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about_o they_o contest_v party_n will_v thence_o effectual_o learn_v to_o lay_v aside_o censure_v and_o judge_v one_o another_o and_o to_o sacrifice_v their_o private_a opinion_n and_o sentiment_n yea_o their_o great_a heat_n and_o passion_n to_o the_o common_a good_a and_o edification_n let_v this_o be_v conscientious_o practise_v by_o we_o and_o then_o we_o can_v miscarry_v let_v we_o not_o contend_v with_o fierceness_n and_o eagerness_n for_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o indispensable_a concern_v of_o religion_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n lay_v aside_o your_o nice_a criticism_n stand_v not_o upon_o punctilio_n be_v not_o religious_o pedantic_a or_o morose_n away_o with_o fond_a dispute_n which_o engender_v nothing_o but_o strife_n and_o let_v we_o in_o good_a earnest_n study_v the_o plain_a way_n of_o salvation_n by_o jesus_n christ_n let_v we_o mind_n the_o unquestionable_a and_o practical_a matter_n of_o christianity_n where_o there_o be_v sure_a foot_n and_o a_o firm_a basis_n to_o 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head_n whilst_o it_o have_v be_v cry_v in_o their_o ear_n that_o here_o be_v truth_n and_o there_o be_v truth_n they_o have_v grow_v perplex_v and_o distract_v and_o know_v not_o how_o to_o behave_v themselves_o and_o what_o part_n to_o take_v they_o hear_v that_o the_o claim_n to_o truth_n be_v universal_a but_o then_o they_o know_v this_o that_o all_o the_o pretence_n to_o it_o can_v be_v true_a and_o how_o say_v they_o if_o none_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o hereupon_o they_o renounce_v religion_n as_o a_o faction_n and_o in_o plain_a term_n a_o cheat_n and_o consequent_o they_o live_v and_o act_n in_o the_o world_n as_o they_o please_v if_o truth_n be_v claim_v by_o all_o the_o professor_n of_o religion_n and_o those_o professor_n contradict_v one_o another_o where_o shall_v we_o find_v a_o answer_n to_o this_o interrogatory_n what_o be_v truth_n in_o way_n of_o reply_v it_o be_v enough_o to_o say_v at_o present_a for_o i_o shall_v answer_v a_o great_a part_n of_o these_o cavil_n 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prospect_n of_o those_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a truth_n which_o be_v to_o bring_v we_o to_o everlasting_a happiness_n for_o nature_n and_o reason_n can_v dictate_v those_o thing_n which_o depend_v whole_o on_o god_n free_a grace_n and_o pleasure_n and_o such_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o saviour_n and_o redeemer_n the_o method_n of_o man_n salvation_n and_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a and_o evangelical_n dispensation_n how_o be_v nicodemus_n a_o note_a master_n in_o israel_n and_o no_o mean_a possessor_n of_o reason_n baffle_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o regeneration_n he_o may_v true_o be_v say_v to_o go_v to_o jesus_n by_o night_n who_o make_v his_o visit_n only_o by_o the_o dusky_a and_o obscure_a light_n of_o nature_n therefore_o though_o reason_n or_o rather_o the_o understanding_n use_v its_o reason_a faculty_n be_v a_o laudable_a guide_n in_o religion_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o safe_a conduct_n to_o truth_n if_o it_o be_v alone_o there_o must_v 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be_v able_a to_o discover_v the_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a mystery_n which_o our_o religion_n be_v fraught_v with_o but_o the_o founder_n of_o they_o 24._o we_o can_v never_o have_v arrive_v to_o those_o transcendent_a notion_n unless_o we_o have_v be_v teach_v they_o from_o heaven_n we_o be_v not_o skill_v to_o appoint_v the_o manner_n of_o appease_v the_o incense_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n and_o to_o prescribe_v the_o way_n of_o worship_n suitable_a to_o that_o oeconomy_n this_o will_v have_v be_v as_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v leave_v to_o some_o silly_a country_n peasant_n to_o assign_v the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o treat_v a_o mighty_a king_n and_o monarch_n who_o will_v not_o expect_v in_o such_o a_o case_n a_o strange_a and_o uncouth_a a_o rude_a and_o ridiculous_a way_n of_o address_n and_o courtship_n and_o below_o the_o greatness_n and_o majesty_n of_o a_o prince_n but_o it_o be_v requisite_a there_o shall_v be_v a_o particular_a divine_a discovery_n a_o clear_a light_n a_o sure_a guide_n than_o that_o of_o nature_n for_o though_o god_n at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n have_v reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o past_a generation_n of_o man_n yet_o to_o make_v that_o revelation_n complete_a he_o speak_v in_o the_o last_o day_n by_o his_o son_n and_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o inspire_a write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n christ_n therefore_o say_v and_o that_o emphatical_o i_o be_o the_o truth_n john_n 14._o 6._o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o last_o and_o most_o correct_a edition_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n and_o we_o must_v never_o look_v for_o any_o other_o to_o come_v forth_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n this_o be_v truth_n more_o eminent_o so_o call_v 〈…〉_z the_o truth_n which_o come_v by_o jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o bless_a evangelist_n speak_v
be_v excellent_o say_v by_o another_o brave_a man_n of_o a_o true_a primitive_a temper_n 2._o this_o question_n how_o can_v have_v no_o place_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n who_o only_a will_n be_v sufficient_a and_o be_v to_o be_v great_o admire_v of_o all_o and_o with_o these_o ancient_a writer_n agree_v the_o great_a modern_a reformer_n 2._o this_o word_n why_o say_v he_o have_v mislead_v and_o destroy_v many_o soul_n it_o be_v too_o high_a for_o we_o to_o search_v into_o when_o we_o come_v to_o insist_v too_o busy_o on_o these_o demand_n why_o or_o how_o god_n say_v or_o do_v this_o or_o that_o we_o show_v that_o we_o be_v loath_a to_o submit_v our_o reason_n to_o faith_n and_o to_o give_v assent_n to_o god_n word_n though_o we_o can_v clear_o conceive_v it_o which_o argue_v a_o very_a unchristian_a temper_n for_o the_o gospel_n have_v propound_v many_o thing_n to_o we_o which_o be_v mystical_a which_o neither_o our_o thought_n can_v full_o apprehend_v nor_o our_o word_n express_v but_o this_o shall_v not_o hinder_v we_o from_o believe_v and_o embrace_v they_o for_o though_o they_o be_v mysterious_a yet_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o manifest_a that_o they_o be_v assert_v in_o the_o sacred_a write_n it_o be_v prudent_o and_o christianly_o advise_v and_o determine_v by_o st._n augustine_n in_o such_o point_n as_o these_o which_o i_o have_v be_v of_o speak_v and_o especial_o the_o trinity_n which_o that_o pious_a father_n particular_o mention_n 39_o let_v we_o say_v he_o by_o that_o previous_a faith_n which_o help_v the_o eyesight_n of_o the_o mind_n clear_o embrace_v what_o we_o understand_v and_o firm_o believe_v what_o we_o understand_v not_o the_o reason_n of_o which_o advice_n and_o resolution_n be_v this_o that_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o our_o understanding_n may_v be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o belief_n which_o be_v found_v on_o this_o that_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n be_v of_o a_o much_o large_a extent_n than_o that_o of_o reason_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v give_v assent_n to_o some_o proposition_n which_o we_o can_v explain_v and_o clear_v up_o by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o beside_o every_o think_v man_n ought_v to_o revolve_v this_o in_o his_o mind_n that_o faith_n be_v of_o a_o high_a nature_n than_o reason_n and_o according_o be_v design_v to_o bear_v sway_n over_o it_o and_o to_o control_v it_o to_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o there_o be_v these_o three_o faculty_n or_o operation_n in_o man_n sense_n and_o reason_n and_o faith_n and_o they_o gradual_o rise_v one_o high_a than_o the_o other_o sense_n be_v common_a to_o we_o with_o brute_n and_o take_v notice_n only_o of_o corporeal_a and_o external_n object_n but_o reason_n be_v proper_a to_o we_o as_o we_o be_v man_n and_o be_v bestow_v upon_o we_o to_o correct_v the_o mistake_n of_o sense_n thus_o by_o sense_n we_o can_v perceive_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o star_n they_o so_o cozen_v our_o sight_n that_o we_o can_v apprehend_v when_o they_o move_v yea_o they_o seem_v to_o stand_v immovable_a wherefore_o we_o must_v consult_v with_o something_o else_o than_o sense_n and_o that_o be_v reason_n which_o tell_v we_o that_o either_o those_o heavenly_a body_n or_o the_o ground_n we_o stand_v upon_o move_v very_o swift_o our_o reason_n not_o our_o eye_n must_v give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o this_o thus_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o reason_n control_v sense_n and_o consequent_o be_v a_o high_a and_o superior_a faculty_n but_o than_o come_v faith_n and_o claim_v a_o superiority_n over_o they_o both_o for_o as_o reason_n be_v give_v by_o god_n to_o correct_v sense_n so_o this_o function_n be_v add_v to_o give_v a_o check_n to_o reason_n as_o be_v high_a and_o noble_a than_o that_o this_o be_v the_o order_n of_o these_o operation_n in_o man_n and_o it_o be_v by_o divine_a appointment_n and_o therefore_o no_o man_n of_o sober_a thought_n can_v find_v fault_n with_o it_o if_o we_o be_v free_a to_o acknowledge_v that_o reason_n be_v a_o curb_n to_o sense_n and_o we_o can_v deny_v it_o than_o we_o shall_v be_v as_o forward_o to_o own_o that_o faith_n be_v the_o same_o to_o reason_n and_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o one_o to_o check_v and_o bridle_v the_o other_o when_o sacred_a and_o supernatural_a thing_n be_v under_o our_o consideration_n here_o then_o as_o be_v fit_v let_v we_o strenuous_o exert_v our_o faith_n and_o not_o judge_v of_o the_o divine_a be_v and_o the_o truth_n reveal_v by_o he_o according_a to_o humane_a measure_n according_a to_o what_o we_o find_v and_o perceive_v in_o one_o another_o still_o remember_v that_o they_o be_v mystery_n as_o for_o the_o contrary_a sentiment_n there_o be_v these_o three_o great_a thing_n that_o disparage_v it_o 1._o it_o argue_v pride_n and_o arrogant_a stiffness_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o undeniable_a proof_n of_o gross_a prejudice_n and_o partiality_n 3._o it_o unavoidable_o introduce_v indifferency_n in_o religion_n i_o will_v distinct_o insist_v upon_o this_o triple_a charge_n and_o then_o leave_v the_o judicious_a to_o judge_v of_o my_o performance_n first_o it_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n of_o a_o proud_a and_o haughty_a spirit_n for_o it_o must_v needs_o proceed_v from_o this_o principle_n that_o the_o man_n of_o that_o persuasion_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n acknowledge_v their_o short-sightedness_n and_o the_o shallowness_n of_o their_o intellectual_n they_o can_v brook_v such_o condescension_n as_o this_o and_o therefore_o they_o scorn_v to_o own_o any_o mystery_n if_o any_o difficult_a truth_n be_v propound_v to_o they_o they_o have_v learn_v of_o a_o great_a conqueror_n to_o cut_v the_o knot_n instead_o of_o untie_v it_o they_o violent_o null_a the_o proposition_n and_o so_o make_v it_o no_o mystery_n as_o we_o see_v they_o do_v in_o the_o article_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o like_a for_o they_o pretend_v to_o manage_v all_o by_o mere_a force_n of_o reason_n and_o reject_v all_o proposition_n and_o doctrine_n which_o they_o think_v come_v not_o up_o to_o this_o height_n they_o take_v it_o very_o ill_a if_o you_o allow_v they_o not_o a_o catholic_n and_o unbounded_a knowledge_n of_o every_o thing_n whether_o finite_a or_o infinite_a and_o of_o the_o particular_a manner_n and_o minute_a circumstance_n that_o appertain_v to_o they_o they_o disdain_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o thing_n in_o nature_n which_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v they_o deem_v it_o a_o unsufferable_a disgrace_n to_o their_o understanding_n that_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o they_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o point_n of_o speculation_n so_o deep_a and_o abstruse_a that_o they_o can_v penetrate_v to_o the_o very_a bottom_n of_o it_o they_o scorn_v to_o have_v it_o say_v that_o there_o be_v any_o mystery_n and_o darkness_n in_o religion_n when_o their_o mind_n be_v so_o bright_a and_o their_o intellect_n be_v so_o shine_v what_o be_v this_o but_o pride_n what_o be_v this_o but_o be_v over-conceited_n of_o their_o natural_a faculty_n and_o have_v too_o great_a a_o opinion_n of_o their_o own_o rational_a capacity_n what_o be_v this_o but_o a_o immodest_a and_o extravagant_a magnify_v of_o these_o power_n yea_o what_o be_v it_o but_o a_o kind_n of_o aspire_v to_o divinity_n and_o attribute_v to_o themselves_o a_o infinite_a and_o immense_a nature_n a_o extraordinary_a and_o more_o than_o humane_a wisdom_n zophar_n give_v we_o the_o true_a character_n and_o pedigree_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n job_n 11._o 12._o vain_a man_n will_v be_v wise_a this_o empty_a hollow_a creature_n will_v fain_o be_v think_v to_o be_v full_a of_o knowledge_n though_o he_o be_v bear_v like_o a_o wild_a ass_n colt_n though_o he_o be_v by_o nature_n ignorant_a and_o rude_a he_o have_v such_o a_o opinion_n and_o esteem_n of_o his_o part_n and_o acquirement_n he_o be_v of_o such_o arrogancy_n and_o elation_n of_o mind_n that_o he_o think_v it_o below_o he_o to_o acknowledge_v any_o abstrusity_n in_o religion_n he_o take_v part_n with_o the_o conceit_a sect_n of_o the_o stoic_n among_o who_o it_o be_v a_o maxim_n zenone_n that_o it_o become_v not_o a_o wise_a man_n to_o wonder_v at_o any_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o to_o other_o seem_v to_o be_v paradox_n nay_o he_o be_v so_o much_o of_o this_o vaunt_v humour_n that_o he_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v that_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n wonderful_a and_o amaze_a even_o in_o religion_n itself_o st._n paul_n style_v christianity_n a_o mystery_n but_o he_o be_v intoxicate_v with_o pride_n and_o self-conceit_n direct_o contradict_v he_o and_o say_v it_o be_v not_o mysterious_a but_o those_o who_o attend_v to_o the_o apostle_n advice_n 3._o not_o
