this_o whole_a passage_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o st._n john_n gospel_n quite_o to_o another_o sense_n never_o mention_v nor_o i_o believe_v think_v of_o by_o any_o christian_a writer_n whatsoever_o before_o socinus_n and_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o imagine_v how_o any_o opinion_n can_v be_v load_v with_o a_o great_a and_o heavy_a prejudice_n than_o this_o be_v and_o this_o i_o shall_v now_o take_v into_o consideration_n and_o show_v beside_o the_o novelty_n of_o this_o interpretation_n and_o the_o great_a violence_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o it_o the_o utter_a inconsistency_n of_o it_o with_o other_o plain_a text_n of_o new_a testament_n but_o this_o be_v whole_o matter_n of_o controversy_n and_o will_v require_v a_o large_a discourse_n by_o itself_o i_o shall_v therefore_o wave_v the_o further_a prosecution_n of_o it_o at_o present_a and_o apply_v myself_o to_o that_o which_o be_v more_o practical_a and_o proper_a for_o the_o occasion_n of_o this_o season_n so_o that_o at_o present_a i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o text_n viz._n the_o person_n here_o speak_v of_o who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v incarnate_a namely_o the_o word_n it_o be_v he_o that_o be_v make_v flesh_n i_o shall_v then_o have_v proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n which_o i_o propose_v to_o consider_v viz._n the_o mystery_n itself_o or_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o incarnation_n so_o far_o as_o the_o scripture_n have_v reveal_v and_o declare_v it_o to_o we_o namely_o by_o assume_v our_o nature_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o that_o the_o divinity_n become_v unite_v to_o a_o human_a soul_n and_o body_n but_o this_o i_o have_v already_o endeavour_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o explain_v and_o shall_v do_v it_o more_o full_o in_o some_o of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n upon_o this_o text._n i_o shall_v now_o only_o make_v a_o short_a and_o useful_a reflection_n upon_o it_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o solemnity_n of_o this_o time_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v to_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o a_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o great_a love_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n by_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o word_n the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v deign_v to_o have_v such_o a_o regard_n to_o we_o in_o our_o low_a condition_n and_o to_o take_v our_o case_n so_o much_o to_o heart_n as_o to_o think_v of_o redeem_v and_o save_v mankind_n from_o that_o depth_n of_o misery_n into_o which_o we_o have_v plunge_v ourselves_o and_o to_o do_v this_o in_o so_o wonderful_a and_o astonish_a a_o manner_n that_o god_n shall_v employ_v his_o eternal_a and_o only_o beget_v son_n who_o have_v be_v with_o he_o from_o all_o eternity_n partaker_n of_o his_o happiness_n and_o glory_n and_o be_v god_n of_o god_n to_o save_v the_o son_n of_o man_n by_o so_o infinite_a and_o amaze_a a_o condescension_n that_o god_n shall_v vouchsafe_v to_o become_v man_n to_o reconcile_v man_n to_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o earth_n to_o raise_v we_o from_o earth_n to_o heaven_n that_o he_o shall_v assume_v our_o vile_a and_o frail_a and_o mortal_a nature_n that_o he_o may_v clothe_v we_o with_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n that_o he_o shall_v suffer_v death_n to_o save_v we_o from_o hell_n and_o shed_v his_o blood_n to_o purchase_v eternal_a redemption_n for_o we_o for_o certain_o the_o great_a the_o person_n be_v that_o be_v employ_v in_o this_o merciful_a design_n so_o much_o the_o great_a be_v the_o condescension_n and_o the_o love_n and_o goodness_n express_v in_o it_o so_o much_o the_o more_o admirable_a that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v stoop_v from_o the_o height_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n to_o the_o low_a degree_n of_o abasement_n and_o to_o the_o very_a depth_n of_o misery_n for_o our_o sake_n who_o be_v so_o mean_a and_o inconsiderable_a so_o guilty_a and_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o severity_n of_o his_o justice_n so_o altogether_o unworthy_a of_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n and_o so_o very_o unwilling_a to_o receive_v it_o when_o it_o be_v so_o free_o offer_v to_o we_o for_o as_o the_o evangelist_n here_o tell_v we_o he_o come_v to_o his_o own_o and_o his_o own_o receive_v he_o not_o to_o his_o own_o creature_n and_o they_o do_v not_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v their_o maker_n to_o his_o own_o nation_n and_o kindred_n and_o they_o despise_v he_o and_o esteem_v he_o not_o lord_n what_o be_v man_n that_o god_n shall_v be_v so_o mindful_a of_o he_o or_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o visit_v he_o in_o so_o much_o humility_n and_o condescension_n and_o with_o so_o much_o kindness_n and_o compassion_n bless_a god_n and_o saviour_n of_o mankind_n what_o shall_v we_o render_v to_o thou_o for_o such_o mighty_a love_n for_o such_o inestimable_a benefit_n as_o thou_o have_v purchase_v for_o we_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o confer_v