reason_n hence_o it_o appear_v that_o what_o be_v say_v by_o right_a reason_n be_v say_v by_o god_n for_o that_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n i_o have_v say_v you_o be_v go_n second_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n say_v it_o whereof_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o inditer_n the_o law_n strict_o charge_v man_n not_o to_o revile_v the_o god_n nor_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o people_n exod._n xxii_o 28._o beside_o that_o the_o judge_n or_o ruler_n of_o the_o sanedrim_n be_v call_v god_n by_o the_o psalmist_n in_o the_o person_n of_o god_n the_o divine_a approbation_n be_v far_o evidence_v from_o the_o first_o verse_n of_o this_o psalm_n where_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o god_n stand_v in_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o god_n the_o great_a god_n preside_v over_o they_o and_o authorise_v their_o office_n and_o employment_n so_o far_o as_o they_o discharge_v it_o lawful_o this_o divine_a authority_n of_o our_o superior_n be_v for_o ever_o establish_v by_o that_o royal_a patent_n prov._n viij_o 15_o 16._o by_o i_o i.e._n by_o the_o eternal_a and_o essential_a wisdom_n king_n reign_v and_o prince_n decree_v justice_n by_o i_o prince_n rule_v and_o noble_n even_o all_o the_o judge_n of_o earth_n this_o unexceptionable_o make_v they_o to_o be_v the_o ordinance_n and_o institution_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o new_a testament_n abet_n and_o confirm_v the_o old_a for_o in_o john_n x._o 34._o our_o saviour_n refer_v to_o the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o psalmist_n say_v be_v it_o not_o write_v in_o your_o law_n i_o have_v say_v you_o be_v god_n the_o know_a practice_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o exemplary_a subjection_n to_o the_o power_n then_o in_o be_v may_v be_v conclude_v to_o be_v authentic_a in_o this_o case_n and_o to_o prove_v the_o divine_a commission_n both_o of_o superior_a and_o subordinate_a magistrate_n but_o to_o wave_v that_o at_o present_a if_o you_o peruse_v the_o epistle_n of_o those_o great_a apostle_n st._n paul_n and_o st._n peter_n you_o will_v find_v the_o regal_a and_o magistratical_a office_n full_o assert_v and_o set_v up_o to_o its_o utmost_a height_n let_v every_o soul_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n for_o there_o be_v no_o power_n but_o of_o god_n the_o power_n that_o be_v be_v ordain_v of_o god_n rom._n xiii_o 1._o submit_v yourselves_o to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n whether_o it_o be_v to_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a or_o unto_o governor_n as_o unto_o those_o that_o be_v send_v by_o he_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o evil_a doer_n and_o for_o the_o praise_n of_o they_o that_o do_v well_o 1_o pet._n two_o 13._o thus_o whether_o they_o be_v dii_fw-la majorum_fw-la or_o minorum_fw-la gentium_fw-la the_o god_n of_o a_o high_a or_o a_o inferior_a rank_n whether_o they_o be_v those_o that_o have_v the_o supreme_a authority_n or_o whether_o they_o be_v depute_a officer_n and_o ruler_n they_o be_v all_o to_o be_v reverence_v honour_a and_o obey_v and_o there_o be_v the_o command_n of_o god_n for_o it_o but_o a_o severe_a enquirer_n into_o these_o forementioned_a text_n will_v arrest_v i_o it_o may_v be_v with_o with_o this_o objection_n the_o apostle_n seem_v to_o clash_n and_o to_o contradict_v one_o another_o for_o the_o former_a assert_n that_o the_o power_n which_o be_v be_v ordain_v of_o god_n but_o the_o latter_a tell_v we_o plain_o that_o they_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o man._n these_o be_v two_o different_a thing_n yea_o repugnant_a to_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o man._n i_o have_v no_o time_n now_o to_o offer_v to_o you_o the_o several_a gloss_n of_o the_o learned_a on_o that_o passage_n of_o st._n peter_n nor_o be_o i_o at_o leisure_n to_o acquaint_v you_o with_o the_o sundry_a criticism_n upon_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o to_o tell_v you_o how_o various_o it_o be_v render_v but_o adhere_v at_o present_a to_o our_o own_o translation_n i_o will_v in_o few_o word_n dispatch_v the_o difficulty_n and_o show_v you_o that_o magistracy_n may_v be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o man_n as_o well_o as_o of_o god_n and_o these_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o one_o another_o it_o be_v not_o unfit_o style_v a_o humane_a ordinance_n 1._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o object_n and_o matter_n about_o which_o it_o be_v conversant_a viz._n humane_a society_n the_o affair_n of_o mankind_n the_o high_a power_n be_v set_v over_o man_n and_o transact_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v civil_a and_o humane_a 2._o in_o regard_n of_o the_o subject_a in_o which_o it_o be_v seat_v it_o may_v have_v this_o denomination_n these_o god_n be_v real_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o make_v with_o ourselves_o 3._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o end_n it_o be_v just_o call_v a_o humane_a ordinance_n for_o it_o be_v appoint_v for_o the_o good_a and_o preservation_n of_o mankind_n for_o the_o well_o order_v and_o govern_v the_o society_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n now_o all_o this_o be_v consistent_a with_o what_o st._n paul_n say_v viz._n that_o magistracy_n be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n for_o though_o the_o particular_a form_n and_o manner_n of_o government_n be_v not_o fix_v by_o god_n or_o nature_n by_o a_o divine_a or_o natural_a law_n but_o by_o a_o positive_a one_o otherwise_o there_o will_v be_v but_o one_o lawful_a form_n of_o government_n yet_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o government_n in_o the_o general_n be_v the_o direct_a and_o express_a appointment_n of_o god_n himself_o thus_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o power_n be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o man_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o they_o be_v ordain_v of_o god_n they_o be_v constitute_v and_o authorize_v by_o he_o and_o they_o be_v ratify_v by_o his_o write_a and_o reveal_v will._n thence_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o divinity_n be_v encircle_v in_o the_o compass_n of_o a_o crown_n and_o that_o ruler_n be_v invest_v with_o their_o authority_n from_o the_o supreme_a sovereign_n of_o the_o world_n among_o pythagoras_n scholar_n if_o their_o master_n say_v it_o it_o be_v enough_o it_o be_v authentic_a and_o unquestionable_a much_o more_o sure_o with_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n jesus_n must_v that_o be_v hold_v indisputable_a which_o god_n have_v say_v in_o his_o holy_a word_n i_o have_v say_v you_o be_v go_n we_o have_v not_o only_o the_o suffrage_n of_o reason_n of_o which_o i_o speak_v before_o but_o the_o infallible_a dictate_v of_o the_o heavenly_a oracle_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o the_o will_n of_o the_o supreme_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n concur_v here_o and_o what_o proof_n more_o convince_v can_v be_v desire_v and_o expect_v than_o divine_a testimony_n superad_v to_o natural_a light_n but_o three_o as_o these_o so_o likewise_o the_o strange_a event_n and_o occurrence_n in_o the_o world_n whereof_o god_n be_v the_o cause_n and_o procurer_n proclaim_v aloud_o this_o truth_n that_o magistrate_n and_o governor_n be_v god_n ordinance_n there_o have_v not_o be_v want_v wonderful_a sign_n to_o confirm_v this_o government_n and_o order_n have_v have_v a_o blessing_n entail_v upon_o they_o by_o providence_n when_o magistrate_n have_v faithful_o discharge_v their_o duty_n some_o signal_n and_o open_a manifestation_n of_o god_n favour_n have_v acquint_v we_o that_o he_o be_v please_v with_o they_o when_o phineas_n who_o we_o must_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o public_a minister_n of_o justice_n stand_v up_o and_o execute_v judgement_n upon_o that_o pair_n of_o infamous_a sinner_n who_o contagion_n else_o may_v have_v spread_v itself_o through_o the_o whole_a land_n the_o plague_n present_o cease_v and_o the_o divine_a vengeance_n be_v appease_v but_o when_o bold_a and_o harden_v sinner_n have_v open_o affront_v magistracy_n and_o mutinied_a against_o their_o governor_n they_o have_v but_o ill_o succeed_v in_o such_o expedition_n thus_o when_o those_o three_o notorious_a conspirator_n open_v their_o mouth_n against_o moses_n and_o aaron_n the_o earth_n in_o a_o resemble_v sort_n open_v its_o mouth_n and_o swallow_v they_o up_o and_o all_o that_o appertain_v to_o they_o num._n xuj_o 30_o 32._o these_o rebel_n find_v their_o punishment_n in_o their_o sin_n and_o their_o destruction_n in_o their_o disobedience_n oppose_v of_o government_n as_o it_o be_v a_o curse_n in_o itself_o so_o judicial_o it_o be_v follow_v with_o one_o from_o heaven_n not_o only_o reason_n and_o nature_n detest_v it_o but_o the_o divine_a nemesis_n it_o be_v the_o inscription_n on_o the_o scottish_a coin_n as_o the_o emblem_n i_o suppose_v of_o their_o thistle_n nemo_n i_o impune_fw-la lacesset_fw-la none_o shall_v provoke_v i_o and_o be_v unpunished_a it_o may_v just_o indeed_o be_v the_o magistrate_n motto_n for_o none_o ever_o affront_v they_o but_o receive_v the_o reward_n of_o their_o folly_n for_o the_o king_n of_o
hear_v person_n of_o different_a judgement_n cite_v the_o same_o passage_n of_o holy_a writ_n shall_v not_o give_v offence_n to_o any_o because_o that_o trumpet_n give_v a_o uncertain_a sound_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o the_o party_n shall_v prepare_v themselves_o for_o battle_n and_o dispute_v with_o so_o much_o fierceness_n and_o rage_n as_o general_o they_o do_v i_o can_v sufficient_o admire_v and_o commend_v the_o excellent_a candour_n and_o moderation_n of_o the_o first_o pious_a reformer_n of_o our_o church_n who_o in_o such_o article_n as_o be_v dubious_a and_o disputable_a have_v not_o show_v themselves_o stiff_a and_o peremptory_a rigid_a and_o magisterial_a have_v not_o wound_v up_o the_o string_n too_o high_a lest_o they_o shall_v mar_v the_o harmony_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n but_o where_o the_o argument_n be_v deem_v to_o be_v equal_a on_o both_o side_n they_o have_v allow_v we_o a_o ingenuous_a freedom_n and_o permit_v we_o to_o make_v use_n of_o our_o own_o judgement_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n severe_o and_o indispensable_o urge_v upon_o we_o all_o article_n that_o be_v of_o the_o foundation_n and_o which_o be_v certain_o know_v to_o be_v true_a and_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o five_o and_o last_o rank_n of_o principle_n in_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o they_o be_v fundamental_a and_o necessary_a and_o of_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o christianity_n of_o which_o sort_n be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n corruption_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o reparation_n make_v by_o christ_n the_o redeemer_n of_o forgiveness_n and_o justification_n by_o his_o blood_n etc._n etc._n with_o all_o those_o substantial_a article_n of_o faith_n comprise_v in_o the_o creed_n which_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o apostle_n these_o be_v the_o christian_a verity_n and_o these_o be_v clear_a and_o manifest_a in_o god_n word_n and_o have_v plain_a evidence_n of_o scripture_n and_o be_v agree_v upon_o by_o all_o sober_a and_o considerate_a person_n who_o have_v not_o renounce_v the_o christian_a profession_n here_o it_o be_v that_o we_o have_v the_o great_a use_n and_o guidance_n of_o scripture_n and_o for_o that_o plain_a direction_n which_o it_o give_v we_o in_o these_o we_o be_v to_o prize_n and_o value_v it_o as_o the_o rich_a treasure_n nay_o as_o the_o only_a treasure_n in_o the_o world_n for_o from_o this_o inspire_a book_n alone_o we_o