have_v since_o make_v it_o a_o lawful_a way_n of_o lie_v which_o their_o father_n of_o who_o they_o learn_v it_o have_v not_o credit_n and_o authority_n enough_o to_o do_v and_o it_o deserve_v likewise_o to_o be_v very_o well_o consider_v by_o we_o that_o nothing_o have_v give_v a_o great_a force_n to_o the_o exception_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n against_o the_o h._n scripture_n be_v a_o sufficient_a and_o certain_a rule_n of_o faith_n than_o the_o uncertainty_n into_o which_o they_o have_v bring_v the_o plain_a text_n imaginable_a for_o the_o establish_n of_o doctrine_n of_o great_a moment_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o their_o remote_a and_o wrest_a interpretation_n of_o they_o which_o way_n of_o deal_n with_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v real_o more_o contumelious_a to_o those_o h._n oracle_n than_o the_o downright_a reject_v of_o their_o authority_n because_o this_o be_v a_o fair_a and_o open_a way_n of_o attacking_z they_o whereas_o the_o other_o be_v a_o insiduous_a and_o therefore_o more_o dangerous_a way_n of_o undermine_v they_o but_o as_o for_o we_o who_o do_v in_o good_a earnest_n believe_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o h._n scripture_n let_v we_o take_v all_o our_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n from_o those_o clear_a fountain_n of_o truth_n not_o disturb_v and_o darken_v by_o search_v anxious_o into_o all_o the_o possible_a sense_n that_o the_o several_a word_n and_o expression_n of_o scripture_n can_v bear_v and_o by_o force_v that_o sense_n upon_o they_o which_o be_v most_o remote_a and_o unnatural_a and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n wilful_o overlook_v and_o pass_v by_o that_o sense_n which_o be_v most_o obvious_a and_o easy_a to_o the_o common_a apprehension_n of_o any_o unbiased_a and_o impartial_a reader_n this_o be_v to_o use_v the_o h._n scripture_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v do_v many_o holy_a and_o good_a man_n who_o they_o be_v please_v to_o brand_v with_o the_o odious_a name_n of_o heretic_n to_o torture_v they_o till_o they_o speak_v the_o mind_n of_o their_o tormentor_n though_o never_o so_o contrary_a to_o their_o own_o i_o will_v now_o conclude_v this_o whole_a discourse_n with_o a_o say_v which_o i_o hear_v from_o a_o great_a and_o judicious_a man_n non_fw-la amo_fw-la nimis_fw-la argutam_fw-la theologiam_fw-la i_o love_v no_o doctrine_n in_o divinity_n which_o stand_v so_o very_a much_o upon_o quirk_n and_o subtlety_n and_o i_o can_v upon_o this_o occasion_n forbear_v to_o say_v that_o those_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n and_o those_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n have_v ever_o be_v to_o i_o the_o most_o suspect_v which_o need_v abundance_n of_o wit_n and_o a_o great_a many_o criticism_n to_o make_v they_o out_o and_o consider_v the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o almighty_a god_n i_o can_v possible_o believe_v but_o that_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v by_o christian_n in_o order_n to_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n be_v plain_o contain_v in_o the_o h._n scripture_n god_n sure_o have_v not_o deal_v so_o hardly_o with_o mankind_n as_o to_o make_v any_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o practise_v by_o we_o which_o he_o have_v not_o make_v sufficient_o plain_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o unlearned_a as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o learned_a god_n forbid_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o to_o get_v to_o heaven_n without_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o learning_n to_o direct_v and_o carry_v he_o thither_o when_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n have_v no_o learning_n at_o all_o it_o be_v well_o say_v by_o erasmus_n that_o it_o be_v never_o well_o with_o the_o christian_a world_n since_o it_o begin_v to_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o so_o much_o subtlety_n and_o wit_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o true_a christian_a sermon_n iii_o concern_v the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n preach_v in_o the_o church_n of_o st._n laurence_n jewry_n december_n 21._o 1680._o john_n i_o 14._o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n the_o last_o year_n about_o this_o time_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o occasion_n of_o the_o annual_a commemoration_n of_o the_o incarnation_n and_o nativity_n of_o our_o b._n lord_n and_o saviour_n i_o begin_v to_o discourse_v to_o you_o upon_o these_o word_n in_o which_o i_o tell_v you_o be_v contain_v three_o great_a point_n concern_v our_o saviour_n the_o author_n and_o founder_n of_o our_o religion_n first_o his_o incarnation_n the_o word_n be_v make_v or_o become_v flesh_n second_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n here_o among_o we_o and_o dwell_v among_o we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o pitch_v his_o tabernacle_n among_o we_o he_o live_v here_o below_o in_o this_o world_n and_o for_o some_o time_n make_v his_o residence_n and_o abode_n with_o we_o three_o that_o in_o this_o state_n of_o his_o humiliation_n he_o give_v great_a and_o clear_a evidence_n of_o his_o divinity_n whilst_o he_o appear_v as_o a_o man_n and_o live_v among_o we_o there_o be_v great_a and_o glorious_a testimony_n give_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o in_o so_o peculiar_a a_o manner_n as_o no_o creature_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v and_o we_o behold_v his_o glory_n the_o glory_n as_o of_o the_o only_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o namely_o his_o incarnation_n the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n for_o the_o full_a and_o clear_a explication_n of_o which_o word_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n i._o the_o person_n here_o speak_v of_o and_o who_o it_o be_v that_o be_v here_o say_v to_o be_v incarnate_a or_o make_v flesh_n namely_o the_o word_n and_o this_o i_o have_v handle_v at_o large_a in_o my_o two_o former_a discourse_n upon_o this_o text._n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v in_o the_o ii_o second_o place_n to_o give_v some_o account_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o manner_n of_o this_o incarnation_n so_o far_o as_o the_o scripture_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o reveal_v and_o declare_v this_o mystery_n to_o we_o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n that_o be_v he_o who_o be_v personal_o call_v the_o word_n and_o who_o the_o evangelist_n have_v so_o full_o and_o clear_o describe_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o gospel_n he_o become_v flesh_n that_o be_v assume_v our_o nature_n and_o become_v man_n for_o so_o the_o word_n flesh_n be_v frequent_o use_v in_o scripture_n for_o man_n or_o human_a nature_n so_o that_o by_o the_o word_n be_v become_v flesh_n that_o be_v man_n the_o evangelist_n do_v not_o only_o intend_v to_o express_v to_o we_o that_o he_o assume_v a_o human_a body_n without_o a_o soul_n but_o that_o he_o become_v a_o perfect_a man_n consist_v of_o soul_n and_o body_n unite_v it_o be_v very_o probable_a indeed_o that_o the_o evangelist_n do_v purposely_o choose_v the_o word_n flesh_n which_o signify_v the_o frail_a and_o mortal_a part_n of_o humanity_n to_o denote_v to_o we_o the_o great_a condescension_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o assume_v our_o nature_n with_o all_o its_o infirmity_n and_o become_a subject_n to_o frailty_n and_o mortality_n for_o our_o sake_n have_v thus_o explain_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o proposition_n the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n i_o shall_v in_o a_o further_a prosecution_n of_o this_o argument_n take_v into_o consideration_n these_o three_o thing_n first_o i_o shall_v consider_v more_o distinct_o what_o may_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v imply_v in_o this_o expression_n of_o the_o word_n be_v be_v make_v flesh_n second_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o objection_n which_o be_v common_o bring_v against_o this_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n from_o the_o seem_a impossibility_n or_o incongruity_n of_o the_o thing_n three_o and_o because_o after_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v in_o answer_n to_o those_o objection_n it_o may_v still_o appear_v to_o we_o very_o strange_a that_o god_n who_o can_v without_o all_o this_o circumstance_n and_o condescension_n even_o almost_o beneath_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o great_a god_n at_o least_o as_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v have_v give_v law_n to_o mankind_n and_o have_v offer_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n upon_o their_o repentance_n for_o sin_n past_a and_o sincere_a though_o imperfect_a obedience_n for_o the_o future_a i_o say_v it_o may_v seem_v strange_a that_o notwithstanding_o this_o god_n shall_v yet_o make_v choice_n of_o this_o way_n and_o method_n of_o our_o salvation_n i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o the_o last_o place_n endeavour_v to_o give_v some_o probable_a account_n of_o this_o strange_a and_o wonderful_a dispensation_n and_o show_v that_o it_o be_v do_v in_o great_a condescension_n to_o the_o weakness_n and_o common_a prejudices_fw-la of_o mankind_n and_o that_o when_o it_o be_v thorough_o consider_v it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v much_o