upon_o we_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o thou_o o_o thou_o preserver_n and_o lover_n of_o soul_n so_o often_o as_o we_o approach_v thy_o h._n table_n there_o to_o commemorate_v this_o mighty_a love_n of_o thou_o to_o we_o and_o to_o partake_v of_o those_o invaluable_a blessing_n which_o by_o thy_o precious_a bloodshedding_n thou_o have_v obtain_v for_o we_o so_o often_o as_o we_o there_o remember_v that_o thou_o be_v please_v to_o assume_v our_o mortal_a nature_n on_o purpose_n to_o live_v among_o we_o for_o our_o instruction_n and_o for_o our_o example_n and_o to_o lay_v down_o thy_o life_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o for_o the_o expiation_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o take_v part_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n that_o thou_o may_v shed_v it_o for_o our_o sake_n what_o affection_n shall_v these_o thought_n raise_v in_o we_o what_o vow_n and_o resolution_n shall_v they_o engage_v we_o in_o of_o perpetual_a love_n and_o gratitude_n and_o obedience_n to_o thou_o the_o most_o gracious_a and_o most_o glorious_a redeemer_n of_o mankind_n and_o with_o what_o religious_a solemnity_n shall_v we_o more_o especial_o at_o this_o time_n celebrate_v the_o incarnation_n and_o birth_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o give_v praise_n and_o glory_n to_o god_n in_o the_o high_a and_o by_o all_o possible_a demonstration_n of_o charity_n and_o goodwill_n to_o man_n and_o as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o assume_v our_o nature_n so_o shall_v we_o especial_o at_o this_o season_n put_v on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v sincere_o embrace_v and_o practise_v his_o religion_n make_v no_o provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o and_o now_o that_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n be_v rise_v upon_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v walk_v as_o child_n of_o the_o light_n and_o demean_v ourselves_o decent_o as_o in_o the_o day_n not_o in_o riot_v and_o drunkenness_n not_o in_o chamber_v and_o wantonness_n not_o in_o strife_n and_o envy_n and_o shall_v be_v very_o careful_a not_o to_o abuse_v ourselves_o by_o sin_n and_o sensuality_n upon_o this_o very_a consideration_n that_o the_o son_n have_v put_v such_o a_o honour_n and_o dignity_n upon_o we_o we_o shall_v reverence_v that_o nature_n which_o god_n do_v not_o disdain_v to_o assume_v and_o to_o inhabit_v here_o on_o earth_n and_o in_o which_o he_o now_o glorious_o reign_v in_o heaven_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o his_o father_n to_o who_o be_v glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n sermon_n ii_o concern_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n preach_v in_o the_o church_n of_o st._n laurence_n jewry_n january_n 6._o 1679._o john_n i_o 14._o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o prosecute_v the_o three_o corollary_n or_o conclusion_n which_o do_v necessary_o follow_v from_o the_o description_n which_o st._n john_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o gospel_n give_v of_o the_o word_n and_o which_o i_o have_v so_o large_o explain_v in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o the_o word_n here_o describe_v by_o the_o evangelist_n have_v a_o existence_n before_o his_o incarnation_n and_o his_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o b._n virgin_n this_o assertion_n i_o tell_v you_o be_v level_v direct_o against_o the_o socinian_o who_o affirm_v our_o b._n saviour_n to_o be_v a_o mere_a man_n and_o deny_v that_o he_o have_v any_o existence_n before_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n his_o mother_n which_o position_n of_o they_o do_v perfect_o contradict_v all_o the_o former_a conclusion_n which_o have_v be_v so_o evident_o draw_v from_o the_o description_n here_o give_v of_o the_o word_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o have_v force_v they_o to_o interpret_v this_o whole_a passage_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o st._n john_n gospel_n in_o a_o very_a different_a sense_n from_o
have_v since_o make_v it_o a_o lawful_a way_n of_o lie_v which_o their_o father_n of_o who_o they_o learn_v it_o have_v not_o credit_n and_o authority_n enough_o to_o do_v and_o it_o deserve_v likewise_o to_o be_v very_o well_o consider_v by_o we_o that_o nothing_o have_v give_v a_o great_a force_n to_o the_o exception_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n against_o the_o h._n scripture_n be_v a_o sufficient_a and_o certain_a rule_n of_o faith_n than_o the_o uncertainty_n into_o which_o they_o have_v bring_v the_o plain_a text_n imaginable_a for_o the_o establish_n of_o doctrine_n of_o great_a moment_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o their_o remote_a and_o wrest_a interpretation_n of_o they_o which_o way_n of_o deal_n with_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v real_o more_o contumelious_a to_o those_o h._n oracle_n than_o the_o downright_a reject_v of_o their_o authority_n because_o this_o be_v a_o fair_a and_o open_a way_n of_o attacking_z they_o whereas_o the_o other_o be_v a_o insiduous_a and_o therefore_o more_o dangerous_a way_n of_o undermine_v they_o but_o as_o for_o we_o who_o do_v in_o good_a earnest_n believe_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o