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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
sense_n according_a scripture_n word_n 4,378 5 4.4433 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A62844 Christianity not mysterious, or, A treatise shewing that there is nothing in the Gospel contrary to reason, nor above it and that no Christian doctrine can be properly call'd a mystery / by John Toland. Toland, John, 1670-1722. 1696 (1696) Wing T1763; ESTC R7180 73,824 208

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way_n contradict_v how_o shall_v we_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o other_o reason_n may_v err_v in_o this_o point_n as_o well_o as_o in_o any_o thing_n else_o and_o we_o have_v no_o particular_a promise_n it_o shall_v not_o no_o more_o than_o the_o papist_n that_o their_o sense_n may_v not_o deceive_v they_o in_o every_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o in_o transubstantiation_n to_o say_v it_o bear_v witness_v to_o itself_o be_v equal_o to_o establish_v the_o alcoran_n or_o the_o poran_n and_o it_o be_v a_o notable_a argument_n to_o tell_v a_o heathen_a that_o the_o church_n have_v declare_v it_o when_o all_o society_n will_v say_v as_o much_o for_o themselves_o if_o we_o take_v their_o word_n for_o it_o beside_o it_o may_v be_v he_o will_v ask_v whence_o the_o church_n have_v authority_n to_o decide_v this_o matter_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v answer_v from_o the_o scripture_n a_o thousand_o to_o one_o but_o he_o will_v divert_v himself_o with_o this_o circle_n 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rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o so_o the_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o a_o pious_a man_n that_o his_o request_n will_v be_v grant_v be_v ground_v upon_o his_o knowledge_n of_o the_o be_v goodness_n and_o power_n of_o god_n it_o be_v reckon_v no_o crime_n not_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n before_o he_o be_v reveal_v for_o how_o can_v they_o believe_v in_o he_o of_o who_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v but_o 14._o with_o what_o better_a reason_n can_v any_o be_v condemn_v for_o not_o believe_v what_o he_o say_v if_o they_o may_v not_o understand_v it_o for_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v see_v these_o case_n be_v parallel_v faith_n be_v likewise_o say_v to_o come_v by_o hear_v but_o without_o understanding_n 1●…_n it_o be_v plain_a this_o hear_v will_v signify_v nothing_o word_n and_o their_o idea_n be_v reciprocal_a in_o all_o language_n 55._o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n do_v not_o define_v faith_n a_o prejudice_n opinion_n or_o conjecture_n but_o conviction_n or_o demonstration_n faith_n say_v he_o be_v the_o confident_a expectation_n of_o 1._o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o the_o demonstration_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v these_o last_o word_n thing_n not_o see_v signify_v not_o as_o some_o will_v have_v it_o thing_n incomprehensible_a or_o unintelligible_a but_o past_a or_o future_a matter_n of_o fact_n as_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a or_o the_o belief_n of_o some_o thing_n invisible_a to_o our_o corporeal_a eye_n though_o intelligible_a enough_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n this_o appear_v by_o all_o the_o example_n subjoin_v to_o that_o definition_n beside_o there_o can_v be_v proper_o no_o faith_n of_o thing_n see_v or_o present_a for_o then_o it_o be_v self-evidence_n and_o not_o ratiocination_n hope_v that_o be_v see_v be_v not_o 25._o hope_n for_o what_o a_o man_n see_v why_o do_v he_o yet_o hope_v for_o but_o if_o we_o hope_v for_o what_o we_o see_v not_o then_o do_v we_o with_o patience_n wait_v for_o it_o so_o the_o patriarch_n receive_v not_o the_o 13._o promise_n but_o see_v they_o afar_o off_o and_o be_v persuade_v of_o they_o 56._o without_o conceive_v faith_n after_o this_o manner_n how_o can_v christ_n be_v term_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n the_o light_n 47._o of_o the_o gentile_n how_o can_v believer_n be_v say_v to_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o to_o have_v the_o eye_n of_o their_o heart_n 18._o enlighten_v for_o the_o light_n of_o the_o heart_n or_o understanding_n be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n and_o as_o this_o knowledge_n be_v more_o or_o less_o so_o the_o mind_n be_v proportionable_o illuminate_v be_v not_o unwise_a say_v the_o 17._o apostle_n but_o understand_v what_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v and_o in_o another_o place_n he_o exhort_v men_n never_o to_o act_v in_o dubious_a matter_n till_o they_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o 5._o their_o own_o mind_n 57_o but_o to_o all_o this_o will_v be_v object_v that_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o abraham_n faith_n who_o be_v ready_a to_o sacrifice_v his_o only_a son_n notwithstanding_o god_n have_v promise_v that_o king_n shall_v descend_v of_o he_o and_o his_o seed_n be_v numerous_a as_o the_o star_n of_o heaven_n or_o the_o sand_n upon_o the_o seashore_n do_v abraham_n blind_o obey_v then_o without_o reconcile_a the_o apparent_a contradiction_n between_o god_n present_a command_n and_o his_o former_a promise_n far_o from_o it_o for_o it_o be_v express_o record_v that_o he_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o 19_o promise_n offer_v up_o his_o only_a beget_v of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v bless_v translate_v reason_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o again_o from_o the_o dead_a from_o whence_o also_o he_o have_v receive_v he_o in_o a_o figure_n he_o right_o conclude_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o revive_v isaac_n by_o a_o miracle_n as_o he_o be_v miraculous_o bear_v according_a to_o another_o promise_n after_o his_o parent_n be_v pass_v have_v child_n and_o so_o as_o good_a as_o dead_a therefore_o it_o be_v elsewhere_o write_v of_o abraham_n that_o 12._o be_v not_o weak_a in_o faith_n he_o consider_v not_o his_o own_o body_n now_o dead_a when_o he_o be_v 21._o about_o a_o hundred_o year_n old_a neither_o yet_o the_o deadness_n of_o sarah_n womb_n nor_o stagger_v at_o god_n promise_n through_o unbelief_n but_o be_v strong_a in_o faith_n he_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o what_o he_o have_v promise_v he_o be_v able_a also_o to_o perform_v 58._o now_o what_o be_v there_o in_o all_o this_o but_o very_o strict_a reason_v from_o experience_n from_o the_o possibility_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o from_o the_o power_n justice_n and_o immutability_n of_o he_o that_o promise_v it_o nor_o can_v any_o man_n stew_v i_o in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n another_o signification_n of_o faith_n but_o a_o most_o firm_a persuasion_n build_v upon_o substantial_a reason_n in_o this_o sense_n all_o christianity_n be_v not_o seldom_o style_v the_o faith_n as_o now_o we_o usual_o say_v that_o we_o be_v of_o this_o or_o that_o persuasion_n mean_v the_o profession_n of_o some_o religion_n but_o sure_o nothing_o can_v better_v root_n and_o establish_v our_o persuasion_n than_o a_o thorough_a examination_n and_o trial_n of_o what_o we_o believe_v whereas_o the_o weakness_n and_o instability_n of_o our_o faith_n proceed_v from_o want_n of_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o it_o whereupon_o incredulity_n always_o follow_v then_o fail_v obedience_n which_o be_v the_o constant_a sign_n and_o fruit_n of_o genuine_a faith_n and_o hence_o spring_v all_o the_o irregularity_n of_o man_n life_n he_o that_o say_v i_o know_v he_o and_o keep_v not_o his_o commandment_n 6._o be_v a_o liar_n for_o he_o that_o say_v he_o abide_v in_o he_o ought_v himself_o also_o to_o walk_v as_o he_o walk_v nor_o can_v it_o possible_o fall_v out_o otherwise_o but_o that_o he_o who_o believe_v without_o understanding_n must_v be_v toss_v and_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o 14._o doctrine_n by_o the_o slight_a and_o cunning_a of_o man_n ready_a to_o deceive_v 59_o