the_o maker_n be_v always_o before_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v make_v so_o be_v he_o also_o better_o and_o of_o great_a dignity_n and_o yet_o i_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o small_a difficulty_n in_o the_o interpretation_n i_o have_v give_v of_o this_o expression_n in_o which_o christ_n be_v say_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n or_o of_o the_o whole_a creation_n because_o in_o strictness_n of_o speech_n the_o first-born_a be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o those_o in_o respect_n of_o who_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o first-born_a and_o if_o so_o than_o he_o must_v be_v a_o creature_n as_o well_o as_o those_o in_o respect_n of_o who_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o first-born_a this_o be_v the_o objection_n in_o its_o full_a strength_n and_o i_o do_v own_o it_o to_o have_v a_o very_a plausible_a appearance_n and_o yet_o i_o hope_v before_o i_o have_v do_v to_o satisfy_v any_o one_o that_o will_v consider_v thing_n impartial_o and_o without_o prejudice_n and_o will_v due_o attend_v to_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n reason_v in_o this_o text_n and_o compare_v it_o with_o other_o parallel_a place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o it_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v the_o apostle_n meaning_n in_o affirm_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n to_o insinuate_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v a_o creature_n for_o how_o can_v this_o possible_o agree_v with_o that_o which_o follow_v and_o be_v give_v as_o the_o reason_n why_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n namely_o because_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o the_o apostle_n word_n be_v these_o the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n or_o of_o the_o whole_a creation_n for_o by_o he_o all_o thing_n be_v create_v but_o now_o according_a to_o the_o socinian_n interpretation_n this_o will_v be_v a_o reason_n just_o the_o contrary_a way_n for_o if_o all_o thing_n be_v create_v by_o he_o than_o he_o himself_o be_v not_o a_o creature_n so_o that_o the_o apostle_n meaning_n in_o this_o expression_n must_v either_o be_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n our_o b._n saviour_n be_v before_o all_o creature_n as_o it_o be_v say_v present_o after_o that_o he_o be_v before_o all_o thing_n and_o then_o the_o reason_n which_o be_v add_v will_v be_v very_o proper_a and_o pertinent_a he_o be_v before_o all_o thing_n because_o all_o thing_n be_v create_v by_o he_o in_o which_o sense_n it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n elsewhere_o call_v himself_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n 14._o mean_v by_o it_o as_o the_o philosopher_n most_o frequent_o use_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o principle_n or_o efficient_a cause_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o so_o we_o find_v the_o same_o word_n which_o our_o translation_n render_v the_o beginning_n use_v together_o with_o the_o word_n first-born_a as_o if_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o importance_n the_o beginning_n and_o first-born_a from_o the_o dead_a 18._o that_o be_v the_o principle_n and_o efficient_a cause_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a or_o else_o which_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v the_o most_o probable_a and_o indeed_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o expression_n by_o this_o title_n of_o the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n the_o apostle_n mean_v that_o he_o be_v lord_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o creation_n for_o the_o first-born_a be_v natural_a heir_n and_o justinian_n tell_v we_o that_o heir_n do_v ancient_o signify_v lord_n and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n use_v these_o term_n promiscuous_o and_o as_o if_o they_o be_v equivalent_a 36._o for_o whereas_o st._n peter_n faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o he_o be_v lord_n of_o all_o st._n paul_n call_v he_o heir_n of_o all_o thing_n 14._o and_o then_o the_o reason_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n why_o he_o call_v he_o the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n will_v be_v very_o fit_a and_o proper_a because_o all_o thing_n be_v create_v by_o he_o for_o well_o may_v he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v lord_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o creation_n who_o make_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v and_o without_o who_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n make_v that_o be_v make_v and_o this_o will_v yet_o appear_v much_o more_o evident_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n who_o by_o several_a of_o the_o ancient_n be_v think_v to_o be_v st._n paul_n where_o he_o give_v to_o christ_n some_o of_o the_o very_a same_o title_n which_o st._n paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o colossian_n have_v do_v call_v he_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n do_v instead_o of_o the_o title_n of_o the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n call_v he_o the_o heir_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o then_o add_v as_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o title_n that_o by_o he_o god_n make_v the_o world_n god_n say_v he_o have_v in_o these_o last_o day_n speak_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o son_n who_o he_o have_v constitute_v heir_n of_o all_o thing_n who_o be_v the_o brightness_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n and_o uphold_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o power_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v exact_o parallel_v with_o that_o passage_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o colossian_n where_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o image_n of_o the_o invisible_a god_n and_o where_o it_o be_v likewise_o say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o make_v all_o thing_n and_o that_o by_o he_o all_o thing_n do_v subsist_v which_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n in_o different_a word_n but_o to_o the_o very_a same_o sense_n express_v by_o his_o uphold_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o power_n that_o be_v by_o the_o same_o powerful_a word_n by_o which_o all_o thing_n at_o first_o be_v make_v but_o then_o instead_o of_o call_v he_o the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n because_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o he_o call_v he_o the_o heir_n of_o all_o thing_n by_o who_o god_n also_o make_v the_o world_n and_o indeed_o that_o expression_n of_o the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n can_v admit_v of_o any_o other_o sense_n which_o will_v agree_v so_o well_o with_o the_o reason_n that_o follow_v as_o the_o sense_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v namely_o that_o he_o be_v therefore_o heir_n and_o lord_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n because_o all_o creature_n