father_n the_o true_a christian_a justify_v faith_n chap._n iu._n credulity_n not_o a_o excess_n of_o divine_a faith_n what_o deference_n be_v to_o be_v pay_v to_o general_a council_n that_o they_o can_v err_v à _fw-fr piè_fw-fr credibile_fw-la they_o be_v the_o best_a expedient_n of_o unity_n chap._n v._n the_o belief_n of_o christ_n divinity_n one_o of_o the_o difficulty_n in_o the_o plant_n the_o gospel_n the_o belief_n of_o this_o frequent_o encourage_v by_o our_o saviour_n the_o belief_n of_o christ_n divinity_n useful_a to_o religion_n 1._o by_o gain_v authority_n to_o his_o law_n 2._o by_o improve_n our_o love_n and_o gratitude_n 3._o by_o assure_v we_o of_o pardon_n chap._n vi_o our_o saviour_n title_n not_o hyperbolical_a not_o call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o a_o great_a mountain_n be_v call_v the_o mountain_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n he_o be_v not_o the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o angel_n be_v the_o splendour_n of_o his_o nature_n no_o bar_n to_o our_o be_v certain_a of_o his_o divinity_n chap._n vii_o the_o author_n testimony_n of_o constantine_n concern_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n divinity_n examine_v constantine_n '_o s_o judgement_n of_o arianism_n the_o supposition_n of_o a_o plurality_n of_o world_n no_o argument_n that_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n shall_v not_o die_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o this_o no_o argument_n against_o the_o trinity_n because_o it_o be_v not_o say_v express_o in_o scripture_n that_o every_o one_o to_o be_v baptize_v must_v believe_v in_o it_o the_o ancient_a christian_n before_o baptism_n always_o instruct_v in_o this_o doctrine_n a_o testimony_n out_o of_o justin_n martyr_v examine_v a_o testimony_n of_o leonas_n in_o socrates_n examine_v chap._n viii_o another_o testimony_n of_o constantine_n examine_v in_o what_o sense_n our_o saviour_n original_a be_v unknown_a how_o melchizedeck_v be_v a_o type_n of_o christ._n the_o author_n be_v say_v that_o the_o evangelist_n do_v confound_v the_o genealogy_n on_o purpose_n to_o puzzle_v we_o consider_v a_o vindication_n of_o bishop_n alexander_n contest_v with_o arius_n a_o citation_n out_o of_o socrates_n concern_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d examine_v athanasius_n explication_n of_o the_o trinity_n defend_v not_o absurd_a to_o believe_v a_o mystery_n account_v of_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o council_n of_o syrmium_fw-la no_o necessity_n that_o christ_n have_v two_o nature_n shall_v have_v two_o person_n his_o be_v but_o one_o person_n do_v not_o make_v he_o have_v but_o one_o nature_n a_o account_n of_o the_o condemnation_n of_o eutyches_n a_o account_n of_o the_o heretical_a council_n at_o ephesus_n that_o restore_v he_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o eutychian_o in_o that_o council_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o honour_n do_v to_o leo_n in_o the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n the_o favour_n grant_v to_o the_o eutychian_o by_o basiliscus_n no_o argument_n against_o the_o orthodox_n doctrine_n monothelitism_n not_o owe_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n a_o account_n of_o the_o rise_n of_o it_o chap._n ix_o to_o assert_v our_o saviour_n divinity_n do_v not_o dishonour_v he_o by_o make_v he_o comprehensible_a a_o account_n of_o the_o say_n of_o the_o council_n of_o antioch_n which_o the_o author_n allege_v the_o arian_n be_v never_o the_o less_o such_o for_o all_o their_o subscription_n to_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a a_o vindication_n of_o athanasius_n fly_v to_o julius_n the_o roman_a bishop_n and_o of_o julius_n a_o account_n of_o the_o council_n of_o sardica_n athanasius_n purge_v from_o his_o pretend_a crime_n a_o schism_n between_o the_o two_o church_n do_v not_o arise_v from_o the_o disagreement_n of_o the_o arian_n with_o the_o orthodox_n at_o sardica_n the_o trouble_n in_o the_o church_n not_o imputable_a to_o the_o orthodox_n doctrine_n the_o prevail_a of_o the_o orthodox_n doctrine_n do_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n nor_o from_o the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o ancient_a roman_a church_n a_o vindication_n of_o theodosius_n decree_n for_o the_o establish_n the_o orthodox_n doctrine_n of_o charity_n to_o heretic_n from_o the_o example_n of_o alexander_n the_o ill_a consequence_n of_o heresy_n though_o not_o foresee_v yet_o imputable_a to_o it_o arian_n and_o socinian_n exposition_n of_o scripture_n unreasonable_a to_o make_v the_o great_a compellation_n of_o christ_n stoop_v to_o the_o small_a chap._n x._o of_o the_o author_n reflection_n on_o dr._n hammond_n treatise_n of_o fundamental_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n agree_v with_o the_o author_n first_o qualification_n of_o matter_n of_o faith_n viz._n to_o be_v sufficient_o understand_v by_o the_o mean_a capacity_n his_o second_o qualification_n consider_v that_o it_o must_v be_v the_o express_a word_n of_o god_n the_o trinity_n prove_v by_o scripture_n his_o three_o qualification_n consider_v eternal_a life_n promise_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o our_o saviour_n divinity_n the_o use_n and_o necessity_n of_o creed_n in_o the_o church_n the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n not_o only_o make_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o resurrection_n why_o this_o promise_n be_v make_v so_o express_o to_o that_o chap._n xi_o the_o necessity_n of_o man_n rise_v with_o the_o same_o numerical_a body_n evince_v from_o reason_n scripture_n and_o antiquity_n the_o author_n be_v first_o argument_n answer_v his_o second_o his_o three_o his_o four_o enquiry_n ii_o the_o orthodox_n extend_v faith_n no_o further_o than_o the_o scripture_n do_v they_o do_v not_o exalt_v faith_n above_o holiness_n take_v hold_n on_o christ_n by_o faith_n impute_a righteousness_n etc._n etc._n not_o phrase_n pure_o calvinistical_a but_o use_v by_o the_o ancient_n we_o do_v not_o advance_v faith_n above_o charity_n how_o far_o our_o charity_n to_o heretic_n be_v to_o extend_v the_o behaviour_n of_o the_o ancient_a christian_n to_o heretic_n we_o do_v not_o advance_v faith_n above_o reason_n the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n mystery_n in_o profane_a author_n in_o scripture_n and_o father_n we_o use_v the_o word_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n it_o be_v use_v in_o scripture_n enquiry_n iii_o the_o unfairness_n of_o the_o author_n in_o lay_v his_o charge_n against_o the_o orthodox_n and_o make_v it_o out_o against_o the_o papist_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n not_o prejudicial_a to_o our_o lord_n honour_n in_o hinder_v