reducible_a to_o these_o two_o head_n viz._n devotion_n towards_o god_n which_o include_v confession_n of_o sin_n prayer_n for_o all_o thing_n necessary_a both_o for_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o praise_v of_o god_n as_o well_o for_o his_o own_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n as_o for_o his_o love_n and_o beneficence_n to_o all_o mankind_n and_o 2._o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o people_n which_o be_v assemble_v which_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o read_v and_o explain_v the_o holy_a scripture_n catechise_v preach_a etc._n etc._n but_o there_o be_v one_o act_n of_o devotion_n towards_o god_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o such_o public_a assembly_n which_o be_v common_o know_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o the_o holy_a communion_n of_o which_o it_o will_v be_v fit_a to_o say_v something_o more_o particular_o because_o it_o be_v a_o ordinance_n altogether_o of_o positive_a institution_n as_o well_o as_o baptism_n of_o which_o i_o have_v already_o speak_v 57_o as_o our_o saviour_n death_n and_o passion_n which_o he_o undergo_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n shall_v ever_o out_o of_o gratitude_n be_v remember_v by_o we_o in_o the_o most_o emphatical_a and_o affect_a manner_n so_o except_o we_o have_v every_o one_o of_o we_o a_o share_n and_o interest_n in_o that_o atonement_n which_o he_o thereby_o make_v to_o god_n for_o we_o we_o can_v by_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n hope_v for_o eternal_a salvation_n in_o order_n then_o to_o both_o these_o end_v he_o himself_o before_o his_o death_n appoint_v it_o as_o a_o perpetual_a ordinance_n for_o ever_o to_o be_v continue_v in_o his_o church_n that_o bread_n shall_v be_v bless_v break_a and_o eat_v and_o a_o cup_n also_o bless_v distribute_v and_o drink_v in_o such_o assembly_n as_o shall_v meet_v together_o in_o his_o name_n not_o only_o as_o a_o remembrance_n of_o his_o suffering_n for_o we_o which_o be_v thereby_o show_v forth_o and_o represent_v but_o also_o as_o the_o communion_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o exhibition_n of_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n unto_o and_o the_o participation_n of_o they_o by_o all_o faithful_a and_o good_a christian_n to_o say_v with_o the_o roman_a church_n that_o the_o substance_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n be_v bless_v or_o consecrate_v in_o this_o ordinance_n be_v transubstantiate_v or_o turn_v into_o the_o very_a real_a substance_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n so_o as_o that_o that_o very_o same_o body_n of_o he_o which_o be_v crucify_v and_o that_o blood_n which_o be_v shed_v be_v whole_o and_o entire_o receive_v into_o the_o bodily_a mouth_n and_o swallow_v down_o by_o every_o communicant_a do_v not_o only_o draw_v after_o it_o such_o monstrous_a absurdity_n as_o no_o man_n i_o think_v without_o renounce_v his_o reason_n can_v digest_v nor_o can_v be_v infer_v from_o any_o passage_n of_o scripture_n interpret_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n which_o i_o have_v lay_v down_o part_n 1_o §_o 25._o and_o 33._o but_o be_v also_o direct_o contrary_a even_o to_o the_o letter_n as_o well_o as_o mean_v of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o which_o the_o bread_n in_o this_o holy_a institution_n be_v plain_o call_v bread_n and_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n the_o wine_n must_v still_o remain_v wine_n as_o to_o its_o natural_a substance_n even_o after_o the_o blessing_n or_o consecration_n of_o it_o as_o therefore_o i_o must_v needs_o conclude_v that_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o receive_v by_o the_o member_n of_o his_o church_n after_o that_o manner_n which_o they_o of_o rome_n do_v define_v so_o must_v it_o also_o follow_v that_o their_o worship_v of_o the_o host_n and_o pretend_a sacrifice_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o mass_n together_o with_o their_o deprive_v the_o laity_n of_o the_o cup_n which_o beside_o other_o absurdity_n do_v whole_o depend_v upon_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n be_v none_o other_o than_o mere_a human_a and_o unlawful_a invention_n and_o practice_n but_o since_o a_o man_n may_v then_o be_v say_v true_o to_o receive_v and_o partake_v of_o any_o thing_n though_o at_o never_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n from_o he_o when_o he_o have_v a_o real_a interest_n in_o it_o and_o enjoy_v the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o it_o as_o a_o man_n may_v have_v a_o estate_n and_o reap_v the_o profit_n of_o it_o though_o it_o lie_v in_o a_o far_o distant_a country_n i_o do_v therefore_o conclude_v that_o the_o way_n whereby_o we_o do_v receive_v or_o communicate_v in_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n by_o this_o ordinance_n be_v by_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o those_o benefit_n which_o by_o the_o crucify_a of_o his_o body_n and_o the_o shed_n of_o his_o blood_n do_v accrue_v to_o we_o and_o that_o whosoever_o eat_v of_o this_o bread_n and_o drink_v of_o this_o cup_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o christ_n have_v appoint_v have_v thereby_o assure_o a_o share_n of_o those_o benefit_n hold_v forth_o and_o convey_v unto_o he_o 58._o how_o often_o this_o ordinance_n be_v to_o be_v practise_v and_o repeat_v in_o every_o congregation_n be_v not_o express_o determine_v either_o by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o can_v only_o be_v regulate_v by_o the_o prudence_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o but_o common_a reason_n will_v tell_v we_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o often_o at_o least_o as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o preserve_v a_o fresh_a and_o lively_a remembrance_n of_o the_o suffering_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n this_o be_v one_o main_a end_n of_o its_o first_o institution_n and_o so_o often_o therefore_o ought_v every_o christian_a who_o be_v arrive_v to_o year_n of_o understanding_n for_o such_o only_o be_v capable_a of_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o remembrance_n of_o another_o to_o come_v and_o be_v partaker_n of_o it_o for_o to_o contemn_v or_o neglect_v this_o ordinance_n which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v for_o such_o a_o peculiar_a end_n argue_v a_o great_a slight_a and_o disregard_n of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n beside_o the_o disobedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o therefore_o be_v just_o to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o very_a great_a and_o heinous_a sin_n 59_o as_o it_o be_v a_o great_a affront_n and_o even_o a_o mock_v of_o god_n for_o a_o man_n to_o draw_v near_o to_o he_o in_o any_o of_o his_o ordinance_n without_o a_o sincere_a and_o well-meaning_a heart_n for_o which_o reason_n hypocrisy_n in_o scripture_n be_v represent_v as_o most_o odious_a and_o the_o prayer_n and_o sacrifice_n of_o a_o wicked_a man_n whilst_o he_o continue_v such_o be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o abomination_n unto_o god_n so_o do_v he_o seem_v to_o resent_v such_o a_o practice_n in_o no_o instance_n more_o than_o in_o this_o of_o the_o holy_a communion_n of_o which_o he_o who_o eats_z and_o drink_v unworthy_o be_v expess_o say_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v quilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v damnation_n to_o himself_o which_o expression_n although_o they_o be_v different_o interpret_v by_o divers_a person_n yet_o in_o whatever_o sense_n we_o take_v they_o they_o do_v abundant_o show_v that_o god_n be_v in_o a_o particular_a manner_n offend_v with_o those_o who_o any_o way_n profane_v this_o sacred_a institution_n it_o therefore_o be_v the_o duty_n and_o aught_o very_o much_o to_o be_v the_o concern_v of_o every_o christian_a first_o to_o examine_v himself_o and_o to_o make_v the_o best_a trial_n and_o enquiry_n that_o he_o can_v whether_o he_o be_v true_o sincere_a in_o his_o resolution_n of_o serve_v and_o obey_v god_n faithful_o all_o his_o life-long_a for_o any_o person_n who_o be_v thus_o dispose_v and_o none_o other_o be_v ever_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o then_o with_o devotion_n and_o reverence_n suitable_a unto_o such_o sincerity_n to_o come_v and_o eat_v of_o this_o bread_n and_o drink_v of_o this_o cup_n that_o as_o on_o the_o one_o side_n he_o may_v not_o neglect_v what_o christ_n have_v command_v and_o require_v so_o on_o the_o other_o he_o may_v not_o incur_v the_o penalty_n which_o be_v threaten_v to_o a_o unworthy_a receiver_n 60._o he_o that_o worship_v or_o pray_v to_o god_n by_o himself_o alone_o may_v do_v it_o as_o well_o by_o offer_v up_o only_o the_o inward_a thought_n and_o desire_n of_o his_o mind_n which_o be_v clear_o see_v and_o know_v unto_o god_n as_o by_o express_v himself_o outward_o by_o word_n which_o though_o even_o in_o our_o private_a devotion_n they_o may_v be_v very_o proper_a to_o keep_v our_o mind_n intent_n upon_o what_o we_o be_v about_o yet_o be_v no_o way_n necessary_a to_o inform_v god_n of_o what_o we_o think_v or_o wish_v for_o but_o when_o a_o society_n of_o man_n do_v meet_a to_o join_v together_o in_o god_n worship_n their_o devotion_n must_v