be_v make_v by_o he_o which_o exact_o answer_v those_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n who_o he_o have_v constitute_v heir_n of_o all_o thing_n by_o who_o also_o he_o make_v the_o world_n and_o now_o i_o apppeal_v to_o any_o sober_a and_o considerate_a man_n whether_o the_o interpretation_n which_o i_o have_v give_v of_o that_o expression_n of_o the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n be_v not_o much_o more_o agreeable_a both_o to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o the_o plain_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n argument_n and_o reason_n in_o that_o text._n i_o have_v insist_v the_o long_a upon_o this_o because_o it_o be_v the_o great_a text_n upon_o which_o the_o arian_n lay_v the_o main_a strength_n and_o stress_n of_o their_o opinion_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v a_o creature_n because_o he_o be_v say_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n by_o which_o expression_n if_o no_o more_o be_v mean_v than_o that_o he_o be_v heir_n and_o lord_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n which_o i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v very_o agreeable_a both_o to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n first_o bear_v among_o the_o hebrew_n and_o likewise_o to_o the_o description_n give_v of_o christ_n in_o that_o parallel_n text_n which_o i_o cite_v out_o of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n than_o this_o expression_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v of_o every_o creature_n be_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o the_o purpose_n either_o of_o the_o arian_n or_o the_o socinian_o to_o prove_v the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o be_v a_o creature_n beside_o that_o the_o interpretation_n which_o i_o have_v give_v of_o it_o make_v the_o apostle_n sense_n much_o more_o current_a and_o easy_a for_o then_o the_o text_n will_v run_v thus_o who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o the_o invisible_a god_n heir_n and_o lord_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n for_o by_o he_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v so_o that_o in_o these_o four_o expression_n of_o the_o evangelist_n which_o i_o have_v explain_v there_o be_v these_o four_o thing_n distinct_o affirm_v of_o the_o word_n first_o that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n that_o be_v that_o he_o already_o be_v and_o do_v exist_v when_o thing_n begin_v to_o be_v create_v he_o be_v before_o any_o thing_n be_v
irenaeus_n tertullian_n and_o even_o origen_n himself_o who_o be_v call_v the_o father_n of_o interpreter_n be_v most_o express_a and_o positive_a in_o this_o matter_n for_o ignatius_n be_v the_o scholar_n of_o polycarp_n who_o be_v a_o disciple_n of_o st._n john_n and_o justin_n martyr_v live_v in_o the_o next_o age_n to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o origen_n be_v a_o man_n of_o infinite_a learning_n and_o read_v and_o in_o his_o comment_n upon_o scripture_n seem_v to_o have_v consider_v all_o the_o interpretation_n of_o those_o that_o be_v before_o he_o so_o that_o if_o this_o which_o socinus_n be_v so_o confident_a be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o st._n john_n have_v be_v any_o where_o extant_a he_o will_v not_o probable_o have_v omit_v it_o nay_o rather_o will_v certain_o have_v mention_v it_o if_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n yet_o for_o the_o surprise_a novelty_n and_o strangeness_n of_o it_o with_o which_o he_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v overmuch_o delight_v so_o that_o if_o this_o interpretation_n of_o socinus_n be_v true_a here_o be_v two_o thing_n very_o wonderful_a and_o almost_o incredible_a first_o that_o those_o who_o live_v so_o very_o near_o st._n john_n time_n and_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o know_v his_o meaning_n as_o ignatius_n justin_n martyr_n etc._n etc._n shall_v so_o wide_o mistake_v it_o and_o then_o that_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n shall_v for_o so_o many_o age_n together_o be_v deceive_v in_o the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o so_o important_a a_o article_n of_o faith_n if_o it_o be_v true_a or_o if_o it_o be_v not_o shall_v be_v lead_v into_o so_o gross_a and_o dangerous_a a_o error_n as_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v if_o christ_n have_v no_o real_a existence_n before_o he_o be_v bear_v into_o the_o world_n and_o which_o will_v be_v necessary_o consequent_a upon_o this_o that_o no_o man_n do_v understand_v this_o passage_n of_o st._n john_n aright_o before_o socinus_n this_o very_a consideration_n alone_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o be_v sufficient_a to_o stagger_v any_o prudent_a man_n belief_n of_o this_o interpretation_n and_o as_o to_o the_o novelty_n of_o it_o socinus_n himself_o make_v no_o difficulty_n to_o own_v it_o nay_o he_o seem_v rather_o to_o rejoice_v and_o to_o applaud_v himself_o in_o it_o unhappy_a man_n that_o be_v so_o wed_v to_o his_o own_o opinion_n that_o no_o objection_n no_o difficulty_n can_v divorce_v he_o from_o it_o and_o for_o this_o i_o refer_v myself_o to_o his_o preface_n to_o his_o explication_n of_o this_o first_o chapter_n of_o st._n john_n gospel_n where_o you_o shall_v find_v these_o word_n concern_v the_o passage_n now_o in_o controversy_n quorum_fw-la verus_fw-la sensus_fw-la omnium_fw-la prorsus_fw-la qui_fw-la quidem_fw-la extarent_fw-la explanatores_fw-la latuisse_fw-la videtur_fw-la the_o true_a sense_n of_o which_o word_n say_v he_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v hide_v from_o all_o the_o expositor_n that_o ever_o be_v extant_a and_o upon_o those_o word_n v_o 10._o he_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o he_o he_o have_v this_o expression_n quid_fw-la autem_fw-la hoc_fw-la loco_fw-la sibi_fw-la velit_fw-la johannes_n à _fw-la nemine_fw-la quod_fw-la sciam_fw-la adhuc_fw-la rectè_fw-la expositum_fw-la fuit_fw-la but_o what_o st._n john_n mean_v in_o this_o place_n be_v never_o yet_o that_o i_o know_v of_o by_o any_o man_n right_o explain_v and_o schlictingius_n after_o he_o with_o more_o confidence_n but_o much_o less_o decency_n tell_v we_o that_o concern_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o expression_n in_o the_o beginning_n and_o of_o those_o which_o follow_v concern_v the_o word_n the_o ancient_a interpreter_n do_v ab_fw-la apostoli_fw-la ment_fw-la delirare_fw-la go_v so_o far_o from_o the_o apostle_n meaning_n as_o if_o they_o have_v rave_v and_o be_v out_o of_o their_o wit_n which_o be_v so_o extravagant_o say_v and_o with_o so_o much_o contempt_n of_o those_o great_a and_o venerable_a name_n who_o be_v the_o chief_a propagater_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o who_o all_o age_n do_v so_o just_o pay_v a_o reverence_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v say_v in_o excuse_n of_o he_o but_o only_o that_o it_o be_v not_o usual_a with_o he_o to_o fall_v into_o such_o rash_a and_o rude_a expression_n but_o the_o man_n be_v real_o pinch_v by_o so_o plain_a and_o press_v a_o text_n and_o where_o reason_n be_v weak_a and_o blunt_a passion_n must_v be_v whet_v the_o only_a weapon_n that_o be_v leave_v when_o reason_n fail_v and_o i_o always_o take_v it_o for_o grane_v that_o no_o man_n be_v ever_o angry_a with_o his_o adversary_n but_o for_o want_n of_o a_o better_a argument_n to_o support_v his_o cause_n and_o yet_o to_o do_v right_a to_o the_o writer_n on_o that_o side_n i_o must_v own_o that_o general_o they_o be_v a_o pattern_n of_o the_o fair_a way_n of_o dispute_v and_o of_o debate_v matter_n of_o religion_n without_o heat_n and_o unseemly_a reflection_n upon_o their_o adversary_n in_o the_o number_n of_o who_o i_o do_v not_o expect_v that_o the_o primitive_a father_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n will_v have_v be_v reckon_v by_o they_o they_o general_o argue_v matter_n with_o that_o temper_n and_o gravity_n and_o with_o that_o freedom_n from_o passion_n and_o transport_v which_o become_v a_o serious_a and_o weighty_a argument_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o reason_n close_o and_o clear_o with_o extraordinary_a guard_n and_o caution_n with_o great_a dexterity_n and_o decency_n and_o yet_o with_o smartness_n and_o subtlety_n enough_o