_o joh._n 5._o 26._o have_v he_o power_n to_o judge_n the_o world_n it_o be_v god_n that_o do_v enable_v he_o to_o do_v this_o this_o be_v he_o that_o be_v ordain_v of_o god_n to_o be_v judge_n of_o quick_a and_o dead_a act_v 10._o 42._o i_o can_v do_v nothing_o of_o myself_o as_o i_o hear_v i_o judge_v joh._n 5._o 30._o moreover_o it_o be_v thus_o say_v the_o glory_n which_o thou_o have_v give_v i_o i_o have_v give_v they_o joh._n 17._o 22._o i_o appoint_v unto_o you_o a_o kingdom_n as_o my_o father_n have_v appoint_v unto_o i_o luke_n 22._o 29._o the_o god_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v put_v all_o thing_n under_o his_o foot_n eph._n 1._o 17._o
have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n joh._n 20._o 31._o if_o we_o confess_v with_o our_o mouth_n the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o believe_v in_o our_o heart_n that_o god_n raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a we_o shall_v be_v save_v rom._n 10._o 9_o whosoever_o shall_v confess_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n god_n dwell_v in_o he_o and_o he_o in_o god_n 1_o joh._n 4._o 15._o who_o be_v he_o that_o overcome_v the_o world_n but_o he_o that_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n 1_o joh._n 5._o 5._o these_o be_v a_o plain_a account_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o now_o be_v indispensable_o require_v of_o every_o christian_a in_o relation_n to_o christ_n the_o scripture_n no_o where_o injoin_v we_o to_o believe_v on_o pain_n of_o damnation_n either_o that_o jesus_n be_v god_n most_o high_a or_o that_o he_o be_v indeed_o both_o god_n and_o man_n or_o that_o he_o be_v eternal_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n it_o only_o teach_v we_o thus_o much_o concern_v he_o that_o the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n be_v the_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n 2_o tim._n 2._o 5._o that_o he_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n 1_o joh._n 2._o 2._o that_o it_o please_v the_o father_n by_o he_o to_o reconcile_v all_o thing_n to_o himself_o col._n 1._o 20._o that_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n in_o any_o other_o act_v 4._o 12._o that_o he_o appear_v now_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n for_o we_o heb._n 9_o 24._o and_o that_o he_o shall_v judge_v both_o quick_a and_o dead_a at_o the_o latter_a day_n act_v 10._o 42._o these_o be_v fundamental_o so_o plain_a and_o so_o undoubted_a that_o all_o christian_n do_v universal_o agree_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o they_o as_o they_o likewise_o will_v do_v in_o all_o other_o truth_n be_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v real_o such_o impose_v on_o the_o faith_n of_o believer_n of_o the_o transcendent_a dignity_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o now_o although_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v hitherto_o it_o be_v plain_o evident_a that_o the_o godhead_n do_v consist_v but_o of_o one_o divine_a person_n only_o even_o the_o father_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o jesus_n call_v otherways_o in_o scripture_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o humane_a person_n yet_o it_o be_v plain_a also_o that_o he_o be_v not_o a_o common_a man_n but_o the_o chief_a and_o most_o transcendent_o excellent_a of_o all_o humane_a being_n yea_o in_o dignity_n above_o even_o the_o angel_n for_o as_o his_o conception_n in_o the_o womb_n of_o a_o virgin_n be_v miraculous_a so_o be_v his_o life_n and_o action_n a_o wonder_n he_o make_v a_o perfect_a conquest_n both_o of_o death_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o in_o that_o great_a instance_n of_o magnanimity_n have_v outdo_v all_o the_o renown_a hero_n both_o of_o greece_n and_o rome_n and_o unto_o which_o of_o the_o angel_n say_v god_n at_o any_o time_n sit_v thou_o on_o my_o right_a hand_n but_o to_o this_o dignity_n be_v jesus_n exalt_v heb._n 1._o 13._o god_n have_v crown_v he_o with_o glory_n and_o honour_n heb._n 2._o 9_o and_o anoint_v he_o with_o the_o oil_n of_o gladness_n above_o his_o fellow_n heb._n 1._o 9_o angel_n and_o authority_n and_o power_n be_v make_v subject_a unto_o he_o 1_o pet._n 3._o 22._o he_o be_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n in_o a_o triumphant_a manner_n and_o as_o he_o now_o sit_v there_o at_o god_n right_a hand_n in_o glory_n so_o at_o the_o last_o day_n shall_v he_o come_v down_o from_o thence_o to_o judge_v mankind_n with_o such_o a_o surprise_v majesty_n as_o shall_v amaze_v and_o confound_v the_o world_n it_o be_v doubtless_o impossible_a for_o any_o humane_a understanding_n to_o conceive_v or_o tongue_n to_o express_v this_o most_o excellent_a man_n transcendent_a dignity_n his_o greatness_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o extraordinary_a who_o be_v thus_o