though_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v so_o clear_a in_o this_o matter_n yet_o i_o shall_v further_o confirm_v it_o by_o the_o follow_a observation_n first_o if_o faith_n be_v not_o a_o persuasion_n result_v from_o the_o previous_a knowledge_n and_o comprehension_n of_o the_o thing_n believe_v there_o can_v be_v no_o degree_n nor_o difference_n in_o it_o for_o these_o be_v evident_a token_n that_o man_n know_v more_o or_o less_o of_o a_o thing_n as_o they_o have_v desire_n or_o opportunity_n to_o learn_v it_o but_o that_o there_o be_v such_o degree_n appear_v by_o the_o scripture_n where_o those_o that_o have_v only_o a_o imperfect_a and_o perfunctory_a knowledge_n of_o religion_n be_v compare_v to_o infant_n who_o feed_v only_o upon_o milk_n 2._o but_o they_o who_o arrive_v at_o a_o more_o full_a and_o accurate_a certainty_n be_v liken_v to_o grow_v man_n that_o can_v digest_v strong_a 14._o food_n 60._o my_o next_o observation_n be_v that_o the_o subject_a of_o faith_n must_v be_v intelligible_a to_o all_o since_o the_o belief_n thereof_o be_v command_v under_o no_o less_o a_o penalty_n than_o damnation_n he_o that_o believet●…_n not_o 16._o shall_v be_v damn_v but_o shall_v any_o be_v damn_v for_o the_o non-performance_n of_o impossibility_n obligation_n to_o ●…elieve_v do_v therefore_o suppose_v a_o possibility_n to_o understand_v i_o show_v before_o that_o contradiction_n and_o nothing_o be_v convertible_a term_n and_o i_o may_v now_o say_v as_o much_o of_o mystery_n in_o the_o theological_a sense_n for_o to_o speak_v free_o contradiction_n and_o mystery_n be_v but_o two_o emphatic_a way_n of_o say_v nothing_o contradiction_n express_v nothing_o by_o a_o couple_n of_o idea_n that_o destroy_v one_o another_o and_o mystery_n express_v nothing_o by_o word_n that_o have_v no_o idea_n at_o all_o 61._o the_o three_o observation_n shall_v be_v that_o if_o any_o part_n of_o scripture_n be_v unintelligible_a it_o can_v never_o be_v right_o translate_v except_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o word_n and_o not_o their_o sense_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n term_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v understand_v unless_o the_o thing_n they_o denote_v be_v understand_v also_o i_o may_v well_o understand_v thing_n without_o their_o name_n but_o never_o name_n without_o know_v their_o subject_n and_o in_o good_a earnest_n to_o what_o sort_n of_o assurance_n can_v any_o man_n pretend_v that_o he_o have_v make_v a_o right_a version_n of_o what_o he_o open_o profess_v not_o to_o conceive_v it_o can_v be_v imagine_v how_o much_o the_o notion_n of_o mystery_n contribute_v to_o the_o obscurity_n of_o scripture_n in_o
approve_v other_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n but_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v in_o its_o proper_a place_n to_o undeceive_v they_o for_o no_o adversary_n how_o absurd_a or_o trifle_a soever_o aught_o to_o be_v supercilious_o disregard_v by_o a_o unfeigned_a lover_n of_o man_n and_o truth_n so_o far_o of_o revelation_n only_o in_o make_v it_o a_o mean_a of_o information_n i_o follow_v paul_n himself_o who_o tell_v the_o corinthian_n that_o he_o can_v profit_v they_o except_o he_o speak_v to_o they_o by_o revelation_n or_o by_o 6._o knowledge_n or_o by_o prophesy_v or_o by_o doctrine_n chap._n iii_o that_o by_o christianity_n ●…s_v intend_v a_o rational_a and_o intelligible_a religion_n prove_v from_o the_o miracle_n method_n and_o style_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n 19_o what_o we_o discourse_v of_o reason_n before_o and_o revelation_n now_o be_v due_o weigh_v all_o the_o doctrine_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n if_o it_o be_v indeed_o divine_a must_v consequent_o agree_v with_o natural_a reason_n and_o our_o own_o ordinary_a idea_n this_o every_o considerate_a and_o well-disposed_a person_n will_v find_v by_o the_o careful_a perusal_n of_o it_o and_o whoever_o undertake_v this_o task_n will_v confess_v the_o gospel_n not_o to_o be_v hide_v from_o we_o nor_o afar_o off_o but_o very_o nigh_o we_o in_o our_o 14._o mouth_n and_o in_o our_o heart_n it_o asford_v the_o most_o illustrious_a example_n of_o close_a and_o perspicuous_a ratiocination_n conceivable_a which_o be_v incumbent_n on_o i_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o its_o mystery_n to_o demonstrate_v and_o though_o the_o evidence_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n may_v claim_v the_o approbation_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o its_o conformity_n with_o the_o type_n and_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n with_o all_o the_o mark_n of_o the_o messiah_n concur_v in_o his_o person_n may_v just_o challenge_v the_o assent_n of_o his_o countryman_n yet_o to_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o doubt_n he_o prove_v his_o authority_n and_o gospel_n by_o such_o work_n and_o miracle_n as_o the_o stiffnecked_a jew_n themselves_o can_v not_o deny_v to_o be_v divine_a nicodemus_n say_v to_o he_o no_o man_n can_v do_v these_o miracle_n which_o thou_o 2._o do_v except_o god_n be_v with_o he_o some_o of_o the_o pharisee_n acknowledge_v no_o sinner_n 16._o can_v do_v such_o thing_n and_o other_o that_o they_o exceedeá_fw-la the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n 21._o 20._o jesus_n himself_o appeal_v to_o his_o very_a enemy_n ready_a to_o stone_n he_o for_o pretend_a blasphemy_n say_v if_o i_o do_v 38._o not_o the_o work_v of_o my_o father_n believe_v i_o not_o but_o if_o i_o do_v believe_v not_o i_o believe_v the_o work_n that_o you_o may_v know_v and_o believe_v that_o the_o father_n be_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o he_o that_o be_v believe_v not_o rash_o on_o i_o and_o so_o give_v a_o testimony_n to_o my_o work_n but_o search_v the_o scripture_n which_o testify_v of_o the_o messiah_n consider_v the_o work_n i_o do_v whether_o they_o be_v such_o as_o become_v god_n and_o be_v attribute_v to_o he_o if_o they_o be_v then_o conclude_v and_o believe_v that_o i_o be_o he_o etc._n etc._n in_o effect_n several_a of_o the_o people_n say_v that_o christ_n when_o he_o shall_v come_v 31._o can_v do_v no_o great_a wonder_n and_o many_o of_o the_o jew_n believe_v when_o they_o see_v the_o 23._o miracle_n which_o he_o do_v 21._o how_o shall_v we_o escape_v say_v the_o apostle_n 4._o if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a a_o salvation_n which_o at_o the_o first_o begin_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v confirm_v unto_o we_o by_o they_o that_o hear_v he_o god_n also_o bear_v they_o witness_n with_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n those_o who_o hear_v christ_n the_o author_n of_o our_o religion_n speak_v and_o see_v the_o wonder_n which_o he_o wrought_v renounce_v all_o the_o hide_a thing_n of_o dishonesty_n all_o craftiness_n and_o deceitful_a handle_n of_o the_o 2._o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o they_o manifest_v nothing_o but_o truth_n they_o commend_v themselves_o to_o every_o man_n conscience_n that_o be_v they_o appeal_v to_o every_o man_n reason_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n peter_n exhort_v christian_n to_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v they_o a_o 15._o reason_n of_o their_o hope_n now_o to_o what_o purpose_n serve_v all_o these_o miracle_n all_o these_o appeal_n if_o no_o regard_n be_v to_o be_v have_v of_o man_n understanding_n if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v incomprehensible_a contradictory_n or_o be_v we_o oblige_v to_o believe_v reveal_v non-jense_a now_o if_o these_o miracle_n be_v true_a christianity_n must_v consequent_o be_v intelligible_a and_o if_o false_a which_o our_o adversary_n will_v not_o grant_v they_o can_v be_v then_o no_o argument_n against_o we_o 22._o but_o to_o insist_v no_o long_o upon_o such_o passage_n all_o man_n will_v own_v the_o verity_n i_o defend_v if_o they_o read_v the_o sacred_a write_n with_o that_o equity_n and_o attention_n that_o be_v due_a to_o mere_a humane_a work_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o different_a rule_n to_o be_v follow_v