with_o a_o very_a gentle_a heat_n and_o few_o hard_a word_n virtue_n to_o be_v praise_v wherever_o they_o be_v find_v yea_o even_o in_o a_o enemy_n and_o very_o worthy_a our_o imitation_n in_o a_o word_n they_o be_v the_o strong_a manager_n of_o a_o weak_a cause_n and_o which_o be_v ill_o found_v at_o the_o bottom_n that_o perhaps_o ever_o yet_o meddle_v with_o controversy_n insomuch_o that_o some_o of_o the_o protestant_n and_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o popish_a writer_n and_o even_o of_o the_o jesuit_n themselves_o who_o pretend_v to_o all_o the_o reason_n and_o subtlety_n in_o the_o world_n be_v in_o comparison_n of_o they_o but_o mere_a scold_n and_o bungler_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n they_o have_v but_o this_o one_o great_a defect_n that_o they_o want_v a_o good_a cause_n and_o truth_n on_o their_o side_n which_o if_o they_o have_v they_o have_v reason_n and_o wit_n and_o temper_n enough_o to_o defend_v it_o but_o to_o return_v to_o the_o business_n that_o which_o i_o urge_v they_o withal_o and_o that_o from_o their_o own_o confession_n be_v this_o that_o this_o interpretation_n of_o they_o be_v perfect_o new_a and_o unknown_a to_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n before_o socinus_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n in_o my_o opinion_n not_o to_o be_v brag_v of_o because_o it_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o say_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o a_o point_n pretend_v on_o both_o side_n to_o be_v of_o the_o great_a moment_n be_v never_o right_o understand_v by_o any_o since_o the_o apostle_n day_n for_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n together_o and_o which_o make_v the_o matter_n yet_o worse_o that_o the_o religion_n which_o be_v particular_o design_v to_o overthrow_v polytheism_n and_o the_o belief_n of_o more_o god_n have_v according_a to_o they_o be_v so_o ill_o teach_v and_o understand_v by_o christian_n for_o so_o many_o age_n together_o and_o almost_o from_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o chistianity_n as_o do_v necessary_o infer_v a_o plurality_n of_o god_n a_o inconvenience_n so_o great_a as_o no_o cause_n how_o plausible_a soever_o it_o may_v otherwise_o appear_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v under_o and_o to_o sustain_v the_o weight_n of_o it_o for_o this_o the_o socinian_o object_n to_o we_o at_o every_o turn_n as_o the_o unavoidable_a consequence_n of_o our_o interpretation_n of_o this_o passage_n of_o st._n john_n and_o of_o all_o other_o text_n of_o scripture_n produce_v by_o we_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n notwithstanding_o that_o this_o interpretation_n have_v obtain_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o so_o many_o age_n now_o whosoever_o can_v believe_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v do_v the_o work_n for_o which_o it_o be_v principal_o design_v so_o ineffectual_o must_v have_v very_o little_a reverence_n for_o it_o nay_o it_o must_v be_v a_o marvellous_a civility_n in_o he_o if_o he_o believe_v it_o at_o all_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v in_o this_o case_n be_v that_o it_o please_v god_n many_o time_n to_o permit_v man_n to_o hold_v very_o inconsistent_a thing_n and_o which_o do_v in_o truth_n though_o they_o themselves_o discern_v it_o not_o most_o effectual_o overthrow_v one_o another_o second_o another_o mighty_a prejudice_n against_o this_o interpretation_n be_v this_o that_o according_a to_o this_o rate_n of_o liberty_n in_o interpret_n scripture_n it_o will_v signify_v very_o little_a or_o
nothing_o when_o any_o person_n or_o party_n be_v concern_v to_o oppose_v any_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o and_o the_o plain_a text_n for_o any_o article_n of_o faith_n how_o fundamental_a and_o necessary_a soever_o may_v by_o the_o same_o art_n and_o way_n of_o interpretation_n be_v elude_v and_o render_v utter_o ineffectual_a for_o the_o establish_n of_o it_o for_o example_n if_o any_o man_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o call_v in_o question_n that_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n concern_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n why_o may_v he_o not_o according_a to_o socinus_n his_o way_n of_o interpret_n st._n john_n understand_v the_o first_o chapter_n of_o genesis_n concern_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a dispensation_n and_o interpret_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n to_o be_v the_o institution_n of_o the_o jewish_a polity_n and_o religion_n as_o by_o the_o new_a heaven_n and_o the_o new_a earth_n they_o pretend_v be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o new_a state_n of_o thing_n under_o the_o gospel_n and_o why_o may_v not_o the_o chaos_n signify_v that_o state_n of_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n in_o which_o the_o world_n be_v before_o the_o give_n of_o the_o law_n by_o moses_n and_o so_o on_o worcester_n as_o a_o very_a learned_a divine_a of_o our_o own_o have_v ingenious_o show_v more_o at_o large_a there_o be_v no_o end_n of_o wit_n and_o fancy_n which_o can_v turn_v any_o thing_n any_o way_n and_o can_v make_v whatever_o they_o please_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o any_o book_n though_o never_o so_o contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a design_n of_o it_o and_o to_o that_o sense_n which_o at_o the_o first_o hear_v and_o read_v of_o it_o be_v obvious_a to_o every_o man_n of_o common_a sense_n and_o this_o in_o my_o opinion_n socinus_n have_v do_v in_o the_o case_n now_o before_o we_o by_o impose_v a_o new_a and_o odd_a and_o violent_a sense_n upon_o this_o passage_n of_o st._n john_n direct_o contrary_a to_o what_o any_o man_n will_v imagine_v to_o be_v the_o plain_a and_o obvious_a meaning_n of_o it_o and_o contrary_a likewise_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o all_o age_n down_o to_o his_o time_n who_o yet_o have_v as_o great_a or_o great_a advantage_n of_o understanding_n st._n john_n aright_o and_o as_o much_o integrity_n as_o any_o man_n can_v now_o modest_o pretend_v to_o and_o all_o this_o only_a to_o serve_v and_o support_v a_o opinion_n which_o he_o have_v entertain_v before_o and_o therefore_o be_v resolve_v one_o way_n or_o other_o to_o bring_v the_o scripture_n to_o comply_v with_o it_o and_o if_o he_o can_v not_o have_v do_v it_o it_o be_v great_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o he_o will_v at_o last_o have_v call_v in_o question_n the_o divine_a authority_n of_o st._n john_n gospel_n rather_o than_o have_v quit_v his_o opinion_n and_o to_o speak_v free_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v that_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o a_o much_o fair_a way_n to_o reject_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o a_o book_n than_o to_o use_v it_o so_o disingenuous_o and_o to_o wrest_v the_o plain_a expression_n of_o it_o with_o so_o much_o strain_v and_o violence_n from_o their_o most_o natural_a and_o obvious_a sense_n for_o no_o doctrine_n whatsever_v can_v have_v any_o certain_a foundation_n in_o any_o book_n if_o this_o liberty_n be_v once_o admit_v without_o regard_n to_o the_o plain_a scope_n and_o occasion_n of_o it_o to_o play_v upon_o the_o word_n and_o phrase_n with_o all_o the_o art_n of_o criticism_n and_o with_o all_o the_o variety_n of_o allegory_n which_o a_o brisk_a and_o lively_a imagination_n can_v devise_v which_o i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o admire_v in_o the_o expound_v of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o i_o be_o always_o jealous_a of_o a_o over-laboured_a and_o far-fetched_a interpretation_n of_o any_o author_n whatsoever_o i_o do_v ready_o grant_v that_o the_o socinian_n writer_n have_v manage_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n against_o the_o innovation_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n with_o great_a acuteness_n and_o advantage_n in_o many_o respect_n but_o i_o be_o sorry_a to_o have_v cause_n to_o say_v that_o they_o have_v likewise_o put_v into_o their_o hand_n better_a and_o sharp_a weapon_n than_o ever_o they_o have_v before_o for_o the_o weaken_n and_o undermine_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o h._n scripture_n which_o socinus_n indeed_o have_v