of_o wealth_n be_v the_o natural_a product_n and_o just_a penalty_n of_o vice_n in_o a_o nation_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o proclaim_v and_o open_v of_o a_o great_a fair._n ezek_n xxvii_o 27._o thy_o riches_n and_o thy_o fair_n and_o thy_o merchandise_n thy_o mariner_n and_o thy_o pilot_n thy_o calker_n and_o the_o occupier_n of_o thy_o merchandise_n and_o all_o thy_o man_n of_o war_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o and_o in_o all_o thy_o company_n which_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o thou_o shall_v fall_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o sea_n in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o ruin_n p._n 133_o serm._n vi_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o necessity_n of_o go_v to_o war_n on_o just_a occasion_n a_o sermon_n occasion_v by_o the_o proclaim_v of_o the_o war_n against_o france_n gen._n xviii_o 14._o and_o when_o abram_n hear_v that_o his_o brother_n be_v take_v captive_a be_v arm_v his_o train_a servant_n bear_v in_o his_o own_o house_n three_o hundred_o and_o eighteen_o and_o pursue_v they_o unto_o dan_n pag._n 160_o serm._n vii_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o the_o ill_a success_n of_o war._n a_o sermon_n preach_v on_o a_o fast_a day_n appoint_v by_o their_o majesty_n for_o the_o implore_v god_n blessing_n on_o their_o force_n by_o sea_n and_o land_n josh._n vii_o 12._o therefore_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n can_v not_o stand_v before_o their_o enemy_n but_o turn_v their_o back_n before_o their_o enemy_n because_o they_o be_v accurse_v neither_o will_v i_o be_v with_o you_o any_o more_o except_o you_o destroy_v the_o accurse_a thing_n from_o among_o you_o pag._n 192_o serm._n viii_o the_o extreme_a danger_n of_o intestine_a division_n in_o a_o kingdom_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o sir_n john_n hoâ—blon_n late_a lord_n mayor_n and_o alderman_n at_o guildhall_n chappel_n mark_n iii_o 24._o and_o if_o a_o kingdom_n be_v divide_v against_o itself_o that_o kingdom_n can_v stand_v p._n 225_o serm._n ix_o x._o the_o use_n and_o abuse_v of_o apparel_n in_o two_o sermon_n occasion_v by_o the_o present_a excess_n in_o that_o kind_n 1_o tim_n ii_o 8_o 9_o i_o will_v that_o woman_n adorn_v themselves_o in_o modest_a apparel_n with_o shamefacedness_n and_o sobriety_n not_o with_o broider_a hair_n or_o gold_n or_o pearl_n or_o costly_a array_n pag._n 257_o serm._n xi_o christianity_n mysterious_a a_o sermon_n show_v the_o true_a mean_v and_o acception_n of_o the_o word_n mystery_n in_o scripture_n and_o why_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v call_v a_o mystery_n occasion_v by_o some_o late_a socinian_n write_n which_o explode_v all_o christian_a mystery_n 1_o tim_n iii_o 16._o and_o without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n pag._n 328_o serm._n xii_o christianity_n mysterious_a a_o sermon_n show_v that_o there_o be_v mystery_n proper_o so_o call_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n with_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o it_o and_o the_o natural_a consequence_n from_o it_o preach_v before_o the_o university_n at_o st._n mary_n in_o cambridge_n june_n 29._o 1697._o and_o since_o much_o enlarge_v 1_o tim_n iii_o 16._o and_o without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n p._n 365_o errata_fw-la pag._n 11._o l._n 14._o r_o monstrous_a p._n 19_o l._n 27._o r._n of_o truth_n p._n 92._o l._n ult_n deal_n be_v p_o 142._o l._n 4._o r._n thence_o p._n 171._o l._n 20._o r._n one_o p._n 176._o l._n 12._o after_o blood_n inseâ—t_v a_o 〈◊〉_d point_n p._n 178._o l._n 1._o for_o on_o r._n to_o p._n 262._o l._n 2._o r._n there_o for_o their_o and_o their_o for_o the._n p._n 268._o l._n 1._o deal_n be_v l._n 17._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 269._o l._n ult_n r._n muliebri_fw-la p._n 271._o l._n 12._o r._n restrain_v p._n 278._o l._n 5._o r._n gorgeous_a p._n 279._o l._n 2._o r._n exotic_a p._n 289._o l._n 18._o r._n supercilious_a p._n 304._o l._n 7._o r._n altum_fw-la p._n 322._o l._n 8._o r._n viand_n p._n 345._o l._n 22._o before_o which_o insert_v v_o 9_o p._n 351._o l._n 5._o r._n thing_n as_o the_o spirit_n cleanse_v and._n p._n 380._o l._n 10._o r._n give_v it_o p._n 389._o l._n 7._o r._n rarity_n with_o other_o fault_n in_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a which_o the_o reader_n be_v desire_v to_o correct_v a_o answer_n to_o pilat_n question_n what_o be_v truth_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o king_n charles_n ii_o at_o newmarket_n john_n xviii_o 38._o pilate_n say_v unto_o he_o what_o be_v truth_n one_o signal_n circumstance_n of_o our_o saviour_n meritorious_a passion_n be_v that_o which_o we_o daily_o rehearse_v in_o the_o creed_n that_o he_o suffer_v under_o pontius_n pilate_n and_o true_o from_o the_o character_n which_o be_v give_v this_o person_n not_o only_o by_o the_o evangelist_n but_o other_o writer_n he_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v a_o fit_a man_n for_o that_o execrable_a work_n of_o condemn_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n for_o who_o be_v more_o so_o than_o the_o covetous_a and_o greedy_a pilate_n who_o attempt_v to_o rob_v the_o temple_n and_o sacrilegious_o to_o rifle_n the_o corban_n as_o josephus_n relate_v who_o can_v be_v fit_a than_o he_o to_o receive_v a_o bribe_n from_o the_o jew_n and_o even_o against_o his_o conscience_n to_o deliver_v up_o the_o messiah_n a_o victim_n to_o their_o fury_n and_o malice_n who_o than_o he_o who_o have_v inhuman_o mingle_v the_o galilean_n blood_n with_o their_o sacrifice_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v employ_v when_o the_o great_a sacrifice_n of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o be_v offer_v and_o when_o jesus_n of_o galilee_n from_o who_o his_o follower_n be_v call_v galilean_n be_v to_o give_v his_o blood_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n but_o though_o this_o man_n be_v thus_o fit_o dispose_v and_o prepare_v for_o his_o work_n yet_o the_o bloody_a sentence_n against_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o to_o be_v pronounce_v by_o he_o without_o the_o preamble_n of_o a_o formal_a arraignment_n and_o trial._n and_o according_o the_o innocent_a jesus_n be_v set_v to_o the_o bar_n and_o this_o roman_a governor_n take_v the_o bench_n where_o as_o you_o will_v find_v by_o the_o context_n this_o judge_n be_v full_a of_o his_o interrogatory_n and_o propound_v several_a and_o those_o not_o inconsiderable_a question_n but_o among_o they_o all_o there_o be_v none_o certain_o that_o be_v in_o itself_o more_o substantial_a and_o useful_a than_o this_o what_o be_v truth_n and_o it_o be_v as_o pertinent_a as_o it_o be_v weighty_a for_o it_o be_v just_o occasion_v by_o our_o lord_n plea_n and_o protestation_n in_o court_n viz._n that_o notwithstanding_o the_o malicious_a jew_n have_v accuse_v he_o as_o a_o impostor_n yet_o to_o this_o end_n he_o be_v bear_v and_o for_o â—his_fw-la cause_n he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n that_o he_o may_v 〈◊〉_d â—itness_v to_o the_o truth_n v_o 37._o as_o if_o our_o saviour_n have_v say_v whereas_o error_n and_o falsehood_n have_v 〈◊〉_d a_o long_a time_n in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o 〈◊〉_d have_v miserable_o pervert_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o great_a number_n of_o they_o have_v be_v spoil_v through_o their_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n and_o likewise_o among_o you_o jew_n the_o mean_v of_o god_n write_a law_n be_v deprave_v by_o the_o corrupt_a doctrine_n of_o the_o superstitious_a pharisee_n and_o profane_a sadducee_n the_o former_a a_o sort_n of_o hebrew_a stoic_n the_o late_a a_o kind_n of_o jewish_a epicure_n and_o atheist_n and_o you_o be_v divide_v into_o several_a other_o disagree_a sect_n and_o school_n and_o go_v on_o daily_o to_o corrupt_v and_o stifle_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o morality_n and_o religion_n and_o even_o utter_o to_o take_v away_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n and_o truth_n whereas_o thing_n be_v thus_o the_o great_a design_n of_o my_o visit_v mankind_n be_v of_o a_o contrary_a nature_n namely_o to_o lead_v they_o to_o right_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n to_o baffle_v all_o error_n and_o delusion_n and_o to_o direct_v they_o most_o effectual_o into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o every_o one_o that_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n hear_v my_o voice_n v_o 37._o that_o be_v those_o who_o be_v competent_a judge_n and_o sincere_a lover_n of_o truth_n will_v soon_o descry_v my_o doctrine_n to_o be_v fraught_v with_o the_o high_a and_o most_o important_a verity_n and_o will_v embrace_v it_o as_o the_o great_a blessing_n that_o be_v ever_o vouchsafe_v to_o the_o world_n pilate_n hear_v our_o saviour_n discourse_n of_o truth_n put_v this_o question_n to_o he_o in_o the_o text._n it_o be_v luther_n conjecture_n that_o he_o do_v it_o out_o of_o kindness_n to_o our_o lord_n for_o pilate_n say_v he_o menâ—al_a be_v a_o worldly-wise_a man_n and_o willing_a to_o release_v christ_n do_v as_o much_o as_o say_v to_o he_o what_o will_v thou_o dispute_v concern_v truth_n in_o these_o wicked_a time_n of_o the_o world_n truth_n be_v
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good_a and_o there_o stint_v and_o determine_v all_o our_o passion_n and_o desire_n we_o at_o once_o become_v lover_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o church_n the_o one_o absolute_o influence_v upon_o the_o other_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o almighty_a and_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n be_v so_o twist_v together_o that_o it_o will_v be_v find_v a_o thing_n whole_o impossible_a to_o divide_v they_o for_o the_o church_n be_v that_o society_n of_o holy_a man_n wherein_o god_n be_v more_o peculiar_o acknowledge_v and_o glorify_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o whilst_o we_o tender_v the_o welfare_n of_o that_o society_n we_o likewise_o more_o signal_o advance_v god_n glory_n our_o love_n if_o it_o be_v true_a and_o real_a will_v reflect_v from_o god_n to_o his_o church_n and_o through_o the_o church_n it_o will_v ascend_v to_o god_n again_o the_o edify_v or_o building_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n here_o design_v principal_o belong_v to_o christ_n jesus_n himself_o it_o look_v 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edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n i.e._n his_o church_n eph._n four_o 12._o first_o our_o great_a care_n must_v be_v to_o lay_v the_o foundation_n and_o what_o that_o be_v our_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 1._o cor._n iii._o 11._o other_o foundation_n can_v no_o man_n lay_v than_o that_o which_o be_v lay_v which_o be_v jesus_n christ_n i.e._n the_o meritorious_a undertake_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n christ_n jesus_n the_o bless_a there_o be_v no_o salvation_n but_o by_o a_o lively_a and_o effectual_a faith_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o this_o lamb_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n eph._n two_o 20._o which_o st._n paul_n tell_v the_o ephesian_n they_o be_v build_v upon_o viz._n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o redemption_n and_o salvation_n by_o christ_n deliver_v by_o these_o inspire_a man_n and_o which_o they_o receive_v from_o christ_n himself_o who_o in_o the_o same_o place_n be_v call_v the_o chief_a cornerstone_n this_o 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upward_o as_o well_o as_o downward_o and_o according_o all_o the_o holy_a doctrine_n and_o rule_n conduce_v to_o christian_a knowledge_n and_o practice_n be_v to_o be_v produce_v and_o make_v use_v of_o we_o must_v remember_v the_o apostle_n advice_n to_o build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n nothing_o but_o gold_n silver_n and_o precious_a stone_n 1_o cor._n three_o 12._o such_o sound_n and_o orthodox_n conclusion_n as_o be_v of_o real_a worth_n and_o value_n and_o not_o wood_n hay_o and_o stubble_n i.e._n unnecessary_a and_o