world_n and_o if_o the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n do_v affirm_v these_o word_n of_o the_o psalmist_n to_o be_v speak_v of_o christ_n than_o they_o must_v acknowledge_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o true_a god_n who_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n but_o the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n do_v as_o evident_o affirm_v these_o word_n to_o be_v speak_v to_o or_o of_o christ_n as_o he_o do_v the_o word_n of_o any_o other_o text_n cite_v in_o this_o chapter_n and_o for_o this_o i_o appeal_v to_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o every_o man_n that_o read_v they_o these_o interpreter_n indeed_o be_v content_v that_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o this_o citation_n shall_v be_v speak_v of_o christ_n but_o not_o the_o former_a but_o why_o not_o the_o former_a as_o well_o as_o the_o latter_a when_o they_o have_v so_o express_o tell_v we_o that_o all_o the_o word_n of_o this_o psalm_n be_v manifest_o speak_v of_o god_n what_o be_v the_o mystery_n of_o this_o can_v they_o not_o as_o easy_o have_v 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be_v change_v what_o shall_v perish_v and_o wax_v old_a and_o be_v change_v why_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o heaven_n which_o the_o son_n have_v make_v that_o be_v the_o moral_a world_n the_o reformation_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o new_a creation_n of_o thing_n by_o the_o gospel_n all_o these_o must_v have_v undergo_v the_o same_o fate_n with_o the_o natural_a world_n and_o must_v not_o only_o have_v be_v deface_v but_o utter_o destroy_v and_o bring_v to_o nothing_o this_o they_o will_v not_o say_v but_o they_o do_v see_v it_o though_o they_o will_v not_o seem_v to_o see_v it_o and_o we_o may_v plain_o see_v by_o this_o that_o they_o can_v interpret_v a_o text_n right_n when_o necessity_n force_v they_o to_o it_o and_o they_o can_v without_o great_a inconvenience_n to_o their_o cause_n avoid_v it_o but_o when_o man_n have_v once_o resolve_v to_o hold_v fast_o a_o opinion_n they_o have_v take_v up_o it_o than_o become_v not_o only_o convenient_a but_o necessary_a to_o understand_v 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like_o the_o wrath_n of_o man_n which_o st._n 20._o james_n tell_v we_o work_v not_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n that_o be_v it_o never_o do_v any_o good_a it_o never_o serve_v any_o wise_a and_o real_a purpose_n of_o religion_n i_o say_v i_o be_o not_o without_o some_o good_a hope_n that_o i_o have_v in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n clear_o show_v that_o the_o tenor_n of_o scripture_n and_o general_a tradition_n be_v on_o our_o side_n in_o this_o argument_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o give_v myself_o the_o trouble_n to_o examine_v this_o matter_n over_o again_o now_o as_o to_o the_o point_n of_o reason_n the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o absurdity_n which_o they_o object_n to_o our_o doctrine_n concern_v this_o mystery_n amount_v to_o thus_o much_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o above_o reason_n but_o plain_o contrary_a to_o it_o as_o to_o its_o be_v above_o reason_n which_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o admit_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v this_o i_o think_v will_v bear_v no_o great_a dispute_n because_o if_o they_o will_v be_v please_v to_o speak_v out_o they_o can_v mean_v no_o more_o by_o this_o but_o that_o our_o reason_n be_v not_o able_a full_o to_o comprehend_v it_o but_o what_o then_o be_v there_o no_o mystery_n in_o religion_n that_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o will_v not_o say_v because_o god_n who_o infinite_a nature_n and_o perfection_n be_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v certain_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o all_o other_o and_o the_o most_o incomprehensible_a but_o we_o must_v not_o nay_o they_o will_v not_o for_o this_o reason_n deny_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o be_v as_o god_n and_o therefore_o if_o there_o be_v mystery_n in_o religion_n it_o be_v no_o reasonable_a objection_n against_o they_o that_o we_o can_v full_o comprehend_v they_o because_o all_o mystery_n in_o what_o kind_n soever_o whether_o in_o religion_n or_o in_o nature_n so_o long_o and_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v mystery_n be_v for_o that_o very_a reason_n incomprehensible_a but_o they_o urge_v the_o matter_n much_o further_o that_o this_o particular_a mystery_n now_o under_o debate_n be_v plain_o contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o if_o they_o can_v make_v this_o good_a i_o will_v confess_v that_o they_o have_v gain_v a_o great_a point_n upon_o we_o but_o then_o they_o be_v to_o be_v put_v in_o mind_n that_o to_o make_v this_o good_a against_o we_o they_o must_v clear_o show_v some_o plain_a contradiction_n in_o this_o doctrine_n which_o i_o can_v never_o yet_o see_v do_v by_o any_o great_a difficulty_n i_o acknowledge_v there_o be_v in_o the_o explication_n of_o it_o in_o which_o the_o further_o we_o go_v beyond_o what_o god_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o reveal_v to_o we_o in_o scripture_n concern_v it_o the_o more_o we_o
nothing_o when_o any_o person_n or_o party_n be_v concern_v to_o oppose_v any_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o and_o the_o plain_a text_n for_o any_o article_n of_o faith_n how_o fundamental_a and_o necessary_a soever_o may_v by_o the_o same_o art_n and_o way_n of_o interpretation_n be_v elude_v and_o render_v utter_o ineffectual_a for_o the_o establish_n of_o it_o for_o example_n if_o any_o man_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o call_v in_o question_n that_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n concern_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n why_o may_v he_o not_o according_a to_o socinus_n his_o way_n of_o interpret_n st._n john_n understand_v the_o first_o chapter_n of_o genesis_n concern_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a dispensation_n and_o interpret_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n to_o be_v the_o institution_n of_o the_o jewish_a polity_n and_o religion_n as_o by_o the_o new_a heaven_n and_o the_o new_a earth_n they_o pretend_v be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o 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imagine_v to_o be_v the_o plain_a and_o obvious_a meaning_n of_o it_o and_o contrary_a likewise_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o all_o age_n down_o to_o his_o time_n who_o yet_o have_v as_o great_a or_o great_a advantage_n of_o understanding_n st._n john_n aright_o and_o as_o much_o integrity_n as_o any_o man_n can_v now_o modest_o pretend_v to_o and_o all_o this_o only_a to_o serve_v and_o support_v a_o opinion_n which_o he_o have_v entertain_v before_o and_o therefore_o be_v resolve_v one_o way_n or_o other_o to_o bring_v the_o scripture_n to_o comply_v with_o it_o and_o if_o he_o can_v not_o have_v do_v it_o it_o be_v great_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o he_o will_v at_o last_o have_v call_v in_o question_n the_o divine_a authority_n of_o st._n john_n gospel_n rather_o than_o have_v quit_v his_o opinion_n and_o to_o speak_v free_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v that_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o a_o much_o fair_a way_n to_o reject_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o a_o book_n than_o to_o use_v it_o so_o disingenuous_o and_o to_o wrest_v the_o plain_a expression_n of_o it_o with_o so_o much_o strain_v and_o violence_n from_o their_o most_o natural_a and_o obvious_a sense_n for_o no_o doctrine_n whatsever_v can_v have_v any_o certain_a foundation_n in_o any_o book_n if_o this_o liberty_n be_v once_o admit_v without_o regard_n to_o the_o plain_a scope_n and_o occasion_n of_o it_o to_o play_v upon_o the_o word_n and_o phrase_n with_o all_o the_o art_n of_o criticism_n and_o with_o all_o the_o variety_n of_o allegory_n which_o a_o brisk_a and_o lively_a imagination_n can_v devise_v which_o i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o admire_v in_o the_o expound_v of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o i_o be_o always_o jealous_a of_o a_o over-laboured_a and_o far-fetched_a interpretation_n of_o any_o author_n whatsoever_o i_o do_v ready_o grant_v that_o the_o socinian_n writer_n have_v manage_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n against_o the_o innovation_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n with_o great_a acuteness_n and_o advantage_n in_o many_o respect_n but_o i_o be_o sorry_a to_o have_v cause_n to_o say_v that_o they_o have_v likewise_o put_v into_o their_o hand_n better_a and_o sharp_a weapon_n than_o ever_o they_o have_v before_o for_o the_o weaken_n and_o undermine_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o h._n scripture_n which_o socinus_n indeed_o have_v in_o the_o general_a strong_o assert_v have_v he_o not_o by_o a_o dangerous_a liberty_n of_o impose_v a_o foreign_a and_o foree_v sense_n upon_o particular_a