record_n for_o the_o certainty_n of_o it_o and_o origen_n affirm_v that_o one_o phlegon_n secretary_n to_o the_o emperor_n adrian_n do_v write_v thereof_o in_o his_o chronicle_n what_o a_o illustrious_a testimony_n be_v that_o extort_a by_o truth_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o enemy_n i_o mean_v josephus_n a_o jew_n in_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o by_o nation_n though_o he_o write_v in_o greek_a bear_v not_o above_o five_o or_o six_o year_n after_o christ_n passion_n in_o his_o 18_o book_n and_o four_o chapter_n speak_v of_o the_o reign_n of_o tiberias_n he_o have_v these_o word_n in_o those_o day_n there_o be_v one_o jesus_n a_o wise_a man_n if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o call_v he_o a_o man_n for_o he_o be_v a_o worker_n of_o great_a miracle_n and_o a_o teacher_n of_o such_o as_o ready_o receive_v the_o truth_n and_o have_v many_o follower_n as_o well_o jew_n as_o gentile_n this_o be_v that_o christ_n who_o though_o he_o be_v accuse_v by_o the_o chief_a of_o our_o nation_n and_o by_o pilate_n condemn_v to_o be_v crucify_v yet_o do_v not_o they_o who_o have_v first_o love_v he_o forsake_v he_o for_o he_o appear_v unto_o they_o the_o three_o day_n alive_a again_o the_o holy_a prophet_n foretell_v these_o and_o many_o other_o wonderful_a thing_n of_o he_o and_o even_o to_o this_o day_n the_o christian_a sect_n so_o name_v from_o he_o continues_z nor_o be_v that_o less_o clear_a of_o lentulus_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o emperor_n tiberius_n recite_v by_o eutropius_n in_o his_o annal_n of_o the_o roman_a senator_n and_o now_o common_o extant_a in_o the_o bibliotheca_fw-la patrum_fw-la languores_fw-la patrum_fw-la apparuit_fw-la temporibus_fw-la nostris_fw-la &_o adhuc_fw-la est_fw-la homo_fw-la magnae_fw-la virtutis_fw-la nominatus_fw-la jesus_n christus_fw-la qui_fw-la dicitur_fw-la à _fw-la gentibus_fw-la propheta_fw-la veritatis_fw-la quem_fw-la ejus_fw-la discipuli_fw-la vocant_fw-la filium_fw-la dei_fw-la sâ—scitans_fw-la mortros_fw-la &_o sanans_fw-la omnes_fw-la languores_fw-la he_o thus_o begin_v there_o have_v appear_v in_o our_o day_n and_o yet_o be_v live_v a_o man_n of_o great_a virtue_n or_o power_n name_v jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v call_v of_o the_o nation_n the_o prophet_n of_o truth_n who_o his_o disciple_n call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n a_o raiser_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o a_o healer_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o disease_n to_o all_o which_o we_o may_v add_v the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o sibyl_n among_o the_o heathen_n who_o most_o plain_o foretell_v the_o come_v of_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n into_o the_o world_n and_o express_v his_o very_a name_n and_o quality_n in_o certain_a acrostic_n verse_n recite_v by_o the_o great_a augustin_n in_o the_o 23d_o chapter_n of_o the_o nine_o book_n of_o the_o city_n of_o god_n fourteen_o he_o that_o disow_v the_o bible_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n must_v either_o think_v there_o be_v some_o revelation_n from_o god_n to_o the_o world_n how_o he_o will_v be_v worship_v and_o how_o they_o ought_v to_o conduct_v themselves_o or_o he_o think_v there_o be_v none_o if_o he_o think_v there_o be_v none_o he_o not_o only_o give_v the_o lie_n to_o the_o christian_a and_o jewish_a but_o general_o to_o all_o religion_n that_o have_v be_v or_o be_v in_o the_o world_n for_o they_o all_o have_v pretend_v and_o do_v allege_v the_o same_o as_o their_o foundation_n and_o beside_o he_o must_v confess_v that_o god_n who_o have_v make_v man_n the_o noble_a of_o creature_n and_o lord_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n have_v leave_v he_o in_o a_o worse_a condition_n in_o the_o present_a posture_n we_o find_v he_o than_o the_o mean_a creature_n to_o who_o he_o have_v give_v sufficient_a mean_n to_o attain_v the_o high_a end_n of_o their_o being_n but_o that_o infinite_a wisdom_n shall_v deal_v thus_o be_v absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a to_o conceive_v if_o he_o grant_v there_o be_v anywhere_o a_o revelation_n from_o god_n to_o the_o world_n let_v it_o be_v produce_v and_o judge_v if_o it_o be_v any_o way_n able_a to_o vie_v with_o the_o scripture_n for_o all_o those_o glorious_a character_n and_o mark_n of_o divine_a authority_n power_n and_o excellency_n which_o we_o have_v enumerate_v xv._o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v neither_o the_o invention_n of_o devil_n nor_o man_n than_o it_o can_v be_v from_o none_o but_o god_n but_o they_o be_v not_o from_o devil_n for_o neither_o can_v they_o work_v miracle_n nor_o deliver_v true_a prophecy_n to_o confirm_v they_o nor_o will_v it_o consist_v with_o god_n sovereignty_n over_o they_o or_o with_o his_o goodness_n wisdom_n or_o faithfulness_n of_o govern_v the_o world_n nor_o will_v satan_n speak_v so_o much_o for_o god_n nor_o lay_v such_o a_o design_n for_o man_n salvation_n and_o against_o his_o own_o kingdom_n nor_o be_v so_o industrious_a to_o draw_v the_o world_n to_o unbelief_n of_o it_o nor_o be_v the_o scripture_n the_o invention_n of_o man_n for_o they_o must_v be_v either_o good_a man_n or_o bad_a man_n good_a man_n they_o can_v not_o be_v for_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o opposite_a to_o goodness_n nay_o even_o common_a honesty_n than_o to_o assume_v the_o name_n of_o god_n false_o feign_v miracle_n and_o cheat_v people_n with_o promise_n of_o another_o world_n and_o then_o on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v as_o impossible_a ill_a man_n can_v be_v the_o deviser_n of_o so_o holy_a a_o book_n for_o can_v any_o rational_a man_n think_v that_o wicked_a deceiver_n will_v so_o high_o advance_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n will_v they_o so_o vilify_v themselves_o and_o brand_n and_o stigmatize_v their_o own_o practice_n can_v such_o a_o admirable_a undeniable_a spirit_n of_o holiness_n righteousness_n and_o self-denial_n as_o run_v through_o every_o vein_n of_o scripture_n proceed_v from_o the_o invention_n of_o the_o wicked_a will_v they_o ever_o have_v extol_v their_o enemy_n the_o godly_a and_o frame_v such_o perfect_a spiritual_a law_n or_o lay_v such_o a_o design_n against_o the_o flesh_n and_o all_o their_o worldly_a happiness_n as_o everywhere_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v carry_v on_o if_o we_o can_v gather_v grape_n of_o thorn_n and_o fig_n of_o thistle_n then_o may_v we_o be_v assure_v that_o no_o ill_a man_n have_v a_o hand_n in_o writing_n and_o promote_a this_o good_a and_o holy_a book_n divine_a 16._o satan_n suggestion_n &_o temptation_n against_o the_o bible_n argue_v it_o divine_a xvi_o the_o divine_a composition_n of_o this_o bless_a book_n be_v not_o a_o little_a manifest_v by_o the_o continual_a rage_n of_o the_o devil_n against_o it_o which_o appear_v not_o only_o in_o stir_v up_o his_o instrument_n utter_o to_o suppress_v it_o for_o what_o book_n in_o the_o world_n ever_o meet_v with_o such_o opposition_n as_o aforesaid_a but_o also_o in_o those_o temptation_n with_o which_o he_o assault_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n when_o they_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o serious_a study_n of_o it_o we_o can_v read_v any_o other_o history_n and_o ready_o entertain_v and_o credit_v it_o but_o when_o we_o once_o come_v to_o the_o bible_n strange_a objection_n doubt_n and_o curiosity_n arise_v and_o present_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o question_v the_o truth_n and_o possibility_n of_o every_o passage_n these_o be_v the_o suggestion_n of_o satan_n to_o render_v that_o holy_a book_n ineffectual_a to_o we_o the_o scope_n and_o purport_n of_o which_o he_o know_v tend_v direct_o to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o his_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n some_o of_o the_o most_o frequent_a objection_n against_o the_o bible_n be_v these_o that_o follow_v object_n 1._o how_o man_n in_o the_o respective_a age_n wherein_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v write_v can_v know_v that_o they_o be_v write_v by_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n and_o so_o distinguish_v they_o from_o other_o write_n answ_n two_o way_n first_o by_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o person_n and_o second_o from_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o matter_n as_o for_o moses_n there_o can_v not_o be_v the_o least_o cause_n of_o doubt_v his_o be_v inspire_v by_o god_n since_o he_o wrought_v such_o miracle_n and_o have_v a_o visible_a and_o audible_a intercourse_n with_o the_o lord_n as_o we_o read_v exod._n 19.9_o that_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o he_o lo_o i_o come_v unto_o thou_o in_o a_o thick_a cloud_n that_o the_o people_n may_v hear_v when_o i_o speak_v with_o thou_o and_o believe_v thou_o for_o ever_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v write_v by_o prophet_n and_o holy_a men._n and_o though_o several_a of_o they_o be_v not_o receive_v and_o hearken_v to_o as_o such_o by_o the_o corrupt_a roll_a part_n of_o the_o jew_n whilst_o they_o live_v yet_o they_o be_v acknowledge_v afterward_o as_o well_o for_o the_o sanctity_n of_o their_o life_n and_o the_o fulfil_n of_o those_o thing_n mention_v the_o judgement_n which_o they_o foretell_v come_v to_o pass_v
