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 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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
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
be_v fit_a for_o god_n to_o do_v and_o that_o he_o need_v not_o to_o take_v counsel_n of_o any_o of_o his_o creature_n what_o will_v best_o become_v he_o in_o this_o or_o any_o other_o case_n 13._o behold_v in_o this_o thou_o be_v not_o just_a i_o will_v answer_v thou_o that_o god_n be_v great_a than_o man_n why_o do_v thou_o dispute_v against_o he_o for_o he_o give_v not_o account_n of_o any_o of_o his_o matter_n three_o if_o our_o reason_n can_v get_v over_o this_o difficulty_n and_o admit_v that_o god_n may_v become_v man_n yet_o it_o seem_v very_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o to_o his_o great_a design_n of_o instruct_v and_o reform_v mankind_n to_o appear_v in_o so_o low_a and_o suffer_v a_o condition_n this_o to_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n who_o as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o by_o wisdom_n know_v not_o god_n do_v not_o only_o seem_v unreasonable_a but_o even_o ridiculous_a 21._o so_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o we_o say_v he_o preach_v christ_n crucify_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumble_a block_n and_o to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n to_o think_v that_o so_o poor_a and_o mean_a a_o man_n be_v fit_a to_o give_v law_n to_o mankind_n and_o to_o awe_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o doctrine_n that_o one_o who_o be_v put_v to_o death_n himself_o shall_v be_v believe_v by_o other_o when_o he_o promise_v to_o they_o life_n and_o immortality_n in_o another_o world_n can_v not_o but_o appear_v very_o strange_a and_o unreasonable_a for_o answer_v to_o this_o beside_o other_o excellent_a reason_n and_o end_n which_o the_o scripture_n express_o assign_v of_o our_o b._n saviour_n humiliation_n in_o his_o assume_v our_o nature_n with_o the_o frailty_n and_o misery_n of_o it_o as_o that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o teacher_n and_o a_o example_n to_o we_o that_o by_o his_o bitter_a passion_n he_o may_v make_v expiation_n for_o sin_n and_o â—et_v we_o a_o pattern_n of_o the_o great_a meekness_n and_o patience_n under_o the_o great_a provocation_n and_o suffering_n that_o have_v suffer_v so_o grievous_o himself_o he_o may_v know_v how_o to_o commiserate_v and_o pity_v we_o in_o all_o our_o temptation_n and_o suffering_n that_o by_o death_n he_o may_v destroy_v he_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o death_n that_o be_v the_o devil_n and_o may_v deliver_v those_o who_o through_o fear_n of_o death_n be_v all_o their_o life-time_n subject_a to_o bondage_n i_o say_v beside_o all_o this_o it_o be_v of_o great_a use_n that_o the_o great_a teacher_n and_o reformer_n of_o mankind_n shall_v live_v in_o so_o mean_a and_o afflict_a a_o condition_n to_o confront_v the_o pride_n and_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n by_o this_o consideration_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o very_o best_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v be_v a_o beggar_n and_o have_v not_o where_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n and_o likewise_o to_o convince_v man_n of_o these_o two_o great_a truth_n that_o god_n may_v grievous_o afflict_v those_o who_o he_o dear_o love_v and_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o be_v innocent_a and_o content_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o poverty_n and_o reproach_n and_o suffering_n have_v our_o b._n saviour_n appear_v in_o the_o person_n and_o pomp_n of_o a_o great_a temporal_a prince_n the_o influence_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o example_n will_v probable_o have_v make_v more_o hypocrite_n and_o servile_a convert_v but_o not_o have_v persuade_v man_n one_o jot_n more_o to_o be_v inward_o holy_a and_o good_a the_o great_a argument_n that_o must_v do_v that_o must_v not_o be_v fetch_v from_o the_o pomp_n and_o prosperity_n of_o this_o world_n but_o from_o the_o great_a and_o eternal_a recompense_n of_o the_o other_o and_o it_o be_v very_o well_o worth_a our_o observation_n that_o nothing_o puzzle_v cesar_n vaninus_n who_o be_v perhaps_o the_o first_o and_o the_o only_a martyr_n for_o atheism_n that_o ever_o be_v i_o say_v nothing_o puzzle_v he_o more_o than_o that_o he_o can_v not_o from_o the_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n and_o action_n write_v by_o the_o evangelist_n with_o so_o native_a a_o simplicity_n fasten_v upon_o he_o any_o probable_a imputation_n of_o a_o secular_a interest_n and_o design_n in_o any_o thing_n that_o he_o say_v or_o do_v no_o doubt_n but_o vaninus_n before_o he_o make_v this_o acknowledgement_n have_v search_v very_o narrow_o into_o this_o matter_n and_o can_v he_o have_v find_v any_o colour_n for_o such_o a_o imputation_n he_o will_v have_v think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o have_v blast_v both_o he_o and_o his_o religion_n you_o may_v