useless_a doctrine_n or_o inference_n muchless_a such_o as_o apparent_o confront_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o foster_v lewd_a and_o wicked_a practice_n mensal_n the_o pope_n as_o luther_n express_v it_o be_v for_o building_n up_o the_o church_n ex_fw-la accidentibus_fw-la of_o outward_a thing_n of_o little_a value_n but_o we_o say_v he_o build_v it_o ex_fw-la substantia_fw-la we_o urge_v those_o doctrine_n which_o be_v substantial_a we_o press_v those_o 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shall_v shine_v as_o the_o brightness_n of_o the_o firmament_n and_o they_o that_o turn_v many_o to_o righteousness_n as_o the_o star_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o next_o thing_n propound_v viz._n the_o mean_n in_o order_n to_o this_o noble_a end_n which_o i_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o and_o that_o be_v express_v in_o those_o word_n seek_v that_o you_o may_v excel_v take_v care_n to_o fit_v yourselves_o for_o this_o grand_a employment_n of_o build_v up_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n 1_o tim._n three_o 15._o 1_o pet._n four_o 17._o passionate_o desire_n and_o endeavour_v that_o you_o may_v be_v eminent_o and_o abundant_o capacitate_v for_o this_o mighty_a work_n this_o be_v the_o import_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o use_v which_o signify_v both_o to_o excel_v and_o to_o abound_v be_v ambitious_a of_o the_o choice_a gift_n and_o strive_v to_o possess_v they_o in_o the_o high_a degree_n we_o of_o the_o sacred_a 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20._o bishop_n treat_v of_o the_o office_n of_o a_o clergyman_n concern_v basil_n and_o gregory_n nazianzen_n we_o be_v tell_v by_o 9_o rufinus_n that_o for_o thirteen_o year_n together_o they_o lay_v aside_o all_o book_n that_o treat_v of_o secular_a matter_n and_o apply_v themselves_o whole_o to_o the_o read_n of_o the_o volume_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n this_o most_o true_o may_v be_v say_v that_o though_o we_o be_v not_o to_o neglect_v other_o write_n yet_o these_o be_v indispensable_o necessary_a and_o we_o must_v lay_v aside_o all_o other_o book_n rather_o than_o not_o find_v time_n to_o read_v these_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o no_o man_n can_v pretend_v to_o theological_a study_n who_o have_v not_o acquaint_v himself_o with_o the_o sacred_a text._n for_o see_v how_o it_o be_v in_o other_o art_n and_o faculty_n there_o be_v book_n proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o they_o and_o without_o which_o there_o be_v a_o utter_a despair_n of_o attain_v any_o skill_n 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how_o the_o virgin_n purity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v almost_o deface_v by_o they_o especial_o from_o those_o that_o be_v the_o learned_a apologist_n in_o those_o time_n and_o afterward_o who_o assert_v christianity_n against_o the_o jew_n on_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o pagan_n on_o the_o other_o we_o may_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n discover_v what_o be_v orthodox_n and_o authentic_a and_o what_o be_v of_o a_o different_a nature_n and_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o infer_v hence_o that_o the_o church_n at_o this_o day_n shall_v for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v defend_v and_o vindicated_n by_o the_o write_n of_o those_o who_o be_v its_o first_o defender_n they_o be_v so_o great_a judge_n of_o the_o primitive_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n three_o to_o read_v i_o must_v necessary_o adjoin_v meditation_n both_o which_o perform_v by_o due_a turn_v be_v
proper_o study_v and_o certain_o this_o be_v of_o singular_a use_n we_o can_v more_o effectual_o fit_v ourselves_o for_o our_o great_a and_o important_a work_n that_o we_o be_v call_v to_o than_o by_o serious_a and_o sober_a reflection_n on_o our_o mind_n by_o sift_v and_o examine_v our_o notion_n and_o observe_v what_o conformity_n they_o bear_v to_o our_o unprejudiced_a faculty_n by_o be_v intimate_o acquaint_v with_o our_o thought_n and_o exercise_v ourselves_o to_o a_o familiarity_n with_o rational_a and_o solid_a principle_n and_o by_o cause_v they_o to_o bring_v their_o utmost_a aid_n to_o support_n and_o maintain_v the_o article_n of_o christianity_n our_o read_n will_v be_v of_o little_a use_n without_o this_o for_o it_o be_v by_o ponder_v on_o the_o thing_n that_o we_o have_v read_v and_o by_o compare_v they_o among_o themselves_o that_o we_o be_v able_a to_o digest_v our_o notion_n and_o to_o arrive_v to_o the_o true_a understanding_n of_o matter_n propound_v to_o we_o the_o 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into_o right_a apprehension_n concern_v thing_n in_o religion_n the_o lead_v requisite_a as_o i_o conceive_v in_o a_o preacher_n be_v orthodoxy_n he_o be_v to_o be_v one_o that_o own_v those_o principle_n and_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o have_v be_v always_o profess_v by_o the_o universal_a church_n let_v we_o not_o assume_v the_o title_n of_o protestant_n and_o yet_o reject_v some_o of_o the_o great_a head_n of_o divinity_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o sober_a person_n of_o the_o reformation_n let_v we_o not_o say_v we_o be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o yet_o deny_v some_o of_o the_o chief_a doctrine_n contain_v in_o her_o article_n let_v we_o not_o profess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o word_n and_o yet_o renounce_v those_o truth_n which_o be_v formal_o contain_v in_o it_o or_o be_v according_a to_o it_o for_o either_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n or_o natural_a and_o plain_a consequence_n from_o it_o be_v to_o be_v the_o standard_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o we_o deliver_v it_o be_v require_v of_o we_o not_o only_o to_o establish_v truth_n but_o to_o detect_v and_o confute_v falsehood_n and_o heresy_n therein_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o those_o great_a man_n irenaeus_n epiphanius_n augustin_n theodoret._n and_o true_o this_o be_v become_v necessary_a in_o this_o extravagant_a age_n where_o so_o many_o wild_a notion_n be_v entertain_v and_o so_o many_o old_a error_n revive_v the_o christian_a structure_n can_v but_o be_v expose_v to_o great_a hazard_n and_o danger_n when_o its_o foundation_n be_v undermine_v by_o some_o and_o its_o superstructure_n have_v continual_a battery_n make_v against_o it_o by_o other_o in_o such_o circumstance_n how_o careful_a and_o watchful_a shall_v we_o be_v how_o vigorous_o and_o concerned_o shall_v we_o act_v like_o those_o builder_n at_o the_o restauration_n of_o the_o jew_n with_o a_o trowel_n in_o one_o hand_n and_o a_o sword_n in_o the_o other_o we_o must_v be_v in_o a_o 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of_o man_n but_o be_v fix_v and_o unmoveable_a found_v on_o the_o holy_a oracle_n and_o deliver_v by_o christ_n jesus_n and_o his_o apostle_n again_o a_o minister_n and_o guide_n of_o soul_n be_v not_o only_o to_o rectify_v man_n judgement_n and_o to_o settle_v they_o in_o the_o necessary_a article_n of_o religion_n but_o further_o it_o be_v require_v of_o he_o that_o he_o take_v care_n of_o their_o life_n and_o manner_n for_o though_o 4._o true_a notion_n of_o religion_n and_o godliness_n be_v to_o lead_v the_o way_n yet_o to_o make_v a_o man_n absolute_a and_o complete_a there_o must_v be_v uprightness_n of_o life_n nay_o indeed_o unless_o this_o latter_a be_v look_v after_o the_o former_a will_n soon_o decay_v by_o unholiness_n and_o wickedness_n we_o see_v oftentimes_o that_o man_n hazard_v their_o principle_n if_o the_o practice_n be_v debauch_v if_o the_o life_n be_v impure_a if_o the_o manner_n be_v deprave_v there_o will_v be_v a_o corruption_n in_o the_o judgement_n therefore_o we_o that_o be_v dispenser_n of_o the_o word_n aught_o to_o be_v as_o concern_v for_o practical_a religion_n as_o for_o truth_n of_o doctrine_n we_o ought_v not_o only_o to_o instruct_v our_o hearer_n in_o right_a principle_n but_o with_o all_o freedom_n to_o reprove_v their_o sin_n and_o vice_n and_o pathetical_o to_o exhort_v and_o persuade_v they_o to_o all_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n remember_v always_o that_o a_o holy_a and_o exemplary_a conversation_n be_v the_o true_a edify_v of_o the_o church_n yea_o it_o be_v the_o very_a top-stone_n of_o the_o building_n it_o be_v not_o mere_a speculation_n or_o bare_a discourse_n that_o will_v achieve_v this_o great_a work_n this_o be_v as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v undertake_v to_o build_v a_o house_n by_o contrive_v it_o in_o his_o head_n or_o by_o talk_v of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o utmost_a perfection_n of_o a_o christian_a to_o live_v according_a to_o his_o excellent_a
principle_n and_o consequent_o it_o be_v the_o chief_a business_n of_o a_o preacher_n to_o beat_v down_o all_o immorality_n wickedness_n and_o profaneness_n and_o to_o set_v up_o and_o promote_v whatever_o be_v virtuous_a and_o laudable_a and_o especial_o to_o advance_v the_o evangelical_n virtue_n and_o grace_n and_o such_o duty_n as_o be_v more_o especial_o command_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o this_o very_a thing_n show_v the_o excellency_n of_o our_o office_n when_o it_o be_v right_o discharge_v for_o the_o worthiness_n and_o esteem_n of_o employment_n be_v according_a to_o the_o usefulness_n of_o they_o thus_o to_o instance_n in_o other_o faculty_n he_o be_v the_o best_a laâ—yer_n that_o most_o successful_o direct_v man_n to_o the_o secure_n of_o their_o estate_n and_o property_n and_o he_o be_v the_o best_a physician_n that_o save_v man_n life_n so_o it_o be_v here_o he_o be_v the_o best_a divine_a he_o be_v the_o best_a preacher_n that_o reform_v meâ—s_a manner_n and_o effectual_o show_v they_o how_o to_o save_v their_o soul_n the_o true_a preach_v be_v to_o answer_v to_o prophesy_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n more_o particular_o design_v in_o the_o text_n by_o excel_v to_o edification_n and_o this_o you_o find_v be_v esteem_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o the_o best_a and_o most_o valuable_a gift_n because_o it_o be_v most_o advantageous_a to_o the_o church_n he_o that_o propehsy_v say_v he_o speak_v to_o man_n to_o edification_n and_o exhortation_n and_o comfort_n 1_o cor._n fourteen_o 3._o this_o be_v the_o proper_a task_n of_o the_o evangelical_n preacher_n viz._n not_o only_o to_o build_v man_n up_o by_o instruct_v they_o in_o their_o holy_a faith_n but_o by_o powerful_a exhortation_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o christian_a virtue_n to_o make_v they_o better_o and_o to_o enable_v they_o to_o feel_v the_o comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o a_o religious_a life_n in_o order_n to_o this_o his_o instruction_n and_o exhortation_n must_v be_v plain_a and_o intelligible_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v comprehend_v we_o read_v of_o some_o hist._n heretic_n of_o old_a that_o be_v wont_a to_o use_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o hebrew_n in_o their_o religious_a worship_n and_o in_o their_o discourse_n to_o the_o people_n thereby_o to_o astonish_v and_o amaze_v the_o vulgar_a but_o he_o that_o will_v preach_v so_o as_o to_o edify_v must_v not_o use_v any_o such_o art_n he_o must_v not_o soar_v above_o the_o capacity_n of_o those_o that_o hear_v he_o or_o if_o any_o one_o will_v needs_o call_v this_o building_n it_o be_v like_a that_o of_o babel_n where_o they_o understand_v not_o one_o another_o we_o just_o condemn_v the_o papist_n for_o pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n but_o let_v i_o be_v so_o free_a as_o to_o say_v that_o to_o preach_v in_o a_o style_n which_o be_v not_o understand_v by_o the_o people_n be_v every_o whit_n as_o unlawful_a and_o as_o absurd_a therefore_o 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great_a and_o high_a one_o nor_o be_v it_o yet_o any_o thing_n make_v up_o of_o a_o affect_a tone_n or_o gesture_n or_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o sort_n but_o as_o i_o represent_v it_o it_o be_v a_o sober_a inform_v of_o man_n judgement_n and_o establish_v they_o in_o the_o grand_a point_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o bold_a rebuke_v of_o vice_n and_o a_o warm_a exhortation_n to_o virtue_n it_o be_v a_o affectionate_a application_n of_o truth_n to_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o the_o hearer_n this_o be_v preach_v and_o thus_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v build_v up_o thus_o this_o great_a pile_n be_v raise_v and_o reach_n with_o its_o utmost_a top_n even_o to_o heaven_n where_o it_o be_v triumphant_a five_o in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o must_v not_o forget_v to_o add_v that_o we_o be_v to_o mind_v those_o thing_n also_o which_o respect_n the_o discipline_n and_o order_n the_o unity_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n to_o this_o purpose_n its_o solemn_a censure_n be_v institute_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o if_o there_o shall_v happen_v any_o dilapidation_n in_o the_o building_n of_o the_o church_n it_o may_v by_o these_o be_v speedy_o repair_v that_o person_n of_o unholy_a and_o disorder_v life_n may_v be_v debar_v communion_n with_o so_o holy_a a_o society_n and_o the_o law_n of_o decency_n be_v prudent_o design_v to_o extirpate_v all_o confusion_n and_o distraction_n and_o to_o render_v the_o church_n and_o all_o its_o service_n beautiful_a and_o venerable_a the_o apostle_n concern_v his_o convert_v of_o colosse_n profess_v that_o he_o rejoice_v in_o behold_v their_o order_n col._n two_o 5._o a_o military_a word_n and_o signify_v the_o orderly_a disposal_n of_o soldier_n in_o a_o army_n such_o shall_v be_v the_o regular_a marshal_n of_o the_o church_n militant_a it_o be_v requisite_a for_o its_o security_n and_o welfare_n that_o all_o keep_v their_o proper_a rank_n and_o station_n and_o that_o a_o decorum_n be_v every_o 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which_o be_v but_o accessary_a and_o accidental_a to_o devotion_n be_v of_o great_a use_n and_o the_o devotion_n and_o worship_n themselves_o will_v not_o be_v long_o keep_v up_o without_o these_o but_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o they_o be_v but_o circumstance_n and_o appendage_n and_o that_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v chief_o to_o be_v concern_v for_o in_o religion_n be_v of_o a_o high_a nature_n and_o that_o the_o mind_n be_v principal_o to_o be_v employ_v here_o the_o main_a care_n in_o god_n worship_n must_v be_v that_o it_o be_v spiritual_a and_o sincere_a that_o the_o heart_n be_v right_o dispose_v for_o this_o be_v the_o sacrifice_n which_o he_o chief_o require_v and_o regard_v all_o must_v be_v so_o do_v in_o his_o service_n that_o the_o simplicity_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o abate_v that_o real_a and_o internal_a religion_n be_v not_o diminish_v and_o that_o the_o
