consider_v the_o light_n and_o advantage_n which_o the_o jewish_a nation_n have_v above_o the_o gentile_a world_n that_o so_o by_o this_o mean_n and_o method_n he_o may_v wean_v they_o by_o degree_n from_o their_o gross_a conception_n of_o thing_n and_o rectify_v more_o easy_o their_o wrong_a apprehension_n by_o gratify_v they_o in_o some_o measure_n and_o in_o a_o gracious_a compliance_n with_o our_o weakness_n by_o bend_v and_o accommodate_v the_o way_n and_o method_n of_o our_o salvation_n to_o our_o weak_a capacity_n and_o imperfect_a conception_n of_o thing_n four_o and_o that_o god_n have_v do_v this_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v i_o think_v very_o plain_o appear_v in_o the_o follow_a instance_n in_o most_o of_o which_o i_o shall_v be_v very_o brief_a and_o only_o insist_v somewhat_o more_o large_o upon_o the_o last_o of_o they_o one_a the_o world_n be_v much_o give_v to_o admire_v mystery_n in_o religion_n the_o jew_n have_v they_o several_a of_o which_o by_o god_n own_o appointment_n be_v reserve_v and_o keep_v secret_a in_o a_o great_a measure_n from_o the_o people_n other_o be_v add_v by_o the_o superstition_n of_o after_o age_n and_o hold_v in_o equal_a or_o rather_o great_a veneration_n than_o the_o former_a and_o the_o heathen_a likewise_o have_v they_o the_o devil_n always_o affect_v to_o imitate_v god_n so_o far_o as_o serve_v his_o wicked_a and_o malicious_a design_n of_o seduce_a mankind_n into_o idolatry_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o himself_o and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n always_o speak_v of_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n as_o the_o worship_n of_o devil_n and_o not_o of_o god_n so_o that_o almost_o every_o nation_n have_v their_o peculiar_a and_o celebrate_a mystery_n most_o of_o which_o be_v either_o very_a odd_a and_o fantastical_a or_o very_o lewd_a and_o impure_a or_o very_o inhuman_a and_o cruel_a and_o every_o way_n unworthy_a of_o the_o deity_n but_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o as_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v such_o a_o mystery_n as_o for_o the_o greatness_n and_o wonderfulness_n for_o the_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o condescension_n of_o it_o do_v obscure_a and_o swallow_v up_o all_o other_o mystery_n for_o which_o reason_n the_o apostle_n in_o allusion_n to_o the_o heathen_a mystery_n and_o in_o contempt_n of_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n say_v 16._o without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n be_v manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n etc._n etc._n since_o the_o world_n have_v such_o a_o admiration_n for_o mystery_n he_o instance_v in_o that_o which_o be_v a_o mystery_n indeed_o a_o mystery_n beyond_o all_o dispute_n and_o beyond_o all_o comparison_n 2_o there_o be_v likewise_o a_o great_a inclination_n in_o mankind_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o a_o visible_a and_o sensible_a deity_n and_o this_o be_v a_o main_a root_n and_o source_n of_o the_o various_a idolatry_n in_o the_o heathen_a world_n now_o to_o take_v man_n off_o from_o this_o god_n be_v please_v to_o appear_v in_o our_o nature_n that_o they_o who_o be_v so_o fond_a of_o a_o visible_a deity_n may_v have_v one_o to_o who_o they_o may_v pay_v divine_a worship_n without_o danger_n of_o idolatry_n and_o without_o injury_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n even_o a_o true_a and_o natural_a image_n of_o god_n the_o father_n the_o fountain_n of_o the_o deity_n or_o as_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n describe_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o resplendency_n or_o brightness_n of_o his_o father_n glory_n 2._o and_o the_o express_a character_n or_o image_n of_o his_o person_n 3_o another_o notion_n which_o have_v general_o obtain_v among_o mankind_n be_v concern_v the_o expiation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n and_o appease_v the_o offend_a deity_n by_o sacrifice_n upon_o which_o they_o suppose_v the_o punishment_n due_a to_o the_o sinner_n be_v transfer_v to_o exempt_v he_o from_o it_o especial_o by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o man_n which_o have_v almost_o universal_o prevail_v in_o the_o gentile_a world_n and_o this_o notion_n of_o the_o expiation_n of_o sin_n by_o sacrifice_n of_o one_o kind_a or_o other_o seem_v to_o have_v obtain_v very_o early_o in_o the_o world_n and_o among_o all_o other_o way_n of_o divine_a worship_n to_o have_v find_v the_o most_o universal_a reception_n in_o all_o time_n and_o place_n and_o indeed_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n and_o worship_n be_v a_o plain_a condescension_n to_o the_o general_a apprehension_n of_o man_n concern_v this_o way_n of_o appease_v the_o deity_n by_o sacrifice_n and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o pagan_a religion_n and_o worship_n be_v likewise_o found_v upon_o the_o same_o notion_n and_o opinion_n which_o because_o it_o be_v so_o universal_a seem_v to_o have_v have_v its_o original_a from_o the_o first_o parent_n of_o mankind_n either_o immediate_o after_o the_o creation_n or_o after_o the_o flood_n and_o from_o thence_o i_o mean_v as_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o this_o notion_n to_o have_v be_v derive_v and_o propagate_v to_o all_o their_o posterity_n and_o with_o this_o general_a notion_n of_o mankind_n whatever_o the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o it_o may_v be_v god_n be_v please_v so_o far_o to_o comply_v as_o once_o for_o all_o to_o have_v a_o general_a atonement_n make_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o all_o mankind_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o his_o only_a son_n who_o his_o wise_a providence_n do_v permit_v by_o wicked_a hand_n to_o be_v crucify_v and_o slay_v but_o i_o shall_v not_o at_o present_a insist_v any_o further_a upon_o this_o which_o require_v a_o particular_a discourse_n by_o itself_o and_o may_v by_o god_n assistance_n in_o due_a time_n have_v it_o 4thly_a another_o very_a common_a notion_n and_o very_o rife_o in_o the_o the_o heathen_a world_n and_o a_o great_a source_n of_o their_o idolatry_n be_v their_o apotheosis_n or_o canonise_a of_o famous_a and_o eminent_a person_n who_o in_o their_o life_n time_n have_v do_v great_a thing_n and_o some_o way_n or_o other_o be_v great_a benefactor_n to_o mankind_n by_o advance_v they_o after_o their_o death_n to_o the_o dignity_n of_o a_o inferior_a kind_n of_o god_n fit_a to_o be_v worship_v by_o man_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o to_o have_v their_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n address_v to_o they_o as_o proper_a and_o powerful_a mediator_n and_o intercessor_n for_o they_o with_o the_o superior_a god_n to_o these_o they_o give_v the_o title_n of_o hero_n and_o semidei_fw-la that_o be_v half_a god_n though_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o be_v that_o be_v just_a half-infinite_a seem_v to_o i_o very_o hard_a to_o be_v conceive_v and_o define_v now_o to_o take_v man_n off_o from_o this_o kind_n of_o idolatry_n and_o to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o it_o behold_v one_o in_o our_o nature_n exalt_v to_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o majesty_n on_o high_a to_o be_v worship_v by_o man_n and_o angel_n one_o that_o be_v the_o true_o great_a benefactor_n of_o mankind_n one_o that_o be_v dead_a and_o be_v alive_a again_o and_o life_n for_o evermore_o to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o 5thly_a to_o give_v but_o one_o instance_n more_o which_o i_o have_v already_o intimate_v the_o world_n be_v mighty_o bend_v upon_o address_v their_o request_n and_o supplication_n not_o to_o the_o deity_n immediate_o because_o their_o superstition_n think_v that_o too_o great_a a_o presumption_n but_o by_o some_o mediator_n between_o the_o god_n and_o they_o who_o may_v with_o advantage_n in_o this_o humble_a manner_n present_v their_o request_n so_o as_o to_o find_v acceptance_n to_o this_o end_n they_o make_v use_v of_o the_o daemon_n or_o angel_n and_o of_o their_o hero_n or_o deify_v man_n who_o i_o mention_v before_o by_o who_o they_o put_v up_o their_o prayer_n to_o the_o supreme_a god_n hope_v by_o their_o intercession_n and_o patronage_n of_o their_o cause_n to_o obtain_v a_o gracious_a answer_n of_o they_o in_o a_o gracious_a compliance_n with_o this_o common_a apprehension_n and_o thereby_o more_o easy_o and_o effectual_o to_o extirpate_v this_o sort_n of_o idolatry_n which_o have_v be_v so_o long_o and_o so_o general_o practise_v in_o the_o world_n god_n be_v please_v to_o constitute_v and_o appoint_v one_o in_o our_o nature_n to_o be_v a_o perpetual_a advocate_n and_o intercessor_n in_o heaven_n for_o we_o to_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n his_o father_n and_o to_o obtain_v mercy_n for_o we_o and_o grace_n to_o help_v in_o time_n of_o need_n and_o for_o ever_o to_o take_v we_o off_o from_o all_o other_o mediator_n 5._o we_o be_v express_o tell_v in_o scripture_n that_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n to_o who_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v so_o there_o be_v but_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o
have_v the_o same_o notion_n from_o the_o jew_n which_o make_v amelius_n the_o platonist_n when_o he_o read_v the_o beginning_n of_o st._n john_n gospel_n to_o say_v this_o barbarian_a agree_v with_o plato_n rank_v the_o word_n in_o the_o order_n of_o principle_n meaning_n that_o he_o make_v the_o word_n the_o principle_n or_o efficient_a cause_n of_o the_o world_n as_o plato_n also_o have_v do_v and_o this_o title_n of_o the_o word_n be_v so_o famous_o know_v to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o messiah_n that_o even_o the_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n take_v notice_n of_o it_o julian_n the_o apostate_n call_v christ_n by_o this_o name_n and_o mahomet_n in_o his_o koran_n give_v this_o name_n of_o the_o word_n to_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n but_o st._n john_n have_v probable_o no_o reference_n to_o plato_n any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o the_o gnostic_n against_o who_o he_o write_v make_v use_v of_o several_a of_o plato_n word_n and_o notion_n so_o that_o in_o all_o probability_n st._n john_n give_v our_o b._n saviour_n this_o title_n with_o regard_n to_o the_o jew_n more_o especial_o who_o ancient_o call_v the_o messiah_n by_o this_o name_n second_o we_o will_v in_o the_o next_o place_n consider_v what_o may_v probable_o be_v the_o occasion_n why_o this_o evangelist_n make_v so_o frequent_a mention_n of_o this_o title_n of_o the_o word_n and_o insist_o so_o much_o upon_o it_o and_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v this_o nay_o i_o think_v that_o hardly_o any_o doubt_n can_v be_v make_v of_o it_o since_o the_o most_o ancient_a of_o the_o father_n who_o live_v near_a the_o time_n of_o st._n john_n do_v confirm_v it_o to_o we_o st._n john_n who_o survive_v all_o the_o apostle_n live_v to_o see_v those_o heresy_n which_o spring_v up_o in_o the_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n during_o the_o life_n of_o the_o apostle_n grow_v up_o to_o a_o great_a height_n to_o the_o great_a prejudice_n and_o disturbance_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o mean_v the_o heresy_n of_o ebion_n and_o cerinthus_n and_o the_o several_a sect_n of_o the_o gnostic_n which_o begin_v from_o simon_n magus_n and_o be_v continue_v and_o carry_v on_o by_o valentinus_n and_o basilides_n carpocrates_n and_o menander_n some_o of_o which_o express_o deny_v the_o divinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n assert_v he_o to_o have_v be_v a_o mere_a man_n and_o to_o have_v have_v no_o manner_n of_o existence_n before_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o b._n virgin_n as_o eusebius_n and_o epiphanius_n tell_v we_o particular_o concern_v ebion_n which_o those_o who_o hold_v the_o same_o opinion_n now_o in_o our_o day_n may_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v from_o whence_o it_o have_v its_o original_a other_o of_o they_o i_o still_o mean_v the_o gnostic_n have_v corrupt_v the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n by_o mingle_v with_o it_o the_o fancy_n and_o conceit_n of_o the_o jewish_a cabalist_n and_o of_o the_o school_n of_o pythagoras_n and_o plato_n and_o of_o the_o chaldaean_a philosophy_n more_o ancient_a than_o either_o as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o eusebius_n de_fw-la preparat_fw-la evan._n and_o by_o jumble_v all_o these_o together_o they_o have_v frame_v a_o confuse_a genealogy_n of_o deity_n which_o they_o call_v by_o several_a glorious_a name_n and_o all_o of_o they_o by_o the_o general_a name_n of_o eon_n or_o age_n among_o which_o they_o reckon_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d &_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d &_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d &_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v the_o life_n and_o the_o word_n and_o the_o only_o beget_v and_o the_o fullness_n and_o many_o other_o divine_a power_n and_o emanation_n which_o they_o fancy_v to_o be_v successive_o derive_v from_o one_o another_o and_o they_o also_o distinguish_v between_o the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n who_o they_o call_v the_o god_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o god_n of_o the_o