the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n not_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o tranquillity_n of_o christian_n mind_n nor_o to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n conclusion_n that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v recommend_v the_o three_o creed_n to_o our_o belief_n the_o author_n argument_n to_o the_o contrary_n answer_v his_o reflection_n on_o the_o late_a convocation_n consider_v content_n of_o the_o reflection_n on_o the_o new_a edition_n the_o author_n excuse_n for_o his_o first_o book_n consider_v his_o new_a explication_n of_o the_o trinity_n the_o council_n of_o alexandria_n do_v not_o condemn_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o substantia_fw-la proper_a word_n to_o explain_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o they_o and_o the_o latin_n do_v understand_v by_o one_o what_o the_o greek_n do_v by_o the_o other_o the_o same_o show_v of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o persona_fw-la none_o but_o the_o heretic_n refuse_v these_o word_n the_o doctor_n be_v explication_n of_o the_o trinity_n downright_a sabellianism_n how_o sabellius_n explain_v the_o trinity_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o explain_v by_o the_o ancient_n by_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n nor_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o be_v a_o energy_n neither_o st._n austin_n nor_o dr._n sherlock_n of_o our_o author_n opinion_n a_o answer_n to_o the_o preface_n the_o author_n in_o this_o by_o as_o much_o as_o can_v be_v gather_v from_o he_o go_v upon_o two_o argument_n to_o overturn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n the_o first_o be_v because_o as_o he_o pretend_v the_o dispute_n about_o this_o have_v be_v the_o decay_a of_o christianity_n and_o the_o prevail_a of_o mahometanism_n in_o the_o east_n the_o second_o be_v because_o as_o he_o say_v this_o doctrine_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o great_a simplicity_n in_o which_o the_o gospel_n be_v deliver_v and_o which_o it_o do_v recommend_v in_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o first_o of_o these_o he_o spend_v half_a his_o preface_n and_o indeed_o have_v get_v through_o four_o of_o his_o long_a column_n before_o he_o come_v to_o any_o thing_n that_o look_v like_o a_o conclusion_n from_o his_o premise_n soon_o he_o be_v admire_v the_o swift_a progress_n of_o christianity_n through_o the_o world_n notwithstanding_o the_o power_n and_o malice_n of_o its_o adversary_n and_o the_o meanness_n of_o its_o propagator_n and_o soon_o again_o he_o be_v as_o humble_v a_o admirer_n of_o the_o good_a fortune_n of_o mahomet_n religion_n and_o withal_o make_v this_o most_o
of_o pain_n to_o lay_v his_o matter_n in_o order_n though_o i_o believe_v it_o will_v make_v little_a to_o his_o purpose_n for_o we_o will_v grant_v all_o that_o he_o have_v be_v here_o say_v be_v true_a if_o he_o let_v the_o matter_n lie_v as_o the_o apostle_n leave_v it_o against_o the_o gnostic_n nay_o but_o perhaps_o the_o trinitarian_n will_v not_o so_o easy_o get_v off_o here_o and_o true_o any_o one_o that_o understand_v the_o design_n of_o the_o author_n book_n will_v expect_v from_o these_o proposition_n some_o wonderful_a confutation_n of_o the_o trinitarian_n doctrine_n but_o our_o author_n very_o cunning_o let_v that_o alone_a and_o by_o a_o hocuspocus_a trick_n clap_v before_o our_o eye_n some_o romish_a corruption_n which_o be_v occasion_v he_o tell_v we_o by_o people_n that_o heap_v to_o themselves_o teacher_n have_v itch_a ear_n and_o those_o teacher_n heap_v to_o themselves_o doctrine_n to_o scratch_v that_o itch_n and_o so_o the_o monk_n by_o scratch_v and_o claw_v one_o another_o scratch_v themselves_o into_o all_o the_o error_n of_o the_o school-divinity_n therefore_o he_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v such_o error_n that_o destroy_v the_o gospel_n simplicity_n and_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v save_v by_o the_o great_a humane_a authority_n he_o mean_v general_a council_n or_o to_o put_v our_o soul_n in_o a_o lottery_n we_o must_v therefore_o see_v what_o those_o doctrine_n be_v which_o destroy_v the_o gospel_n simplicity_n which_o can_v better_o be_v manage_v he_o tell_v we_o than_o by_o the_o three_o inquiry_n of_o his_o book_n now_o though_o for_o all_o the_o author_n have_v say_v to_o this_o point_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v very_o safe_a yet_o because_o he_o will_v sly_o insinuate_v that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v one_o of_o those_o romish_a error_n that_o destroy_v the_o simplicity_n of_o christianity_n i_o think_v fit_a to_o make_v he_o this_o answer_n first_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n be_v very_o consistent_a with_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o that_o doctrine_n but_o what_o a_o man_n of_o ordinary_a capacity_n may_v understand_v as_o much_o at_o least_o as_o be_v requisite_a for_o his_o belief_n and_o as_o far_o as_o his_o judgement_n tell_v he_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o suppose_v such_o a_o thing_n shall_v be_v understand_v i_o can_v see_v why_o this_o doctrine_n shall_v derogate_v from_o the_o simplicity_n of_o christianity_n now_o first_o in_o this_o doctrine_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o a_o man_n of_o mean_a part_n may_v understand_v as_o far_o as_o be_v requisite_a for_o his_o belief_n for_o it_o be_v not_o requisite_a that_o such_o a_o man_n or_o indeed_o any_o man_n shall_v full_o understand_v all_o that_o he_o do_v believe_v for_o that_o will_v not_o be_v belief_n but_o science_n it_o be_v enough_o for_o belief_n that_o a_o man_n have_v undoubted_a testimony_n that_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v so_o whether_o he_o understand_v the_o manner_n or_o perhaps_o the_o possibility_n of_o its_o be_v so_o or_o not_o we_o be_v wont_n to_o take_v many_o thing_n upon_o trust_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o man_n learn_v in_o their_o respective_a science_n the_o reason_n of_o which_o we_o be_v far_o from_o understanding_n and_o mathematician_n can_v demonstrate_v many_o truth_n and_o which_o man_n unlearned_a in_o their_o science_n take_v upon_o their_o word_n though_o to_o they_o they_o seem_v otherways_o impossible_a now_o if_o it_o be_v reasonable_a that_o a_o plain_a unlearned_a man_n shall_v believe_v many_o thing_n which_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o wise_a and_o more_o know_v man_n i_o think_v it_o a_o less_o imposition_n upon_o the_o understanding_n of_o plain_a man_n to_o require_v they_o to_o believe_v a_o reveal_v truth_n from_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o alwise_a and_o all-knowing_a god_n second_o a_o plain_a