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
the_o right_a reverend_a edw._n stillingfleet_n d._n d._n lord_n bishop_n of_o worcester_n thirteen_o sermon_n preach_v on_o several_a occasion_n three_o of_o which_o never_o before_o print_v by_o the_o right_n reverend_a father_n in_o god_n edward_z lord_n bishop_n of_o worcester_n the_o three_o volume_n london_n print_v by_o j._n h._n for_o henry_n mortlock_n at_o the_o phoenix_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1698._o the_o content_n sermon_n i._n st_n luk._n xv._n 18._o i_o will_v arise_v and_o go_v to_o my_o father_n and_o will_v say_v to_o he_o father_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o before_o thou_o pag._n 1_o sermon_n ii_o coloss._n ii_o 6._o as_o you_o have_v therefore_o receive_v christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n so_o walk_v you_o in_o he_o p._n 40_o sermon_n iii_o pet._n iu._n 18._o and_o if_o the_o righteous_a scarce_o be_v save_v where_o shall_v the_o ungodly_a and_o the_o sinner_n appear_v p._n 91_o sermon_n iu._n eccles._n xi_o 9_o rejoice_v o_o young_a man_n in_o thy_o youth_n and_o let_v thy_o heart_n cheer_v thou_o in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o youth_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o thy_o heart_n and_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o thy_o eye_n but_o know_v thou_o that_o for_o all_o these_o thing_n god_n will_v bring_v thou_o into_o judgement_n p._n 132_o sermon_n v._o 2_o tim._n i._o 7._o for_o god_n have_v not_o give_v we_o the_o spirit_n of_o fear_n but_o of_o power_n and_o of_o love_n and_o of_o a_o sound_a mind_n p._n 169_o sermon_n vi_o 1_o tim._n i._n 15._o this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n that_o christ_n jesus_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n of_o who_o i_o be_o chief_a p._n 209_o sermon_n vii_o st._n luk._n vi_o 46._o and_o why_o call_v you_o i_o lord_n lord_n and_o do_v not_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o say_v p._n 255_o sermon_n viii_o rom._n viii_o 6._o for_o to_o be_v carnal_o mind_v be_v death_n but_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v be_v life_n and_o peace_n p._n 294_o sermon_n ix_o st._n john_n iii_o 17._o 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 p._n 336_o sermon_n x._o st._n jam._n iu._n 17._o therefore_o to_o he_o that_o know_v to_o do_v good_a and_o do_v it_o not_o to_o he_o it_o be_v sin_n p._n 375_o sermon_n xi_o st._n matth._n xxvi_o 41._o watch_z and_o pray_v that_o you_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n the_o spirit_n indeed_o be_v willing_a but_o the_o flesh_n be_v weak_a p._n 413_o sermon_n xii_o act_n xxvi_o 8._o why_o shall_v it_o be_v think_v a_o thing_n incredible_a with_o you_o that_o god_n shall_v raise_v the_o dead_a p._n 453_o sermon_n xiii_o eccles._n vii_o 16._o be_v not_o righteous_a overmuch_o neither_o make_v thyself_o over_o wise_a why_o shall_v thou_o destroy_v thyself_o p._n 490_o errata_fw-la page_n 107._o line_n 5._o for_o these_o read_v there_o p._n 238._o l._n 17._o deal_n from_o yet_o to_o l._n 21_o p._n 284._o l._n 21_o for_o or_o r._n we_o p._n 296._o l._n 25._o for_o lord_n r._n law_n p._n 298._o l._n 14._o put_v out_o â—_o p._n 344._o l._n 9_o deal_n little_a p._n 417._o l._n 7._o for_o heatedness_n r._n heartedness_n p._n 418._o l._n 18._o for_o weakness_n r._n willingness_n p._n 434._o l._n 18._o for_o truce_n r._n time_n p._n 463._o l._n one_a before_o of_o put_v in_o out_o p._n 464._o l._n 17._o for_o sea_n r._n sun_n p._n 483._o l._n 25._o for_o law_n r._n live_v p._n 485._o l._n 24._o after_o now_o put_v apt_a p._n 490._o sermon_n 13._o in_o the_o text_n for_o lover_n r._n over_o p._n 496._o l._n 29._o before_o to_z put_v in_o 1._o p._n 501._o l._n 17._o before_o know_a insert_v have_v p._n 503._o l._n 6._o blot_n out_o that_o p._n 506._o l._n 22._o for_o gain_n r._n again_o p._n 507._o l._n one_a for_o this_o r._n thus._n p._n 508._o l._n 27._o for_o endanger_v r._n indulge_v p._n 509._o l._n 6._o for_o molochi_n r._n moloch_n p._n 522._o l._n 7._o for_o exasperate_v r._n extenuate_v p._n 528._o l._n 16._o for_o solitude_n r._n solicitude_n sermon_n i._o preach_v at_o whitehall_n february_n the_o 19_o the_o 1685_o 6_o st._n luke_n xv._n 18._o i_o will_v arise_v and_o go_v to_o my_o father_n and_o will_v say_v to_o he_o father_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o before_o thou_o in_o the_o forego_n verse_n we_o find_v the_o prodigal_a son_n so_o far_o awaken_v and_o come_v to_o himself_o as_o to_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o