one_o god_n be_v to_o the_o common_a reason_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o the_o clear_a and_o most_o essential_a notion_n which_o we_o have_v of_o god_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v these_o two_o way_n first_o by_o consider_v the_o most_o essential_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n second_o from_o the_o repugnancy_n and_o impossibility_n the_o great_a absurdity_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o suppose_v more_o god_n than_o one._n first_o by_o consider_v the_o most_o essential_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n absolute_a perfection_n which_o we_o ascribe_v to_o god_n as_o the_o most_o essential_a notion_n which_o mankind_n have_v always_o have_v concern_v he_o do_v necessary_o suppose_v unity_n because_o this_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o be_v that_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a that_o all_o perfection_n meet_v and_o be_v unite_v in_o such_o a_o be_v but_o to_o imagine_v more_o god_n and_o some_o perfection_n to_o be_v in_o one_o and_o some_o in_o another_o do_v destroy_v the_o most_o essential_a notion_n which_o man_n have_v of_o god_n namely_o that_o he_o be_v a_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a that_o be_v as_o perfect_a as_o be_v possible_a now_o to_o suppose_v some_o perfection_n in_o one_o god_n which_o be_v not_o in_o another_o be_v to_o suppose_v some_o possible_a perfection_n to_o be_v want_v in_o god_n which_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o most_o natural_a and_o the_o most_o easy_a notion_n which_o all_o man_n have_v of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v a_o be_v in_o who_o all_o perfection_n do_v meet_v and_o be_v unite_v but_o if_o we_o suppose_v more_o god_n each_o of_o which_o have_v all_o perfection_n unite_v in_o he_o than_o all_o but_o one_o will_v be_v superfluous_a and_o needless_a and_o therefore_o by_o just_a and_o necessary_a consequence_n not_o only_o may_v but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v suppose_v not_o to_o be_v since_o necessary_a existence_n be_v essential_a to_o the_o deity_n and_o therefore_o if_o but_o one_o god_n be_v necessary_a there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o second_o from_o the_o repugnancy_n and_o impossibility_n the_o great_a absurdity_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o the_o contrary_n for_o suppose_v there_o be_v more_o god_n two_o for_o example_n and_o if_o there_o may_v be_v two_o there_o may_v be_v a_o million_o for_o we_o can_v stop_v no_o where_o i_o say_v suppose_v two_o god_n either_o these_o two_o will_v be_v in_o all_o perfection_n equal_a and_o alike_o or_o unequal_a and_o unlike_a if_o equal_a and_o alike_o in_o all_o thing_n then_o as_o i_o say_v before_o one_o of_o they_o will_v be_v needless_a and_o superfluous_a and_o if_o one_o why_o not_o as_o well_o the_o other_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v in_o all_o thing_n perfect_o alike_o and_o then_o there_o will_v be_v no_o necessity_n at_o all_o of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v grant_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o necessary_a existence_n be_v essential_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n but_o if_o they_o be_v unequal_a that_o be_v one_o of_o they_o inferior_a to_o and_o less_o perfect_a than_o the_o other_o that_o which_o be_v inferior_a and_o less_o perfect_a can_v not_o be_v god_n because_o he_o will_v not_o have_v all_o perfection_n so_o that_o which_o way_n soever_o we_o turn_v the_o thing_n and_o look_n upon_o it_o the_o notion_n of_o more_o god_n than_o one_o be_v by_o its_o own_o repugnancy_n and_o self-contradiction_n destructive_a of_o itself_o before_o i_o come_v to_o apply_v this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n i_o must_v not_o pass_v by_o a_o very_a considerable_a difficulty_n which_o will_v most_o certain_o arise_v in_o every_o man_n mind_n without_o take_v particular_a notice_n of_o it_o and_o endeavour_v to_o remove_v it_o if_o i_o can_v and_o it_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o b._n trinity_n or_o of_o three_o real_a difference_n or_o distinct_a person_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o divine_a nature_n and_o though_o this_o be_v not_o a_o difficulty_n peculiar_a only_o to_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o by_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o urge_v this_o objection_n against_o christian_n have_v be_v inconsiderate_o think_v for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o long_o before_o christianity_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v a_o very_a ancient_a tradition_n both_o among_o jew_n and_o heathen_a concern_v three_o real_a difference_n or_o distinction_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n very_o near_o resemble_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n as_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n more_o full_o to_o show_v by_o and_o by_o yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o this_o difficulty_n do_v in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n affect_v the_o christian_a religion_n the_o generality_n of_o christian_n who_o do_v most_o firm_o believe_v the_o trinity_n believe_v likewise_o at_o the_o same_o time_n more_o steadfast_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n to_o we_o 6._o say_v st._n paul_n that_o be_v to_o we_o christian_n there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n but_o how_o can_v this_o possible_o consist_v with_o the_o common_a doctrine_n of_o christian_n concern_v the_o trinity_n god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o h._n ghost_n to_o each_o of_o who_o they_o attribute_v as_o they_o very_o believe_v the_o scripture_n do_v the_o most_o incommunicable_a property_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o what_o be_v this_o less_o in_o effect_n than_o to_o say_v that_o there_o be_v three_o god_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o difficulty_n i_o shall_v with_o all_o the_o brevity_n i_o can_v offer_v these_o follow_a consideration_n which_o i_o hope_v to_o a_o impartial_a and_o unprejudiced_a judgement_n will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o remove_v it_o or_o at_o least_o to_o break_v the_o main_a force_n and_o strength_n of_o it_o i._o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v well_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v a_o wide_a difference_n between_o the_o nice_a speculation_n of_o the_o school_n beyond_o what_o be_v reveal_v in_o scripture_n concern_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o what_o the_o scripture_n only_o teach_v and_o assert_n concern_v this_o mystery_n for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o schoolman_n who_o abound_v in_o wit_n and_o leisure_n though_o very_o few_o among_o they_o have_v either_o exact_a skill_n in_o the_o h._n scripture_n or_o in_o ecclesiastical_a antiquity_n and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n i_o say_v it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o these_o speculative_a and_o very_a acute_a man_n who_o wrought_v a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o divinity_n out_o of_o their_o own_o brain_n as_o spider_n do_v cobweb_n out_o of_o their_o own_o bowel_n have_v start_v a_o thousand_o subtlety_n about_o this_o mystery_n such_o as_o no_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o trouble_v his_o head_n withal_o much_o less_o be_v it_o necessary_a for_o he_o to_o understand_v those_o nicety_n which_o we_o may_v reasonable_o presume_v that_o they_o who_o talk_v of_o they_o do_v themselves_o never_o thorough_o understand_v and_o least_o of_o all_o be_v it_o necessary_a to_o believe_v they_o the_o modesty_n of_o christian_n be_v content_v in_o divine_a mystery_n to_o know_v what_o god_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o reveal_v concern_v they_o and_o have_v no_o curiosity_n to_o be_v wise_a above_o that_o which_o be_v write_v it_o be_v enough_o to_o believe_v what_o god_n say_v concern_v these_o matter_n and_o if_o any_o man_n will_v venture_v to_o say_v more_o every_o other_o man_n sure_o be_v at_o his_o liberty_n to_o believe_v as_o he_o see_v reason_n ii_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v in_o the_o next_o place_n be_v consider_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n even_o as_o it_o be_v assert_v in_o scripture_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o we_o to_o be_v still_o a_o great_a mystery_n and_o so_o imperfect_o reveal_v as_o to_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n incomprehensible_a by_o human_a reason_n and_o therefore_o 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now_o to_o grapple_v withal_o and_o this_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v in_o some_o measure_n do_v in_o one_o of_o the_o former_a discourse_n ii_o nor_o indeed_o do_v i_o see_v that_o it_o be_v any_o way_n necessary_a to_o do_v more_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o god_n have_v declare_v what_o he_o think_v fit_a in_o this_o matter_n and_o that_o we_o do_v firm_o believe_v what_o he_o say_v concern_v it_o to_o be_v true_a though_o we_o do_v not_o perfect_o comprehend_v the_o meaning_n of_o all_o that_o he_o have_v say_v about_o it_o for_o in_o this_o and_o the_o like_a case_n i_o take_v a_o implicit_a faith_n to_o be_v very_o commendable_a that_o be_v to_o believe_v whatever_o we_o be_v sufficient_o assure_v god_n have_v reveal_v though_o we_o do_v not_o full_o understand_v his_o meaning_n in_o such_o a_o revelation_n and_o thus_o every_o man_n who_o believe_v the_o h._n scripture_n to_o be_v a_o true_o divine_a revelation_n do_v implicit_o believe_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o prophetical_a book_n of_o scripture_n and_o several_a obscure_a expression_n in_o those_o book_n though_o he_o do_v not_o particular_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o all_o the_o prediction_n and_o expression_n contain_v in_o they_o in_o like_a manner_n there_o be_v certain_o a_o great_a many_o very_a good_a christian_n who_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o comprehend_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n nice_o enough_o to_o approve_v themselves_o to_o a_o scholastical_a and_o magisterial_a judge_n of_o controversy_n who_o yet_o if_o they_o do_v hearty_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v clear_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n and_o live_v up_o to_o the_o plain_a precept_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n will_v i_o doubt_v not_o be_v very_o well_o approve_v by_o the_o great_a and_o just_a and_o by_o the_o infallible_o infallible_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n iii_o let_v it_o be_v further_o consider_v that_o though_o neither_o the_o word_n trinity_n nor_o perhaps_o person_n in_o the_o sense_n in_o which_o it_o be_v use_v by_o divine_n when_o they_o treat_v of_o this_o mystery_n be_v any_o where_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o scripture_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o three_o be_v there_o speak_v of_o by_o the_o name_n of_o father_n son_n and_o h._n ghost_n in_o who_o name_n every_o christian_n be_v baptize_v and_o to_o each_o of_o who_o the_o high_a title_n and_o property_n of_o god_n be_v in_o scripture_n attribute_v and_o these_o three_o be_v speak_v of_o with_o as_o much_o distinction_n from_o one_o another_o as_o we_o use_v to_o speak_v of_o three_o several_a person_n so_o that_o though_o the_o word_n trinity_n be_v not_o find_v in_o scripture_n yet_o these_o three_o be_v there_o express_o and_o frequent_o mention_v and_o a_o trinity_n be_v nothing_o but_o three_o of_o any_o thing_n and_o so_o likewise_o though_o the_o word_n person_n be_v not_o there_o express_o apply_v to_o father_n son_n and_o h._n ghost_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v very_o hard_a to_o find_v a_o more_o convenient_a word_n whereby_o to_o express_v the_o distinction_n of_o these_o three_o for_o which_o reason_n i_o can_v never_o yet_o see_v any_o just_a cause_n to_o quarrel_v at_o this_o term_n for_o since_o the_o h._n spirit_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n have_v think_v fit_a in_o speak_v of_o these_o three_o to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o one_o another_o as_o we_o use_v in_o common_a speech_n to_o distinguish_v three_o several_a person_n i_o can_v see_v any_o reason_n why_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o mystery_n which_o pure_o depend_v upon_o divine_a revelation_n we_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o it_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o scripture_n do_v and_o though_o the_o word_n person_n be_v now_o become_v a_o â—erm_n of_o art_n i_o see_v no_o cause_n why_o we_o shall_v decline_v it_o so_o long_o as_o we_o mean_v by_o it_o neither_o more_o nor_o less_o than_o what_o the_o scripture_n say_v in_o other_o word_n iv._o it_o deserve_v further_a to_o be_v consider_v that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o very_a ancient_a tradition_n concern_v three_o real_a difference_n or_o distinction_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o these_o as_o i_o say_v before_o very_o near_o resemble_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n whence_o this_o tradition_n have_v its_o original_n be_v not_o easy_a upon_o good_a and_o certain_a ground_n to_o say_v but_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o the_o jew_n ancient_o have_v this_o notion_n and_o that_o they_o do_v distinguish_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o h._n spirit_n of_o god_n from_o he_o who_o be_v absolute_o call_v god_n and_o who_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o all_o thing_n as_o be_v plain_a from_o philo_n judaeus_n and_o moses_n nachmanides_n 5._o and_o other_o cite_v by_o the_o learned_a grotius_n in_o his_o incomparable_a book_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o among_o the_o heathen_a plato_n who_o probable_o enough_o may_v have_v this_o notion_n from_o the_o jew_n do_v make_v three_o distinction_n in_o the_o deity_n by_o the_o name_n of_o essential_a goodness_n and_o mind_n and_o spirit_n so_o that_o whatever_o objection_n this_o matter_n may_v be_v liable_a to_o it_o be_v not_o so_o peculiar_a a_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o many_o have_v imagine_v though_o it_o be_v reveal_v by_o it_o with_o much_o more_o clearness_n and_o certainty_n and_o consequent_o neither_o the_o jew_n nor_o plato_n have_v any_o reason_n to_o object_n be_v to_o we_o christian_n especial_o since_o they_o pretend_v no_o other_o ground_n for_o it_o but_o either_o their_o own_o reason_n or_o a_o ancient_a tradition_n from_o their_o father_n whereas_o we_o christian_n do_v appeal_v to_o express_v divine_a revelation_n for_o what_o we_o believe_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o do_v believe_v it_o single_o upon_o that_o account_n v._o it_o be_v beside_o very_o considerable_a that_o the_o scripture_n do_v deliver_v this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n without_o any_o manner_n of_o doubt_n or_o question_n concern_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o do_v most_o steadfast_o and_o constant_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o in_o those_o very_a text_n in_o which_o these_o three_o difference_n be_v mention_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v express_o assert_v as_o where_o st._n john_n