h._n scripture_n let_v we_o take_v all_o our_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n from_o those_o clear_a fountain_n of_o truth_n not_o disturb_v and_o darken_v by_o search_v anxious_o into_o all_o the_o possible_a sense_n that_o the_o several_a word_n and_o expression_n of_o scripture_n can_v bear_v and_o by_o force_v that_o sense_n upon_o they_o which_o be_v most_o remote_a and_o unnatural_a and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n wilful_o overlook_v and_o pass_v by_o that_o sense_n which_o be_v most_o obvious_a and_o easy_a to_o the_o common_a apprehension_n of_o any_o unbiased_a and_o impartial_a reader_n this_o be_v to_o use_v the_o h._n scripture_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v do_v many_o holy_a and_o good_a man_n who_o they_o be_v please_v to_o brand_v with_o the_o odious_a name_n of_o heretic_n to_o torture_v they_o till_o they_o speak_v the_o mind_n of_o their_o tormentor_n though_o never_o so_o contrary_a to_o their_o own_o i_o will_v now_o conclude_v this_o whole_a discourse_n with_o a_o say_v which_o i_o hear_v from_o a_o great_a and_o judicious_a man_n non_fw-la amo_fw-la nimis_fw-la argutam_fw-la theologiam_fw-la i_o love_v no_o doctrine_n in_o divinity_n which_o stand_v so_o very_a much_o upon_o quirk_n and_o subtlety_n and_o i_o can_v upon_o this_o occasion_n forbear_v to_o say_v that_o those_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n and_o those_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n have_v ever_o be_v to_o i_o the_o most_o suspect_v which_o need_v abundance_n of_o wit_n and_o a_o great_a many_o criticism_n to_o make_v they_o out_o and_o consider_v the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o almighty_a god_n i_o can_v possible_o believe_v but_o that_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v by_o christian_n in_o order_n to_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n be_v plain_o contain_v in_o the_o h._n scripture_n god_n sure_o have_v not_o deal_v so_o hardly_o with_o mankind_n as_o to_o make_v any_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o practise_v by_o we_o which_o he_o have_v not_o make_v sufficient_o plain_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o unlearned_a as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o learned_a god_n forbid_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o to_o get_v to_o heaven_n without_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o learning_n to_o direct_v and_o carry_v he_o thither_o when_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n have_v no_o learning_n at_o all_o it_o be_v well_o say_v by_o erasmus_n that_o it_o be_v never_o well_o with_o the_o christian_a world_n since_o it_o begin_v to_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o so_o much_o subtlety_n and_o wit_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o true_a christian_a sermon_n iii_o concern_v the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n preach_v in_o the_o church_n of_o st._n laurence_n jewry_n december_n 21._o 1680._o john_n i_o 14._o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n the_o last_o year_n about_o this_o time_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o occasion_n of_o the_o annual_a commemoration_n of_o the_o incarnation_n and_o nativity_n of_o our_o b._n lord_n and_o saviour_n i_o begin_v to_o discourse_v to_o you_o upon_o these_o word_n in_o which_o i_o tell_v you_o be_v contain_v three_o great_a point_n concern_v our_o saviour_n the_o author_n and_o founder_n of_o our_o religion_n first_o his_o incarnation_n the_o word_n be_v make_v or_o become_v flesh_n second_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n here_o among_o we_o and_o dwell_v among_o we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o pitch_v his_o tabernacle_n among_o we_o he_o live_v here_o below_o in_o this_o world_n and_o for_o some_o time_n make_v his_o residence_n and_o abode_n with_o we_o three_o that_o in_o this_o state_n of_o his_o humiliation_n he_o give_v great_a and_o clear_a evidence_n of_o his_o divinity_n whilst_o he_o appear_v as_o a_o man_n and_o live_v among_o we_o there_o be_v great_a and_o glorious_a testimony_n give_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o in_o so_o peculiar_a a_o manner_n as_o no_o creature_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v 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 i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o namely_o his_o incarnation_n the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n for_o the_o full_a and_o clear_a explication_n of_o which_o word_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n i._o the_o person_n here_o speak_v of_o and_o who_o it_o be_v that_o be_v here_o say_v to_o be_v incarnate_a or_o make_v flesh_n namely_o the_o word_n and_o this_o i_o have_v handle_v at_o large_a in_o my_o two_o former_a discourse_n upon_o this_o text._n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v in_o the_o ii_o second_o place_n to_o give_v some_o account_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o manner_n of_o this_o incarnation_n so_o far_o as_o the_o scripture_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o reveal_v and_o declare_v this_o mystery_n to_o we_o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n