have_v these_o heavenly_a and_o divine_a doctrine_n they_o be_v original_o in_o no_o other_o write_n in_o the_o world_n but_o these_o wherefore_o let_v we_o look_v upon_o these_o grand_a truth_n as_o the_o main_a and_o necessary_a content_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o as_o the_o matter_n which_o we_o be_v indispensable_o concern_v in_o as_o for_o those_o text_n which_o be_v obscure_a and_o difficult_a or_o which_o relate_v not_o to_o faith_n or_o manner_n and_o consequent_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v let_v we_o not_o be_v displease_v that_o we_o can_v reach_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o let_v it_o not_o seem_v strange_a that_o interpreter_n vary_v here_o and_o can_v agree_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o these_o place_n st._n jerom_n upon_o the_o place_n say_v thus_o st._n augustin_n otherwise_o and_o st._n chrisostom_n vary_v from_o both_o and_o it_o may_v be_v a_o four_o differ_v from_o these_o and_o a_o five_o come_v and_o diffent_n from_o they_o all_o this_o do_v not_o offend_v i_o in_o the_o least_o for_o where_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o thing_n that_o be_v abstruse_a or_o speak_v in_o a_o obscure_a and_o dark_a manner_n it_o be_v not_o strange_a that_o we_o have_v not_o a_o clear_a and_o plain_a discovery_n of_o those_o passage_n and_o consequent_o that_o those_o writer_n who_o have_v treat_v of_o they_o differ_v in_o their_o exposition_n let_v not_o this_o trouble_v we_o for_o it_o be_v god_n will_n there_o shall_v be_v these_o difficulty_n in_o scripture_n and_o he_o have_v not_o make_v it_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o have_v the_o certain_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o these_o place_n but_o this_o shall_v satisfy_v we_o that_o whatever_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v plain_o reveal_v declare_v and_o write_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o alone_a be_v absolute_o necessary_a this_o then_o be_v that_o which_o i_o say_v that_o if_o christian_a man_n will_v read_v the_o bible_n to_o learn_v thence_o these_o undoubted_a principle_n and_o their_o indispensable_a duty_n and_o not_o to_o furnish_v themselves_o with_o matter_n of_o dispute_n they_o will_v be_v the_o happy_a people_n under_o heaven_n and_o be_v no_o long_o scandalous_a to_o the_o great_a which_o be_v the_o unbelieve_a part_v of_o the_o world_n by_o their_o dissension_n and_o disagreement_n o_o when_o will_v that_o bless_a day_n come_v when_o rectify_v and_o unbiased_a reason_n and_o the_o plain_a arbitrement_n of_o scripture_n shall_v decide_v the_o controversy_n in_o christendom_n if_o these_o be_v once_o admit_v as_o impartial_a umpire_n they_o will_v make_v short_a work_n of_o all_o the_o quarrel_n about_o religion_n namely_o by_o pronounce_v many_o of_o they_o to_o be_v vain_a jangle_n and_o most_o of_o they_o unreasonable_a and_o absurd_a by_o assure_v the_o christian_a world_n that_o if_o they_o will_v lay_v aside_o prejudice_n and_o interest_n and_o vile-affection_n nothing_o will_v appear_v so_o clear_a and_o evident_a and_o undisputable_a as_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n abovenamed_a and_o that_o all_o who_o name_n the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v oblige_v to_o embrace_v and_o profess_v these_o necessary_a and_o unquestionable_a maxim_n and_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v wary_a and_o modest_a in_o their_o determination_n concern_v other_o proposition_n which_o be_v uncertain_a and_o that_o in_o matter_n which_o be_v indifferent_a and_o circumstantial_a it_o be_v reasonable_a that_o they_o shall_v either_o conform_v themselves_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n they_o live_v in_o or_o mutual_o agree_v to_o bear_v with_o one_o another_o where_o then_o be_v there_o any_o place_n leave_v for_o uncharitable_a dispute_n and_o unchristian_a animosity_n no_o where_o certain_o but_o where_o mere_a wilfulness_n and_o perverseness_n reign_v for_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n and_o standard_n of_o truth_n easie_n and_o intelligible_a have_v we_o not_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o reason_n the_o immediate_a direction_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o conviction_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o moreover_o have_v we_o not_o the_o infallible_a oracle_n and_o inspire_a write_n to_o rectify_v our_o mistake_v have_v we_o not_o heavenly_a and_o divine_a knowledge_n to_o exalt_v our_o natural_a notion_n have_v not_o the_o divine_a goodness_n bless_v we_o with_o abundant_a discovery_n both_o from_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o positive_a law_n of_o christ_n jesus_n but_o more_o especial_o from_o the_o latter_a that_o complete_a body_n of_o divine_a law_n that_o authentic_a volume_n of_o religion_n that_o inestimable_a treasury_n of_o true_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n so_o that_o if_o we_o will_v sincere_o make_v use_n of_o these_o help_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o occasion_n to_o renew_v this_o demand_n what_o be_v truth_n now_o to_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o father_n of_o light_n and_o to_o his_o son_n christ_n jesus_n who_o be_v the_o way_n and_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o grace_n be_v ascribe_v everlasting_a honour_n and_o glory_n amen_n why_o ruler_n and_o judge_n be_v call_v go_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o judge_n at_o the_o assize_n hold_v at_o cambridge_n psalm_n lxxxii_o 6_o 7._o i_o have_v say_v you_o be_v god_n and_o all_o of_o you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o most_o high_a but_o you_o shall_v die_v like_o man_n and_o fall_v like_o one_o of_o the_o prince_n this_o psalm_n may_v not_o unfit_o be_v style_v the_o judge_n or_o magistrate_n psalm_n for_o of_o they_o it_o speak_v and_o for_o they_o it_o be_v pen_v that_o they_o may_v understand_v their_o duty_n and_o not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o their_o dignity_n that_o they_o may_v know_v how_o to_o discharge_v their_o office_n which_o be_v brief_o sum_v up_o in_o the_o three_o and_o four_o verse_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v assure_v likewise_o that_o heaven_n itself_o have_v vouch_v their_o function_n and_o authorize_v their_o profession_n that_o they_o may_v be_v ascertain_v that_o those_o of_o their_o eminent_a rank_n and_o quality_n be_v under_o the_o peculiar_a influence_n of_o providence_n that_o they_o be_v god_n charge_n and_o that_o they_o be_v themselves_o go_n i_o have_v say_v you_o be_v go_n in_o which_o word_n and_o the_o follow_a one_o which_o i_o have_v read_v to_o you_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o these_o two_o general_a part_n viz._n a_o concession_n and_o a_o correction_n one_a a_o honourable_a concession_n of_o
this_o be_v the_o christian_a truth_n our_o singular_a glory_n whereby_o we_o be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o those_o who_o profess_v any_o other_o religion_n whatsoever_o whether_o of_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n or_o the_o idolatrous_a gentile_n or_o the_o delude_v saracen_n and_o turk_n or_o downright_a atheist_n and_o other_o of_o a_o like_a perverse_a persuasion_n these_o all_o err_v especial_o the_o three_o first_o rank_n of_o man_n by_o not_o know_v or_o not_o embrace_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v deserve_o style_v 15._o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o be_v the_o only_a supreme_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n we_o then_o who_o embrace_v this_o christian_a rule_n be_v bless_v with_o that_o institution_n which_o be_v pure_a and_o undefiled_a which_o be_v ground_v on_o undoubted_a revelation_n which_o be_v back_v by_o a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n which_o have_v a_o divine_a impress_n stamp_v upon_o it_o so_o that_o our_o religion_n as_o far_o surmount_v all_o other_o as_o the_o gold_n which_o have_v pass_v the_o refiner_n fire_n and_o have_v the_o royal_a stamp_n upon_o it_o outbid_v the_o common_a ore_n and_o shame_v its_o dross_n and_o mean_a alloy_n you_o see_v then_o which_o be_v the_o unalterable_a standard_n of_o truth_n viz._n reason_n and_o revelation_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o of_o scripture_n and_o i_o dare_v confident_o aver_v that_o if_o our_o inquiry_n and_o determination_n in_o religion_n be_v faithful_o manage_v by_o these_o two_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o fail_v of_o truth_n if_o we_o will_v but_o act_v thus_o as_o man_n and_o christian_n and_o that_o be_v as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v we_o can_v miss_v of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v certain_o the_o purchase_n of_o all_o those_o who_o make_v a_o right_a use_n of_o their_o rational_a power_n and_o also_o help_v and_o direct_v those_o power_n by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o sacred_a spirit_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o these_o two_o we_o may_v examine_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a religion_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o will_v abide_v the_o test._n by_o these_o standard_n of_o truth_n we_o may_v examine_v the_o doctrine_n of_o all_o seducer_n that_o be_v abroad_o in_o the_o world_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v they_o to_o be_v false_a and_o adulterate_a if_o we_o will_v sincere_o follow_v these_o rule_n the_o great_a diversity_n of_o opinion_n and_o sentiment_n among_o we_o will_v soon_o be_v reconcile_v if_o we_o will_v faithful_o take_v these_o measure_n i.e._n always_o be_v rule_v and_o conduct_v by_o reason_n and_o scripture_n we_o shall_v easy_o agree_v upon_o what_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o assert_v in_o religion_n and_o all_o our_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n will_v vanish_v now_o from_o what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o discourse_v we_o may_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n be_v able_a not_o only_o to_o return_v a_o answer_n to_o pilate_n question_n what_o be_v truth_n but_o to_o another_o near_o a_o kin_n to_o it_o viz._n what_o be_v error_n and_o falsehood_n all_o proposition_n which_o contradict_v the_o common_a notice_n and_o first_o principle_n in_o our_o mind_n and_o which_o affront_n right_a reason_n and_o the_o plain_a deduction_n make_v from_o it_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o false_a and_o on_o the_o same_o account_n those_o assertion_n which_o overthrow_v the_o verdict_n of_o our_o sense_n and_o much_o more_o those_o that_o imply_v contradiction_n in_o they_o and_o consequent_o impossibility_n can_v be_v true_a and_o on_o these_o ground_n i_o may_v show_v that_o the_o divinity_n of_o some_o high-flown_a enthusiast_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o roman_a catholic_n concern_v transubstantiation_n be_v just_o to_o be_v impeach_v of_o falsehood_n again_o whatsoever_o assertion_n in_o any_o religion_n be_v repugnant_a to_o divine_a revelation_n to_o god_n will_n declare_v by_o some_o positive_a law_n to_o such_o discovery_n as_o be_v know_v to_o be_v immediate_o from_o heaven_n these_o must_v necessary_o be_v false_a and_o on_o this_o ground_n the_o religion_n of_o the_o pagan_n jew_n and_o mahometan_n must_v be_v vote_v to_o be_v such_o because_o they_o oppose_v a_o infallible_a revelation_n and_o that_o confirm_v by_o unparallelled_a miracle_n and_o semblable_o in_o christianity_n all_o those_o tenant_n of_o several_a sect_n which_o bid_v defiance_n to_o any_o part_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n which_o be_v leave_v we_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o roman_a opinion_n the_o doctrine_n of_o pelagian_n socinian_o anabaptist_n antinomian_o libertine_n