power_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n who_o be_v both_o the_o framer_n and_o controller_n of_o nature_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o effect_n by_o the_o mediation_n and_o ministry_n of_o good_a spirit_n who_o always_o act_n obedient_o to_o his_o will._n so_o that_o whether_o mediate_o or_o immediate_o it_o be_v god_n who_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o original_a and_o author_n of_o all_o those_o wonderful_a thing_n which_o be_v do_v by_o jesus_n and_o his_o disciple_n now_o then_o since_o god_n do_v interpose_v his_o power_n to_o work_v such_o strange_a and_o stupenduous_a thing_n for_o the_o propagation_n and_o confirmation_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v teach_v by_o jesus_n and_o his_o disciple_n this_o i_o think_v be_v a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n that_o their_o doctrine_n be_v certain_o true_a for_o who_o can_v imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v make_v use_n of_o his_o extraordinary_a power_n only_o to_o cheat_v and_o deceive_v the_o world_n into_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o lie_n i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n from_o heaven_n that_o whosoever_o will_v believe_v on_o jesus_n and_o receive_v and_o live_v according_a to_o his_o religion_n shall_v be_v make_v very_o happy_a in_o thenext_v life_n this_o very_a thing_n be_v the_o grand_a point_n of_o doctrine_n which_o jesus_n and_o his_o disciple_n teach_v and_o preach_v to_o the_o world_n and_o if_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v reason_n sufficient_a to_o believe_v this_o from_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v it_o also_o xx._n but_o jesus_n himself_o be_v long_o since_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o his_o disciple_n who_o first_o preach_v the_o gospel_n depart_v out_o of_o the_o world_n here_o i_o think_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o inquire_v to_o who_o or_o to_o what_o i_o must_v apply_v myself_o that_o amid_o the_o several_a party_n in_o the_o world_n who_o all_o call_v themselves_o true_a and_o orthodox_n christian_n each_o condemn_v all_o other_o but_o themselves_o i_o may_v be_v true_o and_o sure_o inform_v what_o be_v the_o true_a and_o genuine_a religion_n or_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n which_o i_o ought_v to_o receive_v and_o live_v according_a to_o in_o order_n to_o my_o future_a happiness_n for_o if_o i_o do_v not_o this_o i_o must_v either_o reject_v the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n and_o so_o lose_v my_o future_a happiness_n or_o else_o take_v it_o altogether_o upon_o trust_n and_o by_o chance_n and_o then_o it_o be_v odds_o but_o i_o light_v upon_o the_o wrong_n and_o must_v needs_o run_v a_o very_a great_a hazard_n and_o though_o he_o who_o be_v in_o a_o mistake_n and_o can_v tell_v how_o to_o help_v it_o will_n doubtless_o find_v a_o easy_a pardon_n from_o god_n yet_o he_o who_o fall_v into_o error_n for_o want_v of_o moderate_a care_n and_o diligence_n to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n have_v i_o think_v no_o pretence_n either_o to_o pardon_v or_o so_o much_o as_o to_o pity_n xxi_o the_o roman_a catholic_n do_v tell_v i_o that_o i_o must_v apply_v myself_o to_o the_o church_n this_o church_n they_o define_v to_o be_v that_o society_n of_o person_n who_o prosess_v faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o live_v in_o subjection_n to_o and_o communion_n with_o the_o pope_n or_o bishop_n of_o rome_n this_o church_n they_o say_v be_v infallible_a and_o not_o only_o do_v not_o but_o can_v err_v in_o any_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n go_v then_o say_v they_o to_o this_o church_n and_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n which_o she_o teach_v and_o there_o you_o have_v certain_o and_o infallible_o the_o true_a and_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o i_o can_v give_v my_o assent_n to_o follow_v this_o their_o direction_n because_o i_o find_v such_o great_a difficulty_n in_o my_o way_n as_o i_o think_v be_v insuparable_a at_o least_o i_o be_o sure_a such_o as_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o overcome_v for_o first_o although_o it_o may_v be_v a_o certain_a truth_n that_o there_o shall_v always_o be_v a_o church_n that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o company_n of_o people_n some_o where_o or_o other_o profess_v the_o true_a christian_a religion_n as_o long_o as_o the_o world_n shall_v last_v yet_o what_o solid_a proof_n can_v be_v bring_v that_o this_o particular_a society_n of_o man_n who_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o pope_n or_o bishop_n of_o rome_n be_v alone_o the_o true_a church_n and_o shall_v always_o keep_v and_o maintain_v among_o they_o the_o true_a and_o uncorrupt_a doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n this_o matter_n be_v a_o question_n of_o revelation_n and_o positive_a institution_n be_v uncapable_a of_o be_v prove_v by_o any_o argument_n draw_v from_o natural_a reason_n and_o as_o for_o the_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o they_o allege_v it_o be_v even_o ridiculous_a to_o think_v that_o any_o sober_a and_o unprejudiced_a person_n shall_v be_v convince_v by_o they_o as_o will_v evident_o appear_v to_o any_o one_o who_o impartial_o read_v what_o the_o romish_a and_o protestant_a divine_n have_v write_v on_o this_o controversy_n for_o there_o be_v none_o of_o those_o text_n but_o be_v fair_o and_o natural_o capable_a of_o another_o interpretation_n and_o must_v be_v very_o much_o strain_v and_o wrest_v to_o make_v they_o countenance_v the_o romish_a doctrine_n beside_o that_o the_o divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v general_o teach_v that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v sure_a of_o the_o authority_n or_o sense_n of_o any_o text_n of_o scripture_n especial_o if_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v any_o way_n doubtful_a except_o he_o receive_v the_o proposal_n and_o interpretation_n thereof_o from_o this_o their_o church_n which_o they_o say_v be_v infallible_a so_o that_o a_o man_n must_v of_o necessity_n believe_v the_o infallibility_n of_o their_o church_n before_o he_o can_v any_o way_n be_v sure_a of_o the_o credit_n or_o even_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o those_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o they_o bring_v to_o prove_v it_o and_o then_o what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o scripture-argument_n to_o prove_v a_o thing_n which_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v before_o the_o argument_n can_v have_v any_o force_n or_o even_o be_v as_o much_o as_o certain_o understand_v and_o if_o they_o tell_v i_o that_o the_o father_n and_o ancient_a christian_a writer_n do_v testify_v thus_o much_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n i_o can_v only_o say_v that_o the_o protestant_n divine_n who_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v man_n of_o as_o much_o learning_n and_o integrity_n as_o the_o romish_a do_v declare_v that_o it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o nor_o have_v i_o skill_n enough_o in_o language_n and_o antiquity_n to_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o judge_v of_o this_o dispute_n neither_o do_v i_o understand_v by_o what_o authority_n the_o write_n of_o those_o person_n who_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o have_v be_v subject_a to_o error_n shall_v be_v obtrude_v on_o i_o as_o a_o rule_n of_o my_o faith_n or_o as_o a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o determine_v my_o assent_n in_o so_o weighty_a a_o matter_n second_o suppose_v but_o not_o grant_v that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o true_a and_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v preserve_v yet_o still_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o particular_a and_o private_a man_n who_o live_v in_o the_o visible_a communion_n of_o that_o church_n may_v teach_v false_a and_o corrupt_a doctrine_n here_o than_o i_o demand_v how_o shall_v i_o certain_o distinguish_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o opinion_n of_o private_a man_n and_o how_o shall_v i_o certain_o know_v what_o be_v the_o true_a mean_v of_o the_o church_n doctrine_n they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o agree_v who_o it_o be_v that_o have_v authority_n to_o declare_v and_o expound_v the_o doctrine_n of_o their_o church_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o pope_n or_o a_o general_n council_n or_o neither_o alone_a but_o both_o together_o or_o if_o they_o be_v unanimous_a in_o this_o point_n yet_o how_o shall_v i_o know_v whether_o such_o a_o particular_a person_n who_o possess_v the_o chair_n be_v a_o true_a and_o lawful_a pope_n or_o such_o a_o particular_a assembly_n a_o true_a and_o lawful_a general_n council_n or_o suppose_v they_o can_v satisfy_v i_o in_o this_o demand_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o council_n now_o sit_v nor_o if_o there_o be_v can_v i_o go_v to_o they_o or_o to_o the_o pope_n to_o receive_v instruction_n nor_o can_v the_o pope_n or_o a_o council_n be_v at_o leisure_n to_o satisfy_v the_o demand_n of_o every_o private_a enquirer_n how_o then_o can_v i_o be_v sure_a that_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a person_n do_v both_o right_o understand_v and_o faithful_o propose_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n to_o i_o especial_o since_o