set_v even_o above_o the_o angel_n be_v the_o head_n of_o every_o man_n and_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 22._o 1_o cor._n 11._o 3._o rev._n 1._o 5._o and_o now_o if_o to_o those_o forego_v consideration_n we_o add_v that_o of_o his_o most_o admire_a love_n to_o we_o sinful_a mortal_n in_o make_v peace_n for_o we_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o cross_n col._n 1._o 20._o and_o in_o undergo_n with_o invincible_a patience_n all_o those_o indignity_n and_o misery_n which_o do_v befall_v he_o in_o this_o the_o course_n of_o that_o glorious_a work_n of_o he_o the_o open_n for_o man_n a_o new_a and_o live_a way_n to_o the_o region_n of_o bliss_n the_o consideration_n of_o this_o i_o say_v add_v to_o that_o other_o of_o his_o most_o transcendent_a glory_n and_o power_n ought_v evermore_o to_o raise_v up_o in_o we_o that_o veneration_n which_o be_v suitable_a to_o such_o most_o wonderful_a instance_n of_o unconceivable_a majesty_n and_o heroic_a affection_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o any_o way_n justifiable_a to_o honour_n christ_n false_o as_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v advance_v by_o falsehood_n so_o neither_o can_v we_o true_o honour_v christ_n by_o lie_n he_o desire_v no_o such_o thing_n at_o our_o hand_n neither_o at_o the_o last_o day_n will_v he_o reward_v we_o for_o affirm_v he_o to_o be_v that_o which_o indeed_o he_o be_v not_o they_o only_o give_v true_a honour_n to_o christ_n who_o own_v he_o for_o the_o undoubted_a messiah_n or_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o do_v steadfast_o both_o believe_v and_o obey_v his_o gospel_n as_o for_o the_o other_o vain_a and_o ungrounded_a opinion_n of_o man_n concern_v he_o they_o no_o way_n conduce_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n it_o be_v say_v indeed_o that_o we_o shall_v honour_v the_o son_n as_o we_o honour_v the_o father_n joh._n 5._o 23._o but_o that_o word_n as_o do_v not_o import_v a_o equal_a honour_n no_o more_o than_o it_o do_v import_v a_o equal_a holiness_n and_o purity_n when_o we_o be_v command_v to_o purify_v ourselves_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a 1_o john_n 3._o 3._o and_o as_o he_o which_o have_v call_v you_o be_v holy_a so_o be_v you_o holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 15._o beside_o the_o word_n honour_n be_v of_o a_o doubtful_a import_n and_o do_v oftentime_o signify_v only_a obedience_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o ephes_n 6._o 1_o 2._o where_o by_o honour_n thy_o father_n and_o mother_n be_v clear_o signify_v obey_v your_o parent_n and_o according_o dr._n clagget_n in_o his_o paraphrase_n on_o the_o place_n make_v it_o to_o be_v a_o honour_v the_o son_n with_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o obedience_n imply_v that_o we_o be_v as_o much_o bind_v to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o we_o be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n record_v in_o the_o old_a that_o since_o he_o be_v make_v judge_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v certain_a he_o will_v not_o suffer_v the_o breach_n of_o his_o own_o law_n to_o go_v unpunished_a doubtless_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o careful_a of_o ascribe_v to_o christ_n those_o glory_n which_o be_v his_o as_o we_o be_v to_o give_v to_o god_n almighty_a that_o honour_n which_o essential_o belong_v to_o himself_o and_o no_o man_n can_v think_v or_o speak_v too_o honourable_o of_o his_o redeemer_n so_o long_o as_o he_o no_o way_n do_v thereby_o rob_v god_n the_o father_n of_o that_o true_o divine_a honour_n which_o be_v his_o indispensible_a due_a our_o lord_n who_o seek_v not_o his_o own_o glory_n john_n 8._o 50._o will_v give_v we_o no_o thanks_o for_o such_o honour_n as_o do_v natural_o derogate_v from_o his_o father_n dignity_n but_o such_o be_v their_o honour_n who_o make_v the_o son_n to_o be_v god_n for_o then_o since_o but_o one_o person_n can_v be_v true_o god_n they_o do_v assert_v by_o consequence_n that_o the_o father_n be_v not_o so_o god_n have_v indeed_o high_o exalt_v jesus_n his_o belove_a son_n and_o have_v give_v he_o a_o name_n above_o every_o name_n and_o have_v put_v all_o thing_n under_o his_o foot_n but_o when_o all_o thing_n be_v say_v to_o be_v thus_o put_v under_o he_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o he_o himself_o be_v except_v that_o do_v put_v all_o thing_n under_o he_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 27._o so_o that_o notwithstanding_o the_o great_a and_o mighty_a dignity_n to_o which_o god_n have_v exalt_v christ_n yet_o he_o have_v still_o reserve_v to_o himself_o this_o most_o supreme_a royalty_n of_o be_v the_o god_n and_o head_n of_o christ_n god_n have_v give_v he_o indeed_o a_o kingdom_n but_o when_o the_o intent_n of_o this_o government_n of_o he_o be_v accomplish_v he_o shall_v again_o resign_v it_o back_o that_o so_o god_n in_o that_o afterstate_n of_o eternity_n may_v be_v all_o in_o all_o 1_o cor._n 15._o
