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 consequent_o be_v without_o beginning_n for_o that_o which_o be_v never_o make_v can_v have_v no_o beginning_n of_o its_o be_v and_o so_o the_o jew_n use_v to_o describe_v eternity_n before_o the_o world_n be_v and_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n as_o also_o in_o several_a place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o so_o likewise_o solomon_n describe_v the_o eternity_n of_o wisdom_n etc._n the_o lord_n say_v he_o possess_v i_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o way_n before_o his_o work_n of_o old_a i_o be_v set_v up_o from_o everlasting_a from_o the_o beginning_n or_o ever_o the_o earth_n be_v when_o he_o prepare_v the_o heaven_n i_o be_v there_o then_o i_o be_v with_o he_o as_o one_o bring_v up_o with_o he_o rejoice_v always_o before_o he_o and_o so_o justin_n martyr_n explain_v this_o very_a expression_n of_o st._n john_n that_o he_o be_v or_o have_v a_o be_v before_o all_o age_n so_o likewise_o athenagoras_n a_o most_o ancient_a christian_a writer_n god_n say_v he_o who_o be_v a_o invisible_a mind_n have_v from_o the_o beginning_n the_o word_n in_o himself_o 2_o that_o in_o the_o begin_n the_o word_n be_v with_o god_n and_o so_o solomon_n when_o he_o will_v express_v the_o eternity_n of_o wisdom_n say_v it_o be_v with_o god_n and_o so_o likewise_o the_o son_n of_o sirach_n speak_v of_o wisdom_n say_v it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o god_n and_o so_o the_o ancient_a jew_n often_o call_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o word_n which_o be_v before_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v with_o he_o or_o in_o his_o presence_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o evangelist_n say_v here_o that_o the_o word_n be_v with_o god_n that_o be_v it_o be_v always_o together_o with_o he_o partake_v of_o his_o happiness_n and_o glory_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n refer_v in_o his_o prayer_n 5._o glorify_v i_o with_o thy_o own_o self_n with_o the_o glory_n which_o i_o have_v with_o thou_o before_o the_o world_n be_v and_o this_o be_v with_o god_n the_o evangelist_n oppose_v to_o his_o appear_v and_o be_v manifest_v to_o the_o world_n v_o 10._o he_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o he_o and_o the_o world_n know_v he_o not_o that_o be_v he_o who_o from_o all_o eternity_n be_v with_o god_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o when_o he_o do_v so_o though_o he_o have_v make_v the_o world_n yet_o the_o world_n will_v not_o own_v he_o and_o this_o opposition_n between_o his_o be_v with_o god_n and_o his_o be_v manifest_v in_o the_o world_n the_o same_o st._n john_n mention_n elsewhere_o 2._o i_o show_v unto_o you_o that_o eternal_a life_n which_o be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o be_v manifest_v unto_o we_o 3_o that_o he_o be_v god_n and_o so_o justin_n martyr_n say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v god_n before_o the_o world_n that_o be_v from_o all_o eternity_n but_o then_o the_o evangelist_n add_v by_o way_n of_o explication_n the_o same_o be_v in_o the_o begin_n with_o god_n that_o be_v though_o the_o word_n be_v true_o and_o real_o god_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o god_n the_o father_n who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o the_o deity_n but_o a_o emanation_n from_o he_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n from_o all_o eternity_n with_o he_o to_o denote_v to_o we_o that_o which_o be_v common_o call_v by_o divine_n and_o for_o any_o thing_n i_o can_v ever_o see_v proper_o enough_o the_o distinction_n of_o person_n in_o the_o deity_n at_o least_o we_o know_v not_o a_o fit_a word_n whereby_o to_o express_v that_o great_a mystery_n four_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o this_o seem_v to_o refer_v to_o the_o description_n which_o moses_n make_v of_o the_o creation_n 1._o where_o god_n be_v represent_v create_v thing_n by_o his_o word_n god_n say_v let_v there_o be_v light_n and_o there_o be_v light_a and_o so_o likewise_o the_o psalmist_n 6._o by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o heaven_n make_v and_o all_o the_o host_n of_o they_o by_o the_o breath_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o so_o st._n peter_n also_o express_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o heaven_n be_v of_o old_a 5._o and_o the_o earth_n make_v