in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n from_o what_o be_v common_a to_o all_o other_o book_n whatever_o unprejudiced_a person_n shall_v use_v those_o mean_n will_v find_v they_o notorious_a deceiver_n or_o much_o deceive_v themselves_o who_o maintain_v the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v without_o any_o order_n or_o certain_a scope_n but_o just_a as_o matter_n come_v into_o the_o apostle_n head_n whether_o transport_v with_o enthusiastic_a fit_n as_o some_o will_v have_v it_o or_o according_a to_o other_o for_o lack_v of_o good_a sense_n and_o a_o liberal_a education_n i_o think_v i_o may_v just_o say_v that_o they_o be_v stranger_n to_o true_a method_n who_o complain_v of_o this_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n but_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o case_n depend_v not_o upon_o generality_n though_o whenever_o it_o be_v prove_v i_o will_v not_o promise_v that_o every_o one_o shall_v find_v a_o justification_n of_o the_o particular_a method_n he_o be_v teach_v or_o he_o have_v choose_v to_o follow_v to_o defend_v any_o party_n be_v not_o my_o business_n but_o to_o discover_v the_o truth_n 23._o the_o facility_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o confine_v only_o to_o method_n for_o the_o style_n be_v also_o most_o easy_a most_o natural_a and_o in_o the_o common_a dialect_n of_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v immediate_o consign_v shall_v any_o preach_v in_o xenophon_n strain_n to_o the_o present_a greek_n or_o in_o correct_v english_a to_o the_o countrypeople_n in_o scotland_n it_o will_v cost_v they_o much_o more_o time_n and_o pain_n to_o learn_v the_o very_a word_n than_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n denote_v by_o they_o of_o old_a as_o well_o as_o in_o our_o time_n the_o jew_n understand_v hebrew_a worse_n than_o the_o tongue_n of_o those_o region_n where_o they_o dwell_v no_o pretcnce_n therefore_o can_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o language_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o irrational_a hypothesis_n for_o all_o man_n be_v suppose_v to_o understand_v the_o daily_a use_n of_o their_o mother-tongue_n whereas_o the_o style_n of_o the_o learned_a be_v unintelligible_a to_o the_o vulgar_a and_o the_o plain_a author_n that_o write_v as_o they_o speak_v without_o the_o disguise_n of_o pompous_a elegance_n have_v ever_o be_v account_v the_o best_a by_o all_o good_a judge_n it_o be_v a_o visible_a effect_n of_o providence_n that_o we_o have_v in_o our_o hand_n the_o monument_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o in_o the_o new_a be_v always_o suppose_v quote_v or_o allude_v to_o nor_o be_v that_o all_o for_o the_o jewish_a service_n and_o custom_n continue_v to_o this_o day_n if_o this_o have_v be_v true_a of_o the_o greek_n and_o roman_n we_o shall_v be_v furnish_v with_o those_o help_n to_o understand_v aright_o many_o unknown_a particular_n of_o their_o religion_n which_o make_v we_o ruler_n and_o teacher_n in_o israel_n beside_o we_o have_v the_o talmud_n and_o other_o work_n of_o the_o rabbin_n which_o however_o otherwise_o useless_a give_v we_o no_o small_a light_n into_o the_o ancient_a rite_n and_o language_n and_o if_o after_o all_o we_o shall_v be_v at_o a_o loss_n about_o the_o mean_v of_o any_o expression_n we_o ought_v rather_o to_o charge_v it_o upon_o distance_n of_o time_n and_o the_o want_n of_o more_o book_n in_o the_o same_o tongue_n than_o to_o attribute_v it_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n or_o the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o author_n who_o may_v be_v easy_o understand_v by_o his_o countryman_n and_o contemporary_n but_o no_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v establish_v nor_o falsehood_n confute_v from_o such_o passage_n no_o more_o than_o any_o can_v certain_o divine_v his_o
fortune_n from_o the_o sound_n of_o bow-bell_n 24._o if_o any_o object_n that_o the_o gospel_n be_v pen_v with_o little_a or_o no_o ornament_n that_o there_o be_v no_o choice_n of_o word_n nor_o study_v expression_n in_o it_o the_o accusation_n be_v true_a and_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o acknowledge_v it_o nor_o be_v there_o a_o more_o palpable_a demonstration_n of_o their_o have_v design_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o all_o i_o come_v not_o to_o you_o say_v paul_n with_o excellency_n of_o speech_n or_o wisdom_n declare_v 1._o unto_o you_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n my_o speech_n and_o my_o preach_v be_v not_o with_o entice_a word_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n but_o 4._o in_o demonstration_n or_o conviction_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o mind_n and_o in_o power_n or_o efficacy_n this_o he_o speak_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o philosopher_n and_o orator_n of_o those_o time_n who_o elocution_n it_o be_v confess_v be_v curious_a and_o period_n elaborate_v apt_a to_o excite_v the_o admiration_n of_o the_o hearer_n but_o not_o to_o satisfy_v their_o reason_n charm_v indeed_o their_o sense_n whilst_o in_o the_o theatre_n or_o the_o temple_n but_o make_v they_o neither_o the_o better_a at_o home_n nor_o the_o wise_a abroad_o 25._o these_o man_n as_o well_o as_o many_o of_o their_o modern_a successor_n be_v fond_a enough_o of_o their_o own_o ridiculous_a system_n to_o count_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n foolishness_n 14._o because_o they_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o their_o precarious_a and_o sensual_a notion_n because_o every_o sentence_n be_v not_o wrap_v up_o in_o mystery_n and_o garnish_v with_o a_o figure_n not_o consider_v that_o only_a false_a or_o trivial_a matter_n need_v the_o assistance_n of_o allure_a harangue_n to_o perplex_v or_o amuse_v but_o they_o be_v enemy_n and_o stranger_n to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o truth_n all_o their_o study_n as_o we_o take_v notice_n lay_v in_o tickle_v the_o passion_n of_o the_o people_n at_o their_o pleasure_n with_o bombast_n eloquence_n and_o apish_a gesticulation_n they_o boast_v their_o talon_n of_o persuade_v for_o or_o against_o any_o thing_n and_o as_o he_o be_v esteem_v the_o best_a orator_n that_o make_v the_o worst_a cause_n appear_v the_o most_o equitable_a before_o the_o judge_n so_o he_o be_v the_o best_a philosopher_n that_o can_v get_v the_o wild_a paradox_n to_o pass_v for_o demonstration_n they_o be_v only_o concern_v about_o their_o own_o glory_n and_o gain_n which_o they_o can_v not_o otherwise_o support_v but_o according_a to_o a_o artifice_n that_o never_o fail_v and_o therefore_o ever_o practise_v by_o impose_v upon_o the_o people_n with_o their_o authority_n and_o sophistry_n and_o under_o pretence_n of_o instruct_v dexterous_o detain_v they_o in_o the_o gross_a ignorance_n 26._o but_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v very_o different_a piety_n towards_o god_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o mankind_n be_v their_o gain_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n their_o glory_n they_o come_v not_o magnify_v nor_o exalt_v themselves_o not_o impose_v but_o declare_v their_o doctrine_n they_o do_v not_o confound_v and_o mislead_v but_o convince_v the_o mind_n they_o be_v employ_v to_o dispel_v ignorance_n to_o eradicate_v superstition_n to_o propagate_v truth_n and_o reformation_n of_o manner_n to_o preach_v deliverance_n to_o captive_n i._n e._n the_o enjoyment_n 18._o of_o christian_a liberty_n to_o the_o slave_n of_o the_o levitical_a and_o pagan_a priesthood_n and_o to_o declare_v salvation_n to_o repent_v sinner_n 27._o i_o shall_v add_v here_o some_o of_o the_o character_n which_o david_n give_v of_o the_o law_n and_o word_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v admit_v nothing_o as_o the_o will_n of_o heaven_n but_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o they_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n say_v he_o be_v perfect_a convert_v the_o soul_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v sure_a make_v wise_a the_o simple_a the_o statute_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v