to_o think_v of_o themselves_o more_o high_o than_o they_o ought_v to_o think_v but_o to_o think_v sober_o have_v other_o thought_n and_o apprehension_n and_o be_v most_o willing_a to_o acknowledge_v the_o shallowness_n of_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o the_o depth_n of_o divine_a truth_n we_o have_v instance_n on_o record_n of_o those_o humble_a soul_n who_o though_o of_o singular_a sagacity_n and_o improvement_n proclaim_v the_o unsearchableness_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o the_o exalt_v truth_n that_o belong_v to_o it_o the_o ancient_a inspire_a arabian_a express_v it_o thus_o etc._n man_n know_v not_o the_o price_n of_o it_o i._n e._n as_o i_o apprehend_v he_o can_v come_v up_o full_o to_o the_o purchase_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o for_o we_o purchase_v thing_n by_o price_n neither_o be_v it_o find_v in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n the_o depth_n say_v it_o be_v not_o in_o i_o and_o the_o sea_n say_v it_o be_v not_o in_o i_o whence_o 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as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v though_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o i_o to_o apprehend_v the_o infinite_a and_o boundless_a knowledge_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n the_o sovereign_a disposer_n of_o all_o thing_n though_o i_o can_v tell_v how_o he_o see_v and_o foresee_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o yet_o i_o hearty_o own_o this_o universal_a sight_n and_o prescience_n of_o he_o and_o i_o very_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v a_o certain_a and_o unshaken_a truth_n it_o be_v humility_n which_o furnish_v a_o man_n with_o such_o persuasion_n and_o language_n as_o this_o and_o it_o be_v this_o which_o cause_v he_o to_o believe_v and_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v mystery_n in_o his_o holy_a faith_n which_o far_o transcend_v his_o thought_n and_o conception_n this_o be_v that_o wisdom_n which_o according_a to_o another_o divine_a and_o inspire_a sage_n 24._o be_v far_o off_o and_o exceed_o deep_a and_o therefore_o as_o it_o follow_v who_o can_v find_v it_o out_o to_o which_o irrefragable_a testimony_n permit_v i_o to_o adjoyn_v that_o of_o a_o apocryphal_a writer_n and_o the_o rather_o because_o i_o will_v take_v occasion_n thence_o to_o offer_v a_o conjecture_n on_o that_o dark_a place_n 22._o wisdom_n be_v according_a to_o her_o name_n and_o she_o be_v not_o manifest_a unto_o many_o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o according_a to_o her_o name_n what_o title_n have_v wisdom_n that_o import_v any_o such_o matter_n viz._n that_o she_o be_v not_o manifest_a some_o critic_n think_v it_o refer_v to_o the_o hebrew_n word_n for_o wisdom_n chocmah_n other_o to_o the_o arabic_a algnalam_n but_o what_o they_o propound_v seem_v to_o be_v very_o much_o strain_v and_o do_v not_o reach_v the_o purpose_n and_o how_o can_v it_o see_v they_o forget_v that_o this_o book_n be_v write_v in_o greek_a and_o that_o the_o title_n of_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o must_v therefore_o repair_v to_o the_o greek_a for_o a_o solution_n but_o we_o must_v first_o confer_v with_o the_o hebrew_n where_o we_o meet_v with_o the_o verb_n saphah_n or_o tsaphah_n which_o signify_v to_o hide_v or_o cover_v and_o thence_o it_o be_v probable_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v derive_v and_o this_o it_o be_v likely_a be_v the_o name_n that_o be_v here_o mean_v because_o though_o the_o language_n in_o which_o this_o book_n be_v original_o draw_v up_o be_v hebrew_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o prologue_n of_o it_o yet_o it_o be_v soon_o translate_v into_o greek_a because_o the_o jew_n at_o that_o time_n speak_v greek_a general_o and_o have_v their_o bible_n and_o service_n in_o greek_a and_o according_o this_o place_n have_v reference_n to_o the_o name_n of_o wisdom_n in_o that_o tongue_n wherein_o there_o be_v many_o word_n derive_v from_o the_o hebrew_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o denomination_n of_o wisdom_n import_v something_o hide_v and_o mysterious_a and_o therefore_o she_o be_v according_a to_o her_o name_n the_o jewish_a doctor_n have_v a_o sense_n of_o this_o as_o appear_v from_o their_o proverbial_a say_v when_o elias_n come_v he_o will_v untie_v all_o knot_n i._n e._n solve_v all_o difficult_a and_o abstruse_a point_n of_o which_o there_o be_v not_o a_o few_o in_o religion_n there_o be_v sundry_a thing_n hide_v from_o our_o understanding_n here_o which_o shall_v not_o be_v clear_v till_o the_o last_o day_n now_o if_o the_o wise_a