give_v to_o they_o or_o that_o such_o opposition_n may_v soon_o be_v suppress_v and_o overrule_v by_o the_o power_n and_o reputation_n of_o such_o prevail_a men._n from_o all_o which_o i_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o though_o the_o general_a tradition_n or_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v a_o good_a help_n yet_o it_o may_v not_o always_o be_v a_o certain_a rule_n to_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o entire_a and_o unaltered_a doctrine_n of_o jesus_n xxiii_o other_o there_o be_v who_o tell_v i_o that_o to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a and_o entire_a doctrine_n of_o jesus_n i_o must_v apply_v myself_o to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o the_o book_n common_o call_v the_o old_a and_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o because_o i_o look_v upon_o this_o to_o be_v the_o right_a way_n i_o shall_v brief_o and_o plain_o deliver_v my_o thought_n in_o relation_n to_o these_o book_n and_o first_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o it_o be_v extant_a in_o the_o greek_a toegue_n have_v be_v ever_o universal_o own_v by_o all_o christian_n as_o contain_v a_o true_a though_o some_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v a_o full_a account_v of_o the_o life_n and_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n be_v a_o thing_n so_o notorious_a and_o so_o universal_o acknowledge_v that_o i_o can_v find_v the_o least_o ground_n or_o reason_n to_o question_v it_o now_o the_o history_n and_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n be_v so_o well_o know_v unto_o the_o first_o christian_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n and_o they_o be_v so_o ready_a upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o ever_o they_o will_v so_o ready_o and_o universal_o receive_v and_o own_v such_o a_o book_n if_o it_o have_v contain_v any_o thing_n in_o it_o which_o be_v dissonant_n from_o that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v it_o be_v confess_v indeed_o that_o some_o of_o those_o book_n which_o make_v up_o the_o volume_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n that_o of_o st._n james_n the_o second_o of_o st._n peter_n that_o of_o st._n judas_n the_o second_o and_o three_o of_o st._n john_n and_o the_o revelation_n be_v not_o so_o soon_o and_o so_o universal_o receive_v throughout_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o book_n be_v the_o reason_n of_o which_o apparent_o be_v not_o that_o these_o book_n contain_v any_o thing_n in_o they_o contrary_a to_o what_o be_v deliver_v it_o the_o other_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o he_o that_o read_v the_o whole_a will_v plain_o find_v that_o there_o be_v a_o very_a complete_a agreement_n between_o they_o the_o only_a seem_a discord_n of_o st._n paul_n justification_n by_o faith_n and_o st._n james_n justification_n by_o work_n be_v exact_o and_o full_o reconcile_v by_o consider_v that_o st._n paul_n mean_v no_o other_o faith_n but_o such_o as_o work_v by_o love_n gal._n 5._o 6._o and_o st._n james_n no_o other_o work_n but_o such_o as_o proceed_v from_o faith_n jam._n 2._o 22._o but_o because_o it_o be_v not_o at_o first_o universal_o know_v who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o which_o abundant_o show_v the_o care_n and_o caution_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o not_o be_v hasty_a to_o receive_v and_o admit_v any_o book_n as_o authentic_a record_n of_o their_o doctrine_n without_o very_o good_a warrant_n for_o so_o do_v and_o therefore_o since_o these_o same_o book_n be_v in_o a_o very_a little_a time_n after_o receive_v and_o own_a to_o be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n i_o can_v but_o from_o thence_o conclude_v that_o those_o church_n which_o at_o the_o first_o doubt_v concern_v those_o book_n do_v soon_o receive_v most_o full_a and_o ample_a satisfaction_n in_o that_o matter_n from_o those_o who_o have_v before_o receive_v they_o i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o it_o be_v extant_a in_o the_o primitive_a time_n in_o the_o greek_a tongue_n do_v contain_v a_o true_a account_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n xxiv_o that_o innumerable_a copy_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v in_o a_o very_a little_a time_n disperse_v through_o all_o place_n where_o christianity_n be_v plant_v that_o it_o have_v heen_n at_o different_a time_n and_o in_o very_o distant_a place_n translate_v into_o all_o or_o almost_o all_o language_n and_o that_o copy_n both_o of_o the_o original_a and_o many_o of_o the_o several_a translation_n have_v be_v preserve_v with_o much_o care_n in_o a_o great_a many_o distant_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v allow_v by_o all_o and_o deny_v by_o none_o from_o whence_o i_o think_v we_o may_v gather_v first_o that_o where_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o greek_a copy_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v agree_v in_o the_o very_a same_o word_n there_o we_o have_v undoubted_o the_o true_a and_o authentic_a word_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o although_o some_o mistake_v might_n creep_v into_o some_o copy_n either_o through_o the_o wickedness_n or_o negligence_n of_o some_o particular_a man_n yet_o where_o so_o many_o copy_n of_o a_o book_n have_v be_v so_o careful_o preserve_v and_o in_o such_o distant_a part_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o the_o selfsame_a error_n in_o any_o expression_n shall_v ever_o be_v propagate_v through_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o second_o that_o where_o the_o word_n or_o expression_n of_o divers_a greek_a copy_n do_v differ_v one_o from_o another_o yet_o if_o the_o sense_n and_o mean_v be_v exact_o the_o same_o in_o all_o or_o almost_o all_o there_o we_o have_v certain_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o mean_v of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o apprehend_v that_o a_o transcriber_n may_v by_o a_o small_a mistake_n put_v one_o word_n or_o expression_n of_o the_o same_o signification_n in_o stead_n of_o another_o but_o that_o the_o same_o sense_n shall_v be_v punctual_o preserve_v in_o all_o or_o almost_o all_o copies_n be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v except_o it_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n deliver_v from_o the_o beginning_n three_o that_o if_o there_o may_v be_v find_v any_o different_a readins_n in_o divers_a copy_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o disagree_v in_o sense_n as_o well_o as_o in_o word_n which_o scarce_o ever_o happen_v in_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v account_v a_o material_a point_n of_o religion_n than_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v most_o fit_a and_o proper_a to_o admit_v of_o that_o read_n and_o sense_n which_o best_o agree_v with_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o whole_a with_o the_o ancient_a and_o best_a esteem_a translation_n and_o with_o the_o evident_a principle_n of_o sound_a reason_n and_o if_o any_o place_n be_v so_o obscure_a as_o that_o none_o of_o these_o way_n will_v afford_v any_o light_n into_o its_o mean_v than_o i_o think_v that_o no_o stress_n ought_v to_o be_v lay_v upon_o it_o in_o any_o necessary_a part_n of_o religion_n xxv_o but_o some_o will_v demand_v how_o be_v we_o sure_a of_o the_o sense_n and_o mean_v even_o of_o those_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n about_o the_o word_n in_o answar_n to_o this_o i_o have_v already_o show_v §_o 21._o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o follow_v the_o guidance_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o know_v the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o jesus_n nor_o therefore_o consequent_o to_o know_v the_o true_a mean_v of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o which_o his_o doctrine_n be_v own_v to_o be_v contain_v i_o have_v show_v also_o §_o 22._o that_o though_o general_a tradition_n may_v be_v a_o good_a help_n yet_o may_v it_o not_o always_o be_v a_o certain_a rule_n to_o lead_v one_o to_o the_o unaltered_a doctrine_n of_o jesus_n nor_o therefore_o consequent_o to_o the_o true_a and_o genuine_a interpretation_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n since_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o be_v find_v i_o conclude_v that_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v the_o same_o way_n that_o other_o book_n be_v that_o be_v by_o consider_v the_o sense_n and_o property_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sentence_n and_o the_o ordinary_a figure_n of_o speech_n as_o they_o be_v common_o use_v in_o the_o same_o book_n and_o in_o other_o write_v in_o the_o same_o language_n and_o about_o the_o same_o time_n together_o with_o the_o scope_n drift_n coherence_n and_o occasion_n of_o the_o discourse_n to_o which_o end_n every_o man_n that_o be_v learned_a be_v bind_v to_o use_v his_o best_a endeavour_n to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o i_o have_v show_v §_o 14._o be_v oblige_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o learning_n to_o consult_v
