the_o wisdom_n of_o believe_v in_o two_o sermon_n preach_v at_o court_n april_n 7_o and_o 14._o 1700._o by_o e._n young_z fellow_n of_o winchester-college_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n publish_a by_o his_o majesty_n command_n london_n print_v by_o j._n m._n for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishop_n head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1700._o sermon_n i._n rom_n i._o 22._o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v wise_a they_o become_v fool_n whatever_o value_n we_o set_v upon_o be_v wise_a or_o whatever_o affectation_n we_o have_v of_o be_v so_o account_v yet_o there_o be_v no_o great_a argument_n of_o human_a weakness_n than_o this_o that_o we_o rare_o know_v what_o we_o mean_v by_o wisdom_n nor_o be_v our_o notion_n any_o where_n more_o confuse_v than_o upon_o this_o question_n what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wise_a to_o extricate_v our_o thought_n in_o some_o measure_n out_o of_o this_o confusion_n we_o may_v distinguish_v wisdom_n into_o three_o kind_n viz._n the_o wisdom_n of_o grace_n the_o wisdom_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o imagination_n i._o the_o wisdom_n of_o grace_n be_v call_v in_o scripture_n the_o wisdom_n from_o above_o because_o thence_o it_o come_v and_o we_o can_v attain_v it_o without_o the_o influence_n of_o god_n now_o the_o power_n and_o use_v of_o this_o wisdom_n be_v to_o secure_v our_o eternal_a interest_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o holy_a live_n and_o conformity_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o because_o this_o be_v our_o main_n concern_v and_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v but_o loss_n and_o shame_n and_o misery_n without_o it_o the_o style_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n allow_v nothing_o to_o be_v wisdom_n but_o pure_o this_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n that_o be_v wisdom_n and_o our_o apostle_n who_o have_v large_a talent_n of_o other_o knowledge_n which_o he_o may_v have_v boast_v of_o if_o they_o can_v justify_v the_o boast_n style_v all_o foolishness_n none_o worth_a the_o own_n but_o to_o know_v christ_n jesus_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o resurrection_n he_o that_o have_v this_o wisdom_n have_v sufficient_a and_o without_o it_o the_o great_a our_o pretence_n be_v to_o wisdom_n the_o more_o conspicuous_a be_v our_o folly_n ii_o the_o second_o kind_a of_o wisdom_n be_v that_o of_o nature_n i._n e._n such_o as_o man_n may_v have_v of_o themselves_o through_o the_o power_n of_o their_o native_a faculty_n and_o the_o improvement_n of_o industry_n and_o observation_n and_o from_o this_o fountain_n have_v flow_v many_o commendable_a fruit_n in_o all_o age_n all_o rule_n and_o art_n for_o the_o conduct_n employment_n and_o accommodation_n of_o life_n but_o forasmuch_o as_o this_o wisdom_n be_v often_o separate_a from_o that_o of_o grace_n so_o it_o as_o often_o turn_v to_o subtlety_n and_o artifice_n to_o double_v and_o insincerity_n to_o deceive_v and_o be_v deceive_v this_o be_v that_o wisdom_n whereby_o our_o saviour_n say_v the_o child_n of_o the_o world_n be_v wise_a in_o their_o generation_n than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n wise_a in_o their_o generation_n i._n e._n wise_a to_o serve_v themselves_o in_o reference_n to_o present_a advantage_n not_o that_o worldly_a man_n be_v therefore_o esteemable_a to_o have_v the_o better_a understanding_n it_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n blasphemous_a to_o think_v that_o godliness_n do_v ever_o occasion_n stupidity_n or_o that_o it_o ever_o be_v occasion_v by_o it_o the_o good_a man_n know_v as_o many_o method_n of_o management_n but_o the_o worldly_a man_n be_v bold_a to_o make_v use_n of_o all_o he_o know_v the_o good_a man_n walk_v on_o simple_o in_o the_o road_n of_o providence_n believe_v god_n blessing_n to_o be_v his_o best_a portion_n but_o the_o worldly_a man_n turn_v into_o every_o crooked_a way_n as_o if_o it_o be_v to_o make_v himself_o amend_v for_o the_o want_n of_o that_o providence_n and_o blessing_n he_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o trust_v upon_o the_o good_a man_n look_v upon_o the_o world_n as_o his_o inn_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o so_o solicitous_a for_o his_o accommodation_n here_o as_o he_o be_v for_o his_o arrival_n at_o his_o journey_n be_v end_n but_o the_o worldly_a man_n look_v upon_o it_o as_o his_o home_n and_o therefore_o employ_v all_o his_o care_n and_o intention_n to_o make_v it_o as_o easy_a and_o entertain_v to_o he_o as_o he_o can_v for_o example_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n cain_n be_v say_v to_o have_v go_v forth_o from_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n i._n e._n to_o have_v cast_v off_o all_o care_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o personal_a inclination_n of_o his_o form_v all_o his_o posterity_n to_o be_v profane_a on_o the_o other_o side_n seth_n walk_v with_o god_n and_o institute_v his_o posterity_n to_o the_o same_o pious_a care_n of_o be_v religious_a in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o chief_a invention_n which_o serve_v both_o to_o the_o use_n and_o divertisement_n of_o the_o present_a life_n as_o the_o form_n of_o society_n building_n of_o city_n and_o find_v out_o curious_a art_n and_o manufacture_n be_v all_o attribute_v to_o the_o profane_a line_n but_o it_o will_v be_v very_o rash_a for_o all_o this_o to_o conclude_v that_o these_o be_v the_o man_n of_o better_a part_n and_o capacity_n than_o the_o other_o the_o child_n of_o seth_n account_v it_o sufficient_a for_o their_o happiness_n to_o be_v content_v with_o what_o be_v needful_a and_o to_o pursue_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n as_o