incomprehensible_a mystery_n how_o a_o man_n by_o nature_n can_v be_v a_o god_n real_o and_o true_o by_o office_n how_o the_o incommunicable_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n can_v be_v communicate_v to_o a_o creature_n how_o god_n shall_v give_v his_o glory_n to_o another_o and_o by_o his_o own_o command_n require_v that_o to_o be_v give_v to_o a_o creature_n which_o himself_o have_v absolute_o forbid_v to_o be_v give_v to_o any_o beside_o himself_o it_o be_v say_v by_o a_o famous_a jesuiâ—_n i_o will_v not_o say_v how_o agrecable_o to_o their_o own_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n about_o divine_a worship_n that_o the_o command_n of_o god_n 45._o can_v make_v he_o worthy_a of_o divine_a worship_n who_o without_o such_o a_o command_n be_v not_o worthy_a of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v very_o absurd_a to_o say_v that_o he_o that_o be_v unworthy_a of_o it_o without_o a_o command_n â—an_v become_v worthy_a by_o it_o for_o it_o make_v god_n to_o command_v divine_a honour_n to_o be_v give_v to_o one_o who_o can_v deserve_v it_o for_o no_o mere_a man_n can_v deserve_v to_o be_v 42._o make_v god_n but_o it_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o will_v not_o to_o give_v his_o honour_n to_o a_o creature_n 3._o but_o after_o all_o the_o invective_n of_o these_o enemy_n to_o mystery_n we_o do_v not_o make_v that_o which_o we_o say_v be_v incomprehensible_a to_o be_v a_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v incomprehensible_a but_o we_o do_v assert_v that_o what_o be_v incomprehensible_a as_o to_o the_o manner_n may_v be_v a_o necessary_a article_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v plain_o reveal_v as_o in_o the_o instance_n i_o have_v already_o mention_v of_o the_o creation_n and_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a will_v they_o in_o earnest_n have_v man_n turn_v infidel_n as_o to_o these_o thing_n till_o they_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v all_o the_o difficulty_n which_o relate_v to_o they_o if_o not_o why_o shall_v this_o suggestion_n be_v allow_v as_o to_o the_o mystery_n which_o relate_v to_o our_o redemption_n by_o jesus_n christ_n if_o it_o be_v say_v the_o case_n be_v not_o alike_o for_o those_o be_v clear_o reveal_v and_o these_o be_v not_o this_o bring_v it_o to_o the_o true_a and_o proper_a issue_n of_o this_o matteâ—_n and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o prove_v a_o clear_a revelation_n we_o do_v not_o assert_v their_o be_v necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n but_o my_o present_a business_n be_v only_o to_o take_v off_o this_o objection_n that_o the_o mâ—steries_n be_v incomprehensible_a and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v receive_v by_o we_o ii_o and_o so_o i_o come_v to_o the_o second_o way_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o examine_v the_o several_a sense_n of_o christ_n jesus_n come_v to_o save_v sinner_n which_o of_o they_o tend_v more_o to_o the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o mankind_n or_o which_o be_v more_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n and_o that_o will_v appear_v by_o consider_v these_o thing_n 1._o which_o tend_v most_o to_o the_o raise_v our_o esteem_n and_o love_n of_o christ_n jesus_n 2._o which_o tend_v most_o to_o the_o beget_n in_o we_o a_o great_a hatred_n of_o sin_n 3._o which_o tend_v most_o to_o the_o strengthen_v our_o hope_n of_o salvation_n by_o jesus_n christ._n 1._o as_o to_o the_o raise_n in_o we_o a_o great_a esteem_n and_o love_n of_o christ._n we_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o infinite_a love_n and_o condescension_n of_o christ_n jesus_n in_o undertake_v such_o a_o work_n as_o the_o save_n of_o sinner_n make_v it_o most_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n some_o man_n may_v please_v themselves_o in_o think_v that_o by_o take_v away_o all_o mystery_n they_o have_v make_v their_o faith_n more_o easy_a but_o i_o be_o certain_a they_o have_v extreme_o lessen_v the_o argument_n for_o our_o love_n viz._n the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o wonderful_a love_n and_o condescension_n of_o christ_n in_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o great_a argument_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o persuade_v mankind_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o son_n god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o 16._o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v indeed_o a_o mighty_a argument_n of_o love_n if_o by_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n be_v mean_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n who_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n as_o st._n john_n speak_v just_a before_o 13._o but_o if_o no_o more_o be_v mean_v but_o only_o that_o god_n make_v a_o mere_a man_n to_o be_v hâ—s_a son_n and_o after_o he_o have_v preach_v a_o while_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o be_v ill_o use_v and_o crucify_v by_o his_o own_o people_n he_o exalt_v he_o to_o be_v god_n and_o give_v he_o divine_a attribute_n and_o honour_n this_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o great_a love_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n but_o not_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n but_o god_n love_n in_o scripture_n be_v magnify_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o world_n in_o the_o send_n of_o his_o son_n in_o this_o be_v manifest_v 9_o say_v the_o apostle_n the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o because_o that_o god_n send_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n into_o the_o world_n that_o we_o shall_v live_v through_o he_o herein_o be_v love_n 10._o not_o that_o we_o love_v god_n but_o that_o he_o love_v we_o and_o send_v his_o son_n to_o be_v a_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n the_o great_a love_n we_o still_o see_v be_v towards_o we_o i_o e._n towards_o mankind_n but_o according_a to_o the_o other_o sense_n it_o must_v have_v be_v herein_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n manifest_v to_o his_o son_n that_o for_o his_o suffering_n he_o exalt_v he_o above_o all_o creature_n he_o that_o spare_v not_o his_o own_o son_n 32._o say_v st._n paul_n but_o deliver_v he_o up_o for_o we_o all_o if_o he_o be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n who_o come_v to_o suffer_v for_o we_o there_o be_v a_o mighty_a force_n and_o emphasis_n in_o this_o expression_n and_o very_o apt_a to_o raise_v our_o admiration_n and_o our_o love_n but_o what_o not_o spare_v his_o own_o son_n be_v there_o if_o nothing_o be_v mean_v but_o that_o he_o design_v by_o suffering_n to_o exalt_v he_o for_o not_o spare_v he_o suppose_v a_o antecedent_n relation_n of_o the_o high_a kindness_n but_o the_o other_o be_v only_o design_v extraordinary_a kindness_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o suffering_n therefore_o the_o argument_n for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v take_v from_o what_o his_o son_n be_v when_o he_o deliver_v he_o up_o for_o we_o all_o he_o be_v his_o own_o son_n not_o by_o adoption_n as_o other_o be_v sy_n john_n call_v he_o his_o only_o 16._o beget_v son_n and_o god_n himself_o his_o belove_a 22._o son_n in_o the_o voice_n from_o heaven_n and_o this_o before_o his_o suffering_n immediate_o after_o his_o baptism_n when_o as_o yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o extraordinary_a do_v by_o he_o as_o to_o the_o great_a design_n of_o his_o come_n which_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o antecedent_n relation_n between_o he_o and_o the_o father_n and_o that_o therein_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n be_v manifest_v that_o be_v the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o the_o father_n he_o shall_v take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o and_o for_o our_o