text_n bring_v the_o whole_a into_o uncertainty_n three_o which_o be_v as_o considerable_a a_o prejudice_n against_o this_o new_a interpretation_n of_o this_o passage_n of_o st._n john_n as_o either_o of_o the_o former_a i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o this_o point_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o the_o word_n before_o his_o incarnation_n do_v not_o rely_v only_o upon_o this_o single_a passage_n of_o st._n john_n but_o be_v likewise_o confirm_v by_o many_o other_o text_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n conspire_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o utter_o incapable_a of_o the_o interpretation_n which_o socinus_n give_v of_o it_o i_o find_v he_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o have_v it_o take_v for_o grant_v that_o this_o be_v the_o only_a text_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o this_o purpose_n and_o therefore_o he_o say_v very_o cunning_o that_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n before_o his_o incarnation_n be_v too_o great_a a_o doctrine_n to_o be_v establish_v upon_o one_o single_a text_n and_o this_o be_v be_v something_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o text_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o do_v plain_o deliver_v the_o same_o sense_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o bring_v in_o question_n the_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o this_o passage_n of_o st._n john_n that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n will_v i_o hope_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o very_a weighty_a and_o fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n and_o yet_o i_o be_o very_o much_o mistake_v if_o there_o be_v any_o more_o than_o one_o text_n in_o the_o whole_a bible_n that_o say_v so_o and_o that_o text_n be_v only_o in_o st._n john_n gospel_n i_o know_v it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o from_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a reason_n it_o may_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n but_o sure_o socinus_n of_o all_o man_n can_v say_v this_o with_o a_o good_a grace_n because_o he_o deny_v that_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n can_v be_v know_v by_o natural_a light_n without_o divine_a revelation_n and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v know_v by_o natural_a light_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n much_o less_o can_v it_o be_v know_v by_o natural_a light_n what_o god_n be_v whether_o a_o spirit_n or_o a_o body_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o it_o be_v very_o far_o from_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o text_n to_o this_o purpose_n which_o yet_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o insinuate_v by_o way_n of_o excuse_n for_o the_o novelty_n and_o boldness_n of_o his_o interpretation_n of_o which_o any_o one_o that_o read_v he_o may_v see_v that_o he_o be_v sufficient_o conscious_a to_o himself_o and_o therefore_o be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o endeavour_v by_o this_o sly_a insinuation_n to_o provide_v and_o lay_v in_o against_o it_o i_o have_v likewise_o another_o reason_n which_o very_o much_o incline_v i_o to_o believe_v that_o socinus_n be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o this_o interpretation_n because_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o next_o to_o impossible_a that_o a_o man_n of_o so_o good_a a_o understanding_n as_o he_o be_v can_v ever_o have_v be_v so_o fond_a of_o so_o ill-favoured_a a_o child_n if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v his_o own_o and_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o at_o all_o wonder_n that_o his_o follower_n come_v in_o to_o it_o so_o ready_o since_o they_o have_v he_o in_o so_o great_a a_o veneration_n it_o be_v natural_a to_o all_o sect_n to_o admire_v their_o master_n beside_o that_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o they_o be_v very_o glad_a to_o have_v so_o great_a a_o authority_n as_o they_o think_v he_o to_o be_v to_o vouch_v for_o a_o interpretation_n which_o be_v so_o seasonable_o devise_v for_o the_o relief_n of_o their_o cause_n in_o so_o much_o danger_n to_o be_v overthrow_v by_o a_o text_n that_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o full_a against_o they_o and_o how_o little_a ground_n there_o be_v for_o this_o insinuation_n that_o this_o be_v the_o only_a text_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o this_o purpose_n i_o shall_v now_o show_v from_o a_o multitude_n of_o other_o text_n to_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o purpose_n with_o this_o passage_n of_o st._n john_n and_o i_o shall_v rank_v they_o under_o
mere_a critical_a skill_n in_o word_n without_o regard_n to_o the_o true_a occasion_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v make_v and_o without_o any_o manner_n of_o knowledge_n and_o insight_n into_o the_o history_n of_o the_o age_n in_o which_o they_o be_v write_v i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n which_o i_o propose_v to_o consider_v namely_o ii_o the_o description_n here_o give_v of_o the_o word_n by_o this_o evangelist_n in_o his_o entrance_n into_o his_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o beginning_n say_v he_o be_v the_o word_n and_o the_o word_n be_v with_o god_n and_o the_o word_n be_v god_n the_o same_o be_v in_o the_o begin_n with_o god_n all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o and_o without_o he_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n make_v that_o be_v make_v in_o which_o passage_n of_o the_o evangelist_n four_o thing_n be_v say_v of_o the_o word_n which_o will_v require_v a_o more_o particular_a explication_n first_o that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n second_o that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o begin_n with_o god_n three_o that_o he_o be_v god_n four_o that_o all_o be_v make_v by_o he_o one_a that_o he_o he_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1._o which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o the_o beginning_n where_o speak_v of_o christ_n by_o the_o name_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n that_o say_v he_o which_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n nonnus_n the_o ancient_a paraphra_v of_o st._n john_n gospel_n by_o way_n of_o explication_n of_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o his_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n add_v that_o he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o time_n that_o be_v before_o all_o time_n and_o if_o so_o than_o he_o be_v from_o all_o eternity_n in_o the_o beginning_n be_v the_o word_n that_o be_v when_o thing_n begin_v to_o be_v make_v he_o be_v not_o then_o begin_v to_o be_v but_o then_o already_o be_v and_o do_v exist_v before_o any_o thing_n be_v make_v and_o consequent_o be_v without_o beginning_n for_o that_o which_o be_v never_o make_v can_v have_v no_o beginning_n of_o its_o be_v and_o so_o the_o jew_n use_v to_o describe_v eternity_n before_o the_o world_n be_v and_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n as_o also_o in_o several_a place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o so_o likewise_o solomon_n describe_v the_o eternity_n of_o wisdom_n etc._n the_o lord_n say_v he_o possess_v i_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o way_n before_o his_o work_n of_o old_a i_o be_v set_v up_o from_o everlasting_a from_o the_o beginning_n or_o ever_o the_o earth_n be_v when_o he_o prepare_v the_o heaven_n i_o be_v there_o then_o i_o be_v with_o he_o as_o one_o bring_v up_o with_o he_o rejoice_v always_o before_o he_o and_o so_o justin_n martyr_n explain_v this_o very_a expression_n of_o st._n john_n that_o he_o be_v or_o have_v a_o be_v before_o all_o age_n so_o likewise_o athenagoras_n a_o most_o ancient_a christian_a writer_n god_n say_v he_o who_o be_v a_o invisible_a mind_n have_v from_o the_o beginning_n the_o word_n in_o himself_o 2_o that_o in_o the_o begin_n the_o word_n be_v with_o god_n and_o so_o solomon_n when_o he_o will_v express_v the_o eternity_n of_o wisdom_n say_v it_o be_v with_o god_n and_o so_o likewise_o the_o son_n of_o sirach_n speak_v of_o wisdom_n say_v it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o god_n and_o so_o the_o ancient_a jew_n often_o call_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o word_n which_o be_v before_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v with_o he_o or_o in_o his_o presence_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o evangelist_n say_v here_o that_o the_o word_n be_v with_o god_n that_o be_v it_o be_v always_o together_o with_o he_o partake_v of_o his_o happiness_n and_o glory_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n refer_v in_o his_o prayer_n 5._o glorify_v i_o with_o thy_o own_o self_n with_o the_o glory_n which_o i_o have_v with_o thou_o before_o the_o world_n be_v and_o this_o be_v with_o god_n the_o evangelist_n oppose_v to_o his_o appear_v and_o be_v manifest_v to_o the_o world_n v_o 10._o he_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o he_o