be_v likely_a enough_o he_o think_v he_o to_o be_v some_o extraordinary_a person_n he_o know_v by_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o appear_v and_o know_v from_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n that_o the_o time_n for_o his_o come_n be_v accomplish_v nay_o it_o be_v probable_a he_o know_v all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o his_o birth_n and_o hear_v that_o â—…imony_n god_n give_v he_o at_o his_o bapâ—…_n this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n but_o he_o see_v he_o be_v a_o man_n though_o a_o extraordinary_a man_n and_o may_v not_o know_v that_o he_o be_v any_o thing_n more_o and_o have_v former_o foil_v our_o first_o parent_n in_o paradise_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n hope_v for_o the_o like_a success_n again_o now_o if_o christ_n himself_o be_v tempt_v by_o the_o devil_n none_o of_o we_o must_v hope_v to_o escape_v tempt_v we_o shall_v be_v and_o therefore_o must_v take_v care_n to_o stand_v upon_o our_o guard_n and_o to_o fortify_v our_o mind_n against_o all_o temptation_n and_o this_o encouragement_n we_o have_v from_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o to_o be_v tempt_v be_v no_o sin_n unless_o we_o yield_v to_o a_o temptation_n for_o he_o be_v tempt_v as_o we_o be_v yet_o without_o sin_n and_o we_o can_v imagine_v have_v it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o be_v tempt_v that_o god_n will_v have_v permit_v the_o devil_n to_o have_v tempt_v our_o saviour_n which_o may_v ease_v the_o fear_n of_o some_o melancholy_a christian_n who_o be_v afflict_v with_o evil_a and_o tempt_a thought_n which_o their_o soul_n abhor_v for_o whatever_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o thought_n be_v whether_o a_o fright_a and_o disturb_a imagination_n or_o the_o suggestion_n of_o wicked_a spirit_n they_o can_v no_o more_o defile_v the_o soul_n which_o abhor_v and_o reject_v they_o with_o grief_n and_o indignation_n than_o they_o can_v the_o paper_n on_o which_o they_o be_v write_v nay_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o god_n many_o time_n exercise_n those_o with_o the_o great_a and_o most_o difficult_a trial_n and_o temptation_n who_o be_v most_o dear_a to_o he_o he_o have_v no_o soon_o proclaim_v christ_n his_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o he_o be_v well_o please_v but_o he_o lead_v he_o by_o the_o spirit_n into_o the_o wilderness_n to_o be_v tempt_v of_o the_o devil_n this_o life_n be_v a_o state_n of_o trial_n and_o probation_n and_o temptation_n though_o they_o create_v some_o trouble_n and_o difficulty_n to_o good_a man_n yet_o do_v they_o no_o hurt_n if_o good_a man_n conquer_v temptation_n do_v but_o exercise_v increase_n and_o confirm_v their_o grace_n and_o make_v they_o great_a and_o illustrious_a example_n to_o the_o world_n glorify_v the_o divine_a power_n in_o the_o victory_n and_o triumph_n of_o his_o servant_n over_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n give_v they_o a_o secure_a hope_n in_o god_n and_o a_o transport_v sense_n of_o his_o love_n and_o prepare_v great_a reward_n for_o they_o in_o the_o next_o life_n and_o if_o they_o happen_v in_o any_o particular_a encounter_n to_o be_v overcome_v as_o st._n peter_n himself_o be_v when_o he_o deny_v his_o master_n yet_o they_o rise_v again_o with_o glory_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o the_o shame_n of_o a_o defeat_n fill_v they_o with_o sorrow_n indignation_n self-revenge_n give_v they_o new_a spirit_n vigour_n activity_n resolution_n make_v they_o more_o patient_a of_o hardship_n and_o suffering_n more_o unwearied_a in_o do_v good_a more_o humble_a and_o modest_a and_o more_o perfect_o resign_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o dispose_v of_o they_o and_o their_o service_n to_o his_o own_o glory_n as_o he_o please_v god_n do_v not_o train_v up_o those_o who_o he_o love_v and_o who_o he_o prepare_v for_o glory_n in_o ease_n and_o softness_n who_o the_o lord_n love_v he_o chastn_v and_o scourge_v every_o son_n who_o he_o receive_v and_o the_o more_o difficult_a temptation_n he_o expose_v we_o to_o the_o great_a honour_n he_o do_v we_o the_o more_o glorious_a will_v our_o triumph_n the_o rich_a and_o bright_a will_v our_o crown_n be_v let_v we_o then_o behold_v our_o saviour_n in_o the_o wilderness_n separate_v from_o humane_a conversation_n and_o all_o the_o comfort_n of_o life_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o wild_a beast_n and_o tempt_a spirit_n and_o not_o think_v that_o god_n use_v we_o hardly_o if_o at_o any_o time_n he_o let_v loose_v the_o tempter_n upon_o we_o and_o give_v he_o power_n over_o all_o we_o