because_o such_o action_n do_v tend_v to_o the_o general_a happiness_n of_o his_o creature_n who_o he_o love_v §_o 16._o and_o for_o the_o contrary_a reason_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o he_o hate_v and_o abhor_v all_o action_n that_o be_v evil_a and_o this_o be_v what_o i_o mean_v when_o i_o say_v that_o god_n be_v most_o holy_a 19_o all_o possible_a excellency_n or_o perfection_n that_o i_o can_v conceive_v be_v reducible_a unto_o these_o five_o head_n viz._n 1._o perfection_n of_o be_v which_o consist_v in_o perpetual_a duration_n without_o any_o decay_n or_o infirmity_n 2._o perfection_n of_o understanding_n which_o consist_v in_o such_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n as_o be_v free_a all_o mistake_n or_o ignorance_n 3._o perfection_n of_o the_o will_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o free_a liberty_n to_o choose_v or_o refuse_v without_o any_o constraint_n or_o fatal_a necessity_n 4._o perfection_n of_o power_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o ability_n to_o do_v every_o thing_n and_o 5._o moral_a perfection_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o inflexible_a resolution_n always_o to_o do_v and_o encourage_v that_o which_o be_v moral_o good_a and_o to_o avoid_v and_o discourage_v whatsoever_o be_v moral_o evil_a now_o since_o all_o these_o perfection_n be_v in_o god_n in_o the_o most_o absolute_a manner_n as_o i_o think_v i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o forego_n paragraph_n from_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o god_n be_v most_o absolute_o perfect_a 20._o and_o since_o he_o who_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a can_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o nothing_o it_o must_v also_o follow_v that_o god_n be_v most_o perfect_o happy_a in_o himself_o 21._o as_o my_o reason_n do_v evident_o demonstrate_v unto_o i_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n so_o do_v it_o not_o in_o the_o least_o suggest_v to_o i_o any_o argument_n to_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v any_o more_o but_o one_o god_n and_o it_o be_v absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a to_o multiply_v being_n without_o any_o ground_n or_o reason_n for_o it_o 22._o that_o there_o be_v a_o real_a and_o not_o only_o a_o nominal_a distinction_n between_o the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o spirit_n that_o they_o be_v frequent_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o such_o term_n as_o we_o ordinary_o use_v when_o we_o speak_v of_o three_o person_n although_o sometime_o this_o expression_n holy_a ghost_n or_o holy_a spirit_n may_v be_v put_v to_o signify_v not_o so_o much_o the_o person_n as_o the_o power_n effect_v or_o energy_n of_o god_n spirit_n that_o although_o the_o son_n be_v often_o speak_v of_o as_o real_o and_o true_o a_o man_n yet_o many_o thing_n be_v say_v of_o he_o which_o can_v agree_v to_o a_o mere_a man_n or_o to_o any_o create_v be_v whatsoever_o and_o that_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n also_o speak_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o can_v be_v accommodate_v unto_o a_o creature_n moreover_o that_o the_o son_n derive_v his_o be_v from_o and_o always_o depend_v upon_o the_o father_n as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v from_o and_o upon_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n all_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v in_o my_o opinion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o one_o who_o will_v but_o interpret_v the_o holy_a scripture_n according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a sense_n and_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n thereof_o and_o not_o according_a to_o his_o own_o prejudices_fw-la or_o preconceive_a opinion_n and_o although_o the_o socinian_o do_v clear_o enough_o expound_v some_o of_o those_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o with_o more_o zeal_n than_o reason_n be_v sometime_o urge_v against_o they_o yet_o as_o to_o the_o principal_a passage_n which_o be_v allege_v to_o prove_v what_o i_o have_v now_o assert_v i_o think_v their_o interpretation_n of_o they_o not_o only_o to_o be_v harsh_a and_o strain_a which_o in_o a_o manner_n be_v acknowledge_v even_o by_o their_o own_o acute_a and_o brief_a historian_n in_o the_o last_o paragraph_n of_o his_o second_o letter_n but_o also_o many_o time_n to_o be_v utter_o irreconcilable_a unto_o the_o word_n and_o context_n and_o now_o to_o explain_v those_o conception_n which_o arise_v in_o my_o mind_n upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o text_n here_o hint_v at_o as_o well_o as_o in_o a_o matter_n so_o abstruse_a and_o remote_a from_o my_o sense_n i_o be_o able_a since_o i_o can_v find_v a_o more_o proper_a term_n to_o express_v the_o distinction_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n by_o i_o call_v they_o three_o person_n and_o not_o know_v what_o other_o title_n to_o give_v a_o divine_a person_n who_o be_v no_o creature_n i_o call_v each_o person_n god_n but_o i_o give_v the_o title_n of_o god_n in_o a_o more_o emphatical_a manner_n unto_o the_o father_n than_o unto_o the_o son_n or_o holy_a ghost_n because_o the_o father_n depend_v on_o none_o but_o they_o do_v depend_v on_o he_o and_o since_o both_o my_o reason_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v teach_v i_o to_o own_o no_o more_o than_o one_o god_n i_o be_o of_o necessity_n compel_v to_o say_v that_o these_o three_o be_v so_o unite_v together_o though_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v above_o my_o understanding_n as_o to_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o although_o it_o argue_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o imperfection_n in_o humane_a speech_n that_o for_o want_v of_o other_o fit_a and_o proper_a term_n we_o be_v force_v to_o give_v the_o same_o appellation_n to_o each_o person_n single_o and_o to_o the_o three_o conjoint_o yet_o this_o do_v not_o imply_v any_o manner_n of_o contradiction_n as_o some_o do_v object_n because_o when_o we_o apply_v the_o word_n god_n to_o one_o single_a person_n it_o have_v not_o the_o same_o exact_a and_o adequate_a signification_n as_o when_o we_o ascribe_v it_o unto_o the_o three_o person_n conjoint_o for_o that_o will_v imply_v that_o each_o single_a person_n be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o three_o person_n and_o so_o confound_v that_o distinction_n which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v so_o often_o and_o apparent_o make_v between_o they_o and_o this_o analogical_a difference_n in_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n god_n will_v easy_o solve_v most_o of_o those_o objection_n which_o the_o socinian_o do_v bring_v against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o because_o i_o know_v no_o better_a word_n to_o express_v that_o unity_n which_o i_o apprehend_v to_o be_v between_o the_o three_o person_n i_o therefore_o say_v that_o they_o be_v one_o in_o essence_n or_o substance_n for_o unity_n of_o concord_n or_o consent_n alone_o do_v not_o seem_v enough_o to_o i_o to_o denominate_v they_o to_o be_v one_o god_n and_o because_o i_o find_v that_o the_o son_n be_v say_v to_o be_v beget_v and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o proceed_v or_o be_v send_v or_o emit_v i_o therefore_o make_v use_n of_o these_o term_n without_o pretend_v to_o assign_v the_o difference_n between_o generation_n and_o procession_n and_o although_o the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v each_o of_o they_o god_n be_v and_o must_v needs_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n equal_a with_o the_o father_n yet_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o this_o equality_n must_v be_v understand_v with_o a_o allowance_n for_o the_o absolute_a independence_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o dependence_n of_o the_o son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o he_o 23._o all_o the_o objection_n that_o i_o can_v remember_v to_o be_v make_v against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n thus_o state_v i_o think_v be_v easy_a enough_o to_o be_v solve_v by_o what_o i_o have_v now_o say_v except_v two_o which_o must_v be_v particular_o answer_v the_o first_o be_v take_v from_o joh._n 10._o 33._o etc._n etc._n but_o though_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o here_o assert_v his_o divinity_n when_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v occasion_n for_o it_o yet_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o therefore_o he_o be_v not_o god_n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v not_o always_o his_o custom_n to_o give_v full_a and_o complete_a answer_n unto_o such_o captious_a question_n and_o objection_n as_o be_v put_v to_o he_o but_o sometime_o he_o content_v himself_o only_o with_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o those_o who_o propose_v they_o of_o which_o we_o have_v one_o instance_n mat._n 21._o 23._o etc._n etc._n and_o another_o joh._n 8._o 3._o etc._n etc._n and_o as_o some_o think_v another_o mat._n 22._o 17._o etc._n etc._n and_o we_o may_v as_o well_o conclude_v that_o he_o have_v no_o authority_n for_o what_o he_o do_v because_o he_o do_v not_o declare_v it_o when_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o elder_n question_v it_o mat._n 21._o 23._o as_o deny_v his_o divinity_n because_o he_o do_v not_o express_o maintain_v it_o when_o on_o that_o account_n he_o be_v charge_v with_o blasphemy_n the_o other_o objection_n be_v draw_v from_o mar._n 13._o