be_v please_v to_o consider_v further_o that_o it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o wise_a jew_n that_o the_o best_a man_n the_o child_n of_o god_n who_o call_v god_n their_o father_n be_v many_o time_n expose_v to_o the_o great_a suffering_n and_o reproach_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o meekness_n and_o patience_n as_o we_o may_v see_v at_o large_a in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o solomon_n where_o speak_v of_o the_o malice_n and_o enmity_n of_o the_o wicked_a to_o one_o that_o be_v eminent_o righteous_a he_o bring_v they_o in_o say_v after_o this_o manner_n 20._o let_v we_o lie_v in_o wait_n for_o the_o righteous_a because_o he_o be_v not_o for_o our_o turn_n he_o be_v clean_o contrary_a to_o our_o do_n he_o upbraid_v we_o with_o our_o offend_v the_o law_n and_o object_v to_o our_o infamy_n the_o transgression_n of_o our_o youth_n he_o profess_v to_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o he_o call_v himself_o the_o child_n of_o the_o lord_n he_o be_v grievous_a unto_o we_o even_o to_o behold_v for_o his_o life_n be_v not_o like_o other_o man_n his_o way_n be_v of_o another_o fashion_n we_o be_v esteem_v of_o he_o as_o counterfeit_v he_o abstain_v from_o our_o way_n as_o from_o filthiness_n he_o pronounce_v the_o end_n of_o the_o just_a to_o be_v bless_v and_o make_v his_o boast_n that_o god_n be_v his_o father_n let_v we_o see_v if_o his_o word_n be_v true_a and_o what_o shall_v happen_v in_o the_o end_n of_o he_o for_o if_o the_o just_a man_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o will_v help_v he_o and_o deliver_v he_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o enemy_n let_v we_o examine_v he_o with_o despitefulness_n and_o torture_n that_o we_o may_v know_v his_o meekness_n and_o prove_v his_o patience_n let_v we_o condemn_v he_o to_o a_o shameful_a death_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v so_o exact_a a_o character_n of_o our_o b._n saviour_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o holiness_n and_o innocency_n of_o his_o life_n and_o of_o the_o reproach_n and_o suffering_n which_o he_o meet_v with_o from_o the_o wicked_a and_o malicious_a jew_n who_o persecute_v he_o all_o his_o life_n and_o at_o last_o conspire_v his_o death_n that_o whoever_o read_v this_o passage_n can_v hardly_o forbear_v to_o think_v it_o a_o prophetical_a description_n of_o the_o innocency_n and_o suffering_n of_o the_o b._n jesus_n for_o he_o certain_o in_o the_o most_o eminent_a manner_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v call_v by_o the_o evangelist_n the_o only_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n or_o if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o prediction_n concern_v our_o b._n saviour_n yet_o thus_o much_o at_o least_o may_v be_v conclude_v from_o it_o that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o wise_a among_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v not_o unworthy_a of_o the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n to_o permit_v the_o best_a man_n to_o be_v so_o ill_o treat_v by_o wicked_a man_n and_o further_o that_o in_o their_o judgement_n the_o innocency_n and_o virtue_n of_o a_o eminent_o righteous_a man_n be_v then_o set_v off_o to_o the_o best_a advantage_n and_o do_v shine_v forth_o with_o the_o great_a lustre_n when_o he_o be_v under_o the_o hard_a circumstance_n of_o suffering_n and_o persecution_n from_o a_o evil_a world_n add_v to_o this_o likewise_o that_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n do_v frequent_o inculcate_v such_o doctrine_n as_o these_o that_o worldly_a greatness_n and_o power_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admire_v but_o rather_o to_o be_v despise_v by_o a_o wise_a man_n that_o man_n may_v be_v very_o good_a and_o dear_a to_o the_o god_n and_o yet_o liable_a to_o the_o great_a misery_n and_o suffering_n in_o this_o world_n that_o whoever_o suffer_v unjust_o and_o bear_v it_o patient_o give_v the_o great_a testimony_n to_o goodness_n and_o do_v most_o effectual_o recommend_v piety_n and_o virtue_n as_o thing_n of_o great_a value_n than_o the_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o present_a life_n nay_o further_o that_o a_o good_a man_n cast_v into_o the_o hard_a circumstance_n of_o poverty_n and_o misery_n of_o reproach_n and_o suffering_n be_v the_o fit_a person_n of_o all_o other_o to_o be_v the_o minister_n and_o apostle_n and_o