happy_a as_o to_o hit_v upon_o the_o right_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n till_o this_o can_v be_v do_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o that_o can_v never_o be_v the_o right_a sense_n which_o contradict_v the_o clear_a and_o the_o plain_a part_n of_o the_o bible_n as_o well_o as_o the_o great_a and_o most_o certain_a evidence_n of_o humane_a understanding_n the_o general_a current_n of_o the_o scripture_n declare_v plain_o that_o christ_n or_o the_o messiah_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o david_n that_o he_o be_v make_v of_o a_o woman_n wherefore_o it_o be_v self-evident_a that_o in_o a_o literal_a sense_n he_o can_v never_o be_v the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n who_o true_a ancestor_n be_v humane_a person_n and_o who_o be_v bear_v or_o who_o be_v do_v first_o begin_v to_o be_v some_o thousand_o of_o year_n after_o the_o world_n be_v make_v all_o scripture_n therefore_o that_o affirm_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o be_v the_o maker_n of_o all_o thing_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o speak_v figurative_o and_o be_v no_o way_n to_o be_v understand_v in_o their_o literal_a sense_n and_o mean_v in_o all_o such_o case_n as_o this_o be_v it_o be_v safe_a to_o say_v that_o we_o can_v understand_v true_o in_o what_o sense_n these_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v take_v than_o it_o be_v to_o conclude_v that_o they_o mean_v that_o which_o other_o more_o numerous_a and_o plain_a place_n of_o scripture_n as_o well_o as_o reason_n do_v make_v to_o be_v impossible_a of_o the_o two_o nature_n of_o jesus_n christ_n when_o we_o urge_v those_o scripture_n which_o say_v that_o christ_n have_v a_o god_n above_o he_o that_o he_o can_v do_v nothing_o of_o himself_o that_o he_o know_v not_o of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n that_o he_o die_v to_o redeem_v mankind_n the_o opposer_n reply_v that_o this_o be_v mean_v only_o as_o to_o his_o manhood_n or_o humane_a nature_n but_o not_o as_o to_o his_o divine_a nature_n for_o as_o he_o be_v god_n none_o be_v his_o superior_a he_o have_v all_o power_n essential_o in_o himself_o know_v all_o thing_n and_o be_v true_o immortal_a i_o answer_v if_o christ_n have_v real_o two_o nature_n in_o he_o so_o that_o thereby_o he_o have_v be_v true_o god_n as_o well_o as_o man_n the_o person_n thus_o constitute_v or_o make_v up_o of_o two_o such_o nature_n can_v never_o have_v die_v according_a to_o his_o humane_a nature_n if_o by_o his_o divine_a nature_n he_o have_v be_v true_o god_n too_o for_o how_o can_v he_o in_o person_n have_v be_v mortal_a in_o one_o capacity_n if_o he_o have_v be_v on_o the_o contrary_a immortal_a in_o another_o he_o also_o can_v not_o possible_o have_v be_v ignorant_a in_o one_o capacity_n of_o what_o he_o know_v in_o another_o nor_o can_v he_o have_v want_v any_o kind_n of_o power_n if_o in_o any_o of_o his_o capacity_n he_o have_v have_v all_o power_n essential_o in_o himself_o one_o capacity_n must_v needs_o have_v supply_v the_o defect_n of_o the_o other_o especial_o the_o strong_a of_o the_o weak_a of_o christ_n his_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n it_o be_v object_v that_o as_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n be_v beget_v by_o god_n on_o the_o body_n of_o the_o virgin_n so_o he_o must_v necessary_o be_v god_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o his_o father_n as_o he_o be_v man_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o his_o mother_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o say_v that_o when_o the_o angel_n salute_v the_o virgin_n with_o the_o glad-tiding_n of_o her_o be_v design_v to_o be_v the_o mother_n not_o of_o god_n but_o of_o the_o promise_a messiah_n he_o tell_v she_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v come_v upon_o she_o and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o high_a shall_v overshadow_v she_o and_o that_o therefore_o that_o holy_a thing_n which_o shall_v be_v bear_v of_o she_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n luke_n 1._o 31_o 35._o now_o in_o the_o relation_n of_o this_o message_n these_o follow_v particular_n be_v remarkable_a first_o that_o jesus_n our_o lord_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n power_n only_o and_o not_o of_o his_o person_n the_o power_n of_o the_o high_a shall_v over_o shadow_n thou_o it_o be_v of_o the_o woman_n only_o that_o he_o be_v make_v gal._n 4._o 4._o he_o be_v not_o generate_v as_o some_o think_v out_o of_o his_o father_n substance_n and_o so_o by_o consequence_n be_v the_o son_n only_o of_o his_o miraculous_a and_o almighty_a power_n second_o it_o be_v not_o say_v