quaker_n hobbians_n etc._n etc._n be_v false_a and_o erroneous_a thus_o far_o then_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o premise_n we_o have_v advance_v that_o when_o there_o be_v several_a claim_n and_o pretence_n to_o truth_n and_o it_o be_v inquire_v what_o judge_n shall_v decide_v the_o controversy_n the_o answer_n must_v be_v that_o right_a reason_n and_o inspire_a scripture_n be_v the_o only_a judge_n they_o be_v the_o fix_a standard_n and_o measure_n of_o truth_n but_o then_o here_o will_v lie_v the_o main_a difficulty_n of_o all_o that_o in_o the_o question_n and_o debate_n of_o religion_n scripture_n be_v quote_v with_o equal_a vigour_n and_o confidence_n on_o all_o side_n as_o if_o what_o the_o jewish_a rabbi_n say_v of_o scripture_n that_o it_o have_v seventy-two_a face_n be_v the_o receive_a opinion_n of_o christian_n nay_o some_o of_o these_o seem_v to_o acknowledge_v by_o their_o strange_a way_n of_o interpret_n it_o that_o it_o have_v not_o only_o different_a but_o contrary_a aspect_n when_o therefore_o there_o be_v dispute_n about_o scripture-interpretation_n what_o must_v we_o do_v how_o can_v we_o discern_v what_o be_v truth_n by_o consult_v of_o scripture_n when_o as_o that_o be_v dubious_a and_o uncertain_a if_o contrary_a sect_n and_o party_n quote_v it_o and_o plead_v it_o how_o can_v it_o be_v a_o fix_a standard_n of_o truth_n how_o be_v it_o a_o unerring_a guide_n it_o may_v suffice_v to_o say_v in_o general_n that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o all_o opinionist_n even_o the_o wild_a of_o they_o make_v use_n of_o scripture_n yea_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o turk_n alcoran_n be_v express_a word_n of_o the_o bible_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n i_o say_v since_o scripture_n be_v quote_v by_o satan_n himself_o who_o when_o he_o tempt_v our_o saviour_n misapply_v it_o to_o the_o vile_a purpose_n but_o particular_o to_o satisfy_v this_o great_a and_o affright_v difficulty_n we_o may_v inform_v ourselves_o that_o in_o religion_n there_o be_v five_o sort_n of_o inquiry_n and_o doctrine_n now_o i_o will_v brief_o show_v how_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o and_o when_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o apply_v it_o to_o any_o of_o these_o particular_n i._o some_o point_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v in_o themselves_o mystical_a and_o profound_a and_o the_o sacred_a write_n have_v not_o explain_v they_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o we_o shall_v ever_o do_v it_o such_o difficult_a and_o sublime_a doctrine_n as_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o sacred_a trinity_n i.e._n a_o trinity_n of_o divine_a person_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n the_o union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n in_o one_o person_n the_o manner_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o the_o like_a be_v not_o to_o be_v thorough_o know_v by_o we_o as_o long_o as_o we_o sojourn_v on_o earth_n these_o be_v like_o the_o book_n in_o the_o revelation_n 6._o which_o none_o be_v able_a to_o open_v in_o heaven_n or_o in_o earth_n but_o the_o lamb._n and_o see_v he_o be_v not_o please_v to_o unfold_v they_o to_o we_o we_o must_v admire_v and_o adore_v they_o but_o not_o be_v solicitous_a to_o comprehend_v they_o we_o be_v to_o remember_v this_o that_o some_o thing_n must_v be_v believe_v on_o the_o mere_a authority_n of_o the_o speaker_n and_o it_o argue_v infidelity_n to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o or_o so_o much_o as_o to_o be_v inquisitive_a about_o they_o the_o thing_n be_v speak_v by_o god_n therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v credit_n to_o they_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o they_o be_v not_o discover_v therefore_o i_o be_o oblige_v not_o to_o pry_v into_o they_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n as_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o origen_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o believe_v some_o article_n of_o faith_n on_o the_o bare_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v object_v to_o the_o christian_n by_o the_o heathen_n their_o complaint_n against_o they_o be_v that_o they_o will_v neither_o give_v nor_o receive_v a_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n but_o be_v wont_a to_o cry_v out_o â—_o examine_v not_o but_o believe_v here_o likewise_o i_o may_v rank_v some_o insuperable_a problem_n concern_v the_o divine_a decree_n and_o predestination_n the_o abstruseness_n of_o which_o forbid_v
and_o scarcity_n difficulty_n and_o peril_n and_o make_v they_o abandon_v their_o sloth_n and_o drowsiness_n and_o betake_v themselves_o to_o such_o wise_a and_o manly_a method_n as_o may_v best_o secure_v their_o safety_n thus_o 6._o it_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o one_o of_o the_o scipio_n that_o carthage_n be_v not_o to_o be_v demolish_v and_o destroy_v that_o thereby_o the_o roman_n may_v be_v keep_v in_o exercise_n and_o breath_n but_o the_o main_a reason_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o war_n depend_v on_o the_o principle_n of_o self-preservation_n the_o stand_a law_n of_o nature_n bid_v we_o guard_v ourselves_o from_o injury_n it_o allow_v we_o when_o we_o be_v unjust_o invade_v and_o assault_v to_o make_v resistance_n it_o push_v we_o on_o to_o assert_v our_o civil_a and_o natural_a right_n and_o to_o defend_v our_o country_n against_o all_o violent_a aggressor_n and_o therefore_o that_o kingdom_n be_v happy_a which_o be_v furnish_v with_o valiant_a and_o brave_a man_n that_o be_v willing_a and_o able_a to_o appear_v in_o its_o defence_n when_o it_o be_v injure_v by_o unjust_a neighbour_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o calamity_n and_o curse_n of_o a_o nation_n that_o god_n will_v take_v away_o from_o they_o the_o man_n of_o war_n and_o the_o captain_n of_o fifty_o isai._n iii._o 2_o 3._o i.e._n person_n of_o such_o valour_n and_o spirit_n as_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o security_n of_o their_o country_n and_o last_o sovereignty_n law_n and_o arm_n be_v design_v for_o the_o same_o end_n and_o thence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o be_v alike_o useful_a to_o mankind_n when_o people_n first_o unite_v into_o a_o body_n and_o society_n they_o make_v certain_a law_n and_o constitution_n and_o magistrate_n be_v appoint_v by_o they_o to_o be_v the_o preserver_n of_o those_o law_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o vote_v arm_n or_o coercive_a power_n to_o be_v necessary_a both_o for_o assert_v the_o governor_n and_o the_o law_n and_o indeed_o the_o whole_a community_n from_o what_o have_v be_v thus_o brief_o suggest_v it_o may_v be_v conclude_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a even_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o make_v use_n of_o warlike_a provision_n on_o just_a and_o necessary_a occasion_n all_o that_o we_o have_v to_o do_v be_v to_o satisfy_v ourselves_o as_o to_o the_o cause_n we_o fight_v for_o for_o the_o war_n be_v just_o when_o the_o cause_n be_v so_o therefore_o numa_n that_o religious_a king_n of_o the_o old_a roman_n know_v that_o a_o unjust_a war_n be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v successful_a institute_v a_o college_n of_o priest_n on_o who_o arbitrement_n the_o decision_n of_o war_n shall_v depend_v these_o feciale_n as_o they_o be_v call_v inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o quarrel_n and_o after_o great_a deliberation_n pronounce_v the_o war_n just_o before_o the_o roman_n fight_v in_o this_o we_o be_v to_o imitate_v they_o we_o ought_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o be_v satisfy_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o what_o we_o do_v and_o that_o our_o cause_n be_v good_n and_o we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o that_o it_o be_v so_o when_o the_o war_n be_v undertake_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o our_o country_n our_o religion_n our_o life_n our_o law_n for_o the_o subdue_a or_o weaken_v of_o a_o powerful_a enemy_n who_o encroach_v upon_o other_o territory_n and_o in_o time_n may_v invade_v we_o for_o the_o defence_n and_o support_v of_o those_o neighbour_a kindom_n or_o state_n that_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o and_o implore_v our_o aid_n and_o will_v in_o all_o probability_n be_v swallow_v up_o by_o the_o potent_a adversary_n without_o our_o timely_a assistance_n this_o be_v a_o just_a and_o honest_a cause_n and_o this_o be_v we_o at_o present_a and_o consequent_o we_o may_v lawful_o engage_v in_o it_o we_o have_v a_o warrant_n from_o nature_n and_o reason_n to_o justify_v our_o arms._n it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a christian_a father_n seem_v to_o condemn_v all_o go_n to_o war._n justin_n martyr_n in_o his_o apology_n and_o in_o his_o dialogue_n with_o trypho_n utter_v word_n to_o this_o purpose_n but_o tertullian_n be_v more_o direct_a and_o positive_a in_o this_o matter_n he_o will_v not_o allow_v christian_n either_o to_o make_v war_n or_o serve_v in_o it_o as_o may_v be_v prove_v from_o several_a express_a place_n in_o his_o 11_o write_n and_o in_o one_o place_n i_o remember_v he_o have_v this_o fanciful_a passage_n 11._o our_o lord_n say_v he_o when_o he_o disarm_v peter_n do_v the_o same_o to_o every_o soldier_n he_o have_v take_v away_o their_o sword_n and_o they_o can_v fight_v but_o this_o be_v a_o mistake_n and_o fail_v of_o this_o good_a father_n when_o he_o incline_v to_o the_o vanity_n of_o montanism_n for_o before_o he_o be_v of_o another_o opinion_n as_o appear_v from_o what_o he_o say_v in_o his_o 〈◊〉_d defence_n he_o make_v for_o the_o christian_n some_o jerâ—â—â—_n other_o writer_n of_o the_o church_n seem_v to_o hold_v that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o be_v a_o soldier_n and_o to_o bear_v arm_n but_o their_o favour_v of_o such_o a_o notion_n as_o this_o proceed_v from_o their_o mistake_n of_o that_o prophecy_n in_o isai._n two_o 4._o they_o shall_v beat_v their_o sword_n into_o plowshare_n and_o their_o spear_n into_o pruning-hook_n nation_n shall_v not_o lift_v up_o sword_n against_o nation_n neither_o shall_v any_o learn_v war_n any_o more_o and_o other_o prediction_n there_o be_v which_o speak_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n whence_o they_o infer_v that_o all_o warlike_a preparation_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o our_o saviour_n come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o with_o his_o evangelical_n kingdom_n whereas_o the_o true_a mean_v of_o such_o prophetic_a passage_n be_v this_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o attend_v to_o inspire_v man_n with_o peace_n and_o amity_n and_o that_o outward_a war_n and_o hostility_n shall_v in_o time_n actual_o cease_v that_o as_o there_o be_v this_o cessation_n in_o part_n at_o the_o time_n when_o our_o saviour_n come_v into_o the_o world_n so_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o more_o remarkable_a and_o complete_a one_o before_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n when_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n shall_v enjoy_v a_o profound_a and_o entire_a repose_n and_o this_o i_o add_v further_o which_o may_v give_v we_o a_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o whole_a case_n of_o take_v up_o of_o arm_n under_o the_o gospel_n our_o saviour_n without_o doubt_n intend_v in_o his_o sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n and_o more_o especial_o in_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v the_o close_a of_o the_o five_o chapter_n of_o st._n matthew_n that_o his_o follower_n shall_v be_v more_o exact_a than_o the_o jew_n and_o according_o he_o propound_v there_o a_o high_a pitch_n of_o religion_n than_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o he_o will_v have_v