one_o god_n be_v to_o the_o common_a reason_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o the_o clear_a and_o most_o essential_a notion_n which_o we_o have_v of_o god_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v these_o two_o way_n first_o by_o consider_v the_o most_o essential_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n second_o from_o the_o repugnancy_n and_o impossibility_n the_o great_a absurdity_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o suppose_v more_o god_n than_o one._n first_o by_o consider_v the_o most_o essential_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n absolute_a perfection_n which_o we_o ascribe_v to_o god_n as_o the_o most_o essential_a notion_n which_o mankind_n have_v always_o have_v concern_v he_o do_v necessary_o suppose_v unity_n because_o this_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o be_v that_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a that_o all_o perfection_n meet_v and_o be_v unite_v in_o such_o a_o be_v but_o to_o imagine_v more_o god_n and_o some_o perfection_n to_o be_v in_o one_o and_o some_o in_o another_o do_v destroy_v the_o most_o essential_a notion_n which_o man_n have_v of_o god_n namely_o that_o he_o be_v a_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a that_o be_v as_o perfect_a as_o be_v possible_a now_o to_o suppose_v some_o perfection_n in_o one_o god_n which_o be_v not_o in_o another_o be_v to_o suppose_v some_o possible_a perfection_n to_o be_v want_v in_o god_n which_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o most_o natural_a and_o the_o most_o easy_a notion_n which_o all_o man_n have_v of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v a_o be_v in_o who_o all_o perfection_n do_v meet_v and_o be_v unite_v but_o if_o we_o suppose_v more_o god_n each_o of_o which_o have_v all_o perfection_n unite_v in_o he_o than_o all_o but_o one_o will_v be_v superfluous_a and_o needless_a and_o therefore_o by_o just_a and_o necessary_a consequence_n not_o only_o may_v but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v suppose_v not_o to_o be_v since_o necessary_a existence_n be_v essential_a to_o the_o deity_n and_o therefore_o if_o but_o one_o god_n be_v necessary_a there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o second_o from_o the_o repugnancy_n and_o impossibility_n the_o great_a absurdity_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o the_o contrary_n for_o suppose_v there_o be_v more_o god_n two_o for_o example_n and_o if_o there_o may_v be_v two_o there_o may_v be_v a_o million_o for_o we_o can_v stop_v no_o where_o i_o say_v suppose_v two_o god_n either_o these_o two_o will_v be_v in_o all_o perfection_n equal_a and_o alike_o or_o unequal_a and_o unlike_a if_o equal_a and_o alike_o in_o all_o thing_n then_o as_o i_o say_v before_o one_o of_o they_o will_v be_v needless_a and_o superfluous_a and_o if_o one_o why_o not_o as_o well_o the_o other_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v in_o all_o thing_n perfect_o alike_o and_o then_o there_o will_v be_v no_o necessity_n at_o all_o of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v grant_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o necessary_a existence_n be_v essential_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n but_o if_o they_o be_v unequal_a that_o be_v one_o of_o they_o inferior_a to_o and_o less_o perfect_a than_o the_o other_o that_o which_o be_v inferior_a and_o less_o perfect_a can_v not_o be_v god_n because_o he_o will_v not_o have_v all_o perfection_n so_o that_o which_o way_n soever_o we_o turn_v the_o thing_n and_o look_n upon_o it_o the_o notion_n of_o more_o god_n than_o one_o be_v by_o its_o own_o repugnancy_n and_o self-contradiction_n destructive_a of_o itself_o before_o i_o come_v to_o apply_v this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n i_o must_v not_o pass_v by_o a_o very_a considerable_a difficulty_n which_o will_v most_o certain_o arise_v in_o every_o man_n mind_n without_o take_v particular_a notice_n of_o it_o and_o endeavour_v to_o remove_v it_o if_o i_o can_v and_o it_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o b._n trinity_n or_o of_o three_o real_a difference_n or_o distinct_a person_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o divine_a nature_n and_o though_o this_o be_v not_o a_o difficulty_n peculiar_a only_o to_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o by_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o urge_v this_o objection_n against_o christian_n have_v be_v inconsiderate_o think_v for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o long_o before_o christianity_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v a_o very_a ancient_a tradition_n both_o among_o jew_n and_o heathen_a concern_v three_o real_a difference_n or_o distinction_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n very_o near_o resemble_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n as_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n more_o full_o to_o show_v by_o and_o by_o yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o this_o difficulty_n do_v in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n affect_v the_o christian_a religion_n the_o generality_n of_o christian_n who_o do_v most_o firm_o believe_v the_o trinity_n believe_v likewise_o at_o the_o same_o time_n more_o steadfast_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n to_o we_o 6._o say_v st._n paul_n that_o be_v to_o we_o christian_n there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n but_o how_o can_v this_o possible_o consist_v with_o the_o common_a doctrine_n of_o christian_n concern_v the_o trinity_n god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o