person_n speak_v thus_o concern_v the_o thing_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n under_o those_o dispensation_n of_o old_a be_v there_o not_o much_o more_o reason_n to_o say_v the_o like_a of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n under_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o doctrine_n of_o a_o high_a nature_n be_v publish_v to_o the_o world_n such_o as_o far_o surpass_v all_o humane_a comprehension_n but_o there_o be_v a_o generation_n of_o man_n among_o we_o that_o will_v not_o stoop_v to_o this_o they_o will_v not_o own_v themselves_o to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o weakness_n childhood_n and_o minority_n in_o this_o life_n though_o the_o great_a apostle_n as_o we_o have_v hear_v express_o do_v when_o he_o so_o far_o own_a the_o deficiency_n of_o his_o understanding_n as_o to_o say_v he_o know_v in_o part_n and_o speak_v and_o understand_v and_o think_v as_o a_o child_n and_o all_o the_o great_a and_o all_o the_o wise_a man_n in_o the_o world_n have_v be_v ready_a to_o say_v the_o same_o yea_o even_o with_o reference_n to_o matter_n of_o a_o low_a nature_n the_o learned_a in_o the_o law_n confess_v they_o have_v their_o perplex_a and_o knotty_a case_n statesman_n their_o arcana_fw-la physician_n their_o opprobious_a malady_n anatomist_n their_o unknown_a ductus_n astronomer_n their_o eccentrical_a motion_n which_o they_o can_v reduce_v into_o regular_a and_o exact_a order_n mathematician_n their_o insoluble_a problem_n and_o in_o brief_a most_o profession_n and_o science_n labour_v under_o some_o insuperable_a difficulty_n and_o intricacy_n and_o this_o be_v free_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o most_o skilful_a in_o those_o arts._n but_o here_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o man_n that_o will_v not_o own_o any_o such_o thing_n in_o divinity_n although_o it_o be_v conversant_a about_o object_n that_o be_v infinite_o high_a and_o great_a notwithstanding_o this_o they_o think_v it_o be_v below_o a_o man_n of_o part_n to_o own_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v inexplicable_a they_o profess_v that_o it_o become_v not_o a_o man_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n to_o admit_v of_o this_o yea_o that_o it_o be_v a_o unsufferable_a affront_n to_o humane_a nature_n to_o believe_v such_o a_o thing_n they_o think_v it_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o cashier_v a_o doctrine_n in_o religion_n because_o it_o be_v attend_v with_o obscurity_n in_o short_a they_o think_v it_o unreasonable_a to_o yield_v assent_n to_o a_o proposition_n on_o the_o account_n of_o its_o be_v reveal_v in_o scripture_n mere_o because_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conceive_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o thus_o 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head_n whilst_o it_o have_v be_v cry_v in_o their_o ear_n that_o here_o be_v truth_n and_o there_o be_v truth_n they_o have_v grow_v perplex_v and_o distract_v and_o know_v not_o how_o to_o behave_v themselves_o and_o what_o part_n to_o take_v they_o hear_v that_o the_o claim_n to_o truth_n be_v universal_a but_o then_o they_o know_v this_o that_o all_o the_o pretence_n to_o it_o can_v be_v true_a and_o how_o say_v they_o if_o none_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o hereupon_o they_o renounce_v religion_n as_o a_o faction_n and_o in_o plain_a term_n a_o cheat_n and_o consequent_o they_o live_v and_o act_n in_o the_o world_n as_o they_o please_v if_o truth_n be_v claim_v by_o all_o the_o professor_n of_o religion_n and_o those_o professor_n contradict_v one_o another_o where_o shall_v we_o find_v a_o answer_n to_o this_o interrogatory_n what_o be_v truth_n in_o way_n of_o reply_v it_o be_v enough_o to_o say_v at_o present_a for_o i_o shall_v answer_v a_o great_a part_n of_o these_o cavil_n afterward_o in_o the_o sequel_n of_o this_o discourse_n 1._o these_o several_a division_n and_o party_n evident_o prove_v a_o true_a religion_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o rational_a man_n will_v not_o contend_v for_o nothing_o unless_o there_o be_v some_o reality_n at_o the_o bottom_n we_o can_v imagine_v that_o person_n of_o unprejudiced_a mind_n and_o sincere_a intention_n as_o we_o must_v allow_v a_o great_a part_n of_o they_o to_o be_v will_v thus_o serious_o busy_a themselves_o and_o be_v so_o mighty_o concern_v 2._o some_o man_n fond_a and_o groundless_a pretence_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v equal_v with_o the_o just_a claim_n of_o other_o as_o long_o as_o the_o world_n continue_v in_o this_o degenerate_a posture_n where_o it_o be_v