new_a and_o between_o jesus_n and_o christ_n jesus_n according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o cerinthus_n as_o irenaeus_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o man_n that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o virgin_n and_o christ_n or_o the_o messiah_n be_v that_o divine_a power_n or_o spirit_n which_o afterward_o descend_v into_o jesus_n and_o dwell_v in_o he_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a yet_o it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o go_v about_o to_o reconcile_v these_o wild_a conceit_n with_o one_o another_o and_o to_o find_v out_o for_o what_o reason_n they_o be_v invent_v unless_o it_o be_v to_o amuse_v the_o people_n with_o these_o high_a swell_a word_n of_o vanity_n and_o a_o pretence_n of_o knowledge_n false_o so_o call_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o allusion_n to_o the_o name_n of_o gnostic_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o man_n of_o knowledge_n which_o they_o proud_o assume_v to_o themselves_o as_o if_o the_o knowledge_n of_o mystery_n of_o a_o more_o sublime_a nature_n do_v peculiar_o belong_v to_o they_o in_o opposition_n to_o all_o these_o vain_a and_o groundless_a conceit_n st._n john_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o gospel_n choose_v to_o speak_v of_o our_o b._n saviour_n the_o history_n of_o who_o life_n and_o death_n he_o be_v go_v to_o write_v by_o the_o name_n or_o title_n of_o the_o word_n a_o term_n very_o famous_a among_o those_o sect_n and_o show_v that_o this_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v also_o the_o title_n the_o jew_n ancient_o give_v to_o the_o messiah_n do_v exist_v before_o he_o assume_v a_o human_a nature_n and_o even_o form_v all_o eternity_n and_o that_o to_o this_o eternal_a word_n do_v true_o belong_v all_o those_o title_n which_o they_o keep_v such_o a_o cant_a stir_n about_o and_o which_o they_o do_v with_o so_o much_o senseless_a nicety_n and_o subtlety_n distinguish_v from_o one_o another_o as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v so_o many_o several_a emanation_n from_o the_o deity_n and_o he_o show_v that_o this_o word_n of_o god_n be_v real_o and_o true_o the_o life_n and_o the_o light_n and_o the_o fullness_n and_o the_o only_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n v._n 5._o in_o he_o be_v the_o life_n and_o the_o life_n be_v the_o light_n of_o man_n and_o v_o 6._o and_o the_o light_n shine_v in_o darkness_n and_o the_o darkness_n comprehend_v it_o not_o and_o v_o 7_o 8_o 9_o where_o the_o evangelist_n speak_v of_o john_n the_o baptist_n say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o come_v for_o a_o witness_n to_o bear_v witness_n of_o the_o light_n and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o that_o light_n but_o be_v send_v to_o bear_v witness_n of_o that_o light_n and_o that_o light_n be_v the_o true_a light_n which_o come_v into_o the_o world_n enlighten_v every_o man_n and_o v_o 14._o and_o we_o behold_v his_o glory_n the_o glory_n as_o of_o the_o only_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n and_o v_o 16._o and_o of_o his_o fullness_n we_o all_o receive_v etc._n etc._n you_o see_v here_o be_v a_o perpetual_a allusion_n to_o the_o glorious_a title_n which_o they_o give_v to_o their_o aeons_n as_n if_o they_o have_v be_v so_o many_o several_a deity_n in_o short_a the_o evangelist_n show_v that_o all_o this_o fanciful_a genealogy_n of_o divine_a emanation_n with_o which_o the_o gnostic_n make_v so_o great_a a_o noise_n be_v mere_a conceit_n and_o imagination_n and_o that_o all_o these_o glorious_a title_n do_v real_o meet_v in_o the_o messiah_n who_o be_v the_o word_n and_o who_o before_o his_o incarnation_n be_v from_o all_o eternity_n with_o god_n partaker_n of_o his_o divine_a nature_n and_o glory_n i_o have_v declare_v this_o the_o more_o full_o and_o particular_o because_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a key_n to_o the_o interpretation_n of_o this_o discourse_n of_o st._n john_n concern_v our_o saviour_n under_o the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v a_o quite_o wrong_a way_n for_o any_o man_n to_o go_v about_o by_o the_o mere_a strength_n and_o subtlety_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o wit_n though_o never_o so_o great_a to_o interpret_v a_o ancient_a book_n without_o understanding_n and_o consider_v the_o historical_a occasion_n of_o it_o which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v give_v true_a light_n to_o it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a and_o fatal_a mistake_n of_o socinus_n to_o go_v to_o interpret_v scripture_n mere_o by_o criticise_v upon_o word_n and_o search_v into_o all_o the_o sense_n that_o they_o be_v possible_o capable_a of_o till_o he_o can_v find_v one_o though_o never_o so_o force_v and_o foreign_a that_o will_v save_v harmless_a the_o opinion_n which_o he_o be_v beforehand_o resolve_v to_o maintain_v even_o against_o the_o most_o natural_a and_o obvious_a sense_n of_o the_o text_n which_o he_o undertake_v to_o interpret_v just_o as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v interpret_v ancient_a statute_n and_o record_n by_o
that_o which_o be_v constant_o receive_v not_o only_o by_o the_o ancient_a father_n but_o by_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o all_o christian_n for_o 1500_o year_n together_o for_o to_o establish_v this_o their_o opinion_n of_o our_o 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 have_v find_v it_o necessary_a to_o expound_v this_o whole_a passage_n quite_o to_o another_o sense_n and_o such_o as_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n be_v 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 for_o this_o reason_n i_o shall_v very_o particular_o consider_v the_o interpretation_n which_o socinus_n give_v of_o this_o passage_n of_o st._n john_n and_o beside_o the_o novelty_n of_o it_o which_o they_o themselves_o acknowledge_v i_o make_v no_o doubt_n very_o plain_o to_o manifest_v the_o great_a violence_n and_o unreasonableness_n and_o likewise_o the_o inconsistency_n of_o it_o with_o 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be_v make_v flesh_n and_o bear_v of_o the_o b._n virgin_n his_o mother_n this_o then_o in_o short_a be_v the_o interpretation_n which_o they_o give_v of_o this_o passage_n than_o which_o i_o think_v nothing_o can_v be_v more_o unnatural_a and_o violent_a in_o the_o beginning_n this_o they_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n have_v to_o refer_v to_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n but_o to_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v when_o the_o gospel_n first_o begin_v to_o be_v publish_v then_o be_v christ_n and_o not_o before_o and_o he_o be_v with_o god_n that_o be_v say_v socinus_n christ_n as_o he_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v afterward_o by_o he_o reveal_v to_o the_o world_n be_v first_o only_o know_v to_o god_n but_o all_o this_o be_v somewhat_o hard_o first_o to_o understand_v by_o the_o beginning_n not_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n but_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o then_o by_o the_o word_n which_o be_v with_o god_n 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several_a time_n in_o scripture_n call_v a_o new_a creation_n this_o in_o short_a be_v the_o sum_n of_o their_o interpretation_n of_o this_o passage_n which_o i_o shall_v now_o examine_v and_o to_o which_o i_o shall_v oppose_v three_o thing_n as_o so_o many_o invincible_a prejudices_fw-la against_o it_o first_o that_o not_o only_o all_o the_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v find_v all_o interpreter_n whatsoever_o for_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n together_o do_v understand_v this_o passage_n of_o st._n john_n in_o a_o quite_o different_a sense_n namely_o of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o material_a and_o not_o of_o the_o renovation_n of_o the_o moral_a world_n and_o i_o add_v further_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n do_v so_o understand_v this_o passage_n as_o to_o collect_v from_o it_o as_o a_o undoubted_a point_n of_o christianity_n that_o the_o word_n have_v a_o real_a existence_n before_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o b._n 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two_o head_n first_o those_o which_o express_o assert_v the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o have_v be_v and_o to_o have_v be_v in_o heaven_n with_o god_n and_o partaker_n with_o he_o in_o his_o glory_n before_o his_o incarnation_n and_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n second_o those_o which_o affirm_v that_o the_o world_n and_o all_o creature_n whatsoever_o be_v make_v by_o he_o i._o those_o text_n which_o express_o assert_v the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o have_v be_v and_o to_o have_v be_v in_o heaven_n with_o god_n and_o partaker_n with_o he_o in_o his_o glory_n before_o his_o incarnation_n and_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n no_o man_n have_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n 13._o but_o he_o that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n the_o son_n of_o man_n who_o be_v in_o heaven_n where_o the_o son_n be_v say_v to_o have_v come_v down_o from_o heaven_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o union_n of_o his_o divinity_n with_o human_a nature_n and_o his_o special_a residence_n in_o it_o here_o below_o and_o yet_o he_o 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the_o divinity_n for_o so_o it_o immediate_o follow_v 30._o his_o disciple_n say_v unto_o he_o lord_n now_o speak_v thou_o plain_o and_o speak_v no_o parable_n now_o be_v we_o sure_a that_o thou_o know_v all_o thing_n and_o need_v not_o that_o any_o man_n shall_v ask_v thou_o by_o this_o we_o believe_v that_o thou_o come_v forth_o from_o god_n so_o that_o either_o this_o which_o i_o have_v all_o along_o declare_v must_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o our_o saviour_n word_n or_o else_o his_o disciple_n be_v gross_o mistake_v and_o do_v not_o understand_v he_o at_o all_o and_o if_o so_o then_o sure_o our_o saviour_n before_o he_o have_v proceed_v any_o further_o will_v have_v correct_v their_o mistake_n and_o have_v set_v they_o right_o in_o this_o matter_n but_o so_o far_o be_v he_o from_o do_v that_o that_o he_o allow_v they_o to_o have_v understand_v he_o aright_o for_o thus_o it_o follow_v 31._o jesus_n answer_v they_o do_v you_o now_o believe_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o be_o glad_a that_o you_o be_v at_o last_o convince_v and_o do_v believe_v that_o i_o come_v from_o god_n and_o must_v return_v to_o he_o and_o that_o i_o know_v all_o thing_n which_o none_o but_o god_n can_v do_v be_v it_o now_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o read_v this_o passage_n and_o yet_o not_o to_o be_v convince_v that_o the_o disciple_n understand_v our_o saviour_n to_o speak_v literal_o but_o if_o his_o meaning_n be_v as_o the_o socinian_o will_v make_v we_o believe_v than_o the_o disciple_n do_v perfect_o mistake_v his_o word_n the_o contrary_a whereof_o be_v i_o think_v very_o plain_a and_o evident_a beyond_o all_o contradiction_n again_o 5._o 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 this_o sure_o be_v not_o speak_v of_o his_o be_v with_o god_n after_o his_o incarnation_n and_o before_o his_o entrance_n upon_o his_o public_a ministry_n they_o have_v not_o i_o think_v the_o face_n to_o understand_v this_o expression_n before_o the_o world_n be_v of_o the_o new_a creation_n but_o do_v endeavour_n to_o avoid_v it_o another_o way_n which_o i_o shall_v consider_v by_o and_o by_o and_o a_o little_a after_o 8._o i_o have_v give_v they_o the_o word_n which_o thou_o give_v i_o and_o they_o have_v receive_v they_o and_o know_v assure_o that_o i_o come_v from_o thou_o and_o that_o thou_o do_v send_v i_o again_o 2._o that_o which_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v which_o we_o have_v see_v with_o our_o eye_n which_o we_o have_v look_v upon_o and_o our_o hand_n have_v handle_v of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n for_o the_o life_n be_v manifest_v and_o we_o have_v see_v it_o and_o bear_v witness_n and_o show_v unto_o you_o that_o eternal_a life_n for_o so_o he_o call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o be_v manifest_v unto_o we_o and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o only_o with_o god_n before_o he_o assume_v human_a nature_n but_o also_o be_v real_o god_n st._n paul_n tell_v we_o 8._o let_v this_o mind_n be_v in_o you_o which_o be_v also_o in_o christ_n jesus_n who_o be_v in_o the_o form_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o arrogate_v to_o himself_o to_o be_v equal_a with_o god_n that_o be_v he_o make_v no_o ostentation_n of_o his_o divinity_n for_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o that_o phrase_n both_o because_o it_o be_v so_o use_v by_o plutarch_n and_o because_o it_o make_v the_o sense_n much_o more_o easy_a and_o current_a thus_o who_o be_v in_o the_o form_n of_o god_n do_v not_o assume_v a_o equality_n with_o god_n that_o be_v he_o do_v not_o appear_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o divinity_n which_o be_v hide_v under_o a_o veil_n of_o human_a flesh_n and_o infirmity_n but_o he_o empty_v himself_o and_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n and_o be_v make_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n and_o be_v find_v in_o fashion_n as_o a_o man_n or_o in_o the_o habit_n of_o a_o man_n he_o become_v obedient_a to_o the_o death_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o if_o his_o be_v make_v in_o the_o likeness_n and_o fashion_n of_o a_o man_n do_v signify_v that_o he_o be_v real_o man_n by_o his_o incarnation_n then_o sure_o his_o be_v in_o the_o form_n of_o god_n when_o he_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o fashion_n and_o likeness_n of_o man_n and_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n or_o slave_n must_v in_o all_o reason_n signify_v that_o he_o be_v real_o god_n before_o he_o become_v man_n for_o which_o reason_n the_o same_o apostle_n do_v not_o doubt_v to_o say_v that_o god_n be_v manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n 16._o and_o now_o i_o hope_v that_o i_o have_v make_v it_o full_o appear_v that_o the_o begin_n of_o st._n john_n gospel_n be_v not_o the_o single_a and_o only_a text_n upon_o which_o we_o ground_n this_o great_a doctrine_n as_o socinus_n call_v it_o and_o as_o we_o real_o esteem_v it_o to_o be_v for_o you_o see_v that_o i_o have_v produce_v a_o great_a many_o more_o to_o avoid_v the_o dint_n and_o force_n whereof_o the_o socinian_o do_v chief_o make_v use_n of_o these_o two_o answer_n first_o to_o those_o text_n which_o say_v that_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n they_o give_v this_o answer_n that_o our_o saviour_n some_o time_n before_o his_o entrance_n upon_o his_o public_a ministry_n they_o can_v agree_v precise_o when_o be_v take_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o then_o and_o there_o have_v the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v to_o he_o and_o be_v send_v down_o from_o heaven_n again_o to_o make_v it_o know_v to_o the_o world_n this_o be_v so_o very_o