in_o the_o general_a strong_o assert_v have_v he_o not_o by_o a_o dangerous_a liberty_n of_o impose_v a_o foreign_a and_o foree_v sense_n upon_o particular_a text_n bring_v the_o whole_a into_o uncertainty_n three_o which_o be_v as_o considerable_a a_o prejudice_n against_o this_o new_a interpretation_n of_o this_o passage_n of_o st._n john_n as_o either_o of_o the_o former_a i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o this_o point_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o the_o word_n before_o his_o incarnation_n do_v not_o rely_v only_o upon_o this_o single_a passage_n of_o st._n john_n but_o be_v likewise_o confirm_v by_o many_o other_o text_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n conspire_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o utter_o incapable_a of_o the_o interpretation_n which_o socinus_n give_v of_o it_o i_o find_v he_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o have_v it_o take_v for_o grant_v that_o this_o be_v the_o only_a text_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o this_o purpose_n and_o therefore_o he_o say_v very_o cunning_o that_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n before_o his_o incarnation_n be_v too_o great_a a_o doctrine_n to_o be_v establish_v upon_o one_o single_a text_n and_o this_o be_v be_v something_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o text_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o do_v plain_o deliver_v the_o same_o sense_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o bring_v in_o question_n the_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o this_o passage_n of_o st._n john_n that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n will_v i_o hope_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o very_a weighty_a and_o fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n and_o yet_o i_o be_o very_o much_o mistake_v if_o there_o be_v any_o more_o than_o one_o text_n in_o the_o whole_a bible_n that_o say_v so_o and_o that_o text_n be_v only_o in_o st._n john_n gospel_n i_o know_v it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o from_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a reason_n it_o may_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n but_o sure_o socinus_n of_o all_o man_n can_v say_v this_o with_o a_o good_a grace_n because_o he_o deny_v that_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n can_v be_v know_v by_o natural_a light_n without_o divine_a revelation_n and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v know_v by_o natural_a light_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n much_o less_o can_v it_o be_v know_v by_o natural_a light_n what_o god_n be_v whether_o a_o spirit_n or_o a_o body_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o it_o be_v very_o far_o from_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o text_n to_o this_o purpose_n which_o yet_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o insinuate_v by_o way_n of_o excuse_n for_o the_o novelty_n and_o boldness_n of_o his_o interpretation_n of_o which_o any_o one_o that_o read_v he_o may_v see_v that_o he_o be_v sufficient_o conscious_a to_o himself_o and_o therefore_o be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o endeavour_v by_o this_o sly_a insinuation_n to_o provide_v and_o lay_v in_o against_o it_o i_o have_v likewise_o another_o reason_n which_o very_o much_o incline_v i_o to_o believe_v that_o socinus_n be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o this_o interpretation_n because_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o next_o to_o impossible_a that_o a_o man_n of_o so_o good_a a_o understanding_n as_o he_o be_v can_v ever_o have_v be_v so_o fond_a of_o so_o ill-favoured_a a_o child_n if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v his_o own_o and_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o at_o all_o wonder_n that_o his_o follower_n come_v in_o to_o it_o so_o ready_o since_o they_o have_v he_o in_o so_o great_a a_o veneration_n it_o be_v natural_a to_o all_o sect_n to_o admire_v their_o master_n beside_o that_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o they_o be_v very_o glad_a to_o have_v so_o great_a a_o authority_n as_o they_o think_v he_o to_o be_v to_o vouch_v for_o a_o interpretation_n which_o be_v so_o seasonable_o devise_v for_o the_o relief_n of_o their_o cause_n in_o so_o much_o danger_n to_o be_v overthrow_v by_o a_o text_n that_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o full_a against_o they_o and_o how_o little_a ground_n there_o be_v for_o this_o insinuation_n that_o this_o be_v the_o only_a text_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o this_o purpose_n i_o shall_v now_o show_v from_o a_o multitude_n of_o other_o text_n to_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o purpose_n with_o this_o passage_n of_o st._n john_n and_o i_o shall_v rank_v they_o under_o
arbitrary_a and_o precarious_a a_o supposition_n that_o i_o must_v confess_v myself_o not_o a_o little_a out_o of_o countenance_n for_o they_o that_o man_n of_o so_o much_o wit_n and_o reason_n shall_v ever_o be_v put_v to_o so_o sorry_a and_o pitiful_a a_o shift_n for_o can_v any_o man_n imagine_v that_o in_o so_o exact_a a_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n write_v by_o several_a person_n the_o relation_n of_o so_o important_a a_o matter_n as_o this_o and_o of_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v whole_o omit_v that_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o his_o be_v carry_v into_o egypt_n in_o his_o infancy_n and_o of_o the_o time_n when_o he_o be_v bring_v back_o from_o thence_o of_o his_o dispute_v in_o the_o temple_n with_o the_o jewish_a doctor_n and_o put_v they_o to_o silence_n when_o he_o be_v but_o twelve_o year_n of_o age_n a_o punctual_a relation_n of_o his_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n and_o how_o after_o that_o he_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n into_o the_o wilderness_n to_o be_v tempt_v of_o the_o devil_n and_o be_v carry_v by_o that_o evil_a spirit_n from_o one_o place_n to_o another_o but_o not_o one_o word_n of_o his_o be_v take_v up_o by_o god_n into_o heaven_n and_o of_o his_o come_n down_o again_o from_o thence_o not_o the_o least_o intimation_n give_v either_o of_o the_o time_n or_o any_o other_o circumstance_n of_o so_o memorable_a a_o thing_n upon_o which_o according_a to_o the_o socinian_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o mission_n and_o the_o divinity_n of_o his_o doctrine_n do_v so_o much_o depend_v when_o so_o many_o thing_n of_o so_o much_o less_o moment_n be_v so_o minutely_o and_o exact_o report_v what_o can_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o deep_a silence_n in_o all_o the_o evangelist_n concern_v this_o matter_n but_o above_o all_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wonder_v that_o st._n john_n who_o write_v his_o gospel_n last_o and_o as_o eusebius_n tell_v we_o on_o purpose_n to_o supply_v the_o omission_n of_o the_o other_o evangelist_n shall_v give_v no_o account_n of_o this_o thing_n and_o yet_o as_o the_o socinian_o suppose_v shall_v so_o often_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v and_o refer_v to_o it_o as_o when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o come_v forth_o from_o god_n and_o be_v send_v from_o god_n and_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n beside_o several_a other_o expression_n to_o this_o purpose_n who_o can_v believe_v this_o and_o can_v it_o then_o be_v reasonable_a to_o suppose_v such_o a_o thing_n and_o this_o without_o any_o ground_n from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n only_o to_o serve_v a_o hypothesis_n which_o they_o have_v take_v up_o and_o which_o they_o can_v maintain_v unless_o they_o may_v have_v leave_n to_o make_v a_o supposition_n for_o which_o they_o have_v nothing_o in_o truth_n to_o say_v but_o only_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o defend_v a_o opinion_n which_o they_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o part_v with_o upon_o any_o term_n this_o be_v so_o inartificial_a not_o to_o say_v absurd_a a_o way_n of_o avoid_v a_o difficulty_n to_o take_v for_o grant_v whatever_o be_v necessary_a to_o that_o purpose_n that_o no_o man_n of_o common_a ingenuity_n will_v make_v use_n of_o