sake_n do_v and_o suffer_v what_o he_o do_v this_o be_v indeed_o a_o argument_n great_a enough_o to_o raise_v our_o admiration_n to_o excite_v our_o devotion_n to_o inflame_v our_o affection_n but_o how_o flat_a and_o low_o do_v it_o appear_v when_o it_o come_v to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o there_o be_v a_o man_n who_o after_o his_o suffering_n god_n raise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o make_v he_o a_o god_n by_o office_n do_v this_o carry_v any_o such_o argument_n in_o it_o for_o our_o esteem_n and_o love_n and_o devotion_n to_o he_o as_o the_o other_o do_v upon_o the_o most_o serious_a consideration_n of_o it_o 2._o which_o tend_v most_o to_o beget_v in_o we_o a_o great_a hatred_n of_o sin_n for_o that_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o way_n of_o our_o salvation_n by_o jesus_n christ_n that_o what_o tend_v most_o to_o our_o hatred_n of_o it_o must_v conduce_v most_o to_o our_o happiness_n and_o â—herefore_o be_v most_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n it_o be_v agree_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o christ_n do_v suffer_v very_o much_o both_o in_o his_o mind_n and_o in_o his_o body_n in_o his_o mind_n when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o be_v trouble_v in_o spirit_n that_o 38._o he_o begin_v to_o be_v sorrowful_a and_o very_a heavy_a and_o soon_o after_o my_o soul_n be_v exceed_o sorrowful_a even_o unto_o death_n st._n luke_n say_v that_o he_o be_v in_o a_o agony_n wherein_o 44._o he_o not_o only_o pray_v more_o
such_o a_o case_n the_o mind_n can_v be_v at_o ease_n till_o it_o be_v do_v so_o that_o the_o very_a difficulty_n of_o repentance_n lay_v the_o foundation_n for_o great_a peace_n of_o mind_n afterward_o and_o who_o will_v think_v much_o of_o such_o a_o difficulty_n which_o be_v so_o necessary_a to_o peace_n with_o god_n and_o his_o own_o conscience_n 2._o the_o love_n of_o god_n above_o all_o thing_n this_o be_v so_o fundamental_a a_o duty_n that_o we_o can_v place_v our_o happiness_n in_o god_n without_o it_o for_o if_o we_o do_v not_o love_n god_n above_o all_o thing_n we_o must_v love_v somewhat_o else_o so_o and_o whatever_o we_o love_v above_o all_o thing_n that_o we_o make_v our_o happiness_n but_o i_o be_o afraid_a the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n love_v all_o thing_n above_o he_o for_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o man_n love_n and_o esteem_v by_o what_o they_o court_v and_o pursue_v and_o desire_v and_o delight_n in_o it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o love_n of_o god_n where_o the_o stream_n of_o the_o affection_n and_o course_n of_o action_n run_v quite_o another_o way_n i_o mean_v to_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n have_v say_v if_o any_o man_n love_v it_o the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n be_v 15._o not_o in_o he_o but_o this_o be_v a_o hard_a point_n for_o some_o degree_n of_o love_n to_o this_o world_n be_v allowable_a else_o how_o can_v we_o thank_v god_n for_o the_o comfort_n of_o it_o and_o all_o person_n who_o know_v god_n do_v grant_v that_o his_o perfection_n be_v far_o above_o all_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v a_o value_n and_o esteem_n for_o he_o above_o it_o we_o must_v here_o distinguish_v a_o notional_a esteem_n from_o that_o which_o be_v practical_a a_o notional_a esteem_n imply_v no_o more_o than_o a_o mere_a conviction_n that_o god_n must_v exceed_v all_o the_o excellency_n which_o be_v scatter_v in_o the_o creature_n but_o a_o practical_a esteem_n be_v when_o the_o act_n of_o our_o soul_n towards_o he_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o apprehension_n we_o have_v in_o our_o mind_n concern_v he_o when_o we_o adore_v his_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o delight_n in_o the_o meditation_n of_o they_o when_o we_o desire_v to_o do_v all_o thing_n please_v to_o he_o and_o avoid_v what_o we_o know_v to_o offend_v he_o when_o we_o believe_v and_o hope_v and_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o his_o conduct_n in_o this_o world_n in_o hope_n of_o be_v happy_a with_o he_o in_o another_o this_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n above_o all_o thing_n but_o alas_o where_o be_v this_o love_n of_o god_n to_o be_v find_v it_o be_v no_o very_o hard_a matter_n to_o work_v up_o a_o heat_a and_o devout_a imagination_n to_o the_o fancy_n of_o rapture_n and_o ecstasy_n and_o mystical_a union_n but_o after_o all_o this_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n 3._o as_o the_o true_a love_n of_o a_o prince_n be_v not_o to_o flatter_v and_o admire_v he_o and_o watch_v for_o his_o smile_n but_o to_o observe_v his_o direction_n and_o obey_v his_o order_n and_o to_o do_v what_o be_v most_o for_o his_o service_n and_o although_o such_o a_o love_n of_o god_n be_v hard_a to_o those_o who_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o carnal_a affection_n and_o be_v take_v up_o with_o the_o folly_n and_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n yet_o we_o can_v take_v one_o true_a step_n in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n without_o the_o love_n of_o god_n for_o even_o those_o who_o have_v most_o corrupt_v the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n do_v confess_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a contrition_n for_o sin_n which_o be_v not_o found_v on_o the_o love_n of_o god_n as_o the_o principle_n of_o it_o and_o however_o they_o have_v dangerous_o flatter_v and_o deceive_v those_o who_o be_v so_o weak_a to_o believe_v they_o that_o attrition_n with_o the_o sacrament_n of_o penance_n be_v sufficient_a to_o put_v man_n into_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n yet_o st._n peter_n key_n must_v have_v a_o extraordinary_a virtue_n if_o they_o can_v change_v nature_n into_o grace_n or_o fear_v into_o love_n or_o mere_a horror_n of_o conscience_n into_o true_a repentance_n but_o although_o such_o a_o love_n of_o god_n above_o all_o thing_n be_v so_o hard_a a_o thing_n to_o mind_n prepossess_v with_o the_o love_n of_o other_o thing_n yet_o no_o one_o can_v deny_v that_o it_o be_v the_o most_o reasonable_a duty_n in_o the_o world_n the_o very_a thought_n of_o god_n if_o they_o be_v such_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v imply_v that_o he_o be_v the_o best_a the_o wise_a the_o most_o perfect_a be_v and_o therefore_o the_o most_o amiable_a and_o desirable_a object_n and_o whither_o then_o shall_v the_o most_o natural_a stream_n of_o our_o affection_n run_v but_o towards_o he_o what_o do_v we_o mean_v to_o suffer_v so_o much_o earth_n and_o filthiness_n to_o obstruct_v the_o free_a passage_n of_o they_o in_o their_o most_o proper_a course_n what_o can_v we_o meet_v with_o in_o this_o deceitful_a world_n that_o can_v bear_v the_o least_o proportion_n to_o such_o infinite_a goodness_n oh_o what_o a_o difference_n be_v there_o between_o our_o reason_n and_o our_o love_n we_o very_o believe_v that_o god_n deserve_v our_o love_n above_o all_o thing_n and_o yet_o how_o small_a a_o share_n have_v he_o in_o it_o we_o love_v what_o we_o profess_v to_o despise_v above_o all_o thing_n viz._n our_o sin_n and_o this_o vain_a world_n and_o we_o real_o too_o much_o despise_v what_o we_o still_o profess_v to_o love_v above_o all_o thing_n viz._n god_n and_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n o_o miserable_a condition_n of_o humanity_n make_a to_o be_v happy_a and_o yet_o fond_a of_o misery_n love_v what_o be_v vain_a and_o yet_o despise_v vanity_n hate_v what_o be_v good_a and_o yet_o account_v it_o best_o and_o therefore_o fit_a for_o our_o choice_n and_o love_n the_o love_n of_o god_n above_o all_o thing_n be_v so_o just_a and_o reasonable_a that_o those_o who_o do_v it_o lest_o approve_v it_o as_o the_o most_o excellent_a employment_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o those_o that_o do_v it_o