that_o be_v he_o who_o be_v personal_o call_v the_o word_n and_o who_o the_o evangelist_n have_v so_o full_o and_o clear_o describe_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o gospel_n he_o become_v flesh_n that_o be_v assume_v our_o nature_n and_o become_v man_n for_o so_o the_o word_n flesh_n be_v frequent_o use_v in_o scripture_n for_o man_n or_o human_a nature_n so_o that_o by_o the_o word_n be_v become_v flesh_n that_o be_v man_n the_o evangelist_n do_v not_o only_o intend_v to_o express_v to_o we_o that_o he_o assume_v a_o human_a body_n without_o a_o soul_n but_o that_o he_o become_v a_o perfect_a man_n consist_v of_o soul_n and_o body_n unite_v it_o be_v very_o probable_a indeed_o that_o the_o evangelist_n do_v purposely_o choose_v the_o word_n flesh_n which_o signify_v the_o frail_a and_o mortal_a part_n of_o humanity_n to_o denote_v to_o we_o the_o great_a condescension_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o assume_v our_o nature_n with_o all_o its_o infirmity_n and_o become_a subject_n to_o frailty_n and_o mortality_n for_o our_o sake_n have_v thus_o explain_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o proposition_n the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n i_o shall_v in_o a_o further_a prosecution_n of_o this_o argument_n take_v into_o consideration_n these_o three_o thing_n first_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 second_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o objection_n which_o be_v common_o bring_v against_o this_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n from_o the_o seem_a impossibility_n or_o incongruity_n of_o the_o thing_n three_o and_o because_o after_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v in_o answer_n to_o those_o objection_n it_o may_v still_o appear_v to_o we_o very_o strange_a that_o god_n who_o can_v without_o all_o this_o circumstance_n and_o condescension_n even_o almost_o beneath_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o great_a god_n at_o least_o as_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v have_v give_v law_n to_o mankind_n and_o have_v offer_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n upon_o their_o repentance_n for_o sin_n past_a and_o sincere_a though_o imperfect_a obedience_n for_o the_o future_a i_o say_v it_o may_v seem_v strange_a that_o notwithstanding_o this_o god_n shall_v yet_o make_v choice_n of_o this_o way_n and_o method_n of_o our_o salvation_n i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o the_o last_o place_n endeavour_v to_o give_v some_o probable_a account_n of_o this_o strange_a and_o wonderful_a dispensation_n and_o show_v that_o it_o be_v do_v in_o great_a condescension_n to_o the_o weakness_n and_o common_a prejudices_fw-la of_o mankind_n and_o that_o when_o it_o be_v thorough_o consider_v it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v much_o
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 vile_a nature_n to_o wear_v rag_n and_o to_o become_v a_o beggar_n for_o our_o sake_n and_o all_o this_o not_o only_o to_o repair_v those_o dismal_a ruin_n which_o sin_n have_v make_v in_o it_o and_o to_o restore_v we_o to_o our_o former_a estate_n but_o to_o better_a and_o advance_v our_o condition_n and_o by_o degree_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o state_n of_o much_o great_a perfection_n and_o happiness_n than_o that_o from_o which_o we_o fall_v and_o that_o he_o shall_v become_v man_n on_o purpose_n that_o he_o may_v dwell_v among_o we_o and_o converse_v with_o we_o and_o thorough_o instruct_v we_o in_o our_o duty_n and_o show_v we_o the_o way_n to_o eternal_a life_n by_o his_o heavenly_a doctrine_n and_o as_o it_o be_v take_v we_o by_o the_o hand_n and_o lead_v we_o in_o that_o way_n by_o the_o perfect_a and_o familiar_a example_n of_o a_o most_o blameless_a and_o holy_a life_n show_v we_o how_o god_n himself_o think_v fit_a to_o live_v in_o this_o world_n when_o he_o be_v please_v 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
sermon_n concern_v the_o divinity_n and_o incarnation_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n preach_v in_o the_o church_n of_o st._n laurence_n jewry_n by_o john_n late_a lord_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_z the_o second_o edition_n london_n print_v for_o br._n aylmer_n at_o the_o three_o pigeon_n against_o the_o royal_a exchange_n in_o cornhill_n and_o w._n rogers_n at_o the_o sun_n against_o st._n dunstan_n church_n in_o fleetstreet_n mdcxcv_o a_o advertisement_n to_o the_o reader_n the_o follow_a sermon_n be_v preach_v several_a year_n ago_o in_o the_o church_n of_o st._n laurence_n jewry_n in_o london_n and_o be_v now_o revise_v and_o enlarge_v by_o the_o author_n be_v here_o make_v public_a the_o true_a reason_n whereof_o be_v not_o that_o which_o be_v common_o allege_v for_o print_v book_n the_o importunity_n of_o friend_n but_o the_o importunate_a clamour_n and_o malicious_a calumny_n of_o other_o who_o the_o author_n hearty_o pray_v god_n to_o forgive_v and_o to_o give_v they_o better_a mind_n and_o to_o grant_v that_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n the_o publication_n whereof_o be_v in_o so_o great_a a_o degree_n necessary_a may_v by_o his_o blessing_n prove_v in_o some_o measure_n useful_a sermon_n i._o concern_v