right_a rejoice_v the_o heart_n the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v pure_a enlighten_v the_o eye_n the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v clean_a end●…ring_v for_o ever_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v true_a and_o righteous_a altogether_o i_o have_v more_o understanding_n than_o all_o my_o teacher_n for_o thy_o testimony_n be_v my_o meditation_n i_o understand_v more_o than_o the_o ancient_n because_o i_o keep_v thy_o precept_n thy_o word_n be_v a_o lamp_n unto_o my_o foot_n and_o a_o light_n unto_o my_o path._n the_o new_a testament_n be_v so_o full_a of_o this_o language_n and_o the_o content_n of_o it_o be_v every_o where_o so_o conformable_a to_o it_o that_o i_o shall_v refer_v the_o reader_n to_o the_o particular_a discussion_n of_o the_o whole_a in_o the_o second_o discourse_n but_o i_o must_v remark_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n that_o not_o a_o syllable_n of_o this_o language_n be_v true_a if_o any_o contradiction_n seem_v or_o real_a be_v admit_v in_o scripture_n as_o much_o may_v be_v say_v of_o mystery_n but_o we_o shall_v talk_v of_o that_o by_o and_o by_o chap._n iu_o objection_n answer_v draw_v from_o the_o pravity_n of_o humane_a reason_n 28._o there_o remain_v one_o ob●…ection_n yet_o upon_o which_o some_o lay_v a_o mighty_a stress_n though_o it_o be_v like_a to_o do_v they_o little_a service_n grant_v say_v they_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v as_o reasonable_a as_o you_o pretend_v yet_o corrupt_a and_o deprave_a reason_n can_v neither_o discern_v nor_o receive_v divine_a verity_n ay_o but_o that_o prove_v not_o divine_a verity_n to_o be_v contrary_a to_o sound_v reason_n but_o they_o maintain_v that_o no_o man_n reason_n be_v sound_a wherefore_o i_o hope_v so_o to_o state_n this_o question_n as_o to_o cut_v off_o all_o occasion_n of_o dispute_n from_o judicious_a and_o peaceable_a men._n reason_n take_v for_o the_o principle_n of_o discourse_n in_o we_o or_o more_o particular_o for_o that_o faculty_n every_o one_o have_v of_o judge_v of_o his_o idea_n according_a to_o their_o agreement_n or_o disagreement_n and_o so_o of_o love_v what_o seem_v good_a unto_o he_o and_o hate_v what_o he_o think_v evil_a reason_n i_o say_v in_o this_o sense_n be_v whole_a and_o entire_a in_o every_o one_o who_o organ_n be_v not_o accidental_o indispose_v it_o be_v from_o it_o that_o we_o be_v account_v man_n and_o we_o can_v neither_o inform_v other_o nor_o receive_v improvement_n ourselves_o any_o more_o than_o brute_n without_o it_o 29._o but_o if_o by_o reason_n be_v understand_v a_o constant_a right_n use_v of_o these_o faculty_n viz._n if_o a_o man_n never_o judge_n but_o according_a to_o clear_a perception_n desire_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v true_o good_a for_o he_o nor_o avoid_v but_o what_o be_v certain_o evil_a then_o i_o confess_v it_o be_v extreme_o corrupt_a we_o be_v too_o prone_a to_o frame_v wrong_a conception_n and_o as_o erroneous_a judgement_n of_o thing_n we_o general_o covet_v what_o flatter_v our_o sense_n without_o distinguish_v noxious_a from_o innocent_a pleasure_n and_o our_o hatred_n be_v as_o partial_a we_o gratify_v our_o body_n so_o much_o as_o to_o meditate_v little_a and_o think_v very_o gross_o of_o spiritual_a or_o abstract_a matter_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o indulge_v our_o inclination_n which_o we_o term_v to_o follow_v nature_n so_o 14._o that_o the_o 19_o natural_a man_n that_o be_v he_o that_o give_v the_o swing_n to_o his_o appetite_n count_v divine_a thing_n mere_a folly_n call_v religion_n a_o feverish_a dream_n of_o superstitious_a head_n or_o a_o politic_a trick_n invent_v by_o statesman_n to_o awe_n the_o credulous_a vulgar_a for_o as_o they_o that_o walk_v after_o the_o flesh_n mind_n the_o thing_n thereof_o so_o their_o 7._o carnal_a wisdom_n be_v enmity_n against_o god_n sin_n easy_o beset_v we_o there_o be_v a_o law_n in_o our_o member_n or_o body_n war_a against_o the_o 1._o law_n of_o our_o mind_n or_o reason_n and_o when_o 23._o we_o will_v do_v good_a evil_n be_v present_a with_o we_o 21._o if_o thus_o we_o become_v stupid_a and_o unfit_a for_o earthly_a speculation_n how_o shall_v we_o believe_v when_o we_o be_v tell_v of_o heavenly_a thing_n 12._o 30._o but_o these_o disorder_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v reason_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o direct_o contrary_a to_o it_o we_o lie_v under_o no_o necessary_a fate_n of_o sin_v there_o be_v no_o defect_n in_o our_o un●…erstandings_n but_o those_o of_o our_o own_o creation_n that_o be_v to_o say_v vicious_a habit_n easy_o contract_v but_o difficult_o reform_v it_o be_v just_a with_o we_o as_o with_o the_o drunkard_n who_o i_o can_v give_v over_o drink_v be_v a_o deliberate_a i_o will_v not_o for_o upon_o a_o wager_n or_o for_o a_o reward_n he_o can_v forbear_v his_o cup_n a_o day_n a_o month_n a_o year_n according_a as_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o value_n or_o certainty_n of_o the_o expect_a gain_n do_v influence_n he_o let_v
of_o its_o own_o nature_n inconceivable_a and_o not_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o our_o ordinary_a faculty_n and_o idea_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o clear_o reveal_v in_o both_o these_o sense_n to_o be_v above_o reason_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o mystery_n and_o in_o effect_n they_o be_v convertible_a term_n in_o divinity_n chap._n i._n the_o history_n and_o signification_n of_o mystery_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o gentile_n 2._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o reason_n we_o have_v already_o large_o discourse_v but_o to_o understand_v aright_o what_o the_o word_n mystery_n import_v we_o must_v trace_v the_o original_a of_o it_o as_o far_o back_o as_o the_o theology_n of_o the_o ancient_a gentile_n whereof_o it_o be_v a_o considerable_a term._n those_o nation_n who_o as_o paul_n elegant_o describe_v they_o profess_v themselves_o wise_a become_v fool_n 25._o who_o change_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o incorruptible_a god_n into_o the_o image_n and_o likeness_n of_o corruptible_a man_n of_o bird_n of_o beast_n and_o creep_a thing_n who_o turn_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n into_o a_o lie_n and_o worship_v the_o creature_n as_o well_o as_o and_o sometime_o more_o than_o the_o creator_n those_o nation_n i_o say_v ashamed_a or_o afraid_a to_o exhibit_v their_o religion_n naked_a to_o the_o view_n of_o all_o indifferent_o disguise_v it_o with_o various_a ceremony_n sacrifice_n play_n etc._n etc._n make_v the_o superstitious_a people_n believe_v that_o admirable_a thing_n be_v adumbrate_v by_o these_o external_o the_o priest_n but_o very_o rare_o and_o then_o obscure_o teach_v in_o public_a pretend_v the_o injunction_n of_o their_o divinity_n to_o the_o contrary_a lest_o their_o secret_n forsooth_o shall_v be_v expose_v to_o the_o profanation_n of_o the_o ignorant_a or_o violation_n of_o the_o impious_a they_o perform_v the_o high_a act_n of_o their_o worship_n consist_v of_o ridiculous_a obscene_a or_o inhuman_a rite_n in_o the_o inmost_a recess_n of_o temple_n or_o grove_n consecrate_v for_o that_o purpose_n and_o it_o be_v inexpiable_a sacrilege_n for_o any_o to_o 〈◊〉_d enter_v these_o but_o such_o as_o have_v a_o special_a mark_n and_o privilege_n or_o as_o much_o as_o to_o ask_v question_n about_o what_o pass_v in_o they_o all_o the_o exclude_v be_v for_o that_o reason_n style_v the_o profane_a as_o those_o not_o in_o order_n with_o we_o the_o laity_n 3._o but_o the_o cunning_a priest_n who_o know_v how_o to_o turn_v every_o thing_n to_o their_o own_o advantage_n think_v fit_a to_o initiate_v or_o instruct_v certain_a person_n in_o the_o mean_v of_o their_o rite_n they_o give_v out_o that_o such_o as_o die_v uninitiate_v 14._o wallow_v in_o infernal_a mire_n whilst_o the_o purify_a and_o initiate_v dwell_v with_o the_o god_n which_o as_o well_o increase_v their_o veneration_n for_o as_o a_o desire_n of_o enjoy_v so_o great_a a_o happiness_n the_o