most_o think_v they_o fall_v short_a of_o what_o god_n deserve_v from_o they_o the_o more_o we_o know_v of_o god_n the_o more_o we_o know_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o love_n and_o delight_n in_o he_o and_o all_o our_o difficulty_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o can_v never_o make_v we_o think_v it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o love_v he_o above_o all_o thing_n without_o who_o nothing_o can_v make_v we_o happy_a and_o who_o alone_o can_v do_v it_o 3._o universal_a holiness_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n if_o this_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n our_o apostle_n will_v not_o have_v press_v it_o with_o so_o much_o earnestness_n as_o he_o do_v as_o obedient_a child_n not_o fashion_v 16._o yourselves_o according_a to_o the_o former_a lust_n in_o your_o ignorance_n but_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 because_o it_o be_v write_v be_v you_o holy_a for_o i_o be_o holy_a again_o dear_o belove_v i_o beseech_v 11._o you_o as_o strangers_z and_o pilgrim_n abstain_v from_o fleshly_a lust_n which_o war_n against_o the_o soul_n and_o again_o that_o he_o no_o long_o 2._o shall_v live_v the_o rest_n of_o his_o time_n in_o the_o flesh_n to_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n but_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n this_o be_v a_o hard_a say_n to_o mankind_n who_o part_n with_o nothing_o so_o hardly_o as_o with_o their_o sin_n yet_o these_o must_v be_v part_v with_o if_o ever_o we_o hope_v to_o get_v to_o heaven_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o a_o perfection_n in_o holiness_n be_v require_v for_o that_o be_v to_o suppose_v happiness_n in_o this_o world_n since_o there_o can_v be_v no_o perfect_a holiness_n without_o it_o but_o there_o must_v be_v a_o constant_a uniform_a and_o sincere_a endeavour_n after_o it_o by_o avoid_v all_o know_a and_o wilful_a sin_n and_o do_v all_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o our_o conscience_n can_v charge_v we_o with_o gross_a neglect_n or_o insincerity_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n we_o can_v say_v be_v downright_a sin_n yet_o if_o they_o lead_v to_o they_o if_o they_o indispose_v our_o mind_n to_o god_n and_o his_o service_n if_o they_o tend_v to_o lightness_n and_o vanity_n and_o make_v we_o more_o easy_a to_o entertain_v the_o devil_n temptation_n we_o ought_v to_o avoid_v they_o as_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v say_v be_v plain_a and_o express_v and_o necessary_a duty_n of_o religion_n yet_o they_o tend_v so_o much_o
more_o valuable_a than_o any_o other_o delight_n whatsoever_o and_o he_o now_o find_v impossible_a to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o a_o course_n of_o rebellion_n against_o his_o heavenly_a father_n 3._o in_o the_o conviction_n of_o his_o folly_n upon_o due_a consideration_n of_o what_o he_o have_v do_v which_o be_v emphatical_o call_v come_v to_o himself_o have_v before_o act_v so_o much_o below_o himself_o and_o against_o himself_o unworthy_a of_o the_o relation_n he_o stand_v in_o to_o god_n of_o those_o faculty_n he_o have_v bestow_v upon_o he_o and_o of_o those_o hope_n and_o expectation_n he_o may_v have_v have_v from_o he_o either_o as_o to_o this_o or_o another_o world_n 4._o in_o the_o resolution_n he_o take_v upon_o this_o conviction_n no_o long_o to_o delay_v his_o purpose_n of_o repent_v and_o return_v home_o but_o to_o embrace_v the_o present_a opportunity_n of_o do_v it_o free_o hearty_o and_o ingenuous_o i_o will_v arise_v and_o go_v to_o my_o father_n etc._n etc._n have_v former_o in_o this_o place_n and_o on_o a_o like_a occasion_n consider_v the_o prodigal_a son_n be_v come_v to_o himself_o i_o shall_v now_o pursue_v the_o method_n of_o his_o repentance_n in_o the_o resolution_n he_o here_o take_v to_o arise_v and_o go_v to_o his_o father_n etc._n etc._n and_o therein_o i_o shall_v inquire_v into_o these_o thing_n i._o what_o ground_n a_o sinner_n have_v to_o encourage_v he_o to_o repent_v or_o to_o form_v such_o a_o resolution_n in_o his_o mind_n that_o he_o will_v arise_v and_o go_v to_o his_o father_n when_o he_o know_v he_o have_v so_o much_o provoke_v and_o offend_v he_o ii_o how_o necessary_a it_o be_v in_o order_n to_o true_a repentance_n to_o form_v a_o fix_a and_o steady_a resolution_n to_o go_v through_o with_o it_o i_o will_v arise_v and_o go_v etc._n etc._n first_o what_o ground_n a_o sinner_n have_v to_o encourage_v he_o to_o repent_v or_o to_o make_v application_n to_o his_o father_n in_o order_n to_o forgiveness_n since_o he_o be_v convince_v he_o have_v so_o just_o offend_v he_o for_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o circumstance_n here_o mention_v he_o have_v no_o such_o reason_n to_o hope_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o favour_n upon_o such_o easy_a term_n as_o be_v here_o express_v for_o 1._o he_o have_v wilful_o forsake_v his_o father_n house_n without_o any_o just_a cause_n of_o complaint_n of_o any_o hard_a usage_n there_o 2._o he_o have_v embrace_v such_o a_o course_n of_o life_n which_o he_o know_v be_v displease_v to_o he_o live_v riotous_o and_o disorderly_o in_o a_o way_n contrary_a to_o his_o will._n 3._o he_o never_o think_v of_o return_v home_o till_o mere_a necessity_n force_v he_o till_o hunger_n and_o poverty_n make_v he_o come_v to_o himself_o and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o disoblige_v to_o a_o father_n than_o such_o circumstance_n as_o these_o 1._o his_o father_n never_o force_v he_o from_o home_n nor_o make_v his_o condition_n uneasy_a there_o our_o saviour_n here_o represent_v almighty_a god_n as_o deal_v with_o mankind_n like_o a_o tender_a and_o indulgent_a father_n and_o not_o like_o a_o severe_a and_o hard_a master_n his_o law_n be_v intend_v for_o our_o good_a and_o not_o for_o his_o own_o advantage_n there_o be_v no_o duty_n of_o we_o towards_o god_n or_o ourselves_o or_o other_o but_o be_v found_v on_o this_o relation_n to_o god_n as_o a_o father_n to_o mankind_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o reasonable_a in_o general_a than_o that_o the_o father_n shall_v order_v and_o direct_v his_o child_n and_o give_v such_o rule_n which_o be_v fit_v for_o they_o to_o observe_v and_o if_o we_o examine_v the_o particular_a law_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n as_o to_o good_a and_o evil_a we_o shall_v find_v they_o very_o agreeable_a to_o god_n paternal_a government_n what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n to_o god_n but_o ask_v daily_a blessing_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n what_o be_v our_o thanksgiving_n but_o a_o solemn_a own_v his_o paternal_a care_n and_o bounty_n towards_o we_o and_o in_o these_o two_o the_o main_a duty_n of_o natural_a religion_n consist_v the_o neglect_v whereof_o be_v such_o a_o disrespect_n to_o our_o heavenly_a father_n as_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o our_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v so_o for_o as_o god_n himself_o argue_v in_o the_o prophet_n a_o son_n honour_v his_o father_n and_o a_o servant_n 6._o his_o master_n if_o then_o i_o be_v a_o father_n where_o be_v my_o honour_n and_o if_o i_o be_v a_o master_n where_o be_v my_o fear_n god_n be_v a_o father_n by_o the_o right_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n but_o he_o be_v a_o master_n to_o the_o jew_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o bondage_n of_o the_o law_n and_o as_o there_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n on_o that_o account_n in_o they_o which_o incline_v they_o to_o a_o more_o servile_a fear_n so_o there_o aught_o to_o have_v be_v a_o natural_a spirit_n of_o adoption_n towards_o god_n as_o their_o supreme_a creator_n and_o father_n which_o shall_v excite_v all_o man_n to_o such_o a_o dutiful_a love_n such_o a_o reverential_a esteem_n such_o a_o mixture_n of_o awe_n and_o