out_o of_o water_n and_o in_o the_o ancient_a book_n of_o the_o chaldean_n and_o the_o verse_n ascribe_v to_o orpheus_n the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n be_v call_v the_o word_n and_o the_o divine_a word_n and_o so_o tertullian_n tell_v the_o pagan_n that_o by_o their_o philosopher_n the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n or_o reason_n and_o philo_n the_o jew_n follow_v plato_n who_o himself_o most_o probable_o have_v it_o from_o the_o jew_n say_v that_o the_o world_n be_v create_v by_o the_o word_n who_o he_o call_v the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n two_o of_o which_o glorious_a title_n be_v ascribe_v to_o he_o together_o with_o that_o of_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n in_o these_o last_o day_n say_v he_o god_n have_v speak_v to_o we_o by_o his_o son_n by_o who_o also_o he_o make_v the_o world_n who_o be_v the_o brightness_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n st._n paul_n 17._o speak_v of_o christ_n call_v he_o the_o image_n of_o the_o invisible_a god_n the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n that_o be_v bear_v before_o any_o thing_n be_v create_v as_o do_v evident_o follow_v from_o the_o reason_n give_v in_o the_o next_o word_n why_o he_o call_v he_o the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n for_o by_o he_o be_v all_o thing_n create_v that_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n visible_a and_o invisible_a all_o thing_n be_v create_v by_o he_o and_o for_o he_o and_o he_o be_v before_o all_o thing_n and_o by_o he_o all_o thing_n subsist_v from_o whence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o by_o his_o be_v the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n thus_o much_o at_o least_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v that_o he_o be_v before_o all_o creature_n and_o therefore_o he_o himself_o can_v be_v a_o creature_n unless_o he_o can_v be_v before_o himself_o nay_o the_o apostle_n say_v it_o express_o in_o this_o very_a text_n in_o which_o he_o be_v call_v the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n or_o of_o the_o whole_a creation_n that_o he_o be_v before_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v he_o have_v a_o be_v before_o there_o be_v any_o create_v be_v he_o be_v before_o all_o creature_n both_o in_o duration_n and_o in_o dignity_n for_o so_o must_v he_o of_o necessity_n be_v if_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o for_o as_o
nothing_o when_o any_o person_n or_o party_n be_v concern_v to_o oppose_v any_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o and_o the_o plain_a text_n for_o any_o article_n of_o faith_n how_o fundamental_a and_o necessary_a soever_o may_v by_o the_o same_o art_n and_o way_n of_o interpretation_n be_v elude_v and_o render_v utter_o ineffectual_a for_o the_o establish_n of_o it_o for_o example_n if_o any_o man_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o call_v in_o question_n that_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n concern_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n why_o may_v he_o not_o according_a to_o socinus_n his_o way_n of_o interpret_n st._n john_n understand_v the_o first_o chapter_n of_o genesis_n concern_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a dispensation_n and_o interpret_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n to_o be_v the_o institution_n of_o the_o jewish_a polity_n and_o religion_n as_o by_o the_o new_a heaven_n and_o the_o new_a earth_n they_o pretend_v be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o new_a state_n of_o thing_n under_o the_o gospel_n and_o why_o may_v not_o the_o chaos_n signify_v that_o state_n of_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n in_o which_o the_o world_n be_v before_o the_o give_n of_o the_o law_n by_o moses_n and_o so_o on_o worcester_n as_o a_o very_a learned_a divine_a of_o our_o own_o have_v ingenious_o show_v more_o at_o large_a there_o be_v no_o end_n of_o wit_n and_o fancy_n which_o can_v turn_v any_o thing_n any_o way_n and_o can_v make_v whatever_o they_o please_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o any_o book_n though_o never_o so_o contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a design_n of_o it_o and_o to_o that_o sense_n which_o at_o the_o first_o hear_v and_o read_v of_o it_o be_v obvious_a to_o every_o man_n of_o common_a sense_n and_o this_o in_o my_o opinion_n