the_o consummation_n of_o their_o enjoyment_n which_o be_v undoubted_o the_o supreme_a wis'dom_n whereas_o the_o other_o be_v destitute_a of_o hope_n from_o god_n make_v it_o all_o their_o study_n to_o procure_v such_o enjoyment_n to_o themselves_o as_o may_v be_v have_v without_o he_o but_o let_v we_o observe_v a_o little_a further_o and_o see_v what_o the_o world_n itself_o be_v the_o better_a for_o all_o these_o issue_n of_o its_o wisdom_n in_o the_o power_n of_o it_o man_n bring_v in_o many_o agreeable_a advantage_n but_o through_o the_o corruption_n of_o it_o they_o likewise_o bring_v in_o the_o flood_n wherein_o all_o be_v destroy_v but_o those_o few_o that_o have_v escape_v the_o common_a depravation_n and_o what_o then_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o world_n but_o as_o our_o apostle_n call_v it_o foolishness_n with_o god_n iii_o the_o three_o kind_n be_v what_o i_o call_v the_o wisdom_n of_o imagination_n that_o be_v a_o wisdom_n that_o have_v its_o be_v in_o opinion_n and_o conceit_n and_o by_o which_o man_n come_v to_o think_v well_o of_o themselves_o now_o this_o kind_n of_o wisdom_n be_v a_o mere_a shadow_n for_o even_o they_o that_o be_v fool_n pretend_v to_o it_o as_o well_o as_o they_o that_o be_v of_o great_a talent_n but_o neither_o be_v at_o all_o the_o wise_a in_o truth_n for_o this_o opinion_n of_o their_o be_v so_o and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o shadow_n so_o it_o chief_o aim_n and_o catch_n at_o a_o shadow_n that_o be_v at_o vainglory_n and_o the_o admiration_n of_o other_o now_o we_o may_v observe_v of_o this_o kind_n of_o wisdom_n that_o it_o be_v always_o attend_v with_o one_o mischievous_a companion_n and_o that_o be_v the_o affectation_n of_o singularity_n they_o that_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o own_o conceit_n always_o find_v their_o conceit_n upon_o the_o knowledge_n of_o somewhat_o that_o be_v odd_a and_o out_o of_o the_o way_n they_o hate_v to_o think_v in_o the_o common_a level_n they_o value_v not_o themselves_o for_o know_v what_o be_v vulgar_o know_v but_o esteem_v it_o their_o excellency_n to_o start_v novelty_n and_o to_o be_v the_o original_n of_o their_o own_o opinion_n from_o which_o it_o follow_v that_o this_o kind_n of_o wisdom_n be_v always_o a_o direct_a adversary_n to_o faith_n because_o faith_n be_v a_o simple_a thing_n and_o deliver_v pure_o with_o the_o design_n that_o all_o shall_v receive_v it_o uniformly_n in_o which_o case_n the_o man_n that_o affect_v singularity_n be_v never_o please_v till_o he_o can_v form_v some_o new_a conception_n of_o the_o matter_n reveal_v whereby_o he_o may_v import_v that_o the_o reach_v of_o his_o understanding_n be_v above_o the_o common_a measure_n so_o that_o the_o main_a characteristic_a of_o this_o wisdom_n be_v to_o be_v ever_o oppose_v or_o scruple_v or_o refine_v upon_o faith_n and_o pretend_v to_o lead_v that_o reveal_v light_n which_o we_o all_o ought_v to_o follow_v with_o a_o ready_a and_o cheerful_a submission_n from_o this_o busy_a itch_n of_o pretend_a wise_a man_n to_o unsettle_v religion_n and_o misinterpret_v the_o message_n of_o god_n and_o to_o vend_fw-mi their_o own_o imagination_n in_o place_n of_o divine_a oracle_n it_o be_v that_o the_o prophet_n is._n 5._o 21._o denounce_v woe_n against_o they_o that_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o prudent_a in_o their_o own_o sight_n and_o my_o text_n
be_v no_o less_o a_o warn_n against_o this_o kind_n of_o wisdom_n from_o the_o exemplary_a mischief_n that_o it_o have_v former_o bring_v upon_o other_o who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v wise_a become_v fool_n the_o truth_n that_o be_v point_v at_o in_o these_o word_n and_o from_o this_o example_n i_o shall_v far_o evince_v and_o apply_v in_o these_o two_o proposition_n 1._o that_o human_a wisdom_n be_v a_o dangerous_a guide_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o 2._o that_o god_n have_v vouchsafe_v faith_n as_o a_o necessary_a expedient_a in_o order_n both_o to_o make_v and_o to_o keep_v man_n wise._n the_o first_o proposition_n viz._n that_o human_a wisdom_n be_v a_o dangerous_a guide_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n i_o shall_v evidence_n by_o show_v that_o the_o great_a mischief_n relate_v to_o religion_n that_o ever_o yet_o happen_v to_o mankind_n have_v owe_v their_o original_a to_o this_o pretend_a wisdom_n and_o i_o need_v no_o more_o to_o prove_v this_o than_o the_o follow_a instance_n viz._n 1._o that_o wisdom_n first_o extinguish_v the_o common_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o bring_v idolatry_n into_o the_o world_n 2._o that_o wisdom_n first_o waste_v man_n conscience_n and_o bring_v sin_n into_o the_o world_n 3._o that_o this_o wisdom_n first_o corrupt_v faith_n and_o bring_v all_o heresy_n into_o the_o church_n as_o to_o the_o first_o instance_n viz._n that_o wisdom_n first_o extinguish_v the_o common_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o bring_v idolatry_n into_o the_o world_n it_o be_v the_o express_a intimation_n of_o the_o text._n for_o the_o apostle_n be_v here_o treat_v concern_v the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o what_o extravagance_n it_o proceed_v and_o from_o what_o cause_v it_o spring_v a_o subject_a which_o can_v be_v due_o consider_v without_o matter_n of_o wonder_n noah_n the_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n who_o have_v warn_v the_o old_a world_n and_o call_v they_o to_o repentance_n in_o vain_a have_v at_o least_o this_o advantage_n by_o it_o that_o he_o come_v with_o great_a awe_n to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v the_o new_a and_o he_o teach_v they_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n both_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o believe_v and_o to_o do_v