make_v mention_n of_o the_o father_n the_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n the_o unity_n of_o these_o three_o be_v likewise_o affirm_v there_o be_v three_o that_o bear_v record_n in_o heaven_n the_o father_n the_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n and_o these_o three_o be_v one._n vi_o it_o be_v yet_o further_o considerable_a that_o from_o this_o mystery_n as_o deliver_v in_o scripture_n a_o plurality_n of_o god_n can_v be_v infer_v without_o make_v the_o scripture_n gross_o to_o contradict_v itself_o which_o i_o charitable_o suppose_v the_o socinian_o will_v be_v as_o loath_a to_o admit_v as_o we_o ourselves_o be_v and_o if_o either_o council_n or_o father_n or_o schoolman_n have_v so_o explain_v this_o mystery_n as_o to_o give_v any_o just_a ground_n or_o so_o much_o as_o a_o plausible_a colour_n for_o such_o a_o inference_n let_v the_o blame_v fall_v where_o it_o be_v due_a and_o let_v it_o not_o be_v charge_v on_o the_o h._n scripture_n but_o rather_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o another_o case_n let_v god_n be_v true_a and_o every_o man_n a_o liar_n viithly_fw-mi and_o last_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n to_o believe_v some_o thing_n which_o be_v incomprehensible_a by_o our_o reason_n provide_v that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a ground_n and_o reason_n for_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o especial_o if_o they_o be_v concern_v god_n who_o be_v in_o his_o nature_n incomprehensible_a and_o we_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o he_o have_v reveal_v they_o and_o therefore_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o offend_v we_o that_o these_o difference_n in_o the_o deity_n be_v incomprehensible_a by_o our_o finite_a understanding_n because_o the_o divine_a nature_n itself_o be_v so_o and_o yet_o the_o belief_n of_o that_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o thing_n in_o nature_n which_o we_o can_v comprehend_v how_o they_o either_o be_v or_o can_v be_v as_o the_o continuity_n of_o matter_n that_o be_v how_o the_o part_n of_o it_o do_v hang_v so_o fast_o together_o that_o they_o be_v many_o time_n very_o hard_o to_o be_v part_v and_o yet_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o it_o be_v so_o because_o we_o see_v it_o every_o day_n so_o likewise_o how_o the_o small_a seed_n of_o thing_n contain_v the_o whole_a form_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n from_o which_o they_o proceed_v and_o into_o which_o by_o degree_n they_o grow_v and_o yet_o we_o
church_n which_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o good_a but_o be_v this_o equal_a to_o demand_v of_o we_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o thing_n which_o have_v always_o be_v controvert_v not_o only_o between_o we_o and_o they_o but_o even_o among_o themselves_o at_o least_o till_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o this_o upon_o such_o unreasonable_a term_n that_o we_o must_v either_o yield_v this_o point_n to_o they_o or_o else_o renounce_v a_o doctrine_n agree_v on_o both_o side_n to_o be_v reveal_v in_o scripture_n to_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o this_o proceed_n let_v we_o suppose_v a_o priest_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n press_v a_o jew_n or_o turk_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o because_o one_o kindness_n deserve_v another_o the_o jew_z or_o turk_n shall_v demand_v of_o he_o the_o belief_n of_o all_o the_o fable_n in_o the_o talmud_n or_o in_o the_o koran_n since_o none_o of_o these_o nor_o indeed_o all_o of_o they_o together_o be_v near_o so_o absurd_a 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another_o thing_n that_o be_v already_o and_o before_o this_o change_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v make_v but_o to_o what_o purpose_n not_o to_o make_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n for_o that_o be_v already_o in_o be_v and_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o bread_n be_v lose_v nothing_o of_o it_o remain_v but_o the_o accident_n which_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o and_o indeed_o be_v nothing_o when_o the_o substance_n be_v destroy_v and_o go_v all_o that_o now_o remain_v be_v to_o make_v some_o practical_a inference_n from_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o same_o which_o god_n himself_o make_v by_o moses_n which_o text_n also_o be_v cite_v by_o our_o saviour_n hear_v 4._o o_o israel_n the_o lord_n thy_o god_n be_v one_o lord_n and_o thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n 3â—_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o mind_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o strength_n and_o thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o so_o that_o according_a to_o our_o saviour_n the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o neighbour_n be_v found_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n i._o the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o lord_n thy_o god_n be_v one_o lord_n therefore_o thou_o shall_v love_v he_o with_o all_o thy_o heart_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n and_o it_o comprehend_v in_o it_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o first_o table_n as_o natural_o flow_v from_o it_o as_o that_o we_o shall_v serve_v he_o only_o and_o pay_v no_o religious_a worship_n to_o any_o but_o to_o he_o for_o to_o pay_v religious_a worship_n to_o any_o thing_n be_v to_o make_v it_o a_o god_n and_o to_o acknowledge_v it_o for_o such_o and_o therefore_o god_n be_v but_o one_o we_o can_v give_v religious_a worship_n to_o none_o but_o to_o he_o only_o and_o among_o all_o the_o part_n of_o religious_a worship_n none_o be_v more_o peculiar_o appropriate_v to_o the_o deity_n than_o solemn_a invocation_n and_o prayer_n for_o he_o to_o who_o man_n address_v their_o request_n at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o place_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v always_o every_o where_o present_a to_o understand_v all_o our_o desire_n and_o want_n and_o to_o be_v able_a to_o supply_v they_o and_o this_o god_n only_o be_v and_o can_v do_v so_o likewise_o from_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n may_v be_v infer_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o worship_n god_n by_o any_o sensible_a image_n or_o representation_n because_o god_n be_v a_o singular_a be_v there_o be_v nothing_o like_o he_o or_o that_o can_v without_o injure_v and_o debase_v his_o most_o spiritual_a and_o perfect_a and_o immense_a be_v be_v compare_v to_o he_o as_o he_o himself_o speak_v in_o the_o prophet_n 5._o to_o who_o will_v you_o liken_v i_o say_v the_o lord_n and_o make_v i_o equal_a and_o therefore_o with_o no_o distinction_n whatsoever_o can_v it_o be_v lawful_a to_o give_v religious_a worship_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o to_o any_o but_o god_n we_o can_v pray_v to_o none_o but_o to_o he_o because_o he_o only_o be_v every_o where_o present_a 39_o and_o only_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o the_o child_n of_o man_n which_o solomon_n give_v as_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v address_v our_o supplication_n to_o god_n only_o who_o dwell_v in_o the_o heaven_n so_o that_o the_o reason_n of_o these_o two_o precept_n be_v found_v in_o the_o unity_n and_o singularity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o unless_o there_o be_v more_o god_n than_o one_o we_o must_v worship_v he_o only_o and_o pray_v to_o none_o but_o he_o because_o we_o can_v give_v invocation_n to_o none_o but_o to_o he_o only_o who_o we_o believe_v to_o be_v god_n as_o st._n paul_n reason_n 14._o how_o shall_v they_o call_v on_o he_o in_o who_o they_o have_v not_o believe_v ii_o the_o love_n likewise_o of_o our_o neighbour_n be_v found_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o may_v be_v infer_v from_o it_o hear_v o_o israel_n the_o lord_n thy_o god_n be_v one_o lord_n therefore_o thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o and_o the_o apostle_n give_v this_o reason_n why_o christian_n shall_v be_v at_o unity_n among_o themselves_o 6._o there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n that_o be_v live_v in_o mutual_a love_n and_o peace_n the_o prophet_n likewise_o assign_v this_o reason_n why_o all_o mankind_n shall_v be_v upon_o good_a term_n with_o one_o another_o and_o not_o be_v injurious_a one_o to_o another_o 10._o have_v we_o not_o all_o one_o father_n have_v not_o one_o god_n create_v we_o why_o do_v we_o then_o deal_v treacherous_o every_o man_n against_o his_o brother_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o see_v such_o hatred_n and_o enmity_n among_o man_n such_o division_n and_o animosity_n among_o christian_n we_o may_v not_o only_o ask_v st._n paul_n question_n be_v christ_n divide_v that_o we_o can_v agree_v about_o serve_v he_o either_o all_o to_o serve_v he_o in_o one_o way_n or_o to_o bear_v with_o one_o another_o in_o our_o difference_n i_o say_v we_o may_v not_o only_o ask_v st._n paul_n question_n be_v christ_n divide_v but_o may_v ask_v further_o be_v god_n divide_v be_v there_o not_o one_o god_n and_o be_v we_o not_o all_o his_o offspring_n be_v we_o not_o all_o the_o son_n of_o adam_n who_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n so_o that_o if_o we_o trace_v ourselves_o to_o our_o original_a we_o shall_v find_v a_o great_a nearness_n and_o equality_n among_o man_n and_o this_o equality_n that_o we_o be_v all_o god_n creature_n and_o image_n and_o that_o the_o one_o only_a god_n be_v the_o father_n of_o we_o all_o be_v a_o more_o real_a ground_n of_o mutual_a love_n and_o peace_n and_o equity_n in_o our_o deal_n one_o with_o another_o than_o any_o of_o those_o petty_a difference_n and_o distinction_n of_o strong_a and_o weak_a of_o rich_a and_o poor_a of_o wise_a and_o foolish_a of_o base_a and_o honourable_a can_v be_v to_o encourage_v man_n to_o any_o thing_n of_o insolence_n injustice_n and_o inequality_n of_o deal_v one_o towards_o another_o because_o that_o wherein_o we_o all_o agree_v that_o we_o be_v the_o creature_n and_o child_n of_o god_n and_o have_v all_o one_o common_a father_n be_v essential_a and_o constant_a but_o those_o thing_n wherein_o we_o differ_v be_v accidental_a and_o mutable_a and_o happen_v to_o one_o another_o by_o turn_n thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v concern_v the_o first_o proposition_n in_o the_o text_n there_o be_v one_o god_n to_o he_o father_n son_n and_o h._n ghost_n be_v all_o honour_n
make_v and_o consequent_o be_v without_o any_o begin_n of_o time_n for_o that_o which_o be_v never_o make_v can_v have_v no_o beginning_n of_o its_o be_v second_o that_o in_o that_o state_n of_o his_o existence_n before_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n he_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a glory_n and_o happiness_n and_o this_o i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o expression_n and_o the_o word_n be_v with_o god_n for_o thus_o our_o b._n saviour_n do_v explain_v his_o be_v with_o god_n before_o the_o world_n be_v and_o now_o o_o father_n glorify_v i_o with_o thy_o own_o self_n with_o the_o glory_n which_o i_o have_v with_o thou_o before_o the_o world_n be_v three_o that_o he_o be_v god_n and_o the_o word_n be_v god_n not_o god_n the_o father_n who_o be_v the_o principle_n and_o fountain_n of_o the_o deity_n to_o prevent_v that_o mistake_n after_o he_o have_v say_v that_o the_o word_n be_v god_n he_o immediate_o add_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n the_o same_o be_v in_o the_o begin_n with_o god_n he_o be_v god_n by_o participation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o happiness_n together_o with_o the_o father_n and_o by_o way_n of_o derivation_n from_o he_o as_o the_o light_n be_v from_o the_o sun_n which_o be_v the_o common_a illustration_n which_o the_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n give_v we_o of_o this_o mystery_n and_o be_v perhaps_o the_o best_a and_o fit_a that_o can_v be_v give_v of_o it_o for_o among_o finite_a being_n it_n be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v because_o not_o possible_a to_o find_v any_o exact_a resemblance_n of_o that_o which_o be_v infinite_a and_o consequent_o be_v incomprehensible_a because_o whatever_o be_v infinite_a be_v for_o that_o reason_n incomprehensible_a by_o a_o finite_a understanding_n which_o be_v too_o short_a and_o shallow_a to_o measure_v that_o which_o be_v infinite_a and_o whoever_o attempt_v it_o will_v soon_o find_v himself_o out_o of_o his_o depth_n four_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o which_o can_v not_o have_v be_v more_o emphatical_o express_v than_o it_o be_v here_o by_o the_o evangelist_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o hebrew_n who_o when_o they_o will_v say_v a_o thing_n with_o the_o great_a force_n and_o certainty_n be_v wont_a to_o express_v it_o both_o affirmative_o and_o negative_o as_o he_o shall_v live_v and_o not_o die_v that_o be_v he_o shall_v most_o assure_o live_v so_o here_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o and_o without_o he_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n make_v that_o be_v make_v that_o be_v he_o make_v all_o creature_n without_o exception_n and_o consequent_o he_o himself_o be_v not_o a_o creature_n because_o it_o be_v evident_o impossible_a that_o any_o thing_n shall_v ever_o make_v itself_o but_o then_o if_o he_o be_v and_o yet_o be_v never_o make_v it_o be_v certain_o true_a that_o he_o always_o be_v even_o from_o all_o eternity_n all_o these_o assertion_n be_v plain_o and_o express_o contain_v in_o this_o description_n which_o the_o evangelist_n st._n john_n here_o make_v of_o the_o word_n and_o this_o according_a to_o the_o interpretation_n of_o these_o expression_n by_o the_o unaminous_a consent_n of_o the_o most_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n who_o some_o of_o they_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o receive_v it_o from_o the_o immediate_a disciple_n of_o st._n john_n which_o sure_o be_v no_o small_a prejudice_n against_o any_o new_o invent_v and_o contrary_a interpretation_n as_o i_o shall_v hereafter_o more_o full_o show_v when_o i_o come_v to_o consider_v the_o strange_a and_o extravagant_a interpretation_n which_o the_o socinian_o make_v of_o this_o passage_n of_o st._n john_n which_o be_v plain_a enough_o of_o itself_o if_o they_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o explain_v and_o make_v it_o more_o clear_a have_v not_o disturb_v and_o darken_v it_o now_o from_o this_o description_n which_o the_o evangelist_n here_o give_v of_o the_o word_n and_o which_o i_o have_v so_o large_o explain_v in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n these_o three_o corollary_n or_o conclusion_n do_v necessary_o follow_v first_o that_o the_o word_n here_o describe_v by_o st._n john_n be_v not_o a_o creature_n this_o conclusion_n be_v direct_o against_o the_o arian_n who_o affirm_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v a_o creature_n they_o grant_v indeed_o that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o of_o all_o the_o creature_n both_o in_o dignity_n and_o duration_n for_o so_o they_o understand_v that_o expression_n of_o the_o apostle_n wherein_o he_o be_v call_v the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n but_o this_o i_o have_v endeavour_v already_o to_o show_v not_o to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o expression_n they_o grant_v he_o indeed_o to_o have_v be_v god_n agent_n or_o instrument_n