h._n ghost_n to_o each_o of_o who_o they_o attribute_v as_o they_o very_o believe_v the_o scripture_n do_v the_o most_o incommunicable_a property_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o what_o be_v this_o less_o in_o effect_n than_o to_o say_v that_o there_o be_v three_o god_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o difficulty_n i_o shall_v with_o all_o the_o brevity_n i_o can_v offer_v these_o follow_a consideration_n which_o i_o hope_v to_o a_o impartial_a and_o unprejudiced_a judgement_n will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o remove_v it_o or_o at_o least_o to_o break_v the_o main_a force_n and_o strength_n of_o it_o i._o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v well_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v a_o wide_a difference_n between_o the_o nice_a speculation_n of_o the_o school_n beyond_o what_o be_v reveal_v in_o scripture_n concern_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o what_o the_o scripture_n only_o teach_v and_o assert_n concern_v this_o mystery_n for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o schoolman_n who_o abound_v in_o wit_n and_o leisure_n though_o very_o few_o among_o they_o have_v either_o exact_a skill_n in_o the_o h._n scripture_n or_o in_o ecclesiastical_a antiquity_n and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n i_o say_v it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o these_o speculative_a and_o very_a acute_a man_n who_o wrought_v a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o divinity_n out_o of_o their_o own_o brain_n as_o spider_n do_v cobweb_n out_o of_o their_o own_o bowel_n have_v start_v a_o thousand_o subtlety_n about_o this_o mystery_n such_o as_o no_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o trouble_v his_o head_n withal_o much_o less_o be_v it_o necessary_a for_o he_o to_o understand_v those_o nicety_n which_o we_o may_v reasonable_o presume_v that_o they_o who_o talk_v of_o they_o do_v themselves_o never_o thorough_o understand_v and_o least_o of_o all_o be_v it_o necessary_a to_o believe_v they_o the_o modesty_n of_o christian_n be_v content_v in_o divine_a mystery_n to_o know_v what_o god_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o reveal_v concern_v they_o and_o have_v no_o curiosity_n to_o be_v wise_a above_o that_o which_o be_v write_v it_o be_v enough_o to_o believe_v what_o god_n say_v concern_v these_o matter_n and_o if_o any_o man_n will_v venture_v to_o say_v more_o every_o other_o man_n sure_o be_v at_o his_o liberty_n to_o believe_v as_o he_o see_v reason_n ii_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v in_o the_o next_o place_n be_v consider_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n even_o as_o it_o be_v assert_v in_o scripture_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o we_o to_o be_v still_o a_o great_a mystery_n and_o so_o imperfect_o reveal_v as_o to_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n incomprehensible_a by_o human_a reason_n and_o therefore_o though_o some_o learned_a and_o judicious_a man_n may_v have_v very_o commendable_o attempt_v a_o more_o particular_a explication_n of_o this_o great_a mystery_n by_o the_o strength_n of_o reason_n yet_o i_o dare_v not_o pretend_v to_o that_o know_v both_o the_o difficulty_n and_o danger_n of_o such_o a_o attempt_n and_o my_o own_o insufficiency_n for_o it_o all_o that_o i_o ever_o design_v upon_o this_o argument_n be_v to_o make_v out_o the_o credibility_n of_o the_o thing_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o h._n scripture_n without_o descend_v to_o a_o more_o particular_a explication_n of_o it_o than_o the_o scripture_n have_v give_v we_o lest_o by_o endeavour_v to_o lay_v the_o difficulty_n which_o be_v already_o start_v about_o it_o new_a one_o shall_v be_v raise_v and_o such_o as_o may_v perhaps_o be_v much_o hard_a to_o be_v remove_v than_o those_o which_o we_o have_v
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and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n a_o man_n must_v not_o deny_v what_o god_n say_v to_o be_v true_a though_o he_o can_v comprehend_v many_o thing_n which_o god_n say_v as_o particular_o concern_v this_o mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n it_o ought_v then_o to_o satisfy_v we_o that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v deliver_v in_o scripture_n and_o that_o what_o be_v there_o declare_v concern_v it_o do_v not_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n for_o why_o shall_v our_o finite_a understanding_n pretend_v to_o comprehend_v that_o which_o be_v infinite_a or_o to_o know_v all_o the_o real_a difference_n that_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o infinite_a be_v or_o to_o be_v able_a full_o to_o explain_v this_o mystery_n by_o any_o similitude_n or_o resemblance_n take_v from_o finite_a being_n but_o before_o i_o leave_v this_o argument_n i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o one_o thing_n which_o they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v perpetual_o 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wide_a