that_o therefore_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o natural_a son_n of_o god_n in_o that_o sense_n as_o one_o man_n be_v the_o natural_a son_n of_o another_o but_o therefore_o he_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o he_o shall_v so_o be_v and_o be_v so_o repute_v because_o in_o this_o one_o particular_a instance_n god_n be_v to_o he_o instead_o of_o a_o father_n not_o a_o father_n in_o the_o way_n that_o man_n be_v father_n to_o their_o child_n but_o a_o father_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o virgin_n be_v receive_v a_o power_n from_o god_n thus_o in_o a_o uncommon_a manner_n to_o conceive_v in_o herself_o a_o son_n of_o joseph_n and_o david_n ver._n 31_o 32._o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o think_v it_o appear_v plain_o that_o christ_n his_o being_n god_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o his_o father_n be_v a_o ungrounded_a conceit_n the_o generation_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n may_v be_v better_o account_v for_o another_o way_n for_o god_n the_o almighty_a architect_n and_o most-wise_a contriver_n of_o the_o creation_n have_v reserve_v to_o himself_o a_o power_n to_o alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n whensoever_o he_o please_v and_o as_o of_o a_o rib_n take_v out_o from_o the_o side_n of_o adam_n he_o make_v a_o woman_n so_o by_o the_o same_o omnipotent_a power_n he_o do_v enable_v a_o virgin_n woman_n to_o conceive_v a_o son_n if_o god_n have_v power_n out_o of_o mere_a stone_n to_o raise_v up_o child_n unto_o abraham_n mat._n 3._o 9_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o think_v it_o incredible_a that_o in_o this_o miraculous_a manner_n he_o shall_v out_o of_o the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n raise_v up_o this_o seed_n so_o wonderful_o to_o be_v the_o world_n redeemer_n of_o the_o power_n by_o which_o christ_n do_v miracle_n some_o i_o find_v be_v strong_o persuade_v that_o none_o but_o a_o person_n true_o god_n can_v do_v those_o wonderful_a work_n that_o christ_n do_v to_o such_o i_o answer_v that_o a_o man_n who_o be_v no_o god_n can_v do_v thing_n that_o be_v miraculous_a when_o god_n give_v he_o a_o power_n to_o perform_v they_o this_o be_v evident_a in_o those_o which_o moses_n do_v and_o in_o those_o also_o which_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o apostle_n the_o work_n of_o christ_n indeed_o be_v extraordinary_a yet_o not_o do_v by_o a_o power_n inherent_a in_o himself_o but_o by_o a_o power_n derive_v from_o god_n for_o himself_o tell_v we_o that_o all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n mat._n 28._o 18._o he_o be_v a_o man_n approve_v of_o god_n say_v the_o apostle_n by_o miracle_n wonder_n and_o sign_n which_o god_n do_v by_o he_o act_v 2._o 22._o this_o power_n god_n do_v bestow_v on_o christ_n to_o be_v only_o a_o evidence_n of_o his_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n rabbi_n say_v nicodemus_n we_o know_v that_o thou_o be_v a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n for_o no_o man_n can_v do_v these_o thing_n that_o thou_o do_v except_o god_n be_v with_o he_o joh._n 3._o 2._o the_o work_n say_v christ_n which_o the_o father_n have_v give_v i_o to_o finish_v the_o same_o work_n that_o i_o do_v bear_v witness_n of_o i_o joh._n 5._o 36._o his_o work_n be_v a_o evident_a proof_n that_o he_o be_v no_o impostor_n but_o a_o true_a and_o most_o wonderful_a prophet_n yet_o still_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v but_o a_o man_n a_o man_n who_o god_n be_v with_o a_o man_n by_o who_o god_n do_v wonder_n of_o the_o incomprehensibleness_n of_o god_n nature_n some_o object_n that_o we_o must_v not_o think_v to_o comprehend_v the_o infinite_a nature_n of_o god_n nor_o understand_v full_o every_o particular_a that_o do_v relate_v to_o his_o divine_a perfection_n for_o god_n be_v incomprehensible_a and_o may_v for_o aught_o we_o know_v be_v that_o which_o yet_o we_o can_v plain_o understand_v he_o to_o be_v namely_o three_o in_o person_n though_o but_o one_o in_o essence_n i_o answer_v some_o of_o god_n divine_a perfection_n be_v self-evident_a and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o we_o can_v be_v mistake_v therein_o we_o be_v infallible_o certain_a that_o he_o must_v be_v immense_a in_o person_n almighty_a in_o power_n and_o most_o wise_a in_o knowledge_n and_o although_o we_o can_v know_v what_o