kindness_n as_o be_v in_o child_n towards_o their_o parent_n yea_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v much_o great_a than_o that_o can_v be_v suppose_v because_o the_o distance_n be_v infinite_a between_o god_n and_o we_o and_o our_o dependence_n more_o immediate_a and_o necessary_a and_o there_o be_v in_o he_o a_o concurrence_n of_o all_o perfection_n which_o may_v cause_v in_o we_o the_o high_a esteem_n and_o the_o humble_a adoration_n there_o be_v a_o unquestionable_a duty_n owe_v by_o child_n to_o their_o earthly_a parent_n but_o how_o much_o rather_o 〈◊〉_d say_v the_o apostle_n ought_v we_o to_o be_v in_o subjection_n to_o the_o father_n of_o spirit_n the_o father_n of_o our_o flesh_n may_v be_v very_o kind_a but_o not_o wise_a in_o their_o love_n or_o wise_a and_o not_o so_o kind_a or_o they_o may_v be_v both_o wise_a and_o kind_a but_o not_o able_a to_o help_v their_o child_n they_o may_v love_v and_o pity_n and_o pray_v for_o they_o when_o they_o be_v in_o misery_n or_o sickness_n and_o pain_n but_o after_o all_o they_o be_v unable_a to_o relieve_v they_o for_o the_o most_o indulgent_a father_n when_o his_o bowel_n yearn_v and_o his_o heart_n be_v ready_a to_o break_v at_o the_o sight_n of_o a_o child_n lie_v under_o the_o agony_n of_o death_n be_v not_o able_a to_o give_v a_o moment_n respite_n to_o the_o terrible_a pang_n which_o he_o can_v neither_o behold_v nor_o abate_v but_o our_o heavenly_a father_n have_v not_o only_o infinite_a wisdom_n but_o infinite_a kindness_n and_o power_n and_o where_o all_o these_o be_v join_v together_o what_o honour_n what_o love_n what_o fear_n be_v due_a unto_o he_o although_o there_o be_v defect_n in_o their_o parent_n yet_o child_n be_v still_o bind_v to_o obey_v they_o and_o to_o show_v a_o mighty_a regard_n and_o reverence_n towards_o they_o but_o here_o it_o be_v so_o much_o otherwise_o that_o if_o we_o can_v conceive_v ourselves_o without_o this_o relation_n to_o god_n yet_o his_o perfection_n be_v so_o many_o so_o great_a so_o infinite_a as_o to_o deserve_v and_o require_v our_o utmost_a veneration_n the_o prodigal_a son_n can_v then_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o complain_v of_o the_o duty_n which_o he_o owe_v to_o his_o father_n and_o be_v it_o not_o fit_a for_o he_o to_o appoint_v the_o order_n of_o his_o family_n and_o to_o expect_v that_o his_o child_n shall_v behave_v themselves_o therein_o as_o become_v the_o relation_n they_o stand_v in_o to_o himself_o and_o to_o one_o another_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o decent_a regard_n to_o themselves_o in_o sobriety_n temperance_n command_v of_o their_o passion_n and_o care_n of_o their_o word_n that_o they_o shall_v behave_v themselves_o towards_o their_o brethren_n with_o sincerity_n kindness_n and_o justice_n which_o comprehend_v all_o the_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o one_o another_o and_o what_o now_o be_v there_o in_o all_o this_o that_o the_o prodigal_n can_v have_v any_o cause_n to_o complain_v of_o or_o that_o shall_v make_v his_o father_n house_n so_o uneasy_a to_o he_o but_o his_o father_n have_v just_a cause_n to_o be_v provoke_v when_o his_o wise_a counsel_n and_o prudent_a care_n and_o constant_a kindness_n and_o righteous_a government_n be_v so_o much_o slight_v and_o despise_v by_o a_o disobedient_a and_o ungrateful_a son_n who_o have_v so_o little_a sense_n of_o his_o duty_n or_o his_o interest_n as_o to_o be_v weary_a of_o be_v so_o well_o at_o home_n and_o therefore_o impatient_o desire_v to_o find_v out_o new_a method_n of_o live_v well_o as_o he_o then_o think_v when_o the_o best_a order_n of_o his_o father_n family_n be_v become_v so_o displease_v to_o he_o 2._o but_o what_o be_v these_o new_a and_o fine_a
to_o the_o divine_a perfection_n which_o be_v all_o whole_o spiritual_a then_o from_o the_o same_o reason_n we_o must_v remove_v all_o perturbation_n from_o it_o which_o be_v as_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o it_o as_o eye_n and_o ear_n and_o hand_n and_o foot_n be_v although_o they_o be_v all_o mention_v in_o scripture_n from_o whence_o we_o just_o infer_v that_o there_o be_v a_o wonderful_a condescension_n to_o the_o ordinary_a capacity_n and_o common_a apprehension_n of_o mankind_n in_o the_o language_n of_o scripture_n concern_v the_o divine_a nature_n which_o make_v deep_a impression_n on_o mean_a understanding_n and_o those_o who_o be_v of_o fine_a thought_n will_v see_v cause_n to_o attribute_v only_o such_o a_o sense_n of_o thing_n relate_v to_o god_n as_o be_v consistent_a with_o his_o infinite_a and_o divine_a perfection_n but_o what_o now_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o this_o tenderness_n and_o compassion_n of_o god_n towards_o penitent_a sinner_n can_v he_o be_v move_v by_o our_o trouble_n and_o sorrow_n and_o act_n of_o contrition_n for_o our_o sin_n if_o we_o be_v righteous_a what_o do_v it_o profit_v the_o almighty_a and_o if_o we_o be_v evil_a how_o can_v it_o hurt_v he_o and_o if_o when_o we_o have_v sin_v we_o repent_v we_o do_v no_o more_o than_o be_v fit_v for_o we_o but_o why_o shall_v we_o imagine_v the_o great_a and_o wise_a god_n shall_v have_v compassion_n upon_o we_o when_o we_o become_v sensible_a of_o our_o own_o folly_n for_o when_o we_o sin_n against_o god_n wilful_o deliberate_o know_o habitual_o we_o do_v what_o lie_v in_o we_o to_o provoke_v he_o to_o wrath_n and_o indignation_n against_o we_o we_o reject_v his_o wise_a government_n we_o slight_a his_o righteous_a law_n we_o prefer_v the_o please_a our_o corrupt_a inclination_n and_o sensual_a lust_n before_o our_o heavenly_a father_n and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o provoke_v to_o he_o than_o to_o be_v so_o despise_v by_o one_o who_o have_v his_o be_v and_o all_o the_o comfort_n of_o life_n from_o he_o suppose_v now_o such_o a_o disobedient_a rebellious_a son_n as_o here_o in_o the_o parable_n be_v make_v sensible_a of_o his_o folly_n be_v his_o father_n bind_v to_o receive_v he_o be_v it_o not_o his_o own_o choice_n to_o go_v from_o he_o if_o he_o have_v suffer_v by_o his_o folly_n he_o may_v thank_v himself_o for_o it_o and_o if_o his_o father_n let_v he_o alone_o in_o it_o he_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o complain_v but_o such_o be_v the_o tenderness_n of_o the_o father_n towards_o his_o repent_a son_n that_o he_o show_v the_o great_a compassion_n imaginable_a for_o he_o do_v not_o stay_v at_o home_n expect_v his_o son_n be_v solemn_a submission_n before_o his_o family_n but_o he_o run_v towards_o he_o and_o fall_v upon_o his_o neck_n and_o kiss_v he_o what_o conception_n now_o ought_v we_o to_o have_v of_o god_n compassion_n towards_o penitent_a sinner_n answerable_a to_o all_o this_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o clear_v in_o these_o particular_n 1._o that_o god_n hatred_n be_v not_o primary_o against_o person_n who_o be_v his_o creature_n but_o against_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a which_o be_v none_o of_o his_o make_n and_o against_o person_n only_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v corrupt_v with_o evil._n thou_o love_v righteousness_n 7._o and_o hate_v wickedness_n faith_n the_o psalmist_n god_n hate_v nothing_o for_o its_o own_o sake_n but_o sin_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o he_o hate_v all_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n 5._o 2._o there_o may_v be_v goodwill_n towards_o the_o person_n of_o a_o sinner_n at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o god_n discover_v the_o hatred_n of_o his_o sin_n i_o do_v not_o say_v god_n take_v any_o pleasure_n in_o he_o while_o he_o go_v on_o in_o sin_n for_o that_o be_v against_o the_o eternal_a rule_n of_o righteousness_n in_o god_n but_o that_o he_o may_v have_v so_o much_o goodwill_n towards_o he_o as_o to_o design_n to_o reduce_v he_o from_o his_o evil_a way_n and_o this_o every_o father_n find_v in_o himself_o towards_o a_o