socinus_n have_v do_v in_o the_o case_n now_o before_o we_o by_o impose_v a_o new_a and_o odd_a and_o violent_a sense_n upon_o this_o passage_n of_o st._n john_n direct_o contrary_a to_o what_o any_o man_n will_v imagine_v to_o be_v the_o plain_a and_o obvious_a meaning_n of_o it_o and_o contrary_a likewise_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o all_o age_n down_o to_o his_o time_n who_o yet_o have_v as_o great_a or_o great_a advantage_n of_o understanding_n st._n john_n aright_o and_o as_o much_o integrity_n as_o any_o man_n can_v now_o modest_o pretend_v to_o and_o all_o this_o only_a to_o serve_v and_o support_v a_o opinion_n which_o he_o have_v entertain_v before_o and_o therefore_o be_v resolve_v one_o way_n or_o other_o to_o bring_v the_o scripture_n to_o comply_v with_o it_o and_o if_o he_o can_v not_o have_v do_v it_o it_o be_v great_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o he_o will_v at_o last_o have_v call_v in_o question_n the_o divine_a authority_n of_o st._n john_n gospel_n rather_o than_o have_v quit_v his_o opinion_n and_o to_o speak_v free_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v that_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o a_o much_o fair_a way_n to_o reject_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o a_o book_n than_o to_o use_v it_o so_o disingenuous_o and_o to_o wrest_v the_o plain_a expression_n of_o it_o with_o so_o much_o strain_v and_o violence_n from_o their_o most_o natural_a and_o obvious_a sense_n for_o no_o doctrine_n whatsever_v can_v have_v any_o certain_a foundation_n in_o any_o book_n if_o this_o liberty_n be_v once_o admit_v without_o regard_n to_o the_o plain_a scope_n and_o occasion_n of_o it_o to_o play_v upon_o the_o word_n and_o phrase_n with_o all_o the_o art_n of_o criticism_n and_o with_o all_o the_o variety_n of_o allegory_n which_o a_o brisk_a and_o lively_a imagination_n can_v devise_v which_o i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o admire_v in_o the_o expound_v of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o i_o be_o always_o jealous_a of_o a_o over-laboured_a and_o far-fetched_a interpretation_n of_o any_o author_n whatsoever_o i_o do_v ready_o grant_v that_o the_o socinian_n writer_n have_v manage_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n against_o the_o innovation_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n with_o great_a acuteness_n and_o advantage_n in_o many_o respect_n but_o i_o be_o sorry_a to_o have_v cause_n to_o say_v that_o they_o have_v likewise_o put_v into_o their_o hand_n better_a and_o sharp_a weapon_n than_o ever_o they_o have_v before_o for_o the_o weaken_n and_o undermine_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o h._n scripture_n which_o socinus_n indeed_o have_v in_o the_o general_a strong_o assert_v have_v he_o not_o by_o a_o dangerous_a liberty_n of_o impose_v a_o foreign_a and_o foree_v sense_n upon_o particular_a text_n bring_v the_o whole_a into_o uncertainty_n three_o which_o be_v as_o considerable_a a_o prejudice_n against_o this_o new_a interpretation_n of_o this_o passage_n of_o st._n john_n as_o either_o of_o the_o former_a i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o this_o point_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o the_o word_n before_o his_o incarnation_n do_v not_o rely_v only_o upon_o this_o single_a passage_n of_o st._n john_n but_o be_v likewise_o confirm_v by_o many_o other_o text_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n conspire_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o utter_o incapable_a of_o the_o interpretation_n which_o socinus_n give_v of_o it_o i_o find_v he_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o have_v it_o take_v for_o grant_v that_o this_o be_v the_o only_a text_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o this_o purpose_n and_o therefore_o he_o say_v very_o cunning_o that_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n before_o his_o incarnation_n be_v too_o great_a a_o doctrine_n to_o be_v establish_v upon_o one_o single_a text_n and_o this_o be_v be_v something_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o text_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o do_v plain_o deliver_v the_o same_o sense_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o bring_v in_o question_n the_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o this_o passage_n of_o st._n john_n