it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o sure_a sign_n that_o a_o cause_n be_v great_o distress_v than_o to_o be_v drive_v to_o such_o a_o shift_n for_o do_v but_o give_v a_o man_n leave_v to_o suppose_v what_o he_o please_v and_o he_o may_v prove_v what_o he_o will_v and_o avoid_v any_o difficulty_n whatever_o that_o can_v be_v object_v to_o he_o beside_o that_o according_a to_o this_o device_n the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v not_o first_o come_v from_o heaven_n into_o the_o world_n as_o the_o scripture_n seem_v every_o where_o to_o say_v but_o first_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o then_o go_v to_o heaven_n and_o from_o thence_o come_v back_o into_o the_o world_n again_o and_o he_o be_v not_o in_o the_o begin_n with_o god_n but_o be_v first_o in_o the_o world_n and_o afterward_o with_o god_n whereas_o st._n john_n say_v that_o the_o word_n be_v in_o the_o beginning_n and_o then_o be_v make_v flesh_n and_o dwell_v among_o we_o but_o they_o say_v that_o he_o first_o be_v make_v flesh_n and_o then_o a_o great_a while_n after_o be_v in_o the_o begin_n with_o god_n a_o supposition_n which_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o all_o the_o text_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v nor_o do_v the_o several_a part_n of_o this_o interpretation_n of_o they_o agree_v very_o well_o together_o in_o the_o beginning_n that_o be_v say_v they_o when_o the_o gospel_n first_o begin_v to_o be_v publish_v be_v the_o word_n and_o then_o that_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n he_o be_v with_o god_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n to_o receive_v from_o god_n that_o doctrine_n which_o he_o be_v to_o deliver_v to_o the_o world_n but_o if_o by_o the_o beginning_n be_v mean_v the_o first_o publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o be_v not_o then_o with_o god_n but_o have_v be_v with_o he_o and_o be_v come_v back_o from_o he_o before_o he_o enter_v upon_o his_o public_a ministry_n which_o they_o make_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o beginning_n and_o in_o the_o beginning_n he_o be_v god_n that_o be_v say_v they_o not_o god_n by_o nature_n but_o by_o office_n and_o divine_a constitution_n and_o yet_o in_o this_o again_o they_o fall_v foul_a upon_o themselves_o for_o they_o say_v he_o be_v not_o declare_v to_o be_v god_n till_o after_o his_o resurrection_n and_o his_o be_v advance_v to_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n so_o that_o he_o be_v not_o god_n in_o their_o sense_n of_o the_o beginning_n that_o be_v when_o he_o enter_v upon_o his_o public_a ministry_n and_o begin_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n second_o as_o to_o some_o other_o text_n which_o speak_v of_o his_o existence_n before_o his_o incarnation_n as_o that_o he_o be_v glorify_v with_o his_o father_n before_o the_o world_n be_v and_o before_o abraham_n be_v i_o be_o these_o they_o interpret_v thus_o that_o he_o be_v glorify_v with_o his_o father_n before_o the_o world_n be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v before_o abraham_n be_v viz._n in_o the_o divine_a foreknowledge_n and_o decree_n but_o then_o sure_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o this_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o may_v have_v be_v say_v of_o any_o other_o man_n and_o even_o of_o abraham_n himself_o that_o before_o he_o be_v that_o be_v before_o he_o have_v a_o real_a and_o actual_a existence_n he_o be_v in_o the_o purpose_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n that_o be_v before_o he_o be_v god_n do_v intend_v he_o shall_v be_v which_o be_v a_o sense_n so_o very_o flat_a that_o i_o can_v hardly_o abstain_v from_o say_v it_o be_v ridiculous_a for_o certain_o our_o saviour_n do_v intend_v by_o say_v this_o of_o himself_o to_o give_v himself_o some_o preference_n and_o advantage_n above_o abraham_n which_o this_o sense_n and_o interpretation_n do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o do_v because_o of_o any_o other_o man_n as_o well_o as_o of_o our_o b._n saviour_n it_o may_v as_o true_o be_v say_v that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o foreknowledge_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n before_o abraham_n be_v bear_v and_o i_o can_v but_o observe_v further_o that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o say_v before_o abraham_n be_v i_o be_v but_o before_o abraham_n be_v i_o be_o which_o be_v the_o proper_a name_n of_o god_n whereby_o be_v signify_v the_o eternal_a duration_n and_o permanency_n of_o his_o be_v in_o which_o sense_n he_o be_v say_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n to_o be_v the_o same_o yesterday_o 8._o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o and_o so_o likewise_o he_o describe_v himself_o in_o st._n john_n vision_n 8._o i_o be_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o beginning_n and_o the_o end_n say_v the_o lord_n which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v the_o almighty_a and_o that_o this_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o son_n you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o same_o chapter_n where_o he_o say_v of_o himself_o 17._o i_o be_o the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o and_o so_o likewise_o he_o describe_v himself_o again_o 13._o i_o be_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o beginning_n and_o the_o end_n the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o doubt_v who_o it_o be_v that_o thus_o describe_v his_o own_o eternity_n he_o continue_v still_o to_o speak_v in_o the_o same_o person_n say_v 16._o i_o jesus_n have_v send_v my_o angel_n etc._n etc._n after_o this_o i_o shall_v only_o observe_v that_o all_o these_o expression_n be_v the_o common_a description_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v of_o the_o eternity_n of_o god_n who_o be_v be_v commensurate_a to_o all_o the_o several_a respect_n of_o
now_o to_o grapple_v withal_o and_o this_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v in_o some_o measure_n do_v in_o one_o of_o the_o former_a discourse_n ii_o nor_o indeed_o do_v i_o see_v that_o it_o be_v any_o way_n necessary_a to_o do_v more_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o god_n have_v declare_v what_o he_o think_v fit_a in_o this_o matter_n and_o that_o we_o do_v firm_o believe_v what_o he_o say_v concern_v it_o to_o be_v true_a though_o we_o do_v not_o perfect_o comprehend_v the_o meaning_n of_o all_o that_o he_o have_v say_v about_o it_o for_o in_o this_o and_o the_o like_a case_n i_o take_v a_o implicit_a faith_n to_o be_v very_o commendable_a that_o be_v to_o believe_v whatever_o we_o be_v sufficient_o assure_v god_n have_v reveal_v though_o we_o do_v not_o full_o understand_v his_o meaning_n in_o such_o a_o revelation_n and_o thus_o every_o man_n who_o believe_v the_o h._n scripture_n to_o be_v a_o true_o divine_a revelation_n do_v implicit_o believe_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o prophetical_a book_n of_o scripture_n and_o several_a obscure_a expression_n in_o those_o book_n though_o he_o do_v not_o particular_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o all_o the_o prediction_n and_o expression_n contain_v in_o they_o in_o like_a manner_n there_o be_v certain_o a_o great_a many_o very_a good_a christian_n who_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o comprehend_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n nice_o enough_o to_o approve_v themselves_o to_o a_o scholastical_a and_o magisterial_a judge_n of_o controversy_n who_o yet_o if_o they_o do_v hearty_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v clear_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n and_o live_v up_o to_o the_o plain_a precept_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n will_v i_o doubt_v not_o be_v very_o well_o approve_v by_o the_o great_a and_o just_a and_o by_o the_o infallible_o infallible_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n iii_o let_v it_o be_v further_o consider_v that_o though_o neither_o the_o word_n trinity_n nor_o perhaps_o person_n in_o the_o sense_n in_o which_o it_o be_v use_v by_o divine_n when_o they_o treat_v of_o this_o mystery_n be_v any_o where_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o scripture_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o