and_o scarcity_n difficulty_n and_o peril_n and_o make_v they_o abandon_v their_o sloth_n and_o drowsiness_n and_o betake_v themselves_o to_o such_o wise_a and_o manly_a method_n as_o may_v best_o secure_v their_o safety_n thus_o 6._o it_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o one_o of_o the_o scipio_n that_o carthage_n be_v not_o to_o be_v demolish_v and_o destroy_v that_o thereby_o the_o roman_n may_v be_v keep_v in_o exercise_n and_o breath_n but_o the_o main_a reason_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o war_n depend_v on_o the_o principle_n of_o self-preservation_n the_o stand_a law_n of_o nature_n bid_v we_o guard_v ourselves_o from_o injury_n it_o allow_v we_o when_o we_o be_v unjust_o invade_v and_o assault_v to_o make_v resistance_n it_o push_v we_o on_o to_o assert_v our_o civil_a and_o natural_a right_n and_o to_o defend_v our_o country_n against_o all_o violent_a aggressor_n and_o therefore_o that_o kingdom_n be_v happy_a which_o be_v furnish_v with_o valiant_a and_o brave_a man_n that_o 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satisfy_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o what_o we_o do_v and_o that_o our_o cause_n be_v good_n and_o we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o that_o it_o be_v so_o when_o the_o war_n be_v undertake_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o our_o country_n our_o religion_n our_o life_n our_o law_n for_o the_o subdue_a or_o weaken_v of_o a_o powerful_a enemy_n who_o encroach_v upon_o other_o territory_n and_o in_o time_n may_v invade_v we_o for_o the_o defence_n and_o support_v of_o those_o neighbour_a kindom_n or_o state_n that_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o and_o implore_v our_o aid_n and_o will_v in_o all_o probability_n be_v swallow_v up_o by_o the_o potent_a adversary_n without_o our_o timely_a assistance_n this_o be_v a_o just_a and_o honest_a cause_n and_o this_o be_v we_o at_o present_a and_o consequent_o we_o may_v lawful_o engage_v in_o it_o we_o have_v a_o warrant_n from_o nature_n and_o reason_n to_o justify_v our_o arms._n it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a christian_a father_n seem_v to_o condemn_v all_o go_n to_o war._n justin_n martyr_n in_o his_o apology_n and_o in_o his_o dialogue_n with_o trypho_n utter_v word_n to_o this_o purpose_n but_o tertullian_n be_v more_o direct_a and_o positive_a in_o this_o matter_n he_o will_v not_o allow_v christian_n either_o to_o make_v war_n or_o serve_v in_o it_o as_o may_v be_v prove_v from_o several_a express_a place_n in_o his_o 11_o write_n and_o in_o one_o place_n i_o remember_v he_o have_v this_o fanciful_a passage_n 11._o our_o lord_n say_v he_o when_o he_o disarm_v peter_n do_v the_o same_o to_o every_o soldier_n he_o have_v take_v away_o their_o sword_n and_o they_o can_v fight_v but_o this_o be_v a_o mistake_n and_o fail_v of_o this_o good_a father_n when_o he_o incline_v to_o the_o vanity_n of_o montanism_n for_o before_o he_o be_v of_o another_o opinion_n as_o appear_v from_o what_o he_o say_v in_o his_o 〈◊〉_d defence_n he_o make_v for_o the_o christian_n some_o jerâ—â—â—_n other_o writer_n of_o the_o church_n seem_v to_o hold_v that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o be_v a_o soldier_n and_o to_o bear_v arm_n but_o their_o favour_v of_o such_o a_o notion_n as_o this_o proceed_v from_o their_o mistake_n of_o that_o prophecy_n in_o isai._n two_o 4._o they_o shall_v beat_v their_o sword_n into_o plowshare_n and_o their_o spear_n into_o pruning-hook_n nation_n shall_v not_o lift_v up_o sword_n against_o nation_n neither_o shall_v any_o learn_v war_n any_o more_o and_o other_o prediction_n there_o be_v which_o speak_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n whence_o they_o infer_v that_o all_o warlike_a preparation_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o our_o saviour_n come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o with_o his_o evangelical_n kingdom_n whereas_o the_o true_a mean_v of_o such_o prophetic_a passage_n be_v this_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o attend_v to_o inspire_v man_n with_o peace_n and_o amity_n and_o that_o outward_a war_n and_o hostility_n shall_v in_o time_n actual_o cease_v that_o as_o there_o be_v this_o cessation_n in_o part_n at_o the_o time_n when_o our_o saviour_n come_v into_o the_o world_n so_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o more_o remarkable_a and_o complete_a one_o before_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n when_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n shall_v enjoy_v a_o profound_a and_o entire_a repose_n and_o this_o i_o add_v further_o which_o may_v give_v we_o a_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o whole_a case_n of_o take_v up_o of_o arm_n under_o the_o gospel_n our_o saviour_n without_o doubt_n intend_v in_o his_o sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n and_o more_o especial_o in_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v the_o close_a of_o the_o five_o chapter_n of_o st._n matthew_n that_o his_o follower_n shall_v be_v more_o exact_a than_o the_o jew_n and_o according_o he_o propound_v there_o a_o high_a pitch_n of_o religion_n than_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o he_o will_v have_v christian_n be_v of_o such_o a_o temper_n that_o no_o swear_v no_o go_v to_o law_n no_o fight_v shall_v be_v use_v by_o they_o he_o will_v have_v they_o deny_v themselves_o and_o be_v much_o better_a than_o other_o and_o refuse_v oath_n and_o suit_n of_o law_n and_o war_n on_o slight_a occasion_n and_o never_o be_v engage_v in_o any_o of_o they_o but_o on_o necessary_a and_o unavoidable_a ground_n and_o more_o especial_o not_o in_o the_o last_o of_o they_o viz._n war_n till_o they_o have_v try_v all_o mild_a and_o peaceable_a way_n and_o have_v find_v they_o ineffectual_a and_o perhaps_o this_o be_v all_o that_o some_o of_o those_o forementioned_a writer_n mean_v and_o design'dâ—â—_n though_o they_o seem_v to_o speak_v otherwise_o and_o thereby_o have_v give_v occasion_n to_o some_o since_o to_o interpret_v scripture_n after_o that_o manner_n thus_o socinus_n though_o he_o seem_v to_o qualify_v and_o restrain_v this_o doctrine_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o arcissevius_fw-la yet_o in_o dudithium_n another_o place_n he_o speak_v in_o a_o general_a way_n and_o seem_v to_o condemn_v all_o go_n to_o war._n as_o he_o tell_v we_o the_o magistrate_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o inflict_v death_n on_o any_o man_n so_o according_a to_o this_o same_o casuist_n he_o can_v wage_v war_n against_o a_o enemy_n and_o 5._o other_o of_o the_o racovian_a way_n pronounce_v it_o unlawful_a to_o undertake_v any_o war_n whether_o defensive_a or_o offensive_a no_o war_n say_v 〈◊〉_d wolzogen_n be_v lawful_a and_o permit_v to_o christian_n no_o not_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o our_o religion_n herein_o as_o in_o several_a other_o thing_n some_o anabaptist_n be_v the_o disciple_n of_o socinus_n and_o vote_v all_o war_n to_o be_v unchristian_a and_o we_o know_v there_o be_v another_o note_a sect_n of_o man_n that_o inveigh_v against_o the_o carnal_a weapon_n and_o pretend_v great_a averseness_n to_o fight_v but_o i_o hope_v
the_o armour_n of_o great_a and_o eminent_a warrior_n in_o the_o place_n set_v apart_o for_o religion_n as_o if_o they_o do_v devote_v they_o to_o god_n we_o may_v most_o effectual_o do_v this_o by_o dedicate_a our_o arm_n to_o god_n honour_n and_o not_o to_o sinister_a and_o unworthy_a ends._n hereby_o we_o may_v turn_v all_o our_o warlike_a expedition_n into_o crusades_n and_o whenever_o we_o fight_v engage_v in_o a_o holy_a war._n we_o be_v tell_v that_o the_o ancient_a roman_n in_o a_o great_a distress_n make_v use_v of_o the_o weapon_n which_o be_v deposit_v in_o their_o temple_n and_o fight_v with_o they_o and_o attribute_v the_o success_n to_o the_o holiness_n of_o their_o arms._n but_o this_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o that_o if_o kindom_n do_v hallow_v their_o weapon_n by_o religion_n and_o virtuous_a design_n they_o will_v thrive_v and_o prosper_v in_o their_o martial_a attempt_n and_o meet_v the_o foe_n with_o good_a success_n 5thly_a it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o have_v a_o good_a cause_n and_o right_o end_v unless_o our_o life_n be_v good_a and_o holy_a we_o must_v always_o remember_v that_o our_o sin_n be_v our_o great_a enemy_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v our_o interest_n to_o vanquish_v these_o first_o which_o must_v be_v do_v by_o put_v on_o the_o spiritual_a armour_n a_o good_a soldier_n must_v be_v a_o religious_a man._n to_o which_o purpose_n i_o will_v offer_v a_o criticism_n to_o you_o you_o may_v observe_v that_o to_o prepare_v or_o make_v war_n be_v express_v in_o the_o style_n of_o scripture_n by_o consecrate_v of_o war_n jer._n vi_fw-la 4._o and_o again_o in_o mic._n iii._o 5._o which_o hebraism_n may_v remind_v we_o now_o of_o consecrate_v or_o sanctify_v our_o war_n namely_o by_o unfeigned_a holiness_n and_o righteousness_n let_v we_o not_o profane_v our_o warlike_a weapon_n by_o a_o irreligious_a and_o wicked_a life_n but_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o the_o contrary_a will_v bring_v down_o a_o blessing_n from_o heaven_n upon_o we_o 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and_o disposer_n of_o war_n and_o to_o who_o belong_v the_o issue_n of_o it_o herein_o you_o may_v take_v that_o holy_a and_o warlike_a prince_n for_o your_o pattern_n who_o not_o only_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n that_o have_v gird_v he_o with_o strength_n unto_o the_o battle_n but_o that_o it_o be_v he_o who_o have_v subdue_v under_o he_o those_o that_o rise_v up_o against_o he_o it_o be_v he_o that_o give_v he_o the_o neck_n of_o his_o enemy_n that_o he_o may_v destroy_v those_o that_o hate_v he_o psal._n xviii_o 39_o 40._o or_o let_v we_o use_v such_o humble_a and_o thankful_a language_n as_o be_v suggest_v to_o we_o in_o psal._n xliv_o 3._o we_o get_v not_o the_o victory_n by_o our_o own_o sword_n neither_o do_v our_o own_o arm_n save_o we_o but_o thy_o right_a hand_n and_o thy_o arm_n and_o the_o light_n of_o thy_o countenance_n because_o thou_o have_v a_o favour_n unto_o we_o to_o this_o almighty_a sovereign_n and_o lord_n 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the_o close_a to_o desire_v of_o you_o that_o you_o will_v serious_o reflect_v upon_o what_o i_o have_v offer_v to_o you_o already_o and_o that_o you_o will_v put_v it_o in_o practice_n before_o it_o be_v too_o late_o it_o be_v high_a time_n now_o to_o turn_v our_o spear_n into_o pruning-hook_n and_o burn_v the_o chariot_n in_o the_o fire_n it_o be_v high_a time_n to_o do_v this_o whether_o we_o consult_v our_o duty_n or_o our_o safety_n therefore_o let_v i_o beseech_v you_o to_o betake_v your_o â—elves_n to_o this_o work_n agree_v in_o the_o unquestionable_a and_o general_a maxim_n of_o peace_n and_o particular_o agree_v to_o defend_v your_o religion_n and_o your_o country_n against_o the_o attempt_n of_o rome_n agree_v to_o defeat_v the_o project_n and_o withstand_v the_o force_n of_o the_o great_a apollyon_n abroad_o agree_v to_o baffle_v the_o design_n of_o all_o those_o who_o any_o way_n promote_v or_o favour_v the_o interest_n of_o that_o unwearied_a and_o merciless_a disturber_n 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the_o best_a jubilee_n for_o procure_v our_o peace_n now_o if_o ever_o forget_v not_o to_o pull_v down_o your_o ram_n of_o battery_n to_o cease_v your_o cannonading_n one_o another_o to_o give_v