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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
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
be_v fit_a for_o god_n to_o do_v and_o that_o he_o need_v not_o to_o take_v counsel_n of_o any_o of_o his_o creature_n what_o will_v best_o become_v he_o in_o this_o or_o any_o other_o case_n 13._o behold_v in_o this_o thou_o be_v not_o just_a i_o will_v answer_v thou_o that_o god_n be_v great_a than_o man_n why_o do_v thou_o dispute_v against_o he_o for_o he_o give_v not_o account_n of_o any_o of_o his_o matter_n three_o if_o our_o reason_n can_v get_v over_o this_o difficulty_n and_o admit_v that_o god_n may_v become_v man_n yet_o it_o seem_v very_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o to_o his_o great_a design_n of_o instruct_v and_o reform_v mankind_n to_o appear_v in_o so_o low_a and_o suffer_v a_o condition_n this_o to_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n who_o as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o by_o wisdom_n know_v not_o god_n do_v not_o only_o seem_v unreasonable_a but_o even_o ridiculous_a 21._o so_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o we_o say_v he_o preach_v christ_n crucify_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumble_a block_n and_o to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n to_o think_v that_o so_o poor_a and_o mean_a a_o man_n be_v fit_a to_o give_v law_n to_o mankind_n and_o to_o awe_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o doctrine_n that_o one_o who_o be_v put_v to_o death_n himself_o shall_v be_v believe_v by_o other_o when_o he_o promise_v to_o they_o life_n and_o immortality_n in_o another_o world_n can_v not_o but_o appear_v very_o strange_a and_o unreasonable_a for_o answer_v to_o this_o beside_o other_o excellent_a reason_n and_o end_n which_o the_o scripture_n express_o assign_v of_o our_o b._n saviour_n humiliation_n in_o his_o assume_v our_o nature_n with_o the_o frailty_n and_o misery_n of_o it_o as_o that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o teacher_n and_o a_o example_n to_o we_o that_o by_o his_o bitter_a passion_n he_o may_v make_v expiation_n for_o sin_n and_o â—et_v we_o a_o pattern_n of_o the_o great_a meekness_n and_o patience_n under_o the_o great_a provocation_n and_o suffering_n that_o have_v suffer_v so_o grievous_o himself_o he_o may_v know_v how_o to_o commiserate_v and_o pity_v we_o in_o all_o our_o temptation_n and_o suffering_n that_o by_o death_n he_o may_v destroy_v he_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o death_n that_o be_v the_o devil_n and_o may_v deliver_v those_o who_o through_o fear_n of_o death_n be_v all_o their_o life-time_n subject_a to_o bondage_n i_o say_v beside_o all_o this_o it_o be_v of_o great_a use_n that_o the_o great_a teacher_n and_o reformer_n of_o mankind_n shall_v live_v in_o so_o mean_a and_o afflict_a a_o condition_n to_o confront_v the_o pride_n and_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n by_o this_o consideration_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o very_o best_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v be_v a_o beggar_n and_o have_v not_o where_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n and_o likewise_o to_o convince_v man_n of_o these_o two_o great_a truth_n that_o god_n may_v grievous_o afflict_v those_o who_o he_o dear_o love_v and_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o be_v innocent_a and_o content_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o poverty_n and_o reproach_n and_o suffering_n have_v our_o b._n saviour_n appear_v in_o the_o person_n and_o pomp_n of_o a_o great_a temporal_a prince_n the_o influence_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o example_n will_v probable_o have_v make_v more_o hypocrite_n and_o servile_a convert_v but_o not_o have_v persuade_v man_n one_o jot_n more_o to_o be_v inward_o holy_a and_o good_a the_o great_a argument_n that_o must_v do_v that_o must_v not_o be_v fetch_v from_o the_o pomp_n and_o prosperity_n of_o this_o world_n but_o from_o the_o great_a and_o eternal_a recompense_n of_o the_o other_o and_o it_o be_v very_o well_o worth_a our_o observation_n that_o nothing_o puzzle_v cesar_n vaninus_n who_o be_v perhaps_o the_o first_o and_o the_o only_a martyr_n for_o atheism_n that_o ever_o be_v i_o say_v nothing_o puzzle_v he_o more_o than_o that_o he_o can_v not_o from_o the_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n and_o action_n write_v by_o the_o evangelist_n with_o so_o native_a a_o simplicity_n fasten_v upon_o he_o any_o probable_a imputation_n of_o a_o secular_a interest_n and_o design_n in_o any_o thing_n that_o he_o say_v or_o do_v no_o doubt_n but_o vaninus_n before_o he_o make_v this_o acknowledgement_n have_v search_v very_o narrow_o into_o this_o matter_n and_o can_v he_o have_v find_v any_o colour_n for_o such_o a_o imputation_n he_o will_v have_v think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o have_v blast_v both_o he_o and_o his_o religion_n you_o may_v be_v please_v to_o consider_v further_o that_o it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o wise_a jew_n that_o the_o best_a man_n the_o child_n of_o god_n who_o call_v god_n their_o father_n be_v many_o time_n expose_v to_o the_o great_a suffering_n and_o reproach_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o meekness_n and_o patience_n as_o we_o may_v see_v at_o large_a in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o solomon_n where_o speak_v of_o the_o malice_n and_o enmity_n of_o the_o wicked_a to_o one_o that_o be_v eminent_o righteous_a he_o bring_v they_o in_o say_v after_o this_o manner_n 20._o let_v we_o lie_v in_o wait_n for_o the_o righteous_a because_o he_o be_v not_o for_o our_o turn_n he_o be_v clean_o contrary_a to_o our_o do_n he_o upbraid_v we_o with_o our_o offend_v the_o law_n and_o object_v to_o our_o infamy_n the_o transgression_n of_o our_o youth_n he_o profess_v to_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o he_o call_v himself_o the_o child_n of_o the_o lord_n he_o be_v grievous_a unto_o we_o even_o to_o behold_v for_o his_o life_n be_v not_o like_o other_o man_n his_o way_n be_v of_o another_o fashion_n we_o be_v esteem_v of_o he_o as_o counterfeit_v he_o abstain_v from_o our_o way_n as_o from_o filthiness_n he_o pronounce_v the_o end_n of_o the_o just_a to_o be_v bless_v and_o make_v his_o boast_n that_o god_n be_v his_o father_n let_v we_o see_v if_o his_o word_n be_v true_a and_o what_o shall_v happen_v in_o the_o end_n of_o he_o for_o if_o the_o just_a man_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o will_v help_v he_o and_o deliver_v he_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o enemy_n let_v we_o examine_v he_o with_o despitefulness_n and_o torture_n that_o we_o may_v know_v his_o meekness_n and_o prove_v his_o patience_n let_v we_o condemn_v he_o to_o a_o shameful_a death_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v so_o exact_a a_o character_n of_o our_o b._n saviour_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o holiness_n and_o innocency_n of_o his_o life_n and_o of_o the_o reproach_n and_o suffering_n which_o he_o meet_v with_o from_o the_o wicked_a and_o malicious_a jew_n who_o persecute_v he_o all_o his_o life_n and_o at_o last_o conspire_v his_o death_n that_o whoever_o read_v this_o passage_n can_v hardly_o forbear_v to_o think_v it_o a_o prophetical_a description_n of_o the_o innocency_n and_o suffering_n of_o the_o b._n jesus_n for_o he_o certain_o in_o the_o most_o eminent_a manner_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v call_v by_o the_o evangelist_n the_o only_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n or_o if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o prediction_n concern_v our_o b._n saviour_n yet_o thus_o much_o at_o least_o may_v be_v conclude_v from_o it_o that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o wise_a among_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v not_o unworthy_a of_o the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n to_o permit_v the_o best_a man_n to_o be_v so_o ill_o treat_v by_o wicked_a man_n and_o further_o that_o in_o their_o judgement_n the_o innocency_n and_o virtue_n of_o a_o eminent_o righteous_a man_n be_v then_o set_v off_o to_o the_o best_a advantage_n and_o do_v shine_v forth_o with_o the_o great_a lustre_n when_o he_o be_v under_o the_o hard_a circumstance_n of_o suffering_n and_o persecution_n from_o a_o evil_a world_n add_v to_o this_o likewise_o that_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n do_v frequent_o inculcate_v such_o doctrine_n as_o these_o that_o worldly_a greatness_n and_o power_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admire_v but_o rather_o to_o be_v despise_v by_o a_o wise_a man_n that_o man_n may_v be_v very_o good_a and_o dear_a to_o the_o god_n and_o yet_o liable_a to_o the_o great_a misery_n and_o suffering_n in_o this_o world_n that_o whoever_o suffer_v unjust_o and_o bear_v it_o patient_o give_v the_o great_a testimony_n to_o goodness_n and_o do_v most_o effectual_o recommend_v piety_n and_o virtue_n as_o thing_n of_o great_a value_n than_o the_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o present_a life_n nay_o further_o that_o a_o good_a man_n cast_v into_o the_o hard_a circumstance_n of_o poverty_n and_o misery_n of_o reproach_n and_o suffering_n be_v the_o fit_a person_n of_o all_o other_o to_o be_v the_o minister_n and_o apostle_n and_o
preacher_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n which_o be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o arian_n a_o heathen_a philosopher_n in_o his_o discourse_n of_o epictetus_n now_o sure_o they_o who_o say_v such_o thing_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o object_n to_o our_o b._n saviour_n his_o low_a and_o suffer_a condition_n as_o misbecome_v one_o that_o be_v to_o be_v the_o great_a teacher_n and_o reformer_n of_o the_o world_n and_o as_o to_o that_o part_n of_o the_o objection_n that_o he_o who_o so_o free_o promise_v immortality_n to_o other_o can_v not_o or_o however_o do_v not_o save_v himself_o from_o death_n this_o vanish_v into_o nothing_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o he_o rescue_v himself_o from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o grave_a and_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o rely_v upon_o his_o promise_n of_o raise_v we_o up_o from_o the_o dead_a that_o the_o objection_n itself_o be_v real_o so_o for_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o to_o rely_v upon_o he_o for_o our_o hope_n of_o immortality_n who_o by_o rise_v from_o the_o grave_n himself_o and_o by_o conquer_a the_o power_n of_o death_n and_o darkness_n and_o triumph_v open_o over_o they_o by_o his_o visible_a ascension_n into_o heaven_n have_v give_v so_o plain_a and_o sensible_a a_o demonstration_n to_o all_o mankind_n that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o make_v good_a to_o the_o uttermost_a all_o the_o glorious_a promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o we_o of_o a_o bless_a resurrection_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n in_o another_o world_n to_o he_o be_v glory_n and_o dominion_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n sermon_n iv._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 28._o 1680._o john_n i_o 14._o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n etc._n etc._n the_o three_o and_o last_o thing_n which_o i_o propose_v upon_o this_o argument_n of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v iii_o to_o give_v some_o account_n of_o this_o dispensation_n