man_n understand_v as_o much_o in_o this_o doctrine_n as_o his_o judgement_n tell_v he_o it_o be_v reasonable_a he_o shall_v understand_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o that_o nature_n and_o it_o be_v high_o unreasonable_a for_o any_o man_n to_o expect_v more_o if_o any_o one_o indeed_o how_o wise_a soever_o shall_v tell_v the_o plain_a man_n that_o bread_n be_v flesh_n the_o plain_a man_n will_v think_v this_o unreasonable_a to_o believe_v because_o he_o know_v the_o difference_n between_o bread_n and_o flesh_n as_o well_o as_o any_o one_o can_v tell_v he_o and_o because_o than_o he_o be_v require_v to_o disbelieve_v his_o sense_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o which_o they_o be_v the_o proper_a judge_n but_o if_o this_o plain_a man_n be_v inform_v by_o a_o undoubted_a testimony_n of_o something_o which_o indeed_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v concern_v god_n who_o nature_n and_o essence_n his_o reason_n tell_v he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v or_o any_o one_o else_o though_o of_o the_o great_a learning_n or_o reason_n this_o he_o be_v with_o a_o humble_a submission_n ready_a to_o believe_v and_o when_o he_o have_v full_a assurance_n of_o the_o undoubtedness_n of_o the_o testimony_n which_o confirm_v this_o his_o belief_n do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o boggle_v at_o what_o '_o be_v so_o deliver_v for_o a_o person_n of_o the_o ordinary_a reason_n that_o believe_v a_o god_n and_o his_o attribute_n must_v be_v sure_a that_o in_o that_o infinite_a be_v there_o be_v infinite_a mystery_n that_o be_v truth_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v by_o finite_a capacity_n and_o if_o it_o have_v please_v god_n wisdom_n to_o reveal_v the_o esse_fw-la of_o one_o of_o these_o mystery_n to_o we_o that_o there_o be_v father_n son_n and_o holy-ghost_n three_o person_n and_o one_o god_n though_o the_o modus_fw-la of_o this_o truth_n do_v surpass_v our_o understanding_n yet_o he_o acknowledge_v that_o this_o belief_n be_v reasonable_a because_o it_o be_v irrational_a for_o he_o to_o think_v his_o finite_a understanding_n shall_v comprehend_v all_o the_o mysterious_a truth_n in_o a_o infinite_a deity_n second_o it_o be_v not_o requisite_a that_o every_o plain_a simple_a man_n of_o who_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v require_v as_o be_v a_o divine_a truth_n reveal_v in_o scripture_n that_o he_o shall_v understand_v all_o the_o question_n which_o be_v controvert_v by_o learned_a man_n about_o this_o doctrine_n all_o the_o dispute_v about_o hypostasis_n and_o personalities_n generation_n and_o procession_n for_o there_o be_v thousand_o of_o good_a christian_n go_v to_o heaven_n before_o these_o controversy_n be_v start_v in_o the_o world_n or_o before_o these_o term_n be_v ever_o hear_v of_o so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n of_o the_o adversary_n of_o this_o doctrine_n to_o think_v that_o we_o impose_v it_o as_o necessary_a to_o every_o ordinary_a man_n salvation_n to_o understand_v and_o to_o give_v a_o express_a assent_n to_o all_o the_o determination_n of_o these_o question_n it_o be_v enough_o for_o he_o to_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n in_o general_n as_o he_o find_v it_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n and_o to_o leave_v the_o more_o particular_a disquisition_n of_o it_o to_o more_o learned_a men._n and_o beside_o it_o be_v not_o the_o fault_n of_o the_o orthodox_n in_o the_o church_n that_o ever_o these_o dispute_n happen_v or_o that_o ever_o these_o name_n be_v coin_v we_o may_v thank_v the_o heretic_n for_o all_o this_o for_o they_o begin_v first_o to_o oppugn_v the_o receive_a faith_n by_o new_a doctrine_n and_o strange_a gloss_n upon_o scripture_n and_o then_o the_o true_a christian_n in_o their_o own_o defence_n be_v force_v to_o vindicate_v the_o orthodox_n faith_n and_o so_o because_o by_o reason_v upon_o supernatural_a truth_n which_o never_o come_v into_o so_o strict_a disquisition_n before_o they_o have_v occasion_n to_o invent_v new_a word_n to_o express_v these_o truth_n by_o to_o prevent_v long_a ambage_n and_o circumlocution_n in_o discourse_n or_o otherwise_o the_o world_n have_v never_o be_v trouble_v to_o this_o day_n with_o hypostasis_n homoousios_n or_o consubstantiality_n but_o after_o all_o this_o clamour_n against_o the_o orthodox_n the_o socinian_o themselves_o not_o to_o mention_v the_o arian_n build_v their_o point_n of_o faith_n upon_o great_a nicety_n or_o else_o how_o come_v they_o to_o bring_v in_o their_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d into_o divinity_n that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d shall_v signify_v the_o supreme_a god_n but_o not_o with_o it_o which_o be_v a_o false_a as_o well_o as_o a_o foolish_a criticism_n or_o else_o how_o come_v they_o to_o make_v use_n of_o that_o pretty_a distinction_n of_o a_o god_n by_o nature_n and_o a_o god_n by_o office_n then_o follow_v his_o three_o query_n in_o which_o he_o promise_v to_o act_v no_o less_o sincere_o than_o courageous_o but_o i_o be_o afraid_a he_o have_v
which_o the_o scripture_n do_v recommend_v for_o our_o pattern_n be_v not_o this_o bare_a rational_a assent_n but_o a_o inspire_a virtue_n that_o be_v found_v and_o excite_v in_o he_o by_o the_o prevent_n and_o cooperate_a grace_n of_o god_n 1._o for_o first_o faith_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o spiritual_a grace_n or_o a_o inspire_a habit_n it_o be_v a_o true_a and_o steadfast_a belief_n in_o and_o reliance_n upon_o god_n through_o the_o merit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n not_o by_o the_o bare_a assent_n only_o of_o our_o reason_n but_o by_o the_o cooperate_a grace_n of_o god_n i_o know_v not_o for_o my_o part_n any_o truth_n in_o all_o our_o religion_n more_o express_o reveal_v than_o that_o faith_n be_v a_o grace_n inspire_v by_o god_n it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n eph._n 2._o 8._o and_o again_o for_o unto_o you_o be_v give_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o to_o believe_v on_o he_o but_o to_o suffer_v for_o he_o eph._n 1._o 29._o upon_o peter_n confess_v our_o saviour_n divinity_n christ_n tell_v he_o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o reveal_v this_o unto_o thou_o but_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n matth._n 16._o 17._o we_o be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o ourselves_o to_o think_v any_o thing_n as_o of_o ourselves_o but_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 3._o 5._o it_o be_v god_n that_o work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v phil._n 2._o 13._o no_o man_n can_v come_v unto_o i_o except_o the_o father_n which_o send_v i_o draw_v he_o joh._n 6._o 4._o and_o so_o gal._n 