that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n will_v i_o hope_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o very_a weighty_a and_o fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n and_o yet_o i_o be_o very_o much_o mistake_v if_o there_o be_v any_o more_o than_o one_o text_n in_o the_o whole_a bible_n that_o say_v so_o and_o that_o text_n be_v only_o in_o st._n john_n gospel_n i_o know_v it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o from_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a reason_n it_o may_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n but_o sure_o socinus_n of_o all_o man_n can_v say_v this_o with_o a_o good_a grace_n because_o he_o deny_v that_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n can_v be_v know_v by_o natural_a light_n without_o divine_a revelation_n and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v know_v by_o natural_a light_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n much_o less_o can_v it_o be_v know_v by_o natural_a light_n what_o god_n be_v whether_o a_o spirit_n or_o a_o body_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o it_o be_v very_o far_o from_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o text_n to_o this_o purpose_n which_o yet_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o insinuate_v by_o way_n of_o excuse_n for_o the_o novelty_n and_o boldness_n of_o his_o interpretation_n of_o which_o any_o one_o that_o read_v he_o may_v see_v that_o he_o be_v sufficient_o conscious_a to_o himself_o and_o therefore_o be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o endeavour_v by_o this_o sly_a insinuation_n to_o provide_v and_o lay_v in_o against_o it_o i_o have_v likewise_o another_o reason_n which_o very_o much_o incline_v i_o to_o believe_v that_o socinus_n be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o this_o interpretation_n because_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o next_o to_o impossible_a that_o a_o man_n of_o so_o good_a a_o understanding_n as_o he_o be_v can_v ever_o have_v be_v so_o fond_a of_o so_o ill-favoured_a a_o child_n if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v his_o own_o and_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o at_o all_o wonder_n that_o his_o follower_n come_v in_o to_o it_o so_o ready_o since_o they_o have_v he_o in_o so_o great_a a_o veneration_n it_o be_v natural_a to_o all_o sect_n to_o admire_v their_o master_n beside_o that_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o they_o be_v very_o glad_a to_o have_v so_o great_a a_o authority_n as_o they_o think_v he_o to_o be_v to_o vouch_v for_o a_o interpretation_n which_o be_v so_o seasonable_o devise_v for_o the_o relief_n of_o their_o cause_n in_o so_o much_o danger_n to_o be_v overthrow_v by_o a_o text_n that_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o full_a against_o they_o and_o how_o little_a ground_n there_o be_v for_o this_o insinuation_n that_o this_o be_v the_o only_a text_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o this_o purpose_n i_o shall_v now_o show_v from_o a_o multitude_n of_o other_o text_n to_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o purpose_n with_o this_o passage_n of_o st._n john_n and_o i_o shall_v rank_v they_o under_o
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
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
world_n and_o if_o the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n do_v affirm_v these_o word_n of_o the_o psalmist_n to_o be_v speak_v of_o christ_n than_o they_o must_v acknowledge_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o true_a god_n who_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n but_o the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n do_v as_o evident_o affirm_v these_o word_n to_o be_v speak_v to_o or_o of_o christ_n as_o he_o do_v the_o word_n of_o any_o other_o text_n cite_v in_o this_o chapter_n and_o for_o this_o i_o appeal_v to_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o every_o man_n that_o read_v they_o these_o interpreter_n indeed_o be_v content_v that_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o this_o citation_n shall_v be_v speak_v of_o christ_n but_o not_o the_o former_a but_o why_o not_o the_o former_a as_o well_o as_o the_o latter_a when_o they_o have_v so_o express_o tell_v we_o that_o all_o the_o word_n of_o this_o psalm_n be_v manifest_o speak_v of_o god_n what_o be_v the_o mystery_n