32._o but_o to_o it_o i_o answer_v that_o our_o saviour_n design_n in_o that_o place_n be_v only_o to_o represent_v the_o day_n there_o speak_v of_o as_o a_o secret_a not_o to_o be_v make_v know_v unto_o man_n until_o it_o shall_v come_v upon_o they_o that_o they_o may_v always_o stand_v upon_o their_o guard_n watch_n and_o prepare_v for_o it_o let_v but_o the_o word_n know_v be_v take_v to_o signify_v to_o make_v know_v which_o full_o answer_v the_o design_n of_o the_o place_n and_o as_o it_o be_v evident_a st._n paul_n use_v the_o same_o word_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 2._o idetermine_v say_v he_o not_o to_o know_v that_o be_v not_o to_o make_v know_v or_o teach_v any_o thing_n among_o you_o save_v jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_a and_o then_o the_o most_o natural_a paraphrase_n of_o that_o place_n will_v be_v this_o but_o that_o day_n and_o hour_n there_o be_v no_o one_o who_o shall_v or_o can_v make_v know_v unto_o you_o no_o not_o the_o angel_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n who_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o themselves_o nor_o even_o the_o son_n himself_o who_o although_o he_o know_v all_o thing_n joh._n 21._o 17._o yet_o can_v do_v nothing_o of_o himself_o but_o what_o he_o see_v the_o father_n do_v joh._n 5._o 19_o and_o who_o speak_v not_o of_o himself_o but_o the_o father_n which_o send_v he_o give_v he_o commandment_n what_o he_o shall_v say_v joh._n 12._o 49._o but_o the_o father_n only_o shall_v in_o his_o own_o time_n make_v it_o know_v by_o bring_v it_o to_o pass_v and_o this_o exposition_n of_o this_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o only_a text_n that_o seem_v to_o press_v very_o hard_o upon_o we_o in_o this_o controversy_n i_o be_o sure_a be_v much_o more_o easy_a and_o natural_a than_o many_o of_o those_o interpretation_n which_o the_o socinian_o do_v advance_v of_o the_o principal_a passage_n which_o we_o urge_v against_o they_o but_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v tell_v i_o that_o this_o whole_a matter_n concern_v the_o trinity_n be_v very_o obscure_a and_o difficult_a to_o be_v apprehend_v and_o therefore_o that_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o require_v the_o explicit_a belief_n of_o such_o doctrine_n as_o necessary_a either_o to_o salvation_n or_o church-communion_n as_o to_o the_o obscurity_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o since_o in_o this_o life_n we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o prophesy_v in_o part_n and_o see_v but_o through_o a_o glass_n dark_o or_o in_o a_o riddle_n as_o the_o margin_n have_v it_o word_n for_o word_n from_o the_o original_a 1_o cor._n 13._o 9_o 12._o as_o to_o church-communion_n i_o shall_v speak_v of_o it_o hereafter_o in_o its_o proper_a place_n and_o as_o touch_v salvation_n i_o refer_v my_o reader_n to_o what_o i_o have_v say_v §_o 3._o and_o part_n 1_o §_o 14._o and_o §_o 26._o 24._o either_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o visible_a world_n do_v from_o all_o eternity_n coexi_v together_o with_o god_n or_o else_o it_o be_v produce_v from_o nothing_o by_o he_o there_o be_v no_o three_o way_n to_o be_v assign_v now_o both_o these_o way_n be_v above_o though_o neither_o of_o they_o contrary_a to_o my_o reason_n my_o reason_n alone_o can_v never_o solid_o determine_v which_o of_o they_o be_v the_o right_n but_o the_o late_a of_o these_o make_n most_o in_o my_o opinion_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n of_o who_o as_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a be_v i_o think_v i_o ought_v to_o entertain_v the_o most_o glorious_a thought_n that_o possible_o i_o can_v and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o often_o ascribe_v eternity_n without_o beginning_n unto_o god_n in_o a_o emphatical_a manner_n as_o his_o alone_a peculiar_a attribute_n i_o be_o thereby_o bring_v to_o believe_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o world_n be_v not_o eternal_a but_o be_v at_o first_o create_v by_o god_n from_o nothing_o and_o consequent_o that_o god_n can_v again_o annihilate_v it_o or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o if_o it_o shall_v so_o please_v he_o 25._o that_o god_n do_v contrive_v frame_n and_o fashion_v this_o world_n and_o every_o part_n of_o it_o and_o also_o that_o he_o still_o preserve_v and_o govern_v it_o by_o his_o providence_n i_o have_v former_o conclude_v part_n 1_o §_o 7._o and_o §_o 10._o and_o though_o every_o ignorant_a person_n be_v not_o able_a to_o dive_v into_o and_o fathom_v the_o counsel_n of_o a_o great_a and_o sovereign_a prince_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o argument_n that_o he_o do_v not_o manage_v and_o rule_v his_o dominion_n with_o due_a care_n and_o wisdom_n nor_o can_v the_o make_n nor_o can_v the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n be_v any_o manner_n of_o trouble_n to_o god_n as_o the_o epicurean_o object_v since_o he_o be_v absolute_o omnipotent_a and_o needs_o no_o more_o but_o to_o speak_v the_o word_n and_o the_o thing_n be_v do_v 26._o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o the_o heathen_a world_n its_o self_n be_v general_o and_o strong_o addict_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o certain_a being_n some_o good_a and_o some_o evil_n superior_a in_o nature_n to_o man_n but_o subject_a to_o and_o minister_n of_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o supreme_a god_n but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v give_v we_o a_o more_o full_a and_o perfect_a account_n of_o this_o matter_n viz._n that_o god_n create_v certain_a spiritual_a being_n call_v angel_n that_o be_v to_o say_v messengers_z as_o be_v send_v forth_o by_o he_o to_o execute_v his_o will_n upon_o all_o occasion_n that_o he_o think_v fit_a and_o particular_o to_o minister_v for_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n not_o that_o god_n have_v any_o need_n of_o their_o assistance_n or_o ministry_n any_o more_o than_o he_o have_v of_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o man_n but_o only_o think_v fit_a to_o create_v they_o of_o his_o own_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n and_o probable_o that_o they_o as_o well_o as_o man_n may_v be_v object_n for_o he_o to_o exercise_v his_o goodness_n and_o beneficence_n upon_o but_o whether_o every_o particular_a person_n state_n and_o kingdom_n have_v their_o proper_a guardian_n angel_n appoint_v they_o by_o god_n be_v not_o as_o i_o can_v find_v upon_o any_o sure_a ground_n to_o be_v determine_v but_o we_o be_v far_o inform_v that_o of_o these_o angel_n some_o sin_v and_o therefore_o keep_v not_o their_o first_o estate_n but_o be_v cast_v down_o into_o hell_n and_o deliver_v into_o chain_n of_o darkness_n to_o be_v reserve_v unto_o judgement_n the_o chief_a or_o prince_n of_o who_o be_v call_v the_o devil_n the_o great_a dragon_n the_o old_a serpent_n and_o satan_n and_o be_v together_o with_o his_o angel_n permit_v by_o god_n to_o range_v to_o and_o fro_o in_o the_o earth_n to_o tempt_v even_o the_o godly_a but_o to_o prevail_v and_o work_v in_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n 27._o that_o a_o eternal_a succession_n of_o man_n or_o any_o other_o being_n without_o a_o beginning_n be_v absolute_o impossible_a i_o have_v i_o think_v with_o reason_n already_o say_v part_n 1_o §_o 6._o that_o man_n at_o first_o be_v not_o fashion_v by_o any_o blind_a and_o undesign_v chance_n be_v to_o i_o very_o evident_a as_o well_o from_o the_o wonderful_a frame_n of_o his_o mind_n as_o from_o the_o great_a variety_n regularity_n and_o usefulness_n of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o his_o body_n and_o particular_o his_o organ_n of_o sensation_n and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o at_o first_o spring_n up_o out_o of_o the_o earth_n by_o any_o force_n of_o nature_n distinct_a from_o the_o power_n of_o god_n i_o think_v needs_o no_o proof_n because_o the_o contrary_a supposition_n be_v not_o only_o without_o any_o ground_n of_o evidence_n but_o also_o liable_a to_o so_o many_o monstrous_a improbability_n as_o do_v render_v it_o hight_o extravagant_a to_o imagine_v i_o therefore_o must_v conclude_v that_o at_o the_o least_o the_o first_o male_a and_o female_a of_o mankind_n be_v immediate_o frame_v and_o fashion_v by_o god_n and_o that_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o they_o be_v and_o be_v derive_v from_o those_o two_o by_o the_o way_n of_o natural_a generation_n christ_n jesus_n except_v who_o though_o bear_v of_o a_o woman_n be_v not_o beget_v of_o a_o man_n be_v the_o plain_a voice_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n 28._o that_o man_n though_o make_v a_o little_a low_o than_o the_o angl_n be_v yet_o by_o nature_n far_o more_o excellent_a than_o any_o other_o live_a creature_n be_v sufficient_o apparent_a the_o holy_a scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o god_n make_v man_n after_o his_o own_o image_n but_o this_o expression_n can_v be_v understand_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o shape_n and_o structure_n of_o the_o human_a body_n god_n be_v both_o incorporeal_a and_o invisible_a but_o be_v as_o i_o apprehend_v it_o to_o be_v inlation_n