have_v as_o he_o do_v in_o the_o case_n of_o job_n to_o afflict_v we_o in_o our_o relation_n our_o body_n our_o estate_n good_a name_n or_o whatever_o give_v we_o the_o sharp_a and_o keen_a sense_n of_o suffering_n and_o be_v the_o most_o difficult_a exercise_n of_o our_o faith_n 2._o let_v we_o consider_v the_o time_n when_o our_o saviour_n be_v tempt_v viz._n immediate_o after_o his_o baptism_n be_v full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 4._o luke_n 1._o 1._o as_o soon_o as_o our_o saviour_n be_v baptize_v he_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n into_o the_o wilderness_n for_o then_o in_o my_o text_n relate_v to_o the_o time_n of_o his_o baptism_n and_o st._n luke_n tell_v we_o this_o be_v do_v in_o his_o return_n from_o jordan_n where_o he_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n by_o this_o religious_a rite_n our_o saviour_n have_v devote_v himself_o to_o the_o immediate_a service_n of_o god_n in_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n and_o be_v inaugurate_v into_o his_o prophetic_a office_n by_o that_o testimony_n which_o be_v give_v to_o he_o by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v and_o this_o be_v the_o critical_a time_n both_o for_o the_o devil_n to_o tempt_v and_o for_o our_o saviour_n to_o baffle_v all_o his_o temptation_n and_o to_o triumph_v over_o he_o can_v the_o devil_n have_v conquer_v our_o saviour_n in_o this_o first_o assault_n there_o have_v be_v a_o end_n of_o this_o glorious_a design_n of_o man_n salvation_n when_o he_o have_v enslave_v and_o captivate_v the_o saviour_n himself_o and_o therefore_o he_o begin_v as_o early_o with_o â—…he_n second_o adam_n as_o he_o do_v with_o the_o first_o though_o not_o with_o the_o like_a success_n have_v our_o first_o parent_n resist_v the_o first_o â—…emptation_n we_o have_v be_v happy_a for_o â—…ver_n but_o they_o yield_v and_o bring_v â—…eath_n upon_o themselves_o and_o their_o posteâ—…ity_n but_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n who_o god_n have_v promise_v shall_v â—…reak_v the_o serpent_n head_n who_o be_v make_v manifest_a to_o destroy_v the_o work_n the_o kingdom_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n by_o god_n order_n and_o appointment_n first_o encounter_v he_o in_o his_o own_o person_n resist_v his_o most_o furious_a assault_n make_v he_o reâ—…reat_a with_o shame_n and_o despair_n as_o foreseeâ—…ng_v his_o own_o destiny_n and_o the_o final_a destruction_n of_o his_o kingdom_n as_o the_o old_a serpent_n seduce_v our_o first_o parent_n in_o paradise_n and_o bring_v sin_n and_o misery_n and_o death_n into_o the_o world_n so_o it_o be_v very_o fit_v that_o the_o saviour_n of_o mankind_n shall_v give_v the_o first_o proof_n of_o his_o divine_a power_n in_o conquer_a the_o tempter_n this_o give_v we_o great_a encouragement_n to_o fight_v under_o christ_n banner_n against_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n for_o the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n have_v already_o conquer_v and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o we_o shall_v be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n through_o christ_n who_o strengthen_v we_o he_o know_v what_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n be_v and_o what_o measure_v of_o grace_n be_v necessary_a to_o resist_v they_o and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o forsake_v he_o he_o will_v not_o forsake_v we_o he_o have_v conquer_v himself_o and_o know_v how_o to_o conquer_v and_o if_o we_o faithful_o adhere_v to_o he_o we_o shall_v conquer_v too_o nay_o in_o case_n we_o shall_v some_o time_n be_v conquer_v this_o have_v make_v he_o a_o merciful_a and_o compassionate_a high_a priest_n be_v in_o all_o thing_n tempt_v like_o as_o we_o be_v he_o know_v the_o weakness_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o the_o power_n and_o subtlety_n of_o the_o tempter_n and_o pray_v for_o we_o as_o he_o do_v for_o st._n peter_n that_o our_o faith_n fail_v not_o that_o if_o we_o fall_v we_o may_v rise_v again_o by_o repentance_n and_o this_o be_v a_o mighty_a consolation_n that_o if_o any_o man_n sin_n 〈◊〉_d have_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n jesus_n christ_n the_o righteous_a who_o be_v not_o only_o a_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n but_o be_v tempt_v also_o as_o we_o be_v 2_o st._n luke_n observe_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o he_o receive_v without_o measure_n at_o his_o baptism_n when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n descend_v like_o a_o dove_n and_o rest_v on_o he_o before_o he_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n into_o