the_o divinity_n of_o our_o b._n saviour_n preach_v in_o the_o church_n of_o st._n laurence_n jewry_n decemb._n 30_o 1679._o john_n i_o 14._o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n and_o dwell_v among_o we_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 these_o word_n contain_v in_o they_o three_o great_a point_n concern_v our_o b._n saviour_n the_o author_n and_o founder_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o religion_n first_o his_o incarnation_n the_o word_n be_v make_v or_o become_v flesh_n second_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n here_o among_o we_o and_o dwell_v among_o we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o pitch_v his_o tabernacle_n among_o we_o he_o live_v here_o below_o in_o this_o world_n and_o for_o a_o time_n make_v his_o residence_n and_o abode_n with_o we_o three_o that_o in_o this_o state_n of_o his_o humiliation_n he_o give_v great_a and_o clear_a evidence_n of_o his_o divinity_n whilst_o he_o appear_v as_o a_o man_n and_o live_v among_o we_o there_o be_v great_a and_o glorious_a testimony_n give_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o in_o so_o peculiar_a a_o manner_n as_o no_o creature_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v 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 etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o his_o incarnation_n as_o most_o proper_a for_o this_o solemn_a time_n which_o have_v for_o many_o age_n be_v set_v apart_o for_o the_o commemoration_n of_o the_o nativity_n and_o incarnation_n of_o our_o b._n saviour_n the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n that_o be_v he_o who_o be_v personal_o call_v the_o word_n and_o who_o the_o evangelist_n st._n john_n have_v so_o full_o describe_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o gospel_n he_o become_v flesh_n that_o be_v assume_v our_o nature_n and_o become_v man_n for_o so_o the_o word_n flesh_n be_v frequent_o use_v in_o scripture_n for_o man_n or_o human_a nature_n o_o thou_o that_o hear_v prayer_n 2._o unto_o thou_o shall_v all_o flesh_n come_v that_o be_v to_o thou_o shall_v all_o man_n address_v their_o supplication_n 6._o again_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v reveal_v and_o all_o flesh_n shall_v see_v it_o together_o that_o be_v all_o man_n shall_v behold_v and_o acknowledge_v it_o and_o than_o it_o follow_v all_o flesh_n be_v grass_n speak_v of_o the_o frailty_n and_o mortality_n of_o man_n and_o so_o likewise_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n our_o b._n saviour_n foretell_v the_o misery_n that_o be_v come_v upon_o the_o jewish_a nation_n 22._o say_v except_o those_o day_n shall_v be_v shorten_v no_o flesh_n shall_v be_v save_v that_o be_v no_o man_n shall_v escape_v and_o survive_v that_o great_a calamity_n and_o destruction_n which_o be_v come_v upon_o they_o 16._o by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n say_v the_o apostle_n shall_v no_o flesh_n that_o be_v no_o man_n be_v justify_v so_o that_o by_o the_o word_n be_v be_v make_v or_o become_a flesh_n the_o evangelist_n do_v not_o intend_v that_o he_o assume_v only_o a_o human_a body_n without_o a_o soul_n and_o be_v unite_v only_o to_o a_o human_a body_n which_o be_v the_o heresy_n of_o apollinaris_n and_o his_o follower_n but_o that_o he_o become_v man_n that_o be_v assume_v the_o whole_a human_a nature_n body_n and_o soul_n and_o it_o be_v likewise_o very_o probable_a that_o the_o evangelist_n do_v purposely_o choose_v the_o word_n flesh_n which_o signify_v the_o frail_a and_o mortal_a part_n of_o man_n to_o denote_v to_o we_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v assume_v our_o nature_n with_o all_o its_o infirmity_n and_o become_v subject_a to_o the_o common_a frailty_n and_o mortality_n of_o human_a nature_n the_o word_n thus_o explain_v contain_v that_o great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o or_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n viz._n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o st._n paul_n express_v by_o the_o appearance_n or_o manifestation_n of_o god_n in_o the_o flesh_n 16._o and_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 that_o be_v he_o appear_v in_o human_a nature_n he_o become_v man_n or_o as_o st._n john_n express_v it_o in_o the_o text_n the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n but_o for_o the_o more_o clear_a and_o full_a explication_n of_o these_o word_n we_o will_v consider_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o the_o person_n that_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o and_o who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v incarnate_a or_o to_o be_v make_v flesh_n namely_o the_o word_n second_o the_o mystery_n itself_o or_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o incarnation_n so_o far_o as_o the_o scripture_n have_v reveal_v and_o declare_v it_o to_o we_o i._o i._o we_o will_v consider_v the_o person_n that_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o and_o who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v incarnate_a or_o to_o be_v make_v flesh_n and_o who_o be_v so_o frequent_o in_o this_o chapter_n call_v by_o the_o name_n or_o title_n of_o the_o word_n namely_o the_o eternal_a and_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n for_o