disobedient_a son_n while_o he_o hate_v his_o evil_a course_n yet_o he_o will_v make_v use_n of_o the_o best_a method_n to_o bring_v he_o to_o himself_o and_o to_o his_o duty_n and_o upon_o this_o be_v ground_v that_o love_n and_o kindness_n of_o 4._o god_n towards_o mankind_n in_o send_v his_o son_n to_o be_v our_o saviour_n and_o all_o the_o promise_n and_o invitation_n which_o be_v make_v to_o sinner_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n 3._o it_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n for_o god_n to_o show_v himself_o full_a of_o pity_n and_o compassion_n towards_o penitent_a sinner_n i._n e._n so_o as_o to_o forgive_v they_o their_o former_a sin_n and_o to_o receive_v they_o into_o his_o favour_n for_o pity_n and_o compassion_n in_o god_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v not_o according_a to_o the_o inward_a motion_n we_o find_v in_o ourselves_o but_o according_a to_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o a_o readiness_n to_o do_v good_a to_o his_o creature_n according_a to_o their_o necessity_n which_o be_v in_o general_n be_v his_o bounty_n and_o goodness_n but_o consider_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o person_n of_o sinner_n it_o be_v his_o clemency_n or_o readiness_n to_o forgive_v and_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o punishment_n they_o deserve_v by_o their_o sin_n it_o be_v his_o mercy_n and_o pity_n which_o in_o we_o be_v aegritudo_fw-la ex_fw-la miseriâ—_n alterius_fw-la and_o therefore_o call_v misericordia_fw-la because_o the_o heart_n be_v touch_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o another_o misery_n but_o we_o be_v not_o so_o to_o apprehend_v it_o in_o god_n but_o that_o such_o be_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n towards_o repent_v sinner_n that_o he_o be_v as_o willing_a to_o show_v mercy_n as_o they_o be_v to_o repent_v 2._o god_n pity_n and_o compassion_n lie_v in_o the_o proper_a effect_n of_o it_o which_o here_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o prodigal_n be_v pass_v by_o his_o former_a extravagance_n and_o receive_v he_o into_o as_o much_o favour_n as_o if_o he_o have_v not_o go_v astray_o this_o my_o son_n be_v dead_a and_o be_v alive_a again_o be_v lose_v 32._o and_o be_v find_v those_o who_o think_v they_o stand_v not_o in_o need_n of_o so_o much_o pardon_v mercy_n as_o other_o do_v be_v apt_a to_o repine_v at_o the_o favour_n show_v to_o great_a sinner_n when_o they_o repent_v and_o therefore_o the_o elder_a brother_n can_v not_o bear_v the_o express_v so_o much_o kindness_n towards_o such_o a_o disobedient_a son_n though_o now_o a_o penitent_a but_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o disagree_v to_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n in_o such_o compassion_n towards_o penitent_a sinner_n will_v more_o full_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v 1._o that_o god_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o deal_v with_o sinner_n according_a to_o the_o utmost_a rigour_n and_o severity_n of_o his_o justice_n because_o he_o be_v under_o no_o fatal_a necessity_n no_o superior_a law_n and_o therefore_o may_v act_v free_o in_o the_o forgive_a offender_n as_o seem_v best_a to_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n be_v a_o perpetual_a evidence_n that_o god_n do_v not_o act_v according_a to_o the_o strictness_n of_o his_o justice_n for_o if_o he_o have_v deal_v with_o they_o after_o their_o sin_n or_o reward_v they_o according_a to_o their_o iniquity_n their_o spirit_n will_v have_v fail_v before_o he_o and_o the_o soul_n which_o he_o have_v make_v they_o have_v be_v long_o since_o destroy_v from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o not_o suffer_v to_o continue_v in_o their_o provocation_n but_o god_n have_v not_o only_o forbear_v sinner_n long_o when_o he_o may_v just_o have_v punish_v they_o but_o he_o give_v they_o many_o real_a blessing_n and_o comfort_n of_o life_n free_o and_o bountiful_o now_o if_o god_n deal_v so_o merciful_o with_o sinner_n while_o they_o continue_v such_o be_v there_o not_o great_a reason_n to_o suppose_v he_o will_v be_v far_o more_o so_o when_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v such_o 2._o a_o penitent_a sinner_n do_v what_o in_o he_o lie_v to_o vindicate_v god_n honour_n i_o do_v not_o say_v he_o can_v make_v satisfaction_n to_o divine_a justice_n for_o that_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o do_v and_o god_n have_v provide_v for_o that_o by_o his_o own_o son_n who_o he_o have_v make_v a_o propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n but_o a_o true_a penitent_n take_v all_o the_o shame_n and_o dishonour_v to_o himself_o he_o clear_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n government_n and_o the_o equity_n of_o his_o law_n and_o own_v himself_o guilty_a of_o unspeakable_a folly_n in_o his_o disobedience_n o_o how_o just_o say_v he_o may_v god_n have_v take_v i_o away_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o my_o sin_n when_o my_o conscience_n check_v
the_o union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n therefore_o our_o business_n be_v to_o consider_v whether_o any_o such_o thing_n be_v contain_v in_o that_o revelation_n which_o we_o all_o own_o and_o if_o they_o be_v we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v they_o although_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v they_o now_o here_o be_v two_o remarkable_a character_n in_o these_o word_n by_o which_o we_o may_v examine_v these_o different_a hypothesis_n concern_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n by_o jesus_n christ._n i._o it_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v contain_v in_o that_o revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v concern_v our_o salvation_n by_o christ._n ii_o it_o be_v worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n i._n e._n most_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o mankind_n now_o by_o these_o two_o i_o shall_v proceed_v in_o the_o examination_n of_o they_o i._o which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n ii_o which_o do_v offer_v fair_o 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as_o much_o as_o we_o please_v and_o the_o more_o we_o do_v so_o the_o soon_o we_o shall_v come_v to_o satisfaction_n in_o this_o matter_n now_o according_a to_o reason_n we_o may_v judge_v that_o sense_n to_o be_v prefer_v 1._o which_o be_v most_o plain_a and_o easy_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o most_o receive_a sense_n of_o word_n not_o that_o which_o be_v force_v and_o intricate_a or_o which_o put_v improper_a and_o metaphorical_a sense_n upon_o word_n which_o be_v common_o take_v in_o other_o sense_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v no_o sacramental_a thing_n which_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v figurative_a 2._o that_o which_o suit_v most_o with_o the_o scope_n and_o design_n not_o only_o of_o the_o particular_a place_n but_o of_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n which_o be_v to_o magnify_v god_n and_o to_o depress_v man_n to_o set_v forth_o the_o infinite_a love_n and_o condescension_n of_o god_n in_o give_v his_o son_n to_o be_v a_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n to_o set_v up_o the_o worship_n of_o one_o true_a god_n in_o opposition_n to_o creature_n to_o represent_v and_o declare_v the_o mighty_a advantage_n mankind_n receive_v by_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n jesus_n 3._o that_o which_o have_v be_v general_o receive_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o those_o place_n for_o we_o be_v certain_a this_o be_v always_o look_v on_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a concernment_n to_o all_o christian_n and_o they_o have_v as_o great_a capacity_n of_o understand_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v great_a help_n for_o know_v it_o