there_o will_v ever_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o man_n who_o will_v be_v pretend_v to_o truth_n even_o whilst_o they_o be_v maintain_v those_o doctrine_n which_o be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o it_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o concern_v ourselves_o for_o these_o pretender_n only_o so_o far_o as_o to_o slight_v they_o as_o person_n govern_v by_o interest_n or_o passion_n or_o to_o pity_v they_o as_o those_o who_o be_v mislead_v by_o ignorance_n or_o prejudice_n 3._o as_o for_o the_o generality_n of_o dispute_n which_o be_v at_o this_o day_n on_o foot_n religion_n and_o particular_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o mean_v the_o essential_o and_o vital_n of_o it_o which_o give_v it_o its_o denomination_n be_v little_a or_o not_o at_o all_o concern_v in_o those_o quarrel_n as_o will_v appear_v from_o what_o i_o shall_v suggest_v anon_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o here_o but_o notwithstanding_o what_o have_v be_v object_v i_o will_v go_v on_o with_o my_o present_a design_n which_o be_v a_o inquest_n after_o truth_n and_o i_o hope_v the_o attempt_n will_v not_o prove_v vain_a and_o successless_a that_o we_o may_v certain_o find_v it_o out_o those_o two_o know_v but_o too_o much_o neglect_v rule_n or_o standard_n be_v to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o we_o viz._n reason_n and_o scripture_n by_o reason_n i_o mean_v the_o free_a and_o impartial_a use_n of_o our_o understanding_n and_o judgement_n which_o god_n have_v natural_o endue_v we_o with_o and_o which_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o improve_v and_o cultivate_v by_o the_o aid_n of_o our_o bodily_a sense_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o by_o serious_a and_o steady_a observation_n and_o well-grounded_n experience_n for_o these_o must_v be_v assist_v to_o humane_a reason_n to_o render_v it_o perfect_a and_o complete_a if_o thuâ—_n we_o will_v apply_v ourselves_o to_o a_o serious_a search_n after_o truth_n we_o shall_v soon_o make_v ourselves_o master_n of_o it_o for_o the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o solomon_n very_o significant_o call_v the_o reason_n of_o man_n be_v set_v up_o in_o our_o breast_n by_o god_n on_o purpose_n to_o discover_v truth_n to_o we_o but_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o this_o light_n have_v be_v much_o impair_v by_o man_n degeneracy_n so_o that_o it_o can_v scarce_o be_v say_v to_o shine_v out_o i.e._n perfect_o to_o display_v itself_o it_o have_v be_v cloud_v ever_o since_o the_o first_o apostasy_n and_o obscure_v daily_o by_o the_o actual_a prevalency_n of_o vice_n a_o undeniable_a evidence_n whereof_o be_v those_o swarm_n of_o monstrous_a opinion_n among_o the_o pagan_n that_o gross_a superstition_n and_o idolatry_n of_o the_o gentile_a world_n those_o prodigious_a shape_v and_o model_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v invent_v by_o they_o oftentimes_o it_o happen_v that_o the_o creature_n make_v and_o frame_v his_o creator_n they_o shape_v out_o deity_n and_o the_o way_n of_o worship_v they_o according_a to_o their_o own_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n and_o a_o god_n be_v even_o what_o they_o think_v good_a to_o make_v he_o or_o suppose_v nature_n light_n do_v shine_v out_o to_o the_o full_a yet_o it_o will_v not_o be_v clear_a and_o bright_a enough_o to_o give_v we_o a_o prospect_n of_o those_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a truth_n which_o be_v to_o bring_v we_o to_o everlasting_a happiness_n for_o nature_n and_o reason_n can_v dictate_v those_o thing_n which_o depend_v whole_o on_o god_n free_a grace_n and_o pleasure_n and_o such_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o saviour_n and_o redeemer_n the_o method_n of_o man_n salvation_n and_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a and_o evangelical_n dispensation_n how_o be_v nicodemus_n a_o note_a master_n in_o israel_n and_o no_o mean_a possessor_n of_o reason_n baffle_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o regeneration_n he_o may_v true_o be_v say_v to_o go_v to_o jesus_n by_o night_n who_o make_v his_o visit_n only_o by_o the_o dusky_a and_o obscure_a light_n of_o nature_n therefore_o though_o reason_n or_o rather_o the_o understanding_n use_v its_o reason_a faculty_n be_v a_o laudable_a guide_n in_o religion_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o safe_a conduct_n to_o truth_n if_o it_o be_v alone_o there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v another_o guide_n beside_o this_o to_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o discovery_n