in_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o all_o other_o creature_n beside_o himself_o be_v make_v by_o he_o but_o still_o they_o contend_v that_o he_o be_v a_o creature_n and_o be_v make_v now_o this_o can_v possible_o consist_v with_o what_o st._n john_n say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n that_o be_v as_o have_v be_v already_o show_v before_o anything_o be_v make_v and_o likewise_o because_o he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v make_v all_o thing_n and_o that_o without_o he_o be_v not_o anything_o make_v that_o be_v make_v and_o therefore_o he_o himself_o who_o make_v all_o thing_n be_v necessary_o except_v out_o of_o the_o condition_n and_o rank_n of_o a_o creature_n as_o the_o apostle_n reason_n in_o another_o case_n he_o have_v put_v all_o thing_n under_o his_o foot_n but_o when_o he_o say_v all_o thing_n be_v put_v under_o he_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o he_o be_v except_v who_o do_v put_v all_o thing_n under_o he_o in_o like_a manner_n if_o by_o he_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v and_o without_o he_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n make_v that_o be_v make_v then_o either_o he_o be_v not_o make_v or_o he_o must_v make_v himself_o which_o involve_v in_o it_o a_o plain_a contradiction_n second_o that_o this_o word_n be_v from_o all_o eternity_n for_o if_o he_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n that_o be_v before_o any_o thing_n be_v make_v he_o must_v of_o necessity_n always_o have_v be_v because_o whatever_o be_v must_v either_o have_v be_v sometime_o make_v or_o must_v always_o have_v be_v for_o that_o which_o be_v not_o and_o afterward_o be_v must_v be_v make_v and_o this_o will_v likewise_o follow_v from_o his_o be_v say_v to_o be_v god_n and_o that_o in_o the_o most_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n which_o do_v necessary_o imply_v his_o eternity_n because_o god_n can_v begin_v to_o be_v but_o must_v of_o necessity_n always_o have_v be_v three_o from_o both_o these_o it_o will_v undeniable_o follow_v that_o he_o have_v a_o existence_n before_o his_o incarnation_n and_o his_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o b._n virgin_n for_o if_o he_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n that_o be_v from_o all_o eternity_n which_o i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o expression_n then_o certain_o he_o be_v before_o his_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o b._n virgin_n and_o this_o likewise_o be_v imply_v in_o the_o proposition_n in_o the_o text_n and_o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n viz._n that_o word_n which_o the_o evangelist_n have_v before_o so_o glorious_o describe_v that_o word_n which_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n and_o be_v with_o god_n and_o be_v god_n and_o by_o who_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v i_o say_v that_o word_n be_v incarnate_a and_o assume_v a_o human_a nature_n and_o therefore_o must_v necessary_o exist_v and_o have_v a_o be_v before_o he_o can_v assume_v humanity_n into_o a_o union_n with_o his_o divinity_n and_o this_o proposition_n be_v direct_o level_v against_o the_o socinian_o who_o affirm_v our_o b._n saviour_n to_o be_v a_o mere_a man_n and_o that_o he_o have_v no_o existence_n before_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n his_o mother_n which_o assertion_n of_o they_o do_v perfect_o contradict_v all_o the_o former_a 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have_v the_o same_o notion_n from_o the_o jew_n which_o make_v amelius_n the_o platonist_n when_o he_o read_v the_o beginning_n of_o st._n john_n gospel_n to_o say_v this_o barbarian_a agree_v with_o plato_n rank_v the_o word_n in_o the_o order_n of_o principle_n meaning_n that_o he_o make_v the_o word_n the_o principle_n or_o efficient_a cause_n of_o the_o world_n as_o plato_n also_o have_v do_v and_o this_o title_n of_o the_o word_n be_v so_o famous_o know_v to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o messiah_n that_o even_o the_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n take_v notice_n of_o it_o julian_n the_o apostate_n call_v christ_n by_o this_o name_n and_o mahomet_n in_o his_o koran_n give_v this_o name_n of_o the_o word_n to_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n but_o st._n john_n have_v probable_o no_o reference_n to_o plato_n any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o the_o gnostic_n against_o who_o he_o write_v make_v use_v of_o several_a of_o plato_n word_n and_o notion_n so_o that_o in_o all_o probability_n st._n john_n give_v our_o b._n saviour_n this_o title_n with_o regard_n to_o the_o jew_n more_o especial_o who_o ancient_o call_v the_o messiah_n by_o this_o name_n second_o we_o will_v in_o the_o next_o place_n consider_v what_o may_v probable_o be_v the_o occasion_n why_o this_o evangelist_n make_v so_o frequent_a mention_n of_o this_o title_n of_o the_o word_n and_o insist_o so_o much_o upon_o it_o and_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v this_o nay_o i_o think_v that_o hardly_o any_o doubt_n can_v be_v make_v of_o it_o since_o the_o most_o ancient_a of_o the_o father_n who_o live_v near_a the_o time_n of_o st._n john_n do_v confirm_v it_o to_o we_o st._n john_n who_o survive_v all_o the_o apostle_n live_v to_o see_v those_o heresy_n which_o spring_v up_o in_o the_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n during_o the_o life_n of_o the_o apostle_n grow_v up_o to_o a_o great_a height_n to_o the_o great_a prejudice_n and_o disturbance_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o mean_v the_o heresy_n of_o ebion_n and_o cerinthus_n and_o the_o several_a sect_n of_o the_o gnostic_n which_o begin_v from_o simon_n magus_n and_o be_v continue_v and_o carry_v on_o by_o valentinus_n and_o basilides_n carpocrates_n and_o menander_n some_o of_o which_o express_o deny_v the_o divinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n assert_v he_o to_o have_v be_v a_o mere_a man_n and_o to_o have_v have_v no_o manner_n of_o existence_n before_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o b._n virgin_n as_o eusebius_n and_o epiphanius_n tell_v we_o particular_o concern_v ebion_n which_o those_o who_o hold_v the_o same_o opinion_n now_o in_o our_o day_n may_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v from_o whence_o it_o have_v its_o original_a other_o of_o they_o i_o still_o mean_v the_o gnostic_n have_v corrupt_v the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n by_o mingle_v with_o it_o the_o fancy_n and_o conceit_n of_o the_o jewish_a cabalist_n and_o of_o the_o school_n of_o pythagoras_n and_o plato_n and_o of_o the_o chaldaean_a philosophy_n more_o ancient_a than_o either_o as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o eusebius_n de_fw-la preparat_fw-la evan._n and_o by_o jumble_v all_o these_o together_o they_o have_v frame_v a_o confuse_a genealogy_n of_o deity_n which_o they_o call_v by_o several_a glorious_a name_n and_o all_o of_o they_o by_o the_o general_a name_n of_o eon_n or_o age_n among_o which_o they_o reckon_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d &_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d &_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d &_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v the_o life_n and_o the_o word_n and_o the_o only_o beget_v and_o the_o fullness_n and_o many_o other_o divine_a power_n and_o emanation_n which_o they_o fancy_v to_o be_v successive_o derive_v from_o one_o another_o and_o they_o also_o distinguish_v between_o the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n who_o they_o call_v the_o god_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o god_n of_o the_o new_a and_o between_o jesus_n and_o christ_n jesus_n according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o cerinthus_n as_o irenaeus_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o man_n that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o virgin_n and_o christ_n or_o the_o messiah_n be_v that_o divine_a power_n or_o spirit_n which_o afterward_o descend_v into_o jesus_n and_o dwell_v in_o he_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a yet_o it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o go_v about_o to_o reconcile_v these_o wild_a conceit_n with_o one_o another_o and_o to_o find_v out_o for_o what_o reason_n they_o be_v invent_v unless_o it_o be_v to_o amuse_v the_o people_n with_o these_o high_a swell_a word_n of_o vanity_n and_o a_o pretence_n of_o knowledge_n false_o so_o call_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o allusion_n to_o the_o name_n of_o gnostic_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o man_n of_o knowledge_n which_o they_o proud_o assume_v to_o themselves_o as_o if_o the_o knowledge_n of_o mystery_n of_o a_o more_o sublime_a nature_n do_v peculiar_o belong_v to_o they_o in_o opposition_n to_o all_o these_o vain_a and_o groundless_a conceit_n st._n john_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o gospel_n choose_v to_o speak_v of_o our_o b._n saviour_n the_o history_n of_o who_o life_n and_o death_n he_o be_v go_v to_o write_v by_o the_o name_n or_o title_n of_o the_o word_n a_o term_n very_o famous_a among_o those_o sect_n and_o show_v that_o this_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v also_o the_o title_n the_o jew_n ancient_o give_v to_o the_o messiah_n do_v exist_v before_o he_o assume_v a_o human_a nature_n and_o even_o form_v all_o eternity_n and_o that_o to_o this_o eternal_a word_n do_v true_o belong_v all_o those_o title_n which_o they_o keep_v such_o a_o cant_a stir_n about_o and_o which_o they_o do_v with_o so_o much_o senseless_a nicety_n and_o subtlety_n distinguish_v from_o one_o another_o as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v so_o many_o several_a emanation_n from_o the_o deity_n and_o he_o show_v that_o this_o word_n of_o god_n be_v real_o and_o true_o the_o life_n and_o the_o light_n and_o the_o fullness_n and_o the_o only_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n v._n 5._o in_o he_o be_v the_o life_n and_o the_o life_n be_v the_o light_n of_o man_n and_o v_o 6._o and_o the_o light_n shine_v in_o darkness_n and_o the_o darkness_n comprehend_v it_o not_o and_o v_o 7_o 8_o 9_o where_o the_o evangelist_n speak_v of_o john_n the_o baptist_n say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o come_v for_o a_o witness_n to_o bear_v witness_n of_o the_o light_n and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o that_o light_n but_o be_v send_v to_o bear_v witness_n of_o that_o light_n and_o that_o light_n be_v the_o true_a light_n which_o come_v into_o the_o world_n enlighten_v every_o man_n and_o v_o 14._o and_o we_o behold_v his_o glory_n the_o glory_n as_o of_o the_o only_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n and_o v_o 16._o and_o of_o his_o fullness_n we_o all_o receive_v etc._n etc._n you_o see_v here_o be_v a_o perpetual_a allusion_n to_o the_o glorious_a title_n which_o they_o give_v to_o their_o aeons_n as_n if_o they_o have_v be_v so_o many_o several_a deity_n in_o short_a the_o evangelist_n show_v that_o all_o this_o fanciful_a genealogy_n of_o divine_a emanation_n with_o which_o the_o gnostic_n make_v so_o great_a a_o noise_n be_v mere_a conceit_n and_o imagination_n and_o that_o all_o these_o glorious_a title_n do_v real_o meet_v in_o the_o messiah_n who_o be_v the_o word_n and_o who_o before_o his_o incarnation_n be_v from_o all_o eternity_n with_o god_n partaker_n of_o his_o divine_a nature_n and_o glory_n i_o have_v declare_v this_o the_o more_o full_o and_o particular_o because_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a key_n to_o the_o interpretation_n of_o this_o discourse_n of_o st._n john_n concern_v our_o saviour_n under_o the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v a_o quite_o wrong_a way_n for_o any_o man_n to_o go_v about_o by_o the_o mere_a strength_n and_o subtlety_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o wit_n though_o never_o so_o great_a to_o interpret_v a_o ancient_a book_n without_o understanding_n and_o consider_v the_o historical_a occasion_n of_o it_o which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v give_v true_a light_n to_o it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a and_o fatal_a mistake_n of_o socinus_n to_o go_v to_o interpret_v scripture_n mere_o by_o criticise_v upon_o word_n and_o search_v into_o all_o the_o sense_n that_o they_o be_v possible_o capable_a of_o till_o he_o can_v find_v one_o though_o never_o so_o force_v and_o foreign_a that_o will_v save_v harmless_a the_o opinion_n which_o he_o be_v beforehand_o resolve_v to_o maintain_v even_o against_o the_o most_o natural_a and_o obvious_a sense_n of_o the_o text_n which_o he_o undertake_v to_o interpret_v just_o as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v interpret_v ancient_a statute_n and_o record_n by_o
be_v entangle_v and_o that_o which_o man_n be_v please_v to_o call_v a_o explain_n of_o it_o do_v in_o my_o apprehension_n often_o make_v it_o more_o obscure_a that_o be_v less_o plain_a than_o it_o be_v before_o which_o do_v not_o so_o very_o well_o agree_v with_o a_o pretence_n of_o explication_n here_o than_o i_o fix_v my_o foot_n that_o there_o be_v three_o difference_n in_o the_o deity_n which_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o by_o the_o name_n of_o father_n son_n and_o h._n ghost_n and_o every_o where_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o we_o use_v to_o do_v of_o three_o distinct_a person_n and_o therefore_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o in_o this_o argument_n we_o shall_v nice_o abstain_v from_o use_v the_o word_n person_n though_o i_o remember_v that_o st._n jerome_n do_v somewhere_o desire_v to_o be_v excuse_v from_o it_o now_o concern_v these_o three_o i_o may_v in_o the_o first_o place_n urge_v that_o plain_a and_o express_a text_n 7._o there_o be_v three_o that_o bear_v record_n in_o heaven_n the_o father_n the_o word_n and_o the_o h._n ghost_n and_o these_o three_o be_v one_o but_o upon_o this_o i_o will_v not_o now_o insist_v because_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o in_o some_o copy_n of_o great_a antiquity_n this_o verse_n be_v omit_v the_o contrary_a whereof_o be_v i_o think_v capable_a of_o be_v make_v out_o very_o clear_o but_o this_o matter_n will_v be_v too_o long_o to_o be_v debate_v at_o present_a however_o that_o be_v thus_o much_o be_v certain_a and_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o our_o saviour_n command_v his_o apostle_n to_o baptize_v all_o nation_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o epistle_n do_v in_o their_o most_o usual_a form_n of_o benediction_n join_v these_o three_o together_o and_o it_o be_v yet_o further_o certain_a that_o not_o only_o the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o god_n but_o the_o most_o incommunicable_a property_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o deity_n be_v in_o scripture_n frequent_o ascribe_v to_o the_o son_n and_o the_o h._n ghost_n one_o property_n only_o except_v which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o father_n as_o he_o be_v the_o principle_n and_o fountain_n of_o the_o deity_n that_o he_o be_v of_o himself_o and_o of_o no_o other_o which_o be_v not_o nor_o can_v be_v say_v of_o the_o son_n and_o h._n ghost_n now_o let_v any_o man_n show_v any_o plain_a and_o downright_a contradiction_n in_o all_o this_o or_o any_o other_o difficulty_n beside_o this_o that_o the_o particular_a manner_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o