than_o other_o at_o so_o much_o great_a distance_n and_o therefore_o the_o sense_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v from_o modern_a invention_n or_o criticism_n or_o pretence_n to_o revelation_n but_o that_o which_o be_v at_o first_o deliver_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o have_v be_v since_o receive_v and_o embrace_v by_o it_o in_o the_o several_a age_n and_o have_v be_v most_o strenuous_o assert_v when_o it_o have_v meet_v with_o opposition_n as_o found_v on_o scripture_n and_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n 4._o that_o which_o best_a agree_v with_o the_o character_n of_o those_o person_n from_o who_o we_o receive_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o those_o be_v christ_n jesus_n and_o his_o holy_a apostle_n for_o if_o their_o authority_n be_v lose_v our_o religion_n be_v go_v and_o their_o authority_n depend_v upon_o their_o sincerity_n and_o faithfulness_n and_o care_n to_o inform_v the_o world_n aright_o in_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n 1._o i_o begin_v with_o the_o character_n which_o the_o apostle_n give_v of_o christ_n jesus_n himself_o which_o be_v that_o he_o be_v a_o person_n of_o the_o great_a humility_n and_o condescension_n that_o he_o do_v not_o assume_v to_o himself_o that_o which_o he_o may_v just_o have_v do_v for_o let_v the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v understand_v either_o as_o to_o the_o nature_n or_o dignity_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o must_v imply_v thus_o much_o that_o when_o christ_n jesus_n be_v here_o on_o earth_n he_o be_v not_o of_o a_o vain_a assume_v humour_n that_o he_o do_v not_o boast_v of_o himself_o nor_o magnify_v his_o own_o greatness_n but_o be_v content_v to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o other_o man_n although_o he_o have_v at_o that_o time_n far_o great_a and_o divine_a excellency_n in_o he_o than_o the_o world_n will_v believe_v less_o than_o this_o can_v be_v make_v of_o those_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v in_o the_o form_n of_o god_n he_o 7._o think_v it_o not_o robbery_n to_o be_v equal_a with_o god_n but_o make_v himself_o of_o no_o reputation_n and_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n now_o this_o be_v the_o character_n give_v of_o he_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o he_o do_v affirm_v concern_v himself_o for_o although_o he_o be_v far_o from_o draw_v the_o people_n after_o he_o by_o set_v forth_o his_o own_o perfection_n yet_o upon_o just_a occasion_n when_o the_o jew_n contest_v with_o he_o he_o do_v assert_v such_o thing_n which_o must_v savour_v of_o vanity_n and_o ostentation_n or_o else_o must_v imply_v that_o he_o be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n for_o all_o mankind_n be_v agree_v that_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o ambition_n lie_v in_o affect_v divine_a honour_n or_o for_o a_o mere_a man_n to_o be_v think_v a_o god_n how_o severe_o do_v god_n punish_v herod_n for_o be_v please_v with_o the_o people_n folly_n in_o cry_v out_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v never_o have_v bear_v with_o such_o positive_a 22._o assertion_n and_o such_o repeat_v defence_n of_o his_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o imply_v his_o be_v so_o from_o eternity_n this_o in_o his_o dispute_n with_o the_o jew_n he_o affirm_v several_a time_n that_o he_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n not_o in_o a_o metaphorical_a but_o in_o a_o proper_a sense_n 33._o as_o appear_v by_o those_o word_n what_o and_o if_o you_o shall_v see_v the_o son_n of_o man_n ascend_v up_o 62._o where_o he_o be_v before_o in_o another_o conference_n he_o assert_v that_o he_o be_v before_o abraham_n 58._o which_o the_o jew_n so_o literal_o understand_v that_o without_o a_o metaphor_n they_o go_v about_o to_o stone_n he_o little_o imagine_v 59_o that_o by_o abraham_n the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v but_o above_o all_o be_v that_o expression_n which_o he_o use_v to_o the_o jew_n at_o another_o conference_n i_o and_o my_o father_n be_v one_o which_o they_o 30._o understand_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o immediate_o they_o take_v up_o stone_n to_o have_v stone_v 31._o he_o what_o mean_v all_o this_o rage_n of_o the_o jew_n against_o he_o what_o for_o say_v that_o he_o have_v unity_n of_o consent_n with_o his_o father_n no_o certain_o but_o the_o jew_n misunderstand_v he_o let_v we_o suppose_v it_o will_v not_o our_o saviour_n have_v immediate_o explain_v himself_o to_o prevent_v so_o dangerous_a a_o misconstruction_n but_o he_o ask_v they_o what_o it_o be_v they_o stone_v he_o for_o they_o answer_v he_o direct_o and_o plain_o because_o that_o thou_o be_v a_o 33._o man_n make_v thyself_o god_n this_o be_v home_o to_o the_o purpose_n and_o here_o be_v the_o time_n for_o he_o to_o have_v deny_v it_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v so_o but_o do_v he_o deny_v it_o do_v he_o say_v it_o will_v be_v blasphemy_n in_o he_o to_o own_v it_o no_o but_o he_o go_v about_o to_o defend_v it_o and_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v no_o blasphemy_n for_o he_o to_o say_v that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o 36._o god_n i._n e._n so_o as_o to_o be_v god_n as_o the_o jew_n
that_o although_o christ_n jesus_n be_v bear_v six_o month_n after_o john_n yet_o he_o be_v in_o dignity_n before_o he_o yet_o this_o be_v a_o mystery_n which_o as_o i_o remember_v faustus_n socinus_n glory_v in_o that_o his_o uncle_n loelius_n obtain_v by_o revelation_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o more_o reasonable_a thing_n to_o suppose_v that_o a_o divine_a person_n shall_v assume_v humane_a nature_n and_o so_o the_o word_n to_o be_v make_v flesh_n than_o to_o say_v that_o a_o attribute_n of_o god_n his_o wisdom_n or_o power_n be_v make_v flesh_n which_o be_v a_o mystery_n beyond_o all_o comprehension_n there_o may_v be_v some_o difficulty_n in_o our_o conception_n of_o the_o other_o but_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n beyond_o all_o conception_n or_o imagination_n for_o a_o accident_n to_o be_v make_v a_o substance_n be_v as_o absurd_a as_o to_o imagine_v it_o to_o subsist_v without_o one_o 3._o it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o than_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v rapt_v up_o into_o heaven_n that_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o he_o come_v down_o from_o thence_o for_o in_o the_o former_a supposition_n we_o have_v many_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n to_o support_v it_o which_o speak_v of_o his_o be_v with_o god_n and_o have_v glory_n with_o he_o before_o the_o world_n be_v whereas_o there_o be_v nothing_o for_o the_o other_o but_o only_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v some_o tolerable_a sense_n of_o those_o word_n 4._o it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o god_n shall_v become_v man_n by_o take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o than_o that_o man_n shall_v become_v god_n for_o in_o the_o former_a there_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o difficulty_n of_o conceive_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o union_n which_o we_o all_o grant_v to_o be_v so_o between_o soul_n and_o body_n but_o in_o the_o other_o there_o be_v a_o repugnancy_n in_o the_o very_a conception_n of_o a_o create_a god_n of_o a_o eternal_a son_n of_o adam_n of_o omnipotent_a infirmity_n of_o a_o infinite_a finite_a be_v in_o the_o former_a case_n a_o infinite_a be_v unite_v to_o a_o finite_a but_o in_o the_o other_o a_o finite_a become_v infinite_a 5._o it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o christ_n jesus_n shall_v suffer_v as_o he_o do_v for_o our_o sake_n than_o for_o his_o own_o we_o be_v all_o agree_v that_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n