sacrifice_n of_o the_o bullock_n and_o he-goat_n a_o type_n of_o christ_n open_v in_o nine_o thing_n page_n 432_o the_o escape_v goat_n a_o type_n of_o christ_n ibid._n the_o red_a heifer_n a_o type_n of_o christ_n page_n 433_o circumcision_n what_o it_o be_v a_o type_n of_o ibid._n the_o rock_n that_o be_v smite_v a_o type_n of_o christ_n page_n 434_o pillar_n of_o cloud_n and_o fire_n a_o type_n of_o christ_n ibid._n passeover_n a_o type_n of_o christ_n page_n 435_o philologia_fw-la sacra_fw-la the_o second_o part._n the_o scheme_n or_o figure_n in_o scripture_n open_v of_o the_o figure_n of_o a_o word_n page_n 1_o of_o a_o paranomasia_fw-la page_n 3_o of_o antanaclasis_n page_n 4_o of_o the_o figure_n of_o a_o sentence_n in_o logism_n page_z 5_o to_z 11_o of_o a_o erotesis_fw-la or_o interrogation_n page_n 12_o of_o figure_n of_o a_o sentence_n in_o dialogism_n page_n 14_o of_o other_o scheme_n of_o sentence_n and_o amplification_n page_z 15_o to_o 25_o a_o learned_a discourse_n of_o type_n parable_n etc._n etc._n wherein_o you_o have_v 1._o the_o definition_n of_o a_o type_n page_n 25_o to_o 28_o 2._o the_o division_n of_o type_n page_n 28_o 3._o prophetical_a type_n and_o typical_a and_o symbolical_a action_n ibid._n 4._o prophetical_a and_o typical_a vision_n page_n 29_o 5._o a_o historical_a type_n and_o its_o first_o division_n page_n 31_o 6._o other_o division_n of_o a_o historical_a type_n page_n 41_o 7._o nine_o canon_n or_o rule_n expound_v type_n page_n 41_o to_o 45_o of_o parable_n wherein_o shall_v be_v give_v 1._o the_o definition_n of_o the_o word_n and_o thing_n 2._o it_o be_v division_n 3._o canon_n respect_v it_o page_n 46_o etc._n etc._n errata_fw-la page_n 25._o line_n 35._o for_o faith_n read_v hope_n p._n 27._o l._n 29._o for_o he_o undertake_v read_v he_o have_v undertake_v p._n 269._o l._n 2._o deal_n for_o p._n 336._o l._n 27._o deal_n viz._n trope_n and_o figure_n or_o a_o treatise_n of_o the_o metaphor_n allegory_n type_n etc._n etc._n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a bible_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n assert_v and_o vindicate_v and_o the_o groundless_a cavil_n against_o the_o same_o detect_v and_o confute_v the_o main_a scope_n of_o this_o work_n be_v to_o offer_v some_o assistance_n towards_o the_o explain_n and_o find_v out_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o mean_v of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o will_v be_v convenient_a according_a to_o our_o promise_n in_o our_o specimen_fw-la of_o this_o undertake_n to_o premise_v something_o touch_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o that_o bless_a book_n for_o though_o it_o be_v common_o own_a by_o christian_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o since_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n there_o be_v especial_o in_o this_o atheistical_a age_n too_o many_o among_o we_o who_o love_n of_o sin_n and_o resolution_n to_o continue_v therein_o tempt_v they_o to_o seek_v for_o shelter_n in_o bold_a contempt_n of_o or_o subtle_a cavil_n against_o those_o heavenly_a oracle_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n not_o a_o few_o poor_a soul_n be_v sometime_o shake_v with_o temptation_n and_o know_v not_o how_o to_o discharge_v themselves_o from_o the_o ensnare_a question_n that_o they_o be_v often_o attaque_v with_o touch_v the_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n of_o those_o sacred_a record_n not_o so_o much_o for_o want_v of_o assent_n thereunto_o as_o of_o a_o right_a understanding_n or_o consideration_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o that_o assent_n and_o the_o true_a formal_a reason_n thereof_o therefore_o that_o with_o a_o perfect_a security_n to_o our_o present_a and_o future_a welfare_n we_o may_v rely_v on_o that_o book_n as_o the_o infallible_a storehouse_n of_o heavenly_a verity_n that_o great_a and_o only_a revelation_n whereby_o god_n do_v inform_v rule_n and_o will_v judge_n the_o world_n we_o shall_v set_v forth_o some_o consideration_n evince_v this_o most_o important_a truth_n but_o find_v that_o divers_a able_a and_o worthy_a man_n have_v of_o late_o write_v most_o learned_o and_o excellent_o upon_o this_o subject_a we_o shall_v upon_o that_o account_n be_v the_o more_o concise_a and_o though_o we_o have_v say_v but_o little_a yet_o we_o hope_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v any_o rational_a consider_v man_n and_o confute_v the_o vain_a cavil_n of_o the_o adversary_n for_o all_o along_o in_o this_o essay_n we_o strive_v to_o join_v perspicuity_n with_o brevity_n and_o to_o speak_v so_o plain_o and_o familiar_o that_o the_o weak_a capacity_n may_v with_o ease_n gather_v it_o up_o the_o neglect_n hereof_o have_v render_v the_o labour_n of_o some_o other_o on_o the_o same_o subject_a less_o serviceable_a to_o the_o vulgar_a unlearned_a reader_n it_o be_v our_o great_a design_n to_o endeavour_v the_o help_n and_o establishment_n of_o the_o unskilful_a and_o to_o assist_v weak_a christian_n know_v that_o if_o satan_n can_v once_o bring_v they_o into_o a_o diffidence_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n word_n he_o at_o the_o same_o instant_a shake_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o all_o their_o hope_n and_o religion_n and_o if_o the_o foundation_n fail_v what_o shall_v the_o righteous_a do_v psal_n 11.3_o that_o the_o scripture_n or_o book_n call_v the_o bible_n be_v of_o divine_a original_a inspire_a by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o of_o infallible_a truth_n and_o authority_n appear_v divine_a 1._o the_o sublime_a matter_n of_o the_o scripture_n show_v they_o to_o be_v divine_a i._o by_o the_o content_n or_o matter_n therein_o discover_v and_o treat_v of_o which_o be_v so_o transcendent_o sublime_a and_o mysterious_a that_o they_o can_v never_o be_v the_o product_n of_o human_a invention_n or_o discovery_n and_o therefore_o tho_o write_v by_o man_n as_o instrument_n must_v needs_o be_v reveal_v from_o above_o for_o what_o human_a brain_n can_v ever_o have_v imagine_v a_o 5.7_o a_o maâ—_n 28.19_o 1_o joh._n 5.7_o trinity_n in_o the_o deity_n or_o such_o a_o existence_n of_o one_o simple_a essence_n as_o this_o book_n acquaint_v we_o withal_o it_o describe_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n so_o plain_o fit_o and_o excellent_o that_o if_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n consider_v it_o attentive_o of_o necessity_n it_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v it_o do_v far_o exceed_v the_o reach_n of_o a_o finite_a understanding_n it_o discover_v unto_o we_o the_o misery_n and_o corruption_n of_o man_n by_o nature_n together_o with_o that_o general_a defect_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n which_o though_o some_o of_o the_o heathen_a have_v some_o glimpse_n of_o yet_o can_v never_o find_v out_o the_o cause_n nor_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v no_o finite_a intellect_n can_v ever_o have_v travel_v into_o such_o height_n and_o depth_n touch_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o his_o eternal_a counsel_n that_o stupendous_a contrivement_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n that_o the_o second_o person_n shall_v descend_v from_o heaven_n and_o assume_v human_a nature_n into_o a_o conjunction_n with_o the_o divine_a take_v upon_o he_o in_o his_o own_o person_n the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n and_o die_v for_o the_o world_n thereby_o make_v a_o satisfaction_n proportionate_a to_o infinite_a justice_n so_o that_o god_n may_v show_v the_o utmost_a act_n of_o mercy_n in_o a_o conjunction_n with_o the_o high_a exercise_n of_o justice_n nothing_o less_o than_o a_o infinite_a understanding_n can_v have_v find_v out_o expedient_n to_o reconcile_v those_o two_o infinite_a attribute_n in_o his_o deal_n with_o a_o apostate_n creature_n it_o unfold_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o god_n make_v after_o the_o fall_n all_o which_o can_v be_v draw_v from_o no_o other_o fountain_n but_o divine_a 5._o divine_a 1_o cor._n 2.7_o eph._n 3_o 4_o 5._o revelation_n it_o contain_v the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o be_v wise_a and_o just_a the_o gentile_n themselves_o be_v 7._o be_v dan_fw-mi 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o judges_n in_o its_o precept_n shine_v forth_o its_o divinity_n 1._o the_o surpass_a excellency_n of_o the_o act_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v deny_v ourselves_o in_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o corrupt_a nature_n of_o man_n cleave_v to_o and_o hate_v to_o forego_v 2._o the_o wonderful_a equity_n that_o do_v appear_v in_o every_o command_n 3._o the_o admirable_a strangeness_n of_o some_o act_n which_o a_o natural_a man_n will_v account_v foolishness_n and_o yet_o prescribe_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a 8.24_o necessary_a joh._n 3_o 36._o &_o 8.24_o show_v its_o divine_a original_a 4._o the_o manner_n how_o obedience_n be_v require_v viz._n that_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o pure_a heart_n a_o good_a conscience_n and_o faith_n unfeigned_a 5._o unfeigned_a deut._n 6.5_o 1_o cor._n 13.1_o 1_o tim._n 1.4_o 5._o take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n be_v they_o not_o plain_a brief_a perfect_a just_a extend_v to_o all_o bind_v the_o conscience_n and_o reach_v to_o the_o very_a
thought_n and_o do_v not_o all_o these_o thing_n commend_v unto_o we_o the_o justice_n wisdom_n holiness_n omnipotence_n omniscience_n perfection_n and_o absolute_a sovereignty_n of_o the_o lawmaker_n it_o be_v a_o book_n that_o comprehend_v a_o universal_a history_n of_o the_o world_n past_a present_a and_o to_o come_v its_o content_n reach_v as_o far_o as_o the_o first_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o heaven_n give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o god_n revelation_n to_o man_n ever_o since_o his_o first_o make_v and_o the_o particular_n of_o a_o intercourse_n between_o god_n and_o the_o world_n for_o near_o upon_o two_o thousand_o and_o five_o hundred_o year_n before_o they_o be_v any_o where_o extant_a upon_o record_n what_o other_o book_n since_o the_o world_n begin_v so_o much_o as_o pretend_v to_o do_v this_o a_o book_n which_o as_o it_o be_v sixteen_o hundred_o year_n a_o writing_n for_o so_o long_o it_o be_v from_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n till_o john_n close_v it_o with_o the_o revelation_n so_o the_o matter_n it_o treat_v of_o be_v of_o the_o most_o excellent_a nature_n and_o high_a concernment_n to_o give_v the_o world_n a_o satisfactory_a account_v not_o only_o of_o its_o original_a but_o of_o its_o end_n too_o to_o bring_v man_n acquaint_v with_o his_o true_a sovereign_a happiness_n and_o a_o most_o wonderful_a and_o astonish_a method_n of_o reconciliation_n with_o his_o maker_n its_o promise_n be_v everlasting_a glory_n and_o never-fading_a crown_n its_o precept_n perfect_a 3.10_o perfect_a gal._n 3.10_o righteousness_n and_o altogether_o such_o as_o tend_v most_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n the_o