5._o 22._o faith_n be_v reckon_v among_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o father_n of_o the_o demoniac_a mark_v 9_o 24._o cry_n out_o lord_n i_o believe_v help_v my_o unbelief_n now_o if_o all_o our_o virtue_n and_o good_a thought_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n grace_n most_o certain_o this_o eminent_a virtue_n of_o faith_n must_v if_o the_o inspiration_n of_o god_n be_v requisite_a even_o for_o st._n peter_n faith_n it_o must_v sure_o likewise_o be_v so_o for_o we_o if_o we_o be_v to_o be_v draw_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o god_n we_o can_v come_v then_o upon_o our_o own_o pure_a accord_n if_o the_o belief_n of_o one_o that_o be_v a_o eye-witness_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n do_v lack_v help_n and_o improvement_n from_o god_n we_o likewise_o can_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o less_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o god_n inspire_v this_o belief_n into_o we_o without_o any_o concurrence_n of_o our_o own_o judgement_n that_o he_o move_v our_o assent_n as_o if_o we_o be_v mere_a machine_n but_o his_o prevent_a grace_n do_v first_o excite_v our_o belief_n and_o his_o assist_a grace_n do_v still_o further_o it_o by_o give_v a_o blessing_n and_o effectualness_n to_o the_o word_n and_o without_o this_o divine_a assistance_n according_a to_o the_o present_a measure_n of_o god_n dispensation_n it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v ever_o attain_v it_o for_o the_o certainty_n of_o this_o divine_a truth_n we_o have_v scripture_n 25._o council_n 362._o father_n and_o learned_a man_n in_o all_o age_n the_o send_v doctrine_n of_o our_o own_o church_n and_o all_o sober_a christian_n but_o only_o a_o few_o remonstr_n socinian_o and_o remonstrant_n that_o be_v for_o level_v all_o scripture_n and_o revelation_n to_o their_o own_o sense_n and_o humour_n nay_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o this_o doctrine_n will_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o too_o calvinistical_a by_o some_o since_o the_o system_n of_o the_o fide_fw-la remonstrant_n which_o condemn_v this_o doctrine_n be_v so_o admire_v in_o the_o world_n but_o it_o be_v not_o system_n but_o god_n word_n we_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o and_o from_o hence_o we_o have_v proof_n enough_o to_o maintain_v this_o doctrine_n against_o all_o the_o remonstrant_n and_o socinian_o in_o the_o world_n 2._o now_o as_o to_o his_o make_v the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n by_o which_o he_o be_v say_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v justify_v to_o be_v only_o a_o natural_a faith_n i_o answer_v first_o though_o we_o shall_v not_o allow_v this_o faith_n of_o abraham_n to_o be_v the_o true_a christian_a justify_v faith_n or_o a_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n yet_o we_o can_v allow_v it_o to_o be_v only_o a_o plain_a moral_a act_n or_o habit_n for_o if_o it_o be_v only_o a_o bare_a credence_n out_o of_o justice_n to_o god_n veracity_n that_o too_o must_v be_v allow_v to_o come_v from_o god_n because_o without_o he_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o think_v a_o good_a thought_n much_o less_o to_o do_v a_o good_a action_n though_o by_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a religion_n a_o man_n may_v be_v covince_v that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o believe_v god_n in_o all_o his_o promise_n yet_o when_o these_o promise_n by_o their_o difficulty_n seem_v strange_o incredible_a flesh_n and_o blood_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o shrink_v and_o give_v way_n and_o rather_o to_o fall_v a_o dispute_v the_o possibility_n of_o they_o than_o ready_o upon_o god_n authority_n to_o believe_v unless_o their_o faith_n be_v strengthen_v by_o the_o assist_a grace_n of_o of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n and_o so_o haeres_fw-la philo_n the_o jew_n say_v in_o this_o case_n of_o abraham_n that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a a_o matter_n to_o believe_v in_o god_n alone_o by_o reason_n of_o that_o cognation_n we_o have_v with_o that_o mortal_a part_n we_o be_v yoke_v to_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o we_o trust_v in_o money_n and_o glory_n in_o honour_n and_o friend_n and_o the_o like_a but_o to_o be_v purge_v from_o all_o these_o and_o to_o distrust_v all_o create_a thing_n which_o be_v unfaithful_a in_o themselves_o and_o to_o trust_v in_o god_n alone_o who_o be_v always_o faithful_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o work_n of_o a_o great_a and_o heavenly_a mind_n that_o be_v a_o inspire_a one_o second_o but_o beside_o this_o faith_n of_o abraham_n be_v a_o formal_a christian_a justify_v faith_n or_o a_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_n that_o all_o the_o patriarch_n and_o all_o other_o good_a man_n both_o before_o and_o under_o the_o law_n be_v save_v by_o a_o express_a faith_n in_o christ_n 4._o eusebius_n tell_v we_o that_o all_o the_o father_n before_o abraham_n be_v christian_n though_o not_o in_o name_n yet_o in_o reality_n and_o that_o they_o follow_v the_o faith_n of_o he_o who_o we_o now_o follow_v and_o 2._o st._n hierom_n that_o the_o saint_n that_o be_v of_o old_a be_v justify_v by_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o 6._o st._n gregory_n that_o as_o we_o be_v save_v by_o faith_n in_o the_o past_a passion_n of_o our_o saviour_n so_o the_o ancient_a father_n by_o faith_n in_o his_o passion_n which_o be_v then_o to_o come_v nay_o 1._o cyril_n go_v far_o and_o make_v abraham_n from_o the_o see_v of_o the_o three_o angel_n to_o have_v believe_v in_o the_o consubstantial_a trinity_n and_o if_o we_o look_v into_o scripture_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o these_o great_a man_n have_v reason_n enough_o to_o ground_v they_o in_o this_o opinion_n for_o our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o jew_n joh._n 8._o 56._o your_o father_n abraham_n rejoice_v to_o see_v my_o day_n and_o he_o see_v it_o and_o be_v glad_a now_o what_o shall_v all_o this_o gladness_n and_o rejoice_n be_v for_o but_o that_o from_o the_o promise_n which_o god_n have_v make_v he_o gen._n 11._o 35._o that_o in_o his_o seed_n all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v bless_v he_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o god_n in_o his_o good_a time_n will_v send_v such_o a_o person_n as_o christ_n into_o the_o world_n that_o shall_v save_v the_o people_n from_o their_o sin_n that_o shall_v die_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n to_o reconcile_v they_o to_o god_n now_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o be_v matter_n of_o the_o great_a joy_n to_o he_o then_o as_o it_o be_v now_o to_o all_o good_a christian_n so_o that_o as_o st._n gregory_n say_v there_o be_v little_a difference_n in_o this_o between_o his_o faith_n and_o we_o but_o that_o we_o be_v after_o and_o his_o before_o christ_n passion_n so_o likewise_o st._n peter_n tell_v the_o jew_n act._n 4._o 12._o neither_o be_v there_o salvation_n in_o any_o other_o but_o christ_n for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o name_n under_o heaven_n give_v among_o man_n whereby_o we_o must_v be_v save_v now_o whereas_o it_o be_v certain_a by_o scripture_n that_o these_o good_a patriarch_n be_v save_v as_o appear_v by_o god_n declare_v himself_o to_o be_v their_o god_n and_o by_o make_v a_o lie_v down_o with_o abraham_n and_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n to_o be_v a_o expression_n for_o everlasting_a happiness_n