and_o the_o world_n know_v he_o not_o that_o be_v he_o who_o from_o all_o eternity_n be_v with_o god_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o when_o he_o do_v so_o though_o he_o have_v make_v the_o world_n yet_o the_o world_n will_v not_o own_v he_o and_o this_o opposition_n between_o his_o be_v with_o god_n and_o his_o be_v manifest_v in_o the_o world_n the_o same_o st._n john_n mention_n elsewhere_o 2._o i_o show_v unto_o you_o that_o eternal_a life_n which_o be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o be_v manifest_v unto_o we_o 3_o that_o he_o be_v god_n and_o so_o justin_n martyr_n say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v god_n before_o the_o world_n that_o be_v from_o all_o eternity_n but_o then_o the_o evangelist_n add_v by_o way_n of_o explication_n the_o same_o be_v in_o the_o begin_n with_o god_n that_o be_v though_o the_o word_n be_v true_o and_o real_o god_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o god_n the_o father_n who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o the_o deity_n but_o a_o emanation_n from_o he_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n from_o all_o eternity_n with_o he_o to_o denote_v to_o we_o that_o which_o be_v common_o call_v by_o divine_n and_o for_o any_o thing_n i_o can_v ever_o see_v proper_o enough_o the_o distinction_n of_o person_n in_o the_o deity_n at_o least_o we_o know_v not_o a_o fit_a word_n whereby_o to_o express_v that_o great_a mystery_n four_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o this_o seem_v to_o refer_v to_o the_o description_n which_o moses_n make_v of_o the_o creation_n 1._o where_o god_n be_v represent_v create_v thing_n by_o his_o word_n god_n say_v let_v there_o be_v light_n and_o there_o be_v light_a and_o so_o likewise_o the_o psalmist_n 6._o by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o heaven_n make_v and_o all_o the_o host_n of_o they_o by_o the_o breath_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o so_o st._n peter_n also_o express_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o heaven_n be_v of_o old_a 5._o and_o the_o earth_n make_v out_o of_o water_n and_o in_o the_o ancient_a book_n of_o the_o chaldean_n and_o the_o verse_n ascribe_v to_o orpheus_n the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n be_v call_v the_o word_n and_o the_o divine_a word_n and_o so_o tertullian_n tell_v the_o pagan_n that_o by_o their_o philosopher_n the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n or_o reason_n and_o philo_n the_o jew_n follow_v plato_n who_o himself_o most_o probable_o have_v it_o from_o the_o jew_n say_v that_o the_o world_n be_v create_v by_o the_o word_n who_o he_o call_v the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n two_o of_o which_o glorious_a title_n be_v ascribe_v to_o he_o together_o with_o that_o of_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n in_o these_o last_o day_n say_v he_o god_n have_v speak_v to_o we_o by_o his_o son_n by_o who_o also_o he_o make_v the_o world_n who_o be_v the_o brightness_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n st._n paul_n 17._o speak_v of_o christ_n call_v he_o the_o image_n of_o the_o invisible_a god_n the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n that_o be_v bear_v before_o any_o thing_n be_v create_v as_o do_v evident_o follow_v from_o the_o reason_n give_v in_o the_o next_o word_n why_o he_o call_v he_o the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n for_o by_o he_o be_v all_o thing_n create_v that_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n visible_a and_o invisible_a all_o thing_n be_v create_v by_o he_o and_o for_o he_o and_o he_o be_v before_o all_o thing_n and_o by_o he_o all_o thing_n subsist_v from_o whence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o by_o his_o be_v the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n thus_o much_o at_o least_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v that_o he_o be_v before_o all_o creature_n and_o therefore_o he_o himself_o can_v be_v a_o creature_n unless_o he_o can_v be_v before_o himself_o nay_o the_o apostle_n say_v it_o express_o in_o this_o very_a text_n in_o which_o he_o be_v call_v the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n or_o of_o the_o whole_a creation_n that_o he_o be_v before_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v he_o have_v a_o be_v before_o there_o be_v any_o create_v be_v he_o be_v before_o all_o creature_n both_o in_o duration_n and_o in_o dignity_n for_o so_o must_v he_o of_o necessity_n be_v if_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o for_o as_o
the_o maker_n be_v always_o before_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v make_v so_o be_v he_o also_o better_o and_o of_o great_a dignity_n and_o yet_o i_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o small_a difficulty_n in_o the_o interpretation_n i_o have_v give_v of_o this_o expression_n in_o which_o christ_n be_v say_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n or_o of_o the_o whole_a creation_n because_o in_o strictness_n of_o speech_n the_o first-born_a be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o those_o in_o respect_n of_o who_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o first-born_a and_o if_o so_o than_o he_o must_v be_v a_o creature_n as_o well_o as_o those_o in_o respect_n of_o who_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o first-born_a this_o be_v the_o objection_n in_o its_o full_a strength_n and_o i_o do_v own_o it_o to_o have_v a_o very_a plausible_a appearance_n and_o yet_o i_o hope_v before_o i_o have_v do_v to_o satisfy_v any_o one_o that_o will_v consider_v thing_n impartial_o and_o without_o prejudice_n and_o will_v due_o attend_v to_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n reason_v in_o this_o text_n and_o compare_v it_o with_o other_o parallel_a place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o it_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v the_o apostle_n meaning_n in_o affirm_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n to_o insinuate_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v a_o creature_n for_o how_o can_v this_o possible_o agree_v with_o that_o which_o follow_v and_o be_v give_v as_o the_o reason_n why_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n namely_o because_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o the_o apostle_n word_n be_v these_o the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n or_o of_o the_o whole_a creation_n for_o by_o he_o all_o thing_n be_v create_v but_o now_o according_a to_o the_o socinian_n interpretation_n this_o will_v be_v a_o reason_n just_o the_o contrary_a way_n for_o if_o all_o thing_n be_v create_v by_o he_o than_o he_o himself_o be_v not_o a_o creature_n so_o that_o the_o apostle_n meaning_n in_o this_o expression_n must_v either_o be_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n our_o b._n saviour_n be_v before_o all_o creature_n as_o it_o be_v say_v present_o after_o that_o he_o be_v before_o all_o thing_n and_o then_o the_o reason_n which_o be_v add_v will_v be_v very_o proper_a and_o pertinent_a he_o be_v before_o all_o thing_n because_o all_o thing_n be_v create_v by_o he_o in_o which_o sense_n it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n elsewhere_o call_v himself_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n 14._o mean_v by_o it_o as_o the_o philosopher_n most_o frequent_o use_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o principle_n or_o efficient_a cause_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o so_o we_o find_v the_o same_o word_n which_o our_o translation_n render_v the_o beginning_n use_v together_o with_o the_o word_n first-born_a as_o if_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o importance_n the_o beginning_n and_o first-born_a from_o the_o dead_a 18._o that_o be_v the_o principle_n and_o efficient_a cause_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a or_o else_o which_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v the_o most_o probable_a and_o indeed_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o expression_n by_o this_o title_n of_o the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n the_o apostle_n mean_v that_o he_o be_v lord_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o creation_n for_o the_o first-born_a be_v natural_a heir_n and_o justinian_n tell_v we_o that_o heir_n do_v ancient_o signify_v lord_n and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n use_v these_o term_n promiscuous_o and_o as_o if_o they_o be_v equivalent_a 36._o for_o whereas_o st._n peter_n faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o he_o be_v lord_n of_o all_o st._n paul_n call_v he_o heir_n of_o all_o thing_n 14._o and_o then_o the_o reason_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n why_o he_o call_v he_o the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n will_v be_v very_o fit_a and_o proper_a because_o all_o thing_n be_v create_v by_o he_o for_o well_o may_v he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v lord_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o creation_n who_o