in_o scripture_n as_o join_v together_o in_o one_o society_n or_o body_n which_o be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o which_o christ_n jesus_n be_v the_o chief_a or_o head_n and_o under_o a_o obligation_n to_o live_v in_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n one_o with_o another_o under_o those_o law_n and_o constitution_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v they_o but_o not_o that_o i_o can_v find_v in_o scripture_n oblige_v to_o join_v with_o or_o submit_v to_o any_o one_o person_n as_o the_o vicar_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o visible_a head_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o earth_n for_o if_o christ_n have_v appoint_v any_o such_o person_n as_o his_o deputy_n upon_o earth_n he_o must_v either_o have_v declare_v a_o matter_n of_o such_o consequence_n with_o great_a plainness_n and_o evidence_n or_o else_o it_o will_v be_v very_o hard_a to_o find_v fault_n with_o any_o man_n for_o be_v mistake_v in_o it_o whereas_o the_o argument_n which_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n bring_v to_o prove_v either_o that_o such_o a_o vicar_n there_o must_v be_v or_o that_o st._n peter_n the_o apostle_n be_v the_o man_n or_o that_o the_o pope_n or_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o not_o the_o bishop_n of_o antioch_n be_v the_o successor_n of_o st._n peter_n both_o in_o his_o bishopric_n and_o authority_n be_v all_o so_o weak_a and_o precarious_a so_o force_v and_o perplex_v and_o so_o full_o confute_v by_o the_o protestant_a divine_n that_o nothing_o in_o my_o opinion_n but_o blindness_n of_o understanding_n or_o worldly_a interest_n can_v prevail_v with_o the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n still_o to_o insist_v upon_o they_o now_o that_o christ_n institute_v but_o one_o church_n in_o which_o all_o true_a believer_n and_o good_a liver_n be_v for_o ever_o to_o be_v comprise_v be_v very_o plain_a and_o although_o through_o the_o mistake_v and_o perverseness_n of_o man_n this_o church_n be_v rend_v and_o divide_v into_o opposite_a and_o contend_v part_n and_o party_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o that_o according_a to_o its_o true_a and_o primitive_a constitution_n it_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v one_o as_o a_o kingdom_n or_o commonwealth_n by_o its_o law_n and_o constitution_n be_v but_o one_o society_n although_o there_o may_v arise_v faction_n and_o different_a interest_n in_o it_o nor_o shall_v any_o man_n be_v esteem_v as_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n before_o god_n who_o be_v not_o ready_a and_o willing_a according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o his_o power_n and_o knowledge_n to_o maintain_v the_o unity_n of_o it_o and_o that_o upon_o those_o very_a term_n and_o none_o other_o which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v as_o near_o as_o possible_o he_o can_v find_v and_o apprehend_v they_o moreover_o that_o all_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n on_o which_o christ_n have_v found_v the_o church_n and_o by_o which_o he_o will_v have_v it_o regulate_v be_v exact_o agreeable_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o sound_a morality_n and_o the_o will_n of_o god_n can_v be_v so_o much_o as_o doubt_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v true_o say_v that_o the_o church_n be_v holy_a although_o every_o particular_a member_n thereof_o have_v both_o his_o frailty_n and_o his_o sin_n which_o yet_o he_o must_v repent_v of_o and_o so_o become_v holy_a as_o the_o church_n be_v holy_a or_o else_o he_o violate_v one_o of_o the_o main_a and_o fundamental_a law_n and_o so_o become_v as_o it_o be_v a_o outlaw_n of_o the_o church_n and_o forfeit_v his_o part_n in_o all_o the_o privilege_n that_o belong_v unto_o that_o society_n and_o whereas_o before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n the_o people_n of_o israel_n do_v enjoy_v more_o of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o have_v great_a privilege_n and_o advantage_n on_o the_o score_n of_o their_o be_v god_n choose_a and_o peculiar_a people_n than_o any_o or_o all_o other_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n on_o the_o contrary_a now_o look_v upon_o all_o as_o equal_o entitle_v unto_o god_n favour_n and_o the_o advantage_n thereon_o depend_v who_o take_v care_v due_o to_o qualify_v themselves_o for_o it_o so_o that_o whereas_o former_o the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o choose_a people_n of_o god_n may_v have_v be_v say_v to_o be_v particular_a as_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n limit_v to_o one_o nation_n or_o people_n now_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v catholic_n that_o be_v to_o say_v universal_a as_o be_v no_o way_n confine_v to_o one_o place_n or_o nation_n all_o people_n be_v equal_o choose_v by_o god_n in_o christ_n who_o will_v receive_v and_o love_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n 41._o in_o those_o several_a revelation_n which_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v of_o himself_o after_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n unto_o adam_n to_o abraham_n and_o to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n there_o be_v still_o a_o plain_a intimation_n give_v they_o that_o in_o the_o time_n to_o come_v there_o shall_v a_o extraordinary_a person_n arise_v in_o the_o world_n who_o shall_v yet_o more_o clear_o make_v know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n but_o when_o christ_n who_o be_v that_o person_n do_v according_o come_v and_o send_v his_o apostle_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n over_o all_o the_o earth_n he_o neither_o suggest_v to_o they_o nor_o they_o unto_o the_o world_n that_o any_o other_o revelation_n be_v ever_o after_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o always_o give_v they_o to_o understand_v that_o god_n have_v in_o the_o gospel_n complete_v and_o finish_v all_o that_o declaration_n which_o he_o intend_v to_o make_v of_o himself_o or_o his_o will_n unto_o mankind_n until_o the_o general_a judgement_n and_o dissolution_n of_o the_o world_n if_o therefore_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v give_v i_o no_o manner_n of_o assurance_n of_o the_o perpetuity_n of_o the_o church_n my_o own_o reason_n will_v have_v be_v enough_o to_o make_v i_o conclude_v that_o god_n in_o his_o providence_n will_v so_o order_v the_o matter_n as_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o only_o know_v and_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n shall_v never_o be_v whole_o extinguish_v while_o the_o world_n last_v so_o as_o to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o any_o new_a revelation_n to_o revive_v and_o restore_v it_o but_o that_o there_o shall_v always_o be_v a_o certain_a company_n of_o man_n evident_o conspicuous_a to_o the_o world_n teach_v and_o profess_v the_o true_a christian_a religion_n without_o any_o error_n or_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n or_o worship_n be_v what_o i_o can_v no_o where_n find_v promise_v or_o foretell_v either_o by_o christ_n or_o any_o of_o his_o apostle_n on_o the_o contrary_a there_o be_v several_a passage_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o do_v plain_o seem_v to_o foretell_v that_o in_o process_n of_o time_n most_o pernicious_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n shall_v prevail_v and_o take_v place_n even_o among_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o shall_v profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o whosoever_o shall_v but_o light_o compare_v the_o state_n of_o christianity_n for_o several_a century_n before_o the_o reformation_n with_o that_o draught_n of_o it_o which_o be_v leave_v we_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n must_v if_o he_o be_v impartial_a i_o think_v be_v full_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o prediction_n 42._o whether_o or_o no_o god_n have_v or_o do_v at_o any_o time_n communicate_v or_o bestow_v any_o extraordinary_a grace_n or_o assistance_n upon_o those_o who_o be_v no_o visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o altogether_o stranger_n unto_o that_o revelation_n which_o he_o have_v make_v of_o himself_o be_v a_o question_n which_o the_o virtuous_a life_n and_o heroic_a action_n of_o some_o brave_a heathen_n make_v it_o hard_o positive_o to_o determine_v in_o the_o negative_a but_o that_o he_o will_v give_v so_o much_o grace_n and_o strength_n to_o every_o one_o who_o shall_v become_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n as_o that_o thereby_o they_o may_v if_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o their_o own_o sufficient_o qualify_v themselves_o for_o eternal_a happiness_n by_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o require_v on_o their_o part_n to_o be_v do_v be_v what_o i_o think_v no_o man_n can_v doubt_v of_o who_o do_v but_o in_o general_n consider_v the_o mercy_n and_o love_n which_o god_n design_v even_o unto_o all_o man_n but_o more_o especial_o unto_o the_o church_n in_o send_v our_o saviour_n christ_n jesus_n into_o the_o world_n although_o there_o be_v not_o any_o particular_a promise_n of_o this_o nature_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o this_o grace_n and_o ability_n to_o do_v good_a be_v in_o scripture_n ascribe_v unto_o the_o ministry_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n of_o true_a believer_n be_v plain_a and_o general_o own_v by_o all_o christian_n but_o that_o this_o