initiate_v after_o some_o year_n preparation_n to_o make_v they_o value_v what_o cost_v so_o much_o time_n and_o patience_n be_v devout_o swear_v ariltid_n never_o to_o discover_v what_o they_o see_v or_o hear_v under_o pain_n of_o quaest._n death_n though_o they_o may_v discourse_v of_o they_o among_o themselves_o lest_o too_o 3._o great_a a_o constraint_n shall_v tempt_v they_o to_o blab_v the_o secret_n and_o so_o religious_o they_o keep_v this_o oath_n that_o some_o of_o they_o after_o their_o conversion_n to_o christianity_n can_v hardly_o be_v bring_v to_o declare_v what_o pass_v at_o their_o initiation_n in_o gentilism_n the_o athenian_n think_v no_o torment_n exquisite_a enough_o to_o punish_v voce_fw-la diagoras_n the_o philosopher_n for_o divulge_v their_o mystery_n and_o not_o content_a to_o brand_v he_o with_o atheism_n for_o laugh_v at_o their_o weakness_n they_o promise_v a_o talon_n as_o a_o reward_n to_o any_o that_o shall_v kill_v he_o it_o be_v death_n to_o say_v adonis_n be_v a_o man_n some_o suffer_v upon_o that_o account_n and_o many_o be_v tear_v in_o piece_n at_o the_o 14._o mystery_n of_o ceres_n and_o the_o euripides_n orgy_n of_o bacchus_n for_o their_o unadvised_a curiosity_n 4._o credible_a author_n report_n that_o the_o priest_n confess_v to_o the_o initiate_v how_o these_o mystic_a representation_n be_v institute_v at_o first_o in_o commemoration_n of_o some_o remarkable_a accident_n or_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o some_o great_a person_n that_o oblige_v the_o world_n by_o their_o virtue_n and_o useful_a invention_n to_o pay_v they_o such_o acknowledgement_n but_o let_v this_o be_v as_o it_o will_v myein_fw-gr in_fw-it their_o system_n signify_v 〈◊〉_d to_o initiate_v myesis_n initiation_n mist_n 〈◊〉_d a_o name_n afterward_o give_v the_o priest_n 〈◊〉_d denote_v the_o person_n to_o be_v initiate_v who_o be_v call_v a_o ranas_fw-la epopt_v when_o admit_v and_o mystery_n the_o doctrine_n in_o which_o he_o 〈◊〉_d be_v initiate_v as_o there_o be_v several_a 2._o degree_n so_o there_o be_v different_a sort_n of_o mystery_n the_o most_o famous_a be_v the_o samothracian_a the_o eleusinian_n the_o egyptian_a and_o those_o of_o bacchus_n common_o know_v by_o the_o name_n of_o 260._o orgy_n though_o the_o word_n be_v sometime_o put_v for_o any_o of_o the_o former_a 5._o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o be_v clear_a that_o they_o understand_v by_o mystery_n in_o those_o day_n a_o thing_n intelligible_a of_o itself_o but_o so_o veil_v by_o other_o that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v know_v without_o special_a revelation_n i_o need_v not_o add_v that_o in_o all_o the_o greek_a and_o roman_a author_n it_o be_v constant_o put_v as_o a_o very_a vulgar_a expression_n for_o any_o thing_n sacred_a or_o profane_a that_o be_v design'd_o keep_v secret_a or_o accidental_o obscure_a and_o this_o be_v the_o common_a acceptation_n of_o it_o still_o for_o when_o we_o can_v see_v clear_o into_o a_o business_n we_o say_v it_o be_v a_o mystery_n to_o we_o and_o that_o a_o obscure_a or_o perplex_a discourse_n be_v very_o mysterious_a mystery_n of_o state_n science_n and_o trade_n run_v all_o in_o the_o same_o notion_n 6._o but_o many_o not_o deny_v what_o be_v so_o plain_a yet_o be_v strong_o incline_v out_o of_o ignorance_n or_o passion_n to_o maintain_v what_o be_v first_o introduce_v by_o the_o craft_n or_o superstition_n of_o their_o forefather_n will_v have_v some_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o be_v still_o mysterious_a in_o the_o second_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n that_o be_v inconceivable_a in_o themselves_o however_o clear_o reveal_v they_o think_v a_o long_a prescription_n will_v argue_v it_o folly_n in_o any_o to_o appear_v against_o they_o and_o indeed_o custom_n have_v make_v it_o dangerous_a but_o slight_v so_o mean_a consideration_n if_o i_o can_v demonstrate_v that_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n mystery_n be_v always_o use_v in_o the_o first_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n or_o that_o of_o the_o gentile_n viz._n for_o thing_n natural_o very_o intelligible_a but_o so_o cover_v by_o figurative_a word_n or_o rite_n that_o reason_n can_v not_o discover_v they_o without_o special_a revelation_n and_o that_o the_o veil_n be_v actual_o take_v away_o than_o it_o will_v manifest_o follow_v that_o the_o doctrine_n so_o reveal_v can_v now_o be_v proper_o call_v mystery_n 7._o this_o be_v what_o i_o hope_v to_o perform_v in_o the_o sequel_n of_o this_o section_n to_o the_o entire_a satisfaction_n of_o those_o sincere_a christian_n more_o concern_v for_o the_o truth_n than_o the_o old_a or_o gainful_a opinion_n yet_o i_o must_v first_o remove_v out_o of_o my_o way_n certain_a common_a place_n of_o cavil_v with_o which_o not_o only_o the_o raw_a beginner_n of_o the_o most_o implicit_a constitution_n raise_v a_o great_a dust_n upon_o all_o occasion_n though_o not_o able_a to_o speak_v of_o any_o thing_n pertinent_o when_o jostle_v out_o of_o the_o beat_a road_n but_o true_o their_o venerable_a teacher_n be_v not_o ashamed_a sometime_o to_o play_v at_o this_o small_a game_n which_o they_o know_v rather_o amuse_n 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the_o clearness_n of_o these_o word_n admit_v of_o no_o comment_n the_o six_o passage_n be_v in_o col._n 2._o 2._o that_o their_o heart_n may_v be_v comfort_v be_v knit_v together_o in_o love_n and_o unto_o all_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o understanding_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o christ._n here_o be_v evident_o mean_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel-state_n for_o whatever_o right_a conception_n the_o jew_n may_v have_v of_o the_o father_n they_o have_v not_o that_o full_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o doctrine_n which_o be_v the_o inestimable_a privilege_n we_o now_o enjoy_v the_o seven_o passage_n be_v in_o 1_o tim._n 3._o 8_o 9_o likewise_o must_v the_o deacon_n be_v grave_a not_o double-tongued_a not_o give_v to_o much_o wine_n nor_o greedy_a of_o filthy_a lucre_n hold_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o faith_n in_o a_o pure_a conscience_n that_o be_v live_v to_o what_o they_o believe_v the_o eight_o and_o last_o passage_n relate_v to_o this_o head_n be_v in_o 1_o tim._n 3._o 16._o and_o without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n be_v manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n justify_v in_o the_o spirit_n see_v of_o angel_n preach_v unto_o the_o gentile_n believe_v on_o in_o the_o world_n receive_v up_o into_o glory_n i_o will_v not_o now_o insist_v upon_o the_o various_a readins_n of_o these_o word_n nor_o critical_o determine_v which_o be_v spurious_a or_o genuine_a all_o party_n how_o much_o soever_o they_o differ_v about_o their_o sense_n agree_v that_o the_o gradation_n of_o the_o verse_n be_v gospel-revelation_n so_o that_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n can_v be_v restrain_v to_o any_o one_o but_o be_v common_a to_o they_o all_o it_o refer_v not_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o any_o of_o they_o in_o particular_a but_o to_o the_o revelation_n of_o they_o all_o in_o general_n and_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v without_o any_o dispute_n that_o the_o 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as_o i_o write_v before_o in_o few_o word_n whereby_o when_o you_o read_v you_o may_v understand_v my_o knowledge_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n which_o in_o other_o age_n be_v not_o make_v know_v unto_o the_o son_n of_o man_n as_o it_o be_v now_o reveay_v unto_o we_o his_o holy_a apostle_n and_o prophet_n by_o the_o spirit_n that_o the_o gentile_n shall_v be_v fellow-heir_n and_o of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o partaker_n of_o his_o promise_n in_o christ_n by_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o make_v all_o man_n see_v what_o be_v the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o mystery_n which_o from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v hide_v in_o god_n the_o second_o passage_n be_v in_o rom._n 11._o 25._o for_o i_o will_v not_o brethren_n that_o you_o shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o this_o mystery_n that_o blindness_n in_o part_n be_v happen_v