these_o three_o difference_n or_o person_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n express_v in_o scripture_n by_o the_o name_n of_o father_n son_n and_o h._n ghost_n be_v incomprehensible_a by_o our_o finite_a understanding_n and_o inexplicable_a by_o we_o in_o which_o i_o do_v not_o see_v what_o absurdity_n there_o be_v since_o our_o adversary_n can_v deny_v that_o many_o thing_n certain_o be_v the_o particular_a manner_n of_o who_o existence_n we_o can_v neither_o comprehend_v nor_o explain_v let_v we_o now_o see_v whether_o the_o opinion_n of_o our_o adversary_n have_v not_o great_a difficulty_n in_o it_o and_o more_o palpable_a absurdity_n follow_v from_o it_o they_o say_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v a_o mere_a creature_n not_o god_n by_o nature_n and_o yet_o true_o and_o real_o god_n by_o office_n and_o by_o divine_a appointment_n and_o constitution_n to_o who_o the_o very_a same_o honour_n and_o worship_n be_v to_o be_v give_v which_o we_o give_v to_o he_o who_o be_v god_n by_o nature_n and_o can_v they_o discern_v no_o difficulty_n no_o absurdity_n in_o this_o what_o no_o absurdity_n in_o bring_v idolatry_n by_o a_o backdoor_n into_o the_o christian_a religion_n one_o main_a design_n whereof_o be_v to_o banish_v idolatry_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o will_v they_o in_o good_a earnest_n contest_v this_o matter_n with_o we_o that_o the_o give_v divine_a worship_n to_o a_o mere_a creature_n be_v not_o idolatry_n and_o can_v they_o vindicate_v themselves_o in_o this_o point_n any_o other_o way_n than_o what_o will_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n acquit_v both_o the_o pagan_n and_o the_o papist_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o idolatry_n what_o no_o absurdity_n in_o a_o god_n as_o it_o be_v but_o of_o yesterday_o in_o a_o creature_n god_n in_o a_o god_n mere_o by_o positive_a institution_n and_o this_o in_o opposition_n to_o a_o plain_a moral_a precept_n of_o eternal_a obligation_n and_o to_o the_o fix_a and_o immutable_a nature_n and_o reason_n of_o thing_n so_o that_o to_o avoid_v the_o shadow_n and_o appearance_n of_o a_o plurality_n of_o deity_n they_o run_v real_o into_o it_o and_o for_o any_o thing_n i_o can_v see_v into_o downright_a idolatry_n 25._o by_o worship_v a_o creature_n beside_o the_o creator_n who_o be_v bless_v for_o ever_o they_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n allow_v two_o god_n by_o nature_n no_o more_o can_v we_o but_o they_o can_v willing_o admit_v of_o two_o god_n the_o one_o by_o nature_n and_o the_o other_o by_o office_n to_o who_o they_o be_v content_a to_o pay_v the_o same_o honour_n which_o be_v due_a to_o he_o who_o be_v god_n by_o nature_n provide_v christ_n will_v be_v content_v to_o be_v but_o a_o creature_n they_o will_v deal_v more_o liberal_o with_o he_o in_o another_o way_n than_o in_o reason_n be_v fit_a and_o do_v they_o see_v no_o absurdity_n in_o all_o this_o nothing_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o good_a sense_n nothing_o that_o feel_v like_o inconsistency_n and_o contradiction_n do_v they_o consider_v how_o often_o god_n have_v declare_v that_o he_o will_v not_o give_v his_o glory_n to_o another_o and_o that_o the_o apostle_n describe_v idolatry_n to_o be_v the_o giving_z service_n 8._o or_o worship_n to_o thing_n which_o by_o nature_n be_v no_o god_n sure_o if_o reason_n guide_v by_o divine_a revelation_n be_v to_o choose_v a_o god_n it_o will_v make_v choice_n of_o one_o who_o be_v declare_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o only_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o the_o beginning_n and_o the_o end_n the_o same_o yesterday_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o much_o rather_o than_o a_o mere_a creature_n who_o do_v not_o begin_v to_o be_v till_o about_o seventeen_o hundred_o year_n ago_o i_o only_o propose_v these_o thing_n without_o any_o artificial_a aggravation_n to_o their_o most_o serious_a and_o impartial_a consideration_n after_o which_o i_o can_v think_v that_o these_o great_a master_n of_o reason_n can_v think_v it_o so_o easy_a a_o matter_n to_o extricate_v themselves_o out_o of_o these_o difficulty_n the_o god_n of_o truth_n lead_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o be_v in_o error_n and_o give_v they_o repentance_n to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o his_o sake_n who_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n and_o thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v to_o have_v say_v upon_o this_o argument_n which_o i_o be_o sensible_a be_v mere_a controversy_n a_o thing_n which_o i_o seldom_o meddle_v with_o and_o do_v not_o delight_v to_o dwell_v upon_o but_o my_o text_n which_o be_v so_o very_o proper_a for_o this_o season_n have_v almost_o necessary_o engage_v i_o in_o it_o beside_o that_o i_o think_v it_o a_o point_n of_o that_o concernment_n that_o all_o christian_n ought_v to_o be_v well_o instruct_v in_o it_o and_o i_o have_v choose_v rather_o once_o for_o all_o to_o handle_v it_o full_o and_o to_o go_v to_o the_o bottom_n of_o it_o than_o in_o every_o sermon_n to_o be_v flirt_a at_o it_o without_o say_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o purpose_n against_o it_o a_o way_n which_o in_o my_o opinion_n be_v neither_o proper_a to_o establish_v man_n in_o the_o truth_n nor_o to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o error_n i_o shall_v only_o at_o present_a make_v this_o short_a reflection_n upon_o the_o whole_a that_o we_o ought_v to_o treat_v the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n with_o all_o reverence_n and_o submission_n of_o mind_n to_o the_o doctrine_n therein_o reveal_v and_o to_o interpret_v they_o with_o that_o candour_n and_o simplicity_n which_o be_v due_a to_o the_o sincere_a declaration_n of_o god_n intend_v for_o the_o instruction_n and_o not_o for_o the_o deception_n and_o delusion_n of_o man_n i_o say_v we_o shall_v treat_v they_o as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o not_o like_o the_o doubtful_a oracle_n of_o the_o heathen_a deity_n that_o be_v in_o truth_n of_o the_o devil_n which_o be_v contrive_v and_o calculate_v on_o purpose_n to_o deceive_v contain_v and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n intend_v a_o sense_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o appear_v and_o most_o obvious_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n for_o the_o devil_n be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o equivocation_n though_o the_o jesuit_n
more_o for_o our_o comfort_n and_o advantage_n than_o any_o other_o way_n which_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n will_v have_v be_v apt_a to_o devise_v and_o pitch_n upon_o and_o in_o all_o this_o i_o shall_v all_o along_o take_v either_o the_o plain_a declaration_n of_o scripture_n or_o the_o pregnant_a intimation_n of_o it_o for_o my_o ground_n and_o guide_v i._o i_o shall_v consider_v more_o distinct_o what_o may_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v imply_v in_o this_o expression_n of_o the_o word_n be_v be_v make_v flesh_n namely_o these_o five_o thing_n first_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v not_o only_o appear_v in_o the_o form_n of_o human_a flesh_n but_o do_v real_o assume_v it_o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n as_o the_o evangelist_n express_o declare_v for_o if_o this_o have_v be_v only_o a_o phantasm_n and_o apparition_n as_o some_o heretic_n of_o old_a do_v fancy_n it_o will_v in_o all_o probability_n have_v be_v like_o the_o appearance_n of_o angel_n mention_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n sudden_a and_o of_o short_a continuance_n and_o will_v after_o a_o little_a while_n have_v vanish_v and_o disappear_v but_o he_o dwell_v among_o we_o and_o converse_v familiar_o with_o we_o a_o long_a time_n and_o for_o many_o year_n together_o and_o the_o scripture_n use_v all_o the_o expression_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o signify_v a_o real_a man_n and_o a_o real_a human_a body_n and_o there_o be_v all_o the_o sign_n and_o evidence_n of_o reality_n that_o can_v be_v for_o the_o word_n be_v say_v to_o be_v make_v flesh_n and_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n and_o to_o be_v make_v of_o a_o woman_n and_o all_o this_o to_o show_v that_o he_o be_v a_o real_a man_n and_o have_v a_o real_a and_o substantial_a body_n for_o he_o be_v bear_v and_o by_o degree_n grow_v up_o to_o be_v a_o man_n and_o do_v perform_v all_o such_o action_n as_o be_v natural_a and_o proper_a to_o man_n he_o continue_v a_o great_a while_n in_o the_o world_n and_o at_o last_o suffer_v and_o die_v and_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o grave_n he_o do_v not_o vanish_v and_o disappear_v like_o a_o phantasm_n or_o spirit_n but_o he_o die_v like_o other_o man_n and_o his_o body_n be_v raise_v again_o out_o of_o the_o grave_n and_o after_o he_o be_v rise_v he_o converse_v forty_o day_n upon_o earth_n and_o permit_v his_o body_n to_o be_v handle_v and_o last_o of_o all_o be_v visible_o take_v up_o into_o heaven_n so_o that_o either_o we_o must_v grant_v he_o to_o have_v have_v a_o real_a body_n or_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o doubt_v whether_o all_o mankind_n be_v not_o mere_a phantasm_n and_o apparition_n for_o great_a evidence_n no_o man_n can_v give_v that_o he_o be_v real_o clothe_v with_o and_o carry_v about_o he_o a_o true_a and_o substantial_a body_n than_o the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n it_o be_v to_o i_o very_o wonderful_a upon_o what_o ground_n or_o indeed_o to_o what_o end_n the_o heretic_n of_o old_a martion_n and_o other_o do_v deny_v the_o reality_n of_o christ_n flesh_n sure_o they_o have_v a_o great_a mind_n to_o be_v heretic_n who_o take_v up_o so_o senseless_a a_o opinion_n for_o no_o reason_n and_o to_o no_o purpose_n second_o another_o thing_n employ_v in_o the_o word_n be_v be_v make_v flesh_n be_v that_o this_o be_v do_v peculiar_o for_o the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o man_n the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n that_o be_v become_v man_n for_o so_o i_o have_v show_v the_o word_n flesh_n to_o be_v often_o use_v in_o scripture_n and_o this_o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n take_v very_o special_a notice_n of_o as_o a_o great_a grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n that_o his_o son_n appear_v in_o our_o nature_n and_o consequent_o for_o our_o salvation_n as_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o nicene_n creed_n who_o for_o we_o man_n and_o for_o our_o salvation_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o be_v incarnate_a etc._n etc._n for_o very_o say_v the_o apostle_n 16._o he_o take_v not_o on_o he_o the_o nature_n of_o angel_n but_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o do_v not_o assume_v the_o angelical_a nature_n so_o our_o translator_n understand_v the_o phrase_n but_o the_o word_n also_o signify_v to_o take_v hold_n of_o a_o thing_n which_o be_v fall_v as_o well_o as_o to_o assume_v or_o take_v on_o he_o he_o do_v not_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o angel_n when_o they_o be_v fall_v but_o suffer_v they_o to_o lapse_v irrecoverable_o into_o misery_n and_o ruin_n but_o he_o take_v hold_v of_o human_a nature_n when_o it_o be_v fall_v and_o particular_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n and_o by_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n that_o be_v by_o himself_o in_o who_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v he_o bring_v salvation_n first_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o then_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n the_o apostle_n choose_v to_o derive_v this_o blessing_n from_o abraham_n that_o so_o he_o may_v bring_v it_o near_o to_o the_o jew_n to_o who_o he_o write_v this_o epistle_n and_o may_v thereby_o more_o effectual_o recommend_v the_o gospel_n to_o they_o and_o the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o that_o great_a salvation_n in_o which_o they_o have_v so_o peculiar_a a_o interest_n and_o it_o be_v some_o confirmation_n of_o the_o interpretation_n i_o have_v give_v of_o that_o expression_n he_o take_v not_o on_o he_o etc._n etc._n that_o the_o evangelist_n use_v the_o very_a same_o word_n for_o take_v hold_n of_o one_o that_o be_v ready_a to_o sink_v for_o so_o it_o be_v say_v of_o st._n peter_n when_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o sink_v that_o christ_n put_v forth_o his_o hand_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o catch_v hold_n of_o he_o 31._o and_o save_v he_o from_o drown_v and_o thus_o the_o son_n of_o god_n catch_v hold_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v ready_a to_o sink_v into_o eternal_a perdition_n he_o lay_v hold_v of_o our_o nature_n or_o as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o same_o chapter_n he_o take_v part_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n that_o in_o our_o nature_n he_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o effect_v our_o redemption_n and_o deliverance_n but_o it_o be_v no_o where_o say_v in_o scripture_n not_o the_o least_o intimation_n give_v there_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n ever_o show_v such_o grace_n and_o favour_n to_o the_o angel_n but_o the_o word_n become_v flesh_n that_o be_v become_v man_n he_o do_v not_o assume_v the_o angelical_a nature_n but_o be_v content_v to_o be_v clothe_v with_o the_o rag_n of_o humanity_n and_o to_o be_v make_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o sinful_a flesh_n that_o be_v of_o sinful_a man._n three_o this_o expression_n of_o the_o word_n be_v be_v make_v flesh_n may_v further_o imply_v his_o assume_v the_o infirmity_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o misery_n of_o human_a nature_n this_o i_o collect_v from_o the_o word_n flesh_n by_o which_o the_o scripture_n often_o use_v to_o express_v our_o frail_a and_o mortal_a nature_n the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v not_o only_o condescend_v to_o be_v make_v man_n but_o also_o to_o become_v mortal_a and_o miseraable_a for_o our_o sake_n he_o submit_v to_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v account_v most_o grievous_a and_o calamitous_a to_o human_a nature_n to_o hunger_n and_o want_n to_o shame_n and_o contempt_n to_o bitter_a pain_n and_o agony_n and_o to_o a_o most_o cruel_a and_o disgraceful_a death_n so_o that_o in_o this_o sense_n also_o he_o become_v flesh_n not_o only_o by_o be_v clothe_v with_o human_a nature_n but_o by_o become_v liable_a to_o all_o the_o frailty_n and_o suffering_n of_o it_o of_o which_o he_o have_v a_o great_a share_n than_o any_o of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n ever_o have_v for_o never_o be_v sorrow_n like_a to_o his_o sorrow_n nor_o suffer_v like_a to_o his_o suffering_n the_o weight_n and_o bitterness_n whereof_o be_v such_o as_o to_o wring_v from_o he_o the_o meek_a and_o most_o patient_a endurer_n of_o suffering_n that_o ever_o be_v that_o doleful_a complaint_n my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o four_o in_o this_o expression_n the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n be_v likewise_o employ_v the_o union_n of_o the_o divinity_n with_o human_a nature_n in_o one_o person_n and_o this_o the_o text_n express_v in_o such_o word_n as_o seem_v to_o signify_v a_o most_o perfect_a and_o intimate_v and_o vital_a union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o human_a nature_n of_o christ_n in_o one_o person_n the_o word_n be_v make_v or_o become_v flesh_n which_o what_o else_o can_v it_o signify_v but_o one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n either_o that_o the_o eternal_a