our_o church_n speak_v 12._o spring_v out_o necessary_o of_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n in_o so_o much_o that_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n may_v be_v know_v by_o they_o as_o a_o tree_n be_v discern_v by_o its_o fruit._n but_o still_o it_o be_v faith_n not_o work_n that_o do_v justify_v for_o they_o have_v no_o intrinsic_a value_n of_o their_o own_o can_v confer_v it_o on_o any_o but_o faith_n alone_o which_o take_v hold_v as_o some_o speak_v of_o the_o all-sufficient_a merit_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n or_o as_o our_o church_n speak_v 3._o send_v we_o direct_o to_o christ_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o by_o which_o we_o embrace_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o of_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n which_o thing_n none_o other_o of_o our_o virtue_n or_o work_n proper_o do_v therefore_o the_o scripture_n use_v to_o say_v that_o faith_n without_o work_n do_v justify_v not_o that_o even_a faith_n itself_o be_v a_o proper_a and_o necessary_a cause_n of_o justification_n but_o that_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o accept_v it_o as_o a_o cause_n or_o mean_n by_o embrace_v or_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o true_a proper_a meritorious_a cause_n of_o justification_n 1._o which_o justification_n or_o righteousness_n which_o we_o so_o receive_v of_o god_n mercy_n and_o christ_n merit_n embrace_v by_o faith_n be_v take_v accept_v and_o allow_v of_o by_o god_n as_o our_o perfect_a and_o full_a justification_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o the_o gentleman_n of_o the_o author_n persuasion_n be_v so_o unwilling_a to_o have_v faith_n only_o to_o justify_v second_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o orthodox_n faith_n in_o all_o fundamental_o at_o least_o all_o the_o admirable_a effect_n which_o the_o scripture_n do_v attribute_n to_o faith_n must_v be_v understand_v of_o a_o true_a faith_n such_o as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o god_n word_n which_o be_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o not_o of_o a_o false_a or_o heterodox_n faith_n which_o any_o one_o take_v up_o from_o a_o party_n of_o man_n or_o from_o his_o own_o imagination_n a_o heterodox_n faith_n be_v no_o more_o faith_n than_o a_o dead_a man_n or_o a_o paint_a man_n be_v a_o man_n they_o agree_v in_o one_o common_a equivocal_a name_n it_o be_v true_a and_o in_o nothing_o else_o so_o that_o a_o heterodox_n faith_n can_v no_o more_o pretend_v to_o those_o supernatural_a effect_n which_o a_o true_a faith_n by_o god_n grace_n do_v produce_v than_o a_o dead_a man_n can_v pretend_v to_o all_o the_o property_n and_o operation_n of_o a_o live_v one_o there_o be_v but_o one_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o one_o baptism_n so_o that_o to_o hope_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o a_o false_a or_o another_o faith_n be_v as_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o expect_v to_o come_v into_o the_o church_n by_o another_o baptism_n so_o that_o they_o that_o teach_v a_o justification_n by_o work_n or_o any_o other_o faith_n than_o a_o orthodox_n one_o do_v themselves_o for_o aught_o as_o i_o see_v teach_v another_o gospel_n three_o the_o reason_n why_o faith_n be_v so_o please_v to_o god_n as_o that_o he_o shall_v make_v this_o the_o great_a mean_n of_o justification_n and_o here_o i_o hope_v to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o author_n dilemma_n and_o to_o show_v that_o our_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v not_o irrational_a and_o then_o we_o be_v no_o fool_n and_o as_o for_o our_o merit_n by_o faith_n we_o be_v far_o from_o pretend_v to_o it_o we_o acknowledge_v it_o as_o a_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o our_o gracious_a god_n that_o he_o will_v accept_v our_o faith_n in_o christ_n blood_n for_o our_o justification_n and_o do_v not_o go_v about_o to_o argue_v the_o worth_n of_o it_o which_o be_v none_o and_o as_o for_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o christ_n for_o justification_n i_o know_v not_o what_o can_v be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o to_o expect_v only_o to_o have_v our_o weak_a performance_n accept_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o all-sufficient_a merit_n and_o of_o all_o our_o action_n that_o we_o can_v perform_v i_o know_v not_o what_o can_v be_v more_o please_a and_o acceptable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n than_o for_o a_o humble_a and_o despond_v christian_n consider_v his_o own_o unworthiness_n and_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o his_o repentance_n itself_o and_o all_o other_o virtue_n to_o incline_v god_n to_o mercy_n so_o far_o as_o for_o their_o sake_n to_o accept_v he_o for_o just_a and_o innocent_a he_o as_o the_o last_o refuge_n he_o have_v quit_v all_o worth_n and_o merit_n in_o himself_o and_o flee_v with_o a_o full_a and_o undoubting_a faith_n in_o all_o god_n revelation_n and_o a_o firm_a confidence_n in_o all_o his_o promise_n unto_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o hope_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o righteousness_n alone_o that_o he_o will_v justify_v his_o imperfect_a performance_n this_o certain_o when_o we_o have_v do_v the_o utmost_a of_o our_o endeavour_n be_v more_o please_v to_o god_n than_o any_o action_n we_o can_v do_v more_o for_o if_o we_o can_v be_v justify_v by_o our_o work_n it_o will_v tempt_v we_o to_o reflect_v with_o pride_n upon_o our_o virtuous_a action_n but_o this_o teach_v we_o a_o pious_a despondency_n in_o ourselves_o and_o to_o cast_v all_o our_o hope_n upon_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o apostle_n argument_n eph._n 2._o 8._o for_o by_o grace_n you_o be_v save_v through_o faith_n not_o of_o yourselves_o nor_o of_o work_n lest_o any_o one_o shall_v boast_v and_o the_o learned_a 18._o cassander_n