to_o israel_n until_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v come_v in_o the_o three_o passage_n be_v in_o col._n 1._o 25_o 26_o 27._o the_o church_n whereof_o i_o be_o make_v a_o minister_n according_a to_o the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n which_o be_v give_v to_o i_o for_o you_o to_o fulfil_v the_o word_n of_o god_n even_o the_o mystery_n which_o have_v be_v hide_v from_o age_n and_o generation_n but_o now_o be_v make_v manifest_a to_o his_o saint_n to_o who_o god_n will_v make_v know_v what_o be_v the_o riches_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o this_o mystery_n among_o the_o gentile_n the_o four_o passage_n be_v in_o eph._n 1._o 9_o 10._o have_v make_v know_v unto_o we_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o will_n according_a to_o his_o good_a pleasure_n which_o he_o have_v purpose_v in_o himself_o that_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n he_o may_v gather_v together_o into_o one_o all_o thing_n in_o christ._n these_o place_n require_v no_o explication_n for_o the_o sense_n of_o they_o all_o be_v that_o the_o secret_a of_o the_o vocation_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v in_o the_o gospel_n make_v know_v manifest_v and_o declare_v and_o therefore_o remain_v no_o long_a a_o mystery_n the_o next_o thing_n under_o the_o designation_n of_o a_o mystery_n in_o the_o abovementioned_a sense_n be_v one_o circumstance_n of_o the_o resurrection_n the_o apostle_n have_v no_o less_o clear_o and_o solid_o than_o large_o reason_v upon_o this_o subject_a 1_o cor._n 15._o obviate_v a_o objection_n or_o scruple_n that_o may_v be_v raise_v about_o the_o state_n of_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v sound_a alive_a on_o the_o earth_n at_o the_o last_o day_n behold_v say_v he_o ver_fw-la 51_o 52._o i_o show_v you_o a_o mystery_n i_o impart_v a_o secret_a to_o you_o we_o shall_v not_o all_o sleep_n or_o die_v but_o we_o shall_v all_o be_v change_v in_o a_o moment_n in_o the_o twinkle_n of_o a_o eye_n the_o dead_a shall_v rise_v and_o we_o shall_v be_v change_v it_o be_v not_o the_o 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relate_v to_o the_o second_o head_n 32._o mystery_n be_v three_o put_v for_o any_o thing_n veil_v under_o parable_n or_o enigmatical_a expression_n in_o these_o paralle●…_n place_n follow_v the_o first_o be_v in_o mat._n 13._o 10_o 11._o the_o disciple_n come_v and_o say_v unto_o he_o why_o speak_v thou_o unto_o they_o in_o parable_n he_o answer_v and_o say_v unto_o they_o because_o it_o be_v give_v to_o you_o to_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o to_o they_o it_o be_v not_o give_v the_o second_o passage_n be_v in_o mark_n 4._o 11._o and_o jesus_n say_v to_o his_o disciple_n unto_o you_o be_v give_v to_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v without_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o parable_n the_o same_o word_n be_v repeat_v in_o luk._n 8._o 10._o and_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a from_o all_o of_o they_o that_o those_o thing_n which_o christ_n speak_v in_o parable_n be_v not_o in_o themselves_o incomprehensible_a but_o mysterious_a to_o they_o only_o to_o who_o they_o be_v not_o unfold_v that_o as_o it_o be_v there_o say_v hear_v they_o may_v not_o understand_v it_o be_v now_o the_o most_o ordinary_a practice_n in_o the_o world_n for_o such_o as_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v by_o every_o one_o to_o agree_v upon_o a_o way_n of_o speak_v peculiar_a to_o themselves_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n more_o easy_a than_o the_o explication_n which_o christ_n give_v of_o these_o parable_n at_o the_o request_n of_o his_o disciple_n 33._o there_o be_v but_o two_o passage_n only_o leave_v and_o mystery_n in_o they_o have_v no_o reference_n to_o any_o thing_n in_o particular_a but_o it_o be_v put_v for_o all_o secret_a thing_n in_o its_o utmost_a latitude_n or_o acceptation_n the_o first_o place_n be_v in_o 1_o cor._n 13._o 2._o and_o though_o i_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o understand_v all_o mystery_n and_o all_o knowledge_n and_o though_o i_o have_v all_o faith_n 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kindred_n with_o the_o scarlet_a whore_n the_o only_a remain_a text_n be_v in_o chap._n 10._o 5_o 6_o 7._o and_o the_o angel_n which_o i_o see_v stand_v upon_o the_o sea_n and_o upon_o the_o earth_n lift_v up_o his_o hand_n to_o heaven_n and_o swear_v by_o he_o that_o live_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o who_o create_v heaven_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o therein_o be_v and_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o therein_o be_v and_o the_o sea_n and_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v therein_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v time_n no_o long_o but_o that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o seven_o angel_n when_o he_o shall_v begin_v to_o sound_v the_o mystery_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v finish_v that_o be_v that_o all_o the_o thing_n figurative_o deliver_v in_o this_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o gospel_n which_o be_v show_v above_o to_o signify_v the_o same_o with_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n shall_v have_v their_o final_a accomplishment_n and_o so_o end_v with_o this_o globe_n and_o 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their_o sentence_n when_o it_o suit_n not_o with_o their_o humour_n or_o interest_n 41._o clemens_n alexandrinus_n have_v every_o where_o the_o same_o notion_n of_o mystery_n that_o i_o have_v that_o the_o gentile_n have_v and_o which_o i_o have_v prove_v to_o be_v that_o of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o 5_o book_n of_o his_o stromates_n which_o merit_v the_o perusal_n of_o all_o that_o be_v curious_a to_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o jewish_a and_o heathen_a mystery_n in_o that_o book_n i_o say_v he_o put_v the_o matter_n out_o of_o all_o doubt_n and_o quote_v several_a of_o those_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o i_o have_v already_o allege_v to_o this_o purpose_n nay_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o christian_a discipline_n be_v call_v 1688._o illumination_n because_o it_o bring_v hide_a thing_n to_o light_n the_o master_n christ_n alone_o remove_v the_o cover_n of_o the_o ark_n that_o be_v the_o mosaic_a veil_n he_o add_v in_o express_a word_n 576._o that_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v mysterious_a and_o obscure_a in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v make_v plain_a in_o the_o new_a 42._o every_o one_o know_v how_o the_o primitive_a christian_n in_o a_o ridiculous_a imitation_n of_o the_o jew_n turn_v all_o the_o scripture_n into_o allegory_n accommodate_v the_o property_n of_o those_o animal_n mention_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o event_n that_o happen_v under_o the_o new_a they_o take_v the_o same_o liberty_n principal_o with_o man_n where_o they_o can_v discover_v the_o least_o resemblance_n between_o their_o name_n action_n or_o state_n of_o life_n and_o carry_v this_o fancy_n at_o length_n to_o number_n letter_n place_n and_o what_o not_o that_o which_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n therefore_o do_v according_a to_o they_o represent_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o new_a they_o call_v the_o type_n or_o mystery_n of_o it_o thus_o type_n symbol_n parable_n shadow_z figure_n sign_n and_o mystery_n signify_v all_o the_o same_o thing_n in_o justin_n martyr_n this_o father_n affirm_v in_o his_o dialogue_n with_o tryphon_n the_o jew_n that_o the_o name_n of_o joshua_n be_v a_o mystery_n represent_v the_o name_n jesus_n and_o that_o the_o hold_v up_o of_o moses_n 11._o hand_n during_o the_o battle_n with_o the_o amalekite_n in_o rephidim_n be_v a_o type_n or_o