conceive_v no_o substance_n but_o matter_n and_o body_n and_o therefore_o reject_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o spirit_n as_o nonsense_n and_o contradiction_n they_o will_v allow_v nothing_o to_o be_v wise_o make_v which_o they_o understand_v not_o the_o reason_n and_o use_n of_o and_o therefore_o they_o fancy_v a_o great_a many_o botch_n and_o blunder_n in_o nature_n which_o can_v be_v the_o design_n and_o contrivance_n of_o wisdom_n but_o the_o effect_n of_o chance_n and_o then_o the_o consequence_n be_v plain_a that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o chance_n not_o by_o a_o wise_a author_n now_o i_o confess_v if_o this_o way_n of_o reason_v be_v allow_v it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o defend_v either_o sense_n or_o reason_n or_o revelation_n against_o the_o cavil_n of_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n for_o there_o be_v unconceivable_a and_o incomprehensible_a secret_n and_o mystery_n in_o they_o all_o and_o if_o to_o conceive_v and_o comprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n must_v be_v make_v the_o measure_n and_o standard_n of_o true_a and_o false_a we_o must_v deny_v our_o sense_n and_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o our_o faith_n and_o if_o we_o do_v and_o must_v believe_v our_o sense_n and_o reason_n beyond_o our_o comprehension_n why_o must_v we_o believe_v nothing_o that_o be_v reveal_v any_o far_a than_o we_o can_v conceive_v and_o comprehend_v the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o the_o sum_n be_v this_o humane_a knowledge_n whatever_o the_o mean_n of_o know_v be_v whether_o sense_n or_o reason_n or_o revelation_n do_v not_o reach_v to_o the_o philosophical_a cause_n and_o nature_n of_o thing_n but_o only_o to_o their_o be_v and_o natural_a virtue_n and_o power_n and_o as_o a_o wise_a man_n who_o know_v the_o measure_n of_o his_o understanding_n expect_v no_o more_o from_o sense_n and_o reason_n than_o to_o know_v what_o thing_n there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o what_o they_o be_v as_o far_o as_o they_o fall_v under_o the_o notice_n of_o sense_n and_o natural_a reason_n so_o we_o must_v expect_v no_o more_o from_o revelation_n than_o the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o sense_n and_o natural_a reason_n can_v discover_v but_o we_o must_v no_o more_o expect_v the_o philosophy_n of_o supernatural_a truth_n from_o revelation_n than_o we_o do_v the_o mystery_n of_o nature_n from_o sense_n and_o reason_n now_o since_o humane_a knowledge_n be_v not_o a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o mysterious_a nature_n of_o thing_n but_o only_o to_o know_v what_o thing_n there_o be_v and_o what_o they_o be_v there_o can_v be_v no_o contradiction_n between_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o revelation_n unless_o one_o deny_v what_o the_o other_o affirm_v not_o that_o one_o teach_v more_o than_o the_o other_o teach_v or_o that_o one_o can_v comprehend_v what_o the_o other_o teach_v reason_n teach_v more_o than_o sense_n teach_v or_o can_v comprehend_v and_o revelation_n teach_v more_o than_o either_o sense_n or_o natural_a reason_n teach_v or_o can_v comprehend_v but_o this_o be_v no_o contradiction_n but_o only_o a_o subordination_n between_o these_o different_a kind_n and_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n but_o as_o for_o unconceivableness_n and_o incomprehensibility_n that_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o any_o thing_n for_o sense_n and_o natural_a reason_n can_v no_o more_o comprehend_v their_o own_o object_n than_o they_o do_v what_o be_v reveal_v and_o it_o be_v manifest_a perverseness_n to_o make_v that_o a_o objection_n against_o revelation_n which_o we_o will_v not_o allow_v to_o be_v a_o objection_n against_o sense_n and_o reason_n this_o be_v sufficient_a as_o to_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o remove_v mens_fw-la prejudices_fw-la also_o against_o believe_v mystery_n i_o shall_v brief_o answer_v two_o very_a popular_a objection_n 1._o it_o be_v think_v very_o unnatural_a that_o when_o god_n have_v make_v we_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o therefore_o make_v natural_a reason_n to_o we_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n he_o shall_v require_v we_o to_o believe_v without_o reason_n as_o we_o must_v do_v if_o he_o reveal_v such_o thing_n to_o we_o as_o we_o know_v not_o and_o can_v possible_o know_v the_o reason_n of_o if_o we_o must_v believe_v with_o our_o understanding_n how_o can_v we_o believe_v thing_n which_o we_o can_v understand_v this_o be_v a_o reasonable_a objection_n be_v it_o true_a for_o we_o