that_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o they_o v._o 21._o they_o all_o know_v both_o god_n and_o his_o worship_n though_o it_o be_v a_o knowledge_n they_o like_v not_o to_o retain_v but_o instead_o of_o that_o as_o v._o 23._o they_o change_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o incorruptible_a god_n into_o the_o image_n of_o corruptible_a man_n and_o to_o bird_n and_o fourfooted_a beast_n and_o creep_a thing_n and_o this_o corruption_n of_o faith_n and_o worship_n together_o come_v on_o so_o fast_o that_o the_o same_o noah_n who_o have_v see_v the_o funeral_n of_o the_o old_a world_n for_o their_o no_o religion_n see_v likewise_o in_o his_o own_o day_n the_o new_a world_n overspread_v with_o a_o false_a religion_n more_o absurd_a and_o irrational_a than_o none_o now_o the_o text_n tell_v we_o express_o that_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n as_o strange_a and_o gross_a as_o it_o be_v be_v introduce_v under_o the_o pretence_n of_o wisdom_n profess_v to_o be_v wise_a they_o become_v fool_n and_o then_o as_o a_o instance_n of_o this_o it_o be_v add_v they_o change_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o incorruptible_a god_n into_o the_o image_n of_o corruptible_a man_n and_o to_o bird_n and_o fourfooted_a beast_n and_o creep_a thing_n from_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o their_o bring_n in_o of_o idolatry_n although_o it_o be_v the_o proof_n of_o their_o folly_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o project_n of_o their_o wisdom_n it_o be_v the_o wise_a among_o they_o that_o form_v the_o design_n and_o address_v to_o the_o multitude_n with_o a_o grave_a appearance_n and_o prevail_v as_o we_o may_v conceive_v by_o some_o such_o form_n of_o argue_v as_o this_o we_o be_v all_o aware_a you_o son_n of_o noah_n that_o religion_n be_v our_o chief_n concern_v and_o therefore_o it_o well_o become_v we_o to_o improve_v and_o advance_v that_o as_o much_o as_o possible_a and_o althoe_v we_o have_v receive_v appointment_n from_o god_n for_o the_o worship_n that_o he_o require_v yet_o if_o these_o appointment_n may_v be_v alter_v for_o his_o great_a glory_n who_o doubt_v but_o it_o will_v be_v a_o commendable_a piety_n so_o to_o alter_v they_o now_o our_o father_n noah_n have_v institute_v we_o in_o a_o religion_n which_o in_o truth_n be_v too_o simple_a and_o too_o unaffecting_a it_o direct_v we_o to_o worship_n god_n abstract_o from_o all_o sense_n and_o under_o a_o confuse_a notion_n under_o the_o formality_n of_o attribute_n as_o power_n goodness_n justice_n wisdom_n eternity_n and_o the_o like_a a_o idea_n which_o we_o neither_o sufficient_o reach_v nor_o do_v that_o sufficient_o reach_v our_o affection_n whereas_o in_o all_o reason_n we_o ought_v to_o worship_n god_n more_o pompous_o and_o more_o extensive_o too_o than_o in_o his_o own_o essence_n we_o ought_v not_o only_o to_o adore_v his_o personal_a attribute_n but_o likewise_o all_o the_o emanation_n of_o they_o and_o all_o those_o creature_n by_o who_o they_o be_v eminent_o represent_v this_o will_v stir_v up_o and_o quicken_v and_o direct_v our_o devotion_n nor_o let_v any_o say_v that_o this_o method_n will_v derogate_v from_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o creator_n certain_o it_o be_v most_o expressive_a of_o his_o honour_n when_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o not_o only_a himself_o but_o even_o his_o creature_n be_v adorable_a we_o ought_v therefore_o if_o we_o will_v be_v wise_a to_o worship_v the_o host_n of_o heaven_n or_o rather_o to_o worship_n god_n through_o they_o because_o they_o be_v eminent_a representation_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o eternity_n we_o ought_v to_o worship_v the_o element_n because_o they_o represent_v his_o benign_a and_o sustain_v and_o ubiquitary_a presence_n we_o ought_v to_o worship_v the_o ox_n and_o the_o sheep_n and_o whatever_o creature_n be_v most_o beneficial_a because_o they_o be_v the_o symbol_n of_o his_o love_n and_o goodness_n and_o with_o no_o less_o reason_n the_o serpent_n the_o crocodile_n and_o other_o noxious_a animal_n because_o they_o be_v the_o symbol_n of_o his_o awful_a anger_n thus_o it_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v worship_v he_o more_o intense_o and_o feel_v and_o be_v affect_v with_o our_o worship_n now_o to_o man_n dispose_v with_o a_o desire_n to_o be_v wise_a in_o religion_n above_o what_o be_v prescribe_v there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o such_o argument_n as_o these_o will_v soon_o seem_v wise_a and_o weighty_a enough_o to_o enforce_v their_o design_n but_o there_o be_v another_o part_n of_o idolatry_n which_o obtain_v first_o and_o spread_v far_a that_o wisdom_n have_v yet_o more_o move_a pretence_n to_o establish_v it_o upon_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o idolatry_n be_v offer_v up_o to_o man_n as_o we_o learn_v in_o this_o chap._n from_o the_o verse_n follow_v and_o more_o at_o large_a from_o wisd._n 14._o where_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o prince_n be_v worship_v whether_o present_a in_o their_o person_n or_o distant_a by_o their_o statue_n and_o picture_n and_o then_o that_o man_n inferior_a to_o prince_n but_o emenient_a in_o their_o generation_n for_o any_o beneficent_a or_o oblige_a quality_n be_v worship_v after_o their_o death_n as_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o prince_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o it_o be_v as_o high_a and_o as_o early_o as_o nimrod_n himself_o belus_n and_o jupiter_n name_n by_o which_o he_o be_v know_v in_o other_o region_n import_v no_o less_o than_o his_o deification_n so_o that_o though_o he_o fail_v in_o build_v his_o tower_n to_o heaven_n which_o be_v a_o haughty_a attempt_n that_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o check_v