check_n to_o your_o former_a hostility_n and_o to_o lay_v aside_o all_o your_o warlike_a weapon_n if_o you_o must_v needs_o strive_v strive_v and_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n strive_v to_o assert_v and_o maintain_v the_o necessary_a and_o fundamental_a article_n of_o christianity_n which_o of_o late_o be_v so_o much_o corrupt_v and_o pervert_v strive_v to_o excel_v and_o surpass_v one_o another_o in_o real_a act_n of_o religion_n and_o holiness_n strive_v who_o shall_v be_v most_o exemplary_a and_o eminent_a in_o virtue_n and_o piety_n in_o a_o word_n strive_v to_o transcribe_v the_o excellent_a institution_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n into_o your_o life_n and_o manner_n and_o to_o be_v doer_n of_o the_o word_n of_o this_o particular_o which_o have_v be_v 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be_v to_o be_v soliciton_n about_o and_o let_v the_o care_n which_o other_o take_v in_o beautify_v and_o garnish_v the_o body_n remind_v you_o of_o a_o much_o great_a concernedness_n which_o you_o ought_v to_o show_v for_o your_o immortal_a spirit_n it_o be_v a_o specimen_fw-la of_o a_o great_a devotion_n and_o religion_n in_o that_o good_a father_n who_o one_o time_n observe_v a_o harlot_n and_o mind_v how_o curious_o she_o have_v trick_v up_o herself_o and_o how_o elaborate_o she_o have_v make_v herself_o fine_a step_v aside_o and_o retire_v into_o his_o own_o breast_n and_o there_o sharp_o chide_v himself_o because_o he_o have_v never_o take_v half_o so_o much_o care_n in_o adorn_v his_o soul_n for_o the_o entertain_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n as_o that_o vile_a courtesan_n have_v do_v in_o trim_v of_o her_o body_n for_o the_o please_a of_o her_o lewd_a guest_n thus_o we_o may_v make_v the_o vanity_n and_o and_o sinfulness_n of_o other_o administer_v to_o our_o pious_a thought_n 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you_o can_v spend_v too_o much_o time_n or_o take_v too_o much_o pain_n to_o this_o purpose_n think_v serious_o of_o the_o excellency_n and_o worth_n of_o your_o soul_n remember_v that_o this_o be_v your_o better_a part_n and_o therefore_o you_o ought_v to_o be_v solicitous_a above_o all_o thing_n to_o have_v this_o adorn_v with_o divine_a virtue_n and_o grace_n and_o consider_v likewise_o that_o these_o be_v the_o only_a true_a and_o valuable_a ornament_n these_o alone_o deserve_v that_o name_n because_o they_o have_v a_o intrinsic_a worth_n in_o themselves_o and_o convey_v a_o inward_a and_o substantial_a excellency_n to_o those_o that_o have_v they_o and_o which_o be_v the_o high_a commendation_n of_o they_o they_o 4._o be_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n of_o great_a price_n as_o the_o apostle_n inform_v we_o these_o rich_a jewel_n and_o diamond_n carry_v a_o command_a lustre_n and_o splendour_n along_o with_o they_o and_o even_o sparkle_v in_o the_o â—yes_n of_o heaven_n these_o therefore_o must_v be_v esteem_v by_o you_o as_o the_o true_a christian_a 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o genuine_a bravery_n which_o outshine_v and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n darken_v and_o sully_n all_o the_o most_o exquisite_a embellishment_n of_o art_n and_o therefore_o these_o be_v to_o be_v infinite_o prefer_v in_o your_o wish_n desire_n and_o affection_n before_o they_o last_o these_o will_v fit_v you_o for_o those_o shine_v robe_n of_o glory_n those_o garment_n of_o light_n and_o everlasting_a happiness_n which_o you_o shall_v be_v clothe_v with_o in_o the_o high_a heaven_n christianity_n mysterious_a a_o sermon_n show_v the_o true_a mean_v and_o acception_n of_o the_o word_n mystery_n in_o scripture_n and_o why_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v call_v a_o mystery_n occasion_v by_o some_o late_a socinian_n write_n which_o explode_v all_o christian_a mystery_n 1_o tim_n iii_o 16._o and_o without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n that_o there_o be_v fathomless_a depth_n in_o the_o gospel_n which_o none_o can_v arrive_v to_o the_o full_a knowledge_n of_o that_o there_o profound_a abysses_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o utter_o surpass_v our_o conception_n and_o be_v above_o the_o comprehension_n of_o all_o humane_a reason_n be_v it_o never_o so_o exalt_v be_v a_o truth_n as_o bright_a and_o manifest_a as_o perspicuous_a and_o illustrious_a as_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n can_v possible_o make_v it_o here_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o hide_a treasure_n mat._n 13._o 44._o here_o we_o read_v of_o hide_a wisdom_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 7._o of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o a_o mystery_n in_o the_o same_o verse_n of_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n v_o 10._o of_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v 2_o pet._n 3._o 16._o of_o thing_n which_o have_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 9_o final_o if_o a_o mystery_n be_v a_o religious_a secret_n as_o will_v appear_v 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animal_n and_o carnal_a be_v not_o able_a to_o penetrate_v into_o they_o in_o contra-distinction_n to_o these_o the_o apostle_n who_o foresee_v these_o mysterious_a cheat_n and_o imposture_n in_o the_o church_n and_o who_o in_o 1_o tim._n 6._o 4._o and_o in_o other_o place_n of_o his_o epistle_n plain_o foretell_v they_o be_v please_v to_o call_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n a_o mystery_n to_o signify_v that_o they_o be_v such_o of_o a_o singular_a kind_n and_o nature_n in_o the_o last_o place_n christianity_n in_o its_o purity_n and_o simplicity_n be_v most_o just_o style_v a_o mystery_n in_o opposition_n to_o that_o which_o be_v call_v by_o the_o same_o holy_a penman_n the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n 2_o thess._n 2._o 7._o conformable_o to_o which_o stile_n we_o read_v of_o mystery_n babylon_n the_o great_a rev._n 17._o 5._o by_o which_o questionless_a be_v mean_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o the_o corrupt_a and_o idolatrous_a part_n of_o it_o at_o least_o yea_o we_o be_v inform_v 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mystery_n which_o be_v keep_v secret_a since_o the_o world_n begin_v rom._n 16._o 25._o for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o by_o mystery_n here_o be_v not_o only_o mean_v the_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n as_o some_o imagine_v which_o indeed_o be_v mysterious_a and_o keep_v secret_a till_o christ_n come_v but_o the_o way_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n in_o general_a by_o christ_n jesus_n which_o be_v the_o grand_a thing_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o this_o be_v here_o to_o be_v understand_v may_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o precede_a word_n of_o the_o apostle_n my_o gospel_n and_o the_o preach_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v synonymous_a with_o the_o mystery_n and_o from_o the_o subsequent_a word_n make_v know_v to_o all_o nation_n for_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n where_o the_o great_a end_n or_o design_n of_o christianity_n be_v express_v viz._n that_o man_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a commandment_n by_o believe_v the_o gospel_n 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riches_n of_o christ_n v_o 8._o and_o then_o immediate_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n he_o call_v it_o a_o mystery_n a_o hide_a secret_a unsearchable_a mystery_n that_o be_v it_o be_v so_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o former_a time_n it_o have_v be_v hide_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o age_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o greek_a and_o that_o in_o god_n namely_o according_a to_o his_o eternal_a decree_n and_o purpose_n but_o because_o the_o apostle_n apply_v it_o to_o the_o wonderful_a convert_v and_o reclaim_v of_o the_o pagan_a world_n therefore_o some_o hence_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v not_o mean_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o christianity_n itself_o but_o they_o be_v mean_a arguer_n that_o talk_v thus_o and_o they_o discover_v themselves_o to_o be_v no_o genuine_a son_n of_o reason_n for_o every_o one_o know_v that_o particular_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o general_n and_o that_o one_o exclude_v not_o the_o other_o and_o beside_o they_o show_v that_o they_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o the_o comprehensive_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o have_v not_o study_v the_o sacred_a style_n which_o be_v of_o a_o wonderful_a latitude_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n contain_v in_o it_o both_o a_o singular_a and_o a_o common_a a_o special_a and_o a_o general_n a_o restrain_v and_o a_o large_a mean_v there_o be_v another_o text_n that_o confirm_v this_o col._n 1._o 26._o where_o the_o evangelical_n dispensation_n be_v call_v a_o mystery_n which_o have_v be_v hide_v from_o age_n and_o from_o generation_n they_o palpable_o misinterpret_v these_o word_n who_o apply_v they_o whole_o to_o the_o admit_v of_o the_o gentile_n into_o the_o church_n for_o the_o word_n mystery_n refer_v to_o the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n i._n e._n the_o evangelical_n preach_v and_o the_o fulfil_n of_o his_o word_n viz._n by_o the_o
certainty_n of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v discover_v yea_o and_o demonstrate_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o be_v fit_v and_o prepare_v for_o it_o but_o still_o the_o efficacy_n of_o sundry_a evangelical_n truth_n be_v keep_v secret_a from_o some_o person_n for_o a_o time_n and_o some_o of_o they_o be_v of_o that_o quality_n that_o they_o will_v ever_o surmount_v and_o baffle_v the_o utmost_a efforr_v of_o our_o intellectual_a power_n in_o another_o place_n col._n 2._o 2._o the_o apostle_n mention_n the_o mystery_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o father_n or_o rather_o it_o shall_v be_v render_v even_o of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o christ_n that_o be_v the_o gospel_n or_o the_o christian_a religion_n wherein_o god_n the_o first_o person_n in_o the_o glorious_a trinity_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o christ_n and_o christ_n the_o second_o person_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n and_o god_n himself_o these_o and_o the_o like_a fundamental_a principle_n of_o christianity_n be_v dark_a and_o mysterious_a and_o because_o of_o these_o sublime_a truth_n christianity_n itself_o have_v the_o name_n of_o mystery_n give_v to_o it_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o place_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o this_o where_o the_o word_n mystery_n be_v find_v it_o can_v not_o create_v wonder_n that_o the_o socinian_o even_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o this_o alone_a contend_v that_o christianity_n be_v not_o simple_o and_o absolute_o call_v a_o mystery_n in_o scripture_n for_o here_o the_o godhead_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o father_n be_v assert_v for_o the_o word_n god_n be_v attribute_v to_o both_o person_n god_n even_o the_o father_n and_o christ_n be_v the_o same_o with_o god_n who_o be_v both_o father_n and_o christ_n and_o consequent_o if_o they_o deny_v christ_n to_o be_v very_a god_n as_o they_o do_v they_o must_v deny_v the_o father_n to_o be_v so_o too_o i_o proceed_v to_o another_o text_n in_o the_o same_o epistle_n col._n 4._o 3._o whence_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o in_o the_o stile_n and_o idiom_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o gospel_n or_o christianity_n have_v the_o name_n of_o a_o mystery_n for_o the_o apostle_n express_o call_v it_o the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n the_o same_o with_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o place_n before_o mention_v and_o he_o request_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o colossian_n for_o he_o that_o god_n will_v open_v unto_o he_o a_o door_n of_o utterance_n to_o speak_v this_o mystery_n of_o christ_n i.e._n free_o and_o open_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n as_o appear_v further_a from_o what_o follow_v next_o for_o which_o i_o be_o in_o bond_n that_o be_v a_o sufferer_n a_o prisoner_n for_o my_o preach_v the_o â—_z of_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a whatever_o be_v suggest_v to_o the_o contrary_a to_o understand_v the_o word_n here_o any_o otherwise_o than_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v then_o preach_v by_o this_o apostle_n this_o be_v mysterious_a and_o hide_a and_o in_o many_o thing_n inexplicable_a so_o again_o in_o 1_o tim._n 3._o 9_o by_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o the_o minister_n and_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v exhort_v to_o hold_v i.e._n to_o defend_v and_o maintain_v must_v needs_o be_v mean_v the_o evangelical_n truth_n and_o doctrine_n the_o hold_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o faith_n be_v the_o same_o here_o with_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n 2_o tim._n 1._o 13._o that_o be_v the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o