the_o scripture_n to_o this_o i_o may_v answer_v that_o there_o be_v several_a passage_n in_o the_o scripture_n itself_o which_o do_v give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o the_o whole_a law_n and_o will_n of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v needful_a for_o man_n to_o know_v they_o be_v contain_v in_o those_o holy_a write_n as_o the_o protestant_a divine_n do_v sufficient_o make_v appear_v in_o the_o management_n of_o this_o controversy_n against_o the_o papist_n but_o wave_v this_o i_o think_v it_o be_v enough_o to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o indeed_o impossible_a in_o itself_o but_o that_o jesus_n may_v have_v make_v know_v other_o particular_n of_o doctrine_n and_o of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n beside_o what_o be_v consign_v to_o we_o by_o the_o scripture_n and_o if_o any_o man_n can_v effectual_o prove_v that_o any_o such_o doctrine_n or_o precept_n be_v deliver_v by_o he_o i_o think_v that_o whosoever_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o proof_n aught_o to_o believe_v that_o doctrine_n and_o obey_v that_o precept_n which_o appear_v to_o be_v so_o deliver_v but_o he_o that_o do_v his_o hearty_a and_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o find_v out_o the_o doctrine_n and_o will_n of_o god_n deliver_v to_o man_n by_o jesus_n and_o be_v not_o able_a with_o all_o his_o diligence_n to_o discover_v any_o more_o of_o it_o than_o what_o be_v record_v in_o the_o scripture_n if_o he_o faithful_o keep_v and_o observe_v as_o much_o of_o it_o as_o he_o be_v able_a there_o to_o discover_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o god_n require_v no_o more_o from_o he_o §_o 14._o and_o therefore_o certain_o will_v not_o punish_v he_o for_o want_v of_o any_o thing_n far_o xxxiii_o second_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o in_o read_v these_o book_n there_o do_v appear_v to_o be_v some_o passage_n which_o be_v in_o themselves_o absurd_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o plain_n dictate_v of_o every_o man_n reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o some_o which_o be_v irreconcilable_a with_o one_o another_o now_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n be_v certain_o true_a must_v be_v allow_v because_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o god_n that_o both_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n can_v be_v true_a be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o man_n and_o no_o man_n i_o think_v can_v own_o that_o for_o a_o truth_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o plain_n dictate_v of_o his_o reason_n and_o understanding_n which_o to_o every_o man_n be_v and_o must_v be_v the_o standard_n of_o all_o truth_n whatsoever_o for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n why_o any_o man_n receive_v and_o own_v any_o thing_n for_o a_o truth_n but_o only_o because_o he_o apprehend_v it_o to_o be_v conformable_a unto_o the_o plain_a and_o self-evident_a notion_n which_o be_v already_o plant_v in_o his_o mind_n here_o than_o it_o may_v be_v demand_v how_o it_o canbe_n possible_a that_o these_o scripture_n shall_v contain_v the_o true_a and_o uncorrupted_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n of_o jesus_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o i_o can_v find_v any_o appearance_n of_o a_o contradiction_n throughout_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o any_o point_n of_o doctrine_n or_o rule_n of_o manner_n but_o what_o be_v so_o easy_a and_o obvious_a to_o be_v reconcile_v that_o no_o man_n i_o think_v of_o candour_n and_o ingenuity_n but_o will_v be_v ashamed_a to_o object_v it_o second_o and_o as_o for_o those_o few_o seem_a discordance_n which_o do_v occur_v in_o the_o circumstance_n of_o some_o historical_a narration_n though_o i_o perhaps_o be_o not_o able_a to_o reconcile_v they_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v that_o the_o thing_n themselves_o may_v not_o be_v absolute_o irreconcilable_a but_o suppose_v they_o be_v yet_o it_o be_v no_o derogation_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n as_o to_o the_o main_a substance_n of_o it_o or_o of_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o some_o of_o the_o sacred_a writer_n have_v be_v mistake_v in_o the_o relation_n of_o some_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a circumstance_n there_o be_v several_a historian_n and_o chronicler_n which_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o life_n and_o reign_n of_o many_o of_o our_o king_n of_o england_n and_o although_o they_o differ_v in_o many_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n yet_o this_o be_v never_o make_v a_o argument_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o main_a history_n wherein_o they_o all_o agree_v and_o why_o may_v not_o the_o scripture-historian_n be_v as_o favourable_o censure_v as_o all_o other_o historian_n in_o the_o world_n be_v three_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o my_o reason_n and_o understanding_n which_o i_o can_v comprehend_v in_o my_o mind_n nor_o frame_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a notion_n of_o which_o yet_o i_o can_v say_v be_v contrary_a to_o my_o reason_n because_o though_o they_o be_v above_o my_o reach_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o they_o do_v contradict_v any_o of_o those_o plain_a and_o self-evident_a principle_n which_o be_v implant_v in_o my_o understanding_n for_o example_n i_o be_o not_o able_a distinct_o to_o apprehend_v how_o the_o small_a particle_n of_o matter_n which_o can_v be_v assign_v be_v yet_o in_o itself_o capable_a of_o be_v for_o ever_o divide_v so_o that_o no_o part_n of_o matter_n though_o ever_o so_o small_a can_v ever_o be_v so_o much_o as_o convince_v to_o be_v absolute_o invisible_a and_o yet_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v contrary_a to_o my_o reason_n that_o my_o reason_n itself_o do_v full_o satisfy_v i_o that_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o though_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o the_o same_o thing_n also_o may_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o some_o thing_n be_v without_o any_o beginning_n of_o which_o see_v §_o 5_o 6._o now_o if_o i_o meet_v with_o any_o thing_n in_o scripture_n which_o be_v thus_o above_o my_o reason_n but_o not_o contrary_a to_o it_o i_o can_v refuse_v my_o assent_n unto_o it_o i_o mean_v always_o upon_o a_o supposition_n that_o the_o word_n do_v appear_v evident_o to_o carry_v such_o a_o sense_n for_o i_o can_v conclude_v such_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v impossible_a because_o i_o do_v not_o find_v it_o contrary_n to_o my_o reason_n though_o above_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n in_o my_o apprehension_n possible_a i_o must_v believe_v it_o to_o be_v true_a when_o i_o find_v that_o god_n have_v declare_v it_o so_o to_o be_v other_o thing_n again_o there_o be_v which_o be_v direct_o contrary_a unto_o those_o self-evident_a notion_n and_o principle_n which_o my_o reason_n find_v to_o be_v connatural_a with_o itself_o for_o example_n that_o a_o part_n be_v equal_a to_o the_o whole_a and_o such_o like_a absurdity_n now_o if_o any_o such_o proposition_n as_o these_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o my_o reason_n shall_v occur_v to_o i_o in_o scripture_n i_o can_v possible_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v true_a in_o a_o literal_a sense_n for_o that_o be_v to_o renounce_v the_o clear_a dictate_v of_o my_o reason_n and_o understanding_n upon_o which_o the_o certainty_n of_o all_o thing_n which_o i_o believe_v or_o know_v be_v ultimate_o build_v and_o without_o which_o i_o can_v have_v no_o certainty_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n or_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o religion_n and_o therefore_o i_o must_v needs_o understand_v they_o to_o be_v mean_v figurative_o and_o that_o figure_n which_o best_o agree_v to_o such_o word_n according_a to_o the_o most_o common_a custom_n of_o speech_n and_o be_v most_o conformable_a to_o common_a sense_n and_o reason_n i_o think_v be_v always_o to_o be_v prefer_v i_o never_o read_v any_o book_n to_o my_o knowledge_n but_o in_o it_o i_o find_v many_o expression_n which_o take_v literal_o and_o strict_o be_v absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a but_o take_v figurative_o as_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o be_v intend_v do_v contain_v very_o good_a sense_n and_o mean_v since_o then_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v write_v in_o such_o word_n and_o expression_n as_o be_v common_o use_v among_o man_n in_o speak_v and_o write_v why_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o strange_a in_o they_o which_o be_v so_o usual_a in_o all_o other_o book_n xxxiv_o three_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o this_o doctrine_n which_o i_o have_v teach_v leave_v every_o man_n entire_o to_o his_o own_o reason_n and_o understanding_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n now_o since_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o difference_n between_o the_o notion_n and_o sentiment_n of_o different_a man_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o all_o man_n be_v leave_v whole_o to_o themselves_o there_o must_v necessary_o be_v great_a variety_n and_o even_o contrariety_n of_o opinion_n among_o they_o concern_v religion_n and_o if_o god_n require_v no_o more_o from_o every_o man_n but_o to_o do_v his_o best_a endeavour_n and_o to_o choose_v