and_o repress_v yet_o he_o fail_v not_o to_o build_v up_o himself_o to_o to_o heaven_n in_o the_o estimation_n of_o his_o admirer_n which_o be_v a_o judgement_n that_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o permit_v upon_o those_o that_o so_o bold_o seek_v it_o as_o for_o the_o deify_n of_o prince_n wisdom_n suggest_v that_o they_o be_v the_o representative_n of_o god_n power_n upon_o earth_n to_o which_o character_n worship_n be_v reasonable_o due_a and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o because_o such_o a_o adoration_n will_v best_o conduce_v to_o the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n forasmuch_o as_o it_o add_v a_o new_a obligation_n to_o peace_n and_o submission_n and_o make_v it_o of_o religious_a as_o well_o as_o civil_a importance_n as_o for_o the_o worship_v of_o those_o among_o the_o dead_a who_o have_v be_v famous_a in_o their_o generation_n such_o as_o former_a age_n vulgar_o style_v hero_n and_o modern_a the_o beatify_v or_o the_o saint_n wisdom_n have_v abundance_n to_o allege_v for_o this_o establishment_n as_o 1._o that_o such_o a_o honour_n bestow_v upon_o the_o virtuous_a be_v but_o a_o proper_a incitement_n to_o other_o to_o imitate_v the_o same_o
err_v concern_v the_o resurrection_n say_v it_o be_v already_o past_a and_o no_o doubt_n but_o it_o be_v a_o start_n of_o wisdom_n and_o affectation_n of_o extraordinary_a reach_v that_o first_o form_v this_o into_o a_o heresy_n for_o example_n some_o of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n who_o be_v grow_v to_o dress_v up_o their_o doctrine_n for_o ostentation_n and_o not_o so_o much_o to_o instruct_v as_o to_o surprise_v and_o make_v themselves_o admire_v have_v pronounce_v of_o virtue_n that_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reward_n to_o itself_o and_o that_o a_o good_a man_n be_v happy_a enough_o in_o be_v good_a and_o lead_v a_o life_n according_a to_o reason_n although_o there_o be_v no_o expectation_n of_o a_o future_a recompense_n whereupon_o some_o christian_a proselyte_n please_v themselves_o with_o the_o vain_a glory_n of_o this_o notion_n adopt_v it_o into_o christianity_n and_o hold_v that_o it_o be_v a_o poor_a and_o mercenary_a thing_n to_o practice_v godliness_n for_o the_o expectation_n of_o another_o world_n and_o that_o therefore_o although_o god_n have_v in_o the_o gospel_n declare_v a_o resurrection_n yet_o this_o resurrection_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o figurative_a and_o moral_a sense_n i._n e._n to_o import_v no_o more_o than_o a_o rise_n from_o the_o state_n of_o sin_n to_o the_o state_n of_o righteousness_n and_o that_o the_o christian_a virtue_n will_v then_o be_v more_o glorious_a and_o more_o worthy_a of_o god_n when_o it_o shall_v appear_v that_o he_o obey_v for_o god_n sake_n rather_o than_o for_o his_o own_o thus_o those_o of_o the_o anti-anastasie_n be_v please_v by_o dint_n of_o wisdom_n to_o void_a the_o promise_v of_o heaven_n which_o wild_a conclusion_n we_o may_v wonder_v at_o the_o less_o since_o the_o wise_a socinian_o have_v at_o this_o day_n with_o no_o less_o contradiction_n to_o scripture_n be_v please_v to_o void_a the_o threaten_n of_o hell_n we_o be_v tell_v of_o another_o sect_n in_o that_o age_n who_o err_v concern_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel-covenant_n rest_a upon_o a_o naked_a faith_n as_o the_o entire_a qualification_n and_o thereby_o void_v the_o law_n vilify_a obedience_n and_o turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o wantonness_n one_o will_v not_o think_v indeed_o that_o wisdom_n can_v have_v much_o of_o pretence_n towards_o this_o project_n and_o yet_o it_o have_v the_o antinomian_o allege_v that_o whereas_o it_o be_v the_o peculiarglory_n of_o god_n to_o be_v infinite_o merciful_a and_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n satisfaction_n to_o be_v infinite_o valuable_a the_o more_o gild_n man_n have_v the_o more_o abundant_a opportunity_n they_o give_v to_o god_n to_o discover_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o pardon_n and_o the_o more_o man_n be_v in_o debt_n the_o great_a appear_v to_o be_v both_o the_o value_n of_o their_o ransom_n and_o the_o credit_n of_o their_o redeemer_n no_o doubt_n but_o this_o argue_n seem_v wise_a to_o they_o that_o use_v it_o and_o at_o least_o we_o have_v this_o to_o allege_v for_o the_o support_n of_o its_o pretence_n that_o the_o antinomian_o be_v not_o more_o extravagant_a in_o assert_v that_o christ_n satisfaction_n be_v sufficient_a to_o save_v without_o the_o care_n of_o good_a live_n than_o the_o socinian_o be_v in_o assert_v that_o the_o care_n of_o good_a live_n be_v sufficient_a to_o save_v without_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n for_o so_o their_o scheme_n run_v that_o christ_n neither_o make_v nor_o intend_v any_o satisfaction_n at_o all_o and_o yet_o every_o impartial_a man_n may_v convince_v himself_o that_o it_o be_v not_o more_o evident_a in_o scripture_n that_o god_n require_v we_o to_o be_v holy_a than_o that_o christ_n shed_v his_o blood_n for_o our_o redemption_n redemption_n i_o say_v not_o in_o the_o exemplary_a but_o in_o the_o expiatory_a sense_n we_o have_v another_o mass_n of_o heretical_a corruption_n speak_v of_o by_o our_o apostle_n 2_o thess._n 2._o not_o indeed_o as_o then_o reign_v but_o rather_o foretell_v as_o that_o it_o shall_v reign_v through_o occasion_n of_o a_o certain_a man_n of_o sin_n sit_v as_o god_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n even_o the_o papist_n allow_v that_o the_o scene_n of_o this_o grand_a corruption_n of_o faith_n be_v rome_n and_o we_o may_v without_o prejudice_n affirm_v it_o to_o be_v popery_n itself_o now_o to_o see_v how_o wisdom_n have_v contribute_v to_o bring_v this_o mass_n of_o abuse_n into_o that_o church_n let_v we_o but_o consider_v