god_n be_v in_o every_o respect_n yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n we_o may_v know_v certain_o what_o indeed_o he_o be_v not_o we_o know_v certain_o that_o he_o be_v not_o a_o man_n or_o that_o he_o be_v make_v of_o a_o woman_n as_o christ_n be_v we_o know_v certain_o that_o he_o be_v not_o mortal_a or_o that_o he_o can_v die_v as_o christ_n do_v and_o we_o know_v certain_o that_o he_o have_v not_o a_o god_n above_o he_o as_o christ_n have_v and_o we_o know_v certain_o that_o he_o have_v not_o receive_v any_o kind_n of_o power_n from_o another_o as_o christ_n jesus_n be_v say_v to_o do_v and_o as_o one_o truth_n natural_o infer_v another_o so_o we_o do_v from_o hence_o assure_o conclude_v that_o the_o person_n of_o jesus_n our_o lord_n be_v not_o true_o god_n for_o he_o be_v make_v of_o a_o woman_n gal._n 4._o 4._o he_o die_v to_o redeem_v we_o 2_o cor._n 5._o 14._o he_o have_v a_o god_n above_o he_o 1_o cor._n 11._o 3._o and_o he_o do_v receive_v all_o the_o power_n he_o have_v of_o another_o joh._n 5._o 30._o mat._n 28._o 18._o we_o also_o know_v certain_o that_o if_o the_o divine_a godhead_n do_v consist_v of_o three_o person_n that_o then_o neither_o of_o the_o three_o person_n single_o can_v be_v god_n if_o all_o three_o be_v but_o that_o one_o god_n together_o as_o the_o trinitarian_n assert_v than_o no_o one_o of_o they_o can_v be_v the_o true_a god_n by_o himself_o for_o the_o same_o denomination_n can_v proper_o fit_v each_o person_n single_o as_o do_v fit_v they_o when_o conjoin_v in_o one_o mutual_a relation_n for_o than_o they_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v indeed_o three_o supreme_a godhead_n which_o be_v utter_o impossible_a we_o also_o know_v certain_o that_o if_o any_o of_o the_o three_o person_n say_v to_o be_v in_o the_o godhead_n be_v god_n by_o himself_o as_o we_o have_v prove_v god_n the_o father_n undoubted_o be_v than_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v but_o superfluous_a and_o unnecessary_a as_o to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o godhead_n for_o one_o infinite_a almighty_a and_o most_o wise_a person_n be_v as_o sufficient_a to_o all_o the_o purpose_n of_o a_o godhead_n as_o ten_o thousand_o deity_n but_o if_o three_o be_v but_o the_o one_o true_a god_n together_o than_o no_o one_o of_o they_o can_v be_v that_o one_o true_a god_n by_o himself_o alone_o last_o we_o may_v be_v infallible_o certain_a that_o if_o doctrine_n ground_v on_o so_o many_o numerous_a and_o great_a evidence_n both_o of_o scripture_n and_o self-evident_a reason_n as_o these_o be_v that_o god_n be_v but_o one_o in_o person_n that_o the_o person_n who_o be_v true_o god_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o father_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o the_o most_o excellent_a of_o man_n even_o jesus_n christ_n be_v only_o a_o man_n be_v false_a then_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o other_o principle_n in_o religion_n if_o the_o evidence_n here_o collect_v do_v deceive_v we_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o hope_v by_o any_o other_o method_n to_o find_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o come_v down_o of_o christ_n from_o heaven_n some_o as_o a_o proof_n of_o our_o saviour_n godhead_n urge_v those_o text_n of_o scripture_n where_o it_o be_v say_v he_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n come_v forth_o from_o the_o father_n and_o ascend_v up_o where_o he_o be_v before_o to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o these_o prove_v not_o that_o for_o which_o they_o be_v intend_v since_o it_o be_v plain_o infer_v from_o other_o scripture_n that_o christ_n some_o time_n before_o he_o be_v send_v to_o declare_v the_o glad-tiding_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v assume_v or_o take_v up_o from_o the_o earth_n into_o his_o father_n more_o immediate_a presence_n as_o st._n paul_n be_v some_o time_n after_o into_o the_o three_o heaven_n there_o to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v invest_v with_o that_o great_a dignity_n and_o power_n of_o be_v a_o prince_n and_o a_o saviour_n to_o this_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n vision_n plain_o allude_v i_o see_v say_v he_o in_o the_o night_n vision_n and_o behold_v one_o like_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v to_o the_o ancient_n of_o day_n and_o they_o bring_v he_o before_o he_o and_o there_o be_v give_v he_o dominion_n and_o glory_n and_o a_o kingdom_n that_o all_o people_n and_o nation_n and_o language_n shall_v serve_v he_o dan._n 7._o 13._o and_o from_o the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n himself_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o he_o ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n before_o he_o come_v down_o to_o declare_v his_o father_n will_n to_o man_n no_o man_n say_v he_o have_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n joh._n 3._o 13._o but_o no_o man_n but_o christ_n ever_o come_v down_o from_o thence_o which_o he_o never_o can_v have_v do_v have_v he_o not_o first_o ascend_v up_o thither_o and_o that_o he_o be_v take_v up_o to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o doctrine_n he_o be_v to_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n be_v plain_a also_o the_o