christian_n be_v of_o such_o a_o temper_n that_o no_o swear_v no_o go_v to_o law_n no_o fight_v shall_v be_v use_v by_o they_o he_o will_v have_v they_o deny_v themselves_o and_o be_v much_o better_a than_o other_o and_o refuse_v oath_n and_o suit_n of_o law_n and_o war_n on_o slight_a occasion_n and_o never_o be_v engage_v in_o any_o of_o they_o but_o on_o necessary_a and_o unavoidable_a ground_n and_o more_o especial_o not_o in_o the_o last_o of_o they_o viz._n war_n till_o they_o have_v try_v all_o mild_a and_o peaceable_a way_n and_o have_v find_v they_o ineffectual_a and_o perhaps_o this_o be_v all_o that_o some_o of_o those_o forementioned_a writer_n mean_v and_o design'dâ—â—_n though_o they_o seem_v to_o speak_v otherwise_o and_o thereby_o have_v give_v occasion_n to_o some_o since_o to_o interpret_v scripture_n after_o that_o manner_n thus_o socinus_n though_o he_o seem_v to_o qualify_v and_o restrain_v this_o doctrine_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o arcissevius_fw-la yet_o in_o dudithium_n another_o place_n he_o speak_v in_o a_o general_a way_n and_o seem_v to_o condemn_v all_o go_n to_o war._n as_o he_o tell_v we_o the_o magistrate_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o inflict_v death_n on_o any_o man_n so_o according_a to_o this_o same_o casuist_n he_o can_v wage_v war_n against_o a_o enemy_n and_o 5._o other_o of_o the_o racovian_a way_n pronounce_v it_o unlawful_a to_o undertake_v any_o war_n whether_o defensive_a or_o offensive_a no_o war_n say_v 〈◊〉_d wolzogen_n be_v lawful_a and_o permit_v to_o christian_n no_o not_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o our_o religion_n herein_o as_o in_o several_a other_o thing_n some_o anabaptist_n be_v the_o disciple_n of_o socinus_n and_o vote_v all_o war_n to_o be_v unchristian_a and_o we_o know_v there_o be_v another_o note_a sect_n of_o man_n that_o inveigh_v against_o the_o carnal_a weapon_n and_o pretend_v great_a averseness_n to_o fight_v but_o i_o hope_v
animal_n and_o carnal_a be_v not_o able_a to_o penetrate_v into_o they_o in_o contra-distinction_n to_o these_o the_o apostle_n who_o foresee_v these_o mysterious_a cheat_n and_o imposture_n in_o the_o church_n and_o who_o in_o 1_o tim._n 6._o 4._o and_o in_o other_o place_n of_o his_o epistle_n plain_o foretell_v they_o be_v please_v to_o call_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n a_o mystery_n to_o signify_v that_o they_o be_v such_o of_o a_o singular_a kind_n and_o nature_n in_o the_o last_o place_n christianity_n in_o its_o purity_n and_o simplicity_n be_v most_o just_o style_v a_o mystery_n in_o opposition_n to_o that_o which_o be_v call_v by_o the_o same_o holy_a penman_n the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n 2_o thess._n 2._o 7._o conformable_o to_o which_o stile_n we_o read_v of_o mystery_n babylon_n the_o great_a rev._n 17._o 5._o by_o which_o questionless_a be_v mean_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o the_o corrupt_a and_o idolatrous_a part_n of_o it_o at_o least_o yea_o we_o be_v inform_v that_o this_o very_a word_n mystery_n be_v find_v inlay_v in_o plain_a and_o legible_a character_n within_o the_o roman_a pontif_n triple_a crown_n indeed_o the_o main_a of_o the_o roman_a religion_n be_v mystery_n and_o disguise_n they_o pretend_v one_o thing_n and_o real_o be_v another_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v cast_v off_o pagan_a idolatry_n but_o yet_o they_o too_o apparent_o symbolize_v with_o it_o in_o a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o worship_n heretofore_o they_o pay_v adoration_n to_o venus_n and_o now_o to_o the_o virgin_n mary_n of_o old_a they_o pray_v to_o false_a god_n and_o now_o to_o saint_n and_o angel_n before_o they_o fall_v down_o to_o a_o idol_n and_o now_o to_o the_o cross._n thus_o they_o have_v give_v the_o idolatry_n of_o old_a heathen_a rome_n a_o little_o fine_a turn_v otherwise_o it_o be_v the_o same_o that_o it_o be_v they_o boast_v of_o their_o miracle_n but_o they_o be_v not_o other_o than_o 9_o lie_v wonder_n a_o sort_n of_o religious_a legerdemain_n or_o juggle_n they_o at_o some_o time_n pretend_v to_o great_a strictness_n mortification_n and_o austerity_n than_o other_o but_o none_o be_v general_o more_o loose_a and_o licentious_a thus_o there_o be_v a_o false_a and_o counterfeit_n show_v of_o thing_n in_o the_o papal_a constitution_n there_o be_v a_o horrid_a mystery_n of_o iniquity_n call_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o of_o the_o beast_n rev._n 5._o 7._o in_o contra-distinction_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n who_o by_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n foresee_v what_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v give_v the_o name_n of_o mystery_n to_o the_o true_a primitive_a christianity_n this_o be_v indeed_o such_o but_o of_o quite_o another_o nature_n than_o the_o superstitious_a and_o corrupt_a religion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n but_o i_o be_o to_o give_v a_o far_a and_o more_o positive_a account_n of_o this_o matter_n wherein_o i_o will_v clear_o and_o distinct_o assign_v the_o true_a acception_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n mystery_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o have_v of_o late_o be_v very_o much_o mistake_v and_o gross_o pervert_v mere_o to_o maintain_v a_o opinion_n which_o some_o person_n think_v serviceable_a to_o the_o cause_n they_o have_v espouse_v christianity_n be_v entitle_v a_o mystery_n not_o only_o comparative_o or_o in_o a_o way_n of_o opposition_n to_o other_o thing_n as_o i_o have_v show_v already_o but_o absolute_o and_o positive_o because_o it_o be_v real_o so_o in_o itself_o take_v this_o in_o these_o two_o particular_n it_o be_v call_v a_o mystery_n by_o the_o apostle_n because_o 1._o it_o be_v so_o 2._o because_o it_o be_v so_o now_o first_o i_o say_v it_o be_v just_o style_v a_o mystery_n in_o regard_n of_o what_o it_o be_v heretofore_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v hide_v and_o shut_v up_o a_o long_a time_n and_o to_o this_o the_o follow_a text_n refer_v and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v apply_v christianity_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o mystery_n which_o be_v keep_v secret_a since_o the_o world_n begin_v rom._n 16._o 25._o for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o by_o mystery_n here_o be_v not_o only_o mean_v the_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n as_o some_o imagine_v which_o indeed_o be_v mysterious_a and_o keep_v secret_a till_o christ_n come_v but_o the_o way_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n in_o general_a by_o christ_n jesus_n which_o be_v the_o grand_a thing_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o this_o be_v here_o to_o be_v understand_v may_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o precede_a word_n of_o the_o apostle_n my_o gospel_n and_o the_o preach_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v synonymous_a with_o the_o mystery_n and_o from_o the_o subsequent_a word_n make_v know_v to_o all_o nation_n for_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n where_o the_o great_a end_n or_o design_n of_o christianity_n be_v express_v viz._n that_o man_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a commandment_n by_o believe_v the_o gospel_n for_o in_o this_o very_a form_n of_o word_n the_o apostle_n have_v before_o in_o this_o epistle_n tell_v they_o what_o be_v the_o design_n of_o his_o apostleship_n and_o of_o his_o preach_v the_o gospel_n it_o be_v for_o obedience_n to_o the_o faith_n among_o all_o nation_n rom._n 1._o 5._o this_o faith_n and_o this_o preach_v of_o it_o say_v he_o be_v a_o mystery_n heretofore_o in_o all_o those_o past_a perpetual_a age_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o render_v since_o the_o world_n begin_v man_n have_v but_o a_o very_a dark_a notion_n of_o these_o thing_n in_o all_o those_o precede_a dispensation_n they_o be_v scarce_o think_v of_o for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v constant_o through_o all_o the_o several_a model_n and_o administration_n of_o religion_n some_o intimation_n of_o this_o and_o tendency_n as_o it_o be_v towards_o it_o yet_o the_o notice_n that_o can_v be_v gather_v thence_o be_v but_o mean_a and_o obscure_a and_o they_o be_v at_o the_o best_a but_o faint_a glimmering_n of_o that_o glorious_a light_n which_o be_v afterward_o to_o break_v forth_o of_o this_o the_o apostle_n speak_v again_o eph._n 3._o 3_o 4_o 5._o where_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v the_o mystery_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n which_o in_o other_o age_n be_v not_o make_v know_v unto_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o in_o ver_fw-la 9_o he_o call_v it_o the_o mystery_n which_o from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v hide_v in_o god_n for_o though_o the_o word_n mystery_n in_o this_o place_n also_o have_v a_o more_o particular_a and_o special_a respect_n to_o that_o forenamed_a secret_n of_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o gentile_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o 3_o 4_o 5_o and_o 6_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o whole_o restrain_v to_o this_o but_o comprehend_v in_o it_o the_o whole_a gospel-dispensation_n the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n and_o redemption_n by_o jesus_n christ_n which_o he_o call_v preach_v the_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o christ_n v_o 8._o and_o then_o immediate_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n he_o call_v it_o a_o mystery_n a_o hide_a secret_a unsearchable_a mystery_n that_o be_v it_o be_v so_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o former_a time_n it_o have_v be_v hide_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o age_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o greek_a and_o that_o in_o god_n namely_o according_a to_o his_o eternal_a decree_n and_o purpose_n but_o because_o the_o apostle_n apply_v it_o to_o the_o wonderful_a convert_v and_o reclaim_v of_o the_o pagan_a world_n therefore_o some_o hence_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v not_o mean_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o christianity_n itself_o but_o they_o be_v mean_a arguer_n that_o talk_v thus_o and_o they_o discover_v themselves_o to_o be_v no_o genuine_a son_n of_o reason_n for_o every_o one_o know_v that_o particular_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o general_n and_o that_o one_o exclude_v not_o the_o other_o and_o beside_o they_o show_v that_o they_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o the_o comprehensive_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o have_v not_o study_v the_o sacred_a style_n which_o be_v of_o a_o wonderful_a latitude_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n contain_v in_o it_o both_o a_o singular_a and_o a_o common_a a_o special_a and_o a_o general_n a_o restrain_v and_o a_o large_a mean_v there_o be_v another_o text_n that_o confirm_v this_o col._n 1._o 26._o where_o the_o evangelical_n dispensation_n be_v call_v a_o mystery_n which_o have_v be_v hide_v from_o age_n and_o from_o generation_n they_o palpable_o misinterpret_v these_o word_n who_o apply_v they_o whole_o to_o the_o admit_v of_o the_o gentile_n into_o the_o church_n for_o the_o word_n mystery_n refer_v to_o the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n i._n e._n the_o evangelical_n preach_v and_o the_o fulfil_n of_o his_o word_n viz._n by_o the_o