be_v possible_a when_o therefore_o any_o religious_a dispute_n arise_v whereby_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o unity_n be_v like_a to_o be_v endanger_v it_o be_v free_a and_o proper_a for_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n which_o shall_v hinder_v either_o the_o church_n universal_a or_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o even_o any_o prudent_a man_n whatsoever_o to_o declare_v and_o publish_v their_o sense_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o debate_n but_o as_o no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v the_o determination_n of_o any_o church_n or_o party_n whatsoever_o any_o far_a than_o he_o be_v convince_v and_o satisfy_v of_o its_o agreement_n with_o reason_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n part_v 2._o §_o 1_o and_o 2._o so_o be_v not_o any_o man_n bind_v to_o oppose_v or_o dispute_v even_o against_o a_o error_n itself_o except_o there_o be_v something_o in_o it_o which_o be_v injurious_a to_o christian_a faith_n or_o practice_n and_o consequent_o which_o may_v prove_v pernicious_a to_o man_n salvation_n and_o therefore_o if_o such_o a_o mistake_n which_o may_v have_v prevail_v in_o any_o church_n can_v well_o be_v rectify_v without_o endanger_v the_o breach_n of_o peace_n and_o charity_n because_o they_o who_o hold_v it_o it_o may_v be_v be_v obstinate_o wed_v to_o it_o i_o think_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o we_o all_o to_o be_v very_o tender_a in_o such_o a_o case_n and_o to_o permit_v every_o man_n free_o to_o abound_v in_o his_o own_o sense_n until_o such_o time_n as_o god_n shall_v think_v fit_a to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o clear_a sight_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n on_o the_o account_n of_o any_o error_n that_o be_v not_o damnable_a and_o much_o less_o on_o account_n only_o of_o such_o term_n or_o expression_n as_o be_v but_o abstruse_a or_o of_o doubtful_a signification_n for_o otherwise_o since_o the_o apprehension_n of_o man_n be_v so_o very_o different_a especial_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v remote_a from_o our_o sense_n be_v matter_n only_o of_o rational_a speculation_n if_o difference_n of_o opinion_n upon_o such_o theological_a question_n as_o do_v not_o immediate_o concern_v our_o salvation_n be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o separation_n in_o point_n of_o communion_n there_o will_v soon_o be_v probable_o almost_o as_o many_o church_n as_o man_n in_o the_o world_n but_o if_o any_o church_n shall_v require_v from_o a_o man_n either_o to_o comply_v with_o or_o practice_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o only_o against_o his_o fancy_n in_o point_n of_o decency_n or_o convenience_n but_o also_o against_o his_o conscience_n in_o point_n of_o lawfulness_n or_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o only_o be_v silent_a and_o not_o oppose_v but_o also_o explicit_o profess_v the_o belief_n of_o any_o such_o doctrine_n as_o he_o judge_n to_o be_v false_a however_o innocent_a the_o belief_n of_o they_o may_v be_v to_o they_o who_o think_v they_o true_a and_o if_o such_o a_o church_n shall_v refuse_v and_o deny_v her_o communion_n to_o all_o those_o who_o will_v not_o join_v with_o she_o upon_o these_o term_n we_o must_v rather_o be_v content_v to_o be_v exclude_v from_o such_o a_o church_n communion_n than_o to_o purchase_v it_o by_o solemn_o tell_v a_o down_o right_a lie_n before_o god_n and_o the_o world_n or_o by_o the_o violation_n of_o any_o other_o of_o god_n command_n for_o if_o we_o offer_v to_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v of_o it_o st._n paul_n have_v declare_v we_o to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o damnation_n 65._o for_o the_o due_a regulation_n of_o every_o society_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o have_v a_o power_n somewhere_o or_o other_o vest_v in_o it_o over_o its_o own_o member_n either_o to_o compel_v they_o to_o live_v orderly_o according_a to_o its_o law_n and_o constitution_n or_o if_o any_o of_o they_o be_v disobedient_a and_o refractory_a and_o will_v not_o upon_o due_a admonition_n be_v reclaim_v whole_o to_o exclude_v they_o from_o the_o body_n of_o the_o community_n for_o otherwise_o if_o the_o member_n of_o any_o society_n may_v at_o their_o pleasure_n break_v its_o constitution_n and_o violate_v its_o law_n without_o control_n this_o will_v be_v whole_o to_o pull_v down_o the_o enclosure_n and_o lay_v all_o open_a and_o common_a as_o before_o and_o consequent_o in_o effect_n to_o dissolve_v the_o society_n itself_o and_o according_o our_o saviour_n have_v give_v the_o church_n a_o power_n to_o admonish_v and_o rebuke_v those_o who_o give_v any_o scandal_n by_o their_o ungodly_a and_o unruly_a behaviour_n and_o if_o upon_o this_o they_o do_v not_o repent_v and_o reform_v of_o reject_v and_o cut_v they_o off_o from_o her_o communion_n which_o authority_n must_v ever_o be_v exercise_v with_o due_a mildness_n and_o caution_n for_o the_o edification_n and_o not_o with_o heat_n and_o fury_n which_o in_o the_o end_n will_v more_o probable_o tend_v to_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o church_n but_o if_o any_o church_n shall_v go_v beyond_o this_o to_o punish_v or_o persecute_v man_n with_o fire_n and_o sword_n or_o with_o fines_n and_o imprisonment_n only_o for_o be_v of_o a_o different_a persuasion_n from_o and_o refuse_v to_o communicate_v with_o her_z in_o my_o opinion_n she_o herein_o act_v contrary_a to_o that_o mildness_n and_o gentleness_n which_o the_o gospel_n upon_o all_o occasion_n prescribe_v and_o particular_o in_o the_o case_n of_o deal_n with_o those_o who_o oppose_v themselves_o to_o it_o 2_o tim._n 2._o 24._o although_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o can_v be_v deâ—yed_v but_o that_o if_o any_o man_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n or_o religion_n shall_v advance_v such_o doctrine_n or_o do_v such_o act_n as_o be_v destructive_a to_o the_o peace_n or_o safety_n of_o the_o civil_a state_n or_o commonwealth_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o punish_v such_o a_o person_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n notwithstanding_o all_o his_o pretence_n for_o if_o the_o plea_n of_o conscience_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o can_v only_o be_v know_v to_o almighty_a god_n be_v sufficient_a to_o save_v any_o malefactor_n from_o punishment_n no_o civil_a society_n can_v ever_o be_v safe_a and_o all_o humane_a law_n and_o magistrate_n will_v be_v whole_o useless_a see_v part_n 1_o §_o 35._o 66_o and_o as_o almighty_a god_n in_o his_o mercy_n be_v please_v not_o to_o cut_v the_o great_a sinner_n off_o from_o all_o hope_n of_o pardon_n but_o be_v ready_a at_o any_o time_n upon_o their_o true_a and_o sincere_a repentance_n to_o receive_v they_o again_o into_o his_o favour_n so_o have_v he_o commit_v unto_o the_o church_n the_o ministry_n of_o reconciliation_n which_o church_n therefore_o according_o aught_o not_o only_o to_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v sinner_n to_o repentance_n by_o preach_v admonition_n and_o exhortation_n but_o also_o wherever_o she_o see_v evident_a mark_n and_o token_n of_o it_o in_o any_o person_n of_o which_o yet_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v good_a assurance_n for_o his_o great_a comfort_n and_o ease_v of_o conscience_n to_o remit_v or_o absolve_v he_o from_o his_o sin_n and_o restore_v he_o again_o to_o the_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n of_o christian_a communion_n of_o which_o i_o suppose_v that_o he_o have_v or_o aught_o to_o have_v be_v deprive_v and_o whatever_o sentence_n of_o thus_o bind_v or_o lose_v remit_v or_o retain_v of_o man_n sin_n be_v due_o and_o regular_o pronounce_v by_o the_o church_n upon_o earth_n our_o saviour_n assure_v we_o it_o shall_v be_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v by_o god_n in_o heaven_n but_o that_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o make_v a_o particular_a confession_n of_o all_o his_o sin_n unto_o any_o other_o person_n except_o god_n in_o order_n to_o obtain_v the_o pardon_n of_o or_o absolution_n from_o they_o as_o i_o no_o where_o find_v it_o assert_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o the_o reason_n which_o the_o roman_a divine_n do_v allege_v for_o it_o be_v very_o weak_a and_o unconcluding_a for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o particular_a confession_n of_o a_o man_n sin_n which_o may_v be_v perform_v by_o the_o most_o harden_a impenitent_a but_o his_o contrition_n and_o the_o visible_a reformation_n of_o his_o life_n which_o may_v sufficient_o appear_v without_o a_o particular_a confession_n that_o only_o can_v enable_v the_o church_n or_o her_o minister_n to_o judge_v whether_o he_o true_o repent_v of_o his_o sin_n or_o not_o and_o consequent_o whether_o he_o be_v a_o proper_a object_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o the_o church_n favour_n although_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o in_o some_o case_n it_o may_v be_v very_o proper_a for_o a_o man_n to_o make_v know_v the_o disease_n of_o his_o soul_n to_o a_o prudent_a spiritual_a physician_n that_o he_o may_v have_v his_o advice_n for_o the_o cure_n of_o they_o and_o his_o duty_n also_o