word_n and_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n be_v change_v into_o a_o man_n which_o be_v not_o only_o impossible_a to_o be_v but_o impious_a to_o imagine_v or_o else_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v assume_v our_o nature_n and_o become_v man_n by_o his_o divinity_n be_v unite_v to_o human_a nature_n as_o the_o soul_n be_v vital_o unite_v to_o the_o body_n without_o either_o be_v change_v into_o it_o or_o confound_v with_o it_o or_o swallow_v up_o by_o it_o as_o the_o eutychian_a heretic_n fancy_v the_o human_a nature_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v swallow_v up_o of_o his_o divinity_n which_o have_v it_o be_v so_o st._n john_n have_v express_v himself_o very_o untoward_o when_o he_o say_v the_o word_n become_v flesh_n for_o it_o have_v be_v quite_o contrary_a and_o flesh_n have_v become_v the_o word_n be_v change_v into_o it_o and_o swallow_v up_o by_o it_o and_o lose_v in_o it_o the_o only_a thing_n then_o that_o we_o can_v reasonable_o imagine_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o expression_n be_v this_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n assume_v our_o nature_n and_o unite_a himself_o with_o it_o as_o our_o soul_n be_v unite_v with_o our_o body_n and_o as_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n unite_v make_v one_o person_n and_o yet_o retain_v their_o distinct_a nature_n and_o property_n so_o may_v we_o conceive_v the_o divine_a and_o human_a nature_n in_o christ_n to_o be_v unite_v into_o one_o person_n and_o this_o without_o any_o change_n or_o confusion_n of_o the_o two_o nature_n i_o say_v the_o divinity_n unite_v itself_o with_o human_a nature_n for_o though_o flesh_n be_v only_o mention_v in_o the_o text_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o only_o assume_v a_o human_a body_n which_o be_v the_o heresy_n of_o apollinaris_n and_o his_o follower_n upon_o a_o mistake_n of_o this_o and_o some_o other_o text_n of_o scripture_n but_o he_o assume_v the_o whole_a human_a nature_n that_o be_v a_o human_a soul_n unite_v to_o a_o real_a and_o natural_a body_n for_o so_o i_o have_v show_v the_o word_n flesh_n to_o be_v frequent_o use_v in_o scripture_n not_o only_o for_o the_o body_n but_o for_o the_o whole_a man_n by_o a_o usual_a figure_n of_o speech_n as_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n soul_n be_v frequent_o use_v for_o the_o whole_a man_n or_o person_n so_o many_o soul_n be_v say_v to_o have_v go_v down_o with_o jacob_n into_o egypt_n that_o be_v so_o many_o person_n but_o this_o i_o need_v not_o insist_v long_o upon_o our_o saviour_n be_v so_o frequent_o in_o scripture_n and_o so_o express_o say_v to_o be_v a_o man_n which_o can_v with_o no_o propriety_n of_o speech_n have_v be_v say_v have_v he_o only_o assume_v a_o human_a body_n nor_o can_v he_o have_v be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v make_v in_o all_o thing_n like_v unto_o we_o sin_n only_o except_v have_v he_o only_o have_v a_o human_a body_n but_o not_o a_o soul_n for_o then_o the_o meaning_n must_v have_v be_v that_o he_o have_v be_v make_v in_o all_o thing_n like_v unto_o we_o that_o be_v like_v to_o a_o man_n that_o only_o except_v which_o chief_o make_v the_o man_n that_o be_v the_o soul_n and_o the_o addition_n of_o those_o word_n sin_n only_o except_v have_v be_v no_o less_o strange_a because_o a_o human_a body_n without_o a_o soul_n be_v neither_o capable_a of_o be_v say_v to_o have_v sin_n or_o to_o be_v without_o it_o and_o this_o may_v suffice_v to_o have_v be_v speak_v in_o general_a concern_v that_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o hypostatical_a as_o they_o that_o love_v hard_a word_n love_v to_o call_v it_o or_o personal_a union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o human_a nature_n in_o the_o person_n of_o our_o b._n saviour_n in_o the_o more_o particular_a explication_n whereof_o it_o be_v not_o safe_a for_o our_o shallow_a understanding_n to_o wade_v further_o than_o the_o scripture_n go_v before_o we_o for_o fear_v we_o go_v out_o of_o our_o depth_n and_o lose_v ourselves_o in_o the_o profound_a inquiry_n into_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v not_o think_v fit_a in_o this_o present_a state_n of_o darkness_n and_o imperfection_n to_o reveal_v more_o plain_o and_o full_o to_o we_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v think_v sufficient_a that_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o same_o person_n jesus_n christ_n our_o b._n saviour_n do_v frequent_o and_o express_o call_v he_o both_o god_n and_o man_n which_o how_o it_o can_v be_v so_o easy_o conceive_v upon_o any_o other_o supposition_n than_o that_o of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o human_a nature_n in_o one_o person_n i_o must_v confess_v that_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v five_o and_o last_o all_o this_o which_o i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v employ_v in_o this_o proposition_n the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n do_v signify_v to_o we_o the_o wonderful_a and_o amaze_a condescension_n and_o love_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n in_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n and_o submit_v he_o to_o this_o way_n and_o method_n for_o our_o salvation_n and_o recovery_n the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n what_o a_o step_n be_v here_o make_v in_o order_n to_o the_o reconcile_n of_o man_n to_o god_n from_o heaven_n to_o earth_n from_o the_o top_n of_o glory_n and_o majesty_n to_o the_o low_a gulf_n of_o meanness_n and_o misery_n the_o evangelist_n seem_v here_o to_o use_v the_o word_n flesh_n which_o signify_v the_o mean_a and_o vile_a part_n of_o humanity_n to_o express_v to_o we_o how_o low_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v content_v to_o stoop_v for_o the_o redemption_n of_o man._n the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n two_o term_n at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o one_o another_o be_v here_o bring_v together_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v here_o express_v to_o we_o by_o one_o of_o his_o high_a and_o most_o glorious_a title_n the_o word_n which_o import_v both_o power_n and_o wisdom_n christ_n the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v he_o and_o human_a nature_n be_v here_o describe_v by_o its_o vile_a part_n flesh_n which_o import_v frailty_n and_o infirmity_n the_o word_n become_v flesh_n that_o be_v submit_v to_o that_o from_o which_o it_o be_v at_o the_o great_a distance_n he_o who_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n 24._o submit_v not_o only_o to_o be_v call_v but_o real_o to_o become_v a_o frail_a and_o miserable_a man_n not_o only_o to_o assume_v our_o nature_n but_o to_o put_v on_o all_o the_o infirmity_n and_o which_o be_v the_o great_a of_o all_o the_o mortality_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n that_o be_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o god_n shall_v be_v manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o become_v man_n with_o a_o most_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a design_n to_o bring_v man_n back_o again_o to_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v become_v a_o miserable_a and_o a_o mortal_a man_n to_o save_v we_o from_o eternal_a death_n and_o to_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o everlasting_a life_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v condescend_v to_o inhabit_v our_o 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to_o become_v man_n that_o by_o converse_v with_o we_o in_o the_o likeness_n and_o nature_n of_o man_n he_o may_v become_v a_o human_a and_o in_o some_o sort_n a_o equal_a and_o familiar_a a_o imitable_a and_o encourage_v example_n of_o innocency_n and_o goodness_n of_o meekness_n and_o humility_n of_o patience_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n under_o the_o forest_n affliction_n and_o suffering_n and_o in_o a_o word_n a_o most_o perfect_a pattern_n of_o a_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a conversation_n upon_o earth_n and_o that_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o may_v for_o our_o great_a encouragement_n in_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n see_v all_o that_o which_o the_o law_n of_o god_n
require_v of_o we_o exemplify_v in_o our_o nature_n and_o real_o perform_v and_o practise_v by_o a_o man_n like_o ourselves_o and_o that_o likewise_o in_o our_o nature_n he_o may_v conquer_v and_o triumph_v over_o the_o two_o great_a enemy_n of_o our_o salvation_n the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o by_o first_o suffer_v death_n and_o then_o overcome_v it_o and_o by_o rescue_v our_o nature_n from_o the_o power_n of_o it_o by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a he_o may_v deliver_v we_o from_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o give_v we_o the_o glorious_a hope_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n for_o by_o assume_v our_o frail_a and_o mortal_a nature_n he_o become_v capable_a of_o suffer_v and_o of_o shed_v his_o precious_a blood_n for_o we_o and_o by_o that_o mean_n of_o purchase_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a redemption_n for_o we_o and_o further_a yet_o that_o by_o be_v subject_n to_o the_o misery_n and_o infirmity_n of_o humanity_n he_o may_v from_o his_o own_o experience_n the_o sure_a and_o most_o sensible_a sort_n of_o knowledge_n and_o instruction_n learn_v to_o have_v a_o more_o compassionate_a sense_n of_o our_o infirmity_n and_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o commiserate_v we_o in_o all_o our_o suffering_n and_o temptation_n and_o more_o ready_a to_o succour_v we_o labour_v under_o they_o and_o final_o that_o as_o a_o reward_n of_o his_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n in_o our_o nature_n he_o may_v in_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v exalt_v to_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o majesty_n on_o high_a there_o to_o continue_v for_o ever_o to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o ii_o i_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n consider_v the_o objection_n against_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n from_o the_o suppose_a impossibility_n and_o incongruity_n of_o the_o thing_n i_o shall_v mention_v three_o and_o endeavour_v in_o as_o few_o word_n as_o i_o can_v to_o give_v a_o clear_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o they_o first_o it_o be_v 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can_v be_v if_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o it_o be_v second_o suppose_v this_o thing_n to_o be_v possible_a and_o capable_a in_o any_o measure_n to_o be_v understand_v which_o yet_o i_o have_v show_v not_o to_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o firm_a belief_n of_o it_o it_o be_v further_o object_v that_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o thing_n very_o incongruous_a and_o much_o beneath_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o be_v unite_v to_o human_a nature_n and_o to_o submit_v to_o so_o near_o a_o alliance_n with_o that_o which_o be_v so_o very_o mean_a and_o despicable_a yea_o to_o be_v infinite_o more_o below_o he_o than_o for_o the_o great_a prince_n in_o this_o world_n to_o match_v with_o the_o poor_a and_o most_o contemptible_a beggar_n but_o herein_o sure_o we_o measure_v god_n too_o much_o by_o ourselves_o and_o because_o we_o who_o be_v evil_a have_v seldom_o so_o much_o goodness_n as_o to_o stoop_v beneath_o ourselves_o for_o the_o benefit_n and_o good_a of_o other_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o god_n have_v not_o so_o much_o goodness_n neither_o and_o because_o our_o ill_a nature_n and_o pride_n and_o folly_n as_o indeed_o all_o pride_n be_v folly_n will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o do_v it_o we_o present_o conclude_v that_o it_o do_v not_o become_v god_n but_o what_o pliny_n say_v to_o the_o emperor_n trajan_n concern_v earthly_a king_n and_o potentate_n be_v much_o more_o true_a of_o the_o lord_n of_o glory_n the_o great_a king_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n cui_fw-la nihil_fw-la ad_fw-la augendum_fw-la fastigium_fw-la supereft_v hoc_fw-la uno_fw-la modo_fw-la crescere_fw-la potest_fw-la si_fw-la se_fw-la ipse_fw-la submittat_fw-la securus_fw-la magnitudinis_fw-la suae_fw-la he_o that_o be_v at_o the_o top_n and_o can_v rise_v no_o high_o have_v yet_o this_o one_o way_n leave_v to_o become_v great_a by_o stoop_v beneath_o himself_o which_o he_o may_v very_o safe_o do_v be_v secure_a of_o his_o own_o greatness_n the_o low_a any_o be_v be_v he_o never_o so_o high_a condescend_v to_o do_v good_a the_o glory_n of_o his_o goodness_n shine_v so_o much_o the_o bright_a man_n be_v many_o time_n too_o proud_a and_o stiff_o to_o bend_v too_o perverse_a and_o ill_a nature_a to_o stoop_v beneath_o their_o own_o little_a greatness_n for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o but_o god_n who_o way_n be_v not_o as_o our_o way_n and_o who_o thought_n be_v as_o much_o above_o our_o low_a and_o narrow_a thought_n as_o the_o heaven_n be_v high_a above_o the_o earth_n do_v not_o disdain_v nor_o think_v it_o below_o he_o to_o become_v man_n for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n and_o as_o much_o as_o the_o divinity_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v so_o to_o become_v miserable_a to_o make_v we_o happy_a we_o may_v be_v afraid_a that_o if_o we_o humble_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v be_v despise_v that_o if_o we_o stoop_v other_o will_v get_v above_o we_o and_o trample_v upon_o we_o but_o god_n though_o he_o condescend_v never_o so_o low_a be_v still_o secure_a of_o his_o own_o greatness_n and_o that_o none_o can_v take_v it_o from_o he_o so_o that_o in_o truth_n and_o according_a to_o right_a reason_n it_o be_v no_o real_a diminution_n or_o disparagement_n to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o become_v man_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v a_o most_o glorious_a humility_n and_o the_o great_a instance_n of_o the_o true_a goodness_n that_o ever_o be_v and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n when_o he_o say_v that_o christ_n glorify_v not_o himself_o to_o be_v make_v a_o highpriest_n 5._o but_o be_v appoint_v of_o god_n to_o this_o office_n as_o be_v aaronâ—_n do_v hereby_o seem_v to_o intimate_v that_o it_o be_v a_o glory_n to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o be_v make_v a_o highpriest_n for_o the_o son_n of_o man_n for_o though_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a condescension_n yet_o be_v it_o likewise_o a_o most_o wonderful_a argument_n of_o his_o goodness_n which_o be_v the_o high_a glory_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o short_a if_o god_n for_o our_o sake_n do_v submit_v himself_o to_o a_o condition_n which_o we_o may_v think_v do_v less_o become_v he_o here_o be_v great_a cause_n of_o thankfulness_n but_o none_o sure_o of_o cavil_n and_o exception_n we_o have_v infinite_a reason_n to_o acknowledge_v and_o admire_v his_o goodness_n but_o none_o at_o all_o to_o upbraid_v he_o with_o his_o kindness_n and_o to_o quarrel_v with_o he_o for_o have_v descend_v so_o much_o beneath_o himself_o to_o testify_v his_o love_n to_o we_o and_o his_o tender_a concernment_n for_o our_o happiness_n beside_o that_o when_o we_o have_v say_v all_o we_o can_v about_o this_o matter_n i_o hope_v we_o will_v allow_v god_n himself_o to_o be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o competent_a judge_n what_o