though_o a_o papist_n say_v thus_o much_o in_o favour_n of_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o protestant_n that_o in_o this_o question_n by_o the_o word_n faith_n they_o mean_v only_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v correspondent_a to_o faith_n quae_fw-la fidei_fw-la ex_fw-la adverso_fw-la respondet_fw-la and_o to_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n alone_o signify_v the_o same_o as_o by_o grace_n alone_o in_o opposition_n to_o all_o kind_n of_o work_n chap._n iii_o what_o figure_n faith_n make_v in_o natural_a religion_n our_o author_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n lay_v down_o faith_n as_o a_o duty_n in_o natural_a religion_n that_o it_o be_v a_o branch_n of_o justice_n by_o which_o we_o pay_v to_o god_n what_o be_v due_a to_o his_o veracity_n that_o this_o be_v before_o all_o positive_a law_n and_o that_o upon_o this_o the_o gospel_n be_v build_v because_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n which_o be_v recommend_v for_o our_o pattern_n rom._n 4._o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o this_o justice_n that_o the_o lack_n of_o this_o faith_n be_v reprove_v by_o the_o angel_n in_o sarah_n and_o be_v punish_v in_o lot_n wife_n gen._n 18._o and_o in_o the_o incredulous_a lord_n 2_o king_n 7._o and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o faith_n last_o which_o be_v commend_v in_o the_o worthy_n mention_v heb._n 11._o and_o last_o of_o all_o he_o endeavour_v 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their_o believe_v their_o oracle_n augury_n prophecy_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o suit_v their_o action_n according_a to_o they_o so_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o natural_a religion_n tell_v we_o god_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v upon_o his_o testimony_n so_o that_o when_o a_o man_n under_o natural_a religion_n do_v believe_v any_o thing_n upon_o god_n testimony_n our_o author_n may_v if_o he_o please_v call_v this_o faith_n but_o theological_a faith_n or_o faith_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v quite_o of_o another_o kind_n this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o assent_n of_o the_o understanding_n but_o a_o divine_a grace_n or_o habit_n infuse_v though_o our_o author_n will_v have_v they_o the_o same_o by_o say_v the_o gospel_n be_v build_v upon_o this_o and_o moreover_o that_o faith_n in_o abraham_n
just_a exception_n be_v a_o social_a duty_n and_o which_o any_o man_n that_o speak_v truth_n and_o have_v not_o just_o lose_v his_o reputation_n may_v claim_v from_o we_o as_o fellow_n creature_n but_o when_o the_o matter_n relate_v be_v incredible_a or_o which_o my_o reason_n tell_v i_o be_v not_o enough_o probable_a or_o when_o the_o relater_n be_v sufficient_o exceptionable_a or_o if_o any_o thing_n else_o accompany_v the_o relation_n which_o will_v give_v sufficient_a suspicion_n of_o falsity_n to_o a_o prudent_a man_n then_o if_o i_o believe_v such_o a_o relation_n i_o be_o true_o say_v to_o be_v credulous_a because_o there_o i_o make_v my_o belief_n exceed_v its_o just_a bound_n i_o give_v more_o credit_n to_o the_o relater_n than_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v whereas_o my_o faith_n in_o this_o case_n ought_v to_o stop_v at_o the_o confine_n of_o probability_n i_o let_v it_o pass_v over_o they_o and_o believe_v thing_n improbable_a but_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o 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i_o will_v not_o have_v our_o author_n think_v that_o we_o ground_n our_o faith_n in_o the_o bless_a trinity_n upon_o the_o determination_n only_o of_o general_a council_n which_o he_o mean_v by_o his_o great_a humane_a authority_n as_o if_o we_o have_v nothing_o in_o scripture_n to_o urge_v for_o it_o we_o have_v argument_n enough_o from_o thence_o to_o confound_v all_o the_o force_n and_o subtlety_n of_o our_o heretical_a adversary_n and_o several_a learned_a man_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o age_n have_v bring_v so_o much_o from_o thence_o as_o perfect_o silence_v this_o heresy_n for_o a_o time_n and_o have_v baffle_v their_o cause_n for_o ever_o i_o be_o sure_a at_o least_o against_o all_o such_o espouser_n of_o it_o as_o this_o author_n seem_v to_o be_v and_o as_o for_o council_n when_o we_o rely_v upon_o their_o determination_n in_o assert_v and_o explain_v the_o ancient_a faith_n i_o do_v not_o think_v we_o be_v so_o much_o credulous_a as_o these_o fort_n of_o gentleman_n be_v saucy_a to_o say_v no_o worse_o when_o they_o bespatter_v these_o august_n assembly_n with_o so_o much_o contumely_n and_o buffonery_n as_o they_o use_v to_o do_v there_o be_v none_o of_o our_o church_n that_o look_v upon_o the_o determination_n of_o general_a council_n to_o be_v the_o infallible_a oracle_n of_o god_n they_o be_v as_o our_o author_n speak_v humane_a authority_n but_o then_o they_o be_v the_o great_a humane_a authority_n upon_o earth_n they_o be_v the_o representative_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a and_o if_o our_o judgement_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v incline_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o single_a doctor_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v much_o more_o so_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o such_o a_o number_n of_o good_a and_o learned_a man_n convene_v from_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n we_o do_v not_o run_v up_o the_o authority_n of_o council_n so_o high_a as_o to_o give_v they_o power_n to_o constitute_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o papist_n do_v but_o then_o we_o look_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v the_o best_a judge_n in_o the_o world_n of_o old_a one_o and_o of_o what_o be_v the_o true_a ancient_a and_o catholic_n faith_n to_o declare_v what_o doctrine_n according_a to_o 3._o lirinensis_n rule_n have_v universality_n consent_n antiquity_n when_o they_o come_v to_o be_v contest_v by_o heretic_n 32._o for_o the_o member_n of_o these_o council_n be_v bishop_n draw_v from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o their_o district_n and_o of_o the_o uncorrupted_a write_n and_o tradition_n of_o their_o forefather_n neither_o yet_o do_v we_o allow_v they_o if_o they_o shall_v oppose_v their_o opinion_n or_o tradition_n against_o the_o express_a word_n of_o god_n but_o only_o when_o they_o declare_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n as_o theodoret_n 8._o speak_v of_o the_o nicene_n father_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d out_o of_o scripture_n word_n pious_o understand_v of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o oâ—e_n but_o must_v allow_v they_o