difference_n between_o plain_a matter_n of_o sense_n and_o mystery_n concern_v god_n and_o it_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n follow_v that_o if_o a_o man_n do_v once_o admit_v any_o thing_n concern_v god_n which_o he_o can_v comprehend_v he_o have_v no_o reason_n afterward_o to_o believe_v what_o he_o himself_o see_v this_o be_v a_o most_o unreasonable_a and_o destructive_a way_n of_o argue_v because_o it_o strike_v at_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o certainty_n and_o set_v every_o man_n at_o liberty_n to_o deny_v the_o most_o plain_a and_o evident_a truth_n of_o christianity_n if_o he_o may_v not_o be_v humour_a in_o have_v the_o absurde_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n admit_v for_o true_a the_o next_o step_n will_v be_v to_o persuade_v we_o that_o we_o may_v as_o well_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o god_n because_o his_o nature_n be_v incomprehensible_a by_o our_o reason_n as_o deny_v transubstantiation_n because_o it_o evident_o contradict_v our_o sense_n 2_o nor_o be_v these_o two_o doctrine_n load_v with_o the_o like_a absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n so_o far_o from_o this_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n as_o it_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o have_v already_o be_v explain_v have_v no_o absurdity_n or_o contradiction_n either_o involve_v in_o it_o or_o necessary_o consequent_a upon_o it_o but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n be_v big_a with_o all_o imaginable_a absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n and_o their_o own_o schoolman_n have_v sufficient_o expose_v it_o especial_o scotus_n and_o he_o design_v to_o do_v so_o as_o any_o man_n that_o attentive_o read_v he_o may_v plain_o discover_v for_o in_o his_o disputation_n about_o it_o he_o treat_v this_o doctrine_n with_o the_o great_a contempt_n as_o a_o new_a invention_n of_o the_o council_n of_o lateran_n under_o pope_n innocent_a ill_n to_o the_o decree_n of_o which_o council_n concern_v it_o he_o seem_v to_o pay_v a_o formal_a submission_n but_o real_o deride_v it_o as_o contrary_a to_o the_o common_a sense_n and_o reason_n of_o mankind_n and_o not_o at_o all_o support_v by_o scripture_n as_o any_o one_o may_v easy_o discern_v that_o will_v careful_o consider_v his_o manner_n of_o handle_v it_o and_o the_o result_n of_o his_o whole_a disputation_n about_o it_o and_o now_o suppose_v there_o be_v some_o appearance_n of_o absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n as_o it_o be_v deliver_v in_o scripture_n must_v we_o therefore_o believe_v a_o doctrine_n which_o be_v not_o at_o all_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n and_o which_o have_v certain_o in_o it_o all_o the_o absurdity_n in_o the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o contradiction_n to_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o which_o once_o admit_v do_v at_o once_o destroy_v all_o certainty_n yes_o say_v they_o why_o not_o since_o we_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v satisfy_v that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v reveal_v in_o scripture_n or_o if_o it_o be_v not_o be_v define_v by_o the_o
that_o which_o be_v constant_o receive_v not_o only_o by_o the_o ancient_a father_n but_o by_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o all_o christian_n for_o 1500_o year_n together_o for_o to_o establish_v this_o their_o opinion_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v a_o mere_a man_n and_o have_v no_o existence_n before_o his_o birth_n they_o have_v find_v it_o necessary_a to_o expound_v this_o whole_a passage_n quite_o to_o another_o sense_n and_o such_o as_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n be_v never_o mention_v nor_o i_o believe_v think_v of_o by_o any_o christian_a writer_n whatsoever_o before_o socinus_n for_o this_o reason_n i_o shall_v very_o particular_o consider_v the_o interpretation_n which_o socinus_n give_v of_o this_o passage_n of_o st._n john_n and_o beside_o the_o novelty_n of_o it_o which_o they_o themselves_o acknowledge_v i_o make_v no_o doubt_n very_o plain_o to_o manifest_v the_o great_a violence_n and_o unreasonableness_n and_o likewise_o the_o inconsistency_n of_o it_o with_o other_o plain_a text_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v very_o evident_a what_o it_o be_v that_o force_a socinus_n to_o so_o strain_a and_o violent_a a_o interpretation_n of_o this_o passage_n of_o the_o evangelist_n namely_o that_o he_o plain_o see_v how_o much_o the_o obvious_a and_o natural_a and_o general_o receive_v interpretation_n of_o this_o passage_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n down_o to_o his_o time_n stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o opinion_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o mere_a man_n which_o he_o be_v so_o fond_a of_o and_o must_v of_o necessity_n have_v quit_v unless_o he_o will_v either_o have_v deny_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o st._n john_n gospel_n or_o else_o