can_v believe_v what_o we_o have_v no_o knowledge_n nor_o understanding_n of_o for_o faith_n be_v knowledge_n though_o not_o natural_a knowledge_n but_o do_v we_o not_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v we_o believe_v do_v we_o not_o know_v what_o we_o mean_v when_o we_o say_v we_o believe_v in_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n nay_o do_v not_o our_o adversary_n understand_v what_o we_o mean_v by_o it_o how_o then_o come_v they_o to_o charge_v we_o with_o believe_v contradiction_n and_o impossibility_n for_o if_o they_o know_v not_o what_o we_o believe_v they_o can_v know_v whether_o we_o believe_v contradiction_n or_o not_o and_o if_o we_o do_v understand_v what_o it_o be_v we_o believe_v than_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v without_o understanding_n which_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a if_o we_o know_v what_o it_o be_v we_o believe_v and_o we_o know_v also_o why_o we_o believe_v our_o faith_n be_v found_v in_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o resolve_v into_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o high_a and_o most_o infallible_a reason_n the_o miracle_n which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v be_v evident_a to_o sense_n and_o own_a by_o reason_n to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o the_o answer_v the_o blind_a man_n give_v to_o the_o pharisee_n when_o christ_n have_v open_v his_o eye_n speak_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o nature_n herein_o be_v a_o marvellous_a thing_n that_o you_o know_v not_o from_o whence_o he_o be_v and_o yet_o he_o have_v open_v my_o eye_n now_o we_o know_v that_o god_n hear_v not_o sinner_n but_o if_o any_o man_n be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o do_v his_o will_n he_o he_o hear_v since_o the_o world_n begin_v be_v it_o not_o hear_v that_o any_o man_n open_v the_o eye_n of_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a if_o this_o man_n be_v not_o of_o god_n he_o can_v do_v nothing_o 9_o john_n 30_o 31_o 32_o 33._o and_o all_o mankind_n own_o that_o the_o most_o absolute_a faith_n be_v due_a to_o god_n and_o to_o those_o who_o speak_v from_o god_n and_o this_o as_o i_o take_v it_o be_v to_o believe_v with_o reason_n but_o still_o we_o believe_v such_o thing_n who_o nature_n we_o do_v not_o understand_v and_o can_v account_v for_o by_o natural_a reason_n and_o this_o be_v to_o believe_v without_o reason_n we_o believe_v that_o god_n the_o father_n have_v a_o eternal_a son_n and_o a_o eternal_a spirit_n and_o that_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v but_o one_o eternal_a god_n but_o this_o be_v what_o natural_a reason_n can_v comprehend_v nor_o give_v we_o any_o notion_n or_o conception_n of_o how_o god_n can_v have_v a_o eternal_a son_n and_o a_o eternal_a spirit_n real_o distinct_a from_o himself_o and_o yet_o with_o himself_o one_o eternal_a and_o infinite_a god_n reason_n can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o the_o eternal_a generation_n of_o the_o son_n nor_o of_o the_o eternal_a procession_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o be_v not_o this_o to_o believe_v without_o reason_n which_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n ought_v not_o to_o do_v and_o which_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o think_v that_o god_n who_o make_v we_o reasonable_a creature_n expect_v from_o we_o and_o this_o i_o grant_v will_v be_v a_o material_a objection_n be_v reason_n the_o judge_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o philosophy_n of_o thing_n and_o do_v reason_n require_v we_o to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o understand_v and_o comprehend_v but_o then_o we_o must_v no_o more_o believe_v sense_n and_o reason_n than_o revelation_n for_o we_o do_v not_o comprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o any_o one_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n how_o evident_a soever_o it_o be_v to_o sense_n and_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n nature_n be_v as_o great_a a_o mystery_n as_o revelation_n and_o it_o be_v no_o great_a affront_n to_o our_o understanding_n no_o more_o against_o reason_n for_o god_n to_o reveal_v such_o thing_n to_o we_o as_o our_o reason_n can_v comprehend_v than_o 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o make_v a_o whole_a world_n which_o â—…eason_n can_v comprehend_v when_o we_o make_v it_o a_o objection_n against_o â—…ny_a thing_n that_o it_o be_v without_o reason_n or_o â—…s_v we_o apprehend_v against_o reason_n and_o contrary_a to_o reason_n we_o must_v first_o conâ—…ider_v whether_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o reason_n otherwise_o it_o be_v no_o objection_n as_o it_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o sound_n that_o we_o can_v see_v they_o nor_o against_o colour_n