because_o such_o action_n do_v tend_v to_o the_o general_a happiness_n of_o his_o creature_n who_o he_o love_v §_o 16._o and_o for_o the_o contrary_a reason_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o he_o hate_v and_o abhor_v all_o action_n that_o be_v evil_a and_o this_o be_v what_o i_o mean_v when_o i_o say_v that_o god_n be_v most_o holy_a 19_o all_o possible_a excellency_n or_o perfection_n that_o i_o can_v conceive_v be_v reducible_a unto_o these_o five_o head_n viz._n 1._o perfection_n of_o be_v which_o consist_v in_o perpetual_a duration_n without_o any_o decay_n or_o infirmity_n 2._o perfection_n of_o understanding_n which_o consist_v in_o such_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n as_o be_v free_a all_o mistake_n or_o ignorance_n 3._o perfection_n of_o the_o will_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o free_a liberty_n to_o choose_v or_o refuse_v without_o any_o constraint_n or_o fatal_a necessity_n 4._o perfection_n of_o power_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o ability_n to_o do_v every_o thing_n and_o 5._o moral_a perfection_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o inflexible_a resolution_n always_o to_o do_v and_o encourage_v that_o which_o be_v moral_o good_a and_o to_o avoid_v and_o discourage_v whatsoever_o be_v moral_o evil_a now_o since_o all_o these_o perfection_n be_v in_o god_n in_o the_o most_o absolute_a manner_n as_o i_o think_v i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o forego_n paragraph_n from_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o god_n be_v most_o absolute_o perfect_a 20._o and_o since_o he_o who_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a can_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o nothing_o it_o must_v also_o follow_v that_o god_n be_v most_o perfect_o happy_a in_o himself_o 21._o as_o my_o reason_n do_v evident_o demonstrate_v unto_o i_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n so_o do_v it_o not_o in_o the_o least_o suggest_v to_o i_o any_o argument_n to_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v any_o more_o but_o one_o god_n and_o it_o be_v absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a to_o multiply_v being_n without_o any_o ground_n or_o reason_n for_o it_o 22._o that_o there_o be_v a_o real_a and_o not_o only_o a_o nominal_a distinction_n between_o the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o spirit_n that_o they_o be_v frequent_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o such_o term_n as_o we_o ordinary_o use_v when_o we_o speak_v of_o three_o person_n although_o sometime_o this_o expression_n holy_a ghost_n or_o holy_a spirit_n may_v be_v put_v to_o signify_v not_o so_o much_o the_o person_n as_o the_o power_n effect_v or_o energy_n of_o god_n spirit_n that_o although_o the_o son_n be_v often_o speak_v of_o as_o real_o and_o true_o a_o man_n yet_o many_o thing_n be_v say_v of_o he_o which_o can_v agree_v to_o a_o mere_a man_n or_o to_o any_o create_v be_v whatsoever_o and_o that_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n also_o speak_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o can_v be_v accommodate_v unto_o a_o creature_n moreover_o that_o the_o son_n derive_v his_o be_v from_o and_o always_o depend_v upon_o the_o father_n as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v from_o and_o upon_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n all_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v in_o my_o opinion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o one_o who_o will_v but_o interpret_v the_o holy_a scripture_n according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a sense_n and_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n thereof_o and_o not_o according_a to_o his_o own_o prejudices_fw-la or_o preconceive_a opinion_n and_o although_o the_o socinian_o do_v clear_o enough_o expound_v some_o of_o those_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o with_o more_o zeal_n than_o reason_n be_v sometime_o urge_v against_o they_o yet_o as_o to_o the_o principal_a passage_n which_o be_v allege_v to_o prove_v what_o i_o have_v now_o assert_v i_o think_v their_o interpretation_n of_o they_o not_o only_o to_o be_v harsh_a and_o strain_a which_o in_o a_o manner_n be_v acknowledge_v even_o by_o their_o own_o acute_a and_o brief_a historian_n in_o the_o last_o paragraph_n of_o his_o second_o letter_n but_o also_o many_o time_n to_o be_v utter_o irreconcilable_a unto_o the_o word_n and_o context_n and_o now_o to_o explain_v those_o conception_n which_o arise_v in_o my_o mind_n upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o text_n here_o hint_v at_o as_o well_o as_o in_o a_o matter_n so_o abstruse_a and_o remote_a from_o my_o sense_n i_o be_o able_a since_o i_o can_v find_v a_o more_o proper_a term_n to_o express_v the_o distinction_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n by_o i_o call_v they_o three_o person_n and_o not_o know_v what_o other_o title_n to_o give_v a_o divine_a person_n who_o be_v no_o creature_n i_o call_v each_o person_n god_n but_o i_o give_v the_o title_n of_o god_n in_o a_o more_o emphatical_a manner_n unto_o the_o father_n than_o unto_o the_o son_n or_o holy_a ghost_n because_o the_o father_n depend_v on_o none_o but_o they_o do_v depend_v on_o he_o and_o since_o both_o my_o reason_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v teach_v i_o to_o own_o no_o more_o than_o one_o god_n i_o be_o of_o necessity_n compel_v to_o say_v that_o these_o three_o be_v so_o unite_v together_o though_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v above_o my_o understanding_n as_o to_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o although_o it_o argue_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o imperfection_n in_o humane_a speech_n that_o for_o want_v of_o other_o fit_a and_o proper_a term_n we_o be_v force_v to_o give_v the_o same_o appellation_n to_o each_o person_n single_o and_o to_o the_o three_o conjoint_o yet_o this_o do_v not_o imply_v any_o manner_n of_o contradiction_n as_o some_o do_v object_n because_o when_o we_o apply_v the_o word_n god_n to_o one_o single_a person_n it_o have_v not_o the_o same_o exact_a and_o adequate_a signification_n as_o when_o we_o ascribe_v it_o unto_o the_o three_o person_n conjoint_o for_o that_o will_v imply_v that_o each_o single_a person_n be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o three_o person_n and_o so_o confound_v that_o distinction_n which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v so_o often_o and_o apparent_o make_v between_o they_o and_o this_o analogical_a difference_n in_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n god_n will_v easy_o solve_v most_o of_o those_o objection_n which_o the_o socinian_o do_v bring_v against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o because_o i_o know_v no_o better_a word_n to_o express_v that_o unity_n which_o i_o apprehend_v to_o be_v between_o the_o three_o person_n i_o therefore_o say_v that_o they_o be_v one_o in_o essence_n or_o substance_n for_o unity_n of_o concord_n or_o consent_n alone_o do_v not_o seem_v enough_o to_o i_o to_o denominate_v they_o to_o be_v one_o god_n and_o because_o i_o find_v that_o the_o son_n be_v say_v to_o be_v beget_v and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o proceed_v or_o be_v send_v or_o emit_v i_o therefore_o make_v use_n of_o these_o term_n without_o pretend_v to_o assign_v the_o difference_n between_o generation_n and_o procession_n and_o although_o the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v each_o of_o they_o god_n be_v and_o must_v needs_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n equal_a with_o the_o father_n yet_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o this_o equality_n must_v be_v understand_v with_o a_o allowance_n for_o the_o absolute_a independence_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o dependence_n of_o the_o son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o he_o 23._o all_o the_o objection_n that_o i_o can_v remember_v to_o be_v make_v against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n thus_o state_v i_o think_v be_v easy_a enough_o to_o be_v solve_v by_o what_o i_o have_v now_o say_v except_v two_o which_o must_v be_v particular_o answer_v the_o first_o be_v take_v from_o joh._n 10._o 33._o etc._n etc._n but_o though_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o here_o assert_v his_o divinity_n when_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v occasion_n for_o it_o yet_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o therefore_o he_o be_v not_o god_n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v not_o always_o his_o custom_n to_o give_v full_a and_o complete_a answer_n unto_o such_o captious_a question_n and_o objection_n as_o be_v put_v to_o he_o but_o sometime_o he_o content_v himself_o only_o with_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o those_o who_o propose_v they_o of_o which_o we_o have_v one_o instance_n mat._n 21._o 23._o etc._n etc._n and_o another_o joh._n 8._o 3._o etc._n etc._n and_o as_o some_o think_v another_o mat._n 22._o 17._o etc._n etc._n and_o we_o may_v as_o well_o conclude_v that_o he_o have_v no_o authority_n for_o what_o he_o do_v because_o he_o do_v not_o declare_v it_o when_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o elder_n question_v it_o mat._n 21._o 23._o as_o deny_v his_o divinity_n because_o he_o do_v not_o express_o maintain_v it_o when_o on_o that_o account_n he_o be_v charge_v with_o blasphemy_n the_o other_o objection_n be_v draw_v from_o mar._n 13._o