miserable_a condition_n he_o have_v bring_v himself_o into_o by_o his_o own_o folly_n and_o wickedness_n but_o before_o he_o come_v to_o this_o there_o be_v a_o remarkable_a turn_v in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o life_n set_v down_o by_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o excellent_a parable_n for_o he_o be_v first_o very_o impatient_a of_o be_v under_o the_o wise_a conduct_n of_o his_o father_n and_o think_v he_o can_v manage_v his_o own_o affair_n far_o more_o to_o his_o contentment_n and_o satisfaction_n if_o he_o be_v but_o permit_v to_o use_v his_o liberty_n and_o be_v not_o so_o strict_o tie_v up_o to_o the_o grave_n and_o formal_a method_n of_o live_v observe_v and_o require_v in_o his_o father_n house_n which_o may_v pass_v for_o wisdom_n in_o age_n and_o be_v agreeable_a enough_o to_o such_o who_o life_n and_o vigour_n be_v decay_v and_o who_o be_v now_o to_o maintain_v their_o authority_n over_o their_o child_n by_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o much_o wise_a than_o they_o but_o it_o be_v a_o rare_a thing_n for_o youth_n and_o age_n to_o agree_v in_o the_o opinion_n of_o wisdom_n for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o care_n the_o experience_n the_o judgement_n of_o a_o wise_a and_o tender_a father_n that_o can_v allay_v the_o heat_n or_o calm_v the_o passion_n or_o over-rule_v the_o violent_a inclination_n of_o youth_n but_o whatever_o it_o cost_v they_o afterward_o some_o will_v be_v still_o try_v the_o experiment_n whether_o it_o do_v not_o more_o conduce_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o life_n to_o pursue_v their_o own_o fancy_n and_o design_n than_o to_o hearken_v to_o another_o direction_n though_o a_o father_n who_o circumstance_n be_v so_o much_o different_a from_o their_o own_o thus_o our_o bless_a saviour_n represent_v in_o the_o parable_n this_o young_a prodigal_n as_o weary_a of_o be_v rich_a and_o easy_a at_o home_n and_o fond_a of_o see_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o nothing_o will_v satisfy_v he_o unless_o he_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o stock_n which_o be_v intend_v for_o he_o that_o he_o may_v show_v the_o difference_n between_o his_o father_n conduct_n and_o his_o own_o and_o this_o very_a soon_o appear_v for_o this_o hopeful_a manager_n have_v not_o be_v long_o abroad_o but_o he_o waste_v his_o substance_n with_o riotous_a live_n and_o to_o make_v he_o the_o more_o sensible_a of_o his_o folly_n there_o happen_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a scarcity_n which_o make_v his_o low_a and_o exhaust_a condition_n more_o uneasy_a to_o he_o but_o the_o sense_n of_o shame_n be_v yet_o great_a with_o he_o than_o that_o of_o his_o â—olly_n and_o whatever_o shift_n he_o undergo_v he_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n yet_o think_v of_o return_v home_o but_o rather_o choose_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o mean_a and_o base_a employment_n in_o hope_n to_o avoid_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o but_o at_o last_o reason_n and_o consideration_n begin_v to_o work_v upon_o he_o which_o be_v call_v his_o come_n to_o himself_o and_o then_o he_o take_v up_o a_o resolution_n to_o go_v home_o to_o his_o father_n and_o to_o throw_v himself_o at_o his_o foot_n to_o confess_v his_o fault_n ingenuous_o and_o free_o and_o to_o beg_v pardon_n for_o his_o former_a folly_n in_o hope_n of_o forgiveness_n and_o reconciliation_n i_o will_v arise_v and_o go_v to_o my_o father_n and_o say_v to_o he_o father_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o before_o thou_o under_o this_o parable_n our_o saviour_n set_v forth_o the_o state_n of_o a_o sinner_n 1._o in_o his_o wilful_a degeneracy_n from_o god_n his_o father_n both_o by_o creation_n and_o providence_n his_o uneasiness_n under_o his_o just_a and_o holy_a law_n his_o impatience_n of_o be_v restrain_v by_o they_o his_o cast_v off_o the_o bond_n of_o duty_n to_o he_o and_o run_v into_o all_o kind_n of_o disorder_n without_o regard_n to_o god_n or_o his_o own_o soul_n 2._o in_o the_o dissatisfaction_n he_o find_v in_o his_o evil_a course_n be_v very_o much_o disappoint_v in_o the_o great_a expectation_n he_o have_v in_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n waste_v his_o health_n interest_n reputation_n estate_n and_o above_o all_o the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o his_o mind_n which_o be_v
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
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