that_o we_o can_v hear_v they_o because_o sound_n be_v not_o the_o object_n of_o sight_n nor_o colour_n of_o hear_v now_o no_o man_n pretend_v that_o the_o pure_a nature_n and_o essence_n of_o thing_n or_o their_o essential_a reason_n property_n union_n operation_n be_v the_o object_n of_o humane_a reason_n for_o no_o man_n live_v know_v any_o thing_n about_o they_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v all_o the_o incomprehensibility_n man_n have_v to_o complain_v of_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o the_o incarnation_n that_o they_o can_v comprehend_v how_o god_n can_v beget_v a_o eternal_a son_n nor_o how_o three_o divine_a person_n shall_v be_v so_o unite_v as_o to_o be_v essential_o one_o god_n nor_o how_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n can_v be_v unite_v into_o one_o person_n god-man_n all_o which_o concern_v the_o essence_n and_o essential_a property_n operation_n union_n relation_n of_o the_o deity_n which_o a_o modest_a man_n may_v allow_v to_o be_v incomprehensible_a if_o god_n be_v infinite_a though_o he_o can_v comprehend_v the_o nature_n essence_n and_o essential_a reason_n and_o property_n of_o create_a being_n but_o when_o all_o create_a nature_n be_v such_o a_o mystery_n to_o we_o that_o we_o know_v not_o the_o pure_a nature_n and_o essence_n of_o any_o one_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v it_o a_o affront_n to_o our_o reason_n that_o we_o can_v comprehend_v the_o divine_a nature_n such_o matter_n as_o these_o be_v neither_o without_o reason_n nor_o against_o reason_n nor_o contrary_a to_o reason_n because_o reason_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o and_o can_v take_v no_o cognizance_n of_o they_o they_o belong_v not_o to_o reason_n but_o to_o that_o infinite_a mind_n which_o comprehend_v itself_o and_o the_o idea_n of_o all_o possible_a being_n a_o perfect_a comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o nature_n belong_v only_o to_o the_o maker_n of_o all_o thing_n for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o know_v what_o thing_n be_v but_o how_o to_o make_v they_o which_o will_v be_v a_o vain_a curiosity_n and_o useless_a knowledge_n to_o those_o who_o have_v not_o a_o make_v and_o create_v power_n this_o be_v to_o know_v thing_n à _fw-fr priori_fw-la with_o a_o intuitive_a ideal_o knowledge_n which_o be_v infinite_o more_o superior_a to_o reason_n â—…an_n reason_n be_v to_o sense_n and_o it_o be_v the_o â—…ffectation_n of_o this_o intuitive_a make_v knowledge_n which_o make_v some_o man_n atheist_n and_o other_o heretic_n 2_o another_o great_a objection_n against_o such_o a_o revelation_n as_o contain_v matter_n which_o natural_a reason_n can_v comprehend_v be_v to_o what_o purpose_n such_o â—…a_n revelation_n serve_v what_o merit_n there_o can_v be_v in_o believe_v such_o doctrine_n and_o of_o what_o good_a use_n such_o a_o faith_n can_v be_v to_o we_o now_o i_o confess_v i_o can_v think_v it_o meritorious_a mere_o to_o believe_v thing_n which_o be_v incomprehensible_a or_o that_o god_n any_o more_o intend_a to_o puzzle_v our_o faith_n with_o reveal_v mystery_n than_o to_o puzzle_v our_o reason_n in_o make_v a_o mysterious_a world_n whether_o we_o receive_v our_o information_n from_o sense_n or_o natural_a reason_n or_o revelation_n it_o be_v certain_a we_o must_v believe_v mystery_n if_o we_o believe_v any_o thing_n for_o all_o thing_n have_v something_o mysterious_a and_o incomprehensible_a in_o their_o nature_n what_o natural_a reason_n can_v account_v for_o and_o what_o god_n never_o intend_v we_o shall_v understand_v for_o god_n never_o intend_v to_o teach_v we_o how_o to_o make_v the_o world_n nor_o how_o every_o creature_n be_v make_v and_o therefore_o we_o can_v and_o be_v not_o concern_v to_o know_v the_o internal_a frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o nature_n but_o though_o neither_o natural_a nor_o reveal_v knowledge_n extend_v to_o the_o reason_n and_o cause_n of_o nature_n and_o of_o essential_a property_n and_o operation_n yet_o both_o natural_a and_o reveal_v knowledge_n be_v of_o as_o much_o use_n to_o we_o as_o if_o we_o do_v perfect_o understand_v all_o the_o secret_a and_o incomprehensible_a mystery_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n or_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o creature_n both_o natural_a and_o reveal_v knowledge_n be_v alike_o upon_o this_o account_n that_o they_o only_o acquaint_v we_o what_o thing_n be_v and_o