can_v supplant_v the_o common_a interpretation_n of_o this_o passage_n by_o put_v a_o quite_o different_a sense_n upon_o it_o which_o sense_n he_o can_v find_v no_o way_n to_o support_v without_o such_o pitiful_a and_o wretched_a shift_n such_o precarious_a and_o arbitrary_a supposition_n as_o a_o man_n of_o so_o sharp_a a_o reason_n and_o judgement_n as_o socinus_n can_v not_o i_o think_v have_v ever_o be_v drive_v to_o but_o necessity_n have_v no_o law_n either_o of_o reason_n or_o modesty_n and_o he_o who_o be_v resolve_v to_o maintain_v a_o opinion_n which_o he_o have_v once_o take_v up_o must_v stick_v at_o nothing_o but_o must_v break_v through_o all_o difficulty_n that_o stand_v in_o his_o way_n and_o so_o the_o socinian_o have_v here_o do_v as_o will_v i_o hope_v manifest_o appear_v in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n they_o grant_v that_o by_o the_o word_n be_v here_o mean_v christ_n by_o who_o god_n speak_v and_o declare_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n to_o the_o world_n which_o they_o make_v to_o be_v the_o whole_a reason_n of_o that_o name_n or_o title_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v here_o give_v he_o and_o not_o because_o by_o he_o god_n make_v the_o world_n for_o the_o word_n by_o which_o god_n make_v the_o world_n they_o tell_v we_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o powerful_a command_n of_o god_n and_o not_o a_o person_n who_o be_v design_v to_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o because_o as_o i_o have_v show_v before_o the_o ancient_a jew_n do_v make_v frequent_a mention_n of_o this_o title_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o who_o they_o say_v god_n make_v the_o world_n and_o do_v likewise_o apply_v this_o title_n to_o the_o messiah_n therefore_o to_o avoid_v this_o schlictingius_n say_v that_o the_o chaldee_n paraphra_v jonathan_n and_o onkelos_n do_v sometime_o put_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o god_n by_o a_o metonymy_n of_o the_o effect_n for_o the_o cause_n but_o then_o he_o confident_o deny_v that_o they_o do_v any_o where_fw-mi distinguish_v the_o word_n of_o god_n from_o the_o person_n of_o god_n as_o they_o acknowledge_v that_o st._n john_n here_o do_v nor_o do_v they_o say_v he_o understand_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o messiah_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_n do_v oppose_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o the_o messiah_n all_o which_o be_v most_o evident_o confute_v by_o that_o passage_n which_o i_o cite_v before_o out_o of_o the_o targum_fw-la of_o jonathan_n who_o render_v those_o word_n concern_v the_o messiah_n the_o lord_n say_v unto_o my_o lord_n etc._n etc._n thus_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o his_o word_n sit_v thou_o on_o my_o right_a hand_n etc._n etc._n where_o you_o see_v both_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v plain_o distinguish_v from_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o title_n give_v to_o the_o messiah_n which_o be_v the_o two_o thing_n which_o schlictingius_n do_v so_o confident_o deny_v this_o then_o be_v agree_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o by_o the_o word_n st._n john_n mean_v the_o messiah_n i_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n show_v by_o what_o strain_a and_o force_v art_n of_o interpretation_n the_o socinian_o endeavour_v to_o avoid_v the_o plain_a and_o necessary_a consequence_n from_o this_o passage_n of_o st._n john_n namely_o that_o the_o word_n have_v a_o existence_n before_o he_o be_v make_v flesh_n and_o bear_v of_o the_o b._n virgin_n his_o mother_n this_o then_o in_o short_a be_v the_o interpretation_n which_o they_o give_v of_o this_o passage_n than_o which_o i_o think_v nothing_o can_v be_v more_o unnatural_a and_o violent_a in_o the_o beginning_n this_o they_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n have_v to_o refer_v to_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n but_o to_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v when_o the_o gospel_n first_o begin_v to_o be_v publish_v then_o be_v christ_n and_o not_o before_o and_o he_o be_v with_o god_n that_o be_v say_v socinus_n christ_n as_o he_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v afterward_o by_o he_o reveal_v to_o the_o world_n be_v first_o only_o know_v to_o god_n but_o all_o this_o be_v somewhat_o hard_o first_o to_o understand_v by_o the_o beginning_n not_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n but_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o then_o by_o the_o word_n which_o be_v with_o god_n to_o understand_v the_o gospel_n which_o before_o it_o be_v reveal_v be_v only_o know_v to_o god_n they_o have_v upon_o second_o thought_n find_v out_o another_o meaning_n of_o those_o word_n and_o the_o word_n be_v with_o god_n that_o be_v faith_n schlictingius_n christ_n be_v take_v up_o by_o god_n into_o heaven_n and_o there_o instruct_v in_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n and_o from_o thence_o send_v down_o into_o the_o world_n again_o