to_o make_v a_o open_a confession_n of_o his_o sin_n whenever_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o god_n glory_n or_o to_o repair_v any_o public_a scandal_n which_o have_v be_v give_v by_o he_o 67._o that_o almighty_a god_n even_o where_o he_o have_v pardon_v a_o man_n sin_n upon_o his_o true_a repentance_n may_v yet_o on_o the_o score_n of_o those_o very_a sin_n which_o he_o have_v so_o pardon_v lie_v some_o sharp_a and_o severe_a temporal_a affliction_n upon_o the_o penitent_a either_o to_o keep_v he_o more_o effectual_o from_o sin_v for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v or_o that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o terror_n to_o other_o or_o for_o many_o other_o reason_n best_o know_v to_o himself_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v dispute_v but_o from_o hence_o to_o infer_v that_o these_o temporal_a affliction_n if_o not_o lay_v on_o we_o in_o this_o world_n be_v to_o be_v undergo_v in_o purgatory_n and_o that_o therefore_o for_o the_o prevent_v they_o it_o be_v fit_a and_o necessary_a that_o penance_n shall_v be_v impose_v by_o way_n of_o satisfaction_n or_o indulgence_n grant_v by_o way_n of_o remission_n and_o all_o this_o without_o any_o warrant_n from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n save_v only_o a_o faint_a and_o force_a consequence_n from_o some_o few_o pervert_v text_n be_v a_o thing_n so_o groundless_a and_o precarious_a that_o it_o amaze_v i_o to_o think_v how_o man_n can_v suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v so_o gross_o impose_v upon_o and_o whosoever_o shall_v due_o consider_v upon_o what_o weak_a ground_n the_o pope_n and_o his_o prelate_n do_v pretend_v to_o a_o power_n of_o dispense_n and_o distribute_v the_o merit_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o people_n by_o way_n of_o indulgence_n as_o if_o they_o alone_o have_v the_o keep_n of_o that_o treasure_n under_o lock_n and_o key_n and_o to_o which_o though_o infinite_a they_o have_v yet_o add_v the_o merit_n of_o the_o saint_n to_o make_v their_o treasure_n more_o abundant_a will_v i_o think_v very_o much_o wonder_n that_o their_o people_n shall_v be_v so_o free_a to_o part_v with_o their_o earthly_a treasure_n in_o purchase_v these_o indulgence_n upon_o no_o better_a security_n 68_o that_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n when_o they_o be_v first_o send_v abroad_o to_o preach_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v anoint_v many_o sick_a person_n with_o oil_n and_o thereby_o miraculous_o heal_v they_o we_o be_v plain_o tell_v by_o st._n mark_n c._n 6._o five_o 13._o and_o that_o in_o this_o they_o do_v no_o more_o than_o what_o christ_n himself_o have_v express_o command_v they_o be_v most_o reasonable_a and_o probable_a to_o suppose_v moreover_o that_o the_o anoint_v with_o oil_n which_o be_v mention_v by_o st._n james_n c._n 5._o v._n 14._o be_v intend_v for_o the_o very_a same_o purpose_n viz._n the_o raise_n up_o the_o sick_a person_n and_o restore_v he_o to_o health_n be_v as_o apparent_a as_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v form_n the_o very_a context_n but_o as_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o this_o anoint_v of_o the_o sick_a be_v appoint_v either_o by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n as_o a_o stand_n and_o perpetual_a ordinance_n for_o ever_o to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n so_o since_o experience_n show_v that_o the_o miraculous_a effect_n of_o heal_v thereby_o be_v now_o whole_o cease_v i_o can_v see_v no_o reason_n why_o the_o practice_n itself_o shall_v be_v any_o long_o continue_v but_o what_o just_a ground_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v have_v from_o either_o of_o these_o or_o any_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o divine_a institution_n of_o their_o extreme_a unction_n which_o they_o make_v use_v of_o for_o a_o far_o different_a end_n namely_o the_o prepare_v thereby_o of_o person_n who_o be_v past_a hope_n of_o recovery_n for_o their_o passage_n into_o the_o next_o life_n be_v more_o than_o i_o be_o able_a to_o find_v out_o 69._o as_o the_o body_n natural_a will_v be_v but_o a_o confuse_a and_o useless_a lump_n if_o it_o be_v not_o distinguish_v into_o the_o several_a member_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o its_o own_o service_n and_o preservation_n and_o as_o the_o body-politick_a will_v be_v but_o a_o disorderly_a rabble_n if_o there_o be_v not_o magistrate_n settle_v to_o rule_n and_o govern_v and_o ministerial_a officer_n appoint_v to_o perform_v all_o necessary_a function_n in_o and_o about_o it_o so_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o well_o as_o reason_n assure_v we_o and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n which_o be_v there_o record_v confirm_v it_o that_o the_o like_a appointment_n and_o distinction_n of_o office_n be_v no_o less_o necessary_a in_o the_o church_n in_o order_n to_o the_o regular_a and_o orderly_a government_n of_o it_o and_o the_o due_a execution_n of_o all_o its_o law_n and_o constitution_n but_o how_o far_o these_o office_n be_v limit_v and_o appoint_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o how_o far_o leave_v to_o be_v settle_v and_o determine_v by_o the_o prudence_n of_o the_o church_n according_a as_o circumstance_n may_v render_v it_o convenient_a be_v what_o i_o shall_v not_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o pronounce_v my_o sentence_n in_o but_o whatever_o polity_n or_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n be_v settle_v and_o acquiesce_v in_o either_o by_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o general_n or_o by_o that_o of_o any_o nation_n or_o country_n in_o particular_a i_o think_v ought_v quiet_o to_o be_v submit_v to_o by_o every_o one_o who_o will_v be_v a_o member_n of_o such_o respective_a church_n except_o there_o appear_v to_o he_o to_o be_v either_o something_o therein_o which_o be_v not_o only_o uncommand_v but_o even_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o else_o something_o want_v which_o god_n require_v and_o therefore_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v maintain_v and_o keep_v up_o in_o all_o church_n nor_o can_v i_o apprehend_v that_o any_o less_o warrant_n can_v be_v sufficient_a for_o break_v or_o endanger_v the_o peace_n or_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n the_o preservation_n of_o which_o be_v so_o often_o and_o so_o earnest_o recommend_v to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n beside_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o obey_v the_o positive_a command_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o therefore_o since_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o bishop_n that_o be_v to_o say_v by_o certain_a person_n have_v in_o their_o several_a district_n a_o priority_n among_o and_o in_o some_o respect_v a_o superiority_n over_o the_o presbyter_n have_v for_o so_o many_o age_n be_v universal_o settle_v among_o and_o acquiesce_v in_o by_o all_o christian_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n i_o can_v find_v how_o they_o can_v be_v excuse_v who_o without_o any_o necessity_n for_o so_o do_v have_v so_o earnest_o set_v themselves_o not_o only_o to_o retrench_v the_o exceffe_n and_o rectify_v the_o abuse_n of_o the_o episcopal_a power_n but_o also_o to_o pull_v down_o and_o whole_o abolish_v the_o very_a order_n itself_o to_o the_o no_o small_a scandal_n of_o those_o who_o think_v that_o so_o universal_a a_o constitution_n every_o where_o take_v place_n even_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n can_v be_v ground_v on_o no_o less_o than_o a_o apostolic_a ordinance_n of_o which_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v some_o not_o obscure_a footstep_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o that_o most_o probable_o in_o conformity_n to_o that_o imparity_n which_o christ_n himself_o establish_v between_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n who_o be_v yet_o both_o commission_v by_o he_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n 70._o how_o far_o a_o case_n of_o necessity_n may_v upon_o some_o occasion_n excuse_n or_o justify_v a_o man_n for_o take_v on_o he_o a_o office_n which_o regular_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o he_o especial_o if_o his_o design_n therein_o be_v true_o honest_a and_o sincere_a i_o know_v not_o but_o no_o man_n certain_o aught_o to_o intrude_v into_o any_o ecclesi_n astical_a function_n or_o exercise_v any_o such_o office_n who_o be_v not_o call_v and_o admit_v thereunto_o by_o the_o lawful_a authority_n and_o according_a to_o the_o establish_a constitution_n of_o the_o society_n for_o if_o this_o be_v not_o careful_o observe_v the_o distinction_n of_o office_n and_o function_n in_o the_o church_n be_v in_o effect_n whole_o take_v away_o and_o a_o wide_a door_n open_v for_o confusion_n and_o anarchy_n but_o then_o on_o the_o other_o side_n good_a care_n ought_v ever_o to_o be_v take_v by_o the_o church_n that_o no_o person_n be_v entrust_v with_o any_o sacred_a office_n but_o such_o as_o be_v due_o qualify_v for_o it_o and_o that_o such_o a_o maintenance_n be_v provide_v and_o settle_v for_o every_o such_o person_n as_o that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v necessitate_v to_o neglect_v the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o his_o function_n by_o be_v constrain_v to_o bestow_v