what_o end_v they_o serve_v and_o then_o we_o know_v what_o use_n to_o make_v of_o they_o without_o understand_v the_o secret_a mystery_n of_o nature_n be_v this_o world_n or_o any_o thing_n in_o it_o the_o less_o useful_a to_o we_o because_o we_o can_v conceive_v how_o god_n create_v all_o thing_n of_o nothing_o or_o because_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o matter_n nor_o how_o the_o several_a part_n of_o matter_n come_v by_o their_o different_a virtue_n and_o quality_n be_v corn_n or_o fruit_n or_o herb_n the_o less_o nourish_a or_o refresh_v because_o we_o know_v not_o how_o they_o grow_v do_v it_o require_v any_o philosophy_n to_o know_v how_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o sleep_v will_v not_o our_o food_n nourish_v we_o â—…less_v we_o understand_v how_o it_o be_v concoctâ—…_n and_o turn_v into_o chile_n and_o blood_n â—…d_a spirit_n nay_o be_v it_o of_o no_o use_n to_o â—…ow_v that_o god_n be_v a_o eternal_a omnipoâ—…nt_a omniscient_a omnipresent_v be_v â—…less_v we_o can_v conceive_v how_o any_o be_v â—…n_v be_v eternal_a without_o a_o cause_n and_o â—…ithout_v a_o beginning_n or_o can_v compreâ—…end_v how_o he_o can_v do_v and_o know_v all_o thing_n â—…d_v be_v present_a in_o all_o place_n at_o once_o â—…ithout_n extension_n and_o without_o part_n â—…e_o may_v make_v all_o the_o use_n that_o can_v be_v â—…ade_v of_o this_o world_n and_o of_o every_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d it_o without_o understand_v the_o essential_a â—…easons_n and_o cause_n or_o internal_a nature_n â—…f_o any_o thing_n and_o we_o must_v do_v so_o if_o we_o will_v make_v any_o use_n of_o it_o and_o we_o know_v god_n to_o all_o the_o end_n and_o purpose_n for_o which_o creature_n ought_v to_o know_v god_n â—…hough_o his_o nature_n be_v incomprehensible_a and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o matter_n of_o pure_a revelation_n such_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o the_o incarnation_n how_o unaccountable_a soever_o the_o mystery_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n the_o eternal_a generation_n and_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v yet_o it_o be_v the_o most_o useful_a knowledge_n in_o the_o world_n though_o we_o know_v not_o how_o the_o eternal_a father_n beget_v a_o eternal_a son_n of_o his_o own_o substance_n nor_o how_o this_o eternal_a son_n in_o time_n become_v man_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o most_o desirable_a knowledge_n in_o the_o world_n to_o sinner_n to_o know_v that_o god_n have_v a_o eternal_a son_n and_o that_o he_o so_o love_v the_o world_n as_o to_o give_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o that_o this_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n become_v man_n live_v a_o poor_a necessitous_a laborious_a life_n and_o die_v a_o accurse_a death_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o sinner_n and_o to_o know_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o proceed_v from_o father_n and_o son_n dwell_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o quicken_v and_o animate_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o christ._n if_o this_o be_v true_a as_o we_o must_v suppose_v in_o this_o argument_n all_o mankind_n must_v confess_v that_o this_o be_v a_o very_a useful_a knowledge_n and_o never_o the_o less_o useful_a because_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n and_o the_o eternal_a generation_n and_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v great_a and_o unconceivable_a mystery_n can_v we_o give_v a_o rational_a and_o philosophical_a account_n of_o the_o eternal_a generation_n and_o of_o the_o incarnation_n we_o shall_v know_v more_o than_o we_o now_o do_v but_o faith_n make_v it_o as_o useful_a to_o all_o the_o purpose_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o most_o perfect_a intuitive_a knowledge_n can_v do_v this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o that_o objection_n against_o the_o usefulness_n of_o such_o mystery_n as_o have_v something_o incomprehensible_a and_o unconceivable_a in_o their_o nature_n which_o be_v a_o equal_a objection_n against_o all_o create_a nature_n which_o be_v but_o one_o great_a mystery_n and_o yet_o the_o world_n be_v a_o very_a useful_a world_n and_o we_o know_v in_o some_o good_a degree_n what_o use_n to_o make_v of_o it_o and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o gospel_n mystery_n which_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o our_o present_a dispute_n be_v manifest_o of_o infinite_a use_n to_o we_o if_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n by_o the_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n and_o death_n and_o intercession_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n incarnate_a be_v of_o any_o use_n and_o