be_v far_o beyond_o any_o thing_n he_o deserve_v at_o god_n hand_n but_o what_o account_v then_o be_v to_o be_v give_v of_o they_o we_o say_v that_o he_o make_v himself_o a_o voluntary_a sacrifice_n for_o expiation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n and_o so_o there_o be_v a_o great_a and_o noble_a end_n design_v and_o no_o injury_n do_v to_o a_o willing_a mind_n and_o the_o scripture_n as_o plain_o express_v this_o as_o it_o can_v do_v in_o word_n but_o other_o deny_v this_o and_o make_v he_o to_o suffer_v as_o one_o whole_o innocent_a for_o what_o cause_n to_o make_v the_o most_o innocent_a person_n as_o apprehensive_a of_o suffer_v as_o the_o most_o guilty_a and_o the_o most_o righteous_a god_n to_o put_v no_o difference_n between_o they_o with_o respect_n to_o suffer_v 6._o it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v such_o a_o condescension_n in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n for_o our_o advantage_n than_o that_o a_o mere_a man_n shall_v be_v exalt_v to_o the_o honour_n and_o worship_n which_o belong_v only_o to_o god_n for_o on_o the_o one_o side_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n viz._n infinite_a love_n and_o condescension_n and_o pity_n to_o mankind_n on_o the_o other_o there_o be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o self-exaltation_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o humane_a nature_n viz._n for_o a_o mere_a man_n to_o have_v the_o most_o essential_a attribute_n and_o incommunicable_a honour_n which_o belong_v to_o god_n and_o whether_o of_o these_o two_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o spirit_n and_o design_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n let_v any_o man_n of_o understand_a judge_n for_o as_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o great_a intention_n of_o it_o be_v to_o magnify_v the_o wonderful_a love_n of_o god_n in_o the_o send_n of_o his_o son_n so_o it_o be_v as_o plain_a that_o one_o great_a end_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v to_o take_v mankind_n off_o from_o give_v divine_a worship_n to_o creature_n and_o can_v we_o then_o suppose_v that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o shall_v set_v up_o the_o worship_n of_o a_o mere_a man_n with_o all_o the_o honour_n and_o adoration_n which_o belong_v to_o god_n this_o be_v to_o i_o a_o incomprehensible_a mystery_n indeed_o and_o far_o beyond_o all_o that_o be_v imply_v in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n for_o it_o subvert_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o the_o design_n of_o christianity_n as_o to_o the_o reform_a idolatry_n then_o in_o be_v it_o lay_v the_o foundation_n for_o introduce_v it_o into_o the_o world_n again_o for_o since_o the_o distance_n between_o god_n and_o his_o creature_n be_v take_v away_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o worship_n there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v but_o the_o declaration_n of_o his_o will_n which_o do_v not_o exclude_v more_o mediator_n of_o intercession_n but_o upon_o this_o ground_n that_o the_o mediation_n of_o redemption_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o that_o of_o intercession_n and_o it_o be_v far_o more_o easy_a for_o we_o to_o suppose_v there_o may_v be_v some_o thing_n too_o hard_o for_o we_o to_o understand_v in_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n by_o jesus_n christ_n than_o that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o shall_v be_v both_o a_o duty_n and_o a_o sin_n to_o worship_v any_o but_o the_o true_a god_n with_o proper_a divine_a worship_n for_o if_o it_o be_v idolatry_n to_o give_v it_o to_o a_o creature_n than_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n for_o so_o the_o scripture_n still_o account_v it_o but_o if_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o give_v it_o to_o christ_n who_o be_v but_o a_o creature_n then_o that_o which_o in_o itself_o be_v a_o sin_n be_v now_o become_v a_o necessary_a duty_n which_o overthrow_v the_o natural_a difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o make_v idolatry_n to_o be_v a_o mere_a arbitrary_a thing_n and_o i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n moral_a difficulty_n be_v more_o to_o be_v regard_v than_o intellectual_a because_o religion_n be_v far_o more_o design_v for_o a_o rule_n of_o our_o action_n than_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o curiosity_n and_o upon_o due_a examination_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o frightful_a appearance_n of_o difficulty_n in_o the_o mâ—stery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n as_o there_o be_v in_o give_v divine_a worship_n to_o a_o creature_n and_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o those_o very_a place_n which_o be_v suppose_v to_o exclude_v christ_n from_o be_v the_o true_a god_n must_v if_o they_o have_v any_o force_n exclude_v 3._o he_o from_o divine_a worship_n for_o they_o be_v 6_o speak_v of_o god_n as_o the_o object_n of_o our_o worship_n but_o if_o he_o be_v not_o exclude_v from_o divine_a worship_n than_o neither_o be_v he_o from_o be_v the_o true_a god_n which_o they_o grant_v 65._o he_o be_v by_o office_n but_o not_o by_o nature_n but_o a_o god_n by_o office_n who_o be_v not_o so_o by_o nature_n be_v a_o new_a and_o incomprehensible_a mystery_n a_o mystery_n hide_v from_o age_n and_o generation_n as_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o not_o make_v know_v by_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o son_n this_o be_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o mystery_n as_o the_o heathen_a priest_n have_v who_o have_v god_n many_o and_o lord_n many_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v i._n e._n many_o by_o office_n although_o but_o one_o by_o â—â—_o nature_n but_o if_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v own_v one_o god_n by_o nature_n and_o only_a one_o by_o office_n the_o heathen_n have_v be_v to_o blame_v chief_o in_o the_o number_n of_o their_o god_n by_o office_n and_o not_o in_o the_o divine_a worship_n which_o they_o give_v to_o they_o but_o st._n paul_n blame_v the_o heathen_n for_o do_v service_n to_o they_o which_o by_o nature_n be_v no_o 8._o god_n not_o for_o do_v it_o without_o divine_a authority_n nor_o for_o mistake_v the_o person_n who_o be_v god_n by_o office_n but_o in_o give_v divine_a worship_n to_o they_o who_o by_o nature_n be_v no_o god_n which_o he_o will_v never_o have_v say_v if_o by_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n divine_a worship_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o one_o who_o be_v not_o god_n by_o nature_n but_o these_o be_v indeed_o
be_v god_n and_o as_o the_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v as_o st._n paul_n say_v so_o he_o add_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o and_o without_o he_o be_v 3._o not_o any_o thing_n make_v that_o be_v make_v which_o be_v as_o certain_a a_o argument_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n as_o there_o be_v of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o other_o point_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o sad_a and_o amaze_a consideration_n that_o the_o wonderful_a love_n of_o god_n in_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n shall_v have_v so_o little_a effect_n upon_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o to_o who_o he_o be_v send_v and_o his_o doctrine_n preach_v but_o the_o apostle_n content_v himself_o with_o these_o two_o account_n of_o it_o 1._o that_o it_o be_v far_o from_o be_v god_n intention_n or_o design_n in_o send_v his_o son_n to_o make_v man_n condition_n worfe_n and_o more_o desperate_a for_o god_n send_v not_o his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o condemn_v the_o world_n but_o that_o the_o world_n through_o he_o may_v be_v save_v 2._o but_o it_o may_v be_v present_o object_v that_o if_o this_o