happiness_n of_o a_o man_n self_n and_o the_o quiet_a of_o the_o world_n its_o threaten_n be_v of_o misery_n that_o be_v endless_a it_o be_v whole_a tendency_n be_v to_o a_o prospect_n beyond_o the_o grave_a what_o heathen_a ever_o so_o much_o as_o dream_v of_o the_o resurrection_n who_o but_o the_o lord_n can_v be_v author_n of_o such_o law_n that_o 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and_o thirty_o year_n after_o christ_n in_o his_o paroenetick_a to_o the_o greek_n who_o compare_v the_o time_n of_o all_o human_a writer_n poet_n philosopher_n historian_n and_o lawgiver_n esteem_v most_o ancient_a demonstrate_v they_o all_o to_o be_v but_o puny_n to_o moses_n eusebius_n also_o who_o follow_v justin_n martyr_n at_o about_o two_o hundred_o year_n distance_n in_o the_o 2d_o and_o 3d_o book_n of_o his_o evangelical_n preparation_n prosecute_v the_o same_o argument_n at_o large_a and_o from_o abundance_n of_o testimony_n and_o confession_n out_o of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o authentic_a heathen_a author_n themselves_o undeniable_o evince_n that_o moses_n be_v the_o most_o ancient_a of_o all_o the_o writer_n that_o be_v know_v or_o name_v among_o they_o and_o tertullian_n so_o confident_o upbraid_v the_o gentile_n in_o this_o matter_n that_o we_o think_v it_o not_o amiss_o to_o recite_v his_o word_n in_o the_o 19_o chapter_n of_o his_o apology_n our_o religion_n say_v he_o speak_v to_o the_o heathen_n far_o outdo_v all_o that_o you_o can_v boast_v of_o in_o that_o kind_n for_o the_o book_n of_o one_o of_o our_o prophet_n only_o viz._n moses_n wherein_o it_o seem_v god_n have_v enclose_v as_o in_o a_o treasury_n all_o the_o christian_a religion_n precede_v so_o many_o age_n together_o reach_v beyond_o the_o ancient_a you_o have_v even_o all_o your_o public_a monument_n the_o antiquity_n of_o your_o original_n the_o establishment_n of_o your_o estate_n the_o foundation_n of_o your_o city_n all_o that_o be_v most_o advance_v by_o you_o in_o all_o age_n of_o history_n and_o memory_n of_o time_n the_o invention_n even_o of_o the_o character_n which_o be_v interpreter_n of_o science_n and_o the_o guardian_n of_o all_o thing_n excellent_a i_o think_v i_o may_v say_v more_o they_o be_v elder_a than_o your_o very_a god_n your_o temple_n oracle_n and_o sacrifice_n have_v you_o not_o hear_v mention_v make_v of_o that_o great_a prophet_n moses_n he_o be_v contemporary_a with_o inachus_n and_o precede_v danaus_n the_o ancient_a of_o all_o that_o have_v a_o name_n in_o your_o history_n 393_o year_n he_o live_v some_o hundred_o of_o year_n before_o the_o ruin_n of_o troy_n and_o homer_n the_o elder_a writer_n among_o the_o grecian_n live_v as_o pliny_n say_v 250_o year_n after_o the_o subversion_n of_o that_o city_n every_o of_o the_o other_o prophet_n succeed_v moses_n and_o yet_o the_o last_o of_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o age_n as_o your_o prime_a wiseman_n lawgiver_n and_o historian_n be_v so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n out_o of_o dispute_n that_o for_o antiquity_n neither_o the_o write_n of_o orpheus_n or_o homer_n or_o trismegistus_n or_o pythagoras_n or_o berosus_n nor_o any_o other_o can_v compare_v with_o the_o pentateuch_n these_o gray-hair_n show_v they_o to_o be_v the_o offspring_n of_o the_o ancient_n of_o day_n for_o truth_n be_v always_o the_o first-born_a and_o if_o we_o consider_v how_o low_a mean_a and_o imperfect_a all_o humane_a invention_n be_v in_o those_o time_n and_o what_o foolish_a irrational_a and_o absurd_a conception_n both_o the_o egyptian_n and_o grecian_n nation_n most_o celebrate_v for_o wisdom_n have_v of_o thing_n divine_a and_o the_o duty_n and_o happiness_n of_o man_n we_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o so_o clear_a a_o account_n of_o the_o world_n beginning_n depravation_n destruction_n by_o the_o flood_n and_o repeopling_a such_o a_o most_o excellent_a law_n and_o doctrine_n in_o reference_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n etc._n etc._n can_v not_o be_v of_o humane_a extract_n but_o must_v needs_o be_v in_o truth_n what_o it_o pretend_v itself_o to_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n beside_o who_o can_v believe_v the_o first_o religion_n shall_v be_v the_o worst_a or_o the_o most_o timely_a notion_n of_o god_n the_o false_a be_v this_o so_o and_o the_o bible_n not_o a_o divine_a book_n but_o compose_v by_o impostor_n than_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o most_o primitive_a account_n we_o have_v of_o religion_n be_v counterfeit_a that_o the_o devil_n set_v up_o his_o chapel_n before_o god_n build_v his_o church_n that_o in_o the_o early_a notice_n we_o have_v of_o god_n of_o the_o world_n be_v original_a man_n fall_n and_o the_o way_n of_o his_o recovery_n the_o world_n be_v deceive_v and_o abuse_v and_o that_o god_n suffer_v the_o devil_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o without_o any_o thing_n public_o extant_a from_o he_o either_o before_o or_o since_o to_o contradict_v it_o in_o his_o name_n and_o under_o pretence_n of_o his_o authority_n to_o delude_v and_o mislead_v mankind_n with_o a_o false_a account_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v most_o concern_v to_o know_v and_o upon_o the_o right_a knowledge_n of_o which_o their_o present_a and_o future_a happiness_n depend_v all_o which_o as_o it_o be_v unworthy_a of_o god_n so_o it_o be_v no_o less_o repugnant_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v most_o rational_a to_o believe_v that_o god_n revelation_n be_v as_o early_o as_o man_n necessity_n and_o that_o the_o bible_n be_v the_o most_o ancient_a as_o well_o as_o the_o wise_a book_n in_o the_o world_n be_v also_o the_o true_a and_o proceed_v from_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n iii_o this_o royal_a descent_n or_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n further_o appear_v style_n 3._o the_o majesty_n and_o strangeness_n of_o the_o style_n by_o that_o majesty_n and_o authoritativeness_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n speak_v in_o they_o and_o that_o extraordinary_a and_o inimitable_a style_n wherein_o they_o be_v write_v as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o our_o bless_a lord_n mat._n 7.28_o that_o he_o teach_v as_o one_o have_v authority_n and_o not_o as_o the_o scribe_n so_o the_o scripture_n teach_v with_o a_o awful_a authority_n volume_n authority_n see_v the_o epist_n to_o the_o first_o volume_n the_o style_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n be_v
way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n john_n 14.6_o 3._o the_o statute_n precept_n and_o promise_v of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n thy_o commandment_n be_v truth_n psal_n 119.151_o v._o 142._o 4._o the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n both_o law_n and_o gospel_n thy_o word_n be_v truth_n john_n 17.17_o whereof_o you_o hear_v before_o by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n col._n 1.5_o 5._o the_o light_n of_o nature_n in_o man_n since_o the_o fall_n to_o help_v he_o to_o know_v god_n so_o far_o as_o to_o leave_v he_o without_o excuse_n which_o withhold_v the_o truth_n in_o vnrighteousness_n rom._n 2.18_o 6._o true_a religion_n teach_v and_o contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n who_o have_v bewitch_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n gal._n 3.1_o tit._n 1.1_o 7._o truth_n of_o grace_n sincerity_n void_a of_o deceit_n in_o heart_n and_o life_n i_o have_v walk_v before_o thou_o in_o truth_n isa_n 30.3_o thou_o love_v truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n psal_n 51.6_o 8._o fidelity_n and_o faithfulness_n between_o man_n and_o man._n jer._n 5.1_o 2._o 9_o judgement_n and_o true_a justice_n truth_n be_v fall_v in_o the_o street_n 10._o most_o true_a far_o from_o all_o deceit_n the_o judgement_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v truth_n 11._o truth_n signify_v sincerity_n from_o the_o heart_n with_o assent_n of_o the_o mind_n 19.9_o psal_n 19.9_o as_o one_o true_o purpose_v etc._n etc._n without_o hypocrisy_n 1._o but_o that_o which_o be_v principal_o intend_v by_o the_o girdle_n of_o truth_n according_a to_o expositor_n be_v first_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n call_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n 2._o truth_n of_o grace_n and_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n call_v 5.8_o 1_o cor._n 5.8_o the_o unleavened_a bread_n of_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n by_o loin_n be_v mean_v the_o mind_n gird_v up_o the_o loin_n of_o your_o mind_n etc._n etc._n a_o christian_n shall_v be_v of_o a_o sound_a judgement_n he_o shall_v be_v gird_v about_o as_o with_o a_o girdle_n with_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n hold_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n in_o a_o pure_a conscience_n 1_o tim._n 3.9_o maintain_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o be_v sincere_a and_o upright_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o why_o truth_n in_o both_o these_o respect_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o girdle_n will_v appear_v by_o what_o follow_v metaphor_n parallel_n a_o girdle_n be_v of_o use_n in_o former_a time_n by_o soldier_n it_o be_v part_n of_o their_o habit_n or_o armour_n the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o holy_a principle_n of_o religion_n and_o sin_n erity_n be_v of_o great_a use_n among_o all_o christ_n spiritual_a soldier_n in_o order_n to_o the_o arm_n of_o they_o complete_o ii_o a_o girdle_n cleave_v close_o to_o a_o man_n when_o it_o be_v well_o gird_v to_o he_o and_o it_o be_v not_o easy_o unbuckle_v by_o a_o adversary_n ii_o so_o thâ—_n truth_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v fasten_v in_o â—ur_n heart_n and_o judgement_n that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v waver_v in_o our_o mind_n stand_v fast_o in_o the_o faith_n etc._n etc._n 16.13_o 1_o cor._n 16.13_o sincerity_n ought_v to_o cleave_v to_o our_o inward_a part_n as_o a_o girdle_n do_v to_o the_o loin_n of_o a_o man._n iii_o a_o girdle_n compass_v a_o man_n about_o iii_o so_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n and_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n