this_o single_a one_o which_o we_o may_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o most_o charactistical_n viz._n the_o set_n up_o of_o a_o human_a infallible_a guide_n whereby_o every_o bishop_n of_o that_o see_v seem_v to_o effect_v the_o pretence_n of_o montanus_n and_o will_v be_v hold_v for_o a_o holy_a ghost_n incarnate_a and_o what_o can_v come_v near_o to_o one_o sit_v as_o god_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n what_o hand_n wisdom_n have_v in_o hatch_n this_o conceit_n we_o may_v learn_v from_o the_o wise_a of_o that_o communion_n when_o they_o allege_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o be_v the_o sure_a and_o only_a method_n to_o end_v all_o controversy_n and_o establish_v that_o peace_n and_o union_n which_o all_o good_a christian_n desire_v and_o as_o for_o the_o mean_n make_v use_v of_o to_o bring_v this_o conceit_n into_o credit_n they_o have_v carry_v in_o they_o the_o most_o pompous_a semblance_n of_o wisdom_n imaginable_a while_o its_o particular_a champion_n the_o jesuit_n the_o artificial_a petavius_n and_o other_o have_v contrive_v with_o elaborate_a pain_n and_o study_n to_o weaken_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o be_v of_o uncertain_a interpretation_n and_o of_o uncertain_a reception_n and_o to_o puzzle_v the_o sense_n of_o all_o the_o distinguish_a article_n of_o christianity_n by_o allege_v the_o opposition_n of_o heretic_n and_o the_o difference_n of_o conciliary_a decree_n and_o by_o rake_v up_o all_o the_o dissonancy_n of_o expression_n that_o be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_n as_o indeed_o how_o can_v the_o same_o truth_n be_v deliver_v without_o dissonancy_n of_o expression_n suppose_v it_o to_o be_v deliver_v upon_o different_a occasion_n and_o for_o different_a respect_n let_v the_o expression_n of_o st._n paul_n and_o st._n james_n upon_o the_o article_n of_o justification_n pass_v for_o a_o instance_n of_o appeal_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n think_v fit_a to_o do_v all_o this_o insidious_o and_o with_o purpose_n to_o deceive_v so_o they_o may_v serve_v this_o important_a end_n viz._n to_o make_v christian_n believe_v that_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v bewilder_v while_o they_o be_v under_o such_o a_o unstable_a conduct_n as_o that_o of_o the_o scripture_n council_n and_o father_n and_o therefore_o to_o conclude_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o repair_v to_o the_o stand_v infallible_a guide_n ask_v the_o socinian_o themselves_o whether_o there_o be_v not_o admirable_a wisdom_n in_o this_o contrivance_n for_o even_o they_o themselves_o make_v use_v of_o the_o same_o mean_n and_o borrow_v their_o boast_a arm_n of_o learning_n from_o the_o jesuit_n shop_n not_o indeed_o to_o the_o same_o end_n in_o form_n but_o to_o the_o same_o in_o mischief_n not_o to_o establish_v the_o pope_n for_o a_o infallible_a guide_n but_o to_o establish_v reason_n for_o a_o infallible_a guide_n which_o in_o effect_n be_v to_o set_v up_o as_o many_o pope_n in_o the_o world_n as_o there_o be_v man_n of_o a_o assume_v imagination_n what_o i_o have_v say_v hitherto_o have_v be_v in_o order_n to_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o my_o first_o proposition_n viz._n that_o wisdom_n be_v a_o dangerous_a guide_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n i_o offer_v a_o second_o viz._n that_o god_n have_v vouchsafe_v faith_n as_o a_o necessary_a expedient_a both_o to_o make_v and_o to_o keep_v man_n wise_a which_o i_o reserve_v for_o the_o subject_a of_o another_o discourse_n sermon_n ii_o rom_n i._o 22._o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v wise_a they_o become_v fool_n from_o these_o word_n consider_v together_o with_o their_o occasion_n i_o have_v before_o infer_v these_o two_o head_n of_o discourse_n i._o that_o human_a wisdom_n or_o reason_n be_v a_o dangerous_a guide_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o i_o have_v prove_v already_o by_o show_v how_o strange_o wisdom_n have_v fail_v in_o all_o her_o conduct_n about_o such_o matter_n the_o second_o be_v ii_o that_o god_n have_v ordain_v faith_n as_o a_o necessary_a expedient_a both_o to_o make_v and_o to_o keep_v man_n wise._n the_o proof_n whereof_o i_o be_o now_o to_o pursue_v i_o suppose_v there_o be_v no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n of_o what_o persuasion_n soever_o but_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o grant_v that_o what_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o reveal_v must_v be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o wise_a than_o what_o we_o can_v conceive_v of_o ourselves_o nor_o in_o
virtue_n 2._o that_o to_o honour_v those_o that_o be_v eminent_a in_o such_o a_o manner_n be_v chief_o to_o honour_n god_n who_o distinguish_a communication_n make_v they_o so_o 3._o that_o to_o address_v and_o supplicate_v to_o such_o as_o mediator_n be_v a_o more_o modest_a and_o reverential_n address_v to_o god_n than_o if_o we_o apply_v immediate_o to_o himself_o 4._o that_o by_o apply_v to_o those_o who_o have_v be_v so_o near_o touch_v with_o our_o infirmity_n and_o our_o sin_n themselves_o not_o except_v we_o be_v sure_a to_o find_v the_o more_o compassionate_a and_o tender_a advocate_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o man_n in_o that_o age_n be_v qualify_v to_o argue_v for_o their_o humour_n as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v now_o and_o we_o know_v that_o wisdom_n have_v carry_v this_o point_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n even_o at_o this_o day_n this_o day_n of_o meridian_n that_o be_v of_o gospel-light_n thus_o wisdom_n bring_v idolatry_n into_o the_o world_n the_o second_o instance_n i_o propose_v to_o evince_v it_o a_o dangerous_a guide_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v