father_n say_v he_o that_o send_v i_o he_o give_v i_o a_o commandment_n what_o i_o shall_v say_v and_o what_o i_o shall_v speak_v joh._n 12._o 49._o the_o redemption_n or_o restoration_n of_o mankind_n be_v a_o work_n of_o prodigious_a difficulty_n and_o god_n who_o have_v fore-ordained_n our_o saviour_n for_o the_o performance_n thereof_o do_v for_o his_o great_a encouragement_n present_v to_o his_o view_n the_o glory_n which_o before_o the_o world_n be_v joh._n 17._o 5._o he_o have_v design_v as_o a_o reward_n for_o his_o son_n the_o messiah_n and_o it_o be_v doubtless_o this_o fore-taste_a of_o the_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a happiness_n that_o animate_v he_o with_o courage_n and_o fortitude_n to_o encounter_v all_o the_o difficulty_n that_o stand_v in_o his_o way_n hence_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o for_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o do_v endure_v the_o cross_n and_o despise_v the_o shame_n heb._n 12._o 2._o of_o the_o eternity_n of_o christ_n some_o object_n that_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v before_o abraham_n before_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o he_o have_v glory_n with_o god_n before_o the_o world_n be_v this_o say_v they_o prove_v he_o to_o be_v eternal_a and_o by_o consequence_n god_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o christ_n can_v be_v the_o true_a and_o live_a god_n since_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o work_n that_o no_o person_n be_v true_o god_n but_o the_o father_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o christ_n have_v a_o god_n above_o he_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o christ_n to_o be_v eternal_a for_o if_o god_n be_v his_o father_n as_o all_o acknowledge_v than_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o the_o son_n have_v not_o a_o be_v for_o to_o be_v a_o son_n and_o to_o be_v equal_a in_o duration_n with_o his_o eternal_a father_n that_o beget_v he_o be_v undoubted_o impossible_a beside_o we_o be_v tell_v plain_o that_o the_o son_n be_v first_o fore-ordained_n before_o he_o come_v to_o have_v a_o be_v in_o these_o latter_a time_n 1._o pet._n 1._o 20._o now_o no_o fore-ordained_n be_v can_v possible_o be_v eternal_a since_o he_o that_o do_v ordain_v his_o be_v must_v be_v before_o he_o of_o necessity_n and_o none_o but_o the_o very_a first_o of_o all_o being_n can_v be_v true_o eternal_a how_o can_v he_o have_v a_o be_v before_o abraham_n since_o it_o be_v declare_v he_o be_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n how_o can_v he_o be_v before_o david_n when_o it_o be_v out_o of_o david_n posterity_n that_o god_n raise_v up_o jesus_n according_a to_o his_o promise_n and_o since_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v make_v of_o a_o woman_n gal._n 4._o 4._o he_o can_v not_o be_v more_o ancient_a in_o time_n than_o his_o mother_n that_o bear_v he_o if_o follow_v then_o that_o these_o scripture_n on_o which_o the_o objection_n depend_v be_v pure_o figurative_a and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o their_o literal_a sense_n and_o mean_v they_o declare_v indeed_o that_o christ_n in_o some_o sense_n or_o other_o be_v before_o all_o thing_n before_o abraham_n and_o have_v glory_n before_o the_o world_n be_v but_o not_o in_o that_o sense_n which_o the_o objector_n suppose_v for_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a they_o shall_v be_v understand_v in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o contradict_v both_o common_a understanding_n and_o the_o great_a and_o plain_a part_n of_o all_o the_o bible_n they_o be_v place_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o those_o which_o st._n peter_n affirm_v be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v 2_o pet._n 3._o 16._o and_o for_o that_o reason_n must_v by_o interpretation_n be_v bring_v to_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o
mighty_a salvation_n for_o we_o out_o of_o the_o house_n of_o his_o servant_n david_n luke_n 1._o 68_o 69._o a_o general_a rule_n for_o answer_v all_o objection_n have_v consider_v and_o answer_v the_o principal_a objection_n urge_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o assert_n jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v true_o god_n in_o opposition_n to_o that_o of_o his_o be_v only_o the_o man_n who_o be_v the_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n 1_o tim._n 2._o 5._o or_o that_o which_o assert_n that_o none_o be_v god_n but_o the_o father_n of_o christ_n it_o will_v be_v needless_a to_o confute_v those_o other_o little_a objection_n which_o still_o remain_v since_o when_o the_o chief_a strength_n that_o do_v uphold_v a_o error_n be_v overthrow_v it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o some_o little_a prop_n to_o maintain_v and_o support_v it_o nevertheless_o