not_o be_v misinterpret_v and_o now_o i_o have_v produce_v every_o individual_a place_n of_o scripture_n where_o the_o word_n mystery_n occur_v and_o i_o have_v faithful_o and_o impartial_o set_v they_o before_o the_o considerate_a in_o their_o true_a and_o proper_a light_n that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o view_n of_o the_o right_n and_o genuine_a meaning_n of_o they_o and_o not_o misunderstand_v and_o misapply_v the_o word_n as_o some_o have_v do_v to_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o truth_n but_o that_o more_o especial_o they_o may_v be_v convince_v of_o this_o that_o mystery_n as_o it_o be_v apply_v in_o the_o sacred_a writ_n to_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n express_v the_o nature_n of_o they_o and_o let_v we_o know_v that_o christianity_n have_v this_o title_n give_v it_o because_o it_o be_v a_o real_a mystery_n in_o itself_o wherefore_o after_o i_o have_v thus_o clear_v the_o way_n i_o will_v offer_v this_o proposition_n and_o make_v it_o good_a that_o the_o sublime_a truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n still_o retain_v and_o ever_o shall_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o mystery_n this_o in_o general_n be_v evident_a from_o that_o idea_n and_o notion_n which_o we_o have_v of_o a_o mystery_n which_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o original_a denotation_n of_o the_o occludere_fw-la word_n whether_o we_o borrow_v it_o from_o the_o hebrew_n or_o greek_a viz._n that_o it_o be_v some_o hide_a secret_a thing_n some_o thing_n shut_v up_o for_o such_o be_v the_o chief_a doctrine_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n hide_v and_o as_o it_o be_v lock_v up_o from_o we_o many_o of_o the_o article_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n be_v cover_v with_o great_a darkness_n a_o veil_n be_v cast_v over_o they_o and_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o penetrate_v into_o they_o thus_o christianity_n be_v a_o mystery_n but_o particular_o and_o distinct_o to_o demonstrate_v this_o i_o will_v insist_v upon_o these_o two_o head_n 1_o christianity_n be_v a_o incomprehensible_a mystery_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n to_o some_o 2._o in_o a_o more_o extensive_a way_n of_o speak_v it_o be_v so_o to_o all_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o christianity_n be_v in_o a_o special_a and_o singular_a way_n a_o mystery_n to_o some_o person_n and_o ever_o will_v be_v those_o who_o i_o here_o mean_v be_v all_o such_o as_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n emphatic_a stile_n 15._o lie_v in_o their_o wickedness_n continue_v in_o their_o state_n of_o degeneracy_n and_o corruption_n and_o have_v feel_v nothing_o of_o the_o divine_a birth_n and_o renovation_n which_o be_v the_o sole_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n these_o as_o long_o as_o they_o remain_v in_o this_o wretched_a state_n be_v 9_o in_o darkness_n as_o the_o same_o inspire_a writer_n speak_v that_o be_v they_o have_v no_o effectual_a and_o save_v knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o understand_v nothing_o of_o they_o to_o any_o purpose_n for_o these_o can_v be_v thus_o know_v but_o by_o divine_a illumination_n by_o a_o supernatural_a discovery_n from_o above_o which_o they_o wilful_o debar_v themselves_o of_o thou_o have_v hide_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a and_o have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o babe_n say_v our_o bless_a lord_n mat._n 11._o 33._o therefore_o to_o the_o former_a of_o these_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n concern_v the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n and_o much_o more_o the_o doctrine_n of_o regeneration_n faith_n self-denial_n mortification_n etc._n etc._n be_v no_o other_o than_o mystery_n yea_o insignificant_a jargon_n to_o they_o we_o hear_v the_o same_o infallible_a master_n speak_v at_o another_o time_n thus_o it_o be_v give_v it_o be_v a_o particular_a donation_n a_o special_a grant_n unto_o you_o my_o disciple_n to_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o to_o they_o i.e._n the_o whole_a multitude_n who_o be_v not_o enlighten_v it_o be_v not_o give_v mat._n 13._o 11._o there_o be_v such_o representation_n of_o those_o heavenly_a and_o divine_a thing_n make_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o regenerate_v as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o other_o which_o be_v according_a to_o those_o other_o say_n of_o our_o saviour_n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n the_o world_n can_v receive_v because_o it_o see_v he_o not_o neither_o know_v he_o i.e._n in_o a_o save_v way_n but_o you_o know_v he_o joh._n 14._o 17._o o_o righteous_a father_n the_o world_n have_v not_o know_v thou_o joh._n 17._o 25._o they_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o all_o thy_o sacred_a truth_n be_v riddle_n to_o they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o apostolical_a doctrine_n the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o discern_v not_o entertain_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 14._o the_o natural_a or_o animal_n man_n here_o mean_v say_v a_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o church_n be_v loc_n he_o that_o live_v according_a to_o the_o flesh_n and_o have_v not_o his_o mind_n yet_o enlighten_v by_o the_o spirit_n but_o he_o add_v this_o to_o the_o character_n that_o 〈◊〉_d he_o be_v one_o that_o have_v only_o that_o inbred_a and_o humane_a knowledge_n which_o the_o creator_n furnish_v all_o man_n mind_n with_o and_o so_o other_o ancient_a writer_n interpret_v the_o word_n as_o we_o shall_v hear_v afterward_o according_a to_o the_o learned_a locum_fw-la grotius_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v not_o the_o same_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o one_o that_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o affection_n of_o his_o fleshly_a part_n but_o he_o that_o be_v lead_v only_o by_o the_o light_n of_o humane_a reason_n he_o that_o have_v no_o other_o light_n but_o that_o of_o nature_n this_o interpretation_n of_o this_o learned_a writer_n be_v the_o more_o considerable_a because_o the_o person_n i_o be_o concern_v with_o at_o present_a have_v so_o great_a a_o esteem_n and_o veneration_n and_o that_o not_o unjust_o for_o he_o and_o boast_v that_o he_o be_v they_o it_o appear_v they_o be_v mistake_v for_o now_o he_o be_v we_o whilst_o he_o direct_o and_o express_o avow_v the_o apostle_n natural_a or_o animal_n man_n to_o be_v one_o that_o be_v whole_o conduct_v by_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o humane_a wisdom_n such_o a_o one_o have_v no_o supernatural_a guidance_n and_o direction_n can_v as_o long_o as_o he_o be_v such_o attain_v to_o a_o right_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n because_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o as_o the_o apostle_n here_o subjoin_v nay_o he_o add_v further_a he_o can_v know_v they_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o the_o natural_a man_n shall_v right_o perceive_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n imply_v as_o evident_a a_o contradiction_n as_o to_o say_v a_o blind_a man_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o see_v thing_n visible_a so_o a_o 4._o judicious_a divine_a of_o our_o church_n express_v himself_o concern_v this_o matter_n the_o ground_n of_o the_o apostle_n assertion_n follow_v which_o be_v very_o remarkable_a these_o thing_n say_v he_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v be_v know_v by_o a_o natural_a man_n because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v spiritual_a thing_n be_v discover_v and_o know_v in_o a_o peculiar_a way_n and_o such_o as_o be_v proper_a to_o good_a and_o holy_a man_n only_o these_o person_n have_v a_o inward_a sense_n and_o conviction_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o they_o know_v the_o true_a value_n and_o worth_n of_o they_o they_o know_v they_o so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o their_o own_o proper_a concern_v they_o know_v they_o so_o as_o to_o feel_v a_o influence_n from_o they_o on_o their_o heart_n affection_n and_o life_n thus_o a_o religious_a person_n know_v and_o discover_v these_o thing_n in_o a_o other_o manner_n than_o natural_a and_o unregenerate_a man_n do_v it_o be_v true_a the_o knowledge_n of_o both_o these_o be_v alike_o as_o to_o some_o sort_n of_o discovery_n relate_v to_o holy_a thing_n thus_o not_o only_o the_o grammatical_a critical_a rhetorical_a historical_a and_o philosophical_a part_n of_o the_o bible_n may_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o for_o the_o worst_a man_n may_v have_v as_o great_a a_o insight_n into_o these_o as_o the_o best_a but_o even_o the_o theological_a part_n of_o this_o inspire_a book_n so_o far_o as_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o the_o mere_a speculative_a and_o notional_a discovery_n of_o divine_a truth_n may_v be_v equal_o know_v by_o both_o but_o to_o know_v the_o truth_n contain_v in_o this_o sacred_a volume_n so_o as_o to_o be_v better_v by_o they_o be_v from_o supernatural_a light_n alone_o and_o this_o be_v it_o which_o distinguish_v the_o spiritual_a from_o the_o natural_a man_n this_o latter_a fall_v
pitch_n can_v not_o but_o render_v he_o a_o very_o accomplish_v person_n such_o as_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v and_o judge_v of_o thing_n in_o the_o best_a manner_n and_o to_o know_v and_o comprehend_v whatever_o be_v to_o be_v know_v and_o comprehend_v of_o they_o but_o we_o be_v to_o remember_v this_o further_a that_o his_o knowledge_n in_o divine_a and_o sacred_a thing_n be_v as_o eminent_a for_o even_o as_o to_o these_o he_o have_v those_o help_n which_o other_o christian_n have_v not_o yea_o which_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o honour_v with_o for_o he_o tell_v gal._n 1._o 11_o 12._o that_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v preach_v of_o he_o be_v not_o after_o man_n for_o he_o neither_o receive_v it_o of_o man_n neither_o be_v he_o teach_v it_o but_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ._n he_o be_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a and_o unparalleled_a manner_n call_v to_o the_o office_n by_o christ_n himself_o then_o in_o heaven_n he_o have_v immediate_a declaration_n of_o god_n will_n by_o vision_n and_o revelation_n 2_o cor._n 12._o 1._o yea_o by_o abundance_n of_o revelation_n v_o 7._o for_o he_o have_v the_o matchless_a dignity_n and_o privilege_n to_o be_v catch_v up_o to_o the_o three_o heaven_n into_o paradise_n as_o he_o otherwise_o express_v it_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o the_o place_n of_o the_o bless_a and_o there_o he_o hear_v those_o unspeakable_a word_n those_o doctrine_n and_o truth_n which_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o utter_v i._n e._n full_o v_o 4._o then_o be_v display_v before_o he_o those_o mystery_n and_o profound_a doctrine_n which_o his_o write_n every_o where_o abound_v with_o several_a of_o which_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o other_o apostle_n which_o plain_o show_v that_o he_o far_o excel_v they_o in_o spiritual_a knowledge_n and_o in_o the_o understanding_n of_o some_o of_o the_o main_a head_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o yet_o behold_v this_o apostle_n who_o be_v thus_o bless_v with_o all_o manner_n of_o intellectual_a accomplishment_n and_o be_v possessor_n of_o all_o the_o knowledge_n that_o nature_n or_o art_n and_o his_o own_o happy_a genius_n can_v furnish_v he_o with_o and_o which_o be_v unspeakable_o much_o more_o all_o that_o knowledge_n that_o god_n himself_o vouchsafe_v to_o infuse_v into_o he_o and_o inspire_v he_o with_o behold_v this_o very_a apostle_n be_v the_o man_n who_o use_v here_o this_o humble_a and_o mean_a language_n we_o know_v in_o part_n we_o see_v through_o a_o glass_n dark_o when_o he_o say_v we_o he_o mean_v himself_o as_o well_o as_o other_o christian_n nay_o it_o appear_v that_o he_o chief_o and_o principal_o intend_v himself_o for_o he_o change_v the_o plural_a into_o the_o singular_a v_o 12._o now_o i_o know_v in_o part_n as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v notwithstanding_o all_o my_o advantage_n of_o know_v