and_o to_o show_v that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n think_v fit_a thus_o to_o order_v thing_n 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 all_o thing_n be_v due_o weigh_v and_o consider_v it_o will_v appear_v much_o more_o for_o our_o comfort_n and_o advantuge_n than_o any_o other_o way_n which_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n will_v have_v be_v most_o apt_a to_o devise_v and_o pitch_n upon_o and_o it_o be_v the_o more_o necessary_a to_o give_v some_o account_n of_o this_o matter_n because_o after_o all_o that_o have_v hitherto_o be_v say_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n against_o it_o it_o may_v still_o seem_v very_o strange_a to_o a_o consider_v man_n that_o god_n who_o can_v without_o all_o this_o circumstance_n and_o condescension_n have_v do_v the_o business_n for_o which_o his_o son_n come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o appear_v in_o our_o nature_n that_o be_v can_v have_v give_v the_o same_o law_n to_o mankind_n and_o have_v offer_v to_o we_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n upon_o our_o repentance_n for_o sin_n past_a and_o a_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o obedience_n for_o the_o future_a i_o say_v that_o notwithstanding_o this_o he_o shall_v yet_o make_v choice_n of_o this_o way_n for_o the_o redemption_n and_o recovery_n of_o fall_a man_n by_o send_v his_o son_n in_o our_o nature_n to_o accomplish_v this_o design_n and_o in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v as_o i_o say_v before_o all_o along_o take_v the_o express_a declaration_n or_o at_o least_o the_o pregnant_a intimation_n of_o scripture_n for_o my_o ground_n and_o guide_v it_o be_v always_o safe_a to_o take_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o divine_a counsel_n and_o action_n from_o god_n himself_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o make_v no_o manner_n of_o doubt_n to_o say_v that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a presumption_n and_o boldness_n in_o any_o man_n to_o affirm_v that_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n can_v not_o have_v bring_v about_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n by_o any_o other_o way_n than_o by_o this_o very_a way_n in_o which_o he_o have_v do_v it_o for_o why_o shall_v we_o take_v upon_o we_o to_o set_v limit_n to_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o pretend_v to_o know_v the_o utmost_a extent_n of_o it_o but_o since_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o pitch_v upon_o this_o way_n rather_o than_o any_o other_o this_o sure_o aught_o to_o be_v reason_n enough_o to_o satisfy_v we_o of_o the_o peculiar_a wisdom_n and_o fitness_n of_o it_o whether_o the_o particular_a reason_n of_o it_o appear_v to_o we_o or_o not_o and_o yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v a_o very_a noble_a argument_n and_o well_o worthy_a our_o consideration_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o dispensation_n and_o to_o assign_v they_o particular_o if_o we_o can_v for_o i_o look_v upon_o mystery_n and_o miracle_n in_o religion_n to_o be_v much_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o that_o a_o great_a reverence_n be_v due_a to_o both_o where_o they_o be_v certain_a and_o necessary_a in_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o neither_o of_o they_o be_v easy_o to_o be_v admit_v without_o necessity_n and_o very_o good_a evidence_n second_o i_o consider_v in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o in_o the_o several_a revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v of_o himself_o to_o mankind_n he_o have_v with_o great_a condescension_n accommodate_v himself_o both_o as_o to_o manner_n and_o degree_n of_o they_o to_o the_o condition_n and_o capacity_n and_o other_o circumstance_n of_o the_o person_n and_o people_n to_o who_o they_o be_v make_v particular_o we_o find_v that_o the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o jewish_a nation_n be_v full_a of_o condescension_n to_o the_o temper_n and_o prejudices_fw-la and_o other_o circumstance_n of_o that_o people_n for_o the_o religion_n and_o law_n which_o god_n give_v they_o be_v far_o from_o be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o perfect_a in_o themselves_o in_o which_o sense_n some_o understand_v that_o passage_n in_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n give_v they_o statute_n which_o be_v not_o good_a that_o be_v very_o imperfect_a in_o comparison_n of_o what_o he_o can_v and_o will_v have_v give_v they_o have_v they_o be_v capable_a of_o they_o and_o yet_o such_o as_o be_v very_o well_o suit_v and_o fit_v to_o their_o present_a capacity_n and_o circumstance_n three_o i_o observe_v yet_o further_o that_o though_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o to_o the_o main_a and_o substance_n of_o it_o be_v a_o most_o perfect_a institution_n be_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n revive_v and_o perfect_v yet_o upon_o a_o due_a consideration_n of_o thing_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o this_o dispensation_n be_v full_a of_o condescension_n to_o the_o weakness_n of_o mankind_n and_o very_o much_o accommodate_v to_o the_o most_o common_a and_o deep_o radicate_v prejudices_fw-la of_o man_n concern_v god_n and_o religion_n and_o peculiar_o fit_v to_o remove_v and_o root_v they_o out_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o substitute_v something_o in_o the_o place_n of_o they_o of_o as_o near_o a_o compliance_n with_o they_o as_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o honour_n of_o almighty_n god_n and_o the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o give_v a_o certain_a account_n of_o the_o true_a original_a of_o some_o notion_n and_o prejudices_fw-la concern_v god_n and_o religion_n which_o have_v general_o obtain_v in_o the_o world_n in_o that_o variety_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o different_a way_n of_o worship_n and_o superstition_n which_o have_v be_v in_o several_a nation_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o in_o history_n and_o fact_n this_o be_v certain_a that_o some_o notion_n and_o those_o very_a gross_a and_o erroneous_a do_v almost_o universal_o prevail_v even_o among_o those_o who_o do_v extreme_o differ_v in_o the_o particular_a form_n and_o mode_n of_o their_o superstition_n and_o though_o some_o of_o these_o be_v much_o more_o tolerable_a than_o other_o yet_o god_n seem_v to_o have_v have_v great_a consideration_n of_o some_o very_a weak_a and_o gross_a apprehension_n of_o mankind_n concern_v religion_n and_o as_o in_o some_o of_o the_o law_n give_v by_o moses_n god_n be_v please_v particular_o to_o consider_v the_o hardness_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o that_o people_n so_o he_o seem_v likewise_o to_o have_v very_o much_o suit_v the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o method_n of_o our_o salvation_n by_o the_o incarnation_n and_o suffering_n of_o his_o son_n to_o the_o common_a prejudices_fw-la of_o mankind_n especial_o of_o the_o heathen_a world_n who_o mind_n be_v less_o prepare_v for_o this_o dispensation_n than_o the_o jew_n if_o we_o
end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o take_v away_o sin_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o and_o in_o virtue_n of_o that_o sacrifice_n appear_v now_o in_o heaven_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n for_o we_o he_o be_v become_v our_o perpetual_a advocate_n and_o a_o most_o prevalent_a intercessor_n with_o god_n in_o our_o behalf_n for_o instead_o of_o the_o various_a and_o endless_a sacrifice_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_a the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v by_o one_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n perfect_v for_o ever_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v and_o instead_o of_o the_o mediation_n of_o daemon_n and_o hero_n to_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n which_o be_v the_o intercessor_n make_v use_v of_o among_o the_o heathen_a we_o have_v one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o even_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v enter_v into_o heaven_n itself_o there_o to_o appear_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n for_o we_o and_o to_o assure_v we_o that_o he_o commiserate_v our_o case_n and_o have_v a_o true_a and_o tender_a sense_n of_o our_o infirmity_n and_o suffering_n the_o very_a manner_n of_o his_o intercession_n for_o we_o as_o the_o scripture_n represent_v it_o to_o we_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o he_o intercede_v for_o we_o in_o heaven_n by_o represent_v to_o god_n his_o father_n his_o suffering_n upon_o earth_n and_o plead_v they_o in_o our_o behalf_n so_o that_o the_o very_a argument_n which_o he_o use_v to_o god_n for_o we_o can_v but_o stir_v up_o compassion_n in_o he_o towards_o we_o and_o whilst_o he_o represent_v his_o own_o suffering_n in_o our_o behalf_n we_o can_v think_v that_o he_o be_v unmindful_a and_o insensible_a of_o we_o you_o see_v then_o that_o in_o this_o dispensation_n of_o god_n for_o our_o salvation_n by_o send_v his_o son_n in_o our_o nature_n thing_n be_v not_o only_o suit_v in_o great_a condescension_n to_o our_o apprehension_n but_o be_v likewise_o in_o great_a compassion_n to_o we_o every_o way_n fit_v for_o our_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n god_n have_v make_v he_o our_o great_a patron_n and_o advocate_n who_o be_v our_o sacrifice_n and_o propitiation_n and_o sure_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o who_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n humble_v himself_o and_o become_v obedient_a to_o the_o death_n for_o our_o sake_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o do_v we_o all_o good_a office_n now_o that_o he_o be_v advance_v to_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n that_o he_o who_o die_v for_o we_o upon_o earth_n now_o that_o he_o live_v again_o will_v make_v intercession_n for_o we_o in_o heaven_n and_o perfect_a that_o salvation_n which_o he_o purchase_v for_o we_o upon_o the_o cross_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o as_o the_o purchase_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o death_n and_o suffering_n of_o christ_n so_o the_o perfect_a of_o it_o be_v attribute_v to_o his_o intercession_n for_o we_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o his_o father_n wherefore_o say_v the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n he_o be_v able_a to_o save_v to_o the_o uttermost_a all_o those_o that_o come_v to_o god_n by_o he_o see_v he_o live_v for_o ever_o to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o he_o die_v once_o to_o purchase_v these_o benefit_n but_o he_o live_v for_o ever_o to_o procure_v they_o for_o we_o and_o to_o apply_v they_o to_o we_o and_o now_o that_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n he_o be_v as_o intent_n upon_o our_o concernment_n and_o lay_v our_o happiness_n as_o much_o to_o heart_n as_o when_o he_o dwell_v here_o among_o we_o on_o earth_n and_o pour_v out_o his_o blood_n a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o that_o when_o he_o live_v here_o below_o he_o suffer_v and_o be_v tempt_v as_o we_o be_v this_o very_a consideration_n give_v we_o the_o great_a assurance_n possible_a that_o he_o be_v still_o touch_v with_o the_o feel_n of_o our_o infirmity_n and_o have_v a_o lively_a sense_n of_o our_o suffering_n and_o consequent_o that_o he_o do_v compassionate_a our_o case_n and_o will_v use_v all_o his_o power_n and_o interest_n for_o our_o advantage_n for_o our_o seasonable_a support_n and_o succour_v in_o all_o our_o trial_n and_o suffering_n but_o beside_o the_o wonderful_a gondescension_n of_o this_o dispensation_n there_o be_v likewise_o in_o the_o five_o and_o last_o place_n a_o great_a congruity_n and_o fitness_n in_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o this_o method_n of_o our_o salvation_n which_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v pitch_v upon_o be_v in_o many_o other_o respect_v very_o much_o for_o our_o real_a benefit_n and_o comfort_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o have_v a_o perfect_a and_o familiar_a example_n of_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n in_o our_o own_o nature_n by_o which_o we_o plain_o see_v that_o god_n require_v nothing_o of_o we_o but_o what_o he_o himself_o when_o he_o submit_v to_o become_v man_n do_v think_v fit_a to_o do_v for_o be_v make_v of_o a_o woman_n he_o be_v of_o necessity_n make_v under_o the_o law_n and_o by_o assume_v human_a nature_n he_o become_v natural_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n and_o condition_n of_o his_o be_v and_o here_o likewise_o be_v a_o provision_n make_v for_o the_o expiation_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n in_o a_o way_n not_o only_o very_o honourable_a to_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o law_n but_o likewise_o very_o effectual_a to_o discountenance_v sin_n and_o to_o deter_v man_n from_o it_o since_o god_n do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o forgive_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n without_o great_a suffering_n and_o that_o in_o our_o nature_n for_o though_o god_n be_v willing_a to_o save_v the_o sinner_n yet_o rather_o than_o encouragement_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o sin_n by_o let_v it_o go_v