make_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v and_o without_o who_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n make_v that_o be_v make_v and_o this_o will_v yet_o appear_v much_o more_o evident_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n who_o by_o several_a of_o the_o ancient_n be_v think_v to_o be_v st._n paul_n where_o he_o give_v to_o christ_n some_o of_o the_o very_a same_o title_n which_o st._n paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o colossian_n have_v do_v call_v he_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n do_v instead_o of_o the_o title_n of_o the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n call_v he_o the_o heir_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o then_o add_v as_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o title_n that_o by_o he_o god_n make_v the_o world_n god_n say_v he_o have_v in_o these_o last_o day_n speak_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o son_n who_o he_o have_v constitute_v heir_n of_o all_o thing_n who_o be_v the_o brightness_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n and_o uphold_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o power_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v exact_o parallel_v with_o that_o passage_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o colossian_n where_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o image_n of_o the_o invisible_a god_n and_o where_o it_o be_v likewise_o say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o make_v all_o thing_n and_o that_o by_o he_o all_o thing_n do_v subsist_v which_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n in_o different_a word_n but_o to_o the_o very_a same_o sense_n express_v by_o his_o uphold_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o power_n that_o be_v by_o the_o same_o powerful_a word_n by_o which_o all_o thing_n at_o first_o be_v make_v but_o then_o instead_o of_o call_v he_o the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n because_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o he_o call_v he_o the_o heir_n of_o all_o thing_n by_o who_o god_n also_o make_v the_o world_n and_o indeed_o that_o expression_n of_o the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n can_v admit_v of_o any_o other_o sense_n which_o will_v agree_v so_o well_o with_o the_o reason_n that_o follow_v as_o the_o sense_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v namely_o that_o he_o be_v therefore_o heir_n and_o lord_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n because_o all_o creature_n be_v make_v by_o he_o which_o exact_o answer_v those_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n who_o he_o have_v constitute_v heir_n of_o all_o thing_n by_o who_o also_o he_o make_v the_o world_n and_o now_o i_o apppeal_v to_o any_o sober_a and_o considerate_a man_n whether_o the_o interpretation_n which_o i_o have_v give_v of_o that_o expression_n of_o the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n be_v not_o much_o more_o agreeable_a both_o to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o the_o plain_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n argument_n and_o reason_n in_o that_o text._n i_o have_v insist_v the_o long_a upon_o this_o because_o it_o be_v the_o great_a text_n upon_o which_o the_o arian_n lay_v the_o main_a strength_n and_o stress_n of_o their_o opinion_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v a_o creature_n because_o he_o be_v say_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n by_o which_o expression_n if_o no_o more_o be_v mean_v than_o that_o he_o be_v heir_n and_o lord_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n which_o i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v very_o agreeable_a both_o to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n first_o bear_v among_o the_o hebrew_n and_o likewise_o to_o the_o description_n give_v of_o christ_n in_o that_o parallel_n text_n which_o i_o cite_v out_o of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n than_o this_o expression_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v of_o every_o creature_n be_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o the_o purpose_n either_o of_o the_o arian_n or_o the_o 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be_v make_v flesh_n and_o bear_v of_o the_o b._n virgin_n his_o mother_n this_o then_o in_o short_a be_v the_o interpretation_n which_o they_o give_v of_o this_o passage_n than_o which_o i_o think_v nothing_o can_v be_v more_o unnatural_a and_o violent_a in_o the_o beginning_n this_o they_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n have_v to_o refer_v to_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n but_o to_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v when_o the_o gospel_n first_o begin_v to_o be_v publish_v then_o be_v christ_n and_o not_o before_o and_o he_o be_v with_o god_n that_o be_v say_v socinus_n christ_n as_o he_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v afterward_o by_o he_o reveal_v to_o the_o world_n be_v first_o only_o know_v to_o god_n but_o all_o this_o be_v somewhat_o hard_o first_o to_o understand_v by_o the_o beginning_n not_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n but_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o then_o by_o the_o word_n which_o be_v with_o god_n to_o understand_v the_o gospel_n which_o before_o it_o be_v reveal_v be_v only_o know_v to_o god_n they_o have_v upon_o second_o thought_n find_v out_o another_o meaning_n of_o those_o word_n and_o the_o word_n be_v with_o god_n that_o be_v faith_n schlictingius_n christ_n be_v take_v up_o by_o god_n into_o heaven_n and_o there_o instruct_v in_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n and_o from_o thence_o send_v down_o into_o the_o world_n again_o to_o declare_v it_o to_o mankind_n and_o the_o word_n be_v god_n that_o be_v say_v they_o christ_n have_v the_o honour_n and_o title_n of_o god_n confer_v upon_o he_o as_o magistrate_n also_o have_v who_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v call_v god_n he_o be_v god_n not_o by_o nature_n but_o by_o office_n and_o by_o divine_a constitution_n and_o appointment_n all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o this_o they_o will_v needs_o have_v to_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o renovation_n and_o reformation_n of_o the_o world_n by_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v several_a time_n in_o scripture_n call_v a_o new_a creation_n this_o in_o short_a be_v the_o sum_n of_o their_o interpretation_n of_o this_o passage_n which_o i_o shall_v now_o examine_v and_o to_o which_o i_o shall_v oppose_v three_o thing_n as_o so_o many_o invincible_a prejudices_fw-la against_o it_o first_o that_o not_o only_o all_o the_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v find_v all_o interpreter_n whatsoever_o for_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n together_o do_v understand_v this_o passage_n of_o st._n john_n in_o a_o quite_o different_a sense_n namely_o of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o material_a and_o not_o of_o the_o renovation_n of_o the_o moral_a world_n and_o i_o add_v further_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n do_v so_o understand_v this_o passage_n as_o to_o collect_v from_o it_o as_o a_o undoubted_a point_n of_o christianity_n that_o the_o word_n have_v a_o real_a existence_n before_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o b._n virgin_n and_o thus_o not_o only_o the_o orthodox_n christian_n but_o even_o the_o arian_n and_o amelius_n the_o platonist_n who_o be_v a_o more_o indifferent_a judge_n then_o either_o of_o they_o do_v understand_v this_o passage_n of_o st._n john_n without_o any_o thought_n of_o this_o invention_n that_o he_o speak_v not_o of_o the_o old_a but_o of_o the_o new_a creation_n of_o the_o world_n by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o reformation_n of_o mankind_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o i_o dare_v say_v no_o indifferent_a reader_n of_o st._n john_n that_o have_v not_o be_v prepossess_v and_o bias_v by_o some_o violent_a prejudice_n will_v ever_o have_v think_v of_o and_o sure_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o considerable_a in_o this_o case_n that_o the_o most_o ancient_a christian_a writer_n ignatius_n justin_n martyr_n athenagoras_n