of_o heavenly_a verity_n and_o proposition_n of_o faith_n there_o must_v be_v divine_a illumination_n to_o assist_v we_o to_o find_v out_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a truth_n the_o second_o standard_n then_o of_o truth_n be_v the_o infallible_a word_n of_o god_n divine_a truth_n must_v be_v seek_v for_o not_o from_o man_n but_o from_o god_n not_o from_o human_a write_n but_o a_o unerring_a word_n not_o from_o those_o who_o be_v finite_a and_o ignorant_a but_o from_o he_o who_o be_v infinite_a and_o know_v all_o thing_n not_o from_o the_o son_n of_o man_n but_o from_o he_o who_o be_v the_o only-begotten_a son_n of_o god_n the_o revealer_n of_o his_o father_n will_n for_o no_o man_n have_v see_v god_n at_o any_o time_n the_o only-begotten_a son_n who_o be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n he_o have_v declare_v he_o as_o the_o belove_a disciple_n bear_v witness_v john_n 1._o 18._o none_o be_v able_a to_o discover_v the_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a mystery_n which_o our_o religion_n be_v fraught_v with_o but_o the_o founder_n of_o they_o 24._o we_o can_v never_o have_v arrive_v to_o those_o transcendent_a notion_n unless_o we_o have_v be_v teach_v they_o from_o heaven_n we_o be_v not_o skill_v to_o appoint_v the_o manner_n of_o appease_v the_o incense_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n and_o to_o prescribe_v the_o way_n of_o worship_n suitable_a to_o that_o oeconomy_n this_o will_v have_v be_v as_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v leave_v to_o some_o silly_a country_n peasant_n to_o assign_v the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o treat_v a_o mighty_a king_n and_o monarch_n who_o will_v not_o expect_v in_o such_o a_o case_n a_o strange_a and_o uncouth_a a_o rude_a and_o ridiculous_a way_n of_o address_n and_o courtship_n and_o below_o the_o greatness_n and_o majesty_n of_o a_o prince_n but_o it_o be_v requisite_a there_o shall_v be_v a_o particular_a divine_a discovery_n a_o clear_a light_n a_o sure_a guide_n than_o that_o of_o nature_n for_o though_o god_n at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n have_v reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o past_a generation_n of_o man_n yet_o to_o make_v that_o revelation_n complete_a he_o speak_v in_o the_o last_o day_n by_o his_o son_n and_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o inspire_a write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n christ_n therefore_o say_v and_o that_o emphatical_o i_o be_o the_o truth_n john_n 14._o 6._o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o last_o and_o most_o correct_a edition_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n and_o we_o must_v never_o look_v for_o any_o other_o to_o come_v forth_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n this_o be_v truth_n more_o eminent_o so_o call_v 〈…〉_z the_o truth_n which_o come_v by_o jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o bless_a evangelist_n speak_v
not_o be_v misinterpret_v and_o now_o i_o have_v produce_v every_o individual_a place_n of_o scripture_n where_o the_o word_n mystery_n occur_v and_o i_o have_v faithful_o and_o impartial_o set_v they_o before_o the_o considerate_a in_o their_o true_a and_o proper_a light_n that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o view_n of_o the_o right_n and_o genuine_a meaning_n of_o they_o and_o not_o misunderstand_v and_o misapply_v the_o word_n as_o some_o have_v do_v to_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o truth_n but_o that_o more_o especial_o they_o may_v be_v convince_v of_o this_o that_o mystery_n as_o it_o be_v apply_v in_o the_o sacred_a writ_n to_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n express_v the_o nature_n of_o they_o and_o let_v we_o know_v that_o christianity_n have_v this_o title_n give_v it_o because_o it_o be_v a_o real_a mystery_n in_o itself_o wherefore_o after_o i_o have_v thus_o clear_v the_o way_n i_o will_v offer_v this_o proposition_n and_o make_v it_o good_a that_o the_o sublime_a truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n still_o retain_v and_o ever_o shall_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o mystery_n this_o in_o general_n be_v evident_a from_o that_o idea_n and_o notion_n which_o we_o have_v of_o a_o mystery_n which_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o original_a denotation_n of_o the_o occludere_fw-la word_n whether_o we_o borrow_v it_o from_o the_o hebrew_n or_o greek_a viz._n that_o it_o be_v some_o hide_a secret_a thing_n some_o thing_n shut_v up_o for_o such_o be_v the_o chief_a doctrine_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n