mystery_n of_o christ_n cross_n whereby_o he_o overcome_v death_n as_o the_o israelite_n there_o do_v their_o enemy_n and_o then_o he_o add_v the_o follow_a remark_n 1636._o this_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v say_v he_o concern_v those_o two_o holy_a man_n and_o prophet_n of_o god_n that_o neither_o of_o they_o be_v able_a in_o his_o single_a person_n to_o carry_v both_o mystery_n i_o mean_v the_o type_n of_o his_o cross_n and_o that_o of_o be_v call_v by_o his_o name_n in_o the_o sa●…e_a dialogue_n he_o call_v the_o prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n 294._o symbol_n parable_n and_o mystery_n explain_v by_o the_o succeed_a prophet_n 43._o when_o tertullian_n in_o his_o apology_n justify_v the_o christian_n from_o those_o inhuman_a practice_n whereof_o their_o enemy_n most_o unjust_o accuse_v they_o he_o cry_v 1675._o we_o be_v beset_v we_o be_v discover_v every_o day_n but_o if_o we_o keep_v always_o hide_v how_o be_v those_o thing_n know_v which_o we_o be_v say_v to_o commit_v nay_o who_o can_v make_v they_o know_v such_o as_o be_v guilty_a not_o so_o sure_o for_o all_o mystery_n be_v of_o course_n under_o a_o oath_n of_o secrecy_n the_o samothracian_a the_o eleusinian_n mystery_n be_v conceal_v how_o much_o rather_o such_o as_o be_v discover_v will_v now_o provoke_v the_o justice_n of_o man_n and_o may_v expect_v to_o meet_v with_o that_o of_o god_n hereafter_o they_o be_v secret_a practice_n you_o see_v and_o not_o incomprehensible_a doctrine_n which_o this_o father_n count_v mystery_n 44._o origen_n make_v the_o encampment_n of_o the_o israelite_n in_o their_o journey_n to_o the_o promise_a land_n to_o be_v 1677._o symbol_n or_o mystery_n describe_v the_o way_n to_o such_o as_o shall_v travel_v towards_o heaven_n or_o heavenly_a thing_n i_o need_v not_o add_v what_o he_o say_v of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n of_o the_o vision_n of_o ezekiel_n or_o the_o apocalypse_n in_o particular_a for_o he_o be_v universal_o confess_v to_o have_v bring_v this_o mystic_a or_o allegorical_a method_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n to_o its_o perfection_n and_o to_o have_v surnish_v matter_n to_o all_o that_o tread_v the_o same_o path_n after_o he_o a_o honour_n in_o my_o opinion_n not_o to_o be_v envy_v he_o but_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o think_v any_o doctrine_n of_o our_o religion_n a_o mystery_n in_o the_o present_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n that_o he_o express_o affirm_v they_o 135._o to_o agree_v all_o with_o common_a notion_n and_o to_o commend_v themselves_o to_o the_o assent_n of_o every_o well-disposed_a hearer_n 45._o the_o other_o father_n of_o the_o three_o first_o century_n have_v exact_o the_o same_o notion_n of_o mystery_n and_o shall_v they_o in_o this_o matter_n happen_v to_o contradict_v in_o one_o place_v what_o they_o establish_v in_o another_o as_o they_o ordinary_o do_v in_o most_o thing_n it_o will_v only_o serve_v to_o excluàe_fw-fr they_o from_o be_v a_o true_a rule_n to_o other_o that_o be_v none_o to_o themselves_o but_o what_o be_v no_o small_a prejudice_n in_o our_o favour_n see_v we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o man_n so_o apt_a to_o forget_v they_o keep_v very_o constant_a to_o this_o point_n so_o that_o i_o may_v just_o hope_v by_o this_o time_n the_o cause_n of_o incomprehensible_a and_o inconceivable_a mystery_n in_o religion_n shall_v be_v ready_o give_v up_o by_o all_o that_o sincere_o respect_v father_n scripture_n or_o reason_n chap._n iu_o objection_n bring_v from_o particular_a text_n of_o scripture_n and_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n answer_v 46._o some_o man_n be_v so_o fond_a of_o mystery_n and_o it_o seem_v they_o find_v their_o account_n in_o it_o that_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o hazard_v any_o thing_n soon_o than_o part_v with_o they_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n whether_o they_o know_v it_o or_o not_o they_o lay_v nothing_o less_o than_o their_o religion_n at_o stake_n by_o this_o conduct_n for_o it_o be_v a_o ugly_a sign_n when_o people_n profess_v that_o what_o they_o believe_v be_v above_o the_o examination_n of_o reason_n and_o will_v suffer_v it_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o come_v into_o question_n it_o argue_v in_o themselves_o a_o distrust_n of_o their_o cause_n and_o other_o conclude_v that_o what_o dare_v not_o abide_v the_o trial_n of_o reason_n must_v needs_o itself_o be_v unreasonable_a at_o bottom_n 47._o notwithstanding_o these_o consequence_n be_v so_o obvious_a they_o harden_v themselves_o against_o they_o and_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o bring_v even_o scripture_n to_o countenance_v their_o assertion_n you_o shall_v hear_v nothing_o more_o frequent_o in_o their_o mouth_n than_o these_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n beware_v lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v 8._o you_o by_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n after_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n after_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o after_o christ._n ridiculous_a as_o if_o reason_n and_o truth_n be_v vanity_n and_o craft_n by_o philosophy_n be_v not_o here_o understand_v sound_a reason_n as_o all_o interpreter_n agree_v but_o the_o system_n of_o plato_n of_o aristotle_n of_o epicurus_n of_o the_o academic_n etc._n etc._n many_o of_o who_o principle_n be_v direct_o repugnant_a to_o common_a sense_n and_o good_a moral_n sophistry_n be_v never_o more_o in_o vogue_n than_o in_o the_o day_n of_o paul_n and_o several_a out_o of_o these_o sect_n embrace_v christianity_n find_v the_o way_n to_o mix_v with_o it_o their_o old_a opinion_n which_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o quit_v for_o good_a and_o all_o the_o apostle_n therefore_o have_v weighty_a ground_n to_o warn_v his_o convert_v not_o to_o confound_v the_o invention_n of_o man_n with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n it_o appear_v nevertheless_o that_o this_o good_a advice_n be_v to_o little_a purpose_n for_o you_o will_v find_v the_o gross_a mistake_v and_o whimsy_n of_o the_o father_n to_o have_v be_v occasion_v by_o the_o several_a system_n of_o philosophy_n they_o read_v before_o their_o conversion_n and_o which_o they_o afterward_o foolish_o endeavour_v to_o reconcile_v with_o christianity_n to_o the_o entire_a ruin_n almost_o of_o the_o latter_a as_o we_o shall_v show_v ●…n_v the_o follow_a chapter_n 48._o but_o as_o no_o particular_a hypothesis_n whatsoever_o have_v a_o right_a to_o set_v up_o for_o a_o standard_n of_o reason_n to_o all_o mankind_n much_o less_o may_v vain_a philosophy_n cr_n sophistry_n claim_v this_o privilege_n and_o so_o far_o be_o i_o from_o aim_v at_o any_o such_o thing_n that_o it_o be_v the_o very_a practice_n i_o oppose_v in_o this_o book_n when_o some_o have_v advance_v the_o metaphysical_a nonsense_n of_o