irenaeus_n tertullian_n and_o even_o origen_n himself_o who_o be_v call_v the_o father_n of_o interpreter_n be_v most_o express_a and_o positive_a in_o this_o matter_n for_o ignatius_n be_v the_o scholar_n of_o polycarp_n who_o be_v a_o disciple_n of_o st._n john_n and_o justin_n martyr_v live_v in_o the_o next_o age_n to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o origen_n be_v a_o man_n of_o infinite_a learning_n and_o read_v and_o in_o his_o comment_n upon_o scripture_n seem_v to_o have_v consider_v all_o the_o interpretation_n of_o those_o that_o be_v before_o he_o so_o that_o if_o this_o which_o socinus_n be_v so_o confident_a be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o st._n john_n have_v be_v any_o where_o extant_a he_o will_v not_o probable_o have_v omit_v it_o nay_o rather_o will_v certain_o have_v mention_v it_o if_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n yet_o for_o the_o surprise_a novelty_n and_o strangeness_n of_o it_o with_o which_o he_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v overmuch_o delight_v so_o that_o if_o this_o 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other_o be_v sufficient_a to_o stagger_v any_o prudent_a man_n belief_n of_o this_o interpretation_n and_o as_o to_o the_o novelty_n of_o it_o socinus_n himself_o make_v no_o difficulty_n to_o own_v it_o nay_o he_o seem_v rather_o to_o rejoice_v and_o to_o applaud_v himself_o in_o it_o unhappy_a man_n that_o be_v so_o wed_v to_o his_o own_o opinion_n that_o no_o objection_n no_o difficulty_n can_v divorce_v he_o from_o it_o and_o for_o this_o i_o refer_v myself_o to_o his_o preface_n to_o his_o explication_n of_o this_o first_o chapter_n of_o st._n john_n gospel_n where_o you_o shall_v find_v these_o word_n concern_v the_o passage_n now_o in_o controversy_n quorum_fw-la verus_fw-la sensus_fw-la omnium_fw-la prorsus_fw-la qui_fw-la quidem_fw-la extarent_fw-la explanatores_fw-la latuisse_fw-la videtur_fw-la the_o true_a sense_n of_o which_o word_n say_v he_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v hide_v from_o all_o the_o expositor_n that_o ever_o be_v extant_a and_o upon_o those_o word_n v_o 10._o he_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o he_o he_o have_v this_o expression_n quid_fw-la autem_fw-la hoc_fw-la loco_fw-la sibi_fw-la velit_fw-la johannes_n à _fw-la nemine_fw-la quod_fw-la sciam_fw-la adhuc_fw-la rectè_fw-la expositum_fw-la fuit_fw-la but_o what_o st._n john_n mean_v in_o this_o place_n be_v never_o yet_o that_o i_o know_v of_o by_o any_o man_n right_o explain_v and_o schlictingius_n after_o he_o with_o more_o confidence_n but_o much_o less_o decency_n tell_v we_o that_o concern_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o expression_n in_o the_o beginning_n and_o of_o those_o which_o follow_v concern_v the_o word_n the_o ancient_a interpreter_n do_v ab_fw-la apostoli_fw-la ment_fw-la delirare_fw-la go_v so_o far_o from_o the_o apostle_n meaning_n as_o if_o they_o have_v rave_v and_o be_v out_o of_o their_o wit_n which_o be_v so_o extravagant_o say_v and_o with_o so_o much_o contempt_n of_o those_o great_a and_o venerable_a name_n who_o be_v the_o chief_a propagater_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o who_o all_o age_n do_v so_o just_o pay_v a_o reverence_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v say_v in_o excuse_n of_o he_o but_o only_o that_o it_o be_v not_o usual_a with_o he_o to_o fall_v into_o such_o rash_a and_o rude_a expression_n but_o the_o man_n be_v real_o pinch_v by_o so_o plain_a and_o press_v a_o text_n and_o where_o reason_n be_v weak_a and_o blunt_a passion_n must_v be_v whet_v the_o only_a weapon_n that_o be_v leave_v when_o reason_n fail_v and_o i_o always_o take_v it_o for_o grane_v that_o no_o man_n be_v ever_o angry_a with_o his_o adversary_n but_o for_o want_n of_o a_o better_a argument_n to_o support_v his_o cause_n and_o yet_o to_o do_v right_a to_o the_o writer_n on_o that_o side_n i_o must_v own_o that_o general_o they_o be_v a_o pattern_n of_o the_o fair_a way_n of_o dispute_v and_o of_o debate_v matter_n of_o religion_n without_o heat_n and_o unseemly_a reflection_n upon_o their_o adversary_n in_o the_o 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the_o generality_n of_o the_o popish_a writer_n and_o even_o of_o the_o jesuit_n themselves_o who_o pretend_v to_o all_o the_o reason_n and_o subtlety_n in_o the_o world_n be_v in_o comparison_n of_o they_o but_o mere_a scold_n and_o bungler_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n they_o have_v but_o this_o one_o great_a defect_n that_o they_o want_v a_o good_a cause_n and_o truth_n on_o their_o side_n which_o if_o they_o have_v they_o have_v reason_n and_o wit_n and_o temper_n enough_o to_o defend_v it_o but_o to_o return_v to_o the_o business_n that_o which_o i_o urge_v they_o withal_o and_o that_o from_o their_o own_o confession_n be_v this_o that_o this_o interpretation_n of_o they_o be_v perfect_o new_a and_o unknown_a to_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n before_o socinus_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n in_o my_o opinion_n not_o to_o be_v brag_v of_o because_o it_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o say_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o a_o point_n pretend_v on_o both_o side_n to_o be_v 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the_o divinity_n for_o so_o it_o immediate_o follow_v 30._o his_o disciple_n say_v unto_o he_o lord_n now_o speak_v thou_o plain_o and_o speak_v no_o parable_n now_o be_v we_o sure_a that_o thou_o know_v all_o thing_n and_o need_v not_o that_o any_o man_n shall_v ask_v thou_o by_o this_o we_o believe_v that_o thou_o come_v forth_o from_o god_n so_o that_o either_o this_o which_o i_o have_v all_o along_o declare_v must_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o our_o saviour_n word_n or_o else_o his_o disciple_n be_v gross_o mistake_v and_o do_v not_o understand_v he_o at_o all_o and_o if_o so_o then_o sure_o our_o saviour_n before_o he_o have_v proceed_v any_o further_o will_v have_v correct_v their_o mistake_n and_o have_v set_v they_o right_o in_o this_o matter_n but_o so_o far_o be_v he_o from_o do_v that_o that_o he_o allow_v they_o to_o have_v understand_v he_o aright_o for_o thus_o it_o follow_v 31._o jesus_n answer_v they_o do_v you_o now_o believe_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o be_o glad_a that_o you_o be_v at_o last_o convince_v and_o do_v believe_v that_o i_o come_v from_o god_n and_o must_v return_v to_o he_o and_o that_o i_o know_v all_o thing_n which_o none_o but_o god_n can_v do_v be_v it_o now_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o read_v this_o passage_n and_o yet_o not_o to_o be_v convince_v that_o the_o disciple_n understand_v our_o saviour_n to_o speak_v literal_o but_o if_o his_o meaning_n be_v as_o the_o socinian_o will_v make_v we_o believe_v than_o the_o disciple_n do_v perfect_o mistake_v his_o word_n the_o contrary_a whereof_o be_v i_o think_v very_o plain_a and_o evident_a beyond_o all_o contradiction_n again_o 5._o and_o now_o o_o father_n glorify_v i_o with_o thy_o own_o self_n with_o the_o glory_n which_o i_o have_v with_o thou_o before_o the_o world_n be_v this_o sure_o be_v not_o speak_v of_o his_o be_v with_o god_n after_o his_o incarnation_n and_o before_o his_o entrance_n upon_o his_o public_a ministry_n they_o have_v not_o i_o think_v the_o face_n to_o understand_v this_o expression_n before_o the_o world_n be_v of_o the_o new_a creation_n but_o do_v endeavour_n to_o avoid_v it_o another_o way_n which_o i_o shall_v consider_v by_o and_o by_o and_o a_o little_a after_o 8._o i_o have_v give_v they_o the_o word_n which_o thou_o give_v i_o and_o they_o have_v receive_v they_o and_o know_v assure_o that_o i_o come_v from_o thou_o and_o that_o thou_o do_v send_v i_o again_o 2._o that_o which_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v which_o we_o have_v see_v with_o our_o eye_n which_o we_o have_v look_v upon_o and_o our_o hand_n have_v handle_v of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n for_o the_o life_n be_v manifest_v and_o we_o have_v see_v it_o and_o bear_v witness_n and_o show_v unto_o you_o that_o eternal_a life_n for_o so_o he_o call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o be_v manifest_v unto_o we_o and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o only_o with_o god_n before_o he_o assume_v human_a nature_n but_o also_o be_v real_o god_n st._n paul_n tell_v we_o 8._o let_v this_o mind_n be_v in_o you_o which_o be_v also_o in_o christ_n jesus_n who_o be_v in_o the_o form_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o arrogate_v to_o himself_o to_o be_v equal_a with_o god_n that_o be_v he_o make_v no_o ostentation_n of_o his_o divinity_n for_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o that_o phrase_n both_o because_o it_o be_v so_o use_v by_o plutarch_n and_o because_o it_o make_v the_o sense_n much_o more_o easy_a and_o current_a thus_o who_o be_v in_o the_o form_n of_o god_n do_v not_o assume_v a_o equality_n with_o god_n that_o be_v he_o do_v not_o appear_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o divinity_n which_o be_v hide_v under_o a_o veil_n of_o human_a flesh_n and_o infirmity_n but_o he_o empty_v himself_o and_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n and_o be_v make_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n and_o be_v find_v in_o fashion_n as_o a_o man_n or_o in_o the_o habit_n of_o a_o man_n he_o become_v obedient_a to_o the_o death_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o if_o his_o be_v make_v in_o the_o likeness_n and_o fashion_n of_o a_o man_n do_v signify_v that_o he_o be_v real_o man_n by_o his_o incarnation_n then_o sure_o his_o be_v in_o the_o form_n of_o god_n when_o he_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o fashion_n and_o likeness_n of_o man_n and_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n or_o slave_n must_v in_o all_o reason_n signify_v that_o he_o be_v real_o god_n before_o he_o become_v man_n for_o which_o reason_n the_o same_o apostle_n do_v not_o doubt_v to_o say_v that_o god_n be_v manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n 16._o and_o now_o i_o hope_v that_o i_o have_v make_v it_o full_o appear_v that_o the_o begin_n of_o st._n john_n gospel_n be_v not_o the_o single_a and_o only_a text_n upon_o which_o we_o ground_n this_o great_a doctrine_n as_o socinus_n call_v it_o and_o as_o we_o real_o esteem_v it_o to_o be_v for_o you_o see_v that_o i_o have_v produce_v a_o great_a many_o more_o to_o avoid_v the_o dint_n and_o force_n whereof_o the_o socinian_o do_v chief_o make_v use_n of_o these_o two_o answer_n first_o to_o those_o text_n which_o say_v that_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n they_o give_v this_o answer_n that_o our_o saviour_n some_o time_n before_o his_o entrance_n upon_o his_o public_a ministry_n they_o can_v agree_v precise_o when_o be_v take_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o then_o and_o there_o have_v the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v to_o he_o and_o be_v send_v down_o from_o heaven_n again_o to_o make_v it_o know_v to_o the_o world_n this_o be_v so_o very_o