hide_v and_o as_o it_o be_v lock_v up_o from_o we_o many_o of_o the_o article_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n be_v cover_v with_o great_a darkness_n a_o veil_n be_v cast_v over_o they_o and_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o penetrate_v into_o they_o thus_o christianity_n be_v a_o mystery_n but_o particular_o and_o distinct_o to_o demonstrate_v this_o i_o will_v insist_v upon_o these_o two_o head_n 1_o christianity_n be_v a_o incomprehensible_a mystery_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n to_o some_o 2._o in_o a_o more_o extensive_a way_n of_o speak_v it_o be_v so_o to_o all_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o christianity_n be_v in_o a_o special_a and_o singular_a way_n a_o mystery_n to_o some_o person_n and_o ever_o will_v be_v those_o who_o i_o here_o mean_v be_v all_o such_o as_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n emphatic_a stile_n 15._o lie_v in_o their_o wickedness_n continue_v in_o their_o state_n of_o degeneracy_n and_o corruption_n and_o have_v feel_v nothing_o of_o the_o divine_a birth_n and_o renovation_n which_o be_v the_o sole_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n these_o as_o long_o as_o they_o remain_v in_o this_o wretched_a state_n be_v 9_o in_o darkness_n as_o the_o same_o inspire_a writer_n speak_v that_o be_v they_o have_v no_o effectual_a and_o save_v knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o understand_v nothing_o of_o they_o to_o any_o purpose_n for_o these_o can_v be_v thus_o know_v but_o by_o divine_a illumination_n by_o a_o supernatural_a discovery_n from_o above_o which_o they_o wilful_o debar_v themselves_o of_o thou_o have_v hide_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a and_o have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o babe_n say_v our_o bless_a lord_n mat._n 11._o 33._o therefore_o to_o the_o former_a of_o these_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n concern_v the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n and_o much_o more_o the_o doctrine_n of_o regeneration_n faith_n self-denial_n mortification_n etc._n etc._n be_v no_o other_o than_o mystery_n yea_o insignificant_a jargon_n to_o they_o we_o hear_v the_o same_o infallible_a master_n speak_v at_o another_o time_n thus_o it_o be_v give_v it_o be_v a_o particular_a donation_n a_o special_a grant_n unto_o you_o my_o disciple_n to_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o to_o they_o i.e._n the_o whole_a multitude_n who_o be_v not_o enlighten_v it_o be_v not_o give_v mat._n 13._o 11._o there_o be_v such_o representation_n of_o those_o heavenly_a and_o divine_a thing_n make_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o regenerate_v as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o other_o which_o be_v according_a to_o those_o other_o say_n of_o our_o saviour_n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n the_o world_n can_v receive_v because_o it_o see_v he_o not_o neither_o know_v he_o i.e._n in_o a_o save_v way_n but_o you_o know_v he_o joh._n 14._o 17._o o_o righteous_a father_n the_o world_n have_v not_o know_v thou_o joh._n 17._o 25._o they_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o all_o thy_o sacred_a truth_n be_v riddle_n to_o they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o apostolical_a doctrine_n the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o discern_v not_o entertain_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 14._o the_o natural_a or_o animal_n man_n here_o mean_v say_v a_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o church_n be_v loc_n he_o that_o live_v according_a to_o the_o flesh_n and_o have_v not_o his_o mind_n yet_o enlighten_v by_o the_o spirit_n but_o he_o add_v this_o to_o the_o character_n that_o 〈◊〉_d he_o be_v one_o that_o have_v only_o that_o inbred_a and_o humane_a knowledge_n which_o the_o creator_n furnish_v all_o man_n mind_n with_o and_o so_o other_o ancient_a writer_n interpret_v the_o word_n as_o we_o shall_v hear_v afterward_o according_a to_o the_o learned_a locum_fw-la grotius_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v not_o the_o same_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o one_o that_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o affection_n of_o his_o fleshly_a part_n but_o he_o that_o be_v lead_v only_o by_o the_o light_n of_o humane_a reason_n he_o that_o have_v no_o other_o light_n but_o that_o of_o nature_n this_o interpretation_n of_o this_o learned_a writer_n be_v the_o more_o considerable_a because_o the_o person_n i_o be_o concern_v with_o at_o present_a have_v so_o great_a a_o esteem_n and_o