much_o more_o than_o other_o i_o acknowledge_v myself_o to_o be_v but_o a_o smatterer_n a_o novice_n i_o own_v myself_o to_o have_v but_o a_o mean_a and_o imperfect_a insight_n into_o the_o high_a and_o mystical_a point_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o such_o i_o shall_v not_o have_v so_o short_a and_o partial_a a_o knowledge_n of_o they_o this_o be_v a_o unanswerable_a place_n of_o scripture_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v mystery_n in_o christianity_n such_o divine_a truth_n which_o no_o quickness_n of_o thought_n no_o sharpness_n and_o sagacity_n of_o mind_n can_v whole_o reach_v and_o therefore_o if_o st._n paul_n be_v in_o the_o right_n we_o know_v who_o have_v take_v the_o wrong_a part_n if_o plato_n can_v say_v of_o the_o rite_n of_o sacrifice_v and_o divine_a worship_n epinom_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o our_o mortal_a nature_n to_o have_v any_o knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n sure_o than_o our_o conception_n concern_v the_o sublime_a point_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v the_o noble_a and_o high_a dispensation_n of_o religion_n must_v needs_o be_v weak_a and_o shallow_a fideâ—_n divine_a matter_n be_v not_o clear_a and_o manifest_a of_o themselves_o to_o man_n say_v one_o of_o the_o greek_a sage_n quote_v by_o justin_n martyr_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n clement_n of_o alexandria_n cite_v that_o eminent_a passage_n of_o plato_n in_o his_o timaeus_n 〈◊〉_d the_o only_a way_n to_o learn_v truth_n be_v to_o be_v teach_v it_o of_o god_n himself_o or_o of_o those_o that_o be_v from_o god_n those_o be_v notable_a word_n of_o jamblicus_n a_o platonic_a philosopher_n pythag._n it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o know_v what_o thing_n god_n be_v please_v with_o unless_o we_o have_v converse_v with_o those_o who_o have_v hear_v they_o from_o god_n or_o we_o have_v hear_v god_n himself_o or_o we_o have_v attain_v to_o that_o knowledge_n by_o some_o divine_a art_n these_o be_v the_o apprehension_n of_o improve_v heathen_n concern_v religious_a matter_n and_o shall_v not_o those_o who_o have_v attain_v to_o clear_a notion_n believe_v the_o same_o with_o a_o more_o special_a relation_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o at_o first_o find_v out_o by_o man_n so_o they_o can_v be_v comprehend_v by_o he_o as_o they_o be_v not_o discover_v by_o humane_a skill_n and_o art_n so_o they_o can_v never_o be_v full_o know_v and_o explain_v by_o they_o thus_o they_o be_v universal_o a_o mystery_n it_o be_v true_a and_o i_o be_o very_o forward_o to_o grant_v it_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v stock_v even_o with_o natural_a principle_n such_o as_o be_v in_o themselves_o manifest_a even_o that_o model_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v make_v up_o whole_o of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o be_v call_v natural_a religion_n be_v here_o entire_o receive_v all_o rational_a and_o moral_a dictate_v be_v incorporate_v into_o this_o institution_n here_o be_v admirable_a notion_n which_o carry_v with_o they_o a_o intrinsic_a evidence_n as_o a_o undeniable_a demonstration_n of_o their_o worth_n and_o excellency_n here_o be_v reason_n and_o morality_n at_o their_o height_n it_o be_v excellent_o say_v of_o a_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n 222._o far_o â—e_v it_o that_o god_n shall_v hate_v in_o we_o that_o very_a thing_n wherein_o he_o have_v create_v we_o more_o excellent_a than_o other_o creature_n so_o we_o may_v say_v far_o be_v it_o that_o christianity_n shall_v disallow_v that_o very_a thing_n in_o we_o which_o distinguish_v our_o nature_n from_o that_o of_o brute_n and_o give_v we_o a_o preference_n to_o they_o some_o of_o the_o mahometan_n have_v a_o conceit_n that_o idiot_n and_o madman_n be_v inspire_a person_n that_o those_o who_o have_v so_o little_a of_o man_n have_v the_o more_o of_o god_n but_o this_o be_v a_o idle_a fancy_n and_o unworthy_a of_o our_o humane_a nature_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o supreme_a be_v itself_o who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o the_o best_a brain_n be_v fit_a for_o religion_n and_o even_o for_o the_o best_a religion_n christianity_n it_o be_v admirable_o show_v by_o a_o 〈…〉_z worthy_a person_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n suit_v even_o with_o a_o philosophic_a genius_n i_o question_v not_o but_o it_o may_v be_v make_v evident_a from_o strict_a reason_n that_o the_o main_a system_n of_o the_o christian_a theology_n be_v uniform_a and_o harmonious_a in_o itself_o and_o conformable_a to_o all_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o perfection_n that_o the_o come_v of_o christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n be_v requisite_a in_o order_n to_o the_o redemption_n of_o lose_a man_n that_o his_o undertataking_n be_v the_o most_o rational_a expedient_a for_o the_o restore_n of_o mankind_n that_o they_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o suitable_a method_n to_o reduce_v lapse_v creature_n and_o raise_v they_o up_o again_o after_o their_o fall_n and_o that_o christ_n divinity_n be_v no_o more_o impair_v by_o be_v join_v to_o the_o humane_a nature_n than_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v by_o its_o union_n with_o the_o body_n these_o and_o several_a thing_n of_o this_o kind_n i_o can_v make_v clear_a and_o evident_a and_o thereby_o show_v that_o christianity_n be_v consonant_a to_o the_o most_o sober_a reflection_n we_o can_v make_v on_o thing_n that_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o most_o solid_a and_o natural_a reason_n we_o can_v form_v for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o imagine_v as_o some_o enthusiastic_a spirit_n do_v that_o divine_a revelation_n contradict_v the_o principle_n of_o reason_n this_o be_v a_o certain_a truth_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o know_v that_o any_o revelation_n i._n e._n any_o reveal_v doctrine_n be_v from_o god_n unless_o we_o be_v first_o reasonable_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v from_o he_o beside_o reason_n be_v from_o god_n as_o well_o as_o revelation_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o receive_v the_o latter_a we_o must_v
on_o the_o very_a same_o ground_n attend_v to_o the_o former_a because_o that_o be_v from_o god_n no_o less_o than_o this_o wherefore_o those_o who_o oppose_v one_o to_o the_o other_o make_v â—od_a contradict_v himself_o because_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o both_o and_o here_o i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o injustice_n of_o some_o late_a penman_n who_o represent_v the_o asserter_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o of_o such_o like_a point_n of_o faith_n as_o person_n that_o be_v enemy_n to_o reason_n and_o such_o as_o will_v by_o no_o â—â—ans_n admit_v of_o a_o rational_a religion_n this_o they_o crafty_o urge_v and_o aggravate_v to_o blacken_v the_o cause_n which_o they_o have_v set_v themselves_o against_o but_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o truth_n in_o the_o accusation_n but_o as_o they_o manage_v it_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o falsehood_n and_o wrong_n for_o we_o give_v unto_o reason_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v reason_n we_o assert_v the_o use_n and_o necessity_n of_o it_o in_o religion_n yea_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o we_o be_v able_a and_o ready_a to_o defend_v and_o maintain_v a_o considerable_a part_n of_o it_o by_o rational_a principle_n we_o most_o free_o profess_v with_o justin_n the_o philosopher_n and_o martyr_n that_o 1_o whatever_o be_v well_o say_v by_o any_o of_o the_o philosopher_n poet_n and_o historian_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o christian_a write_n of_o the_o bible_n we_o declare_v that_o the_o christian_a institution_n commend_v and_o enforce_v all_o the_o maxim_n of_o morality_n and_o the_o natural_a religion_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o common_a dictate_v of_o reason_n those_o therefore_o be_v very_o injurious_a to_o we_o and_o to_o truth_n itself_o who_o labour_n as_o we_o see_v they_o do_v to_o fill_v man_n head_n with_o other_o apprehension_n but_o though_o it_o be_v thus_o in_o the_o general_n yet_o there_o be_v particular_a doubt_n and_o difficulty_n relate_v to_o this_o holy_a institution_n there_o be_v some_o certain_a point_n which_o be_v in_o themselves_o mysterious_a incomprehensible_a and_o inconceivable_a and_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o nice_a scrutiny_n of_o humane_a reason_n the_o â—ery_a deity_n itself_o which_o be_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o all_o christianity_n be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o great_a of_o all_o mystery_n whence_o it_o be_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o 〈◊〉_d a_o very_a wise_a and_o good_a man_n god_n be_v great_a and_o we_o know_v he_o not_o job_n 36._o 26._o we_o can_v full_o understand_v his_o nature_n and_o attribute_n yea_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v but_o very_o little_a of_o they_o which_o be_v fit_o express_v by_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n he_o dwell_v in_o the_o light_n which_o no_o man_n can_v approach_v unto_o 1_o tim._n 6._o 16._o this_o inaccessible_a splendour_n admit_v not_o of_o a_o full_a view_n the_o more_o we_o gaze_v upon_o this_o glorious_a sun_n the_o more_o we_o be_v dazzle_v and_o almost_o blind_v in_o some_o case_n 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v unsafe_a and_o perilous_a say_v a_o pious_a father_n to_o speak_v what_o be_v true_a of_o god_n ord._n â—â—e_z be_v best_a know_v by_o a_o modest_a 〈◊〉_d â—â—ith_o another_o 4._o we_o know_v not_o whâ—â—_n he_o be_v but_o only_o what_o he_o be_v not_o sai_z a_o third_z and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o socinus_n himself_o in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o his_o prediction_n stiâ—â—y_o contend_v though_o upon_o no_o solid_a ground_n at_o all_o that_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n be_v not_o discoverable_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n how_o then_o can_v he_o and_o his_o â—ollowers_n imagine_v â—hat_n the_o divine_a nature_n and_o essence_n be_v to_o be_v comprehend_v by_o humaâ—e_a thought_n if_o we_o can_v according_a to_o he_o discover_z that_o god_n be_v how_o shall_v we_o understand_v what_o he_o be_v there_o be_v several_a unutterable_a abstrusity_n and_o difficulty_n in_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o eternal_a self-subsisting_a be_v we_o can_v penetrate_v into_o the_o omniscience_n and_o omnipresence_n of_o god_n we_o have_v not_o adequate_a conception_n of_o his_o immutability_n his_o justice_n his_o faithfulness_n and_o none_o of_o his_o perfection_n and_o excellency_n be_v thorough_o understand_v by_o we_o so_o that_o according_a to_o the_o way_n of_o argue_v which_o some_o man_n use_v viz._n that_o nothing_o must_v be_v receive_v in_o religion_n but_o what_o be_v exact_o according_a to_o plain_a reason_n they_o may_v renounce_v the_o deity_n itself_o for_o in_o the_o notion_n we_o have_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n above_o our_o reason_n the_o manner_n how_o three_o real_a subsistency_n be_v unite_v in_o one_o essence_n or_o substance_n of_o the_o godhead_n be_v not_o comprehensible_a but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n put_v it_o beyond_o all_o doubt_n that_o it_o be_v so_o there_o be_v many_o principle_n and_o proposition_n in_o christianity_n which_o be_v far_o above_o our_o weak_a capacity_n there_o be_v several_a thing_n in_o the_o conduct_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o salvation_n the_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o which_o be_v hide_v from_o we_o at_o least_o