be_v entangle_v and_o that_o which_o man_n be_v please_v to_o call_v a_o explain_n of_o it_o do_v in_o my_o apprehension_n often_o make_v it_o more_o obscure_a that_o be_v less_o plain_a than_o it_o be_v before_o which_o do_v not_o so_o very_o well_o agree_v with_o a_o pretence_n of_o explication_n here_o than_o i_o fix_v my_o foot_n that_o there_o be_v three_o difference_n in_o the_o deity_n which_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o by_o the_o name_n of_o father_n son_n and_o h._n ghost_n and_o every_o where_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o we_o use_v to_o do_v of_o three_o distinct_a person_n and_o therefore_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o in_o this_o argument_n we_o shall_v nice_o abstain_v from_o use_v the_o word_n person_n though_o i_o remember_v that_o st._n jerome_n do_v somewhere_o desire_v to_o be_v excuse_v from_o it_o now_o concern_v these_o three_o i_o may_v in_o the_o first_o place_n urge_v that_o plain_a and_o express_a text_n 7._o there_o be_v three_o that_o bear_v record_n in_o 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can_v neither_o comprehend_v nor_o explain_v let_v we_o now_o see_v whether_o the_o opinion_n of_o our_o adversary_n have_v not_o great_a difficulty_n in_o it_o and_o more_o palpable_a absurdity_n follow_v from_o it_o they_o say_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v a_o mere_a creature_n not_o god_n by_o nature_n and_o yet_o true_o and_o real_o god_n by_o office_n and_o by_o divine_a appointment_n and_o constitution_n to_o who_o the_o very_a same_o honour_n and_o worship_n be_v to_o be_v give_v which_o we_o give_v to_o he_o who_o be_v god_n by_o nature_n and_o can_v they_o discern_v no_o difficulty_n no_o absurdity_n in_o this_o what_o no_o absurdity_n in_o bring_v idolatry_n by_o a_o backdoor_n into_o the_o christian_a religion_n one_o main_a design_n whereof_o be_v to_o banish_v idolatry_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o will_v they_o in_o good_a earnest_n contest_v this_o matter_n with_o we_o that_o the_o give_v divine_a worship_n to_o a_o mere_a creature_n be_v not_o idolatry_n and_o can_v they_o vindicate_v themselves_o in_o this_o point_n any_o other_o way_n than_o what_o will_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n acquit_v both_o the_o pagan_n and_o the_o papist_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o idolatry_n what_o no_o absurdity_n in_o a_o god_n as_o it_o be_v but_o of_o yesterday_o in_o a_o creature_n god_n in_o a_o god_n mere_o by_o positive_a institution_n and_o this_o in_o opposition_n to_o a_o plain_a moral_a precept_n of_o eternal_a obligation_n and_o to_o the_o fix_a and_o immutable_a nature_n and_o reason_n of_o thing_n so_o that_o to_o avoid_v the_o shadow_n and_o appearance_n of_o a_o plurality_n of_o deity_n they_o run_v real_o into_o it_o and_o for_o any_o thing_n i_o can_v see_v into_o downright_a idolatry_n 25._o by_o worship_v a_o creature_n beside_o the_o creator_n who_o be_v bless_v for_o ever_o they_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n allow_v two_o god_n by_o nature_n no_o more_o can_v we_o but_o they_o can_v willing_o admit_v of_o two_o god_n the_o one_o by_o nature_n and_o the_o other_o by_o office_n to_o who_o they_o be_v content_a to_o pay_v the_o same_o honour_n which_o be_v due_a to_o he_o who_o be_v god_n by_o nature_n provide_v christ_n will_v be_v content_v to_o be_v but_o a_o creature_n they_o will_v deal_v more_o liberal_o with_o he_o in_o another_o way_n than_o in_o reason_n be_v fit_a and_o do_v they_o see_v no_o absurdity_n in_o all_o this_o nothing_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o good_a sense_n nothing_o that_o feel_v like_o inconsistency_n and_o contradiction_n do_v they_o consider_v how_o often_o god_n have_v declare_v that_o he_o will_v not_o give_v his_o glory_n to_o another_o and_o that_o the_o apostle_n describe_v idolatry_n to_o be_v the_o giving_z service_n 8._o or_o worship_n to_o thing_n which_o by_o nature_n be_v no_o god_n sure_o if_o reason_n guide_v by_o divine_a revelation_n be_v to_o choose_v a_o god_n it_o will_v make_v choice_n of_o one_o who_o be_v declare_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o only_o 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h._n scripture_n god_n sure_o have_v not_o deal_v so_o hardly_o with_o mankind_n as_o to_o make_v any_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o practise_v by_o we_o which_o he_o have_v not_o make_v sufficient_o plain_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o unlearned_a as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o learned_a god_n forbid_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o to_o get_v to_o heaven_n without_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o learning_n to_o direct_v and_o carry_v he_o thither_o when_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n have_v no_o learning_n at_o all_o it_o be_v well_o say_v by_o erasmus_n that_o it_o be_v never_o well_o with_o the_o christian_a world_n since_o it_o begin_v to_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o so_o much_o subtlety_n and_o wit_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o true_a christian_a sermon_n iii_o concern_v the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n preach_v in_o the_o church_n of_o st._n laurence_n jewry_n december_n 21._o 1680._o john_n i_o 14._o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n the_o last_o year_n about_o this_o time_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o occasion_n of_o the_o annual_a commemoration_n of_o the_o incarnation_n and_o nativity_n of_o our_o b._n lord_n and_o saviour_n i_o begin_v to_o discourse_v to_o you_o upon_o these_o word_n in_o which_o i_o tell_v you_o be_v contain_v three_o great_a point_n concern_v our_o saviour_n the_o author_n and_o founder_n of_o our_o religion_n first_o his_o incarnation_n the_o word_n be_v make_v or_o become_v flesh_n second_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n here_o among_o we_o and_o dwell_v among_o we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o pitch_v his_o tabernacle_n among_o we_o he_o live_v here_o below_o in_o this_o world_n and_o for_o some_o time_n make_v his_o residence_n and_o abode_n with_o we_o three_o that_o in_o this_o state_n of_o his_o humiliation_n he_o give_v great_a and_o clear_a evidence_n of_o his_o divinity_n whilst_o he_o appear_v as_o a_o man_n and_o live_v among_o we_o there_o be_v great_a and_o glorious_a testimony_n give_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o in_o so_o peculiar_a a_o manner_n as_o no_o creature_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v and_o we_o behold_v his_o glory_n the_o glory_n as_o of_o the_o only_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o namely_o his_o incarnation_n the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n for_o the_o full_a and_o clear_a explication_n of_o which_o word_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n i._o the_o person_n here_o speak_v of_o and_o who_o it_o be_v that_o be_v here_o say_v to_o be_v incarnate_a or_o make_v flesh_n namely_o the_o word_n and_o this_o i_o have_v handle_v at_o large_a in_o my_o two_o former_a discourse_n upon_o this_o text._n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v in_o the_o ii_o second_o place_n to_o give_v some_o account_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o manner_n of_o this_o incarnation_n so_o far_o as_o the_o scripture_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o reveal_v and_o declare_v this_o mystery_n to_o we_o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n that_o be_v he_o who_o be_v personal_o call_v the_o word_n and_o who_o the_o evangelist_n have_v so_o full_o and_o clear_o describe_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o gospel_n he_o become_v flesh_n that_o be_v assume_v our_o nature_n and_o become_v man_n for_o so_o the_o word_n flesh_n be_v frequent_o