shall_v compass_v christian_n about_o they_o ought_v to_o keep_v always_o in_o the_o bound_n of_o truth_n and_o uprightness_n god_n have_v set_v bound_n to_o his_o people_n out_o of_o which_o they_o must_v never_o go_v we_o must_v not_o swerve_v aside_o to_o the_o right-hand_a or_o left_a nor_o play_v the_o hypocrite_n for_o such_o that_o do_v so_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v gird_v about_o with_o truth_n iv_o a_o girdle_n strengthen_v the_o loin_n of_o a_o soldier_n or_o he_o that_o be_v well_o gird_v therewith_o 1.7_o jer._n 1.7_o gird_v up_o thy_o loin_n and_o arise_v and_o speak_v unto_o they_o all_o that_o i_o command_v thou_o 22.40_o 2_o sam._n 22.40_o be_v not_o dismay_v as_o much_o as_o if_o god_n shall_v say_v 45._o isa_n 45._o be_v strong_a for_o thy_o work_n thou_o have_v gird_v i_o with_o strength_n etc._n etc._n their_o loin_n shall_v be_v loose_v 12.21_o job_n 12.21_o i_o will_v loose_v the_o loin_n of_o the_o king_n he_o weaken_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o mighty_a the_o girdle_n of_o the_o strong_a so_o the_o heb._n iv_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o that_o religion_n that_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n join_v with_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n be_v the_o strength_n of_o every_o christian_a or_o soldier_n of_o christ_n if_o he_o have_v not_o this_o girdle_n on_o his_o loin_n be_v loose_a and_o weak_a and_o he_o be_v as_o unstable_a as_o water_n as_o jacob_n speak_v of_o reuben_n let_v truth_n go_v nay_o 3._o gen_n 49.2_o 3._o one_o truth_n go_v and_o how_o do_v it_o weaken_v our_o hand_n or_o profess_v it_o with_o a_o false_a and_o deceitful_a heart_n and_o how_o unable_a be_v such_o to_o stand_v against_o the_o assault_n of_o the_o enemy_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n when_o a_o person_n be_v well_o gird_v with_o truth_n in_o both_o these_o respect_n he_o be_v thereby_o make_v strong_a and_o courageous_a v._o a_o girdle_n be_v use_v to_o gird_v on_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o soldier_n armour_n let_v not_o he_o that_o gird_v on_o his_o harness_n boast_v himself_o as_o he_o that_o put_v it_o off_o 1_o king_n 20.11_o v._o truth_n be_v that_o which_o fasten_v or_o gird_v on_o every_o part_n of_o the_o christian_n armour_n sincerity_n complete_v and_o perfect_v all_o what_o will_v a_o man_n faith_n hope_n righteousness_n signify_v without_o the_o girdle_n of_o truth_n unless_o he_o keep_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o christian-doctrine_n and_o be_v sincere_a and_o upright_a in_o the_o profession_n thereof_o vi_o gird_v up_o the_o loin_n note_n a_o preparation_n for_o battle_n and_o war._n thus_o david_n speak_v of_o christ_n gird_v thy_o sword_n on_o thy_o thigh_n 45.3_o psal_n 45.3_o o_o most_o mighty_a let_v not_o he_o that_o gird_v on_o his_o armour_n boast_v etc._n etc._n vi_o so_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v saint_n stand_v or_o be_v ready_a to_o engage_v their_o spiritual_a enemy_n 6.14_o eph._n 6.14_o have_v their_o loin_n gird_v about_o with_o truth_n such_o a_o person_n be_v prepare_v to_o encounter_v with_o all_o adversary_n of_o the_o soul_n we_o shall_v be_v gird_v with_o the_o truth_n and_o gird_v for_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v as_o another_o apostle_n speak_v to_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n 3_o judas_n 3_o we_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o dispute_v fight_n make_v war_n as_o good_a soldier_n of_o christ_n opponent_n be_v like_o combatant_n controversial_a divinity_n say_v mr._n caryl_n be_v call_v polemical_a divinity_n 35._o caryl_n on_o job_n 38._o pag._n 35._o dispute_n be_v word-war_n and_o there_o have_v be_v as_o hot_a war_n make_v by_o the_o pen_n as_o ever_o be_v by_o the_o sword_n gird_v up_o now_o thy_o loin_n etc._n etc._n say_v god_n to_o job_n the_o lord_n seem_v to_o send_v he_o a_o challenge_n to_o the_o battle_n by_o a_o further_a debate_n arm_v thyself_o like_o a_o mighty_a man_n get_v ready_a for_o the_o duel_n for_o i_o be_o resolve_v to_o try_v what_o a_o man_n thou_o be_v in_o argue_v a_o saint_n be_v gird_v with_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n be_v fit_v for_o any_o conflict_n vii_o we_o read_v of_o gird_v up_o the_o loin_n for_o travel_n or_o when_o a_o man_n be_v to_o take_v a_o journey_n thus_o elisha_n say_v to_o gehazi_n 2_o kin._n 4.29_o gird_v up_o thy_o loin_n and_o take_v my_o staff_n in_o thy_o hand_n and_o go_v thy_o way_n it_o be_v the_o fashion_n in_o those_o eastern_a country_n where_o they_o wear_v their_o garment_n long_o and_o ordinary_o loose_v to_o gird_v they_o up_o by_o which_o they_o can_v travel_v the_o better_o vii_o so_o christian_n shall_v have_v their_o loin_n gird_v about_o with_o truth_n and_o uprightness_n that_o they_o may_v be_v fit_v and_o prepare_v to_o travel_v heavenward_n god_n people_n be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n whilst_o in_o this_o world_n and_o be_v travel_v to_o their_o own_o country_n and_o to_o have_v their_o mind_n well_o gird_v up_o with_o truth_n will_v be_v a_o great_a help_n to_o they_o in_o their_o journey_n a_o storm_n of_o persecution_n may_v soon_o blow_v away_o the_o loose_a garment_n of_o profession_n if_o a_o person_n be_v not_o gird_v with_o the_o girdle_n of_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n viii_o there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o gird_v up_o the_o loin_n in_o order_n to_o serve_v and_o attend_v on_o business_n which_o of_o you_o say_v christ_n have_v a_o servant_n plough_v or_o feed_v cattle_n will_v say_v unto_o he_o by_o
popish_a religion_n now_o these_o be_v lame_a professor_n they_o be_v corrupt_v or_o not_o sincere_a they_o will_v not_o unless_o heal_v hold_v out_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o race_n but_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o the_o way_n ix_o a_o man_n that_o meet_v with_o bad_a way_n in_o run_v a_o race_n be_v thereby_o many_o time_n hard_o put_v to_o it_o and_o in_o danger_n of_o lose_v the_o prize_n as_o when_o he_o be_v force_v to_o run_v up-hill_n a_o great_a while_n together_o or_o meet_v with_o a_o rough_a and_o untrodden_a path_n or_o be_v fain_o to_o run_v through_o a_o deep_a mire_n or_o a_o very_a dirty_a lane_n this_o try_v his_o strength_n courage_n and_o resolution_n ix_o so_o when_o a_o christian_a meet_v with_o hard_a thing_n or_o pass_v through_o great_a difficulty_n in_o his_o way_n to_o heaven_n he_o be_v much_o put_v to_o it_o viz._n when_o he_o be_v force_v to_o mount_v the_o hill_n of_o opposition_n and_o pass_v over_o the_o style_n of_o carnal_a reason_n and_o through_o the_o perilous_a lane_n of_o persecution_n and_o valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n be_v account_v all_o the_o day_n long_o as_o a_o sheep_n for_o the_o slaughter_n 23.4_o psal_n 23.4_o he_o than_o be_v try_v to_o purpose_n many_o that_o have_v set_v out_o heavenwards_o in_o a_o day_n of_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n have_v in_o a_o time_n of_o tribulation_n and_o persecution_n grow_v weary_a 13.21_o mat._n 13.21_o or_o be_v offend_v have_v fall_v away_o x._o man_n that_o run_v in_o a_o race_n have_v many_o spectator_n who_o steadfast_o look_v upon_o they_o to_o see_v how_o they_o run_v and_o who_o will_v win_v some_o hope_v one_o will_n gain_v the_o prize_n and_o other_o hope_v the_o same_o man_n will_v lose_v it_o x._o so_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n have_v many_o and_o eminent_a spectator_n who_o steadfast_o look_v upon_o they_o with_o great_a expectation_n to_o see_v how_o they_o behave_v themselves_o whilst_o they_o run_v the_o celestial_a race_n viz._n god_n the_o father_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o one_o almighty_a and_o eternal_a god_n yea_o and_o all_o the_o holy_a angel_n on_o the_o same_o side_n behold_v they_o with_o great_a earnestness_n hope_v they_o will_v hold_v out_o to_o the_o end_n and_o obtain_v the_o crown_n of_o everlasting_a glory_n and_o to_o that_o purpose_n help_n and_o encourage_v they_o in_o their_o course_n on_o the_o other_o side_n there_o be_v all_o the_o devil_n or_o wicked_a angel_n who_o have_v their_o eye_n upon_o they_o for_o evil_a 2._o zech._n 3.1_o 2._o who_o do_v not_o only_a hope_n and_o long_o to_o see_v they_o grow_v weary_a and_o faint_a in_o their_o mind_n but_o also_o strive_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o hinder_v and_o resist_v they_o in_o their_o race_n so_o that_o they_o may_v lose_v the_o prize_n xi_o some_o man_n run_v a_o great_a while_n and_o afterward_o grow_v weary_a and_o slack_v their_o pace_n nay_o quite_o give_v over_o run_v and_o so_o lose_v the_o prize_n xi_o so_o some_o professor_n seem_v to_o run_v well_o to_o be_v zealous_a for_o god_n and_o religion_n a_o great_a while_n it_o may_v be_v for_o many_o year_n together_o but_o when_o trouble_n arise_v or_o temptation_n seize_v upon_o they_o they_o grow_v weary_a and_o indifferent_a about_o these_o matter_n and_o with_o demas_n cleave_v to_o this_o present_a evil_a world_n and_o so_o turn_v with_o the_o dog_n to_o his_o vomit_n again_o and_o lose_v eternal_a life_n xii_o some_o man_n that_o have_v run_v in_o a_o race_n have_v run_v for_o a_o great_a prize_n yea_o for_o a_o crown_n as_o some_o have_v observe_v and_o when_o they_o have_v win_v it_o have_v be_v praise_v exceed_o it_o be_v esteem_v a_o mighty_a honour_n it_o have_v not_o only_o enrich_v they_o but_o be_v to_o their_o great_a renown_n and_o glory_n xii_o so_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n who_o run_v this_o heavenly_a race_n run_v for_o a_o great_a prize_n viz._n a_o crown_n of_o glory_n 9.25_o 1_o cor._n 9.25_o and_o every_o man_n that_o strive_v for_o the_o mastery_n be_v temperate_a in_o all_o thing_n now_o they_o do_v it_o to_o obtain_v a_o corruptible_a crown_n but_o we_o a_o incorruptible_a be_v thou_o faithful_a unto_o death_n 10._o rev._n 10._o and_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o a_o crown_n of_o life_n i_o have_v say_v paul_n fight_v the_o good_a fight_n 8._o 2_o tim._n 4.7_o 8._o i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n i_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n henceforth_o