unpunished_a he_o be_v content_v to_o give_v up_o the_o dear_o belove_v of_o his_o soul_n to_o be_v a_o sarcifice_n and_o propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n by_o the_o same_o mean_n also_o we_o have_v a_o most_o powerful_a antidote_n against_o the_o fear_n of_o suffer_v and_o particular_o against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n one_o of_o the_o great_a slavery_n of_o human_a nature_n so_o also_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n tell_v we_o 15._o that_o for_o this_o cause_n christ_n himself_o also_o take_v part_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n that_o by_o death_n he_o may_v destroy_v he_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o death_n that_o be_v the_o devil_n and_o may_v deliver_v those_o who_o through_o fear_n of_o death_n be_v all_o their_o life-time_n subject_a to_o bondage_n again_o we_o have_v hereby_o full_a assurance_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n in_o another_o life_n because_o in_o our_o nature_n death_n and_o all_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n be_v baffle_v and_o overcome_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n which_o can_v not_o have_v be_v without_o his_o incarnation_n and_o so_o likewise_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n be_v sensible_a demonstration_n to_o all_o mankind_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n after_o death_n which_o be_v the_o most_o powerful_a motive_n in_o the_o world_n to_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o last_o we_o may_v upon_o this_o account_n promise_n to_o ourselves_o a_o fair_a and_o equal_a trial_n at_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n because_o we_o shall_v then_o be_v judge_v by_o a_o man_n like_o ourselves_o our_o saviour_n and_o judge_n himself_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o for_o this_o reason_n god_n have_v commit_v all_o judgement_n to_o the_o son_n 27._o because_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o this_o in_o human_a judgement_n be_v account_v a_o great_a privilege_n to_o be_v judge_v by_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o same_o rank_a and_o condition_n with_o ourselves_o and_o who_o be_v likely_a to_o understand_v best_a and_o most_o careful_o to_o examine_v and_o consider_v all_o our_o circumstance_n and_o to_o render_v our_o case_n as_o if_o it_o be_v their_o own_o so_o equitable_o do_v god_n deal_v with_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v acquit_v or_o condemn_v by_o such_o a_o judge_n as_o according_a to_o human_a measure_n we_o ourselves_o shall_v have_v choose_v by_o one_o in_o our_o own_o nature_n who_o be_v make_v in_o all_o thing_n like_v unto_o we_o that_o only_o except_v which_o will_v have_v render_v he_o incapable_a of_o be_v our_o judge_n because_o it_o will_v have_v make_v he_o a_o criminal_a like_o ourselves_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n offer_v this_o as_o a_o firm_a ground_n of_o assurance_n to_o we_o that_o god_n will_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n because_o this_o judgement_n shall_v be_v administer_v by_o a_o man_n like_o ourselves_o he_o have_v say_v he_o appoint_v a_o
day_n wherein_o be_v will_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n by_o that_o man_n who_o be_v bathe_v ordain_v etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v now_o only_o make_v a_o practical_a inference_n or_o two_o from_o what_o have_v be_v deliver_v upon_o this_o argument_n and_o so_o conclude_v this_o whole_a discourse_n first_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o b._n saviour_n shall_v effectual_o prevail_v with_o we_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n become_a man_n and_o dwell_n among_o we_o and_o of_o his_o do_v and_o suffer_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v record_v of_o he_o in_o the_o history_n of_o his_o life_n and_o death_n write_v by_o the_o h._n evangelist_n i_o say_v the_o consideration_n hereof_o shall_v persuade_v we_o all_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o great_a design_n of_o all_o this_o which_o be_v the_o reformation_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o recovery_n of_o we_o out_o of_o that_o sinful_a and_o miserable_a estate_n into_o which_o we_o be_v fall_v because_o the_o salvation_n which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v purchase_v for_o we_o and_o which_o he_o offer_v to_o we_o by_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o to_o be_v accomplish_v and_o bring_v about_o any_o other_o way_n than_o by_o our_o forsake_v our_o sin_n and_o reform_v our_o life_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n and_o bring_v salvation_n will_v not_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o it_o in_o any_o other_o way_n nor_o by_o any_o other_o mean_n than_o by_o teach_v we_o to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n god_n send_v his_o son_n jesus_n to_o bless_v we_o by_o turn_v we_o away_o every_o one_o from_o his_o iniquity_n and_o unless_o this_o change_n be_v effectual_o wrought_v in_o we_o we_o be_v utter_o incapable_a of_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n all_o that_o he_o have_v do_v for_o we_o without_o we_o will_v avail_v we_o nothing_o unless_o we_o be_v inward_o transform_v and_o renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n unless_o we_o become_v new_a creature_n unless_o we_o make_v it_o the_o continual_a and_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o our_o life_n to_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n for_o the_o scripture_n be_v most_o express_a and_o positive_a in_o this_o matter_n that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n 14._o that_o every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o 3_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n to_o be_v save_v by_o he_o must_v purify_v himself_o even_o as_o be_v be_v pure_a we_o do_v not_o right_o and_o true_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n if_o we_o be_v not_o also_o thorough_o convince_v that_o it_o be_v as_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o leave_v our_o sin_n as_o to_o believe_v this_o most_o faithful_a and_o credible_a say_v the_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n of_o our_o b._n saviour_n be_v indeed_o account_v to_o we_o for_o righteousness_n and_o will_v most_o certain_o redound_v to_o our_o unspeakable_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n upon_o our_o performance_n of_o the_o condition_n which_o the_o gospel_n do_v require_v on_o our_o part_n namely_o that_o every_o man_n that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n h._n spirit_n be_v ready_a to_o enable_v we_o to_o perform_v this_o condition_n if_o we_o earnest_o ask_v it_o and_o do_v sincere_o cooperate_v with_o it_o provide_v we_o do_v what_o we_o can_v on_o our_o part_n god_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o we_o on_o his._n but_o if_o we_o receive_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a and_o take_v no_o care_n to_o perform_v the_o condition_n and_o do_v neglect_v to_o implore_v the_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n h._n spirit_n to_o that_o purpose_n we_o have_v none_o to_o blame_v but_o ourselves_o because_o it_o be_v then_o whole_o our_o own_o fault_n if_o we_o fall_v short_a of_o that_o happiness_n which_o christ_n have_v purchase_v and_o promise_v to_o we_o upon_o such_o easy_a and_o reasonable_a conditian_n as_o the_o gospel_n propose_v but_o i_o no_o where_o find_v that_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o force_v happiness_n upon_o the_o negligent_a and_o a_o reward_n upon_o the_o wicked_a and_o slothful_a servant_n a_o gift_n may_v be_v give_v for_o nothing_o but_o sure_o a_o reward_n do_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o it_o always_o suppose_v some_o service_n none_o but_o a_o righteous_a man_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o righteous_a man_n reward_n and_o st._n john_n have_v sufficient_o caution_v we_o not_o to_o think_v ourselves_o righteous_a unless_o we_o be_v doer_n of_o righteousness_n 7._o little_a child_n say_v he_o let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v righteous_a even_o as_o he_o be_v righteous_a this_o be_v so_o very_o plain_a a_o text_n that_o if_o man_n be_v not_o either_o very_o easy_a to_o be_v deceive_v by_o other_o or_o very_o willing_a to_o deceive_v themselves_o they_o can_v not_o possible_o mistake_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v repeat_v it_o once_o more_o little_a child_n let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v righteous_a even_o as_o he_o be_v righteous_a second_o the_o other_o inference_n which_o i_o will_v make_v from_o the_o precedent_a discourse_n be_v this_o that_o with_o all_o possible_a thankfulness_n we_o shall_v acknowledge_v and_o adore_v the_o wonderful_a goodness_n and_o condescension_n of_o almighty_a god_n in_o send_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n into_o the_o world_n in_o our_o nature_n to_o be_v make_v flesh_n and_o to_o dwell_v among_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o recovery_n and_o salvation_n a_o method_n and_o dispensation_n not_o only_o full_a of_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n but_o of_o great_a condescension_n to_o our_o meanness_n and_o of_o mighty_a virtue_n and_o efficacy_n for_o our_o redemption_n and_o deliverance_n from_o the_o gild_n and_o dominion_n of_o sin_n and_o upon_o all_o account_v every_o way_n so_o much_o for_o our_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n so_o that_o well_o may_v we_o say_v with_o st._n paul_n this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o credible_a word_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n that_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v embrace_v and_o entertain_v with_o all_o possible_a joy_n and_o thankfulness_n that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n what_o a_o everlasting_a fountain_n of_o the_o most_o invaluable_a blessing_n and_o benefit_n to_o mankind_n be_v the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n his_o vouchsafe_v to_o assume_v our_o nature_n and_o to_o reside_v and_o converse_v so_o long_o with_o we_o and_o what_o be_v we_o that_o the_o eternal_a and_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n shall_v condescend_v to_o do_v all_o this_o for_o we_o that_o the_o high_a and_o glorious_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n shall_v stoop_v down_o to_o the_o earth_n and_o be_v content_v to_o be_v clothe_v with_o misery_n and_o mortality_n that_o he_o shall_v submit_v to_o so_o poor_a and_o low_a a_o condition_n to_o such_o dreadful_a and_o disgraceful_a suffering_n for_o our_o sake_n for_o what_o be_v we_o vile_a and_o despicable_a creature_n guilty_a and_o unworthy_a offender_n and_o apostate_n enemy_n and_o rebel_n bless_a god_n how_o great_a be_v thy_o goodness_n how_o infinite_a be_v thy_o tender_a mercy_n and_o compassion_n to_o mankind_n that_o thou_o shall_v regard_v we_o whilst_o we_o neglect_v thou_o and_o remember_v we_o in_o our_o low_a condition_n when_o we_o have_v forget_v thou_o day_n without_o number_n and_o shall_v take_v such_o pity_n on_o we_o when_o we_o show_v none_o to_o ourselves_o and_o whilst_o we_o be_v thy_o declare_a and_o implacable_a enemy_n shall_v express_v more_o kindness_n and_o good_a will_n to_o we_o than_o the_o best_a of_o man_n ever_o do_v to_o their_o best_a friend_n when_o we_o reflect_v serious_o upon_o those_o great_a thing_n which_o god_n have_v do_v in_o our_o behalf_n and_o consider_v that_o mighty_a salvation_n which_o god_n have_v wrought_v for_o we_o what_o thanks_o can_v we_o possible_o render_v what_o acknowledgement_n shall_v we_o ever_o be_v able_a to_o make_v i_o do_v not_o say_v equal_a but_o in_o any_o wise_a meet_a and_o become_a to_o this_o great_a benefactor_n of_o mankind_n who_o when_o we_o have_v so_o high_o offend_v and_o provoke_v he_o and_o so_o foolish_o and_o so_o fatal_o undo_v ourselves_o when_o we_o be_v become_v so_o guilty_a and_o so_o miserable_a and_o so_o much_o fit_a to_o have_v eternal_o be_v the_o object_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o indignation_n than_o of_o his_o pity_n and_o compassion_n be_v please_v