that_o way_n which_o he_o think_v to_o be_v the_o true_a from_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o two_o man_n who_o be_v contrary_a one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o point_n of_o religion_n may_v yet_o both_o be_v in_o the_o right_a way_n to_o heaven_n and_o a_o turk_n or_o a_o heathen_a may_v be_v save_v as_o well_o as_o a_o christian_a if_o they_o be_v but_o strong_o persuade_v that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n i_o answer_v first_o that_o if_o the_o objection_n mean_v that_o i_o leave_v every_o man_n to_o his_o own_o reason_n and_o understanding_n without_o any_o other_o help_n to_o find_v out_o the_o trut_fw-mi of_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o mistake_n for_o i_o have_v assert_v that_o every_o man_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o learning_n aught_o to_o make_v use_n of_o all_o the_o mean_n and_o help_v he_o can_v to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o will_n of_o god_n see_v §_o 14._o and_o §_o 25._o but_o if_o the_o mean_v be_v that_o i_o leave_v every_o man_n to_o choose_v that_o religion_n which_o after_o a_o serious_a enquiry_n appear_v to_o he_o to_o be_v the_o best_a which_o be_v all_o that_o i_o contend_v for_o in_o this_o i_o say_v no_o more_o than_o what_o all_o man_n must_v and_o do_v say_v as_o well_o as_o i._o for_o either_o a_o man_n must_v never_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o religion_n at_o all_o and_o then_o he_o choose_v his_o religion_n by_o mere_a chance_n and_o since_o there_o be_v many_o false_a religion_n and_o but_o one_o true_a it_o be_v great_a odds_o but_o he_o light_v upon_o a_o wrong_a one_o or_o if_o he_o do_v inquire_v either_o he_o must_v choose_v that_o which_o he_o think_v not_o to_o be_v the_o best_a and_o then_o he_o act_v against_o his_o conscience_n or_o that_o which_o he_o think_v be_v the_o best_a which_o be_v what_o i_o assert_v and_o what_o every_o man_n of_o sense_n profess_v himself_o to_o do_v second_o as_o there_o be_v many_o difference_n in_o the_o notion_n and_o sentiment_n of_o man_n concern_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n abstruse_a and_o obscure_a so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n so_o apparent_a and_o evident_a that_o man_n who_o be_v sincere_a and_o unbiased_a if_o they_o have_v but_o common_a sense_n can_v never_o differ_v about_o they_o among_o which_o i_o think_v i_o may_v reckon_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o god_n require_v of_o necessity_n to_o any_o man_n salvaton_n §_o 3._o and_o whereas_o the_o world_n have_v for_o these_o many_o year_n find_v that_o compel_a man_n to_o this_o or_o that_o religion_n contrary_a to_o their_o own_o sentiment_n have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o beget_v unity_n of_o any_o sort_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o have_v even_o distract_v mankind_n not_o only_o with_o variety_n of_o opinion_n each_o party_n take_v a_o delight_n to_o thwart_v other_o but_o also_o with_o war_n and_o confusion_n if_o every_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o himself_o to_o follow_v what_o religion_n he_o please_v as_o he_o shall_v answer_v to_o god_n for_o his_o sincerity_n it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o most_o man_n have_v no_o worldly_a interest_n to_o serve_v by_o this_o or_o that_o religion_n will_v in_o time_n be_v bring_v to_o agree_v in_o all_o the_o great_a and_o necessary_a truth_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a to_o every_o sober_a and_o inquisitive_a person_n and_o as_o for_o thing_n not_o absolute_o necessary_a and_o of_o a_o inferior_a sort_n as_o i_o have_v say_v §_o 26._o if_o man_n will_v be_v but_o peaceable_a their_o mistake_v and_o consequent_o their_o difference_n about_o they_o can_v do_v no_o great_a harm_n but_o if_o man_n will_v still_o differ_v even_o about_o the_o essential_a and_o necessary_a part_n of_o religion_n i_o know_v no_o remedy_n for_o it_o upon_o earth_n but_o must_v refer_v the_o matter_n whole_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n three_o i_o do_v not_o maintain_v that_o he_o who_o be_v in_o a_o error_n that_o be_v a_o turk_n or_o a_o heathen_a whatsoever_o the_o strength_n and_o sincerity_n of_o his_o persuasion_n may_v be_v be_v in_o as_o sure_a a_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o salvation_n as_o he_o who_o be_v a_o orthodox-man_n and_o a_o christian_n how_o god_n will_v deal_v with_o those_o that_o be_v mistake_v and_o can_v help_v it_o i_o do_v not_o determine_v all_o that_o i_o will_v insinuate_v §_o 14._o be_v that_o he_o will_v not_o punish_v any_o man_n for_o any_o error_n or_o mistake_v which_o he_o fall_v into_o through_o a_o pure_a desect_v of_o his_o understanding_n and_o not_o through_o any_o fault_n or_o neglect_v of_o his_o will._n but_o how_o far_o he_o will_v reward_v such_o a_o person_n for_o his_o good_a mean_v be_v more_o than_o i_o can_v tell_v xxxv_o four_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o this_o doctrine_n do_v in_o effect_n undermine_v and_o enervate_v the_o force_n and_o power_n of_o all_o civil_a government_n by_o open_v a_o way_n for_o all_o malefactor_n to_o escape_v punishment_n how_o great_a soever_o their_o crime_n may_v be_v if_o such_o a_o person_n shall_v plead_v thus_o for_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o mind_n and_o conscience_n that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v commit_v such_o a_o th_a or_o murder_n of_o which_o he_o be_v accuse_v and_o that_o therefore_o according_a to_o this_o doctrine_n it_o be_v his_o duty_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n to_o act_v according_a to_o this_o persuasion_n the_o magistrate_n who_o know_v not_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n can_v never_o be_v able_a certain_o to_o discover_v but_o that_o this_o be_v a_o real_a truth_n that_o he_o be_v so_o persuade_v and_o if_o every_o man_n in_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v bind_v to_o act_v according_a to_o his_o own_o sense_n and_o persuasion_n of_o thing_n with_o what_o conscience_n can_v a_o magistrate_n punish_v such_o a_o person_n for_o that_o fact_n which_o for_o aught_o he_o know_v it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o commit_v i_o will_v not_o say_v but_o that_o it_o may_v so_o fall_v out_o that_o a_o man_n may_v think_v it_o to_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o commit_v the_o most_o horrid_a villainy_n since_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o assure_v his_o disciple_n that_o the_o time_n will_v come_v that_o whoso_o kill_v they_o will_v think_v he_o do_v god_n service_n joh._n 16._o 2._o and_o how_o far_o god_n almighty_a will_v be_v merciful_a unto_o such_o person_n who_o commit_v such_o fact_n out_o of_o pure_a ignorance_n and_o not_o out_o of_o malice_n i_o have_v rather_o st._n paul_n shall_v determine_v than_o i._o see_v 1_o tim._n 1._o 13._o but_o to_o the_o objection_n i_o think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o answer_v that_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n as_o well_o as_o other_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o act_v according_a to_o the_o clear_a conviction_n and_o strong_a persuasion_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n if_o therefore_o upon_o the_o examination_n of_o all_o circumstance_n he_o be_v well_o satisfy_v and_o real_o believe_v that_o such_o a_o plea_n from_o a_o malefactor_n be_v no_o real_a truth_n but_o only_o a_o mese_n trick_n and_o pretence_n in_o hope_n to_o escape_v punishment_n he_o ought_v to_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o it_o but_o to_o pronounce_v his_o sentence_n according_a to_o the_o law_n but_o that_o which_o come_v up_o close_o to_o the_o objection_n and_o which_o i_o think_v be_v the_o full_a and_o true_a answer_n be_v this_o viz._n that_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v to_o inquire_v or_o regard_v how_o the_o matter_n stand_v between_o god_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o transgressor_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n so_o as_o to_o be_v thereby_o any_o way_n influence_v in_o the_o pass_v his_o judgement_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o he_o if_o he_o be_v well_o and_o thorough_o convince_v that_o the_o law_n by_o which_o he_o act_n be_v no_o way_n contrary_a to_o the_o know_a law_n of_o god_n there_o be_v many_o case_n wherein_o a_o man_n offend_v high_o against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o which_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n have_v no_o power_n to_o inflict_v any_o punishment_n on_o the_o offender_n because_o the_o fault_n which_o he_o may_v have_v commit_v do_v not_o it_o may_v be_v any_o way_n tend_v to_o the_o damage_n or_o disturbance_n of_o the_o civil_a society_n which_o and_o which_o only_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o care_n of_o the_o magistrate_n such_o for_o example_n be_v many_o act_n of_o covetousness_n or_o of_o prodigality_n and_o other_o sin_n against_o which_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o provide_v by_o any_o humane_a law_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n there_o be_v some_o case_n wherein_o a_o man_n may_v stand_v absolve_v before_o the_o