so_o we_o find_v he_o describe_v in_o the_o text_n the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n and_o dwell_v among_o we_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 etc._n etc._n that_o be_v such_o as_o become_v so_o great_a and_o glorious_a a_o person_n as_o deserve_v the_o title_n of_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n for_o the_o explain_n of_o this_o name_n or_o title_n of_o the_o word_n give_v by_o st._n john_n to_o our_o b._n saviour_n we_o will_v consider_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o name_n or_o title_n of_o the_o word_n and_o what_o probable_o may_v be_v the_o occasion_n why_o this_o evangelist_n insist_o so_o much_o upon_o it_o and_o make_v so_o frequent_a mention_n of_o it_o second_o the_o description_n itself_o which_o be_v give_v of_o he_o under_o this_o name_n or_o title_n of_o the_o word_n by_o this_o evangelist_n in_o his_o entrance_n into_o his_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n i._o we_o will_v inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o name_n or_o title_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v here_o give_v to_o our_o b._n saviour_n by_o this_o evangelist_n and_o what_o may_v probable_o be_v the_o occasion_n why_o he_o insist_o so_o much_o upon_o it_o and_o make_v so_o frequent_a mention_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v consider_v these_o two_o thing_n distinct_o and_o several_o first_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o name_n or_o title_n of_o the_o word_n here_o give_v by_o the_o evangelist_n to_o our_o b._n saviour_n and_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v do_v it_o in_o compliance_n with_o the_o common_a way_n of_o speak_v among_o the_o jew_n who_o frequent_o call_v the_o messiah_n by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o which_o i_o may_v give_v many_o instance_n but_o there_o be_v one_o very_o remarkable_a in_o the_o targum_fw-la of_o jonathan_n which_o render_v those_o word_n of_o the_o psalmist_n which_o the_o jew_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o messiah_n viz._n the_o lord_n say_v unto_o my_o lord_n sit_v thou_o on_o my_o right_a hand_n etc._n etc._n i_o say_v it_o render_v they_o thus_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o his_o word_n sit_v thou_o on_o my_o right_a hand_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o likewise_o philo_n the_o jew_n call_v he_o by_o who_o god_n make_v the_o world_n the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o plato_n probable_o
more_o for_o our_o comfort_n and_o advantage_n than_o any_o other_o way_n which_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n will_v have_v be_v apt_a to_o devise_v and_o pitch_n upon_o and_o in_o all_o this_o i_o shall_v all_o along_o take_v either_o the_o plain_a declaration_n of_o scripture_n or_o the_o pregnant_a intimation_n of_o it_o for_o my_o ground_n and_o guide_v i._o i_o shall_v consider_v more_o distinct_o what_o may_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v imply_v in_o this_o expression_n of_o the_o word_n be_v be_v make_v flesh_n namely_o these_o five_o thing_n first_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v not_o only_o appear_v in_o the_o form_n of_o human_a flesh_n but_o do_v real_o assume_v it_o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n as_o the_o evangelist_n express_o declare_v for_o if_o this_o have_v be_v only_o a_o phantasm_n and_o apparition_n as_o some_o heretic_n of_o old_a do_v fancy_n it_o will_v in_o all_o probability_n have_v be_v like_o the_o appearance_n of_o angel_n mention_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n sudden_a and_o of_o short_a continuance_n and_o will_v after_o a_o little_a while_n have_v vanish_v and_o disappear_v but_o he_o dwell_v among_o we_o and_o converse_v familiar_o with_o we_o a_o long_a time_n and_o for_o many_o year_n together_o and_o the_o scripture_n use_v all_o the_o expression_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o signify_v a_o real_a man_n and_o a_o real_a human_a body_n and_o there_o be_v all_o the_o sign_n and_o evidence_n of_o reality_n that_o can_v be_v for_o the_o word_n be_v say_v to_o be_v make_v flesh_n and_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n and_o to_o be_v make_v of_o a_o woman_n and_o all_o this_o to_o show_v that_o he_o be_v a_o real_a man_n and_o have_v a_o real_a and_o substantial_a body_n for_o he_o be_v bear_v and_o by_o degree_n grow_v up_o to_o be_v a_o man_n and_o do_v perform_v all_o such_o action_n as_o be_v natural_a and_o proper_a to_o man_n he_o continue_v a_o great_a while_n in_o the_o world_n and_o at_o last_o suffer_v and_o die_v and_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o grave_n he_o do_v not_o vanish_v and_o disappear_v like_o a_o phantasm_n or_o spirit_n but_o he_o die_v like_o other_o man_n and_o his_o body_n be_v raise_v again_o out_o of_o the_o grave_n and_o after_o he_o be_v rise_v he_o converse_v forty_o day_n upon_o earth_n and_o permit_v his_o body_n to_o be_v handle_v and_o last_o of_o all_o be_v visible_o take_v up_o into_o heaven_n so_o that_o either_o we_o must_v grant_v he_o to_o have_v have_v a_o real_a body_n or_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o doubt_v whether_o all_o mankind_n be_v not_o mere_a phantasm_n and_o