bless_a trinity_n or_o between_o the_o two_o nature_n which_o be_v in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o three_o thing_n be_v take_v for_o grant_v the_o question_n that_o be_v to_o be_v determine_v be_v whether_o or_o no_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o a_o man_n to_o deny_v his_o assent_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n because_o they_o be_v above_o his_o reason_n 16._o and_o here_o in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o although_o we_o can_v by_o any_o mean_n comprehend_v the_o thing_n themselves_o yet_o we_o do_v so_o far_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o term_n in_o which_o these_o doctrine_n be_v express_v as_o clear_o to_o perceive_v that_o they_o be_v not_o a_o company_n of_o insignificant_a word_n put_v together_o to_o make_v a_o sound_n and_o signify_v nothing_o what_o a_o person_n be_v we_o know_v though_o we_o can_v tell_v what_o sort_n of_o person_n the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v and_o how_o their_o personal_a distinction_n between_o themselves_o particular_o and_o full_o differ_v from_o that_o of_o man_n one_o from_o another_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v one_o we_o well_o understand_v although_o we_o can_v frame_v a_o idea_n of_o that_o special_a union_n which_o be_v between_o those_o divine_a person_n what_o it_o be_v for_o one_o be_v to_o generate_v another_o and_o what_o to_o proceed_v from_o another_o we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a although_o the_o peculiar_a manner_n of_o the_o generation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o procession_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v beyond_o our_o capacity_n to_o conceive_v and_o last_o what_o it_o be_v for_o two_o being_n to_o be_v unite_v together_o we_o can_v very_o well_o apprehend_v although_o we_o pretend_v not_o to_o know_v the_o manner_n of_o that_o union_n which_o be_v between_o the_o two_o nature_n in_o the_o person_n of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o whence_o it_o plain_o follow_v that_o these_o doctrine_n though_o above_o our_o reason_n do_v yet_o so_o far_o stand_v upon_o equal_a term_n with_o those_o doctrine_n which_o i_o have_v term_v reconcilable_a to_o reason_n sect._n 8._o that_o as_o our_o reason_n may_v be_v plain_o and_o positive_a convince_v from_o its_o own_o principle_n alone_o of_o the_o possibility_n of_o the_o one_o so_o be_v there_o no_o principle_n of_o our_o reason_n which_o can_v reach_v so_o far_o as_o to_o prove_v or_o demonstrate_v any_o impossibility_n in_o the_o other_o and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n or_o impossibility_n in_o a_o doctrine_n it_o will_v undeniable_o follow_v that_o that_o same_o doctrine_n may_v possible_o be_v true_a and_o where_o ever_o a_o man_n be_v convince_v of_o the_o possibility_n of_o a_o doctrine_n if_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o same_o doctrine_n appear_v to_o he_o to_o be_v restify_v by_o any_o person_n of_o who_o veracity_n he_o can_v entertain_v any_o manner_n of_o doubt_n he_o can_v refuse_v to_o give_v his_o assent_n to_o it_o as_o i_o have_v say_v sect._n 13._o since_o then_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n admit_v of_o no_o manner_n of_o doubt_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v by_o both_o party_n in_o this_o dispute_n allow_v of_o as_o most_o authentic_a record_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o rule_n of_o life_n which_o god_n have_v make_v know_v and_o reveal_v to_o the_o world_n and_o last_o since_o we_o here_o suppose_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o that_o of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n do_v neither_o of_o they_o contain_v or_o imply_v any_o impossibility_n or_o contradiction_n although_o they_o be_v both_o of_o they_o above_o our_o reason_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o if_o all_o or_o any_o of_o the_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v bring_v to_o prove_v these_o doctrine_n be_v expound_v according_a to_o the_o common_a way_n of_o interpret_n all_o book_n of_o which_o see_v part_n 1_o sect._n 25._o do_v fair_o and_o without_o be_v wrest_v contain_v either_o in_o themselves_o or_o their_o evident_a consequence_n those_o same_o doctrine_n which_o they_o be_v allege_v to_o establish_v there_o can_v be_v no_o just_a cause_n why_o any_o man_n shall_v deny_v his_o assent_n to_o they_o but_o if_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o it_o be_v still_o urge_v that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n explicit_o to_o believe_v a_o thing_n of_o which_o he_o can_v frame_v no_o conception_n or_o idea_n i_o must_v refer_v he_o to_o the_o story_n of_o the_o blind_a man_n sect._n 14._o which_o seem_v to_o i_o abundant_o to_o evince_v the_o contrary_n and_o why_o we_o shall_v not_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o well_o as_o the_o blind_a man_n do_v the_o existence_n of_o light_n and_o colour_n upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o man_n join_v with_o that_o collateral_a experiment_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v i_o profess_v i_o can_v see_v no_o manner_n of_o reason_n 17._o and_o as_o in_o my_o book_n part_n 3_o sect._n 71._o i_o have_v advertise_v my_o reader_n that_o i_o have_v purposely_o avoid_v the_o use_n of_o certain_a word_n and_o term_n for_o the_o reason_n there_o give_v so_o must_v i_o desire_v he_o to_o take_v notice_n that_o for_o the_o like_a reason_n i_o have_v both_o in_o my_o book_n and_o in_o this_o appendix_n omit_v so_o much_o as_o to_o mention_v the_o word_n mystery_n about_o which_o so_o great_a a_o noise_n have_v of_o late_o be_v make_v whether_o this_o same_o term_n mystery_n be_v always_o use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o the_o very_a same_o and_o no_o other_o signification_n as_o it_o be_v understand_v by_o heathen_a author_n or_o whether_o other_o sort_n of_o thing_n by_o a_o very_a allowable_a analogy_n be_v not_o also_o there_o call_v mystery_n upon_o account_n of_o their_o obscurity_n because_o we_o know_v they_o but_o in_o part_n and_o see_v they_o but_o as_o in_o a_o glass_n dark_o or_o last_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o christianity_n which_o may_v proper_o be_v call_v a_o mystery_n according_a to_o the_o genuine_a meaning_n of_o that_o term_n to_o i_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o more_o but_o a_o contention_n about_o a_o word_n which_o the_o apostle_n express_o forbid_v 2_o tim._n 2._o 14._o but_o whatever_o may_v be_v determine_v concern_v the_o propriety_n of_o the_o word_n the_o thing_n if_o self_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o there_o be_v some_o doctrine_n in_o christianity_n which_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n and_o yet_o that_o this_o be_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o denial_n of_o our_o assent_n to_o they_o 18._o and_o if_o i_o be_o tell_v that_o after_o all_o this_o there_o be_v no_o great_a obscurity_n in_o any_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n than_o what_o there_o be_v in_o all_o natural_a being_n with_o which_o we_o most_o familiar_o converse_v who_o real_a essence_n we_o can_v penetrate_v but_o must_v content_v ourselves_o with_o a_o sort_n of_o superficial_a knowledge_n of_o they_o which_o be_v cause_v by_o those_o impression_n which_o they_o make_v upon_o our_o outward_a organ_n which_o at_o most_o can_v be_v term_v but_o a_o nominal_a essence_n so_o that_o even_o a_o spire_n of_o grass_n a_o stick_n a_o stone_n or_o any_o other_o natural_a be_v may_v upon_o this_o account_n as_o true_o be_v term_v mystericus_fw-la as_o the_o most_o sublime_a doctrine_n of_o religion_n i_o shall_v only_o answer_v that_o it_o mighty_o raise_v my_o wonder_n to_o hear_v man_n so_o free_o acknowledge_v that_o in_o every_o other_o thing_n whatsoever_o there_o be_v something_o which_o be_v above_o their_o reason_n and_o to_o which_o their_o understanding_n can_v reach_v and_o yet_o that_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v the_o same_o in_o religion_n 19_o but_o i_o know_v it_o will_v be_v object_v that_o the_o first_o of_o those_o three_o supposition_n which_o i_o have_v lay_v down_o sect._n 15._o will_n by_o no_o mean_n be_v grant_v by_o the_o unitarian_n for_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o allow_v the_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v bring_v to_o prove_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n to_o be_v any_o way_n sufficient_a to_o that_o purpose_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o do_v with_o the_o great_a assurance_n undertake_v to_o bring_v other_o and_o contrary_a interpetation_n of_o those_o very_a passage_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v far_o more_o rational_a and_o natural_a to_o which_o i_o shall_v only_o answer_v that_o this_o be_v all_o that_o i_o aim_v at_o in_o this_o appendix_n that_o the_o issue_n of_o these_o controversy_n may_v be_v place_v upon_o that_o which_o be_v the_o only_a true_a foundation_n for_o it_o i_o mean_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o that_o blind_a man_n will_v not_o take_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o reason_n to_o discuss_v problem_n and_o frame_v conclusion_n concern_v light_n and_o colour_n of_o which_o they_o can_v have_v no_o true_a or_o sufficient_a idea_n i_o be_o very_o sensible_a that_o learned_a man_n who_o have_v their_o mind_n strong_o prepossess_v with_o any_o opinion_n may_v by_o their_o criticism_n and_o paraphrase_n and_o such_o like_a engine_n torture_n and_o screw_v almost_o any_o text_n of_o scripture_n till_o they_o make_v it_o look_v with_o another_o aspect_n from_o what_o be_v true_o its_o own_o and_o seem_v to_o confess_v what_o real_o it_o never_o think_v or_o mean_v but_o if_o we_o will_v always_o take_v those_o interpretation_n which_o flow_v of_o themselves_o and_o not_o those_o which_o be_v violent_o press_v from_o the_o scripture_n which_o i_o think_v be_v the_o fair_a way_n of_o expound_v all_o speech_n and_o discourse_n whatsoever_o i_o can_v for_o my_o part_n see_v how_o we_o can_v otherwise_o conclude_v concern_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n than_o as_o i_o have_v do_v part_v 2._o sect._n 22._o 37._o finis_fw-la