of_o this_o can_v they_o not_o as_o easy_o have_v interpret_v the_o former_a part_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o creation_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n concern_v the_o moral_a world_n and_o the_o new_a creation_n or_o reformation_n of_o mankind_n by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n as_o well_o as_o so_o many_o other_o plain_a text_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n no_o doubt_v they_o can_v as_o well_o have_v do_v it_o and_o have_v set_v as_o good_a a_o face_n upon_o it_o when_o they_o have_v do_v it_o but_o why_o then_o do_v they_o not_o do_v it_o it_o be_v for_o a_o reason_n which_o they_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o tell_v but_o yet_o be_v not_o hard_a to_o be_v guess_v at_o namely_o that_o if_o they_o have_v admit_v the_o former_a word_n to_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o christ_n they_o know_v not_o what_o to_o do_v with_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o this_o citation_n 12._o they_o shall_v perish_v but_o thou_o remain_v they_o shall_v wax_v old_a as_o agarment_n and_o as_o a_o vesture_n shall_v thou_o fold_v they_o up_o and_o they_o shall_v be_v change_v what_o shall_v perish_v and_o wax_v old_a and_o be_v change_v why_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o heaven_n which_o the_o son_n have_v make_v that_o be_v the_o moral_a world_n the_o reformation_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o new_a creation_n of_o thing_n by_o the_o gospel_n all_o these_o must_v have_v undergo_v the_o same_o fate_n with_o the_o natural_a world_n and_o must_v not_o only_o have_v be_v deface_v but_o utter_o destroy_v and_o bring_v to_o nothing_o this_o they_o will_v not_o say_v but_o they_o do_v see_v it_o though_o they_o will_v not_o seem_v to_o see_v it_o and_o we_o may_v plain_o see_v by_o this_o that_o they_o can_v interpret_v a_o text_n right_n when_o necessity_n force_v they_o to_o it_o and_o they_o can_v without_o great_a inconvenience_n to_o their_o cause_n avoid_v it_o but_o when_o man_n have_v once_o resolve_v to_o hold_v fast_o a_o opinion_n they_o have_v take_v up_o it_o than_o become_v not_o only_o convenient_a but_o necessary_a to_o understand_v nothing_o that_o make_v against_o it_o and_o this_o be_v true_o the_o present_a case_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n where_o be_v ingenuity_n and_o love_n of_o truth_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v with_o all_o the_o clearness_n and_o brevity_n i_o can_v search_v to_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o this_o new_a interpretation_n of_o this_o passage_n of_o the_o evangelist_n upon_o which_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v so_o firm_o establish_v and_o likewise_o of_o the_o gross_a misinterpretation_n of_o several_a other_o text_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n in_o this_o evangelist_n and_o in_o other_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n all_o which_o interpretation_n i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o show_v to_o be_v not_o only_o contrary_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o antiquity_n of_o which_o as_o socinus_n have_v but_o little_a knowledge_n so_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v make_v but_o little_a account_n but_o to_o be_v also_o evident_o contrary_a to_o the_o perpetual_a tenor_n and_o style_n of_o the_o h._n scripture_n before_o i_o go_v off_o from_o this_o argument_n i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o one_o thing_n wherein_o our_o adversary_n in_o this_o cause_n do_v perpetual_o glory_v as_o a_o mighty_a advantage_n which_o they_o think_v they_o have_v over_o we_o in_o this_o point_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o in_o that_o other_o point_n of_o the_o b._n trinity_n namely_o that_o they_o have_v reason_n clear_o on_o their_o side_n in_o this_o controversy_n and_o that_o the_o difficulty_n and_o absurdity_n be_v much_o great_a and_o plain_a on_o our_o part_n than_o on_o they_o here_o they_o be_v please_v to_o triumph_v without_o modesty_n and_o without_o measure_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o i_o be_o not_o afraid_a here_o likewise_o to_o join_v issue_n with_o they_o and_o be_o content_v to_o have_v this_o matter_n bring_v to_o a_o fair_a trial_n at_o the_o bar_n of_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o of_o