there_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o i_o a_o crown_n of_o of_o righteousness_n which_o god_n the_o righteous_a judge_n will_v give_v i_o at_o that_o day_n and_o not_o to_o i_o only_o but_o unto_o all_o they_o also_o that_o love_n his_o appear_v this_o prize_n will_v not_o only_o enrich_v the_o soul_n that_o obtain_v it_o but_o raise_v his_o renown_n and_o glory_n to_o eternity_n he_o shall_v be_v honour_v of_o all_o nay_o he_o be_v the_o man_n who_o the_o king_n delight_v to_o honour_n 3.21_o rev._n 3.21_o they_o shall_v sit_v down_o with_o christ_n on_o his_o throne_n etc._n etc._n xiii_o the_o man_n that_o run_v who_o resolve_v to_o win_v the_o prize_n break_v through_o all_o difficulty_n will_v not_o regard_v any_o vain_a allurement_n but_o press_v on_o with_o his_o utmost_a strength_n celerity_n and_o speed_v imaginable_a the_o thought_n of_o the_o rich_a prize_n animate_v his_o mind_n and_o prompt_v he_o on_o so_o to_o do_v xiii_o so_o a_o true_a christian_a who_o resolve_v for_o heaven_n he_o make_v haste_n he_o break_v through_o all_o difficulty_n and_o regard_v not_o the_o golden_a ball_n satan_n throw_v in_o his_o path_n viz._n none_o of_o the_o vain_a allurement_n of_o this_o world_n but_o with_o his_o uttermost_a strength_n celerity_n and_o eagerness_n of_o affection_n press_v forward_o i_o press_v towards_o the_o mark_n etc._n etc._n 7.13_o phil._n 3.14_o mat._n 7.13_o he_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n he_o strive_v against_o satan_n against_o the_o world_n against_o sin_n strive_v in_o read_v in_o hear_v in_o pray_v be_v great_o animate_v and_o encourage_v thus_o to_o do_v 11._o heb._n 11._o by_o see_v he_o who_o be_v invisible_a to_o the_o natural_a eye_n and_o by_o have_v a_o sight_n of_o the_o excellent_a reward_n or_o that_o glorious_a crown_n and_o kingdom_n he_o know_v he_o shall_v receive_v when_o he_o come_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o race_n metaphor_n disparity_n some_o man_n in_o run_v a_o race_n do_v their_o best_a they_o do_v whatever_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o obtain_v the_o prize_n but_o nevertheless_o lose_v it_o but_o now_o a_o christian_a whoever_o he_o be_v that_o do_v his_o best_a do_v what_o he_o can_v in_o all_o uprightness_n of_o heart_n to_o believe_v to_o close_o in_o with_o christ_n to_o love_v serve_v and_o obey_v he_o shall_v never_o miss_v of_o eternal_a life_n 8.1_o joh._n 10.2_o rom._n 8.1_o never_o be_v any_o man_n damn_v say_v a_o worthy_a minister_n that_o do_v what_o he_o can_v to_o be_v save_v ii_o many_o run_v in_o a_o race_n but_o one_o only_o obtain_v the_o prize_n ii_o but_o though_o thousand_o run_v in_o this_o spiritual_a race_n yet_o they_o may_v all_o obtain_v the_o prize_n inference_n we_o may_v infer_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o work_n and_o business_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v hard_a and_o difficult_a heaven_n be_v not_o obtain_v without_o run_v wrestle_a strive_v war_a etc._n etc._n 2._o that_o many_o professor_n who_o set_v out_o heaven-ward_n and_o run_v well_o a_o little_a while_n be_v not_o like_a notwithstanding_o to_o obtain_v eternal_a life_n 24._o mat._n 24._o it_o be_v only_a he_o that_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n that_o shall_v be_v save_v 3._o it_o may_v also_o inform_v we_o what_o the_o reason_n be_v that_o so_o many_o person_n faint_a or_o grow_v weary_a in_o this_o spiritual_a race_n 1._o their_o weight_n which_o they_o have_v upon_o he_o may_v occasion_v it_o or_o 2._o the_o way_n be_v bad_a or_o up-hill_n 3._o their_o not_o be_v temperate_a in_o all_o thing_n 4._o their_o be_v disease_a or_o lame_a 5._o satan_n beguile_v they_o with_o his_o golden_a ball_n 6._o they_o be_v not_o thorough_o affect_v with_o the_o worth_n of_o that_o glorious_a prize_n they_o run_v for_o 7._o by_o mean_n of_o their_o trust_n in_o their_o own_o strength_n etc._n etc._n 8._o their_o grow_a lazy_a love_v present_a ease_n etc._n etc._n 9_o and_o last_o which_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o their_z not_o be_v true_o convert_v never_o effectual_o wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n 4._o it_o may_v serve_v to_o stir_v we_o all_o up_o to_o the_o great_a diligence_n imaginable_a to_o the_o end_n whatsoever_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o way_n heaven_n will_v make_v amends_o for_o all_o saint_n compare_v
their_o heart_n lest_o instead_o of_o good_a wheat_n they_o shall_v at_o last_o prove_v evil_a tare_n 2._o it_o also_o reprove_v those_o magistrate_n who_o in_o a_o blind_a zeal_n persecute_v man_n for_o religion_n and_o conscience_n sake_n pretend_v they_o do_v it_o to_o destroy_v the_o tare_n viz._n heretic_n etc._n etc._n whereas_o they_o know_v not_o but_o that_o those_o they_o persecute_v may_v be_v good_a and_o faithful_a christian_n beside_o it_o be_v a_o work_n that_o belong_v not_o to_o they_o god_n will_v have_v both_o though_o one_o sort_n may_v be_v very_o vile_a and_o impudent_a heretic_n schismatic_n etc._n etc._n to_o live_v together_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n wicked_a man_n compare_v to_o chaff_n psal_n 1.4_o the_o ungodly_a be_v not_o so_o but_o be_v like_o the_o chaff_n which_o the_o wind_n drive_v away_o mat._n 3.12_o but_o he_o will_v burn_v up_o the_o chaff_n with_o unquenchable_a fire_n wicked_a man_n be_v compare_v to_o chaff_n simile_n parallel_n chaff_n before_o it_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o wheat_n cleave_v close_o to_o it_o and_o the_o wheat_n must_v be_v tread_v or_o thresh_v before_o the_o one_o can_v be_v separate_v from_o the_o other_o so_o some_o wicked_a man_n i_o mean_v hypocrite_n seem_v to_o cleave_v close_o to_o the_o saint_n and_o to_o be_v in_o perfect_a union_n or_o oneness_n with_o they_o and_o the_o godly_a must_v be_v tread_v upon_o or_o thresh_v with_o the_o flail_n of_o persecution_n before_o they_o as_o sacred_a wheat_n can_v be_v separate_v from_o the_o chaff_n viz._n counterfeit_a christian_n ii_o chaff_n be_v of_o little_a worth_n or_o value_n to_o the_o wheat_n 23.28_o jer._n 23.28_o what_o be_v the_o chaff_n to_o the_o wheat_n it_o be_v a_o low_a mean_a and_o contemptible_a thing_n one_o bushel_n of_o wheat_n be_v worth_a many_o bushel_n of_o chaff_n ii_o so_o wicked_a man_n and_o hypocrite_n be_v of_o little_a worth_n and_o value_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n he_o esteem_v one_o true_a christian_a worth_n thousand_o and_o ten_o thousand_o of_o hypocrite_n i_o give_v egypt_n for_o thy_o ransom_n 43.3_o isa_n 43.3_o ethiopia_n and_o seba_n for_o thou_o since_o thou_o be_v precious_a in_o my_o sight_n thou_o have_v be_v honourable_a etc._n etc._n iii_o chaff_n be_v light_a and_o airy_a it_o be_v no_o ponderous_a thing_n and_o therefore_o the_o wind_n carry_v it_o away_o with_o a_o blast_n iii_o so_o the_o wicked_a whatever_o show_v they_o make_v of_o religion_n and_o piety_n they_o be_v light_n as_o chaff_n they_o be_v not_o weighty_a nor_o ponderous_a their_o lightness_n and_o levity_n be_v discover_v by_o their_o word_n and_o behaviour_n and_o when_o the_o blast_n and_o tempest_n of_o persecution_n come_v it_o drive_v they_o away_o from_o the_o seem_a zeal_n and_o religion_n they_o pretend_v to_o and_o at_o last_o the_o wind_n of_o god_n wrath_n will_v drive_v they_o into_o the_o low_a hell_n there_o to_o be_v burn_v with_o unquenchable_a fire_n inference_n this_o show_v what_o a_o great_a difference_n there_o be_v between_o the_o godly_a and_o the_o ungodly_a also_o what_o the_o woeful_a condition_n of_o hypocrite_n be_v and_o what_o will_v be_v in_o the_o end_n wicked_a man_n compare_v to_o thorn_n numb_a 33.55_o they_o shall_v be_v prick_n in_o your_o eye_n and_o thorn_n in_o your_o side_n etc._n etc._n josh_n 23.13_o but_o they_o shall_v be_v as_o snare_n and_o trap_n unto_o you_o and_o scourge_v in_o your_o side_n and_o thorn_n in_o your_o eye_n etc._n etc._n cant._n 2.2_o as_o a_o lily_n among_o thorn_n nah._n 1.10_o for_o whilst_o they_o be_v folden_a together_o as_o thorn_n etc._n etc._n thorn_n as_o glassius_n and_o other_o observe_v in_o these_o place_n of_o holy_a sripture_n signify_v wicked_a mischievous_a men._n numb_a 33.55_o simile_n parallel_n thorn_n come_v in_o with_o the_o curse_n curse_v be_v the_o ground_n for_o thy_o sake_n 3.18_o gen._n 3.18_o thorn_n also_o and_o thistle_n shall_v it_o bring_v forth_o unto_o thou_o etc._n etc._n have_v not_o adam_n sin_v we_o shall_v not_o have_v be_v trouble_v with_o thorn_n so_o wicked_a man_n come_v in_o with_o the_o fall_n and_o as_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o curse_n have_v not_o adam_n sin_v the_o world_n have_v never_o be_v trouble_v with_o these_o briar_n and_o thorn_n but_o ever_o since_o the_o curse_n for_o adam_n sin_n the_o world_n have_v be_v full_a of_o these_o thorn_n ii_o a_o thorn_n be_v no_o tender_a tree_n but_o contrariwise_a sturdy_a hard_a knotty_a and_o full_a of_o knob_n and_o prick_n dangerous_a to_o meddle_v or_o have_v to_o do_v with_o ii_o clopham_n clopham_n so_o the_o wicked_a these_o son_n of_o belial_n belegnol_n without_o yoke_n that_o be_v such_o as_o will_v not_o come_v under_o the_o yoke_n of_o obedience_n or_o beli_n gnalah_n not_o ascend_v because_o their_o male_n prosper_v not_o these_o thorn_n wicked_a man_n 23.6_o 2_o sam._n 23.6_o be_v hard-hearted_a knotty-conditioned_n full_a of_o prick_v and_o sting_a word_n and_o work_n what_o can_v he_o expect_v that_o meddle_v with_o a_o thorn_n or_o briar_n but_o to_o be_v scratch_v prick_v and_o wound_v in_o his_o so_o do_v so_o that_o man_n that_o have_v to_o do_v with_o some_o wicked_a man_n shall_v be_v scratch_v or_o prick_v in_o his_o good_a name_n and_o estate_n one_o way_n or_o other_o iii_o thorn_n be_v tree_n of_o little_a worth_n low_a and_o base_a thing_n hurtful_a to_o field_n garden_n and_o vineyard_n etc._n etc._n iii_o so_o wicked_a man_n be_v of_o little_a worth_n and_o value_n in_o god_n sight_n they_o be_v of_o a_o base_a spirit_n and_o principle_n lover_n of_o pleasure_n more_o than_o lover_n of_o god_n prefer_v earth_n above_o heaven_n 10.20_o prov._n 10.20_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v little_a worth_n and_o as_o they_o be_v unprofitable_a and_o little_a worth_n in_o themselves_o so_o they_o be_v offensive_a