be_v god_n intention_n the_o world_n will_v not_o have_v receive_v so_o little_a benefit_n by_o it_o but_o according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o salvation_n propose_v by_o the_o gospel_n so_o few_o will_v have_v advantage_n by_o it_o therefore_o the_o evangelist_n add_v that_o if_o man_n do_v perish_v they_o must_v thank_v themselves_o for_o it_o for_o this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a v_o 19_o so_o that_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o deserve_v our_o consideration_n i._o the_o wonderful_a condescension_n and_o gracious_a intention_n of_o god_n in_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n ii_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o so_o many_o miscarry_v as_o to_o their_o salvation_n notwithstanding_o viz._n their_o own_o wickedness_n and_o folly_n 1._o the_o former_a of_o these_o be_v that_o which_o upon_o this_o day_n we_o have_v particular_a reason_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o not_o in_o a_o slight_a superficial_a manner_n as_o though_o a_o annual_a commemoration_n of_o it_o be_v all_o that_o god_n expect_v from_o we_o but_o our_o mind_n and_o soul_n ought_v to_o be_v possess_v with_o a_o deep_a and_o humble_a sense_n of_o so_o great_a so_o undeserved_a so_o astonish_v a_o condescension_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n and_o the_o more_o we_o think_v and_o consider_v of_o it_o the_o more_o amaze_a and_o surprise_v it_o must_v appear_v to_o we_o for_o when_o the_o psalmist_n think_v but_o of_o god_n providence_n towards_o mankind_n he_o can_v not_o but_o break_v out_o into_o that_o expression_n lord_n what_o be_v man_n that_o thou_o be_v mindful_a of_o 4._o he_o and_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o thou_o so_o regard_v he_o what_o be_v man_n indeed_o a_o 3._o mass_n of_o vanity_n and_o disorder_n weak_a in_o his_o judgement_n wilful_a in_o his_o passion_n uncertain_a in_o his_o best_a resolution_n violent_a in_o his_o worst_a inclination_n strange_o bend_v upon_o what_o tend_v to_o his_o ruin_n and_o hardly_o bring_v to_o understand_v and_o pursue_v his_o true_a interest_n what_o be_v such_o a_o creature_n as_o this_o that_o a_o god_n infinite_o wise_a and_o powerful_a far_o above_o our_o thought_n as_o well_o as_o our_o service_n shall_v concern_v himself_o about_o the_o low_a and_o trifle_a affair_n of_o mankind_n but_o such_o be_v the_o goodness_n and_o condescension_n of_o god_n that_o he_o humble_v himself_o so_o far_o as_o not_o only_o to_o behold_v but_o to_o govern_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v upon_o earth_n but_o what_o be_v man_n that_o he_o shall_v visit_v he_o not_o with_o the_o mere_a common_a demonstration_n of_o his_o kindness_n which_o he_o afford_v to_o other_o creature_n but_o that_o when_o mankind_n have_v so_o far_o degenerate_v and_o fall_v off_o from_o god_n by_o their_o sin_n that_o they_o deserve_v to_o be_v for_o ever_o cast_v off_o and_o forget_v by_o he_o that_o then_o god_n shall_v visit_v he_o by_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n that_o the_o world_n through_o he_o may_v be_v save_v this_o be_v so_o far_o above_o our_o imagination_n as_o well_o as_o desert_n that_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o most_o colourable_a pretence_n for_o infidelity_n that_o it_o be_v too_o great_a a_o thing_n for_o mankind_n to_o believe_v but_o i_o be_o sensible_a that_o in_o this_o sceptical_a and_o unbelieving_a age_n there_o be_v such_o a_o humour_n of_o cavil_v against_o matter_n of_o revelation_n especial_o this_o fundamental_a article_n of_o it_o that_o it_o will_v seem_v as_o if_o we_o be_v afraid_a to_o look_v their_o objection_n in_o the_o face_n if_o we_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o insist_v too_o much_o upon_o they_o be_v to_o make_v they_o appear_v much_o more_o considerable_a than_o they_o be_v therefore_o i_o shall_v pass_v over_o all_o the_o trifle_a and_o impertinent_a talk_n of_o such_o man_n which_o be_v not_o whisper_v in_o corner_n but_o i_o be_o afraid_a be_v become_v a_o matter_n of_o too_o common_a and_o public_a discourse_n and_o i_o shall_v single_a out_o that_o which_o seem_v to_o have_v the_o great_a weight_n in_o it_o viz._n suppose_v god_n shall_v have_v a_o intention_n to_o offer_v term_n of_o salvation_n to_o mankind_n yet_o what_o need_n be_v there_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v come_v into_o the_o world_n for_o that_o end_n have_v not_o god_n easy_a method_n of_o do_v it_o than_o by_o the_o incarnation_n and_o crucifixion_n of_o his_o son_n be_v it_o not_o more_o credible_a that_o god_n shall_v forgive_v sin_n without_o any_o atonement_n than_o that_o he_o shall_v send_v his_o son_n to_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n of_o propitiation_n to_o himself_o be_v it_o not_o enough_o for_o we_o to_o believe_v all_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n to_o be_v true_a for_o we_o own_o a_o god_n and_o providence_n and_o a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o mankind_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o action_n but_o why_o shall_v our_o faith_n be_v cramp_v by_o such_o incredible_a mystery_n as_o these_o concern_v the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v into_o the_o world_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o the_o evangelist_n describe_v it_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o kindness_n to_o the_o world_n that_o it_o make_v the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n so_o much_o hard_a if_o we_o must_v believe_v thing_n which_o seem_v so_o impossible_a to_o we_o and_o so_o hard_a to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o natural_a principle_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n i_o shall_v not_o dispute_v it_o with_o such_o man_n whether_o these_o late_a pretender_n to_o natural_a religion_n have_v at_o the_o bottom_n any_o real_a kindness_n for_o the_o principle_n of_o it_o or_o not_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o hope_v the_o best_a and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a dissatisfaction_n in_o they_o as_o to_o our_o reveal_v religion_n and_o that_o this_o pretend_a zeal_n for_o natural_a religion_n be_v little_o more_o than_o a_o mere_a shame_n and_o disguise_n to_o avoid_v a_o more_o odious_a imputation_n but_o let_v it_o be_v as_o great_a and_o real_a as_o they_o pretend_v what_o i_o at_o present_a undertake_v be_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o none_o who_o do_v embrace_v the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n can_v have_v any_o reason_n to_o reject_v the_o christian_n even_o as_o to_o this_o article_n of_o god_n send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n which_o they_o seem_v most_o to_o stumble_v at_o i_o shall_v not_o go_v about_o to_o show_v how_o the_o christian_a religion_n not_o only_a suppose_n but_o improve_v refine_v establish_v and_o enforce_v the_o most_o note_a and_o allow_v principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n as_o to_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o providence_n the_o most_o agreeable_a way_n of_o worship_n the_o nature_n and_o kind_n of_o moral_a duty_n the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n since_o no_o one_o of_o common_a sense_n can_v deny_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v very_o exact_a and_o particular_a in_o these_o thing_n above_o any_o other_o institution_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o in_o pass_v take_v notice_n that_o i_o do_v not_o remember_v any_o one_o institution_n in_o the_o world_n with_o respect_n to_o religion_n except_o that_o which_o we_o have_v by_o revelation_n which_o have_v not_o some_o notorious_a blunder_n in_o it_o as_o to_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o virtue_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v far_o less_o