consider_v the_o light_n and_o advantage_n which_o the_o jewish_a nation_n have_v above_o the_o gentile_a world_n that_o so_o by_o this_o mean_n and_o method_n he_o may_v wean_v they_o by_o degree_n from_o their_o gross_a conception_n of_o thing_n and_o rectify_v more_o easy_o their_o wrong_a apprehension_n by_o gratify_v they_o in_o some_o measure_n and_o in_o a_o gracious_a compliance_n with_o our_o weakness_n by_o bend_v and_o accommodate_v the_o way_n and_o method_n of_o our_o salvation_n to_o our_o weak_a capacity_n and_o imperfect_a conception_n of_o thing_n four_o and_o that_o god_n have_v do_v this_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v i_o think_v very_o plain_o appear_v in_o the_o follow_a instance_n in_o most_o of_o which_o i_o shall_v be_v very_o brief_a and_o only_o insist_v somewhat_o more_o large_o upon_o the_o last_o of_o they_o one_a the_o world_n be_v much_o give_v to_o admire_v mystery_n in_o religion_n the_o jew_n have_v they_o several_a of_o which_o by_o god_n own_o appointment_n be_v reserve_v and_o keep_v secret_a in_o a_o great_a measure_n from_o the_o people_n other_o be_v add_v by_o the_o superstition_n of_o after_o age_n and_o hold_v in_o equal_a or_o rather_o great_a veneration_n than_o the_o former_a and_o the_o heathen_a likewise_o have_v they_o the_o devil_n always_o affect_v to_o imitate_v god_n so_o far_o as_o serve_v his_o wicked_a and_o malicious_a design_n of_o seduce_a mankind_n into_o idolatry_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o himself_o and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n always_o speak_v of_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n as_o the_o worship_n of_o devil_n and_o not_o of_o god_n so_o that_o almost_o every_o nation_n have_v their_o peculiar_a and_o celebrate_a mystery_n most_o of_o which_o be_v either_o very_a odd_a and_o fantastical_a or_o very_o lewd_a and_o impure_a or_o very_o inhuman_a and_o cruel_a and_o every_o way_n unworthy_a of_o the_o deity_n but_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o as_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v such_o a_o mystery_n as_o for_o the_o greatness_n and_o wonderfulness_n for_o the_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o condescension_n of_o it_o do_v obscure_a and_o swallow_v up_o all_o other_o mystery_n for_o which_o reason_n the_o apostle_n in_o allusion_n to_o the_o heathen_a mystery_n and_o in_o contempt_n of_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n say_v 16._o without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n be_v manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n etc._n etc._n since_o the_o world_n have_v such_o a_o admiration_n for_o mystery_n he_o instance_v in_o that_o which_o be_v a_o mystery_n indeed_o a_o mystery_n beyond_o all_o dispute_n and_o beyond_o all_o comparison_n 2_o there_o be_v likewise_o a_o great_a inclination_n in_o mankind_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o a_o visible_a and_o sensible_a deity_n and_o this_o be_v a_o main_a root_n and_o source_n of_o the_o various_a idolatry_n in_o the_o heathen_a world_n now_o to_o take_v man_n off_o from_o this_o god_n be_v please_v to_o appear_v in_o our_o nature_n that_o they_o who_o be_v so_o fond_a of_o a_o visible_a deity_n may_v have_v one_o to_o who_o they_o may_v pay_v divine_a worship_n without_o danger_n of_o idolatry_n and_o without_o injury_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n even_o a_o true_a and_o natural_a image_n of_o god_n the_o father_n the_o fountain_n of_o the_o deity_n or_o as_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n describe_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o resplendency_n or_o brightness_n of_o his_o father_n glory_n 2._o and_o the_o express_a character_n or_o image_n of_o his_o person_n 3_o another_o notion_n which_o have_v general_o obtain_v among_o mankind_n be_v concern_v the_o expiation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n and_o appease_v the_o offend_a deity_n by_o sacrifice_n upon_o which_o they_o suppose_v the_o punishment_n due_a to_o the_o sinner_n be_v transfer_v to_o exempt_v he_o from_o it_o especial_o by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o man_n which_o have_v almost_o universal_o prevail_v in_o the_o gentile_a world_n and_o this_o notion_n of_o the_o expiation_n of_o sin_n by_o sacrifice_n of_o one_o kind_a or_o other_o seem_v to_o have_v obtain_v very_o early_o in_o the_o world_n and_o among_o all_o other_o way_n of_o divine_a worship_n to_o have_v find_v the_o most_o universal_a reception_n in_o all_o time_n and_o place_n and_o indeed_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n and_o worship_n be_v a_o plain_a condescension_n to_o the_o general_a apprehension_n of_o man_n concern_v this_o way_n of_o appease_v the_o deity_n by_o sacrifice_n and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o pagan_a religion_n and_o worship_n be_v likewise_o found_v upon_o the_o same_o notion_n and_o opinion_n which_o because_o it_o be_v so_o universal_a seem_v to_o have_v have_v its_o original_a from_o the_o first_o parent_n of_o mankind_n 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idolatry_n be_v their_o apotheosis_n or_o canonise_a of_o famous_a and_o eminent_a person_n who_o in_o their_o life_n time_n have_v do_v great_a thing_n and_o some_o way_n or_o other_o be_v great_a benefactor_n to_o mankind_n by_o advance_v they_o after_o their_o death_n to_o the_o dignity_n of_o a_o inferior_a kind_n of_o god_n fit_a to_o be_v worship_v by_o man_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o to_o have_v their_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n address_v to_o they_o as_o proper_a and_o powerful_a mediator_n and_o intercessor_n for_o they_o with_o the_o superior_a god_n to_o these_o they_o give_v the_o title_n of_o hero_n and_o semidei_fw-la that_o be_v half_a god_n though_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o be_v that_o be_v just_a half-infinite_a seem_v to_o i_o very_o hard_a to_o be_v conceive_v and_o define_v now_o to_o take_v man_n off_o from_o this_o kind_n of_o idolatry_n and_o to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o it_o behold_v one_o in_o our_o nature_n exalt_v to_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o majesty_n on_o high_a to_o be_v worship_v by_o man_n and_o angel_n one_o that_o be_v the_o true_o great_a benefactor_n of_o mankind_n one_o that_o be_v dead_a and_o be_v alive_a again_o and_o life_n for_o evermore_o to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o 5thly_a to_o give_v but_o one_o instance_n more_o which_o i_o have_v already_o intimate_v the_o world_n be_v mighty_o bend_v upon_o address_v their_o request_n and_o supplication_n not_o to_o the_o deity_n immediate_o because_o their_o superstition_n think_v that_o too_o great_a a_o presumption_n but_o by_o some_o mediator_n between_o the_o god_n and_o they_o who_o may_v with_o advantage_n in_o this_o humble_a manner_n present_v their_o request_n so_o as_o to_o find_v acceptance_n to_o this_o end_n they_o make_v use_v of_o the_o daemon_n or_o angel_n and_o of_o their_o hero_n or_o deify_v man_n who_o i_o mention_v before_o by_o who_o they_o put_v up_o their_o prayer_n to_o the_o supreme_a god_n hope_v by_o their_o intercession_n and_o patronage_n of_o their_o cause_n to_o obtain_v a_o gracious_a answer_n of_o they_o in_o a_o gracious_a compliance_n with_o this_o common_a apprehension_n and_o thereby_o more_o easy_o and_o effectual_o to_o extirpate_v this_o sort_n of_o idolatry_n which_o have_v be_v so_o long_o and_o so_o general_o practise_v in_o the_o world_n god_n be_v please_v to_o constitute_v and_o appoint_v one_o in_o our_o nature_n to_o be_v a_o perpetual_a advocate_n and_o intercessor_n in_o heaven_n for_o we_o to_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n his_o father_n and_o to_o obtain_v mercy_n for_o we_o and_o grace_n to_o help_v in_o time_n of_o need_n and_o for_o ever_o to_o take_v we_o off_o from_o all_o other_o mediator_n 5._o we_o be_v express_o tell_v in_o scripture_n that_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n to_o who_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v so_o there_o be_v but_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o
to_o send_v his_o own_o his_o only_a son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o seek_v and_o save_v we_o and_o by_o he_o to_o repair_v all_o our_o ruin_n to_o forgive_v all_o our_o iniquity_n to_o heal_v all_o our_o spiritual_a disease_n and_o to_o crown_v we_o with_o love_a kindness_n and_o tender_a mercy_n and_o what_o sacrifice_n of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n shall_v we_o also_o offer_v up_o to_o this_o gracious_a and_o most_o merciful_a redeemer_n of_o we_o the_o everlasting_a son_n of_o the_o father_n who_o debase_v himself_o so_o infinite_o for_o our_o sake_n and_o when_o he_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o deliver_v man_n do_v not_o abhor_v the_o virgin_n womb_n who_o be_v content_v to_o be_v bear_v so_o obscure_o and_o to_o live_v all_o his_o life_n in_o a_o poor_a and_o persecute_a condition_n and_o be_v please_v both_o to_o undergo_v and_o to_o overcome_v the_o sharpness_n of_o death_n that_o he_o may_v open_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o all_o believer_n every_o time_n we_o have_v occasion_n to_o meditate_v upon_o this_o especial_o when_o we_o be_v communicate_v at_o his_o h._n table_n and_o receive_v the_o bless_a symbol_n and_o pledge_n of_o his_o pretions_a death_n and_o passion_n how_o shall_v our_o heart_n burn_v within_o we_o and_o leap_v for_o joy_n how_o shall_v the_o remembrance_n of_o it_o revive_v and_o raise_v our_o spirit_n and_o put_v we_o into_o a_o ecstasy_n of_o love_n and_o gratitude_n to_o this_o great_a friend_n and_o lover_n of_o soul_n and_o with_o the_o b._n mother_n of_o our_o lord_n how_o shall_v our_o soul_n upon_o that_o bless_a occasion_n magnify_v the_o lord_n and_o our_o spirit_n rejoice_v in_o god_n our_o saviour_n the_o holy_a man_n of_o old_a be_v transport_v with_o joy_n at_o the_o obscure_a and_o confuse_a apprehension_n and_o remote_a foresight_n of_o so_o great_a a_o blessing_n at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n it_o be_v say_v of_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a that_o he_o see_v his_o day_n afar_o off_o and_o be_v glad_a how_o shall_v we_o then_o be_v affect_v with_o joy_n and_o thankfulness_n to_o who_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o b._n saviour_n of_o man_n be_v actual_o come_v he_o be_v come_v many_o age_n ago_o and_o have_v enlighten_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n with_o his_o glory_n yea_o he_o be_v come_v to_o we_o who_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n separate_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n to_o we_o be_v this_o great_a light_n come_v who_o have_v so_o long_o sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n and_o this_o mighty_a salvation_n which_o he_o have_v wrought_v for_o we_o be_v near_o to_o every_o one_o of_o we_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o lay_v hold_n of_o it_o and_o to_o accept_v it_o upon_o those_o gracious_a term_n and_o condition_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v offer_v to_o we_o in_o his_o h._n gospel_n and_o by_o his_o come_v he_o have_v deliver_v mankind_n from_o that_o gross_a ignorance_n and_o thick_a darkness_n which_o cover_v the_o nation_n 20._o and_o we_o know_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v come_v and_o have_v give_v we_o a_o understanding_n to_o know_v he_o that_o be_v true_a and_o we_o be_v in_o he_o that_o be_v true_a even_o in_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n this_o be_v the_o true_a god_n and_o eternal_a life_n and_o then_o it_o immediate_o follow_v 21._o little_a child_n keep_v yourselves_o from_o idol_n what_o can_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o caution_n and_o what_o be_v the_o connection_n of_o it_o with_o the_o forego_n discourse_n it_o be_v plain_o this_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o his_o come_v have_v rescue_v mankind_n from_o the_o sottish_a worship_n of_o idol_n and_o therefore_o he_o caution_n christian_n to_o take_v great_a heed_n of_o relapse_v into_o idolatry_n by_o worship_v a_o creature_n or_o the_o image_n and_o likeness_n of_o any_o creature_n instead_o of_o god_n and_o because_o he_o foresee_v that_o it_o may_v be_v object_v to_o christian_n as_o in_o fact_n it_o be_v afterward_o by_o the_o heathen_a that_o the_o worship_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v a_o man_n be_v as_o much_o idolatry_n as_o that_o which_o the_o christian_n charge_v the_o heathen_a withal_o therefore_o st._n john_n effectual_o to_o prevent_v the_o force_n of_o this_o plausible_a objection_n though_o he_o perpetual_o throughout_o his_o gospel_n declare_v christ_n to_o be_v real_o a_o man_n yet_o he_o express_o also_o affirm_v he_o to_o be_v god_n and_o the_o true_a god_n and_o consequent_o christian_n may_v safe_o pay_v divine_a worship_n to_o he_o without_o fear_n or_o danger_n of_o idolatry_n we_o be_v in_o he_o that_o be_v true_a even_o in_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n this_o be_v the_o true_a god_n and_o eternal_a life_n little_a child_n keep_v yourselves_o from_o idol_n but_o this_o i_o be_o sensible_a be_v a_o digression_n yet_o such_o a_o one_o as_o may_v not_o be_v altogether_o useless_a to_o proceed_v then_o in_o the_o recital_n of_o those_o great_a blessing_n which_o the_o come_v of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v bring_v to_o mankind_n he_o have_v rescue_v we_o from_o the_o bondage_n of_o sin_n and_o from_o the_o slavery_n of_o satan_n he_o have_v open_o proclaim_v pardon_n and_o reconciliation_n to_o the_o world_n he_o have_v clear_o reveal_v eternal_a life_n to_o we_o which_o be_v but_o obscure_o make_v know_v before_o both_o to_o jew_n and_o gentile_n but_o be_v now_o make_v manifest_a by_o the_o appearance_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n who_o have_v abolish_v death_n and_o bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_v by_o the_o gospel_n he_o have_v purchase_v this_o great_a blessing_n for_o we_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o confer_v it_o upon_o we_o if_o we_o will_v be_v content_v to_o leave_v our_o sin_n and_o to_o be_v save_v by_o he_o a_o condition_n without_o which_o as_o salvation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v so_o if_o it_o be_v it_o will_v not_o be_v desirable_a it_o can_v not_o make_v we_o happy_a because_o our_o sin_n will_v still_o separate_v between_o god_n and_o we_o and_o the_o guilt_n and_o horror_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n will_v make_v we_o eternal_o miserable_a and_o now_o sure_o we_o can_v but_o thus_o judge_v that_o all_o the_o praise_n and_o acknowledgement_n all_o the_o service_n and_o obedience_n which_o we_o can_v possible_o render_v to_o he_o be_v infinite_o beneath_o those_o infinite_a obligation_n which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v lay_v upon_o the_o son_n of_o man_n by_o his_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n what_o then_o remain_v but_o that_o at_o all_o time_n and_o more_o especial_o at_o this_o season_n we_o grateful_o acknowledge_v and_o joyful_o commemorate_v this_o great_a and_o amaze_a goodness_n of_o god_n to_o we_o in_o the_o incarnation_n of_o his_o son_n for_o the_o redemption_n and_o salvation_n of_o the_o sinful_a and_o miserable_a race_n of_o mankind_n a_o method_n and_o dispensation_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o wisdom_n not_o only_o full_a of_o mercy_n and_o condescension_n but_o of_o great_a power_n and_o virtue_n to_o purify_v our_o heart_n and_o to_o reform_v our_o life_n to_o beget_v in_o we_o a_o fervent_a love_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n and_o a_o perfect_a hatred_n and_o detestation_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o a_o steadfast_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n to_o lead_v a_o new_a life_n follow_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o walk_v in_o his_o way_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n in_o a_o word_n a_o method_n that_o be_v every_o way_n calculate_v for_o our_o unspeakable_a benefit_n and_o comfort_n since_o then_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v so_o gracious_o condescend_v to_o be_v make_v in_o all_o thing_n like_v unto_o we_o sin_n only_o except_v let_v we_o aspire_v to_o be_v as_o like_v to_o he_o as_o be_v possible_a in_o the_o exemplary_a holiness_n and_o virtue_n of_o his_o life_n we_o can_v be_v like_o he_o in_o his_o miracle_n but_o we_o may_v in_o his_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n we_o can_v imitate_v his_o divine_a power_n but_o we_o may_v resemble_v he_o in_o his_o innocency_n and_o humility_n in_o his_o meekness_n and_o patience_n and_o as_o he_o assume_v human_a nature_n so_o let_v we_o reassume_a humanity_n which_o we_o have_v in_o great_a measure_n deprave_v and_o put_v off_o and_o let_v we_o put_v on_o bowel_n of_o mercy_n towards_o those_o that_o be_v in_o misery_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o relieve_v the_o poor_a for_o his_o sake_n who_o be_v rich_a for_o our_o sake_n become_v poor_a that_o we_o through_o his_o poverty_n may_v be_v make_v rich_a to_o conclude_v let_v we_o imitate_v he_o in_o that_o which_o be_v his_o great_a work_n and_o business_n here_o upon_o earth_n and_o which_o of_o all_o other_o do_v best_a become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n i_o