use_v in_o scripture_n for_o man_n or_o human_a nature_n so_o that_o by_o the_o word_n be_v become_v flesh_n that_o be_v man_n the_o evangelist_n do_v not_o only_o intend_v to_o express_v to_o we_o that_o he_o assume_v a_o human_a body_n without_o a_o soul_n but_o that_o he_o become_v a_o perfect_a man_n consist_v of_o soul_n and_o body_n unite_v it_o be_v very_o probable_a indeed_o that_o the_o evangelist_n do_v purposely_o choose_v the_o word_n flesh_n which_o signify_v the_o frail_a and_o mortal_a part_n of_o humanity_n to_o denote_v to_o we_o the_o great_a condescension_n of_o the_o 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scripture_n and_o especial_o with_o what_o be_v so_o often_o say_v of_o our_o saviour_n be_v a_o sacrifice_n which_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n further_o to_o urge_v by_o and_o by_o i_o say_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o expression_n if_o well_o consider_v will_v appear_v to_o any_o man_n that_o be_v not_o contentious_a to_o signify_v our_o saviour_n suffering_n instead_o of_o the_o sinner_n but_o not_o to_o argue_v from_o word_n and_o phrase_n i_o will_v produce_v two_o text_n which_o declare_v this_o matter_n so_o plain_o that_o the_o force_n of_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v avoid_v without_o the_o most_o shameful_a wrest_n and_o pervert_v of_o they_o this_o be_v my_o commandment_n 12._o say_v our_o saviour_n that_o you_o love_v one_o another_o as_o i_o have_v love_v you_o 13._o how_o be_v that_o he_o declare_v in_o the_o next_o word_n great_a love_n than_o this_o have_v no_o man_n that_o a_o man_n lie_v down_o his_o life_n for_o his_o friend_n that_o be_v that_o he_o be_v content_v to_o die_v in_o his_o stead_n and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n st._n paul_n 8._o for_o when_o you_o be_v yet_o sinner_n in_o due_a time_n christ_n die_v for_o the_o ungodly_a now_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o by_o this_o expression_n of_o christ_n die_v for_o the_o ungodly_a be_v mean_v only_o his_o die_n for_o the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o sinner_n but_o not_o his_o die_v in_o their_o stead_n this_o let_v the_o word_n which_o immediate_o follow_v determine_v for_o scarce_o for_o a_o righteous_a man_n will_v one_o die_v yet_o peradventure_o for_o a_o good_a man_n one_o will_v even_o dare_v to_o die_v but_o god_n commend_v his_o love_n to_o we_o in_o that_o whilst_o we_o be_v yet_o sinner_n christ_n die_v for_o we_o and_o now_o i_o appeal_v to_o any_o man_n of_o good_a sense_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o plain_a that_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o christ_n die_v for_o sinner_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n as_o one_o man_n be_v say_v to_o die_v for_o another_o that_o be_v 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one_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o a_o righteous_a man_n that_o be_v for_o one_o who_o be_v but_o strict_o just_a and_o honest_a and_o do_v no_o body_n wrong_v but_o for_o a_o good_a man_n that_o be_v for_o one_o that_o be_v kind_a and_o beneficial_a to_o all_o and_o have_v oblige_v mankind_n by_o great_a benefit_n some_o one_o may_v be_v find_v that_o will_v lay_v down_o his_o life_n to_o save_v the_o life_n of_o such_o a_o person_n but_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n have_v go_v far_o beyond_o this_o he_o die_v for_o sinner_n for_o those_o who_o be_v neither_o good_a man_n nor_o righteous_a but_o god_n commend_v his_o love_n to_o we_o in_o that_o whilst_o we_o be_v yet_o sinner_n christ_n die_v for_o we_o now_o where_o do_v the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n lie_v if_o not_o in_o this_o that_o christ_n have_v do_v that_o for_o we_o who_o be_v enemy_n and_o sinner_n which_o some_o very_a few_o person_n in_o the_o world_n have_v do_v for_o their_o friend_n or_o for_o some_o very_o eminent_o good_a man_n and_o what_o be_v that_o why_o they_o have_v lay_v down_o their_o life_n in_o their_o stead_n and_o so_o christ_n have_v do_v for_o we_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o very_a plain_n that_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n be_v possible_a to_o be_v avoid_v it_o be_v evident_a then_o from_o scripture_n that_o christ_n die_v not_o only_o for_o our_o advantage_n but_o in_o our_o stead_n as_o true_o and_o real_o as_o any_o man_n ever_o do_v or_o can_v die_v for_o another_o who_o lay_v down_o his_o own_o life_n to_o save_v another_o from_o death_n for_o if_o christ_n have_v not_o die_v we_o have_v perish_v everlasting_o and_o because_o he_o die_v we_o be_v save_v from_o eternal_a death_n and_o misery_n and_o though_o this_o be_v no_o where_o in_o scripture_n speak_v of_o by_o the_o name_n or_o term_v of_o satisfaction_n yet_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o price_n of_o our_o redemption_n which_o sure_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o effect_n with_o satisfaction_n for_o as_o we_o be_v sinner_n we_o be_v liable_a and_o as_o i_o may_v say_v indebt_v to_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n in_o our_o nature_n have_v discharge_v this_o obligation_n and_o pay_v this_o debt_n for_o we_o which_o discharge_v since_o it_o be_v obtain_v for_o we_o by_o the_o shed_n of_o christ_n blood_n and_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o without_o shed_v of_o blood_n there_o be_v no_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o since_o god_n be_v gracious_o please_v to_o accept_v of_o it_o for_o the_o debt_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o his_o justice_n and_o to_o declare_v himself_o full_o please_v and_o content_v with_o it_o why_o it_o may_v not_o proper_o enough_o be_v call_v payment_n or_o satisfaction_n i_o confess_v i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o understand_v man_n may_v eternal_o wrangle_v about_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o a_o frivolous_a contention_n what_o a_o trifle_n in_o serious_a matter_n what_o barratry_a in_o divinity_n be_v this_o not_o that_o god_n be_v angry_a with_o his_o son_n when_o he_o thus_o lay_v on_o he_o the_o iniquity_n of_o we_o all_o no_o he_o be_v always_o well_o please_v with_o he_o and_o never_o better_o than_o when_o he_o become_v obedient_a to_o the_o death_n even_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o bear_v our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o body_n on_o the_o tree_n nor_o yet_o that_o our_o saviour_n suffer_v the_o very_a same_o that_o the_o sinner_n shall_v have_v suffer_v namely_o the_o proper_a pain_n and_o torment_n of_o the_o damn_a but_o that_o his_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n be_v of_o that_o value_n and_o esteem_v with_o god_n and_o his_o voluntary_a sacrifice_n of_o himself_o so_o well-pleasing_a to_o he_o that_o he_o thereupon_o enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n with_o mankind_n wherein_o he_o have_v engage_v himself_o to_o forgive_v the_o sin_n of_o those_o who_o believe_v and_o repent_v and_o to_o make_v they_o partaker_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o hence_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v shed_v for_o we_o upon_o the_o cross_n be_v call_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o be_v the_o sanction_n of_o that_o new_a covenant_n into_o which_o god_n be_v enter_v with_o mankind_n and_o not_o only_o the_o sanction_n and_o confirmation_n of_o that_o covenant_n but_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o it_o for_o which_o reason_n the_o cup_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v call_v the_o new_a testament_n or_o as_o the_o word_n shall_v rather_o be_v render_v the_o new_a covenant_n in_o his_o blood_n which_o be_v shed_v for_o many_o for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o two_o d_o thing_n propound_v which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o the_o expiation_n of_o our_o sin_n be_v make_v by_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o nature_n and_o intention_n of_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n both_o among_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_a to_o which_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n so_o frequent_o compare_v and_o in_o point_n of_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n to_o take_v away_o sin_n infinite_o prefer_v to_o it_o now_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n be_v plain_o this_o to_o substitute_v one_o live_v creature_n to_o suffer_v and_o die_v instead_o of_o another_o so_o that_o what_o the_o sinner_n deserve_v to_o have_v suffer_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v do_v to_o the_o sacrifice_n that_o be_v it_o be_v slay_v to_o make_v a_o atonement_n for_o the_o sinner_n and_o though_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o hope_v for_o any_o such_o effect_n from_o the_o blood_n of_o bull_n or_o goat_n or_o of_o