apparition_n for_o great_a evidence_n no_o man_n can_v give_v that_o he_o be_v real_o clothe_v with_o and_o carry_v about_o he_o a_o true_a and_o substantial_a body_n than_o the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n it_o be_v to_o i_o very_o wonderful_a upon_o what_o ground_n or_o indeed_o to_o what_o end_n the_o heretic_n of_o old_a martion_n and_o other_o do_v deny_v the_o reality_n of_o christ_n flesh_n sure_o they_o have_v a_o great_a mind_n to_o be_v heretic_n who_o take_v up_o so_o senseless_a a_o opinion_n for_o no_o reason_n and_o to_o no_o purpose_n second_o another_o thing_n employ_v in_o the_o word_n be_v be_v make_v flesh_n be_v that_o this_o be_v do_v peculiar_o for_o the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o man_n the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n that_o be_v become_v man_n for_o so_o i_o have_v show_v the_o word_n flesh_n to_o be_v often_o use_v in_o scripture_n and_o this_o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n take_v very_o special_a notice_n of_o as_o a_o great_a grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n that_o his_o son_n appear_v in_o our_o nature_n and_o consequent_o for_o our_o salvation_n as_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o nicene_n creed_n who_o for_o we_o man_n and_o for_o our_o salvation_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o be_v incarnate_a etc._n etc._n for_o very_o say_v the_o apostle_n 16._o he_o take_v not_o on_o he_o the_o nature_n of_o angel_n but_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o do_v not_o assume_v the_o angelical_a nature_n so_o our_o translator_n understand_v the_o phrase_n but_o the_o word_n also_o signify_v to_o take_v hold_n of_o a_o thing_n which_o be_v fall_v as_o well_o as_o to_o assume_v or_o take_v on_o he_o he_o do_v not_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o angel_n when_o they_o be_v fall_v but_o suffer_v they_o to_o lapse_v irrecoverable_o into_o misery_n and_o ruin_n but_o he_o take_v hold_v of_o human_a nature_n when_o it_o be_v fall_v and_o particular_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n and_o by_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n that_o be_v by_o himself_o in_o who_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v he_o bring_v salvation_n first_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o then_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n the_o apostle_n choose_v to_o derive_v this_o blessing_n from_o abraham_n that_o so_o he_o may_v bring_v it_o near_o to_o the_o jew_n to_o who_o he_o write_v this_o epistle_n and_o may_v thereby_o more_o effectual_o recommend_v the_o gospel_n to_o they_o and_o the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o that_o great_a salvation_n in_o which_o they_o have_v so_o peculiar_a a_o interest_n and_o it_o be_v some_o confirmation_n of_o the_o interpretation_n i_o have_v give_v of_o that_o expression_n he_o take_v not_o on_o he_o etc._n etc._n that_o the_o evangelist_n use_v the_o very_a same_o word_n for_o take_v hold_n of_o one_o that_o be_v ready_a to_o sink_v for_o so_o it_o be_v say_v of_o st._n peter_n when_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o sink_v that_o christ_n put_v forth_o his_o hand_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o catch_v hold_n of_o he_o 31._o and_o save_v he_o from_o drown_v and_o thus_o the_o son_n of_o god_n catch_v hold_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v ready_a to_o sink_v into_o eternal_a perdition_n he_o lay_v hold_v of_o our_o nature_n or_o as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o same_o chapter_n he_o take_v part_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n that_o in_o our_o nature_n he_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o effect_v our_o redemption_n and_o deliverance_n but_o it_o be_v no_o where_o say_v in_o scripture_n not_o the_o least_o intimation_n give_v there_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n ever_o show_v such_o grace_n and_o favour_n to_o the_o angel_n but_o the_o word_n become_v flesh_n that_o be_v become_v man_n he_o do_v not_o assume_v the_o angelical_a nature_n but_o be_v content_v to_o be_v clothe_v with_o the_o rag_n of_o humanity_n and_o to_o be_v make_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o sinful_a flesh_n that_o be_v of_o sinful_a man._n three_o this_o expression_n of_o the_o word_n be_v be_v make_v flesh_n may_v further_o imply_v his_o assume_v the_o infirmity_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o misery_n of_o human_a nature_n this_o i_o collect_v from_o the_o word_n flesh_n by_o which_o the_o scripture_n often_o use_v to_o express_v our_o frail_a and_o mortal_a nature_n the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v not_o only_o condescend_v to_o be_v make_v man_n but_o also_o to_o become_v mortal_a and_o miseraable_a for_o our_o sake_n he_o submit_v to_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v account_v most_o grievous_a and_o calamitous_a to_o human_a nature_n to_o hunger_n and_o want_n to_o shame_n and_o contempt_n to_o bitter_a pain_n and_o agony_n and_o to_o a_o most_o cruel_a and_o disgraceful_a death_n so_o that_o in_o this_o sense_n also_o he_o become_v flesh_n not_o only_o by_o be_v clothe_v with_o human_a nature_n but_o by_o become_v