lest_o the_o mind_n of_o some_o shall_v thereby_o be_v perplex_v i_o here_o lay_v down_o one_o general_a rule_n by_o which_o all_o other_o objection_n may_v be_v easy_o refute_v and_o that_o be_v this_o if_o any_o principle_n in_o religion_n be_v true_a by_o the_o great_a and_o by_o the_o plain_a number_n of_o evidence_n it_o can_v never_o be_v false_a by_o a_o few_o in_o number_n or_o by_o they_o that_o be_v dark_a and_o doubtful_a if_o then_o the_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o true_a god_n to_o be_v only_o the_o father_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v more_o in_o number_n and_o plain_a to_o be_v understand_v than_o those_o be_v which_o be_v object_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o contrary_a you_o need_v then_o only_o to_o reply_v thus_o that_o the_o proof_n that_o make_v for_o it_o be_v more_o both_o in_o number_n and_o weight_n than_o those_o that_o be_v against_o it_o and_o that_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v unpardonable_a to_o suffer_v such_o trifle_n to_o unsettle_v and_o shake_v your_o faith_n suppose_v a_o man_n object_n against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n be_v but_o one_o in_o person_n this_o text_n let_v we_o make_v man_n gen._n 1._o 26._o and_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v from_o thence_o that_o god_n be_v more_o than_o one_o in_o person_n be_v it_o reasonable_a to_o suffer_v this_o to_o alter_v your_o judgement_n when_o for_o that_o one_o passage_n we_o urge_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o more_o person_n than_o one_o you_o have_v ten_o thousand_o that_o mention_n god_n to_o be_v but_o only_o one_o in_o such_o term_n as_o these_o ay_o thou_o i_o he_o his_o and_o as_o for_o the_o term_n of_o we_o they_o they_o etc._n etc._n they_o be_v not_o mention_v in_o scripture_n so_o much_o as_o once_o as_o apply_v to_o god_n alone_o if_o every_o single_a objection_n that_o be_v start_v shall_v be_v admit_v to_o be_v of_o authority_n sufficient_a to_o invalidate_v the_o best_a and_o clear_a proof_n or_o if_o every_o hard_a and_o doubtful_a passage_n in_o scripture_n be_v enough_o to_o overthrow_v all_o they_o that_o be_v clear_a and_o plain_a than_o all_o true_a religion_n will_v soon_o be_v at_o a_o end_n for_o some_o plausible_a exception_n may_v be_v make_v against_o the_o chief_a and_o plain_a truth_n in_o religion_n otherwise_o so_o many_o false_a and_o erroneous_a opinion_n will_v not_o have_v obtain_v that_o authority_n that_o they_o have_v in_o the_o world_n indeed_o when_o we_o be_v tell_v plain_o that_o we_o be_v in_o a_o error_n and_o argument_n true_o considerable_a be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n offer_v to_o undeceive_v we_o we_o ought_v then_o to_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v convince_v for_o if_o what_o be_v thus_o urge_v carry_v with_o it_o so_o much_o clear_a evidence_n as_o make_v it_o undoubted_a the_o change_v then_o of_o our_o opinion_n will_v not_o only_o be_v reasonable_a but_o very_o honourable_a too_o since_o nothing_o be_v more_o ignoble_a and_o base_a than_o to_o be_v a_o slave_n to_o error_n from_o which_o not_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n but_o truth_n can_v free_v we_o of_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o general_a analogy_n of_o true_a faith_n ground_v on_o scripture-evidence_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v no_o distinct_a person_n subsist_v of_o himself_o for_o then_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o our_o lord_n can_v not_o be_v the_o son_n of_o he_o who_o be_v now_o call_v god_n the_o father_n or_o the_o first_o person_n in_o the_o suppose_a trinity_n since_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o virgin_n mary_n conception_n be_v occasion_v by_o the_o overshadow_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n luke_n 1._o 35._o which_o all_o trinitarian_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o three_o person_n and_o not_o the_o first_o it_o be_v express_o say_v that_o that_o which_o be_v conceive_v in_o she_o be_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n mat._n 1._o 20._o and_o that_o she_o be_v with_o child_n by_o he_o mat._n 1._o 18._o wherefore_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o these_o additional_a word_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o high_a shall_v overshadow_v thou_o luke_n 1._o 35._o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v only_o that_o divine_a and_o invisible_a power_n of_o god_n by_o which_o he_o work_v his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n in_o the_o world_n and_o by_o consequence_n that_o god_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v no_o more_o two_o distinct_a person_n than_o man_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n be_v for_o to_o the_o