least_o that_o what_o i_o have_v here_o do_v may_v move_v some_o more_o able_a and_o judicious_a person_n to_o take_v the_o work_n in_o hand_n and_o supply_v those_o defect_n of_o which_o i_o have_v be_v guilty_a the_o continuation_n of_o a_o gentleman_n religion_n be_v the_o second_o part_n 1._o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o only_a authentic_a record_n that_o i_o be_o able_a to_o find_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o they_o do_v express_v divine_a matter_n real_o and_o true_o as_o the_o thing_n be_v in_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o believe_v that_o all_o the_o doctrine_n therein_o deliver_v be_v most-certain_o true_a although_o many_o time_n i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o understand_v the_o design_n and._n mean_v of_o some_o expression_n and_o passage_n which_o do_v occur_v therein_o i_o think_v it_o indeed_o to_o be_v very_o proper_a that_o man_n of_o any_o reasonable_a learning_n and_o prudence_n shall_v modest_o offer_v their_o thought_n to_o the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o the_o explain_v of_o such_o place_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o appear_v to_o be_v abstruse_a and_o difficult_a but_o he_o who_o speak_v his_o own_o word_n and_o not_o those_o of_o scripture_n can_v therein_o only_o offer_v his_o own_o apprehension_n to_o which_o no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o subscribe_v any_o far_a than_o as_o he_o be_v in_o his_o own_o reason_n convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o their_o consonancy_n with_o the_o scripture_n 2._o i_o do_v not_o apprehend_v that_o a_o implicit_a faith_n be_v due_a to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o challenge_v it_o part_n 1_o §_o 21._o much_o less_o sure_a to_o any_o other_o church_n which_o do_v not_o require_v it_o when_o therefore_o any_o church_n much_o more_o when_o any_o private_a man_n do_v offer_v i_o any_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n in_o their_o own_o word_n i_o think_v i_o ought_v to_o consider_v first_o whether_o what_o they_o say_v be_v intelligible_a for_o though_o we_o may_v be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v above_o our_o understanding_n to_o comprehend_v part_v 1_o §_o 33._o yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o give_v a_o explicit_a assent_n to_o any_o form_n of_o word_n if_o he_o do_v not_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o second_o whether_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o self-evident_a principle_n of_o reason_n for_o if_o i_o apprehend_v it_o to_o be_v otherwise_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o i_o to_o believe_v it_o part_v 1_o §_o 33._o nor_o must_v any_o text_n of_o scripture_n be_v interpret_v above_o the_o level_n of_o plain_a and_o self-evident_a reason_n whatever_o the_o literal_a sense_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v and_o three_o whether_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o any_o solid_a argument_n either_o from_o reason_n or_o scripture_n for_o though_o a_o doctrine_n be_v both_o intelligible_a and_o possible_a yet_o still_o it_o may_v be_v false_a and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v except_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v these_o rule_n i_o have_v endeavour_v strict_o to_o observe_v in_o the_o trial_n of_o those_o doctrine_n which_o i_o be_o now_o about_o to_o propose_v and_o i_o desire_v my_o reader_n careful_o to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o same_o in_o the_o examination_n of_o all_o that_o i_o shall_v offer_v unto_o he_o but_o here_o i_o must_v desire_v he_o to_o take_v notice_n that_o i_o do_v fuppose_v he_o to_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o also_o with_o the_o common_a argument_n upon_o which_o the_o several_a party_n of_o christian_n do_v ground_n and_o maintain_v their_o opinion_n and_o therefore_o for_o his_o ease_n as_o well_o as_o my_o own_o i_o shall_v save_v myself_o the_o labour_n of_o mention_v such_o argument_n and_o place_n of_o scripture_n as_o be_v usual_o bring_v to_o prove_v those_o point_n which_o be_v general_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o christian_n and_o even_o in_o those_o point_n which_o be_v controvert_v between_o different_a party_n i_o shall_v ordinary_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o hint_n at_o some_o of_o those_o text_n and_o argument_n which_o be_v use_v on_o either_o side_n of_o which_o i_o can_v scarce_o suppose_v any_o man_n to_o be_v ignorant_a that_o be_v but_o moderate_o acquaint_v with_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o several_a party_n that_o profess_v it_o 3._o to_o believe_v what_o god_n make_v know_v and_o to_o do_v what_o he_o command_v be_v what_o all_o man_n call_v religion_n but_o thing_n that_o be_v impossible_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n require_v from_o no_o man_n part_n 1_o §_o 14._o when_o therefore_o damnation_n be_v denounce_v in_o scripture_n against_o those_o who_o receive_v not_o the_o gospel_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v understand_v only_o of_o they_o in_o who_o power_n it_o be_v to_o have_v receive_v it_o and_o not_o of_o such_o who_o be_v invincible_o ignorant_a either_o for_o want_v of_o capacity_n john_n 9_o 41._o or_o of_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n joh._n 15._o 22._o but_o for_o a_o man_n who_o have_v both_o the_o capacity_n and_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n through_o negligence_n to_o continue_v in_o ignorance_n of_o god_n will_n my_o reason_n tell_v i_o be_v a_o very_a great_a sin_n beside_o all_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o do_v require_v we_o diligent_o to_o seek_v after_o knowledge_n 4._o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n be_v sufficient_o to_o be_v prove_v from_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o observation_n but_o full_o to_o comprehend_v his_o nature_n or_o declare_v in_o all_o point_n what_o he_o be_v be_v by_o all_o allow_a to_o be_v impossible_a to_o we_o 5._o that_o god_n never_o have_v a_o beginning_n i_o think_v i_o have_v sufficient_o conclude_v part_n 1_o §_o 6._o and_o if_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v not_o tell_v i_o that_o he_o be_v from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a yet_o my_o own_o reason_n will_v have_v infer_v that_o he_o be_v subject_a to_o no_o decay_n nor_o ever_o shall_v have_v a_o end_v 6._o the_o nature_n of_o every_o material_a be_v seem_v necessary_o to_o imply_v a_o possibility_n of_o have_v its_o part_n disjoin_v and_o separate_v one_o from_o another_o and_o consequent_o of_o be_v dissolve_v and_o destroy_v and_o theresore_n i_o conclude_v that_o the_o eternal_a god_n do_v not_o consist_v of_o matter_n and_o that_o be_v which_o be_v intelligent_a and_o do_v not_o consist_v of_o any_o material_a part_n i_o call_v a_o spirit_n and_o this_o be_v what_o i_o mean_v when_o i_o say_v that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n as_o for_o those_o expression_n the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o arm_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o such_o like_a which_o do_v occur_v sometime_o in_o scripture_n and_o seem_v to_o imply_v bodily_a part_n it_o be_v manifest_o obvious_a that_o they_o must_v be_v pure_o metaphorical_a 7._o our_o experience_n do_v sufficient_o testify_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v visible_a to_o we_o be_v ever_o material_a since_o therefore_o god_n do_v not_o consist_v of_o matter_n i_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v invisible_a to_o mortal_a eye_n as_o the_o scripture_n positive_o declare_v he_o to_o be_v and_o all_o those_o text_n which_o seem_v to_o say_v that_o he_o have_v be_v see_v by_o man_n i_o think_v must_v of_o necessity_n be_v interpret_v some_o other_o way_n viz._n either_o 1._o of_o a_o angel_n appear_v in_o a_o glorious_a and_o majestatick_a manner_n or_o 2._o of_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n assume_v a_o bodily_a appearance_n as_o after_o he_o take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o or_o 3._o of_o some_o visible_a and_o extraordinary_a sign_n and_o token_n that_o the_o invisible_a god_n be_v there_o present_a in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n or_o 4._o of_o those_o mystical_a and_o hieroglyphical_a representation_n which_o god_n have_v sometime_o be_v please_v to_o make_v of_o himself_o not_o to_o the_o sense_n but_o to_o the_o imagination_n and_o understanding_n of_o his_o prophet_n in_o their_o extatick_a dream_n and_o vision_n 8._o among_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o i_o can_v conceive_v possible_a to_o be_v do_v i._n e._n to_o imply_v no_o contradiction_n i_o can_v find_v nothing_o which_o to_o i_o appear_v more_o difficult_a than_o what_o god_n have_v already_o do_v in_o the_o structure_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o therefore_o i_o conclude_v that_o god_n can_v do_v whatsoever_o in_o its_o self_n be_v possible_a to_o be_v do_v which_o be_v what_o i_o mean_v when_o i_o say_v that_o he_o be_v almighty_a nor_o be_v there_o any_o one_o sure_a who_o will_v venture_v to_o say_v that_o god_n can_v do_v such_o thing_n as_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n either_o in_o themselves_o or_o to_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o attribute_n 9_o that_o god_n who_o make_v all_o thing_n shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o any_o thing_n appear_v to_o