last_o in_o that_o text_n on_o which_o i_o find_v the_o present_a discourse_n religion_n be_v call_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n for_o immediate_o after_o the_o apostle_n have_v make_v mention_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v hold_v forth_o as_o on_o a_o pillar_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n he_o assign_v some_o of_o the_o great_a and_o fair_a branch_n of_o it_o and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o acquaint_v we_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o know_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v a_o mystery_n and_o that_o not_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o age_n and_o generation_n before_o the_o gospel_n but_o to_o the_o present_a mysteriousness_n of_o this_o sacred_a institution_n for_o by_o consult_v the_o context_n you_o will_v find_v that_o the_o word_n be_v speak_v absolute_o and_o entire_o without_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o past_a time_n of_o the_o world_n under_o judaism_n or_o gentilism_n they_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o condition_n of_o christianity_n as_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o consider_v and_o so_o this_o and_o all_o the_o other_o text_n that_o i_o last_o mention_v be_v a_o baffle_n to_o what_o some_o late_a advocate_n of_o socinianism_n pretend_v to_o prove_v viz._n that_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o word_n mystery_n be_v always_o use_v to_o signify_v something_o that_o be_v intelligible_a and_o clear_a in_o itself_o and_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n but_o cloud_v with_o figurative_a and_o mystical_a word_n but_o never_o to_o denote_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v dark_a and_o unconceivable_a in_o itself_o the_o contrary_n be_v plain_a and_o evident_a from_o the_o forecited_n text_n and_o every_o unprejudiced_a man_n that_o due_o scan_v they_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v that_o christianity_n be_v there_o call_v a_o mystery_n not_o in_o regard_n of_o what_o it_o be_v but_o what_o it_o be_v it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o other_o text_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o the_o word_n mystery_n be_v mention_v but_o it_o have_v there_o no_o relation_n at_o all_o to_o the_o present_a matter_n viz._n the_o gospel_n or_o christianity_n in_o itself_o consider_v thus_o in_o rom._n 11._o 25._o the_o general_n and_o final_a conversion_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n be_v call_v a_o mystery_n in_o 1_o cor._n 13._o 2._o mystery_n be_v a_o general_a word_n for_o all_o matter_n of_o knowledge_n that_o be_v abstruse_a and_o dark_a and_o it_o refer_v more_o particular_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o future_a thing_n for_o to_o know_v all_o mystery_n seem_v to_o be_v explicatory_a of_o the_o forego_n phrase_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o have_v a_o gift_n of_o prophesy_v that_o be_v foretell_v and_o declare_v thing_n to_o come_v as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v take_v in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n v_o 10._o in_o 1_o cor._n 14._o 2._o mystery_n be_v a_o large_a and_o extensive_a term_n and_o use_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o signify_v those_o divine_a doctrine_n which_o be_v mysterious_a and_o difficult_a but_o it_o be_v not_o particular_o apply_v by_o he_o and_o therefore_o i_o have_v not_o make_v use_n of_o it_o in_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 51._o it_o be_v restrain_v to_o a_o particular_a truth_n which_o be_v unknown_a to_o the_o corinthian_n at_o that_o time_n but_o st._n paul_n reveal_v it_o to_o they_o behold_v say_v he_o i_o show_v you_o a_o mystery_n viz._n this_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o all_o sleep_n those_o that_o be_v alive_a at_o at_o christ_n come_v shall_v not_o die_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o all_o other_o man_n but_o we_o shall_v all_o be_v change_v they_o shall_v undergo_v such_o a_o alteration_n that_o their_o corruptible_a state_n shall_v be_v change_v into_o that_o which_o be_v incorruptible_a and_o immortal_a the_o conjugal_a state_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o mystery_n â—ph_n 5._o 32._o because_o it_o shadow_n forth_o the_o union_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n as_o the_o sacrament_n be_v style_v mystery_n by_o the_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n because_o they_o be_v a_o representation_n of_o so_o great_a a_o thing_n as_o christ_n body_n mystery_n be_v apply_v in_o the_o revelation_n chap._n 1._o v._n 20._o and_o chap._n 17._o v._n 7._o to_o particular_a vision_n and_o revelation_n which_o have_v a_o mystical_a and_o spiritual_a meaning_n in_o they_o in_o rev._n 10._o 7._o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o be_v finish_v or_o fulfil_v for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o be_v as_o much_o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o glorious_a and_o flourish_a state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o last_o time_n of_o the_o world_n which_o have_v be_v keep_v as_o a_o mystery_n from_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n but_o when_o the_o seven_o angel_n sound_v his_o trumpet_n than_o as_o we_o be_v there_o assure_v that_o mystery_n shall_v actual_o be_v accomplish_v and_o fulfil_v but_o none_o of_o these_o text_n refer_v to_o our_o present_a matter_n as_o any_o understanding_n reader_n may_v perceive_v only_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o produce_v they_o that_o they_o may_v
short_a of_o the_o other_o in_o this_o that_o he_o have_v not_o attain_v to_o that_o spiritual_a discern_v of_o evangelical_n truth_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o and_o without_o which_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a to_o have_v such_o a_o knowledge_n of_o they_o as_o will_v be_v effectual_a to_o salvation_n and_o happiness_n i_o will_v add_v only_o one_o text_n more_o 2_o cor._n 4._o 3._o if_o our_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v hide_v to_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n i.e._n satan_n have_v blind_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o who_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o here_o it_o be_v imply_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v hide_v from_o some_o person_n yea_o and_o we_o be_v tell_v from_o who_o viz._n such_o as_o according_a to_o the_o forego_n stile_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v natural_a man_n those_o that_o live_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o suffer_v their_o mind_n to_o be_v blind_v and_o pervert_v to_o be_v corrupt_v and_o debauch_v by_o the_o diabolick_a spirit_n the_o prince_n and_o ruler_n of_o this_o low_a world_n to_o such_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v mere_a darkness_n thus_o it_o abundant_o appear_v from_o the_o sacred_a writ_n whence_o we_o be_v to_o fetch_v our_o discovery_n concern_v these_o thing_n that_o the_o proposition_n which_o i_o lay_v down_o be_v a_o impregnable_a and_o unshaken_a truth_n viz._n that_o christianity_n retain_v still_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o mystery_n and_o that_o more_o especial_o as_o so_o some_o person_n the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o natural_a strength_n be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o itself_o to_o discover_v these_o divine_a truth_n unless_o the_o soul_n be_v illuminate_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n these_o remain_v unintelligible_a and_o whole_o ineffectual_a and_o useless_a as_o to_o any_o save_v virtue_n and_o efficacy_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o our_o saviour_n word_n john_n 3._o 3._o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n unless_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v he_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o that_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n he_o can_v understand_v aright_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v call_v frequent_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o of_o heaven_n he_o can_v see_v he_o can_v enter_v into_o as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o v_o 5._o those_o divine_a thing_n this_o be_v that_o which_o our_o saviour_n aver_v mat._n 11._o 27._o neither_o know_v any_o man_n the_o father_n but_o the_o son_n and_o he_o to_o whosoever_o the_o son_n will_v reveal_v he_o viz._n by_o a_o inward_a and_o effectual_a discovery_n for_o they_o have_v the_o outward_a revelation_n then_o when_o the_o apostle_n st._n peter_n acknowledge_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n our_o saviour_n tell_v he_o that_o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o reveal_v this_o to_o he_o but_o his_o father_n who_o be_v in_o heaven_n mat._n 16._o 17._o it_o be_v not_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n but_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o father_n that_o have_v effectual_o wrought_v this_o knowledge_n in_o he_o this_o sort_n of_o light_n be_v peculiarly_a from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n this_o singular_a wisdom_n be_v from_o above_o and_o according_o as_o some_o interpret_v that_o place_n john_n 3._o 13._o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v call_v ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n from_o thence_o be_v derive_v that_o insight_n into_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n which_o no_o natural_a man_n have_v attain_v to_o for_o in_o this_o degenerate_a state_n of_o mankind_n the_o great_a point_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v under_o a_o seal_n and_o lock_v up_o from_o we_o and_o be_v never_o to_o be_v disclose_v till_o a_o divine_a light_n open_v our_o eye_n we_o must_v of_o necessity_n remain_v blind_a till_o that_o eyesalve_n rev._n 3._o 18._o be_v effectual_o apply_v and_o it_o can_v be_v apply_v only_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o proper_a work_n it_o be_v to_o dispel_v that_o spiritual_a darkness_n whereby_o the_o mind_n be_v indispose_v to_o understand_v and_o discern_v divine_a matter_n aright_o this_o be_v various_o express_v in_o the_o holy_a write_n viz._n by_o such_o term_n as_o these_o shine_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o give_v the_o light_n of_o knowledge_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 6._o give_v we_o a_o understanding_n to_o know_v 1_o john_n 5._o 20._o enlighten_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n eph._n 1._o 18._o a_o unction_n from_o the_o holy_a one_o 1_o john_n 2._o 20._o which_o can_v be_v better_a paraphrase_v and_o explain_v than_o in_o the_o word_n of_o a_o eminent_a prelate_n of_o our_o church_n 328._o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o reveal_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n general_o to_o the_o universal_a church_n do_v also_o illuminate_v the_o understanding_n of_o such_o as_o believe_v that_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o truth_n for_o faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n not_o only_o in_o the_o object_n but_o also_o in_o the_o act._n and_o afterward_o in_o the_o close_a he_o have_v these_o word_n we_o affirm_v not_o only_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o also_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o be_v part_n of_o the_o office_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n against_o the_o old_a and_o new_a palagian_n so_o that_o judicious_a writer_n it_o be_v this_o holy_a instructor_n that_o dispose_v the_o mind_n to_o receive_v the_o light_n of_o divine_a truth_n by_o cure_v it_o of_o its_o natural_a darkness_n and_o ignorance_n and_o by_o prepare_v the_o heart_n to_o receive_v its_o ray_n there_o be_v require_v a_o special_a grace_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o enlighten_v the_o soul_n and_o to_o make_v due_a impression_n upon_o it_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o understanding_n must_v be_v purify_v and_o so_o make_v fit_a to_o apprehend_v spiritual_a object_n this_o be_v part_n of_o the_o renew_a nature_n and_o regenerate_v principle_n and_o consequent_o where_o this_o be_v not_o the_o great_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v hide_a secret_n and_o unknown_a mystery_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o will_v only_o draw_v these_o two_o corollary_n 1._o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o the_o follower_n of_o socinus_n will_v not_o acknowledge_v christianity_n to_o be_v a_o mystery_n for_o they_o hold_v 26._o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o â—_o supernatural_a light_n no_o need_n of_o illumination_n from_o the_o spirit_n in_o order_n to_o the_o due_a apprehend_n and_o understand_v of_o the_o divine_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v they_o say_v in_o all_o man_n that_o natural_a ability_n whereby_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o discern_v all_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a matter_n in_o a_o spiritual_a way_n they_o be_v enable_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o inbred_a power_n in_o their_o mind_n abstract_a from_o what_o be_v supernatural_a to_o perceive_v and_o believe_v as_o they_o ought_v all_o the_o evangelical_n doctrine_n propound_v to_o they_o interpret_v wolzogen_fw-mi ridicules_fw-la the_o internal_a and_o supernatural_a illumination_n i_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o 9_o velthusius_n a_o author_n that_o be_v much_o applaud_v by_o some_o of_o socinus_n follwer_n tell_v we_o plain_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o regenerate_a and_o unregenerate_a man_n concern_v the_o thing_n and_o mystery_n of_o faith_n differ_v not_o from_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n i_o appeal_v to_o the_o intelligent_a whether_o this_o be_v not_o a_o approach_n to_o a_o heresy_n long_o since_o condemn_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o pelagian_a error_n to_o assert_v that_o man_n can_v attain_v to_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o a_o ability_n to_o perform_v it_o by_o mere_a natural_a reason_n by_o the_o bare_a help_n of_o that_o light_n which_o nature_n give_v they_o and_o in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o some_o other_o point_n the_o socinian_o symbolize_v with_o those_o ancient_a heretic_n they_o cry_v up_o reason_n as_o the_o only_a thing_n in_o religion_n this_o with_o they_o like_o the_o archaeus_n among_o the_o chemist_n do_v all_o feat_n produce_v all_o operation_n though_o these_o man_n 45._o seem_v to_o be_v great_a abhorrer_n of_o those_o who_o talk_v of_o the_o light_n within_o they_o yet_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o allow_v of_o the_o very_a same_o principle_n and_o practice_n they_o equal_v the_o light_n of_o reason_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o say_v it_o will_v serve_v instead_o of_o this_o and_o that_o it_o be_v as_o good_a as_o scripture_n because_o all_o man_n may_v be_v save_v by_o it_o therefore_o this_o they_o urge_v