this_o that_o wisdom_n or_o let_v i_o indifferent_o call_v it_o reason_n a_o name_n more_o in_o vogue_n and_o more_o use_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o present_a subject_n but_o it_o mean_v pure_o the_o same_o thing_n i_o say_v it_o be_v wisdom_n or_o reason_n that_o first_o waste_a man_n conscience_n and_o bring_v sin_n into_o the_o world_n there_o have_v be_v a_o time_n when_o human_a wisdom_n or_o reason_n have_v a_o fair_a pretence_n to_o conduct_n than_o ever_o it_o will_v have_v again_o in_o paradise_n where_o it_o be_v without_o the_o opposition_n of_o appetite_n without_o the_o bias_n of_o prejudice_n without_o the_o cloud_n of_o perturbation_n who_o can_v think_v but_o that_o it_o have_v then_o more_o power_n and_o freedom_n to_o conduct_v wise_o than_o ever_o it_o can_v pretend_v to_o since_o but_o therefore_o if_o it_o fail_v then_o in_o point_n of_o conduct_n this_o must_v needs_o pass_v for_o a_o argument_n to_o abate_v some_o of_o that_o veneration_n which_o the_o opinionative_n be_v willing_a shall_v be_v ascribe_v to_o it_o under_o this_o state_n of_o so_o unhappy_a a_o change_n let_v we_o then_o consider_v the_o scene_n of_o thing_n as_o it_o lay_v at_o that_o time_n god_n then_o charge_v our_o first_o parent_n not_o to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o garden_n bind_v his_o charge_n with_o this_o sanction_n that_o they_o shall_v die_v when_o they_o do_v it_o now_o at_o that_o time_n there_o be_v not_o any_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d no_o law_n of_o the_o member_n war_a against_o the_o law_n of_o the_o mind_n no_o rebellion_n of_o appetite_n against_o the_o dictate_v of_o understanding_n to_o suppose_v there_o be_v will_v be_v to_o suppose_v our_o first_o parent_n fall_v even_o before_o the_o fall_n and_o to_o have_v be_v make_v under_o the_o same_o disorder_n that_o their_o posterity_n now_o complain_v of_o and_o according_o we_o find_v in_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o sin_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n in_o that_o case_n be_v distinguish_v from_o those_o of_o all_o their_o offspring_n for_o whereas_o other_o man_n sin_n be_v general_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d lust_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o their_o sin_n be_v always_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d deception_n the_o apostle_n call_v it_o so_o no_o less_o than_o thrice_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v a_o deception_n or_o imposture_n that_o they_o suffer_v to_o pass_v upon_o their_o understanding_n whereof_o we_o may_v take_v a_o illustration_n from_o a_o scriptural_a passage_n 1_o king_n 13._o where_o we_o find_v a_o young_a prophet_n of_o judah_n send_v to_o denounce_v god_n judgement_n against_o jeroboam_n in_o bethel_n who_o withal_o receive_v a_o command_n that_o he_o shall_v neither_o eat_v nor_o drink_v in_o that_o place_n now_o it_o no_o way_n appear_v that_o the_o violence_n of_o this_o young_a prophet_n appetite_n do_v raise_v in_o he_o any_o desire_n to_o disobey_v this_o command_n on_o the_o contrary_a he_o be_v upon_o his_o return_n resolve_o and_o content_o without_o either_o eat_v or_o drink_v so_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a his_o appetite_n do_v not_o constrain_v he_o to_o transgress_v but_o a_o old_a prophet_n of_o the_o place_n move_v probable_o with_o envy_n that_o the_o honour_n of_o this_o message_n have_v be_v confer_v on_o a_o prophet_n of_o judah_n and_o not_o on_o himself_o address_v to_o he_o with_o a_o imposture_n tell_v he_o that_o god_n do_v reverse_v his_o former_a order_n and_o do_v now_o give_v he_o liberty_n to_o eat_v and_o drink_v in_o bethel_n as_o consequent_o he_o do_v and_o thereupon_o receive_v the_o reward_n that_o be_v due_a to_o he_o who_o disobey_v a_o certain_a command_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o uncertain_a suggestion_n with_o the_o like_a imposture_n and_o fiction_n it_o be_v that_o the_o old_a serpent_n address_v himself_o to_o our_o first_o parent_n imply_v by_o the_o tendency_n of_o all_o his_o discourse_n that_o god_n have_v either_o dissemble_v his_o real_a will_n in_o his_o former_a order_n or_o at_o least_o that_o he_o have_v now_o reverse_v it_o so_o that_o now_o they_o shall_v not_o die_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_n receive_v great_a advantage_n from_o the_o eat_v of_o the_o fruit_n and_o hereupon_o they_o proceed_v to_o eat_v it_o be_v draw_v aside_o to_o do_v so_o not_o from_o the_o violence_n of_o appetite_n but_o from_o the_o temerity_n of_o reason_n which_o suffer_v they_o to_o believe_v a_o uncertain_a suggestion_n in_o opposition_n to_o a_o certain_a command_n from_o which_o i_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v reason_n not_o appetite_n that_o make_v the_o first_o false_a step_n in_o nature_n and_o withal_o open_v a_o inlet_n to_o the_o succeed_a violence_n of_o the_o passion_n and_o how_o little_a cause_n have_v we_o then_o to_o lay_v such_o a_o stress_n upon_o that_o faculty_n or_o to_o be_v so_o fond_a of_o its_o guidance_n for_o if_o reason_n betray_v in_o the_o most_o perfect_a state_n how_o much_o more_o easy_o will_v it_o do_v so_o now_o if_o ever_o it_o be_v permit_v to_o argue_v against_o the_o obvious_a sense_n of_o what_o have_v be_v reveal_v and_o if_o wisdom_n be_v thus_o original_o the_o parent_n of_o sin_n we_o may_v less_o wonder_n that_o in_o after_o age_n it_o have_v become_v so_o indulgent_a a_o nurse_n to_o it_o as_o we_o may_v prove_v it_o to_o have_v be_v by_o one_o instance_n i_o shall_v offer_v from_o which_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o this_o pretention_n to_o wisdom_n or_o reason_n have_v give_v a_o great_a blow_n to_o virtue_n and_o settle_a and_o empire_n of_o sin_n