mean_v in_o his_o go_n about_o do_v good_a that_o by_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n in_o the_o high_a and_o by_o endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o procure_v and_o promote_v peace_n on_o earth_n and_o good_a will_n among_o man_n we_o may_v at_o last_o be_v make_v meet_a to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n through_o the_o mercy_n and_o merit_n of_o our_o b._n saviour_n and_o redeemer_n amen_n almighty_a god_n who_o have_v give_v we_o thy_o only_o beget_v son_n to_o take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o and_o as_o at_o this_o time_n to_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o pure_a virgin_n grant_v that_o we_o be_v regenerate_v and_o make_v thy_o child_n by_o adoption_n and_o grace_n may_v daily_o be_v renew_v by_o thy_o holy_a spirit_n through_o the_o same_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o live_v and_o reign_v with_o thou_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n ever_o one_o god_n world_n without_o end_n amen_n sermon_n v._o concern_v the_o sacrifice_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n heb._n ix_o 26._o but_o now_o once_o have_v he_o appear_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o take_v away_o sin_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o among_o many_o other_o great_a end_n and_o reason_n for_o which_o god_n be_v please_v to_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o dwell_v among_o we_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a that_o by_o a_o long_a course_n of_o the_o great_a innocency_n and_o the_o great_a suffering_n in_o our_o nature_n he_o may_v be_v capable_a to_o make_v a_o perfect_a expiation_n of_o sin_n but_o now_o once_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o age_n that_o be_v in_o the_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v the_o gospel_n age_n have_v he_o appear_v to_o take_v away_o sin_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o the_o general_a design_n of_o god_n in_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n be_v to_o save_v mankind_n from_o eternal_a death_n and_o misery_n and_o to_o purchase_v for_o we_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n so_o the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n himself_o tell_v we_o 16._o that_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n now_o in_o order_n to_o the_o procure_n of_o this_o salvation_n for_o we_o the_o impediment_n and_o hindrance_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v remove_v these_o be_v the_o guilt_n and_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n by_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n we_o be_v become_v obnoxious_a to_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o to_o eternal_a condemnation_n and_o by_o the_o defilement_n and_o dominion_n of_o it_o we_o be_v incapable_a of_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o eternal_a life_n to_o remove_v these_o two_o great_a hindrance_n two_o thing_n be_v necessary_a the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n pass_v in_o order_n to_o our_o deliverance_n from_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o the_o eternal_a torment_n of_o the_o next_o life_n and_o the_o reformation_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n in_o another_o world_n and_o both_o these_o if_o god_n have_v so_o please_v may_v for_o any_o thing_n we_o certain_o know_v to_o the_o contrary_a have_v be_v effect_v by_o the_o abundant_a mercy_n and_o powerful_a grace_n of_o god_n without_o this_o wonderful_a method_n and_o dispensation_n of_o send_v his_o son_n in_o our_o nature_n to_o take_v away_o sin_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o but_o it_o seem_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o pitch_v upon_o this_o way_n and_o method_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o no_o doubt_n for_o very_o good_a reason_n among_o which_o these_o three_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o obvious_a and_o very_a considerable_a first_o to_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o his_o law_n which_o if_o sin_n have_v go_v altogether_o unpunished_a will_v have_v be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o fall_v into_o contempt_n for_o if_o god_n have_v proclaim_v a_o general_a pardon_n of_o sin_n to_o all_o mankind_n without_o any_o testimony_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n against_o it_o who_o will_v have_v have_v any_o great_a veneration_n for_o his_o law_n or_o have_v believe_v in_o good_a earnest_n that_o the_o violation_n of_o they_o have_v be_v either_o so_o extreme_o offensive_a to_o he_o or_o so_o very_o dangerous_a to_o the_o sinner_n therefore_o to_o maintain_v the_o honour_n of_o his_o law_n rather_o than_o sin_n shall_v pass_v unpunisn_v god_n will_v lay_v the_o punishment_n of_o it_o upon_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n the_o dear_a person_n to_o he_o in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v a_o great_a testimony_n of_o his_o high_a displeasure_n against_o sin_n and_o of_o his_o tender_a regard_n and_o concernment_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o law_n than_o if_o the_o sinner_n have_v suffer_v the_o punishment_n due_a to_o it_o in_o his_o own_o person_n second_o another_o reason_n of_o this_o dispensation_n and_o that_o likewise_o very_o considerable_a be_v that_o god_n may_v forgive_v sin_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o yet_o effectual_o to_o discountenance_v and_o discourage_v it_o and_o to_o create_v in_o we_o the_o great_a horror_n and_o hatred_n of_o it_o which_o can_v not_o have_v be_v by_o a_o absolute_a pardon_n without_o any_o punishment_n inflict_v or_o satisfaction_n make_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o justice_n for_o have_v sin_n be_v so_o easy_o forgive_v who_o will_v have_v be_v sensible_a of_o the_o great_a evil_n of_o it_o or_o afraid_a to_o offend_v for_o the_o future_a but_o when_o god_n make_v his_o own_o son_n a_o sacrifice_n and_o lay_v upon_o he_o the_o punishment_n due_a for_o the_o iniquity_n of_o we_o all_o this_o be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o god_n hate_v sin_n as_o much_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a as_o he_o love_v his_o own_o son_n for_o this_o plain_o show_v what_o sin_n deserve_v and_o what_o the_o sinner_n may_v just_o expect_v if_o after_o this_o severity_n of_o god_n against_o it_o he_o will_v venture_v to_o commit_v it_o and_o if_o this_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n and_o the_o pardon_v purchase_v by_o it_o be_v not_o effectual_a to_o reclaim_v we_o from_o sin_n and_o to_o beget_v in_o we_o a_o eternal_a dread_n and_o detestation_n of_o it_o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o so_o clear_a a_o revelation_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n but_o a_o certain_a fearful_a look_v for_o of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n to_o consume_v the_o adversary_n for_o what_o can_v god_n do_v more_o to_o testify_v his_o displeasure_n against_o sin_n and_o to_o discountenance_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o than_o to_o make_v his_o only_a son_n a_o offering_n for_o sin_n and_o to_o give_v he_o up_o to_o be_v wound_v for_o our_o transgression_n and_o bruise_v for_o our_o iniquity_n in_o what_o clear_a glass_n can_v we_o at_o once_o behold_v the_o great_a evil_n and_o demerit_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o sinner_n than_o in_o the_o sorrow_n and_o suffering_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o for_o our_o sake_n three_o another_o reason_n of_o this_o dispensation_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v a_o gracious_a condescension_n and_o compliance_n of_o almighty_a god_n with_o a_o certain_a apprehension_n and_o persuasion_n which_o have_v very_o early_a and_o universal_o obtain_v among_o mankind_n concern_v the_o expiation_n of_o sin_n and_o appease_v the_o offend_a deity_n by_o sacrifice_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o live_a creature_n of_o bird_n and_o beast_n and_o afterward_o by_o human_a sacrifice_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o their_o son_n and_o daughter_n by_o offer_v to_o god_n as_o the_o expression_n be_v in_o the_o prophet_n their_o first-born_a for_o their_o transgression_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o body_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o this_o notion_n of_o the_o expiation_n of_o sin_n by_o sacrifice_n whether_o it_o have_v its_o first_o rise_n from_o divine_a revelation_n and_o be_v afterward_o propagate_v from_o age_n to_o age_n by_o tradition_n i_o say_v from_o whence_o soever_o this_o notion_n come_v it_o have_v of_o all_o other_o notion_n concern_v religion_n except_v those_o of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n and_o of_o the_o recompense_n of_o another_o life_n find_v the_o most_o universal_a reception_n and_o the_o thing_n have_v be_v the_o most_o general_o practise_v in_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n not_o only_o in_o the_o old_a but_o in_o the_o new_a discover_v part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o indeed_o
a_o very_a great_a part_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n which_o be_v institute_v by_o god_n himself_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v a_o plain_a condescension_n to_o the_o general_a apprehension_n of_o mankind_n concern_v this_o way_n of_o appease_v the_o offend_a deity_n by_o sacrifice_n as_o it_o be_v also_o a_o figure_n of_o that_o great_a and_o efficacious_a sacrifice_n which_o shall_v in_o due_a time_n be_v offer_v to_o god_n to_o make_v atonement_n once_o for_o all_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o all_o mankind_n and_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n do_v very_o particular_o insist_v upon_o this_o condescension_n of_o god_n to_o they_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o whereas_o they_o apprehend_v so_o great_a a_o necessity_n of_o a_o highpriest_n and_o of_o sacrifice_n to_o make_v expiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n that_o it_o be_v a_o establish_a principle_n among_o they_o that_o without_o shed_v of_o blood_n there_o be_v no_o remission_n of_o sin_n god_n be_v please_v to_o comply_v so_o far_o with_o these_o notion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o they_o as_o to_o make_v his_o own_o son_n both_o a_o priest_n and_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o do_v that_o once_o for_o all_o which_o their_o own_o highpriest_n pretend_v to_o do_v year_n by_o year_n and_o 〈…〉_z hence_o the_o same_o apostle_n take_v 〈…〉_z to_o recommend_v to_o they_o 〈…〉_z covenant_n and_o dispensation_n 〈…〉_z gospel_n as_o have_v a_o great_a 〈…〉_z perfect_a highpriest_n and_o a_o 〈◊〉_d excellent_a sacrifice_n than_o be_v the_o high-priest_n and_o the_o sacrifice_n under_o the_o law_n the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v by_o one_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o obtain_v eternal_a redemption_n for_o we_o and_o perfect_v for_o ever_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v and_o this_o apprehension_n prevail_v no_o less_o in_o the_o heathen_a world_n and_o proceed_v to_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o man_n even_o of_o their_o first-born_a and_o with_o this_o apprehension_n not_o to_o countenance_v but_o to_o abolish_v it_o god_n be_v please_v to_o comply_v so_o far_o as_o to_o make_v a_o general_a atonement_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n by_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n appear_v in_o our_o nature_n to_o become_v a_o voluntary_a sacrifice_n for_o we_o god_n permit_v he_o to_o be_v unjust_o put_v to_o death_n and_o his_o blood_n to_o be_v shed_v by_o the_o malice_n of_o man_n in_o appearance_n as_o a_o malefactor_n but_o in_o truth_n as_o a_o martyr_n and_o accept_v of_o his_o death_n as_o a_o meritorious_a sacrifice_n and_o propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o by_o this_o wise_a counsel_n and_o permission_n of_o his_o providence_n he_o may_v for_o ever_o put_v a_o end_n to_o that_o barbarous_a and_o inhuman_a way_n of_o serve_a god_n which_o have_v be_v so_o long_o in_o use_n and_o practice_n among_o they_o the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o the_o voluntary_a sacrifice_n of_o himself_o have_v effect_v all_o that_o at_o once_o and_o for_o ever_o which_o mankind_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n have_v in_o vain_a be_v endeavour_v to_o accomplish_v by_o innumerable_a and_o continual_a sacrifice_n namely_o the_o pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o perfect_a peace_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n for_o these_o end_n and_o reason_n and_o perhaps_o for_o many_o more_o as_o great_a and_o considerable_a as_o these_o which_o our_o shallow_a understanding_n be_v not_o able_a to_o fathom_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v pitch_v upon_o this_o way_n and_o method_n of_o deliver_v mankind_n from_o the_o guilt_n and_o dominion_n of_o sin_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o his_o son_n and_o to_o this_o end_n it_o be_v requisite_a that_o he_o shall_v appear_v in_o our_o nature_n and_o dwell_v among_o we_o for_o some_o considerable_a time_n that_o by_o a_o long_a course_n of_o the_o great_a innocency_n and_o of_o the_o great_a suffering_n in_o our_o nature_n he_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o make_v a_o perfect_a expiation_n of_o sin_n so_o that_o two_o thing_n be_v requisite_a to_o qualify_v he_o for_o this_o purpose_n perfect_a innocency_n and_o obedience_n and_o great_a suffering_n in_o our_o nature_n even_o to_o the_o suffering_n of_o death_n both_o these_o the_o scripture_n declare_v to_o be_v neccessary_a qualification_n of_o a_o person_n capable_a to_o make_v expiation_n of_o sin_n and_o both_o these_o be_v find_v in_o the_o person_n of_o our_o b._n saviour_n first_o unspotted_a innocency_n and_o perfect_a obedience_n this_o the_o scripture_n testify_v concern_v he_o and_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n and_o action_n he_o be_v in_o all_o point_v tempt_v like_a as_o we_o be_v 15_o yet_o without_o sin_n say_v the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n 29._o he_o always_o do_v the_o thing_n which_o please_v god_n as_o he_o testify_v concern_v himself_o and_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o his_o witness_n be_v true_a 22._o he_o do_v no_o sin_n neither_o be_v guile_n