and_o prejudicial_a to_o god_n garden_n they_o hinder_v the_o growth_n of_o the_o saint_n as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v wound_v the_o lily_n that_o grow_v among_o they_o see_v lily_n among_o thorn_n iv_o thorn_n nevertheless_o do_v serve_v sometime_o to_o make_v a_o hedge_n to_o keep_v out_o wild_a beast_n from_o break_v into_o a_o field_n or_o vineyard_n iv_o so_o some_o of_o these_o wicked_a one_o god_n now_o and_o then_o make_v use_n of_o to_o be_v a_o hedge_n to_o his_o people_n to_o keep_v out_o a_o more_o bloody_a and_o cruel_a adversary_n 12_o rev._n 12_o the_o earth_n help_v the_o woman_n that_o be_v wicked_a man_n man_n of_o the_o earth_n stand_v up_o for_o and_o side_v in_o with_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n and_o so_o prove_v as_o a_o wall_n of_o defence_n or_o hedge_n to_o they_o beside_o god_n make_v use_v of_o they_o sometime_o as_o a_o hedge_n to_o stop_v his_o people_n in_o their_o evil_a course_n by_o suffer_v these_o son_n of_o belial_n to_o afflict_v they_o i_o will_v hedge_n up_o her_o way_n with_o thorn_n 2.6_o hos_fw-la 2.6_o v._o thorn_n and_o briar_n when_o they_o be_v grow_v to_o any_o height_n be_v ofttimes_o by_o the_o owner_n cut_v down_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n v._o so_o the_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a when_o they_o be_v grow_v to_o a_o great_a height_n of_o wickedness_n provoke_v god_n against_o themselves_o be_v cut_v down_o and_o cast_v into_o hell_n that_o which_o bear_v briar_n and_o thorn_n be_v near_o unto_o curse_v who_o end_n be_v to_o be_v burn_v 8.6.8_o he_o 8.6.8_o vi_o thorn_n and_o briar_n be_v not_o able_a to_o stand_v before_o a_o devour_a and_o consume_a fire_n vi_o so_o the_o wicked_a be_v not_o able_a to_o stand_v before_o the_o dreadful_a and_o angry_a god_n for_o while_o they_o be_v folden_a together_o as_o thorn_n 1.10_o nah._n 1.10_o and_o whilst_o they_o be_v drunken_a as_o drunkard_n they_o shall_v be_v destroy_v as_o stubble_n full_o dry_a 27.4_o isa_n 27.4_o who_o will_v say_v god_n set_v the_o briar_n and_o thorn_n against_o i_o in_o battle_n i_o will_v go_v through_o they_o i_o will_v burn_v they_o together_o inference_n be_v it_o not_o a_o strange_a and_o marvellous_a thing_n that_o god_n people_n be_v no_o more_o scratch_v and_o prick_v with_o these_o troublesome_a thorn_n consider_v what_o a_o multitude_n of_o they_o be_v among_o we_o 2._o it_o may_v caution_n all_o true_a christian_n how_o they_o meddle_v with_o these_o prick_a thorn_n 3._o it_o show_v the_o folly_n of_o the_o wicked_a who_o strive_v with_o the_o almighty_a and_o set_v themselves_o in_o battle_n against_o he_o who_o be_v a_o consume_a fire_n and_o they_o but_o thorn_n and_o briar_n or_o like_o stubble_n full_o dry_a wicked_a man_n compare_v to_o mountain_n isa_n 41.15_o thou_o shall_v thresh_v the_o mountain_n and_o beat_v thm_n small_a etc._n etc._n isa_n 2.14_o upon_o all_o high_a mountain_n that_o be_v lift_v up_o
house_n go_v about_o to_o hew_v they_o by_o the_o word_n i._n e._n endeavour_v to_o convert_v they_o minister_n be_v hewer_n and_o the_o axe_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o have_v hew_v they_o by_o the_o prophet_n but_o they_o must_v proceed_v orderly_o i._n e._n not_o baptize_v â—0_n mat._n 28.19_o â—0_n and_o then_o teach_v but_o first_o teach_v or_o make_v disciple_n and_o then_o baptize_v they_o vi_o a_o builder_n can_v tell_v how_o many_o principal_a pillar_n or_o post_n belong_v unto_o the_o house_n or_o building_n and_o see_v to_o fit_v all_o the_o material_n thereof_o in_o their_o proper_a place_n and_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o see_v that_o he_o want_v never_o a_o principal_a pillar_n vi_o so_o minister_n can_v tell_v how_o many_o fundamental_a principle_n there_o be_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o mean_v principle_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o also_o the_o number_n of_o the_o foundation_n of_o church-constitution_n and_o fellowship_n and_o will_v see_v that_o every_o thing_n they_o do_v be_v do_v orderly_o every_o thing_n fit_v according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o god_n word_n and_o that_o they_o want_v not_o any_o one_o of_o the_o foundation-principle_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v dangerous_a you_o know_v if_o a_o house_n be_v to_o be_v build_v upon_o six_o main_a pillar_n if_o it_o want_v one_o read_v heb._n 6.1_o 2._o vii_o a_o builder_n have_v his_o rule_n by_o which_o he_o do_v all_o his_o work_n he_o do_v not_o work_v by_o guess_n nor_o by_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o own_o eye_n only_o but_o by_o a_o certain_a and_o unerring_a rule_n vii_o so_o a_o wise_a minister_n have_v his_o rule_n viz._n the_o word_n of_o god_n he_o do_v not_o do_v what_o he_o think_v be_v right_n in_o his_o own_o eye_n until_o he_o have_v try_v it_o by_o the_o rule_n nor_o will_v he_o follow_v the_o humour_n and_o fancy_n of_o other_o who_o may_v say_v this_o be_v right_n and_o that_o be_v right_a but_o according_a as_o he_o find_v thing_n to_o agree_v or_o disagree_v with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o unerring_a rule_n by_o which_o he_o receive_v or_o reject_v take_v or_o leaf_n he_o with_o moses_n will_v do_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o pattern_n show_v in_o the_o mount_n as_o many_o as_o walk_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n peace_n be_v on_o they_o and_o mercy_n 6._o gal._n 6._o and_o upon_o the_o whole_a israel_n of_o god_n the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v our_o guide_n in_o all_o thing_n viii_o a_o wise_a builder_n take_v care_n that_o all_o the_o building_n be_v fit_o frame_v together_o and_o well_o fasten_v to_o the_o foundation_n viii_o so_o a_o wise_a minister_n or_o spiritual_a builder_n endeavour_n to_o see_v that_o all_o the_o saint_n be_v unite_v fit_o frame_v or_o join_v together_o in_o love_n and_o well_o fasten_v by_o faith_n and_o love_n to_o jesus_n christ_n see_v what_o the_o apostle_n say_v eph._n 2._o 22._o eph._n 2.20_o 21_o 22._o and_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a cornerstone_n in_o who_o all_o the_o building_n be_v fit_o frame_v together_o grow_v to_o a_o holy_a temple_n in_o the_o lord_n in_o who_o you_o be_v build_v together_o for_o a_o habitation_n of_o god_n through_o the_o spirit_n ix_o a_o builder_n take_v great_a care_n to_o give_v direction_n about_o the_o door_n or_o way_n into_o the_o house_n he_o be_v building_n and_o make_v it_o plain_a that_o all_o people_n who_o have_v a_o mind_n or_o aught_o to_o enter_v in_o may_v ready_o find_v the_o way_n and_o not_o stumble_v at_o the_o threshold_n ix_o so_o a_o wise_a and_o faithful_a minister_n take_v special_a care_n to_o give_v direction_n about_o the_o door_n into_o god_n house_n that_o all_o who_o christ_n will_v have_v enter_v in_o may_v not_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n about_o it_o nor_o stumble_v as_o it_o be_v at_o the_o threshold_n it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o they_o be_v acquaint_v with_o and_o able_a to_o show_v to_o other_o what_o be_v those_o initiate_a ordinance_n into_o the_o house_n or_o church_n of_o god_n and_o sad_a it_o be_v to_o see_v so_o many_o worthy_a minister_n among_o we_o at_o so_o great_a a_o loss_n in_o this_o respect_n as_o be_v demonstrate_v in_o a_o small_a treatise_n write_v by_o mr._n w._n r._n entitle_v a_o sober_a discourse_n of_o right_a to_o church-communion_n it_o have_v always_o be_v assert_v by_o christian_n of_o all_o persuasion_n till_o of_o late_a that_o baptism_n in_o water_n that_o holy_a sacrament_n christ_n ordain_v and_o leave_v in_o his_o church_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o church-fellowship_n and_o communion_n though_o touch_v the_o subject_a and_o manner_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o that_o ordinance_n there_o have_v be_v much_o controversy_n but_o sure_o i_o be_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v very_o full_a and_o plain_a in_o this_o case_n 1._o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v positive_o enjoin_v repentance_n faith_n and_o baptism_n to_o be_v teach_v as_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o his_o sacred_a doctrine_n and_o as_o fundamental_o of_o church-communion_n and_o fellowship_n see_v mat._n 28.19_o 20._o heb._n 6.1_o 2._o 2._o this_o also_o be_v the_o door_n the_o holy_a apostle_n those_o wise_a master-builder_n direct_v person_n to_o and_o open_v for_o entrance_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v every_o one_o of_o you_o etc._n etc._n then_o they_o that_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n be_v baptize_v and_o the_o same_o day_n there_o be_v add_v unto_o they_o about_o three_o thousand_o soul_n act_n 2.40_o 41._o compare_v this_o with_o act_n 8.48_o &_o 16.33_o gal._n 3.27_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v say_v by_o one_o spirit_n be_v we_o all_o baptize_v into_o one_o body_n or_o to_o be_v of_o one_o body_n moreover_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o abovecited_a treatise_n prove_v upon_o a_o examination_n of_o the_o record_n of_o the_o next_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v evident_a the_o same_o order_n be_v retain_v and_o keep_v up_o as_o appear_v by_o justin_n martyr_n in_o his_o apology_n to_o antoninus_n pius_n the_o roman_a emperor_n this_o food_n say_v he_o we_o call_v the_o eucharist_n to_o which_o no_o man_n be_v admit_v but_o only_o he_o that_o believe_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n be_v wash_v in_o the_o laver_n of_o regeneration_n so_o he_o call_v baptism_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o that_o so_o live_v as_o christ_n have_v teach_v tertullian_n and_o cyprian_n positive_o affirm_v the_o same_o and_z divers_z other_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n as_o basil_n nazianzen_n optatus_n athanatus_n epiphanius_n hilarius_n ambrose_n jerome_n sozomen_n athanasius_n augustin_n etc._n etc._n as_o be_v large_o show_v by_o the_o divine_n of_o magdeburg_n in_o their_o history_n of_o the_o church_n print_v at_o basil_n 1624._o also_o all_o our_o modern_a divine_v full_o agree_v with_o the_o ancient_n in_o this_o great_a point_n