upon_o a_o firm_a establishment_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n than_o either_o ignorance_n or_o natural_a pravity_n be_v ever_o able_a to_o do_v in_o the_o heathen_a for_o example_n when_o the_o state_n of_o a_o general_a idolatry_n but_o now_o mention_v have_v bring_v man_n to_o desert_n god_n and_o god_n in_o justice_n to_o desert_n they_o to_o the_o mischief_n of_o their_o option_n when_o in_o consequence_n to_o this_o affect_a blindness_n man_n in_o most_o case_n come_v to_o be_v at_o a_o doubt_n what_o it_o be_v to_o do_v well_o and_o more_o uncertain_a of_o what_o advantage_n it_o will_v be_v to_o do_v so_o one_o will_v have_v think_v that_o sin_n then_o if_o ever_o be_v like_a to_o get_v the_o field_n and_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n have_v be_v settle_v without_o reluctancy_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o the_o heathen_n still_o find_v a_o invincible_a check_n from_o the_o boding_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o the_o apprehension_n thereupon_o that_o there_o be_v to_o be_v a_o future_a reckon_a and_o by_o this_o very_a bridle_n many_o among_o they_o live_v under_o great_a restraint_n and_o be_v man_n of_o virtue_n and_o they_o that_o be_v otherwise_o can_v not_o escape_v remorse_n and_o affrightment_n for_o their_o gild_n the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o world_n to_o arm_v itself_o against_o these_o fear_n do_v 1._o from_o countenance_n of_o the_o palpable_a mistake_n concern_v the_o god_n then_o in_o worship_n start_v the_o opinion_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n at_o all_o but_o the_o notion_n of_o atheism_n do_v seem_v so_o monstrous_a and_o irrational_a that_o few_o will_v receive_v it_o and_o they_o who_o profess_v it_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o not_o believe_v themselves_o but_o as_o speak_v rather_o what_o they_o wish_v than_o what_o they_o think_v and_o of_o this_o the_o psalmist_n give_v we_o notice_n psal._n 14._o 1._o other_o propose_v to_o offer_v less_o violence_n to_o the_o common_a conception_n of_o mankind_n teach_v that_o indeed_o there_o be_v god_n but_o that_o they_o be_v regardless_o of_o human_a affair_n and_o that_o such_o a_o state_n of_o
they_o thus_o to_o cease_v on_o a_o sudden_a if_o it_o be_v not_o from_o the_o design_n of_o providence_n to_o make_v that_o event_n give_v testimony_n both_o to_o jesus_n and_o his_o revelation_n to_o jesus_n that_o he_o be_v one_o who_o have_v power_n over_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o his_o revelation_n that_o it_o be_v plenary_a and_o consummate_v so_o that_o for_o the_o future_a man_n need_v not_o seek_v any_o far_a to_o learn_v what_o be_v the_o full_a and_o acceptable_a and_o perfect_a will_n of_o god_n when_o the_o deist_n confirm_v his_o prejudice_n against_o the_o christian_a revelation_n from_o this_o argument_n that_o all_o religion_n do_v equal_o pretend_v to_o the_o fame_n original_a that_o be_v to_o come_v from_o god_n i_o allow_v that_o reason_n have_v here_o a_o proper_a province_n let_v it_o therefore_o be_v call_v in_o let_v reason_n inquire_v and_o then_o judge_n and_o say_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o other_o religion_n so_o worthy_a of_o god_n as_o the_o christian_a be_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o who_o doctrine_n be_v so_o convince_a and_o who_o miracle_n be_v so_o demonstrative_a nay_o whether_o ever_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n of_o human_a faith_n that_o come_v so_o attest_v as_o our_o religion_n do_v and_o fail_v of_o belief_n in_o the_o world_n and_o what_o singular_a perverseness_n be_v it_o then_o that_o this_o shall_v not_o be_v believe_v let_v any_o one_o say_v especial_o how_o the_o gospel_n truth_n that_o assert_v itself_o so_o effectual_o in_o its_o beginning_n at_o that_o time_n when_o any_o possibility_n of_o fraud_n can_v best_o have_v be_v discover_v after_o it_o have_v assert_v itself_o against_o all_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o opposition_n of_o all_o worldly_a power_n can_v after_o 1600_o year_n be_v give_v up_o as_o a_o fiction_n or_o be_v affect_v with_o any_o such_o discredit_n from_o the_o perfidiousness_n of_o a_o company_n of_o bold_a and_o loose_a and_o weak_a deserter_n let_v any_o one_o reflect_v upon_o theseconsideration_n and_o he_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o deist_n opinion_n run_v they_o upon_o a_o multitude_n of_o absurdity_n beside_o all_o the_o fatal_a mischief_n of_o its_o unconsidered_a consequence_n the_o several_a religion_n receive_v among_o the_o gentile_n be_v so_o full_a of_o gross_a superstition_n and_o palpable_a error_n that_o many_o particular_a man_n among_o those_o gentile_n of_o sound_a judgement_n and_o better_a spirit_n than_o the_o common_a be_v scandalize_v at_o their_o religion_n and_o have_v they_o in_o contempt_n so_o that_o although_o for_o decency_n sake_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o law_n they_o give_v occasional_a countenance_n to_o the_o vulgar_a rite_n of_o worship_n yet_o their_o private_a religion_n consist_v in_o form_v to_o themselves_o a_o more_o rational_a notion_n of_o god_n abstract_v from_o all_o the_o receive_v idol_n and_o the_o worship_n they_o deem_v most_o suitable_a to_o such_o a_o god_n be_v place_v in_o follow_v reason_n and_o reverence_v their_o conscience_n and_o cultivate_v their_o mind_n in_o the_o study_n of_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o these_o be_v such_o as_o among_o the_o greek_n they_o first_o call_v philosopher_n they_o who_o we_o modern_o call_v deist_n be_v the_o ape_n of_o those_o philosopher_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v think_v like_o they_o set_v up_o to_o treat_v christian_a religion_n with_o the_o same_o contempt_n