to_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a and_o the_o most_o authentic_a expositor_n and_o yet_o though_o we_o can_v grant_v it_o to_o be_v a_o article_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n that_o general_a council_n can_v err_v because_o there_o be_v no_o such_o proposition_n find_v in_o scripture_n nor_o by_o any_o necessary_a consequence_n to_o be_v deduce_v from_o thence_o but_o most_o good_a man_n look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o theological_a verity_n for_o which_o there_o be_v some_o probable_a argument_n out_o of_o scripture_n allege_v as_o mat._n 18._o 20._o when_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n i_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o joh._n 16._o 3._o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o the_o most_o good_a and_o learned_a man_n in_o all_o time_n have_v general_o think_v that_o the_o inerrability_n of_o a_o general_a council_n that_o be_v fair_o call_v and_o due_o celebrate_v be_v one_o of_o the_o piè_fw-la credibilia_fw-la which_o a_o good_a man_n though_o he_o be_v not_o necessitate_v be_v yet_o well_o dispose_v to_o believe_v for_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o great_a love_n which_o god_n do_v bear_v to_o his_o church_n and_o the_o peculiar_a providence_n he_o do_v exercise_n over_o it_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o promise_n that_o he_o have_v make_v to_o it_o that_o it_o be_v his_o desire_n that_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v save_v and_o shall_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o necessary_a truth_n there_o be_v no_o good_a man_n but_o will_v be_v incline_v to_o believe_v that_o god_n out_o of_o his_o infinite_a love_n and_o goodness_n which_o he_o have_v declare_v to_o bear_v to_o his_o church_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o representative_n of_o it_o in_o these_o sacred_a assembly_n to_o err_v in_o any_o important_a matter_n of_o faith_n that_o he_o will_v not_o permit_v any_o 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the_o centre_n of_o a_o world_n from_o this_o consideration_n he_o can_v imagine_v that_o our_o great_a creator_n shall_v be_v so_o greedy_a of_o a_o little_a of_o our_o corrupt_a breath_n as_o to_o purchase_v it_o with_o a_o fall_n from_o heaven_n this_o will_v be_v to_o disgrace_v our_o lord_n from_o the_o dignity_n of_o a_o benefactor_n to_o the_o vileness_n of_o a_o unskilful_a tradesman_n who_o buy_v vile_a ware_n and_o pay_v for_o it_o infinite_o more_o than_o it_o be_v worth_a indeed_o i_o have_v hardly_o patience_n to_o answer_v this_o abominable_a blasphemy_n to_o see_v a_o foolish_a philosopher_n thus_o horrid_o to_o affront_v his_o creator_n and_o in_o this_o witless_a buffonery_n to_o ridicule_n the_o infinite_a satisfaction_n of_o his_o bless_a redeemer_n because_o he_o can_v make_v it_o agree_v with_o his_o system_fw-la of_o physics_n but_o pray_v let_v he_o consider_v that_o we_o do_v not_o think_v the_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n or_o the_o beauty_n of_o our_o world_n incline_v god_n who_o have_v no_o respect_n of_o person_n to_o work_v our_o redemption_n this_o be_v only_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n which_o we_o can_v never_o enough_o admire_v and_o praise_v and_o beside_o what_o signify_v the_o largeness_n and_o gloriousness_n of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n in_o comparison_n with_o man_n immortal_a soul_n the_o sun_n be_v the_o most_o glorious_a body_n we_o see_v and_o yet_o a_o fly_n be_v a_o more_o noble_a creature_n than_o that_o the_o sensitive_a soul_n that_o this_o be_v endow_v with_o advance_v its_o excellence_n far_o above_o any_o the_o most_o glorious_a inanimate_a be_v that_o can_v be_v imagine_v but_o the_o immortal_a soul_n of_o one_o man_n be_v of_o more_o dignity_n than_o all_o the_o corporeal_a creation_n and_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o redeem_v man_n soul_n that_o be_v lose_v but_o by_o the_o destruction_n of_o all_o the_o other_o creation_n it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v unbecoming_a 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care_n of_o this_o be_v to_o attribute_v a_o foolish_a weakness_n to_o the_o deity_n and_o to_o think_v it_o be_v with_o he_o as_o it_o be_v with_o some_o parent_n who_o when_o they_o have_v a_o great_a number_n of_o child_n do_v not_o love_v any_o particular_a child_n so_o well_o as_o if_o they_o have_v but_o that_o alone_a or_o but_o few_o certain_o god_n bear_v a_o fatherly_a love_n to_o all_o his_o creature_n and_o will_v provide_v whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o it_o be_v not_o his_o provide_v for_o innumerable_a other_o creature_n that_o can_v hinder_v he_o from_o provide_v for_o we_o his_o omniscience_n can_v be_v distract_v by_o innumerable_a operation_n and_o his_o infinite_a power_n and_o love_n can_v and_o will_v do_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o so_o that_o if_o it_o be_v requisite_a to_o repair_v the_o forfeit_a soul_n of_o mankind_n that_o a_o person_n of_o the_o godhead_n shall_v make_v a_o infinite_a satisfaction_n for_o sin_n against_o a_o infinite_a majesty_n and_o which_o do_v deserve_v a_o infinite_a punishment_n it_o be_v not_o the_o gloriousness_n of_o the_o other_o world_n which_o shall_v hinder_v he_o from_o do_v it_o for_o his_o fatherly_a compassion_n reach_v to_o we_o as_o well_o as_o they_o and_o he_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o use_v these_o mean_n for_o our_o redemption_n if_o no_o other_o can_v effect_v it_o but_o the_o author_n say_v that_o then_o christ_n have_v pay_v infinite_o more_o than_o the_o ware_n be_v worth_a like_o a_o unskilful_a tradesman_n as_o he_o call_v he_o i_o shall_v not_o now_o dispute_v whether_o god_n can_v have_v pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n any_o other_o way_n than_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o god_n it_o be_v enough_o for_o we_o to_o know_v that_o god_n have_v do_v it_o only_o by_o these_o mean_n and_o to_o be_v sufficient_o thankful_a to_o he_o for_o it_o and_o when_o the_o author_n or_o any_o of_o his_o party_n shall_v think_v fit_a to_o engage_v upon_o a_o dispute_n 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a_o answer_n to_o a_o heretical_a book_n call_v the_o naked_a gospel_n which_o be_v condemn_v and_o order_v to_o be_v public_o burn_v by_o the_o convocation_n of_o the_o university_n of_o oxford_n aug._n 19_o 1690._o with_o some_o reflection_n on_o dr._n bury_n new_a edition_n of_o that_o book_n to_o which_o be_v add_v a_o short_a history_n of_o socinianism_n by_o william_n nicholls_n m._n a._n fellow_n of_o merton_n college_n in_o oxford_n and_o chaplain_n to_o the_o right_n honourable_a ralph_n earl_n of_o