most_o translation_n when_o a_o able_a linguist_n meet_v with_o a_o difficult_a passage_n he_o present_o take_v it_o for_o a_o mystery_n and_o conclude_v it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o be_v at_o more_o pain_n about_o what_o be_v in_o itself_o inexplicable_a but_o a_o uncapable_a translator_n lay_v his_o own_o blundr_a nonsense_n and_o all_o the_o mysterious_a fruit_n of_o his_o ignorance_n to_o god_n almighty_n charge_n these_o be_v the_o wretch_n who_o plentiful_o furnish_v the_o atheistical_a and_o profane_a with_o all_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o objection_n against_o scripture_n but_o i_o hope_v in_o time_n we_o may_v see_v a_o remedy_n to_o these_o disorder_n 62._o the_o four_o observation_n be_v that_o except_o faith_n signify_v a_o intelligible_a persuasion_n we_o can_v give_v other_o a_o reason_n of_o our_o hope_n as_o peter_n direct_v we_o to_o say_v that_o what_o we_o believe_v be_v the_o word_n 15._o of_o god_n will_v be_v to_o no_o end_n except_o we_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v so_o by_o reason_n and_o i_o need_v not_o add_v that_o if_o we_o may_v not_o examine_v and_o understand_v our_o faith_n every_o man_n will_v be_v oblige_v implicit_o to_o continue_v of_o that_o religion_n where●…n_v he_o be_v first_o educate_v suppose_v a_o siamese_n priest_n talapoin_n shall_v tell_v a_o christian_a preacher_n that_o siamese_n sommonocodom_n forbid_v the_o goodness_n of_o his_o religion_n to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n how_o can_v the_o christian_a confute_v he_o if_o he_o likewise_o shall_v maintain_v that_o certain_a point_n of_o christianity_n be_v above_o reason_n the_o question_n will_v not_o be_v ●…hen_o whether_o mystery_n may_v be_v allow_v in_o the_o true_a religion_n but_o who_o have_v more_o right_o to_o institute_v they_o christ_n or_o sommonocodom_n 63._o my_o last_o observation_n shall_v be_v that_o either_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o write_v more_o intelligible_o of_o the_o repute_a mystery_n or_o they_o will_v not_o if_o they_o will_v not_o then_o it_o be_v no_o long_o our_o fault_n if_o we_o neither_o understand_v nor_o believe_v they_o for_o nothing_o can_v be_v the_o object_n of_o belief_n and_o if_o they_o can_v not_o write_v more_o clear_o themselves_o which_o our_o adversary_n will_v not_o suppose_v they_o be_v so_o much_o the_o less_o to_o expect_v credit_n from_o other_o 64._o but_o it_o be_v affirm_v that_o god_n have_v a_o right_a to_o require_v the_o assent_n of_o his_o creature_n to_o what_o they_o can_v comprehend_v and_o questionless_a he_o may_v command_v whatever_o be_v just_a and_o reasonable_a for_o to_o act_v tyrannical_o do_v only_o become_v the_o devil_n but_o i_o demand_v to_o what_o end_n shall_v god_n require_v we_o to_o believe_v what_o we_o can_v understand_v to_o exercise_v some_o say_v our_o diligence_n but_o this_o at_o first_o sight_n look_v ridiculous_a as_o if_o the_o plain_a duty_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o our_o necessary_a occupation_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o employ_v all_o our_o time_n but_o how_o exercise_n our_o diligence_n be_v it_o possible_a for_o we_o to_o understand_v those_o mystery_n at_o last_o or_o not_o if_o it_o be_v than_o all_o i_o contend_v for_o be_v gain_v for_o i_o never_o pretend_v that_o the_o gospel_n can_v be_v understand_v without_o due_a pain_n and_o application_n no_o more_o than_o any_o other_o book_n but_o if_o it_o be_v impossible_a after_o all_o to_o understand_v they_o this_o be_v such_o a_o piece_n of_o folly_n and_o i●…pertinence_n as_o no_o sober_a man_n will_v be_v guilty_a of_o to_o puzzle_v people_n head_n with_o what_o they_o can_v never_o conceive_v to_o exhort_v to_o and_o command_v the_o study_n of_o they_o and_o all_o this_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o idleness_n when_o they_o can_v scarce_o find_v leisure_n enough_o for_o what_o be_v on_o all_o hand_n grant_v to_o be_v intelligible_a 65._o other_o say_v that_o god_n have_v enjoin_v the_o belief_n of_o mystery_n to_o make_v we_o more_o humble_a but_o how_o by_o let_v we_o see_v the_o small_a extent_n of_o our_o knowledge_n but_o this_o extraordinary_a method_n be_v quite_o needless_a for_o experience_n acquaint_v we_o with_o that_o every_o day_n and_o i_o have_v spend_v a_o whole_a chapter_n in_o the_o second_o section_n of_o this_o book_n to_o prove_v that_o we_o have_v not_o a_o adequate_a idea_n of_o all_o the_o property_n and_o no_o idea_n of_o the_o real_a essence_n of_o any_o substance_n in_o the_o world_n it_o have_v be_v a_o much_o better_a answer_n that_o god_n will_v thus_o abridge_v our_o speculation_n to_o gain_v we_o the_o more_o time_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o what_o we_o understand_v but_o many_o cover_v a_o multitude_n of_o sin_n by_o their_o noise_n and_o heat_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o such_o foolish_a and_o unprofitable_a speculation_n 66._o from_o all_o these_o observation_n and_o what_o go_v before_o it_o evident_o follow_v that_o faith_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o implicit_a assent_n to_o any_o thing_n above_o reason_n that_o this_o notion_n direct_o contradict_v the_o end_n of_o religion_n the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n but_o at_o this_o rate_n some_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o say_v faith_n be_v no_o long_a faith_n but_o knowledge_n i_o answer_v that_o if_o knowledge_n be_v take_v for_o a_o present_a and_o immediate_a view_n of_o thing_n i_o have_v no_o where_o affirm_v any_o thing_n like_o it_o but_o the_o contrary_a in_o many_o place_n but_o if_o by_o knowledge_n be_v mean_v understanding_n what_o be_v believe_v than_o i_o stand_v by_o it_o that_o faith_n be_v knowledge_n i_o have_v all_o along_o maintain_v it_o and_o the_o very_a word_n be_v promiscuous_o use_v for_o one_o another_o in_o the_o gospel_n we_o know_v i._n e._n we_o believe_v that_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o christ_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n i_o know_v and_o be_o persuade_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o 58._o there_o be_v nothing_o unclean_a of_o itself_o you_o know_v that_o your_o labour_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n 67._o other_o will_v say_v that_o this_o notion_n of_o faith_n make_v revelation_n useless_a but_o pray_v how_o so_o for_o the_o question_v not_o whether_o we_o can_v discover_v all_o the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n by_o ratiocination_n i_o have_v prove_v on_o the_o contrary_a that_o no_o matter_n of_o fact_n can_v be_v know_v without_o revelation_n but_o i_o assert_v that_o what_o be_v once_o reveal_v we_o must_v as_o well_o understand_v as_o any_o other_o matter_n in_o the_o world_n revelation_n be_v only_o of_o use_n to_o inform_v we_o whilst_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o subject_n persuade_v we_o then_o reply_v they_o reason_n be_v of_o more_o dig●…ity_n than_o revelation_n i_o answer_v just_a as_o much_o as_o a_o greek_a grammar_n be_v superior_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o we_o make_v use_v of_o grammar_n to_o understand_v the_o language_n and_o of_o reason_n to_o comprehend_v the_o sense_n of_o that_o book_n but_o in_o a_o word_n i_o see_v no_o need_n of_o comparison_n in_o this_o case_n for_o reason_n be_v not_o less_o from_o god_n than_o revelation_n it_o be_v the_o candle_n the_o guide_n the_o judge_n he_o have_v lodge_v within_o every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o this_o world_n 68_o last_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o the_o poor_a and_o illiterate_a can_v have_v such_o a_o faith_n as_o i_o maintain_v true_o if_o this_o can_v be_v make_v out_o it_o may_v pass_v for_o a_o great_a mystery_n than_o any_o system_fw-la of_o divinity_n in_o christendom_n can_v afford_v for_o what_o can_v seem_v more_o strange_a and_o wonderful_a than_o that_o the_o common_a people_n will_v soon_o believe_v what_o be_v unintelligible_a incomprehensible_a and_o above_o their_o reason_n than_o what_o be_v easy_a plain_a and_o suit_v to_o their_o capacity_n but_o the_o vulgar_a be_v more_o oblige_v to_o christ_n who_o have_v a_o better_a opinion_n of_o they_o than_o these_o man_n for_o he_o preach_v his_o gospel_n to_o they_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n and_o they_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n hear_v he_o glad_o because_o no_o doubt_n they_o understand_v 37._o his_o instruction_n better_a than_o the_o mysterious_a lecture_n of_o their_o priest_n and_o scribe_n the_o uncorrupted_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o above_o their_o reach_n or_o comprehension_n but_o the_o gibberish_n of_o your_o divinity_n school_n they_o understand_v not_o it_o be_v to_o they_o the_o language_n of_o the_o beast_n and_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o their_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n when_o their_o very_a teacher_n must_v serve_v above_o a_o apprenticeship_n to_o master_v it_o before_o they_o begin_v the_o study_n of_o the_o bible_n how_o slow_o must_v the_o gospel_n have_v move_v at_o the_o beginning_n if_o such_o as_o be_v call_v to_o preach_v it_o have_v be_v oblige_v