liable_a to_o all_o the_o frailty_n and_o suffering_n of_o it_o of_o which_o he_o have_v a_o great_a share_n than_o any_o of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n ever_o have_v for_o never_o be_v sorrow_n like_a to_o his_o sorrow_n nor_o suffer_v like_a to_o his_o suffering_n the_o weight_n and_o bitterness_n whereof_o be_v such_o as_o to_o wring_v from_o he_o the_o meek_a and_o most_o patient_a endurer_n of_o suffering_n that_o ever_o be_v that_o doleful_a complaint_n my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o four_o in_o this_o expression_n the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n be_v likewise_o employ_v the_o union_n of_o the_o divinity_n with_o human_a nature_n in_o one_o person_n and_o this_o the_o text_n express_v in_o such_o word_n as_o seem_v to_o signify_v a_o most_o perfect_a and_o intimate_v and_o vital_a union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o human_a nature_n of_o christ_n in_o one_o person_n the_o word_n be_v make_v or_o become_v flesh_n which_o what_o else_o can_v it_o signify_v but_o one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n either_o that_o the_o eternal_a
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 conclusion_n which_o have_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o description_n here_o give_v by_o st._n john_n of_o the_o word_n and_o their_o interpretation_n of_o this_o passage_n of_o st._n john_n apply_v it_o to_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o the_o new_a creation_n or_o reformation_n of_o the_o world_n by_o jesus_n christ_n do_v likewise_o contradict_v the_o interpretation_n of_o this_o passage_n constant_o receive_v not_o only_o by_o the_o ancient_a father_n but_o even_o by_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o all_o christian_n for_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n together_o as_o i_o shall_v hereafter_o plain_o show_v for_o to_o establish_v this_o their_o opinion_n that_o our_o b._n saviour_n be_v a_o mere_a man_n and_o have_v no_o existence_n before_o his_o birth_n they_o be_v force_v to_o interpret_v
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 object_v that_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o i_o have_v explain_v it_o neccessary_o suppose_v a_o union_n of_o the_o divinity_n with_o human_a nature_n be_v if_o not_o altogether_o impossible_a yet_o a_o very_a unintelligible_a thing_n now_o that_o there_o be_v no_o impossibility_n in_o the_o thing_n seem_v to_o be_v very_o evident_a from_o the_o instance_n whereby_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o illustrate_v it_o of_o the_o union_n between_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o body_n of_o man_n which_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o thing_n possible_a because_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o it_o be_v and_o yet_o no_o man_n can_v explain_v either_o to_o himself_o or_o to_o any_o one_o else_o the_o manner_n how_o it_o be_v or_o can_v be_v conceive_v to_o be_v but_o for_o all_o that_o we_o be_v certain_a as_o we_o can_v be_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o it_o be_v so_o and_o be_v it_o not_o every_o whit_n as_o possible_a for_o god_n if_o he_o so_o please_v to_o unite_v himself_o to_o human_a nature_n as_o it_o be_v for_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o body_n and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conceive_v the_o manner_n how_o this_o be_v or_o can_v be_v do_v ought_v not_o in_o reason_n to_o be_v any_o prejudice_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o thing_n this_o indeed_o may_v make_v it_o seem_v strange_a to_o we_o but_o by_o no_o mean_n incredible_a because_o we_o do_v most_o firm_o believe_v a_o great_a many_o thing_n to_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o who_o be_v we_o do_v not_o at_o all_o comprehend_v and_o therefore_o i_o take_v it_o for_o a_o undoubted_a principle_n which_o no_o man_n can_v gainsay_v that_o to_o assure_v we_o that_o a_o thing_n real_o be_v it_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v the_o manner_n how_o it_o be_v or_o can_v be_v it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o to_o know_v that_o the_o thing_n be_v not_o impossible_a and_o of_o that_o we_o have_v the_o very_o best_a demonstration_n that_o 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
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 though_o some_o learned_a and_o judicious_a man_n may_v have_v very_o commendable_o attempt_v a_o more_o particular_a explication_n of_o this_o great_a mystery_n by_o the_o strength_n of_o reason_n yet_o i_o dare_v not_o pretend_v to_o that_o know_v both_o the_o difficulty_n and_o danger_n of_o such_o a_o attempt_n and_o my_o own_o insufficiency_n for_o it_o all_o that_o i_o ever_o design_v upon_o this_o argument_n be_v to_o make_v out_o the_o credibility_n of_o the_o thing_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o h._n scripture_n without_o descend_v to_o a_o more_o particular_a explication_n of_o it_o than_o the_o scripture_n have_v give_v we_o lest_o by_o endeavour_v to_o lay_v the_o difficulty_n which_o be_v already_o start_v about_o it_o new_a one_o shall_v be_v raise_v and_o such_o as_o may_v perhaps_o be_v much_o hard_a to_o be_v remove_v than_o those_o which_o we_o have_v