and_o no_o way_n contradictory_n to_o the_o principle_n of_o plain_a and_o sound_a reason_n and_o if_o in_o many_o other_o point_n of_o speculation_n which_o by_o some_o be_v adopt_v into_o religion_n i_o be_o either_o whole_o ignorant_a or_o perhaps_o doubtful_a and_o undetermined_a or_o it_o may_v be_v mistake_v yet_o if_o to_o the_o belief_n which_o i_o have_v here_o profess_v i_o do_v superadd_a a_o virtuous_a and_o christian_a course_n of_o life_n i_o hope_v there_o be_v no_o moderate_a christian_n who_o do_v not_o in_o effect_n make_v it_o a_o part_n of_o his_o religion_n to_o be_v uncharitable_a but_o will_v allow_v that_o i_o may_v be_v save_v but_o wherein_o this_o virtuous_a and_o christian_a life_n consist_v and_o what_o be_v the_o duty_n which_o the_o gospel_n oblige_v we_o all_o to_o perform_v whether_o they_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o pure_a morality_n as_o to_o love_n god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n or_o those_o of_o positive_a institution_n as_o to_o be_v baptise_a to_o receive_v the_o holy_a communion_n etc._n etc._n be_v to_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o three_o and_o last_o part_n of_o this_o small_a work_n to_o which_o therefore_o i_o now_o proceed_v a_o gentleman_n religion_n part_n iii_o 1._o all_o the_o command_v of_o god_n and_o consequent_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v reducible_a to_o these_o two_o viz._n to_o abstain_v from_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a according_a to_o his_o ability_n those_o action_n i_o call_v good_a which_o either_o be_v eternal_o agreeable_a unto_o the_o nature_n circumstance_n and_o mutual_a relation_n of_o person_n and_o thing_n and_o therefore_o for_o ever_o to_o be_v approve_v of_o by_o every_o impartial_a rational_a be_v as_o i_o have_v say_v part_n 2._o §_o 18._o for_o which_o we_o must_v appeal_v to_o every_o man_n reason_n as_o we_o do_v to_o his_o eye_n without_o any_o other_o demonstration_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o sun_n shine_v or_o else_o be_v express_o command_v by_o god_n of_o his_o own_o positive_a will_n and_o pleasure_n to_o who_o as_o be_v his_o creature_n we_o all_o owe_v a_o entire_a obedience_n for_o which_o we_o must_v have_v our_o recourse_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n only_o all_o the_o positive_a institution_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n which_o be_v give_v by_o god_n to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v abrogate_a and_o the_o obligation_n of_o they_o annul_v by_o our_o saviour_n christ_n although_o the_o moral_a part_n of_o it_o which_o contain_v the_o precept_n and_o rule_n of_o eternal_a good_a and_o evil_n and_o wherein_o the_o very_a life_n and_o soul_n of_o that_o law_n consist_v be_v not_o only_o abet_v and_o confirm_v but_o also_o very_o much_o improve_v by_o he_o and_o such_o action_n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o good_a that_o be_v to_o say_v either_o disagreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n and_o person_n or_o else_o positive_o forbid_v by_o god_n i_o call_v evil_a i_o be_o indeed_o of_o opinion_n that_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o have_v not_o only_o the_o positive_a command_n of_o god_n whereby_o some_o thing_n which_o otherwise_o will_v have_v be_v indifferent_a be_v enjoin_v or_o forbid_v but_o also_o either_o in_o particular_a or_o at_o least_o in_o general_n a_o sufficient_a account_n of_o all_o those_o action_n which_o be_v eternal_o good_a or_o evil_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v do_v or_o avoid_v by_o we_o and_o this_o design_v by_o almighty_a god_n for_o the_o direction_n and_o instruction_n of_o those_o man_n who_o have_v not_o ability_n to_o dive_v into_o and_o discover_v those_o thing_n by_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o reason_n and_o therefore_o in_o order_n to_o describe_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a it_o may_v be_v enough_o for_o i_o to_o collect_v the_o precept_n and_o prohibition_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o in_o his_o word_n and_o to_o vouch_v no_o other_o authority_n or_o reason_n but_o his_o will_n for_o they_o but_o because_o every_o man_n duty_n will_v probable_o make_v the_o great_a impression_n upon_o his_o mind_n when_o he_o be_v satisfy_v as_o to_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o as_o well_o as_o convince_v of_o its_o obligation_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v as_o i_o proceed_v first_o to_o infer_v as_o much_o of_o our_o duty_n as_o i_o can_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n and_o person_n and_o then_o to_o superadd_a where_o there_o be_v occasion_n what_o god_n have_v positive_o ordain_v and_o command_v as_o to_o any_o point_n and_o this_o with_o the_o same_o conciseness_n that_o i_o have_v observe_v in_o my_o second_o part_n neither_o enlarge_n upon_o those_o argument_n nor_o recite_v those_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o i_o suppose_v my_o reader_n to_o be_v able_a to_o call_v to_o mind_n upon_o the_o least_o hint_n of_o they_o 2._o to_o begin_v then_o since_o god_n be_v the_o most_o perfect_a and_o excellent_a be_v in_o himself_o and_o so_o love_a and_o beneficent_a to_o we_o it_o follow_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o love_v he_o in_o the_o high_a degree_n that_o possible_o we_o can_v and_o true_a and_o complete_a love_n as_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o one_o person_n exert_v towards_o another_o as_o its_o object_n consist_v in_o a_o unseigned_a desire_n first_o of_o always_o do_v what_o may_v be_v true_o grateful_a and_o acceptable_a to_o the_o person_n belove_v and_o second_o of_o enjoy_v and_o be_v with_o he_o as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v the_o more_o ardent_a and_o zealous_a we_o be_v in_o our_o love_n to_o god_n the_o better_a undoubted_o it_o be_v and_o we_o shall_v strive_v to_o engage_v our_o affection_n as_o well_o as_o our_o reason_n and_o our_o will_n unto_o he_o from_o who_o we_o have_v receive_v all_o thing_n but_o yet_o this_o love_n be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v or_o judge_v of_o by_o the_o earnestness_n of_o those_o sudden_a motion_n which_o sometime_o may_v arise_v within_o we_o upon_o the_o contemplation_n of_o god_n excellency_n and_o goodness_n because_o to_o be_v thus_o passionate_o affect_v be_v not_o whole_o in_o our_o power_n and_o sometime_o lest_o so_o when_o we_o most_o earnest_o desire_v it_o but_o the_o true_a and_o certain_a way_n of_o judge_v whether_o we_o love_v god_n or_o not_o be_v by_o examine_v whether_o we_o be_v steadfast_a in_o our_o resolution_n and_o according_o diligent_a in_o our_o endeavour_n constant_o to_o obey_v he_o and_o keep_v all_o his_o commandment_n which_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o please_v and_o consequent_o to_o enjoy_v and_o for_o ever_o be_v with_o he_o and_o where_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v thus_o firm_o root_v in_o the_o will_n and_o bring_v forth_o plenty_n of_o fruit_n in_o the_o life_n and_o action_n it_o be_v certain_o nevertheless_o acceptable_a to_o he_o although_o it_o do_v not_o so_o passionate_o move_v our_o affection_n as_o we_o can_v wish_v or_o desire_v and_o as_o all_o the_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v unto_o almighty_a god_n be_v derive_v from_o and_o do_v depend_v upon_o that_o of_o love_v of_o he_o or_o rather_o indeed_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o so_o be_v it_o very_o evident_a that_o they_o be_v all_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o the_o same_o forementioned_a rule_n that_o be_v to_o say_v not_o so_o much_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o a_o inward_a impulse_n upon_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o under_o our_o command_n as_o by_o the_o steady_a agreeableness_n of_o our_o will_n and_o action_n unto_o all_o such_o principle_n as_o be_v right_a and_o good_a 3._o since_o god_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a and_o perfect_a and_o consequent_o the_o most_o worthy_a of_o all_o being_n that_o be_v or_o can_v be_v from_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o honour_v he_o with_o the_o great_a honour_n that_o may_v be_v now_o to_o honour_v any_o person_n be_v in_o other_o word_n inward_o to_o esteem_v and_o outward_o to_o show_v our_o respect_n to_o he_o our_o inward_a esteem_n of_o god_n consist_v in_o a_o due_a acknowledgement_n of_o his_o be_v and_o attribute_n and_o our_o outward_a respect_n to_o he_o be_v to_o be_v show_v as_o well_o by_o abstain_v from_o all_o action_n which_o may_v savour_v of_o any_o neglect_n or_o irreverence_n towards_o he_o as_o by_o perform_v all_o such_o as_o may_v appear_v to_o be_v suitable_a both_o to_o his_o own_o excellency_n and_o our_o dependence_n upon_o he_o 4._o since_o god_n be_v present_a in_o all_o place_n and_o know_v all_o even_o the_o most_o secret_a thing_n and_o therefore_o can_v possible_o be_v deceive_v or_o impose_v on_o we_o shall_v on_o this_o consideration_n be_v very_o watchful_a and_o careful_a upon_o all_o occasion_n how_o we_o behave_v ourselves_o in_o his_o presence_n and_o