viz._n that_o baptism_n be_v absolute_o a_o initiate_a ordinance_n and_o that_o no_o unbaptised_a person_n ought_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n nor_o to_o the_o lord_n supper_n tho_o it_o be_v confess_v that_o some_o do_v not_o say_v that_o baptism_n alone_o be_v the_o door_n into_o the_o church_n but_o baptism_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n there_o be_v two_o door_n to_o be_v pass_v through_o as_o say_v a_o learned_a writer_n '_o before_o we_o can_v come_v aditus_fw-la &_o intima_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la penetralia_fw-la viz._n baptism_n and_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n whereof_o the_o latter_a proper_o and_o immediate_o give_v admittance_n mr._n hanmor_n cite_v some_o ancient_a christian_n speak_v thus_o confirmatio_fw-la sive_fw-la manuum_fw-la impositio_fw-la protinus_fw-la that_n jus_o communicandi_fw-la in_o sacramento_n corporis_fw-la ac_fw-la sanguinis_fw-la christi_fw-la that_o be_v confirmation_n or_o imposition_n of_o hand_n forthwith_o give_v full_a authority_n and_o right_n of_o communion_n in_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o another_o place_n say_v the_o same_o person_n he_o that_o be_v not_o confirm_v be_v not_o admit_v to_o the_o eucharist_n x._o a_o masterbuilder_n go_v on_o with_o his_o work_n when_o the_o foundation_n be_v lay_v the_o scaffold_n be_v not_o take_v down_o till_o the_o building_n be_v finish_v but_o rather_o raise_v high_a and_o high_o as_o the_o fabric_n go_v up_o he_o resolve_v every_o day_n be_v work_n shall_v add_v some_o further_a beauty_n to_o it_o in_o order_n to_o the_o final_a perfect_a of_o it_o x._o so_o a_o true_a faithful_a minister_n when_o he_o see_v the_o work_n of_o god_n house_n go_v on_o every_o one_o labour_v diligent_o every_o day_n to_o be_v more_o and_o more_o holy_a and_o press_v on_o towards_o perfection_n not_o lay_v again_o
destruction_n oâ—_n jerusalem_n for_o as_o the_o gild_n of_o all_o the_o blood_n shed_v from_o righteous_a abel_n to_o the_o death_n of_o zacharias_n be_v by_o our_o saviour_n fix_v upon_o jerusalem_n and_o can_v be_v remove_v to_o another_o people_n so_o the_o blood_n of_o all_o the_o martyr_n and_o follower_n of_o jesus_n be_v by_o this_o revelation_n â—â—xed_v upon_o the_o last_o babylon_n râ—v_n 17.6_o and_o i_o see_v the_o woman_n drink_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o of_o the_o martyr_n of_o jesus_n chap._n 18._o v._n 24._o and_o in_o she_o be_v find_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o of_o saint_n and_o of_o all_z that_o be_v slay_v upon_o the_o earth_n but_o rome_n heathen_a be_v not_o guilty_a of_o all_o the_o christian_a blood_n that_o be_v shed_v upon_o earth_n by_o murder_n massacre_n and_o martyrdom_n since_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o to_o look_v back_o but_o for_o six_o hundred_o year_n last_o pass_v in_o which_o time_n we_o shall_v find_v hundred_o of_o thousand_o of_o profess_a christian_n most_o butcherly_a and_o barbarous_o put_v to_o death_n for_o their_o zeal_n and_o love_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o respective_a nation_n of_o europe_n before_o which_o the_o heathenish_a state_n of_o rome_n be_v go_v off_o about_o the_o space_n of_o six_o hundred_o year_n so_o that_o if_o we_o will_v regard_v the_o full_a satisfy_n of_o this_o prediction_n about_o mystery_n babylon_n we_o must_v of_o necessity_n bring_v she_o down_o low_a than_o the_o heathenish_a state_n of_o rome_n 6._o rome_n heathen_a can_v be_v this_o babylon_n under_o consideration_n because_o the_o discovery_n of_o other_o prophecy_n relate_v to_o the_o same_o state_n no_o way_n agree_v to_o the_o power_n of_o rome_n heathen_a 1._o this_o state_n of_o babylon_n be_v call_v the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n this_o no_o way_n agree_v to_o rome_n heathen_a but_o full_o agree_v to_o rome_n papal_n compare_v 2_o thess_n 2.7_o with_o rev._n 17.7_o viz._n for_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n do_v already_o work_v the_o angel_n say_v unto_o i_o wherefore_o do_v thou_o marvel_v i_o will_v tell_v thou_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o of_o the_o beast_n that_o carry_v she_o 2._o the_o head_n of_o this_o state_n of_o mystery_n babylon_n be_v call_v the_o man_n of_o sin_n by_o way_n of_o eminency_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o only_o beyond_o the_o common_a rank_n of_o man_n but_o beyond_o the_o high_a son_n of_o wickedness_n that_o go_v before_o he_o and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a truth_n in_o this_o for_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o pope_n in_o respect_n of_o pride_n hypocrisy_n idolatry_n and_o blood_n he_o be_v the_o most_o unparalleled_a man_n of_o sin_n 3._o this_o state_n or_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n begin_v to_o work_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n which_o be_v no_o way_n applicable_a to_o the_o power_n of_o rome_n heathen_a for_o that_o do_v not_o then_o begin_v it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o very_a meridian_n of_o its_o greatness_n and_o universal_a sovereignty_n luke_n 2.1_o and_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o those_o day_n that_o there_o come_v out_o a_o decree_n from_o caesar_n augustus_n that_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v tax_v 4._o this_o man_n of_o sin_n mystery_n of_o iniquity_n or_o head_n of_o this_o babylonish_n state_n be_v say_v to_o be_v let_v or_o hinder_v in_o his_o design_n he_o that_o now_o let_v will_v let_v until_o he_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n 2_o thess_n 2.7_o but_o now_o rome_n heathen_a have_v no_o let_n or_o hindrance_n either_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o that_o declare_v it_o as_o it_o be_v a_o civil_a magistracy_n to_o be_v god_n ordinance_n nor_o from_o any_o opposite_a power_n either_o civil_a or_o military_a they_o give_v law_n to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o enjoy_v the_o supreme_a government_n of_o the_o best_a kingdom_n in_o the_o universe_n none_o be_v able_a to_o cope_v with_o they_o at_o that_o time_n 5._o this_o head_n of_o the_o babylonish_n state_n be_v say_v to_o sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n which_o the_o power_n of_o rome_n heathen_a do_v not_o do_v neither_o in_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n nor_o in_o the_o church_n whâ—ch_n be_v more_o proper_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n for_o the_o jew_n keep_v the_o possession_n of_o the_o literal_a temple_n till_o it_o be_v destroy_v and_o for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o heathen_a emperor_n never_o love_v it_o so_o well_o at_o to_o make_v their_o residence_n in_o it_o but_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n before_o he_o show_v himself_o to_o be_v that_o wicked_a one_o viz._n the_o man_n of_o sin_n dâ—d_v evident_o sit_v in_o the_o church_n or_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o so_o fulfil_v this_o prophecy_n in_o the_o very_a letter_n of_o it_o 6._o he_o that_o be_v the_o man_n of_o sin_n or_o head_n of_o this_o babylonish_n state_n be_v to_o rise_v by_o apostasy_n or_o fall_v away_o from_o the_o christian_a religion_n 2_o thess_n 2.3_o there_o shall_v come_v a_o fall_v away_o first_o exact_o agree_v with_o another_o prophecy_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n 1_o tim._n 4.1_o now_o the_o spirit_n speak_v express_o that_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n some_o shall_v depart_v from_o the_o faith_n etc._n etc._n but_o rome_n heathen_a do_v not_o rise_v by_o apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o a_o depart_n from_o the_o faith_n which_o they_o never_o profess_v as_o be_v evident_a to_o the_o whole_a world_n ergo_fw-la rome_n heathen_a can_v be_v this_o babylonish_n state_n 7._o this_o man_n of_o sin_n or_o head_n of_o mystery_n babylon_n lay_v hide_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o be_v not_o reveal_v 17.9_o 2_o thess_n 2.3_o rev._n 17.9_o but_o the_o power_n of_o rome_n heathen_a do_v not_o then_o lie_v hide_v or_o want_v to_o be_v reveal_v for_o it_o stand_v visible_a and_o high_a upon_o a_o hill_n even_o upon_o seven_o hill_n according_a to_o the_o roman_a poet_n ovid_n who_o live_v about_o the_o very_a time_n of_o christ_n be_v on_o earth_n in_o lib._n de_fw-fr tristibus_fw-la sed_fw-la quae_fw-la de_fw-la septem_fw-la totum_fw-la circumspicit_fw-la orbem_fw-la montibus_fw-la imperii_fw-la roma_fw-la deûmque_fw-la locus_fw-la that_o be_v but_o rome_n which_o from_o she_o seven_o hill_n the_o whole_a earth_n view_v around_o the_o place_n of_o god_n and_o rule_n etc._n etc._n ergo_fw-la rome_n heathen_a can_v be_v this_o babylonish_n state_n 8._o this_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n be_v say_v to_o oppose_v and_o exalt_v himself_o above_o all_o that_o be_v call_v god_n or_o that_o be_v worship_v 2_o thess_n 2.4_o but_o this_o the_o power_n of_o rome_n in_o its_o heathen_a state_n do_v not_o do_v for_o they_o worship_v offer_v sacrifice_n and_o bear_v a_o reverence_n to_o their_o god_n which_o by_o nature_n indeed_o be_v no_o god_n and_o it_o be_v only_o the_o head_n of_o rome_n pâ—pal_n that_o run_v down_o all_o god_n but_o those_o of_o his_o own_o make_n ergo_fw-la rome_n papal_n and_o not_o rome_n heathen_a must_v of_o necessity_n be_v this_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n 9_o the_o rise_n or_o come_v of_o this_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n be_v after_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n 2_o thess_n 2.9_o but_o the_o rise_v of_o the_o romish_a greatness_n and_o power_n when_o heathen_a be_v not_o after_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n 3_o dan_n 7.2_o 3_o but_o be_v say_v by_o daniel_n to_o be_v produce_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n or_o the_o four_o wind_n of_o heaven_n and_o by_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v power_n ordain_v of_o god_n rom._n 13.1_o therefore_o rome_n heathen_a can_v be_v the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n etc._n etc._n here_o mean_v 10._o this_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n be_v not_o only_o say_v to_o come_v after_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n 2_o thess_n 2.9_o but_o also_o with_o all_o power_n etc._n etc._n but_o the_o rise_v of_o rome_n heathen_a be_v not_o after_o that_o manner_n ergo_fw-la etc._n etc._n to_o illustrate_v the_o first_o proposition_n note_n that_o the_o term_n all_o power_n mark_v out_o the_o romish_a pope_n so_o notorious_o that_o whosoever_o run_v may_v read_v it_o for_o if_o we_o do_v but_o impartial_o consider_v his_o impudent_a usurpation_n upon_o crown_a head_n and_o his_o pretence_n of_o supremacy_n over_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n his_o proud_a imperious_a decree_n bull_n etc._n etc._n his_o disposal_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o prince_n and_o the_o inheritance_n yea_o the_o very_a life_n of_o private_a person_n of_o any_o rank_n that_o dare_v disobey_v he_o his_o pretence_n to_o shut_v and_o open_a heaven_n hell_n and_o his_o feign_a purgatory_n his_o carry_v a_o symbol_n of_o that_o vast_a and_o godlike_a power_n viz._n a_o brace_n of_o key_n hang_v at_o his_o girdle_n all_o these_o will_v appear_v