montague_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d greg._n nazianz._n orat._n 25._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d phot._n nomoc._n tit._n 12._o c._n 2._o london_n print_v for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishop_n head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1691._o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a ralph_n earl_n of_o montague_n etc._n etc._n my_o lord_n i_o be_o induce_v to_o lay_v these_o paper_n at_o your_o lordship_n foot_n both_o from_o the_o relation_n i_o bear_v to_o your_o lordship_n 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look_v on_o they_o as_o a_o small_a token_n of_o the_o duty_n and_o service_n which_o shall_v be_v always_o owe_v to_o your_o lordship_n from_o my_o lord_n your_o lordship_n be_v most_o dutiful_a chaplain_n and_o most_o obedient_a servant_n w._n nicholls_n the_o preface_n the_o occasion_n of_o write_v this_o treatise_n be_v to_o hinder_v the_o mischief_n that_o the_o book_n it_o be_v design_v to_o answer_n be_v like_a to_o do_v which_o have_v lie_v so_o many_o month_n without_o a_o answer_n i_o do_v reasonable_o presume_v there_o be_v none_o design_v and_o therefore_o i_o think_v such_o a_o one_o as_o i_o can_v supply_v will_v be_v better_o than_o none_o at_o all_o i_o shall_v never_o have_v trouble_v the_o world_n with_o this_o if_o i_o have_v have_v the_o least_o item_n of_o mr._n long_a be_v design_n but_o that_o be_v perfect_o unknown_a to_o i_o till_o these_o paper_n be_v write_v out_o fair_a for_o the_o press_n as_o to_o the_o method_n i_o have_v take_v in_o the_o answer_v this_o book_n i_o have_v follow_v the_o author_n in_o his_o own_o and_o have_v give_v his_o title_n to_o each_o of_o the_o chapter_n in_o those_o chapter_n in_o which_o he_o most_o impugn_v our_o saviour_n divinity_n i_o have_v trace_v he_o step_v by_o step_n and_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o shadow_n of_o a_o argument_n that_o he_o bring_v in_o other_o chapter_n where_o there_o be_v only_o oblique_a stroke_n against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n or_o which_o be_v only_a introductory_n to_o his_o main_a design_n i_o have_v only_o sum_v up_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o and_o so_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o they_o in_o general_a or_o at_o least_o to_o so_o much_o of_o they_o as_o seem_v to_o make_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n or_o any_o other_o important_a truth_n of_o our_o religion_n now_o it_o may_v by_o some_o perhaps_o be_v think_v unfair_a when_o i_o use_v these_o expression_n the_o author_n will_v insinuate_v will_v pretend_v etc._n etc._n when_o he_o do_v not_o in_o express_a term_n assert_v that_o thing_n in_o his_o book_n but_o it_o must_v be_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v the_o author_n design_n not_o to_o let_v his_o book_n appear_v with_o too_o heretical_a a_o face_n but_o to_o lay_v his_o premise_n so_o that_o the_o reader_n shall_v often_o draw_v his_o consequence_n for_o he_o without_o his_o set_v they_o down_o in_o express_a word_n this_o be_v a_o subtlety_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o such_o sort_n of_o writer_n that_o dare_v not_o speak_v out_o their_o full_a mind_n though_o by_o the_o way_n i_o think_v this_o author_n have_v as_o little_o mince_v the_o matter_n as_o any_o but_o however_o i_o have_v careful_o endeavour_v not_o to_o pervert_v his_o sense_n but_o to_o take_v his_o word_n in_o that_o meaning_n which_o any_o indifferent_a reader_n will_v think_v the_o author_n design_v they_o shall_v be_v understand_v in_o if_o i_o have_v any_o where_o miss_v his_o mean_v it_o be_v through_o mistake_n and_o not_o through_o wilfulness_n and_o in_o truth_n i_o be_o not_o absolute_o sure_a after_o the_o great_a diligence_n that_o i_o have_v always_o hit_v his_o sense_n for_o he_o have_v a_o peculiar_a way_n of_o write_v different_a from_o all_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o age_n his_o period_n be_v long_a and_o uneven_a fill_v with_o odd_a sort_n of_o simile_n and_o affect_a phrase_n break_v with_o unnatural_a parenthesis_n and_o almost_o constant_a hyperbatons_n which_o to_o be_v sure_a will_v occasion_v obscurity_n in_o his_o book_n so_o that_o if_o i_o have_v mistake_v his_o mean_v upon_o this_o account_n he_o be_v to_o charge_v that_o upon_o himself_o and_o not_o upon_o his_o answerer_n in_o short_a i_o have_v perform_v this_o task_n with_o all_o the_o fairness_n i_o can_v with_o a_o design_n not_o to_o triumph_v over_o my_o adversary_n but_o to_o evince_v the_o truth_n to_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o my_o bless_a saviour_n which_o be_v here_o so_o high_o calumniate_v and_o to_o assert_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a undivided_a trinity_n into_o the_o belief_n of_o which_o i_o be_v baptize_v and_o in_o which_o i_o hope_v by_o god_n grace_n to_o die_v the_o content_n of_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o preface_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n can_v give_v no_o encouragement_n to_o mahometanism_n the_o true_a reason_n of_o the_o great_a prevail_a of_o mahomet_n religion_n animadversion_n upon_o the_o author_n mistake_n about_o the_o establishment_n of_o image-worship_n upon_o his_o say_n mahomet_n profess_v all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n the_o heterodox_n great_a furtherer_n of_o mahometanism_n than_o the_o orthodox_n that_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v very_o consistent_a with_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o the_o require_v a_o belief_n of_o this_o doctrine_n do_v not_o suppose_v unlearned_a man_n to_o understand_v all_o the_o dispute_v about_o it_o the_o socinian_n doctrine_n much_o full_a of_o nicety_n than_o the_o orthodox_n chap._n i._n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n not_o the_o same_o the_o chief_a rule_n of_o christianity_n not_o easy_o discernible_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n by_o instance_n of_o tully_n and_o aristotle_n doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n not_o contrary_a to_o the_o fewness_n of_o christian_a precept_n how_o all_o the_o gospel_n be_v faith_n and_o repentance_n chap._n ii_o that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n alone_o prove_v by_o scripture_n antiquity_n etc._n etc._n this_o faith_n ought_v to_o be_v orthodox_n in_o all_o fundamental_o the_o reason_n why_o faith_n be_v so_o please_v to_o god_n as_o to_o justify_v man_n by_o it_o chap._n iii_o what_o natural_a faith_n be_v faith_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o inspire_a habit_n or_o grace_n prove_v by_o scripture_n antiquity_n etc._n etc._n the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n and_o the_o