which_o be_v my_o right_n for_o otherwise_o all_o the_o good_a and_o honest_a man_n in_o the_o world_n will_v continual_o lie_v expose_v to_o the_o wrong_n and_o insult_v of_o any_o evil_a man_n who_o may_v have_v a_o mind_n to_o destroy_v they_o so_o i_o and_o every_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v ready_a at_o any_o time_n to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o a_o adversary_n or_o enemy_n provide_v it_o may_v be_v upon_o such_o term_n as_o be_v consistent_a with_o our_o own_o safety_n nor_o ought_v any_o man_n upon_o any_o occasion_n to_o do_v any_o great_a harm_n to_o his_o keen_a enemy_n than_o what_o he_o apprehend_v to_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o his_o own_o preservation_n for_o since_o society_n and_o peace_n among_o mankind_n be_v the_o will_n and_o design_n of_o almighty_a god_n if_o a_o breach_n be_v make_v therein_o by_o another_o i_o ought_v for_o my_o part_n to_o do_v nothing_o which_o may_v make_v it_o wide_o but_o ever_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v a_o help_a hand_n to_o the_o close_n and_o make_v up_o of_o it_o 35._o hitherto_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o lay_v down_o the_o main_a and_o fundamental_a rule_n of_o that_o duty_n which_o every_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o pay_v and_o perform_v to_o god_n to_o himself_o and_o to_o all_o other_o men._n now_o to_o deduce_v all_o the_o particular_a branch_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n from_o these_o main_a principle_n and_o to_o show_v how_o morality_n be_v improve_v and_o refine_v by_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o perfection_n be_v a_o thing_n not_o dificult_a to_o be_v do_v but_o yet_o inconsistent_a with_o my_o design_a brevity_n for_o which_o therefore_o i_o must_v refer_v my_o reader_n to_o some_o of_o those_o book_n of_o christian_a piety_n wherein_o each_o particular_a of_o our_o duty_n be_v at_o large_a describe_v and_o press_v but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n if_o we_o will_v have_v a_o short_a abstract_n of_o our_o duty_n than_o what_o i_o have_v now_o be_v give_v the_o holy_a scripture_n furnish_v we_o with_o three_o rule_n then_o express_v and_o one_o imply_v from_o which_o every_o thing_n that_o we_o can_v be_v oblige_v to_o do_v be_v easy_o deduee_v and_o they_o be_v 1._o that_o we_o shall_v love_v god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n soul_n and_o strength_n 2._o that_o we_o shall_v true_o love_v ourselves_o that_o be_v to_o say_v so_o as_o always_o to_o aim_v at_o and_o pursue_v our_o true_a and_o chief_a happiness_n and_o 3._o that_o we_o shall_v love_v other_o as_o we_o do_v ourselves_o not_o with_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o love_n for_o that_o be_v not_o only_o unreasonable_a but_o impossible_a but_o with_o the_o same_o reality_n and_o sincerity_n or_o in_o other_o term_n that_o we_o shall_v ever_o do_v unto_o all_o other_o man_n what_o we_o will_v think_v reasonable_a that_o they_o shall_v do_v unto_o we_o if_o we_o be_v in_o their_o circumstance_n and_o they_o in_o we_o but_o beside_o these_o general_a duty_n which_o be_v indiscriminate_o incumbent_a upon_o all_o man_n there_o be_v divers_a particular_a one_o which_o do_v arise_v from_o those_o several_a relation_n which_o man_n may_v contract_v and_o bear_v to_o other_o of_o which_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o i_o give_v some_o brief_a account_n 36._o that_o god_n will_v have_v the_o generation_n of_o man_n continue_v and_o increase_v upon_o the_o earth_n be_v very_o evident_a as_o well_o from_o the_o natural_a inclination_n which_o he_o have_v implant_v in_o they_o as_o in_o all_o other_o live_v creature_n to_o propagate_v their_o kind_a as_o from_o that_o love_n and_o affection_n which_o be_v common_a to_o they_o with_o other_o creature_n towards_o those_o who_o spring_n from_o they_o but_o if_o mankind_n be_v propagate_v only_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o wild_a and_o wander_a lust_n without_o confinement_n to_o any_o settle_a rule_n or_o law_n this_o will_v bring_v in_o such_o a_o deluge_n of_o confusion_n and_o disturbance_n as_o will_v unavoidable_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o satisfaction_n which_o at_o the_o present_a they_o do_v or_o may_v enjoy_v for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o settle_a marriage_n we_o can_v hardly_o suppose_v that_o ever_o there_o will_v be_v any_o sort_n of_o settle_a family_n which_o be_v the_o first_o beginning_n of_o society_n and_o regularity_n among_o man_n father_n will_v not_o know_v which_o be_v their_o own_o child_n and_o consequent_o will_v take_v no_o care_n to_o bring_v they_o up_o or_o provide_v for_o they_o and_o not_o only_o the_o pain_n of_o bear_v but_o the_o whole_a trouble_n of_o nourish_v reat_v and_o provide_v for_o child_n will_v lie_v whole_o upon_o the_o female_a sex_n who_o by_o themselves_o can_v but_o very_o imperfect_o perform_v that_o work_n as_o it_o shall_v be_v do_v since_o therefore_o god_n intend_v the_o comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o man_n even_o whilst_o they_o be_v here_o upon_o earth_n i_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v his_o will_n that_o mankind_n shall_v be_v propagate_v no_o other_o way_n but_o by_o settle_a marriage_n that_o be_v by_o a_o compact_a and_o agreement_n between_o the_o male_a and_o female_a and_o that_o under_o such_o rule_n as_o be_v fit_a and_o proper_a to_o promote_v the_o general_a happiness_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v his_o great_a design_n ought_v ever_o also_o to_o be_v we_o 37._o that_o a_o woman_n shall_v have_v more_o than_o one_o husband_n at_o a_o time_n be_v notorious_o contrary_a to_o the_o design_n of_o marriage_n and_o therefore_o direct_o unlawful_a and_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v have_v more_o than_o one_o wife_n at_o a_o time_n the_o experience_n of_o many_o in_o former_a age_n and_o at_o this_o time_n in_o the_o eastern_a country_n do_v sufficient_o testify_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o that_o peace_n and_o quietness_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o comfort_n and_o happiness_n of_o every_o family_n and_o therefore_o not_o so_o agreeable_a to_o that_o universal_a friendship_n which_o ought_v ever_o to_o be_v preserve_v among_o man_n but_o especial_o among_o those_o who_o be_v so_o near_o ally_v together_o moreover_o if_o man_n and_o their_o wife_n shall_v have_v liberty_n to_o part_v one_o from_o the_o other_o whenever_o they_o please_v beside_o the_o confusion_n and_o disturbance_n which_o this_o also_o must_v breed_v in_o family_n especial_o where_o there_o be_v child_n in_o the_o case_n marriage_n will_v hardly_o differ_v from_o that_o wild_a and_o wander_a lust_n against_o which_o i_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o precede_a paragraph_n i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o although_o before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n if_o a_o man_n take_v more_o wife_n than_o one_o not_o for_o lust_n which_o be_v unlawful_a §_o 24._o but_o mere_o for_o propagation_n it_o may_v in_o some_o case_n be_v dispense_v with_o yet_o it_o ever_o be_v most_o please_a to_o god_n that_o a_o man_n shall_v have_v but_o one_o wife_n at_o a_o time_n and_o that_o nothing_o but_o death_n shall_v ever_o part_v a_o man_n and_o his_o wife_n except_o the_o evil_a behaviour_n of_o one_o party_n shall_v make_v the_o continuance_n of_o the_o marriage_n compact_a and_o cohabitation_n not_o only_o something_o uneasy_a for_o that_o for_o peace_n and_o quietness_n sake_n shall_v be_v bear_v patient_o but_o downright_a intolerable_a but_o these_o thing_n which_o reason_n may_v perhaps_o but_o imperfect_o suggest_v the_o gospel_n have_v pass_v and_o establish_v into_o law_n viz._n that_o as_o every_o woman_n be_v to_o have_v but_o one_o husband_n for_n no_o man_n must_v have_v more_o than_o one_o wife_n at_o a_o time_n nor_o must_v any_o thing_n part_n man_n and_o wife_n but_o death_n except_o it_o be_v the_o case_n of_o adultery_n and_o better_o much_o it_o be_v that_o particular_a person_n shall_v sometime_o be_v force_v to_o labour_v under_o some_o inconvenience_n than_o that_o any_o such_o liberty_n shall_v be_v allow_v as_o tend_v to_o disturb_v and_o distract_v the_o world_n 38._o we_o general_o find_v that_o all_o man_n even_o heathen_n as_o well_o as_o jew_n and_o christian_n have_v conceive_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a abhorrence_n against_o the_o marriage_n of_o such_o person_n as_o be_v very_o near_o ally_v together_o within_o some_o certain_a degree_n of_o relation_n and_o since_o the_o world_n be_v wide_a enough_o for_o a_o man_n to_o choose_v a_o wife_n or_o a_o woman_n a_o husband_n those_o general_a rule_n which_o be_v give_v to_o we_o in_o scripture_n of_o provide_v for_o thing_n honest_a not_o only_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n but_o of_o man_n also_o and_o of_o take_v care_n not_o only_o about_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v just_a and_o honest_a but_o also_o about_o such_o as_o be_v lovely_a and_o of_o good_a report_n shall_v teach_v we_o that_o no_o person_n shall_v engage_v in_o such_o a_o