one_o the_o other_o be_v compare_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 11._o and_o as_o the_o member_n of_o man_n body_n do_v secret_o and_o wonderful_o obey_v the_o dictate_v of_o his_o will_n or_o mind_n so_o and_o much_o more_o so_o do_v all_o creature_n act_v and_o be_v command_v by_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n divine_a and_o most_o wise_a will_n and_o pleasure_n when_o therefore_o all_o the_o elect_a people_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o that_o new_a temper_n and_o inclination_n of_o mind_n which_o god_n by_o his_o divine_a and_o invisible_a power_n do_v work_v or_o cause_n in_o men._n when_o he_o powerful_o raise_v up_o in_o they_o holy_a thought_n and_o excite_v in_o their_o mind_n new_a desire_n he_o be_v then_o true_o say_v to_o sanctify_v they_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o when_o man_n wilful_o reject_v those_o motion_n to_o goodness_n which_o god_n by_o his_o power_n do_v raise_v up_o in_o they_o they_o be_v then_o true_o say_v to_o resist_v and_o grieve_v and_o quench_v his_o spirit_n and_o whereas_o the_o spirit_n be_v say_v to_o receive_v and_o to_o be_v send_v from_o whence_o some_o will_v infer_v its_o distinct_a personality_n it_o be_v reply_v that_o these_o be_v but_o improper_a expression_n such_o as_o be_v before_o note_v to_o be_v speak_v of_o god_n and_o christ_n they_o be_v word_n fit_v to_o our_o dull_a apprehension_n rather_o than_o to_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o the_o spirit_n itself_o even_o as_o god_n be_v represent_v as_o have_v the_o action_n and_o passion_n of_o a_o man_n and_o to_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n when_o yet_o we_o know_v that_o he_o be_v already_o every_o where_o though_o our_o mortal_a eye_n have_v not_o power_n fit_v to_o perceive_v he_o he_o that_o fill_v all_o thing_n can_v no_o way_n be_v capable_a of_o move_v out_o of_o his_o place_n such_o expression_n as_o these_o therefore_o be_v plain_o improper_a and_o must_v not_o be_v understand_v literal_o or_o as_o at_o first_o sight_n they_o seem_v to_o express_v the_o conclusion_n to_o what_o have_v be_v say_v on_o this_o subject_a i_o will_v only_o add_v this_o one_o solemn_a protestation_n that_o as_o what_o i_o here_o offer_n be_v ground_v on_o the_o dictate_v only_o of_o plain_a and_o positive_a scripture_n and_o the_o most_o evident_a and_o perfect_a reason_n as_o i_o humble_o judge_v so_o the_o design_n of_o this_o its_o publication_n be_v the_o alone_a glory_n of_o god_n almighty_n and_o the_o church_n peace_n which_o no_o way_n can_v be_v establish_v firm_o but_o on_o the_o foundation_n of_o truth_n and_o though_o i_o be_o sensible_a the_o work_n be_v not_o perform_v with_o that_o exactness_n as_o to_o be_v in_o every_o part_n without_o reproof_n yet_o i_o be_o satisfy_v that_o in_o the_o main_a i_o have_v therein_o manage_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n nevertheless_o i_o have_v a_o secret_a distrust_n within_o i_o that_o what_o i_o here_o offer_v will_v not_o be_v kind_o receive_v for_o my_o best_a endeavour_n must_v not_o expect_v to_o find_v better_a success_n than_o do_v those_o of_o my_o bless_a lord_n and_o master_n who_o though_o he_o speak_v as_o never_o man_n speak_v and_o confirm_v his_o doctrine_n with_o such_o miracle_n as_o do_v demonstrate_v he_o to_o be_v a_o teacher_n send_v of_o god_n yet_o be_v believe_v on_o but_o by_o a_o few_o the_o praise_n of_o man_n be_v then_o general_o much_o more_o belove_v than_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n joh._n 12._o 43._o and_o i_o doubt_v the_o case_n be_v still_o the_o same_o man_n now_o seek_v their_o own_o and_o not_o the_o thing_n of_o jesus_n christ_n phil._n 2._o 21._o they_o that_o love_v riches_n will_v hardly_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o lose_v any_o temporal_a preferment_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o truth_n other_o will_v be_v averse_a from_o acknowledge_v themselves_o in_o a_o mistake_n who_o before_o have_v be_v honour_v with_o the_o repute_n both_o of_o orthodox_n and_o learned_a man_n and_o those_o who_o have_v be_v long_o prepossess_v with_o the_o contrary_a persuasion_n will_v hardly_o relinquish_v it_o though_o the_o best_a of_o reason_n be_v offer_v to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o error_n in_o short_a the_o religion_n of_o mankind_n general_o be_v but_o a_o self-righteousness_n a_o law_n rather_o of_o their_o own_o make_v than_o of_o god_n appoint_v there_o be_v but_o very_o few_o that_o in_o all_o thing_n do_v either_o live_v or_o believe_v as_o the_o gospel_n direct_v they_o the_o whole_a world_n do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n prefer_v some_o senseless_a humour_n before_o sacred_a truth_n and_o that_o immortal_a bliss_n to_o which_o it_o will_v conduct_v they_o the_o end_n