three_o be_v there_o speak_v of_o by_o the_o name_n of_o father_n son_n and_o h._n ghost_n in_o who_o name_n every_o christian_n be_v baptize_v and_o to_o each_o of_o who_o the_o high_a title_n and_o property_n of_o god_n be_v in_o scripture_n attribute_v and_o these_o three_o be_v speak_v of_o with_o as_o much_o distinction_n from_o one_o another_o as_o we_o use_v to_o speak_v of_o three_o several_a person_n so_o that_o though_o the_o word_n trinity_n be_v not_o find_v in_o scripture_n yet_o these_o three_o be_v there_o express_o and_o frequent_o mention_v and_o a_o trinity_n be_v nothing_o but_o three_o of_o any_o thing_n and_o so_o likewise_o though_o the_o word_n person_n be_v not_o there_o express_o apply_v to_o father_n son_n and_o h._n ghost_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v very_o hard_a to_o find_v a_o more_o convenient_a word_n whereby_o to_o express_v the_o distinction_n of_o these_o three_o for_o which_o reason_n i_o can_v never_o yet_o see_v any_o just_a cause_n to_o quarrel_v at_o this_o term_n for_o since_o the_o h._n spirit_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n have_v think_v fit_a in_o speak_v of_o these_o three_o to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o one_o another_o as_o we_o use_v in_o common_a speech_n to_o distinguish_v three_o several_a person_n i_o can_v see_v any_o reason_n why_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o mystery_n which_o pure_o depend_v upon_o divine_a revelation_n we_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o it_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o scripture_n do_v and_o though_o the_o word_n person_n be_v now_o become_v a_o â—erm_n of_o art_n i_o see_v no_o cause_n why_o we_o shall_v decline_v it_o so_o long_o as_o we_o mean_v by_o it_o neither_o more_o nor_o less_o than_o what_o the_o scripture_n say_v in_o other_o word_n iv._o it_o deserve_v further_a to_o be_v consider_v that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o very_a ancient_a tradition_n concern_v three_o real_a difference_n or_o distinction_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o these_o as_o i_o say_v before_o very_o near_o resemble_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n whence_o this_o tradition_n have_v its_o original_n be_v not_o easy_a upon_o good_a and_o certain_a ground_n to_o say_v but_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o the_o jew_n ancient_o have_v this_o notion_n and_o that_o they_o do_v distinguish_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o h._n spirit_n of_o god_n from_o he_o who_o be_v absolute_o call_v god_n and_o who_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o all_o thing_n as_o be_v plain_a from_o philo_n judaeus_n and_o moses_n nachmanides_n 5._o and_o other_o cite_v by_o the_o learned_a grotius_n in_o his_o incomparable_a book_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o among_o the_o heathen_a plato_n who_o probable_o enough_o may_v have_v this_o notion_n from_o the_o jew_n do_v make_v three_o distinction_n in_o the_o deity_n by_o the_o name_n of_o essential_a goodness_n and_o mind_n and_o spirit_n so_o that_o whatever_o objection_n this_o matter_n may_v be_v liable_a to_o it_o be_v not_o so_o peculiar_a a_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o many_o have_v imagine_v though_o it_o be_v reveal_v by_o it_o with_o much_o more_o clearness_n and_o certainty_n and_o consequent_o neither_o the_o jew_n nor_o plato_n have_v any_o reason_n to_o object_n be_v to_o we_o christian_n especial_o since_o they_o pretend_v no_o other_o ground_n for_o it_o but_o either_o their_o own_o reason_n or_o a_o ancient_a tradition_n from_o their_o father_n whereas_o we_o christian_n do_v appeal_v to_o express_v divine_a revelation_n for_o what_o we_o believe_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o do_v believe_v it_o single_o upon_o that_o account_n v._o it_o be_v beside_o very_o considerable_a that_o the_o scripture_n do_v deliver_v this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n without_o any_o manner_n of_o doubt_n or_o question_n concern_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o do_v most_o steadfast_o and_o constant_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o in_o those_o very_a text_n in_o which_o these_o three_o difference_n be_v mention_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v express_o assert_v as_o where_o st._n john_n make_v mention_n of_o the_o father_n the_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n the_o unity_n of_o these_o three_o be_v likewise_o affirm_v there_o be_v three_o that_o bear_v record_n in_o heaven_n the_o father_n the_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n and_o these_o three_o be_v one._n vi_o it_o be_v yet_o further_o considerable_a that_o from_o this_o mystery_n as_o deliver_v in_o scripture_n a_o plurality_n of_o god_n can_v be_v infer_v without_o make_v the_o scripture_n gross_o to_o contradict_v itself_o which_o i_o charitable_o suppose_v the_o socinian_o will_v be_v as_o loath_a to_o admit_v as_o we_o ourselves_o be_v and_o if_o either_o council_n or_o father_n or_o schoolman_n have_v so_o explain_v this_o mystery_n as_o to_o give_v any_o just_a ground_n or_o so_o much_o as_o a_o plausible_a colour_n for_o such_o a_o inference_n let_v the_o blame_v fall_v where_o it_o be_v due_a and_o let_v it_o not_o be_v charge_v on_o the_o h._n scripture_n but_o rather_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o another_o case_n let_v god_n be_v true_a and_o every_o man_n a_o liar_n viithly_fw-mi and_o last_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n to_o believe_v some_o thing_n which_o be_v incomprehensible_a by_o our_o reason_n provide_v that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a ground_n and_o reason_n for_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o especial_o if_o they_o be_v concern_v god_n who_o be_v in_o his_o nature_n incomprehensible_a and_o we_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o he_o have_v reveal_v they_o and_o therefore_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o offend_v we_o that_o these_o difference_n in_o the_o deity_n be_v incomprehensible_a by_o our_o finite_a understanding_n because_o the_o divine_a nature_n itself_o be_v so_o and_o yet_o the_o belief_n of_o that_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o thing_n in_o nature_n which_o we_o can_v comprehend_v how_o they_o either_o be_v or_o can_v be_v as_o the_o continuity_n of_o matter_n that_o be_v how_o the_o part_n of_o it_o do_v hang_v so_o fast_o together_o that_o they_o be_v many_o time_n very_o hard_o to_o be_v part_v and_o yet_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o it_o be_v so_o because_o we_o see_v it_o every_o day_n so_o likewise_o how_o the_o small_a seed_n of_o thing_n contain_v the_o whole_a form_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n from_o which_o they_o proceed_v and_o into_o which_o by_o degree_n they_o grow_v and_o yet_o we_o
plain_o see_v this_o every_o year_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n likewise_o in_o our_o self_n which_o no_o man_n be_v able_a in_o any_o measure_n to_o comprehend_v as_o to_o the_o manner_n how_o they_o be_v do_v and_o perform_v as_o the_o vital_a union_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n who_o can_v imagine_v by_o what_o device_n or_o mean_v a_o spirit_n come_v to_o be_v so_o close_o unite_v and_o so_o firm_o link_v to_o a_o material_a body_n that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v part_v without_o great_a force_n and_o violence_n offer_v to_o nature_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o operation_n of_o our_o several_a faculty_n of_o sense_n and_o imagination_n of_o memory_n and_o reason_n and_o especial_o of_o the_o liberty_n of_o our_o will_n and_o yet_o we_o certain_o find_v all_o these_o faculty_n in_o ourselves_o though_o we_o can_v either_o comprehend_v or_o explain_v the_o particular_a manner_n in_o which_o the_o several_a operation_n of_o they_o be_v perform_v and_o if_o we_o can_v comprehend_v the_o manner_n of_o those_o operation_n which_o we_o plain_o perceive_v and_o feel_v to_o be_v in_o our_o self_n much_o less_o can_v we_o expect_v to_o comprehend_v thing_n without_o we_o and_o least_o of_o all_o can_v we_o pretend_v to_o comprehend_v the_o infinite_a