as_o the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a in_o religion_n and_o assure_v their_o proselyte_n that_o this_o alone_a be_v sufficient_a to_o conduct_v they_o to_o eternal_a happiness_n which_o be_v not_o unlike_o the_o attempt_n of_o those_o late_a jesuit_n who_o will_v teach_v the_o people_n of_o china_n and_o siam_n the_o way_n to_o heaven_n by_o the_o mathematics_n these_o man_n who_o i_o be_o speak_v of_o pretend_v to_o effect_v every_o thing_n in_o christianity_n and_o to_o climb_v heaven_n itself_o by_o mere_a natural_a strength_n and_o humane_a accomplishment_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o express_a word_n of_o the_o 6._o racovian_a catechism_n that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o the_o inward_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o we_o may_v believe_v the_o gospel_n no_o not_o at_o all_o they_o have_v another_o way_n of_o believe_v viz._n by_o a_o strength_n of_o their_o own_o by_o the_o natural_a conduct_n and_o improvement_n of_o their_o faculty_n and_o if_o true_a faith_n than_o such_o a_o knowledge_n as_o accompany_v salvation_n be_v to_o be_v acquire_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o no_o other_o for_o a_o man_n need_v not_o be_v behold_v to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o it_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o those_o who_o talk_v thus_o find_v no_o mystery_n in_o christianity_n 2._o this_o give_v a_o account_n of_o that_o scarcity_n of_o true_a divine_a knowledge_n and_o religion_n which_o be_v observable_a in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v secret_n in_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o be_v know_v but_o by_o a_o few_o and_o therefore_o true_a christian_n must_v needs_o be_v rare_a there_o be_v indeed_o a_o equivocal_a sort_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n who_o bold_o assume_v the_o name_n but_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o thing_n itself_o they_o boast_v of_o that_o honourable_a title_n but_o be_v regardless_o of_o the_o true_a import_n of_o it_o and_o to_o use_v the_o apostle_n word_n though_o they_o think_v they_o know_v something_o they_o know_v nothing_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o know_v 1_o cor._n 8._o 2._o these_o be_v very_o numerous_a and_o every_o place_n swarm_n with_o they_o but_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o have_v a_o practical_a knowledge_n and_o sense_n of_o gospel-truths_n be_v very_o mean_a and_o low_a the_o multitude_n of_o those_o who_o derive_v their_o denomination_n from_o christ_n have_v not_o attain_v to_o this_o accomplishment_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o it_o be_v by_o their_o own_o default_n hide_v from_o they_o they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o receive_v the_o divine_a supernatural_a light_n into_o their_o mind_n let_v we_o implore_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o great_a and_o heavenly_a mystagogue_n the_o effectual_a interpreter_n of_o divine_a secret_n and_o who_o alone_o can_v discover_v they_o to_o we_o that_o he_o will_v vouchsafe_v to_o enlighten_v and_o irradiate_a our_o soul_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o shall_v be_v real_o beneficial_a to_o we_o let_v we_o beg_v the_o aid_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n to_o lead_v we_o into_o the_o advantageous_a knowledge_n of_o all_o evangelical_n truth_n and_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o feel_v they_o as_o well_o as_o know_v they_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o first_o branch_n of_o the_o proposition_n found_v on_o the_o word_n christianity_n mysterious_a a_o sermon_n show_v that_o there_o be_v mystery_n proper_o so_o call_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n with_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o it_o and_o the_o natural_a consequence_n from_o it_o preach_v before_o the_o university_n at_o st._n mary_n in_o cambridge_n june_n 29._o 1697._o and_o since_o much_o enlarge_v 1_o tim_n iii_o 16._o and_o without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n have_v in_o a_o former_a discourse_n show_v that_o christianity_n be_v a_o mystery_n to_o some_o more_o especial_o now_o i_o will_v pass_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o undertake_v viz._n to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v such_o even_o in_o a_o general_a way_n unto_o every_o one_o there_o be_v several_a great_a truth_n in_o the_o gospel_n which_o the_o spiritual_a man_n can_v no_o more_o arrive_v to_o a_o full_a knowledge_n of_o than_o the_o natural_a man_n can_v with_o relation_n and_o respect_n even_o to_o all_o person_n whosoever_o the_o sublime_a truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n still_o retain_v and_o ever_o shall_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o mystery_n and_o i_o choose_v the_o rather_o to_o treat_v on_o this_o subject_a because_o i_o very_o believe_v it_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n and_o influence_n that_o if_o it_o be_v due_o entertain_v it_o will_v be_v serviceable_a to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o the_o dispute_n and_o cavil_n against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o other_o important_a point_n that_o relate_v to_o it_o there_o will_v be_v no_o far_o contest_v about_o these_o if_o the_o abovesaid_a proposition_n do_v but_o take_v place_n in_o man_n mind_n this_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o at_o least_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o because_o when_o it_o shall_v appear_v that_o there_o be_v fathomless_a secret_n in_o christianity_n and_o that_o they_o be_v design_v to_o be_v so_o yea_o and_o to_o be_v so_o to_o all_o as_o well_o as_o to_o some_o this_o can_v but_o supersede_n all_o controversy_n about_o 〈◊〉_d this_o with_o ingenuous_a and_o rational_a spirit_n solve_v all_o difficulty_n this_o with_o religious_a and_o pious_a mind_n answer_v all_o doubt_n and_o full_o satisfy_v all_o scruple_n this_o therefore_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o i_o will_v evince_v that_o â—here_o be_v such_o secret_n as_o these_o in_o our_o religion_n that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o this_o holy_a institution_n which_o we_o have_v but_o a_o dark_a and_o imperfect_a notice_n of_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o attain_v to_o any_o other_o and_o these_o be_v proper_o style_v mystery_n that_o one_o text_n alone_o 1_o cor._n 13._o 9_o 12._o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v this_o we_o know_v in_o part_n say_v the_o apostle_n which_o refer_v to_o the_o knowledge_n mention_v in_o the_o forego_n verse_n by_o which_o as_o it_o be_v agree_v by_o all_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a and_o evangelical_n matter_n and_o then_o it_o follow_v by_o way_n of_o natural_a consequence_n we_o prophesy_v in_o part_n for_o our_o instruct_n of_o other_o must_v be_v answerable_a to_o our_o own_o knowledge_n which_o be_v but_o in_o part_n he_o superadd_v now_o we_o see_v through_o a_o glass_n that_o be_v either_o as_o man_n look_v through_o a_o perspective_n on_o a_o object_n a_o great_a way_n off_o and_o therefore_o make_v obscure_a by_o its_o great_a distance_n from_o the_o eye_n or_o as_o person_n behold_v themselves_o in_o a_o glass_n or_o mirror_n which_o manner_n of_o expression_n st._n james_n use_v to_o signify_v a_o slight_a view_n 1_o jam._n 23._o and_o so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d may_v be_v the_o same_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o this_o apostle_n think_v not_o this_o sufficient_a to_o set_v forth_o the_o meanness_n and_o deficiency_n of_o our_o knowledge_n of_o sacred_a matter_n but_o he_o add_v another_o emphatic_a expression_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o a_o riddle_n i.e._n in_o a_o very_a obscure_a dark_a and_o intricate_a manner_n and_o therefore_o our_o translator_n render_v it_o dark_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v be_v this_o that_o we_o have_v but_o a_o partial_a discovery_n of_o some_o divine_a truth_n our_o sight_n of_o they_o be_v very_o imperfect_a there_o be_v certain_a point_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v not_o within_o the_o sphere_n of_o our_o capacity_n but_o be_v in_o themselves_o enigmatical_a and_o abstruse_a and_o these_o passage_n be_v the_o more_o considerable_a if_o we_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o peculiar_a quality_n of_o the_o person_n who_o write_v thus_o it_o be_v that_o apostle_n who_o be_v famous_a for_o his_o knowledge_n he_o who_o among_o all_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o only_a man_n that_o be_v bring_v up_o a_o scholar_n for_o we_o read_v that_o he_o be_v educate_v in_o the_o school_n of_o gamaliel_n a_o celebrate_a hebrew_n doctor_n and_o professor_n and_o thence_o be_v stock_v with_o all_o the_o jewish_a literature_n and_o he_o that_o be_v well_o skilled_a in_o the_o heathen_a poet_n as_o his_o quotation_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n let_v we_o know_v be_v questionless_a not_o defective_a in_o other_o part_n of_o humane_a learning_n which_o he_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o furnish_v himself_o within_o his_o own_o native_a city_n that_o of_o tarsus_n which_o be_v at_o that_o time_n a_o famous_a university_n and_o these_o excellency_n join_v with_o his_o own_o natural_a part_n and_o endowment_n which_o as_o we_o may_v gather_v from_o his_o acute_a reason_n and_o arguing_n on_o all_o occasion_n be_v of_o the_o high_a