bless_a trinity_n or_o between_o the_o two_o nature_n which_o be_v in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o three_o thing_n be_v take_v for_o grant_v the_o question_n that_o be_v to_o be_v determine_v be_v whether_o or_o no_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o a_o man_n to_o deny_v his_o assent_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n because_o they_o be_v above_o his_o reason_n 16._o and_o here_o in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o although_o we_o can_v by_o any_o mean_n comprehend_v the_o thing_n themselves_o yet_o we_o do_v so_o far_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o term_n in_o which_o these_o doctrine_n be_v express_v as_o clear_o to_o perceive_v that_o they_o be_v not_o a_o company_n of_o insignificant_a word_n put_v together_o to_o make_v a_o sound_n and_o signify_v nothing_o what_o a_o person_n be_v we_o know_v though_o we_o can_v tell_v what_o sort_n of_o person_n the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v and_o how_o their_o personal_a distinction_n between_o themselves_o particular_o and_o full_o differ_v from_o that_o of_o man_n one_o from_o another_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v one_o we_o well_o understand_v although_o we_o can_v frame_v a_o idea_n of_o that_o special_a union_n which_o be_v between_o those_o divine_a person_n what_o it_o be_v for_o one_o be_v to_o generate_v another_o and_o what_o to_o proceed_v from_o another_o we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a although_o the_o peculiar_a manner_n of_o the_o generation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o procession_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v beyond_o our_o capacity_n to_o conceive_v and_o last_o what_o it_o be_v for_o two_o being_n to_o be_v unite_v together_o we_o can_v very_o well_o apprehend_v although_o we_o pretend_v not_o to_o know_v the_o manner_n of_o that_o union_n which_o be_v between_o the_o two_o nature_n in_o the_o person_n of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o whence_o it_o plain_o follow_v that_o these_o doctrine_n though_o above_o our_o reason_n do_v yet_o so_o far_o stand_v upon_o equal_a term_n with_o those_o doctrine_n which_o i_o have_v term_v reconcilable_a to_o reason_n sect._n 8._o that_o as_o our_o reason_n may_v be_v plain_o and_o positive_a convince_v from_o its_o own_o principle_n alone_o of_o the_o possibility_n of_o the_o one_o so_o be_v there_o no_o principle_n of_o our_o reason_n which_o can_v reach_v so_o far_o as_o to_o prove_v or_o demonstrate_v any_o impossibility_n in_o the_o other_o and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n or_o impossibility_n in_o a_o doctrine_n it_o will_v undeniable_o follow_v that_o that_o same_o doctrine_n may_v possible_o be_v true_a and_o where_o ever_o a_o man_n be_v convince_v of_o the_o possibility_n of_o a_o doctrine_n if_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o same_o doctrine_n appear_v to_o he_o to_o be_v restify_v by_o any_o person_n of_o who_o veracity_n he_o can_v entertain_v any_o manner_n of_o doubt_n he_o can_v refuse_v to_o give_v his_o assent_n to_o it_o as_o i_o have_v say_v sect._n 13._o since_o then_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n admit_v of_o no_o manner_n of_o doubt_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v by_o both_o party_n in_o this_o dispute_n allow_v of_o as_o most_o authentic_a record_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o rule_n of_o life_n which_o god_n have_v make_v know_v and_o reveal_v to_o the_o world_n and_o last_o since_o we_o here_o suppose_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o that_o of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n do_v neither_o of_o they_o contain_v or_o imply_v any_o impossibility_n or_o contradiction_n although_o they_o be_v both_o of_o they_o above_o our_o reason_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o if_o all_o or_o any_o of_o the_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v bring_v to_o prove_v these_o doctrine_n be_v expound_v according_a to_o the_o common_a way_n of_o interpret_n all_o book_n of_o which_o see_v part_n 1_o sect._n 25._o do_v fair_o and_o without_o be_v wrest_v contain_v either_o in_o themselves_o or_o their_o evident_a consequence_n those_o same_o doctrine_n which_o they_o be_v allege_v to_o establish_v there_o can_v be_v no_o just_a cause_n why_o any_o man_n shall_v deny_v his_o assent_n to_o they_o but_o if_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o it_o be_v still_o urge_v that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n explicit_o to_o believe_v a_o thing_n of_o which_o he_o can_v frame_v no_o conception_n or_o idea_n i_o must_v refer_v he_o to_o the_o story_n of_o the_o blind_a man_n sect._n 14._o which_o seem_v to_o i_o abundant_o to_o evince_v the_o contrary_n and_o why_o we_o shall_v not_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o well_o as_o the_o blind_a man_n do_v the_o existence_n of_o light_n and_o colour_n upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o man_n join_v with_o that_o collateral_a experiment_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v i_o profess_v i_o can_v see_v no_o manner_n of_o reason_n 17._o and_o as_o in_o my_o book_n part_n 3_o sect._n 71._o i_o have_v advertise_v my_o reader_n that_o i_o have_v purposely_o avoid_v the_o use_n of_o certain_a word_n and_o term_n for_o the_o reason_n there_o give_v so_o must_v i_o desire_v he_o to_o take_v notice_n that_o for_o the_o like_a reason_n i_o have_v both_o in_o my_o book_n and_o in_o this_o appendix_n omit_v so_o much_o as_o to_o mention_v the_o word_n mystery_n about_o which_o so_o great_a a_o noise_n have_v of_o late_o be_v make_v whether_o this_o same_o term_n mystery_n be_v always_o use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o the_o very_a same_o and_o no_o other_o signification_n as_o it_o be_v understand_v by_o heathen_a author_n or_o whether_o other_o sort_n of_o thing_n by_o a_o very_a allowable_a analogy_n be_v not_o also_o there_o call_v mystery_n upon_o account_n of_o their_o obscurity_n because_o we_o know_v they_o but_o in_o part_n and_o see_v they_o but_o as_o in_o a_o glass_n dark_o or_o last_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o christianity_n which_o may_v proper_o be_v call_v a_o mystery_n according_a to_o the_o genuine_a meaning_n of_o that_o term_n to_o i_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o more_o but_o a_o contention_n about_o a_o word_n which_o the_o apostle_n express_o forbid_v 2_o tim._n 2._o 14._o but_o whatever_o may_v be_v determine_v concern_v the_o propriety_n of_o the_o word_n the_o thing_n if_o self_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o there_o be_v some_o doctrine_n in_o christianity_n which_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n and_o yet_o that_o this_o be_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o denial_n of_o our_o assent_n to_o they_o 18._o and_o if_o i_o be_o tell_v that_o after_o all_o this_o there_o be_v no_o great_a obscurity_n in_o any_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n than_o what_o there_o be_v in_o all_o natural_a being_n with_o which_o we_o most_o familiar_o converse_v who_o real_a essence_n we_o can_v penetrate_v but_o must_v content_v ourselves_o with_o a_o sort_n of_o superficial_a knowledge_n of_o they_o which_o be_v cause_v by_o those_o impression_n which_o they_o make_v upon_o our_o outward_a organ_n which_o at_o most_o can_v be_v term_v but_o a_o nominal_a essence_n so_o that_o even_o a_o spire_n of_o grass_n a_o stick_n a_o stone_n or_o any_o other_o natural_a be_v may_v upon_o this_o account_n as_o true_o be_v term_v mystericus_fw-la as_o the_o most_o sublime_a doctrine_n of_o religion_n i_o shall_v only_o answer_v that_o it_o mighty_o raise_v my_o wonder_n to_o hear_v man_n so_o free_o acknowledge_v that_o in_o every_o other_o thing_n whatsoever_o there_o be_v something_o which_o be_v above_o their_o reason_n and_o to_o which_o their_o understanding_n can_v reach_v and_o yet_o that_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v the_o same_o in_o religion_n 19_o but_o i_o know_v it_o will_v be_v object_v that_o the_o first_o of_o those_o three_o supposition_n which_o i_o have_v lay_v down_o sect._n 15._o will_n by_o no_o mean_n be_v grant_v by_o the_o unitarian_n for_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o allow_v the_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v bring_v to_o prove_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n to_o be_v any_o way_n sufficient_a to_o that_o purpose_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o do_v with_o the_o great_a assurance_n undertake_v to_o bring_v other_o and_o contrary_a interpetation_n of_o those_o very_a passage_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v far_o more_o rational_a and_o natural_a to_o which_o i_o shall_v only_o answer_v that_o this_o be_v all_o that_o i_o aim_v at_o in_o this_o appendix_n that_o the_o issue_n of_o these_o controversy_n may_v be_v place_v upon_o that_o which_o be_v the_o only_a true_a foundation_n for_o it_o i_o mean_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o that_o blind_a man_n will_v not_o take_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o reason_n to_o discuss_v problem_n and_o frame_v conclusion_n concern_v light_n and_o colour_n of_o which_o they_o can_v have_v no_o true_a or_o sufficient_a idea_n i_o be_o very_o sensible_a that_o learned_a man_n who_o have_v their_o mind_n strong_o prepossess_v with_o any_o opinion_n may_v by_o their_o criticism_n and_o paraphrase_n and_o such_o like_a engine_n torture_n and_o screw_v almost_o any_o text_n of_o scripture_n till_o they_o make_v it_o look_v with_o another_o aspect_n from_o what_o be_v true_o its_o own_o and_o seem_v to_o confess_v what_o real_o it_o never_o think_v or_o mean_v but_o if_o we_o will_v always_o take_v those_o interpretation_n which_o flow_v of_o themselves_o and_o not_o those_o which_o be_v violent_o press_v from_o the_o scripture_n which_o i_o think_v be_v the_o fair_a way_n of_o expound_v all_o speech_n and_o discourse_n whatsoever_o i_o can_v for_o my_o part_n see_v how_o we_o can_v otherwise_o conclude_v concern_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n than_o as_o i_o have_v do_v part_v 2._o sect._n 22._o 37._o finis_fw-la