by_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v say_v to_o contribute_v towards_o the_o put_v a_o end_n to_o so_o unhappy_a a_o controversy_n which_o have_v trouble_v the_o world_n so_o long_o and_o raise_v such_o a_o dust_n that_o very_o few_o have_v be_v able_a to_o see_v clear_o through_o it_o however_o i_o can_v dismiss_v this_o argument_n without_o make_v some_o useful_a but_o very_o short_a reflection_n upon_o this_o great_a doctrine_n of_o our_o religion_n namely_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v make_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o we_o and_o expose_v to_o such_o bitter_a suffering_n and_o so_o cruel_a a_o death_n for_o the_o expiation_n of_o our_o sin_n shall_v create_v in_o we_o the_o great_a dread_n and_o detestation_n of_o sin_n and_o for_o ever_o deter_v we_o from_o all_o wilful_a transgression_n and_o disobedience_n for_o if_o the_o guilt_n of_o our_o sin_n be_v do_v away_o upon_o such_o hard_a term_n and_o cost_v the_o dear_o belove_a son_n of_o god_n so_o much_o sweat_v and_o blood_n then_o sure_o we_o ought_v to_o take_v great_a heed_n how_o by_o our_o renew_a provocation_n we_o renew_v his_o passion_n and_o do_v what_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o crucify_v to_o ourselves_o the_o son_n of_o god_n afresh_o and_o to_o put_v he_o to_o a_o open_a shame_n if_o god_n do_v so_o terrible_o afflict_v the_o dear_o belove_v of_o his_o soul_n for_o our_o sake_n if_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v so_o grievous_o wound_v for_o our_o transgression_n and_o so_o sore_o bruise_v for_o our_o iniquity_n if_o so_o fearful_a a_o storm_n of_o vengeance_n fall_v upon_o the_o most_o innocent_a person_n that_o ever_o be_v for_o our_o sin_n than_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o take_v that_o kind_n and_o merciful_a admonition_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o sinner_n to_o sin_v no_o more_o lest_o a_o worse_a thing_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a come_v upon_o ourselves_o in_o this_o dispensation_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o mercy_n to_o mankind_n by_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n god_n seem_v to_o have_v go_v to_o the_o very_a extremity_n of_o thing_n and_o almost_o further_o than_o goodness_n and_o justice_n will_v well_o admit_v to_o afflict_v innocency_n itself_o to_o save_v the_o guilty_a and_o if_o herein_o god_n have_v express_v his_o hatred_n of_o sin_n in_o such_o a_o wonderful_a way_n of_o love_n and_o kindness_n to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n as_o look_n almost_o like_a hatred_n of_o innocency_n and_o his_o own_o son_n this_o aught_o in_o all_o ingenuity_n and_o gratitude_n to_o our_o gracious_a redeemer_n who_o be_v make_v a_o curse_n for_o we_o and_o love_v we_o to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o wash_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o blood_n i_o say_v this_o aught_o to_o beget_v in_o we_o a_o great_a displeasure_n against_o sin_n and_o a_o more_o perfect_a detestation_n of_o it_o than_o if_o we_o have_v suffer_v the_o punishment_n due_a to_o it_o in_o our_o own_o person_n for_o in_o this_o case_n we_o can_v only_o have_v be_v displease_v at_o ourselves_o and_o our_o sin_n as_o the_o just_a cause_n of_o our_o suffering_n but_o in_o the_o other_o we_o ought_v to_o hate_v sin_n as_o the_o unhappy_a occasion_n of_o the_o sad_a misfortune_n and_o sore_a calamity_n to_o the_o best_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v and_o to_o our_o best_a friend_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o for_o our_o sake_n since_o then_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v so_o gracious_o condescend_v to_o be_v make_v in_o all_o thing_n like_v unto_o we_o sin_n only_o except_v let_v we_o aspire_v as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a to_o become_v like_a to_o he_o above_o all_o let_v we_o hate_v and_o avoid_v sin_n as_o the_o only_a thing_n in_o which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n will_v have_v no_o part_n with_o we_o though_o he_o be_v content_v to_o suffer_v such_o bitter_a thing_n to_o save_v we_o from_o the_o defilement_n and_o dominion_n of_o it_o from_o the_o punishment_n and_o all_o the_o dismal_a consequence_n of_o it_o he_o have_v no_o sin_n but_o god_n be_v please_v to_o lay_v upon_o he_o the_o iniquity_n of_o we_o all_o and_o to_o make_v his_o soul_n a_o offering_n for_o sin_n and_o to_o permit_v all_o that_o to_o be_v do_v to_o he_o which_o be_v due_a to_o we_o he_o be_v content_v to_o be_v sacrifice_v once_o for_o all_o mankind_n that_o man_n may_v for_o ever_o cease_v from_o that_o inhuman_a and_o ineffectual_a way_n of_o sacrifice_v one_o another_o whereby_o instead_o of_o expiate_v their_o guilt_n they_o do_v inflame_v it_o and_o by_o think_v to_o make_v atonement_n for_o their_o sin_n they_o do_v in_o truth_n add_v to_o the_o number_n and_o heinousness_n of_o they_o and_o let_v we_o likewise_o learn_v from_o this_o admirable_a pattern_n to_o pity_v those_o that_o be_v in_o misery_n as_o christ_n also_o have_v pity_v we_o and_o to_o save_v they_o that_o be_v ready_a to_o perish_v for_o his_o sake_n who_o come_v to_o seek_v and_o to_o save_v we_o that_o be_v lose_v let_v we_o upon_o all_o occasion_n be_v ready_a to_o open_v our_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n towards_o the_o poor_a in_o a_o thankful_a imitation_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o goodness_n who_o for_o our_o sake_n choose_v to_o be_v a_o beggar_n that_o we_o for_o his_o sake_n may_v not_o despise_v the_o poor_a but_o may_v have_v a_o tender_a regard_n and_o compassion_n to_o those_o who_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n do_v so_o near_o resemble_v that_o in_o which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n think_v it_o fit_a for_o he_o to_o appear_v when_o he_o be_v please_v to_o become_v man._n in_o a_o word_n let_v we_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n and_o in_o all_o the_o action_n of_o our_o life_n show_v forth_o the_o virtue_n of_o he_o who_o have_v call_v we_o out_o of_o darkness_n into_o his_o marvellous_a light_n and_o have_v raise_v up_o a_o mighty_a salvation_n for_o we_o that_o be_v deliver_v from_o all_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n from_o sin_n and_o all_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n we_o may_v serve_v he_o who_o have_v save_v we_o walk_v in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n before_o he_o all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n now_o to_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n and_o to_o the_o lamb_n that_o be_v slay_v to_o god_n even_o our_o father_n and_o to_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o first_o beget_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n unto_o he_o who_o have_v love_v we_o and_o wash_v from_o our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o blood_n and_o whilst_o we_o be_v enemy_n to_o he_o love_v we_o at_o such_o a_o rate_n as_o never_o any_o man_n do_v his_o friend_n to_o he_o who_o become_v man_n that_o he_o may_v bring_v we_o to_o god_n and_o assume_v our_o frail_a and_o mortal_a nature_n that_o he_o may_v clothe_v we_o with_o immortality_n and_o life_n to_o he_o who_o be_v please_v to_o dwell_v and_o live_v among_o we_o that_o he_o may_v teach_v we_o how_o to_o live_v to_o he_o who_o die_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o rose_z again_o for_o our_o justification_n and_o life_n for_o ever_o to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o to_o he_o be_v glory_n and_o dominion_n thanksgiving_n and_o praise_n to_o eternal_a age_n amen_n sermon_n vi_o concern_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o b._n trinity_n etc._n etc._n 1_o tim_n ii_o 5._o for_o there_o be_v one_o god_n the_o particle_n for_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o context_n and_o occasion_n of_o these_o word_n which_o in_o short_a be_v this_o the_o design_n of_o this_o epistle_n be_v to_o direct_v timothy_n to_o who_o st._n paul_n have_v commit_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n how_o he_o ought_v to_o demean_v himself_o in_o that_o great_a and_o weighty_a charge_n and_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n he_o give_v direction_n concern_v public_a prayer_n in_o the_o church_n that_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n he_o make_v for_o all_o man_n and_o for_o all_o rank_n and_o order_n of_o man_n especial_o for_o king_n and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n that_o under_o they_o christian_n may_v lead_v a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n and_o this_o he_o tell_v we_o be_v very_o suitable_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o which_o god_n design_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v very_o acceptable_a to_o he_o that_o we_o shall_v offer_v up_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o he_o in_o behalf_n of_o all_o man_n for_o this_o say_v the_o apostle_n be_v good_a and_o acceptable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n who_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o then_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o word_n
for_o there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n who_o give_v himself_o a_o ransom_n for_o all_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v this_o universal_a charity_n of_o christian_n in_o pray_v for_o all_o man_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o acceptable_a to_o he_o to_o who_o we_o put_v up_o our_o prayer_n god_n the_o father_n who_o send_v his_o son_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o all_o man_n and_o to_o he_o likewise_o by_o who_o we_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o be_v among_o we_o christian_n the_o only_a media_n or_o between_o god_n and_o man_n in_o virtue_n of_o that_o price_n and_o ransom_n which_o he_o pay_v for_o the_o redemption_n of_o all_o mankind_n i_o say_v for_o this_o reason_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v very_o acceptable_a to_o he_o that_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o all_o man_n because_o he_o die_v for_o all_o man_n and_o now_o that_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n intercede_v with_o he_o for_o the_o salvation_n of_o those_o for_o who_o he_o die_v there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n who_o give_v himself_o a_o ransom_n for_o all_o which_o word_n though_o they_o be_v bring_v in_o to_o prove_v more_o immediate_o that_o it_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n our_o saviour_n that_o we_o shall_v put_v up_o prayer_n to_o he_o for_o all_o man_n because_o he_o desire_v the_o salvation_n of_o all_o man_n and_o have_v send_v his_o son_n to_o purchase_v the_o salvation_n of_o all_o man_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o and_o in_o virtue_n of_o that_o sacrifice_n to_o be_v the_o only_a mediator_n between_o god_n and_o we_o i_o say_v though_o this_o be_v the_o immediate_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o these_o word_n yet_o they_o be_v likewise_o a_o direction_n to_o we_o unto_o who_o we_o ought_v to_o address_v our_o prayer_n namely_o to_o god_n and_o by_o who_o mediation_n and_o intercession_n we_o ought_v to_o put_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n the_o father_n namely_o by_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v constitute_v the_o only_a mediator_n between_o god_n and_o men._n there_o be_v several_a proposition_n contain_v in_o this_o and_o the_o follow_a verse_n but_o i_o shall_v at_o present_a confine_v myself_o to_o the_o first_o namely_o that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n 4._o that_o be_v but_o one_o as_o st._n paul_n elsewhere_o express_v it_o there_o be_v none_o other_o god_n but_o one._n and_o moses_n lay_v this_o as_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o natural_a law_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n 35._o the_o lord_n he_o be_v one_o god_n and_o there_o be_v none_o beside_o he_o that_o be_v beside_o jehovah_n who_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n do_v worship_n as_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o this_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n perpetual_o declare_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o polytheism_n and_o variety_n of_o god_n among_o the_o heathen_a 6._o i_o be_o the_o first_o and_o i_o be_o the_o last_o and_o beside_o i_o there_o be_v no_o god_n 8._o and_o again_o be_v there_o any_o god_n beside_o i_o there_o be_v no_o god_n i_o know_v not_o any_o he_o who_o have_v a_o infinite_a knowledge_n and_o know_v all_o thing_n know_v no_o other_o god_n and_o our_o b._n saviour_n make_v this_o the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o necessary_a to_o every_o man_n salvation_n this_o say_v he_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v a_o notion_n wherein_o the_o great_a and_o the_o wise_a part_n of_o mankind_n do_v always_o agree_v and_o therefore_o may_v reasonable_o be_v presume_v to_o be_v either_o natural_a or_o to_o have_v spring_v from_o some_o original_a tradition_n deliver_v down_o to_o we_o from_o the_o first_o parent_n of_o mankind_n i_o mean_v that_o there_o be_v one_o supreme_a be_v the_o author_n and_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n who_o the_o