to_o declare_v it_o to_o mankind_n and_o the_o word_n be_v god_n that_o be_v say_v they_o christ_n have_v the_o honour_n and_o title_n of_o god_n confer_v upon_o he_o as_o magistrate_n also_o have_v who_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v call_v god_n he_o be_v god_n not_o by_o nature_n but_o by_o office_n and_o by_o divine_a constitution_n and_o appointment_n all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o this_o they_o will_v needs_o have_v to_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o renovation_n and_o reformation_n of_o the_o world_n by_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v several_a time_n in_o scripture_n call_v a_o new_a creation_n this_o in_o short_a be_v the_o sum_n of_o their_o interpretation_n of_o this_o passage_n which_o i_o shall_v now_o examine_v and_o to_o which_o i_o shall_v oppose_v three_o thing_n as_o so_o many_o invincible_a prejudices_fw-la against_o it_o first_o that_o not_o only_o all_o the_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v find_v all_o interpreter_n whatsoever_o for_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n together_o do_v understand_v this_o passage_n of_o st._n john_n in_o a_o quite_o different_a sense_n namely_o of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o material_a and_o not_o of_o the_o renovation_n of_o the_o moral_a world_n and_o i_o add_v further_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n do_v so_o understand_v this_o passage_n as_o to_o collect_v from_o it_o as_o a_o undoubted_a point_n of_o christianity_n that_o the_o word_n have_v a_o real_a existence_n before_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o b._n virgin_n and_o thus_o not_o only_o the_o orthodox_n christian_n but_o even_o the_o arian_n and_o amelius_n the_o platonist_n who_o be_v a_o more_o indifferent_a judge_n then_o either_o of_o they_o do_v understand_v this_o passage_n of_o st._n john_n without_o any_o thought_n of_o this_o invention_n that_o he_o speak_v not_o of_o the_o old_a but_o of_o the_o new_a creation_n of_o the_o world_n by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o reformation_n of_o mankind_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o i_o dare_v say_v no_o indifferent_a reader_n of_o st._n john_n that_o have_v not_o be_v prepossess_v and_o bias_v by_o some_o violent_a prejudice_n will_v ever_o have_v think_v of_o and_o sure_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o considerable_a in_o this_o case_n that_o the_o most_o ancient_a christian_a writer_n ignatius_n justin_n martyr_n athenagoras_n
to_o mean_v no_o more_o but_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o angel_n these_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d dii_fw-la superi_fw-la and_o dij_fw-la caelestes_fw-la superior_a and_o heavenly_a god_n the_o scripture_n term_v they_o the_o host_n of_o heaven_n mean_v the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n which_o they_o suppose_v to_o be_v animate_v or_o at_o least_o to_o be_v inhabit_v by_o angel_n or_o glorious_a spirit_n who_o they_o call_v go_n other_o of_o their_o deity_n be_v account_v much_o inferior_a to_o these_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o soul_n of_o their_o decease_a hero_n who_o for_o their_o great_a and_o worthy_a deed_n when_o they_o live_v upon_o earth_n be_v suppose_v after_o death_n to_o be_v translate_v into_o the_o number_n of_o their_o go_n and_o these_o be_v call_v semidei_fw-la and_o deastri_fw-la that_o be_v half_a god_n and_o a_o sort_n of_o god_n and_o as_o the_o other_o be_v celestial_a so_o these_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o kind_n of_o terrestrial_a spirit_n that_o be_v precedent_n and_o procurator_n of_o human_a affair_n here_o below_o that_o be_v a_o middle_a sort_n of_o divine_a power_n that_o be_v mediator_n and_o agent_n between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o do_v carry_v the_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n of_o man_n to_o god_n and_o bring_v down_o the_o command_v and_o blessing_n of_o god_n to_o men._n but_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o this_o crowd_n and_o confusion_n of_o deity_n and_o the_o various_a superstition_n about_o they_o the_o wise_a heathen_a as_o thales_n pythagoras_n socrates_n plato_n aristotle_n tully_n plutarch_n and_o other_o preserve_v a_o true_a notion_n of_o one_o supreme_a god_n who_o they_o define_v a_o infinite_a spirit_n pure_a from_o all_o matter_n and_o free_a from_o all_o imperfection_n and_o all_o the_o variety_n of_o their_o worship_n be_v as_o they_o pretend_v in_o excuse_n of_o it_o but_o a_o more_o particular_a own_n of_o the_o various_a representation_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o excellency_n which_o manifest_v themselves_o in_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o several_a communication_n of_o blessing_n and_o favour_n by_o they_o impart_v to_o man_n 10._o and_o tertullian_n observe_v that_o even_o when_o idolatry_n have_v very_o much_o obscure_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o sovereign_a