as_o those_o do_v the_o vulgar_a heathen_a but_o as_o it_o be_v observe_v of_o the_o ape_n that_o although_o of_o all_o creature_n it_o most_o resemble_v man_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o ugly_a of_o all_o creature_n because_o the_o honour_n of_o that_o resemblance_n be_v abate_v by_o many_o ridiculous_a deficiency_n so_o we_o may_v say_v of_o the_o deist_n that_o they_o be_v the_o most_o absurd_a and_o foolish_a of_o man_n because_o they_o ape_n the_o wise_a under_o such_o great_a difference_n of_o circumstance_n and_o such_o great_a deficiency_n of_o purpose_n for_o the_o philosopher_n be_v such_o as_o in_o the_o night_n of_o gentile_a darkness_n set_v up_o their_o candle_n so_o solomon_n call_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n they_o strict_o attend_v the_o improvement_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o so_o set_v up_o their_o candle_n and_o walk_v commendable_o by_o the_o light_n of_o it_o now_o these_o man_n be_v true_o wise_a none_o under_o their_o circumstance_n can_v possible_o be_v wise_a but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o deist_n be_v such_o as_o at_o noonday_n shut_v up_o their_o window_n and_o keep_v out_o the_o sun_n and_o then_o set_v up_o their_o candle_n and_o say_v that_o that_o be_v the_o most_o agreeable_a light_n and_o the_o best_a guide_n to_o their_o household_n business_n now_o what_o can_v be_v allege_v for_o the_o wisdom_n of_o these_o there_o have_v be_v some_o carry_v away_o with_o this_o fantastical_a and_o mistake_a admiration_n of_o the_o philosopher_n religion_n in_o former_a time_n of_o christianity_n but_o they_o be_v rare_a as_o monster_n and_o so_o account_v of_o but_o they_o never_o grow_v numerous_a and_o in_o heart_n till_o of_o late_a since_o they_o take_v their_o growth_n and_o apology_n from_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o socinian_o the_o second_o party_n i_o propose_v to_o instance_n in_o ii_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o socinian_o be_v this_o they_o own_a the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o will_v not_o abide_v by_o the_o receive_a interpretation_n of_o that_o word_n nor_o admit_v that_o explication_n of_o the_o principal_a doctrine_n therein_o contain_v which_o have_v be_v deliver_v down_o by_o the_o universal_a church_n but_o instead_o of_o this_o usurp_v a_o liberty_n of_o interpret_n all_o anew_o at_o their_o own_o discretion_n and_o to_o make_v they_o speak_v their_o own_o prejudicate_v sense_n in_o conformity_n to_o this_o design_n socinus_n after_o he_o have_v form_v his_o new_a scheme_n of_o divinity_n to_o make_v it_o pass_v upon_o the_o world_n with_o all_o the_o advantage_n he_o can_v introduce_v his_o exposition_n upon_o st._n john_n with_o this_o sentence_n multa_fw-la sunt_fw-la profecto_fw-la in_o quibus_fw-la christianus_n orbis_fw-la adhuc_fw-la caecutit_fw-la &_o fortasse_fw-la plura_fw-la quam_fw-la quis_fw-la vel_fw-la credere_fw-la vel_fw-la etiam_fw-la cogitare_fw-la possit_fw-la i._n e._n there_o be_v undoubted_o many_o truth_n and_o perhaps_o more_o than_o any_o one_o can_v either_o believe_v or_o imagine_v in_o respect_n of_o which_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n have_v be_v hitherto_o quite_o blind_a and_o ignorant_a which_o sentence_n and_o several_a such_o like_o accompany_v it_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o never_o any_o man_n more_o fill_v up_o each_o member_n of_o that_o character_n which_o our_o saviour_n give_v of_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi viz._n of_o think_v well_o of_o himself_o and_o despise_v other_o than_o socinus_n do_v for_o it_o imply_v that_o although_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n yet_o they_o resemble_v those_o of_o the_o gentile_n in_o this_o that_o they_o be_v dark_a and_o of_o a_o doubtful_a sense_n and_o of_o no_o authoritative_a interpretation_n and_o that_o hitherto_o they_o have_v be_v quite_o mistake_v till_o such_o time_n as_o this_o new_a illumination_n have_v be_v vouchsafe_v to_o himself_o now_o since_o this_o imagination_n pass_v upon_o socinus_n from_o his_o caution_n of_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o the_o former_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n let_v we_o consider_v how_o palpable_o he_o must_v have_v impose_v upon_o himself_o before_o this_o imagination_n can_v take_v place_n if_o he_o believe_v it_o himself_o can_v any_o one_o else_o in_o reason_n believe_v that_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n have_v be_v blind_a down_o to_o his_o day_n and_o ignorant_a in_o the_o most_o important_a truth_n which_o it_o be_v reserve_v for_o his_o honour_n to_o reveal_v so_o that_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n have_v not_o yet_o enlighten_v mankind_n till_o his_o comment_n have_v dispel_v the_o cloud_n that_o lie_v upon_o it_o can_v any_o one_o believe_v with_o reason_n that_o all_o the_o assertor_n of_o our_o religion_n in_o the_o primitive_a age_n man_n holy_a studious_a learned_a signalise_v and_o distinguish_v with_o all_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n both_o gracious_a and_o miraculous_a have_v yet_o none_o of_o that_o knowledge_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n as_o may_v now_o be_v learn_v at_o the_o foot_n of_o socinus_n can_v it_o appear_v agreeable_a to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o good_a will_n for_o human_a salvation_n after_o he_o have_v require_v faith_n to_o please_v he_o as_o well_o as_o obedience_n and_o that_o faith_n in_o doctrine_n as_o well_o as_o in_o promise_n yet_o to_o let_v 15_o century_n pass_v without_o make_v it_o common_o know_v what_o it_o be_v he_o require_v man_n to_o believe_v can_v it_o appear_v consistent_a with_o god_n promise_n to_o his_o church_n that_o