most_o ancient_a of_o the_o heathen_a poet_n common_o call_v the_o father_n of_o god_n and_o man_n and_o thus_o aristotle_n in_o his_o metaphysic_n define_v god_n the_o eternal_a and_o most_o excellent_a or_o best_a of_o all_o live_a being_n and_o this_o notion_n of_o one_o supreme_a be_v agree_v very_o well_o with_o that_o exact_a harmony_n which_o appear_v in_o the_o frame_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n in_o which_o we_o see_v all_o thing_n conspire_v to_o one_o end_v and_o continue_v in_o one_o uniform_a order_n and_o course_n which_o can_v reasonable_o be_v ascribe_v to_o any_o other_o but_o a_o constant_a and_o uniform_a cause_n and_o which_o to_o a_o consider_v man_n do_v plain_o show_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v and_o govern_v by_o that_o one_o powerful_a principle_n and_o great_a and_o wise_a mind_n which_o we_o call_v god_n but_o although_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n have_v a_o notion_n of_o one_o supreme_a god_n yet_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o heathen_a plain_o show_v that_o this_o notion_n in_o process_n of_o time_n be_v great_o degenerate_v and_o corrupt_v into_o a_o apprehension_n of_o a_o plurality_n of_o god_n though_o in_o reason_n it_o be_v evident_a enough_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o god_n than_o one_o and_o that_o one_o who_o be_v of_o infinite_a perfection_n be_v as_o sufficient_a to_o all_o purpose_n whatsoever_o as_o ten_o thousand_o deity_n if_o they_o be_v possible_a can_v possible_o be_v as_o i_o shall_v show_v in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n now_o this_o multitude_n of_o deity_n which_o the_o fond_a superstition_n and_o vain_a imagination_n of_o man_n have_v form_v to_o themselves_o be_v by_o the_o wise_a sort_n who_o be_v force_v to_o comply_v with_o the_o folly_n of_o the_o people_n endeavour_v to_o make_v the_o best_a of_o they_o suppose_v to_o be_v either_o part_n of_o the_o universe_n which_o the_o egyptian_n as_o plutarch_n tell_v we_o think_v to_o be_v the_o same_o with_o god_n but_o then_o the_o more_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o universe_n they_o parcel_v out_o into_o several_a deity_n and_o as_o the_o ocean_n have_v several_a name_n according_a to_o the_o several_a coast_n and_o country_n by_o which_o it_o pass_v so_o they_o give_v several_a name_n to_o this_o one_o deity_n according_a to_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o several_a nation_n make_v the_o object_n of_o their_o worship_n or_o else_o they_o adore_v the_o several_a perfection_n and_o power_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n under_o several_a name_n and_o title_n with_o regard_n to_o the_o various_a blessing_n and_o benefit_n which_o they_o think_v they_o receive_v from_o he_o thus_o the_o indian_a philosopher_n the_o brahmin_n be_v say_v to_o have_v worship_v the_o sun_n as_o the_o supreme_a deity_n and_o he_o certain_o be_v the_o most_o worshipful_a of_o all_o sensible_a being_n and_o bid_v fair_a for_o a_o deity_n especial_o if_o he_o be_v as_o they_o suppose_v animate_v by_o a_o spirit_n endue_v with_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n and_o if_o a_o man_n who_o have_v be_v breed_v in_o a_o dark_a cave_n shall_v all_o on_o the_o sudden_a be_v bring_v out_o at_o noonday_n to_o behold_v this_o visible_a world_n after_o he_o have_v view_v and_o consider_v it_o a_o while_n he_o will_v in_o all_o probability_n pitch_v upon_o the_o sun_n as_o the_o most_o likely_a of_o all_o the_o thing_n he_o have_v see_v to_o be_v a_o deity_n for_o if_o such_o a_o man_n have_v any_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n and_o be_v to_o choose_v one_o upon_o sight_n he_o will_v without_o dispute_n fix_v upon_o the_o sun_n and_o fall_v down_o before_o he_o and_o worship_n he_o and_o macrobius_n manage_v this_o as_o his_o main_a plea_n for_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o heathen_a that_o under_o all_o the_o several_a name_n of_o their_o god_n they_o worship_v the_o sun_n and_o this_o diversity_n of_o name_n be_v but_o a_o more_o distinct_a conception_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o many_o blessing_n and_o advantage_n which_o mankind_n receive_v from_o he_o and_o a_o more_o particular_a and_o express_a adoration_n of_o the_o several_a power_n and_o perfection_n which_o be_v in_o he_o and_o this_o be_v the_o very_o best_a defence_n and_o all_o the_o tolerable_a sense_n which_o the_o wise_a among_o the_o heathen_a can_v make_v of_o the_o multitude_n of_o their_o deity_n and_o yet_o whilst_o they_o general_o own_v one_o supreme_a be_v that_o be_v the_o principle_n and_o original_a of_o all_o thing_n they_o worship_v several_a subordinate_a deity_n as_o real_o distinct_a from_o one_o another_o some_o of_o these_o they_o fancy_v to_o be_v superior_a to_o the_o rest_n and_o to_o have_v their_o residence_n in_o heaven_n by_o which_o marsilius_n ficinus_fw-la suppose_n plato_n
to_o mean_v no_o more_o but_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o angel_n these_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d dii_fw-la superi_fw-la and_o dij_fw-la caelestes_fw-la superior_a and_o heavenly_a god_n the_o scripture_n term_v they_o the_o host_n of_o heaven_n mean_v the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n which_o they_o suppose_v to_o be_v animate_v or_o at_o least_o to_o be_v inhabit_v by_o angel_n or_o glorious_a spirit_n who_o they_o call_v go_n other_o of_o their_o deity_n be_v account_v much_o inferior_a to_o these_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o soul_n of_o their_o decease_a hero_n who_o for_o their_o great_a and_o worthy_a deed_n when_o they_o live_v upon_o earth_n be_v suppose_v after_o death_n to_o be_v translate_v into_o the_o number_n of_o their_o go_n and_o these_o be_v call_v semidei_fw-la and_o deastri_fw-la that_o be_v half_a god_n and_o a_o sort_n of_o god_n and_o as_o the_o other_o be_v celestial_a so_o these_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o kind_n of_o terrestrial_a spirit_n that_o be_v precedent_n and_o procurator_n of_o human_a affair_n here_o below_o that_o be_v a_o middle_a sort_n of_o divine_a power_n that_o be_v mediator_n and_o agent_n between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o do_v carry_v the_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n of_o man_n to_o god_n and_o bring_v down_o the_o command_v and_o blessing_n of_o god_n to_o men._n but_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o this_o crowd_n and_o confusion_n of_o deity_n and_o the_o various_a superstition_n about_o they_o the_o wise_a heathen_a as_o thales_n pythagoras_n socrates_n plato_n aristotle_n tully_n plutarch_n and_o other_o preserve_v a_o true_a notion_n of_o one_o supreme_a god_n who_o they_o define_v a_o infinite_a spirit_n pure_a from_o all_o matter_n and_o free_a from_o all_o imperfection_n and_o all_o the_o variety_n of_o their_o worship_n be_v as_o they_o pretend_v in_o excuse_n of_o it_o but_o a_o more_o particular_a own_n of_o the_o various_a representation_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o excellency_n which_o manifest_v themselves_o in_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o several_a communication_n of_o blessing_n and_o favour_n by_o they_o impart_v to_o man_n 10._o and_o tertullian_n observe_v that_o even_o when_o idolatry_n have_v very_o much_o obscure_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o sovereign_a deity_n yet_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n do_v still_o in_o their_o common_a form_n of_o speech_n appropriate_v the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o a_o more_o especial_a and_o peculiar_a manner_n to_o one_o say_v if_o god_n grant_v if_o god_n please_v and_o the_o like_a so_o that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n or_o the_o notion_n of_o one_o supreme_a god_n creator_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n be_v the_o primitive_a and_o general_a belief_n of_o mankind_n and_o that_o polytheism_n and_o idolatry_n be_v a_o corruption_n and_o degeneracy_n from_o the_o original_a notion_n which_o mankind_n have_v concern_v 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which_o we_o be_v very_o well_o assure_v he_o have_v declare_v concern_v himself_o though_o these_o thing_n by_o our_o reason_n shall_v be_v incomprehensible_a and_o this_o be_v true_o the_o case_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n now_o under_o debate_n we_o be_v sufficient_o assure_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o that_o this_o mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v therein_o declare_v to_o we_o now_o that_o we_o can_v comprehend_v it_o be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n not_o to_o believe_v it_o for_o if_o this_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n for_o not_o believe_v it_o than_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n because_o his_o nature_n be_v most_o certain_o incomprehensible_a but_o we_o be_v assure_v by_o many_o argument_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o the_o same_o natural_a reason_n which_o assure_v we_o that_o he_o be_v do_v likewise_o assure_v we_o that_o he_o be_v incomprehensible_a and_o therefore_o our_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v 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and_o glory_n dominion_n and_o power_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n finis_fw-la book_n print_v for_o b._n aylmer_n and_o w._n rogers_n archbishop_n tillotson_n sermon_n and_o discourse_n in_o four_o volume_n octavo_fw-la six_o sermon_n concern_v the_o divinity_n of_o our_o b._n saviour_n 8vo_fw-la six_o sermon_n i._o of_o steadfastness_n in_o religion_n ii_o of_o family-religion_n iii_o iu._n v._o of_o the_o education_n of_o child_n vi_o of_o the_o advantage_n of_o a_o early_a piety_n in_o 8vo_fw-la price_n 3_o s._n in_o 12_n 1_o s._n 6d_o persuasive_a to_o frequent_a communion_n in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n 8vo_fw-la stitch_a 3d._n in_o 12_n bind_v 6_o d._n rule_n of_o faith_n or_o a_o answer_n to_o mr._n sergeant_n book_n discourse_v against_o transubstantiation_n octavo_n alone_o price_n 3_o d._n stitch_v book_n print_v for_o b._n aylmer_n the_o work_n of_o the_o learned_a dr._n isaac_n barrow_n late_a master_n of_o trinity-college_n in_o cambridge_n 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and_o catholic_n communion_n etc._n etc._n 4to_o preservative_n against_o popery_n in_o 2_o part_n with_o the_o vindication_n discourse_n concern_v the_o nature_n unity_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n first_o part_n 4to_o sermon_n before_o the_o lord_n mayor_n november_n 4._o 1688._o 4to_fw-la vindication_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n 3d._a edit_n 4to_fw-la case_n of_o allegiance_n to_o sovereign_a power_n state_v etc._n etc._n 4to_o vindication_n of_o the_o case_n of_o allegiance_n etc._n etc._n 4to_o fast-sermon_n before_o the_o queen_n at_o whitehall_n june_n 17._o 4to_n practical_a discourse_n concern_v death_n in_o octavo_n eight_o edition_n price_n 3_o s._n in_o twelves_o price_n 2_o s._n practical_a discourse_n concern_v judgement_n four_o edit_n 8vo_fw-la sermon_n before_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o jan._n 30._o 1692._o 4to_fw-la sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o queen_n feb._n 12._o 1692._o the_o charity_n of_o lend_v without_o usury_n in_o 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his_o letter_n to_o a_o friend_n etc._n etc._n 4to_o protestant_n resolve_v or_o a_o discourse_n show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o his_o turn_a roman_n catholic_n for_o salvation_n 4to_o religion_n and_o loyalty_n inseparable_a a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o assize_n hold_v at_o nottingham_n sept_n 5._o 1690._o 4to_fw-la necessity_n of_o serious_a consideration_n and_o speedy_a repentance_n 8vo_fw-la folly_n of_o atheism_n demonstrate_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o most_o unlearned_a reader_n 8vo_fw-la a_o short_a scripture-catechism_n 12_o s._n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o nottingham_n octob._n 4._o 1694._o 4to_fw-la psal_n 65._o 2._o isa_n 40._o 5_o 6._o matt._n 24._o 22._o gal._n 2._o 16._o 1_o tim._n 3._o 16._o i._o 1_o john_n 1._o 1._o prov._n 8._o 22_o 23_o etc._n etc._n john_n 17._o 5._o 1_o john_n 1_o 2._o gen._n 1._o psal_n 33._o 6._o 2_o pet._n 3._o 5._o colos_n 1._o 15_o 16_o 17._o rev._n 3._o 14._o col._n 1._o 18._o act_n 10._o 36._o rom._n 4._o 14._o dr._n stillingfleet_n now_o bishop_n of_o worcester_n john_n 3._o 13._o act_n 20._o 28._o john_n 6._o 62._o john_n 8._o 58._o john_n 13._o 3._o joh._n 16._o 27_o v_o 28._o v_o 29_o 30._o v_o 31._o john_n 17._o 5._o v_o 8._o 1_o joh._n 1._o 1_o 2._o phil._n 2._o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o 1_o tim._n 3._o 16._o heb._n 13._o 8._o rev._n 1._o 8._o v_o 17._o rev._n 22._o 13._o v_o 16._o heb._n 1._o 2._o coloss_n 1._o 15_o 16._o heb._n 1._o 2._o v_o 2._o v_o 7._o ps_n 104._o 4._o v_o 6._o rom._n 1._o 4._o v_o 8._o ps_n 45._o 6_o 7._o v_o 10_o 11_o 12._o 12._o ne_o refer_v quidem_fw-la haec_fw-la priora_fw-la verba_fw-la de_fw-la coeli_fw-la terraeque_fw-la creatione_fw-la loquentia_fw-la ad_fw-la christum_fw-la potuisset_fw-la author_n nisi_fw-la pro_fw-la concesso_fw-la sumsisset_fw-la christum_fw-la esse_fw-la summum_fw-la illum_fw-la deum_fw-la coeli_fw-la &_o terrae_fw-la creatorem_fw-la praesertim_fw-la si_fw-la ea_fw-la ut_fw-la necesse_fw-la soret_fw-la primò_fw-la &_o directè_fw-la ad_fw-la christum_fw-la dicta_fw-la esse_fw-la censeas_fw-la nam_fw-la cum_fw-la omne_fw-la psalmi_n verba_fw-la manifestè_fw-la de_fw-la deo_fw-la loquuntur_fw-la christum_fw-la autem_fw-la deum_fw-la illum_fw-la esse_fw-la ne_fw-la unico_fw-la quidem_fw-la verbo_fw-la in_o toto_fw-la hoc_fw-la psalmo_fw-la indicetur_fw-la necesse_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la si_fw-la verba_fw-la illa_fw-la ad_fw-la christum_fw-la directa_fw-la esse_fw-la velis_fw-la pro_fw-la concesso_fw-la sumas_fw-la christum_fw-la esse_fw-la deum_fw-la illum_fw-la summum_fw-la de_fw-la quo_fw-la in_o psalmo_fw-la seâ—mo_fw-la est_fw-la v_o 11_o 12._o ch_n 1._o v._n 20._o 1_o john_n 5._o 7._o rom._n 1._o 25._o gal._n 4_o 8._o hebr._n 2._o 16._o matth._n 14._o 31._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 24._o heb._n 5._o 5._o job_n 33._o 12_o 13._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 21._o chap._n i._o v._n 12_o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o iii_o 1_o tim._n 3._o 16._o heb._n 1._o 2._o 1_o tim._n 2._o 5._o heb._n 7._o 25._o heb._n 2._o 16_o 17_o 18._o heb._n 4._o 14_o 15_o 16._o heb._n 2._o 14_o 15._o joh._n 5._o 22_o 27._o heb._n 12._o 14._o 1_o joh._n 3._o 3_o 1_o joh._n 3._o 7._o 1_o joh._n 1._o 20._o ver_fw-la 21._o joh._n 3._o 16._o heb._n 4._o 15_o joh._n 8._o 29._o 1_o pet._n 2._o 22._o heb._n 7._o 26._o 27._o heb._n 9_o 14._o 1_o pet._n 1._o 18_o 19_o 2_o cor._n 5._o 21._o eph._n 5._o 10_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 18._o joh._n 15._o 12._o v._o 13._o rom._n 6._o 6_o 7_o 8._o 1_o cor._n 5._o 7._o leu._n 1._o 4._o heb._n 9_o 28._o v_o 28._o obj._n one_a obj._n 2d_o obj._n 3d._n obj._n four_o 1_o cor._n 8._o 4._o deut._n 4._o 35._o isai_n 44._o 6._o v_o 8._o adversus_fw-la marcionem_fw-la i._o 1._o c._n 10._o 1_o cor._n 8._o 6._o serm._n ii_o l._n 5._o joh_n 15_o 1._o eph._n 1._o 23._o deut._n 6_o 4._o mark_v 12._o 2d_o 30_o 3â—_n isa_n 46._o 5._o 1_o king_n 8._o 39_o rom._n 10._o 14._o eph._n 4._o 6._o mal._n 2._o 10._o