deity_n yet_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n do_v still_o in_o their_o common_a form_n of_o speech_n appropriate_v the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o a_o more_o especial_a and_o peculiar_a manner_n to_o one_o say_v if_o god_n grant_v if_o god_n please_v and_o the_o like_a so_o that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n or_o the_o notion_n of_o one_o supreme_a god_n creator_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n be_v the_o primitive_a and_o general_a belief_n of_o mankind_n and_o that_o polytheism_n and_o idolatry_n be_v a_o corruption_n and_o degeneracy_n from_o the_o original_a notion_n which_o mankind_n have_v concern_v god_n as_o the_o scripture-history_n do_v declare_v and_o testify_v and_o this_o account_n which_o i_o have_v give_v of_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n do_v by_o no_o mean_n excuse_v it_o for_o whatever_o may_v be_v say_v by_o way_n of_o extenuation_n in_o behalf_n of_o some_o few_o of_o the_o wise_a and_o more_o devout_a among_o they_o the_o generality_n be_v gross_o guilty_a both_o of_o believe_v more_o god_n and_o of_o worship_v false_a go_n and_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o very_a great_a crime_n since_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o declare_v god_n to_o be_v particular_o jealous_a in_o this_o case_n and_o that_o he_o will_v not_o give_v his_o glory_n to_o another_o nor_o his_o praise_n to_o grave_a image_n nay_o we_o may_v not_o so_o much_o as_o make_v use_n of_o sensible_a image_n to_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o god_n lest_o devout_a ignorance_n see_v the_o worship_n which_o wise_a man_n pay_v towards_o a_o idol_n shall_v be_v draw_v to_o terminate_v their_o worship_n there_o as_o be_v the_o very_a deity_n itself_o which_o be_v certain_o the_o case_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n and_o sure_o those_o christian_n be_v in_o no_o less_o danger_n of_o idolatry_n who_o pay_v a_o veneration_n to_o image_n by_o kneel_v down_o and_o pray_v before_o they_o and_o in_o this_o they_o be_v much_o more_o inexcusable_a because_o they_o offend_v against_o a_o much_o clear_a light_n and_o yet_o when_o they_o go_v about_o to_o justify_v this_o practice_n be_v able_a to_o bring_v no_o other_o nor_o better_a plea_n for_o themselves_o than_o the_o heathen_a do_v for_o their_o worship_v of_o image_n and_o for_o pray_v to_o their_o inferior_a deity_n who_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o mediator_n between_o the_o god_n in_o heaven_n and_o man_n upon_o earth_n there_o be_v but_o one_o objection_n that_o i_o know_v of_o against_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o mankind_n concern_v the_o unity_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v a_o ancient_a doctrine_n of_o some_o of_o the_o most_o ancient_a nation_n that_o there_o be_v two_o first_o cause_n or_o principle_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o one_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o good_a and_o the_o other_o of_o all_o the_o evil_a that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o reason_n whereof_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v that_o they_o can_v not_o apprehend_v how_o thing_n of_o so_o contrary_a a_o nature_n as_o good_a and_o evil_a can_v proceed_v from_o one_o and_o the_o same_o cause_n and_o these_o two_o principle_n in_o several_a nation_n be_v call_v by_o several_a name_n plutarch_n say_v that_o among_o the_o greek_n the_o good_a principle_n be_v call_v god_n and_o the_o evil_a principle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o the_o devil_n in_o conformity_n to_o which_o ancient_a tradition_n the_o manichee_n a_o sect_n which_o call_v themselves_o christian_n do_v advance_v two_o principle_n the_o one_o infinite_o good_a which_o they_o suppose_v to_o be_v the_o original_a cause_n of_o all_o the_o good_a which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o other_o infinite_o evil_a to_o which_o they_o ascribe_v all_o the_o evil_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n but_o all_o this_o be_v very_o plain_o a_o corruption_n of_o a_o much_o more_o ancient_a tradition_n concern_v that_o old_a serpent_n the_o devil_n the_o head_n of_o the_o fall_v angel_n who_o by_o tempt_v our_o first_o parent_n to_o transgress_v a_o positive_a and_o express_a law_n of_o god_n bring_v sin_n first_o into_o the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o evil_n consequent_a upon_o it_o of_o which_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o a_o most_o express_a and_o particular_a account_n and_o as_o to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o be_v infinite_o evil_a into_o which_o this_o tradition_n be_v corrupt_v after_o idolatry_n have_v prevail_v in_o the_o world_n beside_o that_o it_o be_v a_o contradiction_n it_o will_v likewise_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o assert_v two_o opposite_a principle_n of_o infinite_a that_o be_v of_o equal_a force_n and_o 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