the_o wilderness_n to_o be_v tempt_v of_o the_o devil_n for_o human_a nature_n and_o it_o be_v the_o human_a nature_n of_o christ_n on_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n descend_v can_v resist_v such_o powerful_a assault_n without_o divine_a assistance_n and_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n assure_v we_o that_o god_n will_v not_o expose_v we_o to_o any_o temptation_n without_o give_v we_o proportionable_a measure_n of_o grace_n to_o resist_v they_o that_o if_o we_o be_v at_o any_o time_n conquer_v it_o be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o power_n but_o for_o want_v of_o will_n to_o conquer_v that_o be_v the_o fault_n be_v whole_o our_o own_o and_o we_o can_v blame_v god_n for_o it_o i_o doubt_v there_o be_v few_o man_n in_o the_o world_n â—…ut_v the_o devil_n have_v he_o the_o full_a power_n of_o â—…empting_v can_v find_v out_o some_o temptaâ—…ions_n too_o big_a for_o they_o but_o the_o divine_a goodness_n be_v see_v as_o well_o in_o restrain_v â—…he_a power_n of_o the_o devil_n that_o we_o shall_v â—…ot_n be_v tempt_v above_o what_o we_o be_v able_a â—…o_o bear_v as_o by_o the_o strengthen_n our_o â—…inds_n by_o the_o internal_a assistance_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n have_v â—…aught_v we_o to_o pray_v lead_v we_o not_o into_o â—…emptation_n but_o deliver_v we_o from_o evil_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o the_o wicked_a one_o which_o â—…oes_v not_o signify_v that_o we_o may_v never_o be_v tempt_v which_o be_v impossible_a while_o we_o live_v in_o body_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o be_v encompass_v with_o all_o the_o flatter_a object_n of_o flesh_n and_o sense_n but_o that_o god_n will_v not_o give_v we_o up_o into_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o be_v tempt_v above_o what_o we_o be_v able_a some_o of_o the_o ancient_n observe_v from_o this_o story_n that_o when_o we_o devote_v and_o consecrate_v ourselves_o to_o god_n we_o must_v expect_v to_o be_v tempt_v as_o our_o saviour_n be_v as_o for_o bad_a man_n who_o be_v the_o slave_n and_o vassal_n of_o the_o devil_n he_o can_v so_o proper_o be_v say_v to_o tempt_v as_o to_o govern_v they_o for_o he_o be_v the_o spiriâ—…_n that_o work_v in_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n but_o when_o man_n desert_n his_o service_n he_o be_v very_o busy_a to_o recover_v his_o slave_n again_o but_o then_o our_o comfort_n and_o security_n too_o be_v that_o when_o we_o give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n he_o take_v we_o into_o his_o protection_n the_o wicked_a one_o can_v touch_v we_o without_o his_o leave_n and_o he_o always_o proportion_v our_o trial_n to_o our_o strength_n three_o consider_v the_o place_n of_o our_o saviour_n temptation_n he_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n into_o the_o wilderness_n where_o there_o be_v no_o tempt_a object_n but_o yet_o there_o the_o tempt_a spirit_n find_v he_o some_o man_n think_v that_o the_o sure_a way_n 〈◊〉_d get_v rid_v of_o temptation_n be_v to_o get_v â—…t_v of_o the_o world_n to_o withdraw_v themâ—…ves_n from_o human_a conversation_n or_o 〈◊〉_d make_v a_o show_n of_o do_v it_o without_o â—…ing_v it_o as_o if_o the_o devil_n can_v not_o â—…llow_v they_o into_o a_o desert_n or_o a_o cell_n â—…hile_o we_o live_v in_o body_n of_o flesh_n and_o â—…ood_n we_o may_v be_v tempt_v wherever_o â—…e_a be_v if_o we_o mortify_v our_o sensual_a apâ—…tites_n and_o our_o love_n to_o this_o world_n â—…e_o may_v live_v very_o innocent_o in_o the_o â—…orld_n if_o we_o do_v not_o we_o can_v never_o â—…t_v rid_v of_o the_o world_n but_o wherever_o â—…e_o go_v we_o carry_v it_o in_o our_o heart_n do_v these_o man_n imagine_v they_o can_v neâ—…r_o be_v tempt_v to_o lust_n unless_o they_o daily_o â—…e_v and_o converse_v with_o beautiful_a woman_n 〈◊〉_d that_o they_o can_v love_v the_o world_n â—…ithout_n live_v in_o a_o court_n and_o enjoyâ—…g_v all_o the_o ease_n and_o luxury_n of_o a_o plentiful_a â—…rtune_n or_o that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o â—…spise_v the_o world_n with_o as_o much_o haughtiâ—…ss_n and_o vanity_n of_o mind_n as_o any_o â—…an_n have_v who_o most_o admire_v it_o that_o a_o â—…onk_n can_v be_v as_o proud_a as_o a_o emperor_n â—…d_a glory_n as_o much_o in_o a_o sullen_a retireâ—…ent_n in_o voluntary_a austerity_n in_o a_o â—…ffected_a poverty_n in_o a_o vain_a opinion_n â—…f_o extraordinary_a sanctity_n as_o any_o man_n can_v do_v in_o wealth_n and_o power_n whence_o come_v