scripture_n expound_v by_o the_o general_a tradition_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n i_o say_v by_o general_a tradition_n which_o next_o to_o scripture_n be_v the_o best_a and_o sure_a confirmation_n of_o this_o great_a point_n now_o in_o question_n between_o we_o and_o that_o which_o give_v we_o the_o great_a and_o true_a light_n for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n not_o only_o in_o this_o but_o in_o most_o other_o important_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o be_o not_o without_o some_o good_a hope_n i_o will_v not_o say_v confidence_n for_o i_o never_o think_v that_o to_o be_v so_o great_a a_o advantage_n to_o any_o cause_n as_o some_o man_n will_v be_v glad_a to_o make_v other_o believe_v it_o be_v hope_v to_o help_v and_o support_v a_o weak_a argument_n by_o a_o strong_a and_o mighty_a confidence_n but_o sure_o modesty_n never_o hurt_v any_o cause_n and_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v much_o like_o the_o wrath_n of_o man_n which_o st._n 20._o james_n tell_v we_o work_v not_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n that_o be_v it_o never_o do_v any_o good_a it_o never_o serve_v any_o wise_a and_o real_a purpose_n of_o religion_n i_o say_v i_o be_o not_o without_o some_o good_a hope_n that_o i_o have_v in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n clear_o show_v that_o the_o tenor_n of_o scripture_n and_o general_a tradition_n be_v on_o our_o side_n in_o this_o argument_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o give_v myself_o the_o trouble_n to_o examine_v this_o matter_n over_o again_o now_o as_o to_o the_o point_n of_o reason_n the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o absurdity_n which_o they_o object_n to_o our_o doctrine_n concern_v this_o mystery_n amount_v to_o thus_o much_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o above_o reason_n but_o plain_o contrary_a to_o it_o as_o to_o its_o be_v above_o reason_n which_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o admit_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v this_o i_o think_v will_v bear_v no_o great_a dispute_n because_o if_o they_o will_v be_v please_v to_o speak_v out_o they_o can_v mean_v no_o more_o by_o this_o but_o that_o our_o reason_n be_v not_o able_a full_o to_o comprehend_v it_o but_o what_o then_o be_v there_o no_o mystery_n in_o religion_n that_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o will_v not_o say_v because_o god_n who_o infinite_a nature_n and_o perfection_n be_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v certain_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o all_o other_o and_o the_o most_o incomprehensible_a but_o we_o must_v not_o nay_o they_o will_v not_o for_o this_o reason_n deny_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o be_v as_o god_n and_o therefore_o if_o there_o be_v mystery_n in_o religion_n it_o be_v no_o reasonable_a objection_n against_o they_o that_o we_o can_v full_o comprehend_v they_o because_o all_o mystery_n in_o what_o kind_n soever_o whether_o in_o religion_n or_o in_o nature_n so_o long_o and_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v mystery_n be_v for_o that_o very_a reason_n incomprehensible_a but_o they_o urge_v the_o matter_n much_o further_o that_o this_o particular_a mystery_n now_o under_o debate_n be_v plain_o contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o if_o they_o can_v make_v this_o good_a i_o will_v confess_v that_o they_o have_v gain_v a_o great_a point_n upon_o we_o but_o then_o they_o be_v to_o be_v put_v in_o mind_n that_o to_o make_v this_o good_a against_o we_o they_o must_v clear_o show_v some_o plain_a contradiction_n in_o this_o doctrine_n which_o i_o can_v never_o yet_o see_v do_v by_o any_o great_a difficulty_n i_o acknowledge_v there_o be_v in_o the_o explication_n of_o it_o in_o which_o the_o further_o we_o go_v beyond_o what_o god_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o reveal_v to_o we_o in_o scripture_n concern_v it_o the_o more_o we_o