the_o modes_n and_o circumstance_n belong_v to_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v comprehend_v though_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o the_o general_n truth_n there_o be_v sundry_a difficult_a thing_n occur_v concern_v the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o disbelieve_v the_o doctrine_n itself_o 〈…〉_z i_o know_v say_v st._n chrysostom_n that_o the_o son_n be_v beget_v of_o the_o father_n but_o how_o i_o know_v not_o i_o know_v he_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n but_o i_o can_v tell_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o for_o we_o acknowledge_v the_o production_n of_o both_o nature_n and_o yet_o the_o manner_n of_o both_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o declare_v so_o as_o to_o the_o union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n in_o christ_n person_n we_o have_v not_o a_o accountable_a 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and_o not_o to_o answer_v or_o account_v for_o all_o his_o matter_n as_o the_o original_a have_v it_o though_o we_o demand_v a_o reason_n he_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o give_v because_o as_o it_o be_v right_o suggest_v by_o the_o same_o pious_a observer_n god_n be_v great_a than_o man_n v_o 12._o he_o be_v infinite_o exalt_v above_o the_o nature_n of_o mortal_a man_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v unsufferable_a boldness_n to_o search_v into_o his_o divine_a secret_n and_o to_o promise_v ourselves_o a_o full_a comprehension_n of_o they_o for_o these_o thing_n be_v conceal_v from_o we_o on_o purpose_n to_o give_v we_o a_o assurance_n of_o the_o infinite_a nature_n and_o wisdom_n of_o our_o maker_n we_o hence_o be_v effectual_o teach_v that_o god_n be_v not_o like_o one_o of_o we_o that_o his_o essence_n and_o property_n be_v of_o a_o immense_a and_o unsearchable_a nature_n not_o to_o be_v comprehend_v by_o we_o even_o concern_v visible_a and_o natural_a thing_n one_o of_o the_o 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certain_a we_o can_v with_o reason_n imagine_v or_o expect_v this_o and_o we_o may_v be_v convince_v of_o it_o from_o this_o one_o consideration_n which_o i_o will_v somewhat_o enlarge_v upon_o viz._n that_o many_o thing_n of_o a_o mean_a and_o low_a degree_n such_o as_o the_o common_a work_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o the_o visible_a and_o sensible_a world_n have_v raise_v great_a dispute_n and_o after_o all_o the_o exact_a inquiry_n into_o they_o remain_z still_o hide_v and_o obscure_a how_o then_o can_v we_o expect_v that_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a thing_n shall_v be_v void_a of_o all_o obscurity_n a_o acute_a naturalist_n speak_v of_o thing_n of_o the_o former_a sort_n tell_v we_o 7._o that_o he_o pretend_v not_o to_o science_n but_o content_v himself_o with_o bare_a guess_v for_o god_n say_v he_o have_v not_o lay_v open_v all_o thing_n to_o humane_a sight_n and_o perception_n there_o be_v a_o considerable_a part_n of_o this_o great_a work_n which_o the_o 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thing_n in_o nature_n yet_o it_o have_v be_v long_o controvert_v where_o it_o be_v in_o what_o part_n of_o the_o body_n it_o be_v place_v though_o it_o be_v sufficient_o demonstrate_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o be_v as_o the_o rational_a soul_n and_o that_o it_o be_v real_o distinct_a from_o matter_n and_o that_o this_o latter_a be_v uncapable_a of_o cogitation_n as_o be_v never_o more_o nervous_o prove_v than_o of_o late_a by_o a_o great_a and_o eminent_a person_n of_o our_o church_n against_o one_o that_o show_v himself_o incline_v to_o believe_v that_o matter_n can_v think_v though_o i_o say_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o distinct_a be_v as_o be_v the_o sovereign_a empress_n of_o all_o our_o function_n and_o action_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o certain_o know_v where_o her_o throne_n be_v for_o some_o give_v she_o the_o whole_a body_n for_o her_o seat_n other_o believe_v she_o circulate_v in_o the_o blood_n and_o other_o assign_v she_o the_o heart_n as_o her_o particular_a chair_n of_o state_n and_o though_o it_o be_v true_a the_o most_o pierce_v philosopher_n of_o late_a have_v confine_v she_o to_o the_o brain_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o agree_v in_o what_o part_n of_o it_o her_o residence_n be_v many_o other_o instance_n indeed_o almost_o as_o many_o as_o there_o be_v phaenomâ—na_n in_o the_o world_n of_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o natural_a speculation_n may_v be_v produce_v a_o great_a part_n of_o that_o which_o pass_v for_o knowledge_n be_v ingenious_a guess_v and_o surmise_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o the_o scruple_n and_o difficulty_n which_o attend_v all_o these_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v ready_o own_a and_o assent_v to_o so_o that_o these_o several_a particular_n which_o i_o have_v name_v be_v clear_a demonstration_n of_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o proposition_n may_v be_v true_a and_o consequent_o that_o we_o may_v give_v our_o assent_n to_o they_o though_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o surpass_v our_o reason_n yea_o though_o it_o be_v not_o only_o hard_a but_o impossible_a to_o explain_v it_o and_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o second_o the_o foresay_a example_n plain_o show_v that_o some_o thing_n even_o in_o nature_n may_v be_v above_o reason_n and_o yet_o not_o contrary_a to_o it_o for_o if_o they_o be_v the_o latter_a no_o man_n will_v yield_v assent_n to_o they_o but_o whole_o reject_v they_o as_o inconsistent_a and_o impossible_a but_o even_o the_o very_a person_n with_o who_o our_o business_n be_v at_o present_a profess_v their_o ready_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n though_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o explain_v they_o and_o solve_v the_o right_a manner_n of_o they_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o disbelieve_v a_o thing_n mere_o because_o it_o surmount_v our_o reason_n and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o infer_v from_o a_o thing_n be_v be_v above_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o it_o for_o after_o this_o rate_n we_o must_v discard_v all_o natural_a philosophy_n and_o believe_v nothing_o of_o the_o most_o ordinary_a occurrence_n in_o nature_n and_o what_o hinder_v now_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o make_v the_o like_a deduction_n with_o reference_n to_o those_o high_a matter_n which_o i_o before_o mention_v may_v we_o not_o on_o much_o better_a ground_n make_v these_o two_o inference_n viz._n that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o disbelieve_v those_o thing_n because_o they_o exceed_v our_o reason_n and_o that_o though_o they_o do_v so_o yet_o it_o follow_v not_o thence_o that_o they_o be_v repugnant_a to_o reason_n such_o inference_n as_o these_o be_v very_o good_a and_o valid_a because_o of_o the_o difficult_a and_o recondite_v nature_n of_o these_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a matter_n which_o far_o outdo_v that_o of_o bodily_a and_o sensible_a thing_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o reason_v which_o one_o of_o 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be_v excellent_o say_v by_o another_o brave_a man_n of_o a_o true_a primitive_a temper_n 2._o this_o question_n how_o can_v have_v no_o place_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n who_o only_a will_n be_v sufficient_a and_o be_v to_o be_v great_o admire_v of_o all_o and_o with_o these_o ancient_a writer_n agree_v the_o great_a modern_a reformer_n 2._o this_o word_n why_o say_v he_o have_v mislead_v and_o destroy_v many_o soul_n it_o be_v too_o high_a for_o we_o to_o search_v into_o when_o we_o come_v to_o insist_v too_o busy_o on_o these_o demand_n why_o or_o how_o god_n say_v or_o do_v this_o or_o that_o we_o show_v that_o we_o be_v loath_a to_o submit_v our_o reason_n to_o faith_n and_o to_o give_v assent_n to_o god_n word_n though_o we_o can_v clear_o conceive_v it_o which_o argue_v a_o very_a unchristian_a temper_n for_o the_o gospel_n have_v propound_v many_o thing_n to_o we_o which_o be_v mystical_a which_o neither_o our_o thought_n can_v full_o apprehend_v nor_o our_o word_n express_v 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cozen_v our_o sight_n that_o we_o can_v apprehend_v when_o they_o move_v yea_o they_o seem_v to_o stand_v immovable_a wherefore_o we_o must_v consult_v with_o something_o else_o than_o sense_n and_o that_o be_v reason_n which_o tell_v we_o that_o either_o those_o heavenly_a body_n or_o the_o ground_n we_o stand_v upon_o move_v very_o swift_o our_o reason_n not_o our_o eye_n must_v give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o this_o thus_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o reason_n control_v sense_n and_o consequent_o be_v a_o high_a and_o superior_a faculty_n but_o than_o come_v faith_n and_o claim_v a_o superiority_n over_o they_o both_o for_o as_o reason_n be_v give_v by_o god_n to_o correct_v sense_n so_o this_o function_n be_v add_v to_o give_v a_o check_n to_o reason_n as_o be_v high_a and_o noble_a than_o that_o this_o be_v the_o order_n of_o these_o operation_n in_o man_n and_o it_o be_v by_o divine_a appointment_n and_o therefore_o no_o man_n of_o sober_a thought_n can_v find_v fault_n with_o it_o if_o we_o be_v free_a to_o acknowledge_v that_o reason_n be_v a_o curb_n to_o sense_n and_o we_o can_v deny_v it_o than_o we_o shall_v be_v as_o forward_o to_o own_o that_o faith_n be_v the_o same_o to_o reason_n and_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o one_o to_o check_v and_o bridle_v the_o other_o when_o sacred_a and_o supernatural_a thing_n be_v under_o our_o consideration_n here_o then_o as_o be_v fit_v let_v we_o strenuous_o exert_v our_o faith_n and_o not_o judge_v of_o the_o divine_a be_v and_o the_o truth_n reveal_v by_o he_o according_a to_o humane_a measure_n according_a to_o what_o we_o find_v and_o perceive_v in_o one_o another_o still_o remember_v that_o they_o be_v mystery_n as_o for_o the_o contrary_a sentiment_n there_o be_v these_o three_o great_a thing_n that_o disparage_v it_o 1._o it_o argue_v pride_n and_o arrogant_a stiffness_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o undeniable_a proof_n of_o gross_a prejudice_n and_o partiality_n 3._o it_o unavoidable_o introduce_v indifferency_n in_o religion_n i_o will_v distinct_o insist_v upon_o this_o triple_a charge_n and_o then_o leave_v the_o judicious_a to_o judge_v of_o my_o performance_n first_o it_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n of_o a_o proud_a and_o haughty_a spirit_n for_o it_o must_v needs_o proceed_v from_o this_o principle_n that_o the_o man_n of_o that_o persuasion_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n acknowledge_v their_o short-sightedness_n and_o the_o shallowness_n of_o their_o intellectual_n they_o can_v brook_v such_o condescension_n as_o this_o and_o therefore_o they_o scorn_v to_o own_o any_o mystery_n if_o any_o difficult_a truth_n be_v propound_v to_o they_o they_o have_v learn_v of_o a_o great_a conqueror_n to_o cut_v the_o knot_n instead_o of_o untie_v it_o they_o violent_o null_a the_o proposition_n and_o so_o make_v it_o no_o mystery_n as_o we_o see_v they_o do_v in_o the_o article_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o like_a for_o they_o pretend_v to_o manage_v all_o by_o mere_a force_n of_o reason_n and_o reject_v all_o proposition_n and_o doctrine_n which_o they_o think_v come_v not_o up_o to_o this_o height_n they_o take_v it_o very_o ill_a if_o you_o allow_v they_o not_o a_o catholic_n and_o unbounded_a knowledge_n of_o every_o thing_n whether_o finite_a or_o infinite_a and_o of_o the_o particular_a manner_n and_o minute_a circumstance_n that_o appertain_v to_o they_o they_o