on_o the_o very_a same_o ground_n attend_v to_o the_o former_a because_o that_o be_v from_o god_n no_o less_o than_o this_o wherefore_o those_o who_o oppose_v one_o to_o the_o other_o make_v â—od_a contradict_v himself_o because_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o both_o and_o here_o i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o injustice_n of_o some_o late_a penman_n who_o represent_v the_o asserter_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o of_o such_o like_a point_n of_o faith_n as_o person_n that_o be_v enemy_n to_o reason_n and_o such_o as_o will_v by_o no_o â—â—ans_n admit_v of_o a_o rational_a religion_n this_o they_o crafty_o urge_v and_o aggravate_v to_o blacken_v the_o cause_n which_o they_o have_v set_v themselves_o against_o but_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o truth_n in_o the_o accusation_n but_o as_o they_o manage_v it_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o falsehood_n and_o wrong_n for_o we_o give_v unto_o reason_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v reason_n we_o assert_v the_o use_n and_o necessity_n of_o it_o in_o religion_n yea_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o we_o be_v able_a and_o ready_a to_o defend_v and_o maintain_v a_o considerable_a part_n of_o it_o by_o rational_a principle_n we_o most_o free_o profess_v with_o justin_n the_o philosopher_n and_o martyr_n that_o 1_o whatever_o be_v well_o say_v by_o any_o of_o the_o philosopher_n poet_n and_o historian_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o christian_a write_n of_o the_o bible_n we_o declare_v that_o the_o christian_a institution_n commend_v and_o enforce_v all_o the_o maxim_n of_o morality_n and_o the_o natural_a religion_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o common_a dictate_v of_o reason_n those_o therefore_o be_v very_o injurious_a to_o we_o and_o to_o truth_n itself_o who_o labour_n as_o we_o see_v they_o do_v to_o fill_v man_n head_n with_o other_o apprehension_n but_o though_o it_o be_v thus_o in_o the_o general_n yet_o there_o be_v particular_a doubt_n and_o difficulty_n relate_v to_o this_o holy_a institution_n there_o be_v some_o certain_a point_n which_o be_v in_o themselves_o mysterious_a incomprehensible_a and_o inconceivable_a and_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o nice_a scrutiny_n of_o humane_a reason_n the_o â—ery_a deity_n itself_o which_o be_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o all_o christianity_n be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o great_a of_o all_o mystery_n whence_o it_o be_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o 〈◊〉_d a_o very_a wise_a and_o good_a man_n god_n be_v great_a and_o we_o know_v he_o not_o job_n 36._o 26._o we_o can_v full_o understand_v his_o nature_n and_o attribute_n yea_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v but_o very_o little_a of_o they_o which_o be_v fit_o express_v by_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n he_o dwell_v in_o the_o light_n which_o no_o man_n can_v approach_v unto_o 1_o tim._n 6._o 16._o this_o inaccessible_a splendour_n admit_v not_o of_o a_o full_a view_n the_o more_o we_o gaze_v upon_o this_o glorious_a sun_n the_o more_o we_o be_v dazzle_v and_o almost_o blind_v in_o some_o case_n 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v unsafe_a and_o perilous_a say_v a_o pious_a father_n to_o speak_v what_o be_v true_a of_o god_n ord._n â—â—e_z be_v best_a know_v by_o a_o modest_a 〈◊〉_d â—â—ith_o another_o 4._o we_o know_v not_o whâ—â—_n he_o be_v but_o only_o what_o he_o be_v not_o sai_z a_o third_z and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o socinus_n himself_o in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o his_o prediction_n stiâ—â—y_o contend_v though_o upon_o no_o solid_a ground_n at_o all_o that_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n be_v not_o discoverable_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n how_o then_o can_v he_o and_o his_o â—ollowers_n imagine_v â—hat_n the_o divine_a nature_n and_o essence_n be_v to_o be_v comprehend_v by_o humaâ—e_a thought_n if_o we_o can_v according_a to_o he_o discover_z that_o god_n be_v how_o shall_v we_o understand_v what_o he_o be_v there_o be_v several_a unutterable_a abstrusity_n and_o difficulty_n in_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o eternal_a self-subsisting_a be_v we_o can_v penetrate_v 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capacity_n there_o be_v several_a thing_n in_o the_o conduct_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o salvation_n the_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o which_o be_v hide_v from_o we_o at_o least_o the_o modes_n and_o circumstance_n belong_v to_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v comprehend_v though_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o the_o general_n truth_n there_o be_v sundry_a difficult_a thing_n occur_v concern_v the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o disbelieve_v the_o doctrine_n itself_o 〈…〉_z i_o know_v say_v st._n chrysostom_n that_o the_o son_n be_v beget_v of_o the_o father_n but_o how_o i_o know_v not_o i_o know_v he_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n but_o i_o can_v tell_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o for_o we_o acknowledge_v the_o production_n of_o both_o nature_n and_o yet_o the_o manner_n of_o both_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o declare_v so_o as_o to_o the_o union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n in_o christ_n person_n we_o have_v not_o a_o accountable_a idea_n of_o it_o though_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v agreeable_a to_o reason_n we_o can_v answer_v all_o the_o doubt_n concern_v christ_n satisfaction_n but_o upon_o incontestable_a ground_n we_o may_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o same_o body_n at_o the_o last_o day_n be_v a_o unquestionable_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o if_o we_o be_v ask_v how_o a_o dead_a body_n crumble_v into_o dust_n and_o perhaps_o dissipate_v by_o the_o wind_n into_o several_a quarter_n or_o how_o a_o body_n convert_v into_o the_o substance_n of_o other_o creature_n after_o innumerable_a introduction_n of_o new_a shape_n preserve_v its_o proper_a identity_n â—nd_v individuation_n if_o we_o be_v ask_v i_o say_v how_o this_o can_v be_v the_o answer_n in_o brief_a can_v 〈◊〉_d no_o other_o than_o this_o we_o can_v tell_v but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v this_o be_v a_o unbecoming_a answer_n for_o any_o man_n that_o pretend_v to_o knowledge_n and_o 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we_o this_o excellent_a memorandum_n this_o be_v to_o be_v fix_v on_o our_o memory_n as_o a_o principal_a rule_n that_o whatever_o thing_n be_v reveal_v unto_o we_o by_o god_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v by_o we_o as_o the_o most_o certain_a of_o all_o and_o though_o perhaps_o the_o most_o clear_a and_o evident_a light_n of_o reason_n shall_v seem_v to_o suggest_v to_o we_o some_o other_o thing_n notwithstanding_o this_o we_o be_v to_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o sole_a authority_n of_o god_n rather_o than_o to_o our_o own_o judgement_n thus_o these_o mighty_a genius_n of_o philosophy_n give_v their_o suffrage_n to_o our_o great_a apostle_n and_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n how_o rational_a it_o be_v to_o keep_v the_o reason_v as_o well_o as_o the_o elective_a part_n in_o subjection_n and_o indeed_o see_v it_o be_v the_o same_o soul_n that_o affect_v will_n and_o understand_v and_o these_o faculty_n be_v not_o real_o different_a from_o the_o soul_n itself_o it_o follow_v that_o if_o the_o soul_n in_o one_o capacity_n may_v be_v check_v and_o regulate_v than_o it_o may_v be_v so_o in_o another_o and_o if_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o chastise_v the_o extravagancy_n of_o the_o will_n and_o appetite_n we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o correct_v the_o disorder_n of_o the_o understanding_n the_o socinian_o grant_v the_o former_a but_o deny_v the_o latter_a though_o without_o any_o ground_n for_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o the_o one_o that_o there_o be_v for_o the_o other_o which_o show_v that_o they_o despise_v the_o parity_n of_o reason_n that_o they_o attend_v not_o to_o the_o consequence_n of_o their_o proposition_n that_o they_o argue_v not_o alike_o in_o thinâ—â—_n that_o be_v alike_o that_o they_o vary_v in_o case_n that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n that_o they_o deal_v not_o fair_o and_o ingenious_o that_o they_o contradict_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v froward_a and_o perverse_a and_o be_v resolve_v to_o 〈…〉_z and_o partiality_n have_v the_o 〈…〉_z three_o there_o be_v yet_o another_o great_a disparagement_n and_o blemish_n lie_v upon_o this_o sentiment_n and_o this_o behaviour_n for_o as_o they_o be_v the_o offspring_n of_o pride_n and_o insolence_n of_o partiality_n and_o perverseness_n so_o they_o be_v the_o nurse_n of_o indifferency_n and_o scepticism_n in_o religion_n whilst_o person_n acquiesce_v in_o divine_a revelation_n they_o be_v upon_o safe_a and_o firm_a ground_n but_o when_o they_o quit_v this_o and_o undertake_v to_o measure_n christianity_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a and_o common_a reason_n they_o have_v no_o sure_a foot_n but_o they_o waver_v and_o fluctuate_v they_o start_v query_n about_o all_o thing_n and_o utter_o overthrow_v all_o certainty_n in_o religious_a and_o divine_a matter_n for_o when_o overcurious_a and_o wrangle_a head_n come_v to_o argue_v about_o those_o high_a point_n of_o christianity_n which_o i_o have_v before_o mention_v and_o make_v they_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o formal_a 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reason_n against_o all_o other_o article_n of_o christianity_n and_o when_o there_o be_v occasion_n they_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o do_v it_o for_o they_o seem_v to_o begin_v with_o those_o â—â—ore_o difficult_a and_o abstruse_a point_n and_o to_o bring_v people_n off_o from_o they_o because_o they_o think_v they_o can_v easy_o maintain_v they_o that_o they_o may_v make_v way_n for_o shake_v the_o plain_a one_o afterward_o i_o must_v needs_o profess_v i_o have_v more_o charity_n than_o to_o think_v that_o this_o be_v a_o form_a design_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o that_o profess_v the_o socinian_n way_n for_o i_o believe_v there_o be_v some_o well_o dispose_v person_n among_o they_o but_o i_o be_o incline_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o project_n carry_v on_o by_o some_o ill-minded_n and_o perverse_a man_n who_o take_v this_o opportunity_n to_o render_v religion_n doubtful_a and_o disputable_a and_o by_o degree_n to_o represent_v it_o as_o a_o indifferent_a and_o uncertain_a thing_n by_o this_o course_n which_o they_o be_v at_o this_o day_n take_v the_o most_o sacred_a and_o venerable_a truth_n will_v be_v slight_v nay_o they_o be_v already_o slight_v and_o actual_o disregard_v by_o this_o race_n of_o man_n as_o 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o artribute_n of_o god_n christ_n 〈◊〉_d the_o rise_n of_o the_o same_o body_n the_o subsistence_n and_o perception_n of_o separate_a soul_n the_o torment_n of_o hell_n etc._n etc._n and_o sundry_a other_o substantial_a verity_n as_o the_o existence_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a angel_n the_o universal_a providence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o many_o more_o such_o doctrine_n be_v either_o doubt_v of_o or_o deny_v by_o deist_n or_o atheist_n and_o that_o on_o the_o socinian_n principle_n that_o be_v the_o thing_n observable_a at_o present_a i_o say_v upon_o the_o socinian_n principle_n viz._n because_o there_o be_v some_o difficulty_n that_o attend_v the_o notion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o because_o they_o be_v not_o on_o all_o account_n adjust_v to_o the_o model_n of_o man_n ordinary_a reason_n therefore_o they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o admit_v of_o they_o on_o that_o very_a account_n but_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n all_o the_o main_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v be_v doubt_v of_o the_o weight_a article_n of_o our_o religion_n will_v be_v vote_v to_o be_v but_o arbitrary_a hypothesis_n and_o christianity_n itself_o will_v be_v think_v to_o be_v no_o other_o as_o we_o find_v in_o the_o write_n both_o of_o our_o foreign_a and_o domestic_a adversary_n christianity_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o same_o scale_n with_o judaism_n and_o turcism_n and_o some_o part_n of_o it_o nay_o the_o weighty_a be_v determine_v to_o be_v light_a than_o any_o in_o the_o other_o two_o this_o natural_o follow_v from_o their_o arrogant_o presume_v upon_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o understanding_n and_o reason_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n from_o their_o peremptory_a resolve_v to_o entertain_v nothing_o in_o religion_n but_o what_o be_v commensurate_a to_o natural_a principle_n from_o their_o oppose_a and_o deny_v a_o doctrine_n which_o be_v plain_o and_o express_o assert_v in_o scripture_n mere_o because_o they_o can_v define_v the_o exact_a manner_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v assert_v this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o sound_v all_o religion_n upon_o natural_a reason_n and_o argument_n we_o must_v throw_v up_o a_o great_a part_n of_o that_o which_o be_v reveal_v mere_o to_o gratify_v the_o deist_n and_o racovian_o nay_o this_o will_v not_o suffice_v for_o it_o be_v to_o be_v suspect_v that_o those_o who_o strike_v at_o reveal_v religion_n bear_v no_o kindness_n whatever_o they_o pretend_v to_o the_o natural_a it_o be_v likely_a that_o those_o who_o bid_v defiance_n to_o the_o former_a will_v do_v the_o same_o in_o time_n to_o the_o latter_a for_o we_o can_v imagine_v but_o that_o those_o bold_a man_n who_o disregard_n the_o immediate_a discovery_n of_o heaven_n to_o mankind_n and_o represent_v they_o as_o altogether_o incredible_a by_o intelligent_a and_o inquisitive_a mind_n will_v also_o vilify_v the_o more_o mediate_v and_o common_a dictate_v of_o nature_n those_o that_o slight_a the_o extraordinary_a voice_n of_o god_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o attend_v to_o the_o ordinary_a one_o those_o that_o refuse_v to_o hear_v he_o speak_v in_o the_o holy_a writ_n will_v not_o be_v obsequious_a to_o he_o dictate_v in_o their_o own_o breast_n thus_o you_o see_v how_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a a_o opinion_n our_o adversary_n maintain_v and_o promote_v we_o see_v how_o they_o feed_v the_o humour_n of_o this_o sceptical_a age_n and_o work_v upon_o unstable_a and_o waver_a mind_n and_o wheadle_n they_o out_o of_o their_o religion_n by_o plausible_a insinuation_n and_o pretence_n of_o humane_a reason_n by_o this_o mean_v they_o direct_o lead_v they_o