veneration_n and_o that_o not_o unjust_o for_o he_o and_o boast_v that_o he_o be_v they_o it_o appear_v they_o be_v mistake_v for_o now_o he_o be_v we_o whilst_o he_o direct_o and_o express_o avow_v the_o apostle_n natural_a or_o animal_n man_n to_o be_v one_o that_o be_v whole_o conduct_v by_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o humane_a wisdom_n such_o a_o one_o have_v no_o supernatural_a guidance_n and_o direction_n can_v as_o long_o as_o he_o be_v such_o attain_v to_o a_o right_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n because_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o as_o the_o apostle_n here_o subjoin_v nay_o he_o add_v further_a he_o can_v know_v they_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o the_o natural_a man_n shall_v right_o perceive_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n imply_v as_o evident_a a_o contradiction_n as_o to_o say_v a_o blind_a man_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o see_v thing_n visible_a so_o a_o 4._o judicious_a divine_a of_o our_o church_n express_v himself_o concern_v this_o matter_n the_o ground_n of_o the_o apostle_n assertion_n follow_v which_o be_v very_o remarkable_a these_o thing_n say_v he_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v be_v know_v by_o a_o natural_a man_n because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v spiritual_a thing_n be_v discover_v and_o know_v in_o a_o peculiar_a way_n and_o such_o as_o be_v proper_a to_o good_a and_o holy_a man_n only_o these_o person_n have_v a_o inward_a sense_n and_o conviction_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o they_o know_v the_o true_a value_n and_o worth_n of_o they_o they_o know_v they_o so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o their_o own_o proper_a concern_v they_o know_v they_o so_o as_o to_o feel_v a_o influence_n from_o they_o on_o their_o heart_n affection_n and_o life_n thus_o a_o religious_a person_n know_v and_o discover_v these_o thing_n in_o a_o other_o manner_n than_o natural_a and_o unregenerate_a man_n do_v it_o be_v true_a the_o knowledge_n of_o both_o these_o be_v alike_o as_o to_o some_o sort_n of_o discovery_n relate_v to_o holy_a thing_n thus_o not_o only_o the_o grammatical_a critical_a rhetorical_a historical_a and_o philosophical_a part_n of_o the_o bible_n may_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o for_o the_o worst_a man_n may_v have_v as_o great_a a_o insight_n into_o these_o as_o the_o best_a but_o even_o the_o theological_a part_n of_o this_o inspire_a book_n so_o far_o as_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o the_o mere_a speculative_a and_o notional_a discovery_n of_o divine_a truth_n may_v be_v equal_o know_v by_o both_o but_o to_o know_v the_o truth_n contain_v in_o this_o sacred_a volume_n so_o as_o to_o be_v better_v by_o they_o be_v from_o supernatural_a light_n alone_o and_o this_o be_v it_o which_o distinguish_v the_o spiritual_a from_o the_o natural_a man_n this_o latter_a fall_v
short_a of_o the_o other_o in_o this_o that_o he_o have_v not_o attain_v to_o that_o spiritual_a discern_v of_o evangelical_n truth_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o and_o without_o which_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a to_o have_v such_o a_o knowledge_n of_o they_o as_o will_v be_v effectual_a to_o salvation_n and_o happiness_n i_o will_v add_v only_o one_o text_n more_o 2_o cor._n 4._o 3._o if_o our_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v hide_v to_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n i.e._n satan_n have_v blind_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o who_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o here_o it_o be_v imply_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v hide_v from_o some_o person_n yea_o and_o we_o be_v tell_v from_o who_o viz._n such_o as_o according_a to_o the_o forego_n stile_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v natural_a man_n those_o that_o live_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o suffer_v their_o mind_n to_o be_v blind_v and_o pervert_v to_o be_v corrupt_v and_o debauch_v by_o the_o diabolick_a spirit_n the_o prince_n and_o ruler_n of_o this_o low_a world_n to_o such_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v mere_a darkness_n thus_o it_o abundant_o appear_v from_o the_o sacred_a writ_n whence_o we_o be_v to_o fetch_v our_o discovery_n concern_v these_o thing_n that_o the_o proposition_n which_o i_o lay_v down_o be_v a_o impregnable_a and_o unshaken_a truth_n viz._n that_o christianity_n retain_v still_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o mystery_n and_o that_o