find_v in_o his_o mouth_n as_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o of_o he_o and_o this_o be_v necessary_a to_o qualify_v he_o for_o the_o perfect_a expiation_n of_o sin_n whether_o we_o consider_v he_o as_o a_o priest_n or_o as_o a_o sacrifice_n as_o a_o priest_n he_o can_v not_o have_v be_v fit_a to_o make_v expiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o have_v he_o not_o be_v without_o sin_n himself_o and_o this_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o be_v one_o great_a advantage_n of_o our_o highpriest_n under_o the_o gospel_n above_o the_o highpriest_n under_o the_o law_n who_o be_v a_o sinner_n himself_o as_o well_o as_o those_o for_o who_o he_o offer_v have_v need_n to_o offer_v for_o himself_o before_o he_o can_v make_v so_o much_o as_o a_o legal_a expiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o but_o a_o perfect_a and_o effectual_a expiation_n of_o sin_n so_o as_o to_o purge_v the_o conscience_n from_o the_o guilt_n of_o it_o can_v be_v make_v but_o by_o a_o highpriest_n who_o be_v holy_a and_o innocent_a himself_o for_o such_o a_o highpriest_n 27._o say_v the_o apostle_n become_v we_o that_o be_v now_o under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o a_o perfect_a expiation_n of_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v make_v such_o a_o highpriest_n be_v necessary_a as_o be_v holy_a harmless_a undefiled_a separate_a from_o sinner_n who_o need_v not_o as_o those_o high-priest_n that_o be_v as_o the_o high-priest_n under_o the_o law_n to_o offer_v up_o sacrifice_n first_o for_o his_o own_o sin_n and_o then_o for_o the_o people_n the_o plain_a force_n of_o which_o argument_n be_v this_o that_o he_o who_o will_v be_v qualify_v to_o make_v atonement_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o must_v be_v without_o sin_n himself_o and_o then_o if_o we_o consider_v christ_n as_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n perfect_a holiness_n be_v necessary_a to_o make_v a_o sacrifice_n acceptable_a and_o available_a for_o the_o expiation_n of_o sin_n the_o necessity_n of_o this_o be_v typify_v by_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n under_o the_o law_n the_o beast_n that_o be_v to_o be_v offer_v be_v to_o be_v without_o spot_n and_o blemish_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n allude_v speak_v of_o the_o quality_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n how_o much_o more_o 14._o say_v he_o shall_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n who_o through_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n offer_v himself_o without_o spot_n to_o god_n purge_v your_o conscience_n from_o dead_a work_n to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n st._n peter_n 19_o forasmuch_o as_o you_o know_v you_o be_v not_o redeem_v with_o corruptible_a thing_n as_o silver_n and_o gold_n but_o with_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o christ_n as_o of_o a_o lamb_n without_o blemish_n and_o without_o spot_n etc._n etc._n hereby_o intimate_v that_o nothing_o less_o than_o the_o perfect_a innocency_n and_o holiness_n of_o he_o who_o be_v to_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o we_o can_v have_v expiate_v the_o guilt_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o purchase_v eternal_a redemption_n for_o we_o second_o great_a suffering_n likewise_o in_o our_o nature_n even_o to_o the_o suffering_n of_o death_n be_v requisite_a to_o the_o perfect_a expiation_n of_o sin_n i_o say_v even_o to_o the_o suffering_n of_o death_n for_o the_o sacrifice_n which_o be_v to_o make_v expiation_n be_v to_o be_v slay_v and_o it_o be_v a_o constant_a maxim_n and_o principle_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o apostle_n more_o than_o once_o in_o this_o epistle_n seem_v to_o allow_v and_o confirm_v it_o that_o without_o shed_v of_o blood_n there_o be_v no_o remission_n of_o sin_n not_o that_o god_n can_v not_o have_v pardon_v sin_n without_o satisfaction_n make_v to_o his_o justice_n either_o by_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o sinner_n himself_o or_o of_o a_o sacrifice_n in_o his_o stead_n but_o according_a to_o the_o method_n and_o dispensation_n which_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n
have_v pitch_v upon_o he_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o dispense_v forgiveness_n in_o any_o other_o way_n for_o which_o reason_n he_o seem_v either_o to_o have_v possess_v mankind_n with_o this_o principle_n or_o to_o have_v permit_v they_o to_o be_v so_o persuade_v that_o sin_n be_v not_o to_o be_v expiate_v but_o by_o blood_n that_o be_v either_o by_o the_o death_n of_o the_o sinner_n or_o of_o the_o sacrifice_n now_o the_o life_n of_o our_o b._n saviour_n as_o well_o as_o his_o death_n be_v make_v up_o of_o suffering_n of_o one_o kind_a or_o other_o continual_a suffering_n from_o his_o cradle_n to_o his_o cross_n from_o the_o time_n he_o draw_v his_o first_o breath_n to_o his_o give_v up_o of_o the_o ghost_n and_o not_o only_o continual_a suffering_n but_o the_o great_a that_o ever_o be_v consider_v the_o dignity_n of_o the_o person_n that_o suffer_v and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o suffering_n consider_v likewise_o that_o these_o suffering_n be_v not_o only_o whole_o undeserved_a on_o his_o part_n but_o unmerited_a also_o on_o we_o for_o who_o sake_n he_o submit_v himself_o to_o they_o nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o have_v oblige_v to_o the_o utmost_a those_o for_o who_o and_o by_o who_o he_o suffer_v and_o continue_v still_o to_o oblige_v they_o by_o the_o great_a blessing_n and_o benefit_n purchase_v and_o procure_v for_o they_o by_o those_o very_a suffering_n which_o with_o so_o much_o malice_n and_o cruelty_n they_o inflict_v on_o he_o have_v our_o b._n saviour_n be_v a_o mere_a man_n the_o perfect_a innocency_n and_o unspotted_a purity_n of_o his_o whole_a life_n his_o zeal_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o his_o delight_n in_o do_v it_o his_o infinite_a pain_n and_o unwearied_a diligence_n in_o go_v about_o do_v good_a his_o constant_a obedience_n to_o god_n in_o the_o most_o difficult_a instance_n and_o his_o perseverance_n in_o well_o do_v notwithstanding_o the_o ill_a usage_n and_o hard_a measure_n the_o bitter_a reproach_n and_o persecution_n he_o meet_v withal_o for_o it_o from_o a_o wicked_a and_o ill_a nature_a world_n his_o perfect_a submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n his_o invincible_a patience_n under_o the_o great_a and_o bitter_a suffering_n and_o his_o infinite_a charity_n to_o his_o enemy_n and_o persecutor_n these_o must_v needs_o be_v high_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o if_o man_n can_v merit_v of_o god_n likely_a enough_o to_o be_v available_a for_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o but_o our_o saviour_n and_o our_o sacrifice_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o our_o nature_n and_o he_o voluntary_o assume_v it_o and_o submit_v to_o the_o condition_n of_o humanity_n in_o its_o low_a and_o most_o miserable_a state_n sin_z only_o except_v and_o his_o be_v content_v to_o live_v a_o life_n of_o do_v good_a and_o suffer_a evil_n and_o at_o last_o to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n and_o slay_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o we_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o person_n who_o do_v and_o suffer_v all_o this_o for_o we_o and_o his_o dearness_n to_o god_n must_v needs_o add_v a_o mighty_a value_n to_o so_o perfect_a a_o obedience_n and_o such_o patient_a suffering_n so_o as_o to_o render_v they_o a_o full_a perfect_a and_o sufficient_a sacrifice_n oblation_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o all_o this_o be_v willing_o perform_v in_o our_o nature_n and_o accept_v by_o god_n as_o do_v upon_o our_o account_n may_v reasonable_o be_v presume_v to_o redound_v to_o our_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n as_o much_o as_o if_o we_o ourselves_o have_v perform_v it_o in_o our_o own_o person_n nothing_o be_v so_o proper_a and_o so_o available_a to_o make_v a_o honourable_a amends_o and_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o all_o mankind_n as_o the_o voluntary_a obedience_n and_o suffering_n of_o human_a nature_n in_o a_o person_n of_o so_o great_a dignity_n and_o dearness_n to_o god_n as_o his_o eternal_a and_o entire_o belove_a son_n now_o that_o expiation_n of_o sin_n be_v make_v by_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o stead_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v good_a these_o three_o way_n first_o from_o plain_a testimony_n of_o h._n scripture_n declare_v this_o matter_n to_o we_o as_o clear_o and_o full_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o word_n to_o do_v it_o second_o from_o the_o nature_n and_o intention_n of_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n both_o among_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_a to_o which_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n so_o frequent_o compare_v and_o in_o point_n of_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n to_o take_v away_o sin_n infinite_o prefer_v to_o it_o three_o by_o vindicate_v this_o method_n and_o dispensation_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n from_o the_o objection_n which_o be_v bring_v against_o it_o and_o by_o show_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o that_o be_v unreasonable_a or_o any_o wise_a unworthy_a of_o god_n i._o i_o shall_v produce_v some_o plain_a testimony_n of_o h._n scripture_n which_o declare_v this_o matter_n as_o clear_o and_o full_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o word_n to_o do_v it_o namely_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o order_n to_o the_o effectual_a expiation_n of_o sin_n suffer_v in_o our_o stead_n and_o bear_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n for_o we_o and_o make_v a_o perfect_a atonement_n for_o sin_n and_o obtain_v eternal_a redemption_n for_o we_o this_o the_o scripture_n declare_v to_o we_o in_o great_a variety_n of_o expression_n as_o that_o christ_n die_v for_o we_o and_o for_o our_o sin_n that_o he_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o we_o and_o a_o propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o be_v of_o all_o mankind_n that_o be_v bare_a our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o body_n on_o the_o tree_n and_o appear_v to_o take_v away_o sin_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o that_o we_o be_v justify_v in_o his_o blood_n and_o redeem_v by_o the_o price_n of_o it_o and_o in_o very_a many_o other_o expression_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n and_o this_o be_v so_o evident_o the_o scope_n and_o meaning_n of_o these_o expression_n that_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v without_o offer_v the_o great_a violence_n imaginable_a to_o the_o h._n scripture_n for_o can_v any_o man_n think_v that_o god_n will_v have_v use_v so_o many_o expression_n in_o scripture_n the_o plain_a and_o most_o obvious_a sense_n of_o all_o which_o be_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n suffer_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o in_o our_o stead_n if_o this_o have_v not_o be_v his_o design_n and_o meaning_n will_v not_o this_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o say_v that_o god_n have_v write_v a_o great_a book_n to_o puzzle_v and_o confound_v but_o not_o to_o instruct_v and_o teach_v mankind_n i_o will_v at_o present_a single_a out_o some_o few_o of_o those_o many_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o may_v be_v produce_v to_o this_o purpose_n 21._o he_o have_v make_v he_o to_o be_v sin_n for_o we_o who_o know_v no_o sin_n that_o be_v he_o have_v make_v he_o who_o have_v no_o sin_n himself_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o our_o sin_n 10_o again_o and_o walk_v in_o love_n as_o christ_n also_o have_v love_v we_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o a_o offering_n and_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n 18._o st._n peter_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n tell_v we_o that_o christ_n also_o have_v once_o suffer_v for_o sin_n the_o just_a for_o the_o unjust_a that_o he_o may_v bring_v we_o to_o god_n be_v put_v to_o death_n in_o the_o flesh_n here_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v suffer_v for_o sin_n and_o to_o declare_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o only_o mean_v that_o christ_n suffer_v upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o our_o sin_n but_o that_o he_o suffer_v in_o the_o place_n and_o stead_n of_o the_o sinner_n he_o add_v the_o just_a for_o the_o unjust_a that_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v innocent_a and_o have_v no_o sin_n suffer_v for_o we_o who_o be_v sinner_n or_o as_o it_o be_v elsewhere_o express_v he_o bear_v our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o body_n on_o the_o tree_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o christ_n suffer_v for_o our_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n which_o the_o socinian_o will_v have_v to_o be_v all_o that_o be_v mean_v in_o the_o text_n which_o i_o have_v cite_v but_o than_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o christ_n suffering_n for_o our_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n do_v by_o no_o mean_n exclude_v nor_o be_v any_o wise_a inconsistent_a with_o his_o suffering_n in_o our_o stead_n for_o whoever_o suffer_v in_o another_o man_n stead_n and_o to_o save_v he_o from_o suffering_n do_v undoubted_o suffer_v for_o his_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n and_o give_v the_o best_a demonstration_n of_o it_o that_o can_v be_v but_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o expression_n if_o compare_v with_o other_o parallel_a text_n of_o