nature_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o every_o thing_n belong_v to_o he_o for_o god_n himself_o be_v certain_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o all_o other_o and_o acknowledge_v by_o mankind_n to_o be_v in_o his_o nature_n and_o in_o the_o particular_a manner_n of_o his_o existence_n incomprehensible_a by_o human_a understanding_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v very_o evident_a because_o god_n be_v infinite_a and_o our_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n be_v but_o finite_a and_o yet_o no_o sober_a man_n ever_o think_v this_o a_o good_a reason_n to_o call_v the_o be_v of_o god_n in_o question_n the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o god_n certain_a knowledge_n of_o future_a contingency_n which_o depend_v upon_o the_o uncertain_a will_n of_o free_a agent_n it_o be_v utter_o inconceivable_a how_o any_o understanding_n how_o large_a and_o perfect_a soever_o can_v certain_o know_v beforehand_o that_o which_o depend_v upon_o the_o free_a will_n of_o another_o which_o be_v a_o arbitrary_a and_o uncertain_a cause_n and_o yet_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o only_o attribute_v this_o foreknowledge_n to_o god_n but_o give_v we_o also_o plain_a instance_n of_o god_n foretell_v such_o thing_n many_o age_n before_o it_o happen_v as_o can_v not_o come_v to_o pass_v but_o by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n in_o which_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o god_n can_v have_v no_o hand_n though_o nothing_o can_v happen_v without_o his_o permission_n such_o be_v that_o most_o memorable_a event_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n who_o as_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o be_v by_o wicked_a hand_n crucify_v and_o stain_v and_o yet_o even_o this_o be_v say_v to_o have_v happen_v according_a to_o the_o determinate_a foreknowledge_n of_o god_n and_o be_v punctual_o foretell_v by_o he_o some_o hundred_o of_o year_n before_o nay_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o only_o ascribe_v this_o power_n and_o perfection_n to_o the_o divine_a knowledge_n but_o natural_a reason_n have_v be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v it_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o some_o of_o the_o wise_a of_o the_o philosopher_n and_o yet_o it_o will_v puzzle_v the_o great_a philosopher_n that_o ever_o be_v to_o give_v any_o tolerable_a account_n how_o any_o knowledge_n whatsoever_o can_v certain_o and_o infallible_o foresee_v a_o event_n through_o uncertain_a and_o contingent_a cause_n all_o the_o reasonable_a satisfaction_n that_o can_v be_v have_v in_o this_o matter_n be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o unreasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o infinite_a knowledge_n may_v have_v way_n of_o know_v thing_n which_o our_o finite_a understanding_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n comprehend_v how_o they_o can_v possible_o be_v know_v again_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o thing_n more_o inconceivable_a than_o how_o a_o thing_n shall_v be_v of_o itself_o and_o without_o any_o cause_n of_o its_o be_v and_o yet_o our_o reason_n compel_v we_o to_o acknowledge_v this_o because_o we_o certain_o see_v that_o something_o be_v which_o must_v either_o have_v be_v of_o itself_o and_o without_o a_o cause_n or_o else_o something_o that_o we_o do_v not_o see_v must_v have_v be_v of_o itself_o and_o have_v make_v all_o other_o thing_n and_o by_o this_o reason_n we_o be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v a_o deity_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v able_a to_o find_v no_o rest_n but_o in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o one_o eternal_a and_o wise_a mind_n as_o the_o principle_n and_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n and_o this_o principle_n be_v that_o which_o mankind_n do_v by_o general_a consent_n call_v god_n so_o that_o god_n have_v lay_v a_o sure_a foundation_n of_o our_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o be_v in_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o though_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o hard_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o conceive_v how_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v of_o itself_o yet_o necessity_n drive_v we_o to_o acknowledge_v it_o whether_o we_o will_v or_o no_o and_o this_o be_v once_o grant_v our_o reason_n be_v tire_v in_o try_v all_o other_o way_n will_v for_o its_o own_o quiet_a and_o ease_n force_v we_o at_o last_o to_o fall_v in_o with_o the_o general_a apprehension_n and_o belief_n of_o mankind_n concern_v a_o deity_n to_o give_v but_o one_o instance_n more_o there_o be_v the_o like_a difficulty_n in_o conceive_v how_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v make_v out_o of_o nothing_o and_o yet_o our_o reason_n do_v oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o because_o matter_n which_o be_v a_o very_a imperfect_a be_v and_o mere_o passive_a must_v either_o always_o have_v be_v of_o itself_o or_o else_o by_o the_o infinite_a power_n of_o a_o most_o perfect_a and_o active_a be_v must_v have_v be_v make_v out_o of_o nothing_o which_o be_v much_o more_o credible_a than_o that_o any_o thing_n so_o imperfect_a as_o matter_n be_v shall_v be_v of_o itself_o because_o that_o which_o be_v of_o itself_o can_v be_v conceive_v to_o have_v any_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o its_o be_v and_o perfection_n for_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o it_o necessary_o be_v and_o of_o itself_o it_o must_v necessary_o have_v all_o perfection_n which_o it_o be_v certain_a matter_n have_v not_o and_o yet_o necessary_a existence_n be_v so_o great_a a_o perfection_n that_o we_o can_v reasonable_o suppose_v any_o thing_n that_o have_v this_o perfection_n to_o want_v any_o other_o thus_o you_o see_v by_o these_o instance_n that_o it_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n to_o believe_v a_o great_a many_o thing_n to_o be_v of_o the_o manner_n of_o who_o existence_n we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o give_v a_o particular_a and_o distinct_a account_n and_o much_o less_o be_v it_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n to_o believe_v those_o thing_n concern_v god_n which_o we_o be_v very_o well_o assure_v he_o have_v declare_v concern_v himself_o though_o these_o thing_n by_o our_o reason_n shall_v be_v incomprehensible_a and_o this_o be_v true_o the_o case_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n now_o under_o debate_n we_o be_v sufficient_o assure_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o that_o this_o mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v therein_o declare_v to_o we_o now_o that_o we_o can_v comprehend_v it_o be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n not_o to_o believe_v it_o for_o if_o this_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n for_o not_o believe_v it_o than_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n because_o his_o nature_n be_v most_o certain_o incomprehensible_a but_o we_o be_v assure_v by_o many_o argument_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o the_o same_o natural_a reason_n which_o assure_v we_o that_o he_o be_v do_v likewise_o assure_v we_o that_o he_o be_v incomprehensible_a and_o therefore_o our_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v so_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n overthrow_v our_o belief_n of_o his_o be_v in_o like_a manner_n we_o be_v assure_v by_o divine_a revelation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o be_v once_o assure_v of_o that_o our_o not_o be_v able_a full_o to_o comprehend_v it_o be_v not_o reason_n enough_o to_o stagger_v our_o belief_n of_o it_o a_o man_n can_v deny_v what_o he_o see_v though_o the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o admit_v it_o may_v be_v something_o which_o he_o can_v comprehend_v one_o can_v deny_v the_o frame_n of_o this_o world_n which_o he_o see_v with_o his_o eye_n though_o from_o thence_o it_o will_v necessary_o follow_v that_o either_o that_o or_o something_o else_o must_v be_v of_o itself_o which_o yet_o as_o i_o say_v before_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o no_o man_n can_v comprehend_v how_o it_o can_v be_v