very_o mysterious_a so_o vast_a a_o depth_n so_o great_a a_o light_n so_o strange_a a_o mystery_n be_v this_o mystery_n that_o god_n reveal_v it_o now_o a_o little_a and_o then_o a_o little_a adam_n have_v the_o first_o discovery_n of_o it_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n abraham_n have_v more_o of_o it_o make_v know_v to_o he_o moses_n have_v a_o great_a revelation_n of_o it_o than_o the_o prophet_n and_o then_o john_n baptist_n who_o see_v more_o than_o all_o that_o go_v before_o he_o and_o upon_o that_o account_n be_v call_v the_o great_a prophet_n that_o ever_o arise_v among_o they_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o woman_n and_o yet_o he_o see_v but_o a_o little_a of_o this_o great_a mystery_n 7.28_o luke_n 7.28_o comparative_o to_o what_o those_o see_v who_o be_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n viz._n the_o gospel-church_n after_o the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 6._o that_o which_o all_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o the_o world_n mere_o by_o all_o their_o natural_a wisdom_n art_n and_o science_n can_v never_o find_v out_o nor_o arrive_v at_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o be_v a_o great_a mystery_n but_o all_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o the_o world_n mere_o by_o all_o their_o art_n and_o science_n and_o human_a learning_n can_v never_o arrive_v to_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o real_a godliness_n ergo_fw-la the_o principle_n of_o true_a godliness_n and_o the_o mystery_n thereof_o be_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o mere_a humane_a reason_n though_o not_o against_o or_o contrary_n to_o reason_n yet_o they_o lie_v above_o reason_n reason_n must_v stoop_v to_o faith_n in_o these_o thing_n the_o gospel_n be_v call_v wisdom_n as_o opposite_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n and_o the_o apostle_n say_v positive_o that_o it_o be_v wisdom_n in_o such_o a_o mystery_n that_o none_o of_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n know_v nay_o the_o spirit_n say_v one_o sydenham_n sydenham_n jeer_v all_o the_o learned_a of_o the_o world_n in_o this_o very_a thing_n because_o of_o their_o gross_a ignorance_n where_o be_v the_o scribe_n where_o be_v the_o wise_a where_o be_v the_o disputer_n of_o this_o world_n 1.20_o 1_o cor._n 1.20_o have_v not_o god_n make_v foolish_a the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n 18._o verse_n 18._o hence_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n be_v account_v by_o the_o learned_a greek_n but_o foolishness_n natural_a man_n may_v understand_v natural_a religion_n but_o true_a godliness_n consist_v in_o the_o light_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o in_o the_o life_n of_o grace_n god_n manifest_v himself_o in_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n and_o work_v the_o life_n of_o supernatural_a grace_n by_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n true_a godliness_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o natural_a man_n may_v have_v the_o historical_a or_o notional_a knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o christianity_n he_o may_v arrive_v to_o the_o most_o exact_a understanding_n of_o thing_n as_o far_o as_o letter_n and_o word_n can_v express_v they_o that_o be_v he_o may_v know_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o what_o either_o the_o history_n or_o tenor_n of_o such_o word_n will_v import_v and_o know_v the_o grammatical_a sense_n of_o word_n better_a than_o many_o true_a christian_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o spiritual_a and_o true_a knowledge_n of_o religion_n and_o godliness_n for_o that_o consist_v in_o the_o save_n and_o experimental_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v the_o discovery_n of_o god_n glory_n in_o itself_o and_o the_o work_n of_o it_o glorious_o in_o the_o soul_n it_o lie_v not_o in_o the_o bare_a expression_n or_o knowledge_n of_o word_n nor_o in_o the_o external_a form_n of_o profession_n of_o these_o word_n but_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o divine_a glory_n of_o god_n which_o be_v wrap_v up_o in_o these_o word_n and_o the_o gracious_a conformity_n disposition_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o confess_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o to_o read_v the_o scripture_n to_o pray_v etc._n etc._n but_o to_o see_v the_o mystery_n of_o that_o glory_n which_o be_v in_o this_o that_o christ_n be_v god_n son_n and_o to_o have_v the_o powerful_a influence_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o heart_n whereby_o the_o soul_n be_v bring_v into_o the_o image_n or_o likeness_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o resurrection_n this_o be_v a_o mystery_n 7._o that_o which_o the_o most_o wise_a and_o know_v in_o the_o same_o art_n or_o mystery_n can_v reach_v or_o understand_v but_o part_n of_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a mystery_n as_o suppose_v a_o schoolmaster_n nay_o the_o able_a in_o the_o world_n who_o profess_v to_o know_v and_o teach_v such_o or_o such_o a_o art_n or_o mystery_n be_v force_v to_o confess_v he_o see_v and_o know_v but_o little_a of_o it_o or_o see_v but_o in_o part_n it_o be_v so_o hard_a and_o difficult_a to_o find_v out_o all_o will_v conclude_v that_o art_n or_o science_n be_v a_o mystery_n indeed_o but_o so_o it_o be_v here_o for_o the_o holy_a apostle_n who_o have_v as_o great_a a_o knowledge_n of_o these_o mystery_n as_o any_o ever_o have_v in_o the_o world_n nay_o we_o may_v modest_o conclude_v a_o great_a yet_o they_o declare_v they_o know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o see_v but_o in_o part_n they_o see_v comparative_o but_o a_o little_a way_n into_o these_o mystery_n for_o we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n now_o we_o see_v through_o a_o glass_n dark_o 12._o 1_o cor._n 13.9_o 12._o now_o i_o know_v in_o part_n ergo_fw-la these_o be_v great_a mystery_n 8._o that_o which_o the_o holy_a angel_n desire_v to_o pry_v into_o nay_o look_v into_o with_o the_o great_a earnestness_n and_o desire_n imaginable_a and_o be_v content_v the_o better_a to_o understand_v to_o learn_v of_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o when_o all_o be_v do_v do_v admire_v and_o stand_v as_o it_o be_v astonish_v at_o be_v a_o great_a mystery_n but_o the_o angel_n do_v pry_v into_o these_o mystery_n with_o the_o great_a earnestness_n and_o be_v content_v to_o learn_v of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o or_o more_o full_o understand_v they_o and_o after_o all_o stand_v and_o wonder_n to_o behold_v the_o depth_n of_o this_o grace_n of_o this_o love_n and_o the_o strangeness_n of_o this_o mystery_n ergo_fw-la the_o gospel_n or_o doctrine_n of_o godliness_n be_v a_o great_a mystery_n now_o to_o make_v this_o argument_n good_a pray_v consider_v these_o text_n of_o scripture_n 1_o pet._n 1.12_o which_o thing_n the_o angel_n desire_v to_o look_v into_o the_o word_n desire_v signify_v the_o utmost_a covet_v or_o long_v after_o a_o thing_n which_o a_o man_n can_v be_v without_o desire_v to_o look_v into_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o word_n signify_v bow_v down_o to_o pry_v heedful_o and_o narrow_o into_o a_o thing_n 1._o the_o angel_n be_v great_o take_v with_o this_o mystery_n with_o this_o grace_n and_o love_n in_o jesus_n christ_n manifest_v to_o fall_v man_n they_o look_v and_o pry_v into_o it_o 25.20_o exod._n 25.20_o according_a as_o it_o be_v typify_v of_o they_o by_o the_o place_n of_o the_o cherubim_v look_v down_o towards_o the_o mercy-seat_n 2._o that_o they_o be_v content_a to_o learn_v of_o the_o church_n see_v eph._n 3.10_o to_o the_o intent_n that_o now_o unto_o the_o principality_n and_o power_n in_o heavenly_a place_n may_v be_v know_v by_o the_o church_n the_o manifold_a wisdom_n of_o god_n 3._o that_o they_o after_o all_o stand_v as_o it_o be_v amaze_v and_o wonder_v at_o these_o depth_n see_v 1_o tim._n 3.16_o see_v of_o angel_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v not_o mean_v of_o a_o bare_a sight_n but_o a_o sight_n which_o astonish_v the_o understanding_n and_o take_v up_o the_o heart_n he_o be_v see_v with_o admiration_n and_o wonderment_n thus_o dr._n sibbs_n 9_o that_o which_o the_o glorify_a saint_n shall_v admire_v when_o they_o arrive_v to_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a mystery_n but_o the_o glorify_a saint_n shall_v admire_v at_o the_o mystery_n of_o this_o grace_n and_o love_n in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n nay_o it_o will_v be_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o wonder_n to_o all_o eternity_n see_v 2_o cor._n 1.10_o therefore_o the_o doctrine_n of_o godliness_n be_v a_o great_a mystery_n 10._o this_o will_v be_v further_o manifest_v by_o consider_v wherein_o the_o greatness_n of_o this_o mystery_n do_v consist_v first_o now_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n principal_o consist_v in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n god_n manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n 2.2_o 1_o cor._n 2.2_o