to_o mean_v no_o more_o but_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o angel_n these_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d dii_fw-la superi_fw-la and_o dij_fw-la caelestes_fw-la superior_a and_o heavenly_a god_n the_o scripture_n term_v they_o the_o host_n of_o heaven_n mean_v the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n which_o they_o suppose_v to_o be_v animate_v or_o at_o least_o to_o be_v inhabit_v by_o angel_n or_o glorious_a spirit_n who_o they_o call_v go_n other_o of_o their_o deity_n be_v account_v much_o inferior_a to_o these_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o soul_n of_o their_o decease_a hero_n who_o for_o their_o great_a and_o worthy_a deed_n when_o they_o live_v upon_o earth_n be_v suppose_v after_o death_n to_o be_v translate_v into_o the_o number_n of_o their_o go_n and_o these_o be_v call_v semidei_fw-la and_o deastri_fw-la that_o be_v half_a god_n and_o a_o sort_n of_o god_n and_o as_o the_o other_o be_v celestial_a so_o these_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o kind_n of_o terrestrial_a spirit_n that_o be_v precedent_n and_o procurator_n of_o human_a affair_n here_o below_o that_o be_v a_o middle_a sort_n of_o divine_a power_n that_o be_v mediator_n and_o agent_n between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o do_v carry_v the_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n of_o man_n to_o god_n and_o bring_v down_o the_o command_v and_o blessing_n of_o god_n to_o men._n but_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o this_o crowd_n and_o confusion_n of_o deity_n and_o the_o various_a superstition_n about_o they_o the_o wise_a heathen_a as_o thales_n pythagoras_n socrates_n plato_n aristotle_n tully_n plutarch_n and_o other_o preserve_v a_o true_a notion_n of_o one_o supreme_a god_n who_o they_o define_v a_o infinite_a spirit_n pure_a from_o all_o matter_n and_o free_a from_o all_o imperfection_n and_o all_o the_o variety_n of_o their_o worship_n be_v as_o they_o pretend_v in_o excuse_n of_o it_o but_o a_o more_o particular_a own_n of_o the_o various_a representation_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o excellency_n which_o manifest_v themselves_o in_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o several_a communication_n of_o blessing_n and_o favour_n by_o they_o impart_v to_o man_n 10._o and_o tertullian_n observe_v that_o even_o when_o idolatry_n have_v very_o much_o obscure_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o sovereign_a deity_n yet_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n do_v still_o in_o their_o common_a form_n of_o speech_n appropriate_v the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o a_o more_o especial_a and_o peculiar_a manner_n to_o one_o say_v if_o god_n grant_v if_o god_n please_v and_o the_o like_a so_o that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n or_o the_o notion_n of_o one_o supreme_a god_n creator_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n be_v the_o primitive_a and_o general_a belief_n of_o mankind_n and_o that_o polytheism_n and_o idolatry_n be_v a_o corruption_n and_o degeneracy_n from_o the_o original_a notion_n which_o mankind_n have_v concern_v god_n as_o the_o scripture-history_n do_v declare_v and_o testify_v and_o this_o account_n which_o i_o have_v give_v of_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n do_v by_o no_o mean_n excuse_v it_o for_o whatever_o may_v be_v say_v by_o way_n of_o extenuation_n in_o behalf_n of_o some_o few_o of_o the_o wise_a and_o more_o devout_a among_o they_o the_o generality_n be_v gross_o guilty_a both_o of_o believe_v more_o god_n and_o of_o worship_v false_a go_n and_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o very_a great_a crime_n since_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o declare_v god_n to_o be_v particular_o jealous_a in_o this_o case_n and_o that_o he_o will_v not_o give_v his_o glory_n to_o another_o nor_o his_o praise_n to_o grave_a image_n nay_o we_o may_v not_o so_o much_o as_o make_v use_n of_o sensible_a image_n to_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o god_n lest_o devout_a ignorance_n see_v the_o worship_n which_o wise_a man_n pay_v towards_o a_o idol_n shall_v be_v draw_v to_o terminate_v their_o worship_n there_o as_o be_v the_o very_a deity_n itself_o which_o be_v certain_o the_o case_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n and_o sure_o those_o christian_n be_v in_o no_o less_o danger_n of_o idolatry_n who_o pay_v a_o veneration_n to_o image_n by_o kneel_v down_o and_o pray_v before_o they_o and_o in_o this_o they_o be_v much_o more_o inexcusable_a because_o they_o offend_v against_o a_o much_o clear_a light_n and_o yet_o when_o they_o go_v about_o to_o justify_v this_o practice_n be_v able_a to_o bring_v no_o other_o nor_o better_a plea_n for_o themselves_o than_o the_o heathen_a do_v for_o their_o worship_v of_o image_n and_o for_o pray_v to_o their_o inferior_a deity_n who_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o mediator_n between_o the_o god_n in_o heaven_n and_o man_n upon_o earth_n there_o be_v but_o one_o objection_n that_o i_o know_v of_o against_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o mankind_n concern_v the_o unity_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v a_o ancient_a doctrine_n of_o some_o of_o the_o most_o ancient_a nation_n that_o there_o be_v two_o first_o cause_n or_o principle_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o one_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o good_a and_o the_o other_o of_o all_o the_o evil_a that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o reason_n whereof_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v that_o they_o can_v not_o apprehend_v how_o thing_n of_o so_o contrary_a a_o nature_n as_o good_a and_o evil_a can_v proceed_v from_o one_o and_o the_o same_o cause_n and_o these_o two_o principle_n in_o several_a nation_n be_v call_v by_o several_a name_n plutarch_n say_v that_o among_o the_o greek_n the_o good_a principle_n be_v call_v god_n and_o the_o evil_a principle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o the_o devil_n in_o conformity_n to_o which_o ancient_a tradition_n the_o manichee_n a_o sect_n which_o call_v themselves_o christian_n do_v advance_v two_o principle_n the_o one_o infinite_o good_a which_o they_o suppose_v to_o be_v the_o original_a cause_n of_o all_o the_o good_a which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o other_o infinite_o evil_a to_o which_o they_o ascribe_v all_o the_o evil_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n but_o all_o this_o be_v very_o plain_o a_o corruption_n of_o a_o much_o more_o ancient_a tradition_n concern_v that_o old_a serpent_n the_o devil_n the_o head_n of_o the_o fall_v angel_n who_o by_o tempt_v our_o first_o parent_n to_o transgress_v a_o positive_a and_o express_a law_n of_o god_n bring_v sin_n first_o into_o the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o evil_n consequent_a upon_o it_o of_o which_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o a_o most_o express_a and_o particular_a account_n and_o as_o to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o be_v infinite_o evil_a into_o which_o this_o tradition_n be_v corrupt_v after_o idolatry_n have_v prevail_v in_o the_o world_n beside_o that_o it_o be_v a_o contradiction_n it_o will_v likewise_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o assert_v two_o opposite_a principle_n of_o infinite_a that_o be_v of_o equal_a force_n and_o power_n for_o two_o infinite_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v equal_a to_o one_o another_o because_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o or_o great_a than_o infinite_a and_o therefore_o if_o two_o infinite_a being_n be_v possible_a they_o will_v certain_o be_v equal_a and_o can_v not_o be_v otherwise_o now_o that_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o principle_n infinite_o evil_a be_v a_o contradiction_n will_v be_v very_o plain_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o what_o be_v infinite_o evil_a must_v in_o strict_a reason_v and_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n be_v infinite_o imperfect_a and_o therefore_o infinite_o weak_a and_o for_o that_o reason_n though_o never_o so_o malicious_a and_o mischievous_a yet_o be_v infinite_o weak_a and_o foolish_a can_v never_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n either_o to_o contrive_v mischief_n or_o to_o execute_v it_o but_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v admit_v that_o a_o be_v infinite_o mischievous_a can_v be_v infinite_o know_v and_o powerful_a yet_o it_o can_v effect_v no_o evil_a because_o the_o opposite_a principle_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n be_v also_o infinite_o wise_a and_o powerful_a they_o will_v tie_v up_o one_o another_o hand_n so_o that_o upon_o this_o supposition_n the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n must_v signify_v just_a nothing_o because_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o eternal_a opposition_n and_o equal_a conflict_n of_o these_o two_o principle_n they_o will_v keep_v one_o another_o at_o a_o perpetual_a bay_n and_o be_v just_o a_o equal_a match_n to_o one_o another_o the_o one_o have_v as_o much_o mind_n and_o power_n to_o do_v good_a as_o the_o other_o to_o do_v evil_a instead_o of_o be_v two_o deity_n they_o will_v be_v but_o two_o idol_n able_a to_o do_v neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a and_o have_v i_o hope_v now_o sufficient_o clear_v this_o objection_n i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o show_v how_o agreeable_a this_o principle_n that_o there_o be_v but_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
and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n a_o man_n must_v not_o deny_v what_o god_n say_v to_o be_v true_a though_o he_o can_v comprehend_v many_o thing_n which_o god_n say_v as_o particular_o concern_v this_o mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n it_o ought_v then_o to_o satisfy_v we_o that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v deliver_v in_o scripture_n and_o that_o what_o be_v there_o declare_v concern_v it_o do_v not_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n for_o why_o shall_v our_o finite_a understanding_n pretend_v to_o comprehend_v that_o which_o be_v infinite_a or_o to_o know_v all_o the_o real_a difference_n that_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o infinite_a be_v or_o to_o be_v able_a full_o to_o explain_v this_o mystery_n by_o any_o similitude_n or_o resemblance_n take_v from_o finite_a being_n but_o before_o i_o leave_v this_o argument_n i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o one_o thing_n which_o they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v perpetual_o object_v to_o we_o upon_o this_o occasion_n and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o we_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n we_o may_v and_o must_v receive_v that_o of_o transubstantiation_n god_n forbid_v because_o of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o any_o religion_n this_o of_o transubstantiation_n be_v certain_o the_o most_o abominable_o absurd_a however_o this_o objection_n plain_o show_v how_o fond_o and_o obstinate_o they_o be_v addict_v to_o their_o own_o error_n how_o mishapen_a and_o monstrous_a soever_o insomuch_o that_o rather_o than_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o church_n how_o absurd_a soever_o shall_v be_v call_v in_o question_n they_o will_v question_v the_o truth_n even_o of_o christianity_n itself_o and_o if_o we_o will_v not_o take_v in_o transubstantiation_n and_o admit_v it_o to_o be_v a_o necessary_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n they_o grow_v so_o sullen_a and_o desperate_a that_o they_o matter_n not_o what_o become_v of_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o rather_o than_o not_o have_v their_o will_n of_o we_o in_o that_o which_o be_v controvert_v they_o will_v give_v up_o that_o which_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n be_v a_o undoubted_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o not_o controvert_v on_o either_o side_n except_o only_o by_o the_o socinian_o who_o yet_o be_v hearty_a enemy_n to_o transubstantiation_n and_o have_v expose_v the_o absurdity_n of_o it_o with_o great_a advantage_n but_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o return_v a_o more_o particular_a answer_n to_o this_o objection_n and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o i_o hope_v will_v satisfy_v every_o considerate_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n that_o after_o all_o this_o confidence_n and_o swagger_a of_o they_o there_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n equal_a reason_n either_o for_o the_o receive_n or_o for_o the_o reject_v of_o these_o two_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o transubstantiation_n first_o there_o be_v not_o equal_a 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