all_o those_o superstition_n which_o have_v corrupt_v both_o the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o christianity_n and_o do_v more_o mischief_n to_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n than_o all_o the_o looseness_n of_o a_o secular_a life_n but_o from_o desert_n and_o the_o cell_n of_o monk_n and_o hermit_n which_o prove_v that_o the_o devil_n have_v his_o temptation_n for_o thâ—…_n wilderness_n as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o court_n for_o the_o most_o religious_a devotees_n anâ—…_n melancholy_a enthusiast_n as_o well_o as_o fâ—…_n the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n and_o those_o tâ—…_n most_o dangerous_a temptation_n too_o whicâ—…_n as_o experience_n tell_v we_o open_v a_o bacâ—…_n door_n for_o pride_n and_o ambition_n and_o secular_a power_n and_o a_o general_a corruptioâ—…_n of_o manner_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n and_o into_o the_o life_n of_o christian_n anâ—…_n therefore_o we_o must_v guard_v our_o selveâ—…_n against_o the_o tempter_n as_o well_o in_o oâ—…_n great_a solitude_n and_o retirement_n froâ—…_n the_o world_n as_o in_o a_o crowd_n of_o busineâ—…_n we_o must_v have_v a_o care_n of_o the_o temptatioâ—…_n of_o devotion_n and_o mortification_n 〈◊〉_d fast_n and_o penance_n of_o a_o sullen_a dâ—…_n content_a at_o this_o world_n as_o well_o as_o 〈◊〉_d the_o temptation_n of_o a_o busy_a life_n and_o 〈◊〉_d a_o easy_a and_o prosperous_a fortune_n four_o i_o observe_v that_o christ_n be_v lead_v â—…y_o the_o spirit_n into_o the_o wilderness_n to_o be_v â—…empted_v of_o the_o devil_n that_o be_v it_o be_v god_n appointment_n not_o his_o own_o voâ—…untary_a choice_n and_o this_o teach_v we_o â—…anfully_o to_o resist_v temptation_n when_o â—…he_a providence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o unâ—…voidable_a circumstance_n of_o our_o conâ—…ition_n bring_v we_o into_o temptation_n but_o â—…ot_v presumptuous_o to_o thrust_v ourselves_o â—…nto_o they_o there_o be_v always_o danger_n in_o temptaâ—…ions_n especial_o when_o we_o rash_o venâ—…ure_v upon_o they_o let_v not_o he_o that_o put_v on_o his_o armour_n boast_n as_o he_o that_o put_v it_o off_o be_v true_a in_o our_o spiritual_a warfare_n we_o have_v see_v great_a man_n conquer_v even_o st._n peter_n himself_o and_o therefore_o let_v he_o that_o think_v he_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v and_o not_o unnecessary_o venture_v too_o near_o a_o precipice_n where_o he_o may_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o fall_v our_o saviour_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v not_o lead_v we_o into_o temptation_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o much_o less_o than_o ought_v we_o to_o lead_v ourselves_o into_o temptation_n we_o may_v easy_o presume_v too_o far_o upon_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o faith_n our_o courage_n our_o resolution_n as_o st._n peter_n do_v who_o have_v he_o be_v more_o diffident_a of_o himself_o have_v keep_v out_o of_o the_o high-priest_n hall_n and_o escape_v the_o temptation_n which_o he_o can_v not_o resist_v we_o daily_o see_v that_o man_n who_o presume_v upon_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o constitution_n and_o use_v their_o body_n ill_a destroy_v their_o health_n and_o shorten_v their_o life_n while_o man_n who_o feel_v their_o own_o weak_a and_o crazy_a temper_n live_v on_o with_o care_n to_o a_o good_a old_a age_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o mind_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o body_n presumption_n will_v destroy_v those_o who_o fear_n and_o caution_n will_v secure_v and_o therefore_o let_v we_o not_o be_v high-minded_a but_o fear_v there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o way_n whereby_o man_n expose_v themselves_o to_o temptation_n and_o tempt_v even_o the_o tempter_n some_o of_o which_o be_v very_o obvious_a as_o to_o keep_v ill_a company_n who_o conversation_n be_v a_o daily_a temptation_n sloth_n and_o idleness_n which_o betray_v man_n to_o any_o wickedness_n which_o offer_v its_o self_n for_o it_o be_v a_o uneasy_a thing_n to_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v and_o that_o itself_o be_v a_o temptation_n and_o the_o devil_n never_o want_v business_n to_o employ_v such_o man_n in_o and_o i_o know_v nothing_o worse_o than_o this_o but_o when_o man_n choose_v such_o business_n as_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o idleness_n and_o vanity_n or_o can_v only_o minister_v to_o their_o own_o or_o to_o other_o man_n lusts._n but_o there_o be_v other_o way_n whereby_o man_n thrust_v themselves_o into_o temptation_n without_o