more_o for_o our_o comfort_n and_o advantage_n than_o any_o other_o way_n which_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n will_v have_v be_v apt_a to_o devise_v and_o pitch_n upon_o and_o in_o all_o this_o i_o shall_v all_o along_o take_v either_o the_o plain_a declaration_n of_o scripture_n or_o the_o pregnant_a intimation_n of_o it_o for_o my_o ground_n and_o guide_v i._o i_o shall_v consider_v more_o distinct_o what_o may_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v imply_v in_o this_o expression_n of_o the_o word_n be_v be_v make_v flesh_n namely_o these_o five_o thing_n first_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v not_o only_o appear_v in_o the_o form_n of_o human_a flesh_n but_o do_v real_o assume_v it_o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n as_o the_o evangelist_n express_o declare_v for_o if_o this_o have_v be_v only_o a_o phantasm_n and_o apparition_n as_o some_o heretic_n of_o old_a do_v fancy_n it_o will_v in_o all_o probability_n have_v be_v like_o the_o appearance_n of_o angel_n mention_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n sudden_a and_o of_o short_a continuance_n and_o will_v after_o a_o little_a while_n have_v vanish_v and_o disappear_v but_o he_o dwell_v among_o we_o and_o converse_v familiar_o with_o we_o a_o long_a time_n and_o for_o many_o year_n together_o and_o the_o scripture_n use_v all_o the_o expression_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o signify_v a_o real_a man_n and_o a_o real_a human_a body_n and_o there_o be_v all_o the_o sign_n and_o evidence_n of_o reality_n that_o can_v be_v for_o the_o word_n be_v say_v to_o be_v make_v flesh_n and_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n and_o to_o be_v make_v of_o a_o woman_n and_o all_o this_o to_o show_v that_o he_o be_v a_o real_a man_n and_o have_v a_o real_a and_o substantial_a body_n for_o he_o be_v bear_v and_o by_o degree_n grow_v up_o to_o be_v a_o man_n and_o do_v perform_v all_o such_o action_n as_o be_v natural_a and_o proper_a to_o man_n he_o continue_v a_o great_a while_n in_o the_o world_n and_o at_o last_o suffer_v and_o die_v and_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o grave_n he_o do_v not_o vanish_v and_o disappear_v like_o a_o phantasm_n or_o spirit_n but_o he_o die_v like_o other_o man_n and_o his_o body_n be_v raise_v again_o out_o of_o the_o grave_n and_o after_o he_o be_v rise_v he_o converse_v forty_o day_n upon_o earth_n and_o permit_v his_o body_n to_o be_v handle_v and_o last_o of_o all_o be_v visible_o take_v up_o into_o heaven_n so_o that_o either_o we_o must_v grant_v he_o to_o have_v have_v a_o real_a body_n or_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o doubt_v whether_o all_o mankind_n be_v not_o mere_a phantasm_n and_o apparition_n for_o great_a evidence_n no_o man_n can_v give_v that_o he_o be_v real_o clothe_v with_o and_o carry_v about_o he_o a_o true_a and_o substantial_a body_n than_o the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n it_o be_v to_o i_o very_o wonderful_a upon_o what_o ground_n or_o indeed_o to_o what_o end_n the_o heretic_n of_o old_a martion_n and_o other_o do_v deny_v the_o reality_n of_o christ_n flesh_n sure_o they_o have_v a_o great_a mind_n to_o be_v heretic_n who_o take_v up_o so_o senseless_a a_o opinion_n for_o no_o reason_n and_o to_o no_o purpose_n second_o another_o thing_n employ_v in_o the_o word_n be_v be_v make_v flesh_n be_v that_o this_o be_v do_v peculiar_o for_o the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o man_n the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n that_o be_v become_v man_n for_o so_o i_o have_v show_v the_o word_n flesh_n to_o be_v often_o use_v in_o scripture_n and_o this_o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n take_v very_o special_a notice_n of_o as_o a_o great_a grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n that_o his_o son_n appear_v in_o our_o nature_n and_o consequent_o for_o our_o salvation_n as_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o nicene_n creed_n who_o for_o we_o man_n and_o for_o our_o salvation_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o be_v incarnate_a etc._n etc._n for_o very_o say_v the_o apostle_n 16._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 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o do_v not_o assume_v the_o angelical_a nature_n so_o our_o translator_n understand_v the_o phrase_n but_o the_o word_n also_o signify_v to_o take_v hold_n of_o a_o thing_n which_o be_v fall_v as_o well_o as_o to_o assume_v or_o take_v on_o he_o he_o do_v not_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o angel_n when_o they_o be_v fall_v but_o suffer_v they_o to_o lapse_v irrecoverable_o into_o misery_n and_o ruin_n but_o he_o take_v hold_v of_o human_a nature_n when_o it_o be_v fall_v and_o