more_o especial_o as_o so_o some_o person_n the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o natural_a strength_n be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o itself_o to_o discover_v these_o divine_a truth_n unless_o the_o soul_n be_v illuminate_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n these_o remain_v unintelligible_a and_o whole_o ineffectual_a and_o useless_a as_o to_o any_o save_v virtue_n and_o efficacy_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o our_o saviour_n word_n john_n 3._o 3._o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n unless_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v he_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o that_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n he_o can_v understand_v aright_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v call_v frequent_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o of_o heaven_n he_o can_v see_v he_o can_v enter_v into_o as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o v_o 5._o those_o divine_a thing_n this_o be_v that_o which_o our_o saviour_n aver_v mat._n 11._o 27._o neither_o know_v any_o man_n the_o father_n but_o the_o son_n and_o he_o to_o whosoever_o the_o son_n will_v reveal_v he_o viz._n by_o a_o inward_a and_o effectual_a discovery_n for_o they_o have_v the_o outward_a revelation_n then_o when_o the_o apostle_n st._n peter_n acknowledge_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n our_o saviour_n tell_v he_o that_o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o reveal_v this_o to_o he_o but_o his_o father_n who_o be_v in_o heaven_n mat._n 16._o 17._o it_o be_v not_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n but_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o father_n that_o have_v effectual_o wrought_v this_o knowledge_n in_o he_o this_o sort_n of_o light_n be_v peculiarly_a from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n this_o singular_a wisdom_n be_v from_o above_o and_o according_o as_o some_o interpret_v that_o place_n john_n 3._o 13._o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v call_v ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n from_o thence_o be_v derive_v that_o insight_n into_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n which_o no_o natural_a man_n have_v attain_v to_o for_o in_o this_o degenerate_a state_n of_o mankind_n the_o great_a point_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v under_o a_o seal_n and_o lock_v up_o from_o we_o and_o be_v never_o to_o be_v disclose_v till_o a_o divine_a light_n open_v our_o eye_n we_o must_v of_o necessity_n remain_v blind_a till_o that_o eyesalve_n rev._n 3._o 18._o be_v effectual_o apply_v and_o it_o can_v be_v apply_v only_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o proper_a work_n it_o be_v to_o dispel_v that_o spiritual_a darkness_n whereby_o the_o mind_n be_v indispose_v to_o understand_v and_o discern_v divine_a matter_n aright_o this_o be_v various_o express_v in_o the_o holy_a write_n viz._n by_o such_o term_n as_o these_o shine_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o give_v the_o light_n of_o knowledge_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 6._o give_v we_o a_o understanding_n to_o know_v 1_o john_n 5._o 20._o enlighten_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n eph._n 1._o 18._o a_o unction_n from_o the_o holy_a one_o 1_o john_n 2._o 20._o which_o can_v be_v better_a paraphrase_v and_o explain_v than_o in_o the_o word_n of_o a_o eminent_a prelate_n of_o our_o church_n 328._o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o reveal_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n general_o to_o the_o universal_a church_n do_v also_o illuminate_v the_o understanding_n of_o such_o as_o believe_v that_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o truth_n for_o faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n not_o only_o in_o the_o object_n but_o also_o in_o the_o act._n and_o afterward_o in_o the_o close_a he_o have_v these_o word_n we_o affirm_v not_o only_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o also_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o be_v part_n of_o the_o office_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n against_o the_o old_a and_o new_a palagian_n so_o that_o judicious_a writer_n it_o be_v this_o holy_a instructor_n that_o dispose_v the_o mind_n to_o receive_v the_o light_n of_o divine_a truth_n by_o cure_v it_o of_o its_o natural_a darkness_n and_o ignorance_n and_o by_o prepare_v the_o heart_n to_o receive_v its_o ray_n there_o be_v require_v a_o special_a grace_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o