have_v the_o same_o notion_n from_o the_o jew_n which_o make_v amelius_n the_o platonist_n when_o he_o read_v the_o beginning_n of_o st._n john_n gospel_n to_o say_v this_o barbarian_a agree_v with_o plato_n rank_v the_o word_n in_o the_o order_n of_o principle_n meaning_n that_o he_o make_v the_o word_n the_o principle_n or_o efficient_a cause_n of_o the_o world_n as_o plato_n also_o have_v do_v and_o this_o title_n of_o the_o word_n be_v so_o famous_o know_v to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o messiah_n that_o even_o the_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n take_v notice_n of_o it_o julian_n the_o apostate_n call_v christ_n by_o this_o name_n and_o mahomet_n in_o his_o koran_n give_v this_o name_n of_o the_o word_n to_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n but_o st._n john_n have_v probable_o no_o reference_n to_o plato_n any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o the_o gnostic_n against_o who_o he_o write_v make_v use_v of_o several_a of_o plato_n word_n and_o notion_n so_o that_o in_o all_o probability_n st._n john_n give_v our_o b._n saviour_n this_o title_n with_o regard_n to_o the_o jew_n more_o especial_o who_o ancient_o call_v the_o messiah_n by_o this_o name_n second_o we_o will_v in_o the_o next_o place_n consider_v what_o may_v probable_o be_v the_o occasion_n why_o this_o evangelist_n make_v so_o frequent_a mention_n of_o this_o title_n of_o the_o word_n and_o insist_o so_o much_o upon_o it_o and_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v this_o nay_o i_o think_v that_o hardly_o any_o doubt_n can_v be_v make_v of_o it_o since_o the_o most_o ancient_a of_o the_o father_n who_o live_v near_a the_o time_n of_o st._n john_n do_v confirm_v it_o to_o we_o st._n john_n who_o survive_v all_o the_o apostle_n live_v to_o see_v those_o heresy_n which_o spring_v up_o in_o the_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n during_o the_o life_n of_o the_o apostle_n grow_v up_o to_o a_o great_a height_n to_o the_o great_a prejudice_n and_o disturbance_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o mean_v the_o heresy_n of_o ebion_n and_o cerinthus_n and_o the_o several_a sect_n of_o the_o gnostic_n which_o begin_v from_o simon_n magus_n and_o be_v continue_v and_o carry_v on_o by_o valentinus_n and_o basilides_n carpocrates_n and_o menander_n some_o of_o which_o express_o deny_v the_o divinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n assert_v he_o to_o have_v be_v a_o mere_a man_n and_o to_o have_v have_v no_o manner_n of_o existence_n before_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o b._n virgin_n as_o eusebius_n and_o epiphanius_n tell_v we_o particular_o concern_v ebion_n which_o those_o who_o hold_v the_o same_o opinion_n now_o in_o our_o day_n may_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v from_o whence_o it_o have_v its_o original_a other_o of_o they_o i_o still_o mean_v the_o gnostic_n have_v corrupt_v the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n by_o mingle_v with_o it_o the_o fancy_n and_o conceit_n of_o the_o jewish_a cabalist_n and_o of_o the_o school_n of_o pythagoras_n and_o plato_n and_o of_o the_o chaldaean_a philosophy_n more_o ancient_a than_o either_o as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o eusebius_n de_fw-la preparat_fw-la evan._n and_o by_o jumble_v all_o these_o together_o they_o have_v frame_v a_o confuse_a genealogy_n of_o deity_n which_o they_o call_v by_o several_a glorious_a name_n and_o all_o of_o they_o by_o the_o general_a name_n of_o eon_n or_o age_n among_o which_o they_o reckon_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d &_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d &_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d &_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v the_o life_n and_o the_o word_n and_o the_o only_o beget_v and_o the_o fullness_n and_o many_o other_o divine_a power_n and_o emanation_n which_o they_o fancy_v to_o be_v successive_o derive_v from_o one_o another_o and_o they_o also_o distinguish_v between_o the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n who_o they_o call_v the_o god_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o god_n of_o the_o new_a and_o between_o jesus_n and_o christ_n jesus_n according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o cerinthus_n as_o irenaeus_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o man_n that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o virgin_n and_o christ_n or_o the_o messiah_n be_v that_o divine_a power_n or_o spirit_n which_o afterward_o descend_v into_o jesus_n and_o dwell_v in_o he_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a yet_o it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o go_v about_o to_o reconcile_v these_o wild_a conceit_n with_o one_o another_o and_o to_o find_v out_o for_o what_o reason_n they_o be_v invent_v unless_o it_o be_v to_o amuse_v the_o people_n with_o these_o high_a swell_a word_n of_o vanity_n and_o a_o pretence_n of_o knowledge_n false_o so_o call_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o allusion_n to_o the_o name_n of_o gnostic_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o man_n of_o knowledge_n which_o they_o proud_o assume_v to_o themselves_o as_o if_o the_o knowledge_n of_o mystery_n of_o a_o more_o sublime_a nature_n do_v peculiar_o belong_v to_o they_o in_o opposition_n to_o all_o these_o vain_a and_o groundless_a conceit_n st._n john_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o gospel_n choose_v to_o speak_v of_o our_o b._n saviour_n the_o history_n of_o who_o life_n and_o death_n he_o be_v go_v to_o write_v by_o the_o name_n or_o title_n of_o the_o word_n a_o term_n very_o famous_a among_o those_o sect_n and_o show_v that_o this_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v also_o the_o title_n the_o jew_n ancient_o give_v to_o the_o messiah_n do_v exist_v before_o he_o assume_v a_o human_a nature_n and_o even_o form_v all_o eternity_n and_o that_o to_o this_o eternal_a word_n do_v true_o belong_v all_o those_o title_n which_o they_o keep_v such_o a_o cant_a stir_n about_o and_o which_o they_o do_v with_o so_o much_o senseless_a nicety_n and_o subtlety_n distinguish_v from_o one_o another_o as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v so_o many_o several_a emanation_n from_o the_o deity_n and_o he_o show_v that_o this_o word_n of_o god_n be_v real_o and_o true_o the_o life_n and_o the_o light_n and_o the_o fullness_n and_o the_o only_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n v._n 5._o in_o he_o be_v the_o life_n and_o the_o life_n be_v the_o light_n of_o man_n and_o v_o 6._o and_o the_o light_n shine_v in_o darkness_n and_o the_o darkness_n comprehend_v it_o not_o and_o v_o 7_o 8_o 9_o where_o the_o evangelist_n speak_v of_o john_n the_o baptist_n say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o come_v for_o a_o witness_n to_o bear_v witness_n of_o the_o light_n and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o that_o light_n but_o be_v send_v to_o bear_v witness_n of_o that_o light_n and_o that_o light_n be_v the_o true_a light_n which_o come_v into_o the_o world_n enlighten_v every_o man_n and_o v_o 14._o and_o we_o behold_v his_o glory_n the_o glory_n as_o of_o the_o only_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n and_o v_o 16._o and_o of_o his_o fullness_n we_o all_o receive_v etc._n etc._n you_o see_v here_o be_v a_o perpetual_a allusion_n to_o the_o glorious_a title_n which_o they_o give_v to_o their_o aeons_n as_n if_o they_o have_v be_v so_o many_o several_a deity_n in_o short_a the_o evangelist_n show_v that_o all_o this_o fanciful_a genealogy_n of_o divine_a emanation_n with_o which_o the_o gnostic_n make_v so_o great_a a_o noise_n be_v mere_a conceit_n and_o imagination_n and_o that_o all_o these_o glorious_a title_n do_v real_o meet_v in_o the_o messiah_n who_o be_v the_o word_n and_o who_o before_o his_o incarnation_n be_v from_o all_o eternity_n with_o god_n partaker_n of_o his_o divine_a nature_n and_o glory_n i_o have_v declare_v this_o the_o more_o full_o and_o particular_o because_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a key_n to_o the_o interpretation_n of_o this_o discourse_n of_o st._n john_n concern_v our_o saviour_n under_o the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v a_o quite_o wrong_a way_n for_o any_o man_n to_o go_v about_o by_o the_o mere_a strength_n and_o subtlety_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o wit_n though_o never_o so_o great_a to_o interpret_v a_o ancient_a book_n without_o understanding_n and_o consider_v the_o historical_a occasion_n of_o it_o which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v give_v true_a light_n to_o it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a and_o fatal_a mistake_n of_o socinus_n to_o go_v to_o interpret_v scripture_n mere_o by_o criticise_v upon_o word_n and_o search_v into_o all_o the_o sense_n that_o they_o be_v possible_o capable_a of_o till_o he_o can_v find_v one_o though_o never_o so_o force_v and_o foreign_a that_o will_v save_v harmless_a the_o opinion_n which_o he_o be_v beforehand_o resolve_v to_o maintain_v even_o against_o the_o most_o natural_a and_o obvious_a sense_n of_o the_o text_n which_o he_o undertake_v to_o interpret_v just_o as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v interpret_v ancient_a statute_n and_o record_n by_o