particular_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n and_o by_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n that_o be_v by_o himself_o in_o who_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v he_o bring_v salvation_n first_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o then_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n the_o apostle_n choose_v to_o derive_v this_o blessing_n from_o abraham_n that_o so_o he_o may_v bring_v it_o near_o to_o the_o jew_n to_o who_o he_o write_v this_o epistle_n and_o may_v thereby_o more_o effectual_o recommend_v the_o gospel_n to_o they_o and_o the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o that_o great_a salvation_n in_o which_o they_o have_v so_o peculiar_a a_o interest_n and_o it_o be_v some_o confirmation_n of_o the_o interpretation_n i_o have_v give_v of_o that_o expression_n he_o take_v not_o on_o he_o etc._n etc._n that_o the_o evangelist_n use_v the_o very_a same_o word_n for_o take_v hold_n of_o one_o that_o be_v ready_a to_o sink_v for_o so_o it_o be_v say_v of_o st._n peter_n when_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o sink_v that_o christ_n put_v forth_o his_o hand_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o catch_v hold_n of_o he_o 31._o and_o save_v he_o from_o drown_v and_o thus_o the_o son_n of_o god_n catch_v hold_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v ready_a to_o sink_v into_o eternal_a perdition_n he_o lay_v hold_v of_o our_o nature_n or_o as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o same_o chapter_n he_o take_v part_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n that_o in_o our_o nature_n he_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o effect_v our_o redemption_n and_o deliverance_n but_o it_o be_v no_o where_o say_v in_o scripture_n not_o the_o least_o intimation_n give_v there_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n ever_o show_v such_o grace_n and_o favour_n to_o the_o angel_n but_o the_o word_n become_v flesh_n that_o be_v become_v man_n he_o do_v not_o assume_v the_o angelical_a nature_n but_o be_v content_v to_o be_v clothe_v with_o the_o rag_n of_o humanity_n and_o to_o be_v make_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o sinful_a flesh_n that_o be_v of_o sinful_a man._n three_o this_o expression_n of_o the_o word_n be_v be_v make_v flesh_n may_v further_o imply_v his_o assume_v the_o infirmity_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o misery_n of_o human_a nature_n this_o i_o collect_v from_o the_o word_n flesh_n by_o which_o the_o scripture_n often_o use_v to_o express_v our_o frail_a and_o mortal_a nature_n the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v not_o only_o condescend_v to_o be_v make_v man_n but_o also_o to_o become_v mortal_a and_o miseraable_a for_o our_o sake_n he_o submit_v to_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v account_v most_o grievous_a and_o calamitous_a to_o human_a nature_n to_o hunger_n and_o want_n to_o shame_n and_o contempt_n to_o bitter_a pain_n and_o agony_n and_o to_o a_o most_o cruel_a and_o disgraceful_a death_n so_o that_o in_o this_o sense_n also_o he_o become_v flesh_n not_o only_o by_o be_v clothe_v with_o human_a nature_n but_o by_o become_v liable_a to_o all_o the_o frailty_n and_o suffering_n of_o it_o of_o which_o he_o have_v a_o great_a share_n than_o any_o of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n ever_o have_v for_o never_o be_v sorrow_n like_a to_o his_o sorrow_n nor_o suffer_v like_a to_o his_o suffering_n the_o weight_n and_o bitterness_n whereof_o be_v such_o as_o to_o wring_v from_o he_o the_o meek_a and_o most_o patient_a endurer_n of_o suffering_n that_o ever_o be_v that_o doleful_a complaint_n my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o four_o in_o this_o expression_n the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n be_v likewise_o employ_v the_o union_n of_o the_o divinity_n with_o human_a nature_n in_o one_o person_n and_o this_o the_o text_n express_v in_o such_o word_n as_o seem_v to_o signify_v a_o most_o perfect_a and_o intimate_v and_o vital_a union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o human_a nature_n of_o christ_n in_o one_o person_n the_o word_n be_v make_v or_o become_v flesh_n which_o what_o else_o can_v it_o signify_v but_o one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n either_o that_o the_o eternal_a
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