disdain_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o thing_n in_o nature_n which_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v they_o deem_v it_o a_o unsufferable_a disgrace_n to_o their_o understanding_n that_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o they_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o point_n of_o speculation_n so_o deep_a and_o abstruse_a that_o they_o can_v penetrate_v to_o the_o very_a bottom_n of_o it_o they_o scorn_v to_o have_v it_o say_v that_o there_o be_v any_o mystery_n and_o darkness_n in_o religion_n when_o their_o mind_n be_v so_o bright_a and_o their_o intellect_n be_v so_o shine_v what_o be_v this_o but_o pride_n what_o be_v this_o but_o be_v over-conceited_n of_o their_o natural_a faculty_n and_o have_v too_o great_a a_o opinion_n of_o their_o own_o rational_a capacity_n what_o be_v this_o but_o a_o immodest_a and_o extravagant_a magnify_v of_o these_o power_n yea_o what_o be_v it_o but_o a_o kind_n of_o aspire_v to_o divinity_n and_o attribute_v to_o themselves_o a_o infinite_a and_o immense_a nature_n a_o extraordinary_a and_o more_o than_o humane_a wisdom_n zophar_n give_v we_o the_o true_a character_n and_o pedigree_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n job_n 11._o 12._o vain_a man_n will_v be_v wise_a this_o empty_a hollow_a creature_n will_v fain_o be_v think_v to_o be_v full_a of_o knowledge_n though_o he_o be_v bear_v like_o a_o wild_a ass_n colt_n though_o he_o be_v by_o nature_n ignorant_a and_o rude_a he_o have_v such_o a_o opinion_n and_o esteem_n of_o his_o part_n and_o acquirement_n he_o be_v of_o such_o arrogancy_n and_o elation_n of_o mind_n that_o he_o think_v it_o below_o he_o to_o acknowledge_v any_o abstrusity_n in_o religion_n he_o take_v part_n with_o the_o conceit_a sect_n of_o the_o stoic_n among_o who_o it_o be_v a_o maxim_n zenone_n that_o it_o become_v not_o a_o wise_a man_n to_o wonder_v at_o any_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o to_o other_o seem_v to_o be_v paradox_n nay_o he_o be_v so_o much_o of_o this_o vaunt_v humour_n that_o he_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v that_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n wonderful_a and_o amaze_a even_o in_o religion_n itself_o st._n paul_n style_v christianity_n a_o mystery_n but_o he_o be_v intoxicate_v with_o pride_n and_o self-conceit_n direct_o contradict_v he_o and_o say_v it_o be_v not_o mysterious_a but_o those_o who_o attend_v to_o the_o apostle_n advice_n 3._o not_o
to_o think_v of_o themselves_o more_o high_o than_o they_o ought_v to_o think_v but_o to_o think_v sober_o have_v other_o thought_n and_o apprehension_n and_o be_v most_o willing_a to_o acknowledge_v the_o shallowness_n of_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o the_o depth_n of_o divine_a truth_n we_o have_v instance_n on_o record_n of_o those_o humble_a soul_n who_o though_o of_o singular_a sagacity_n and_o improvement_n proclaim_v the_o unsearchableness_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o the_o exalt_v truth_n that_o belong_v to_o it_o the_o ancient_a inspire_a arabian_a express_v it_o thus_o etc._n man_n know_v not_o the_o price_n of_o it_o i._n e._n as_o i_o apprehend_v he_o can_v come_v up_o full_o to_o the_o purchase_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o for_o we_o purchase_v thing_n by_o price_n neither_o be_v it_o find_v in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n the_o depth_n say_v it_o be_v not_o in_o i_o and_o the_o sea_n say_v it_o be_v not_o in_o i_o whence_o then_o come_v wisdom_n and_o where_o be_v the_o place_n of_o understanding_n see_v it_o be_v hide_v from_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o live_n and_o keep_v close_o from_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n i._n e._n those_o that_o be_v most_o quick-sighted_a for_o naturalist_n observe_v that_o the_o eye_n of_o bird_n general_o excel_v those_o of_o other_o animal_n but_o he_o conclude_v god_n understand_v the_o way_n thereof_o and_o he_o know_v the_o place_n thereof_o that_o be_v he_o have_v reserve_v the_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o these_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a thing_n to_o himself_o this_o be_v the_o humble_a sense_n of_o another_o great_a and_o wise_a man_n the_o royal_a psalmist_n concern_v who_o it_o be_v worth_a our_o observe_n that_o after_o he_o have_v assert_v and_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n omniscience_n and_o all-seeing_a providence_n he_o add_v 6._o such_o knowledge_n be_v too_o wonderful_a for_o i_o it_o be_v high_a i_o can_v attain_v unto_o it_o which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v though_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o i_o to_o apprehend_v the_o infinite_a and_o boundless_a knowledge_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n the_o sovereign_a disposer_n of_o all_o thing_n though_o i_o can_v tell_v how_o he_o see_v and_o foresee_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o yet_o i_o hearty_o own_o this_o universal_a sight_n and_o prescience_n of_o he_o and_o i_o very_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v a_o certain_a and_o unshaken_a truth_n it_o be_v humility_n which_o furnish_v a_o man_n with_o such_o persuasion_n and_o language_n as_o this_o and_o it_o be_v this_o which_o cause_v he_o to_o believe_v and_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v mystery_n in_o his_o holy_a faith_n which_o far_o transcend_v his_o thought_n and_o conception_n this_o be_v that_o wisdom_n which_o according_a to_o another_o divine_a and_o inspire_a sage_n 24._o be_v far_o off_o and_o exceed_o deep_a and_o therefore_o as_o it_o follow_v who_o can_v find_v it_o out_o to_o which_o irrefragable_a testimony_n permit_v i_o to_o adjoyn_v that_o of_o a_o apocryphal_a writer_n and_o the_o rather_o because_o i_o will_v take_v occasion_n thence_o to_o offer_v a_o conjecture_n on_o that_o dark_a place_n 22._o wisdom_n be_v according_a to_o her_o name_n and_o she_o be_v not_o manifest_a unto_o many_o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o according_a to_o her_o name_n what_o title_n have_v wisdom_n that_o import_v any_o such_o matter_n viz._n that_o she_o be_v not_o manifest_a some_o critic_n think_v it_o refer_v to_o the_o hebrew_n word_n for_o wisdom_n chocmah_n other_o to_o the_o arabic_a algnalam_n but_o what_o they_o propound_v seem_v to_o be_v very_o much_o strain_v and_o do_v not_o reach_v the_o purpose_n and_o how_o can_v it_o see_v they_o forget_v that_o this_o book_n be_v write_v in_o greek_a and_o that_o the_o title_n of_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o must_v therefore_o repair_v to_o the_o greek_a for_o a_o solution_n but_o we_o must_v first_o confer_v with_o the_o hebrew_n where_o we_o meet_v with_o the_o verb_n saphah_n or_o tsaphah_n which_o signify_v to_o hide_v or_o cover_v and_o thence_o it_o be_v probable_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v derive_v and_o this_o it_o be_v likely_a be_v the_o name_n that_o be_v here_o mean_v because_o though_o the_o language_n in_o which_o this_o book_n be_v original_o draw_v up_o be_v hebrew_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o prologue_n of_o it_o yet_o it_o be_v soon_o translate_v into_o greek_a because_o the_o jew_n at_o that_o time_n speak_v greek_a general_o and_o have_v their_o bible_n and_o service_n in_o greek_a and_o according_o this_o place_n have_v reference_n to_o the_o name_n of_o wisdom_n in_o that_o tongue_n wherein_o there_o be_v many_o word_n derive_v from_o the_o hebrew_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o denomination_n of_o wisdom_n import_v something_o hide_v and_o mysterious_a and_o therefore_o she_o be_v according_a to_o her_o name_n the_o jewish_a doctor_n have_v a_o sense_n of_o this_o as_o appear_v from_o their_o proverbial_a say_v when_o elias_n come_v he_o will_v untie_v all_o knot_n i._n e._n solve_v all_o difficult_a and_o abstruse_a point_n of_o which_o there_o be_v not_o a_o few_o in_o religion_n there_o be_v sundry_a thing_n hide_v from_o our_o understanding_n here_o which_o shall_v not_o be_v clear_v till_o the_o last_o day_n now_o if_o the_o wise_a person_n speak_v thus_o concern_v the_o thing_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n under_o those_o dispensation_n of_o old_a be_v there_o not_o much_o more_o reason_n to_o say_v the_o like_a of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n under_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o doctrine_n of_o a_o high_a nature_n be_v publish_v to_o the_o world_n such_o as_o far_o surpass_v all_o humane_a comprehension_n but_o there_o be_v a_o generation_n of_o man_n among_o we_o that_o will_v not_o stoop_v to_o this_o they_o will_v not_o own_v themselves_o to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o weakness_n childhood_n and_o minority_n in_o this_o life_n though_o the_o great_a apostle_n as_o we_o have_v hear_v express_o do_v when_o he_o so_o far_o own_a the_o deficiency_n of_o his_o understanding_n as_o to_o say_v he_o know_v in_o part_n and_o speak_v and_o understand_v and_o think_v as_o a_o child_n and_o all_o the_o great_a and_o all_o the_o wise_a man_n in_o the_o world_n have_v be_v ready_a to_o say_v the_o same_o yea_o even_o with_o reference_n to_o matter_n of_o a_o low_a nature_n the_o learned_a in_o the_o law_n confess_v they_o have_v their_o perplex_a and_o knotty_a case_n statesman_n their_o arcana_fw-la physician_n their_o opprobious_a malady_n anatomist_n their_o unknown_a ductus_n astronomer_n their_o eccentrical_a motion_n which_o they_o can_v reduce_v into_o regular_a and_o exact_a order_n mathematician_n their_o insoluble_a problem_n and_o in_o brief_a most_o profession_n and_o science_n labour_v under_o some_o insuperable_a difficulty_n and_o intricacy_n and_o this_o be_v free_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o most_o skilful_a in_o those_o arts._n but_o here_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o man_n that_o will_v not_o own_o any_o such_o thing_n in_o divinity_n although_o it_o be_v conversant_a about_o object_n that_o be_v infinite_o high_a and_o great_a notwithstanding_o this_o they_o think_v it_o be_v below_o a_o man_n of_o part_n to_o own_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v inexplicable_a they_o profess_v that_o it_o become_v not_o a_o man_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n to_o admit_v of_o this_o yea_o that_o it_o be_v a_o unsufferable_a affront_n to_o humane_a nature_n to_o believe_v such_o a_o thing_n they_o think_v it_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o cashier_v a_o doctrine_n in_o religion_n because_o it_o be_v attend_v with_o obscurity_n in_o short_a they_o think_v it_o unreasonable_a to_o yield_v assent_n to_o a_o proposition_n on_o the_o account_n of_o its_o be_v reveal_v in_o scripture_n mere_o because_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conceive_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o thus_o their_o pride_n make_v they_o infidel_n and_o they_o bid_v adieu_o to_o modesty_n and_o the_o faith_n together_o second_o another_o great_a disparagement_n and_o inexcusable_a blemish_n of_o these_o man_n persuasion_n be_v that_o it_o argue_v wilful_a prejudice_n and_o partiality_n i_o will_v make_v this_o evident_a from_o these_o two_o consideration_n first_o though_o they_o deny_v not_o that_o there_o be_v mystery_n in_o the_o divine_a providence_n yet_o they_o altogether_o renounce_v they_o in_o the_o article_n before_o mention_v second_o though_o they_o grant_v there_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o government_n and_o restraint_n on_o the_o imagination_n will_n and_o affection_n of_o man_n yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o perverse_o disapprove_v of_o the_o like_a restraint_n on_o the_o understanding_n and_o reason_v faculty_n both_o these_o be_v instance_n of_o their_o egregrious_a prepossession_n