enlighten_v the_o soul_n and_o to_o make_v due_a impression_n upon_o it_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o understanding_n must_v be_v purify_v and_o so_o make_v fit_a to_o apprehend_v spiritual_a object_n this_o be_v part_n of_o the_o renew_a nature_n and_o regenerate_v principle_n and_o consequent_o where_o this_o be_v not_o the_o great_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v hide_a secret_n and_o unknown_a mystery_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o will_v only_o draw_v these_o two_o corollary_n 1._o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o the_o follower_n of_o socinus_n will_v not_o acknowledge_v christianity_n to_o be_v a_o mystery_n for_o they_o hold_v 26._o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o â—_o supernatural_a light_n no_o need_n of_o illumination_n from_o the_o spirit_n in_o order_n to_o the_o due_a apprehend_n and_o understand_v of_o the_o divine_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v they_o say_v in_o all_o man_n that_o natural_a ability_n whereby_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o discern_v all_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a matter_n in_o a_o spiritual_a way_n they_o be_v enable_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o inbred_a power_n in_o their_o mind_n abstract_a from_o what_o be_v supernatural_a to_o perceive_v and_o believe_v as_o they_o ought_v all_o the_o evangelical_n doctrine_n propound_v to_o they_o interpret_v wolzogen_fw-mi ridicules_fw-la the_o internal_a and_o supernatural_a illumination_n i_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o 9_o velthusius_n a_o author_n that_o be_v much_o applaud_v by_o some_o of_o socinus_n follwer_n tell_v we_o plain_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o regenerate_a and_o unregenerate_a man_n concern_v the_o thing_n and_o mystery_n of_o faith_n differ_v not_o from_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n i_o appeal_v to_o the_o intelligent_a whether_o this_o be_v not_o a_o approach_n to_o a_o heresy_n long_o since_o condemn_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o pelagian_a error_n to_o assert_v that_o man_n can_v attain_v to_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o a_o ability_n to_o perform_v it_o by_o mere_a natural_a reason_n by_o the_o bare_a help_n of_o that_o light_n which_o nature_n give_v they_o and_o in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o some_o other_o point_n the_o socinian_o symbolize_v with_o those_o ancient_a heretic_n they_o cry_v up_o reason_n as_o the_o only_a thing_n in_o religion_n this_o with_o they_o like_o the_o archaeus_n among_o the_o chemist_n do_v all_o feat_n produce_v all_o operation_n though_o these_o man_n 45._o seem_v to_o be_v great_a abhorrer_n of_o those_o who_o talk_v of_o the_o light_n within_o they_o yet_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o allow_v of_o the_o very_a same_o principle_n and_o practice_n they_o equal_v the_o light_n of_o reason_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o say_v it_o will_v serve_v instead_o of_o this_o and_o that_o it_o be_v as_o good_a as_o scripture_n because_o all_o man_n may_v be_v save_v by_o it_o therefore_o this_o they_o urge_v
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be_v once_o admit_v as_o impartial_a umpire_n they_o will_v make_v short_a work_n of_o all_o the_o quarrel_n about_o religion_n namely_o by_o pronounce_v many_o of_o they_o to_o be_v vain_a jangle_n and_o most_o of_o they_o unreasonable_a and_o absurd_a by_o assure_v the_o christian_a world_n that_o if_o they_o will_v lay_v aside_o prejudice_n and_o interest_n and_o vile-affection_n nothing_o will_v appear_v so_o clear_a and_o evident_a and_o undisputable_a as_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n abovenamed_a and_o that_o all_o who_o name_n the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v oblige_v to_o embrace_v and_o profess_v these_o necessary_a and_o unquestionable_a maxim_n and_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v wary_a and_o modest_a in_o their_o determination_n concern_v other_o proposition_n which_o be_v uncertain_a and_o that_o in_o matter_n which_o be_v indifferent_a and_o circumstantial_a it_o be_v reasonable_a that_o they_o shall_v either_o conform_v themselves_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n they_o live_v in_o or_o mutual_o agree_v to_o bear_v with_o one_o another_o where_o then_o be_v there_o any_o place_n leave_v for_o uncharitable_a dispute_n and_o unchristian_a animosity_n no_o where_o certain_o but_o where_o mere_a wilfulness_n and_o perverseness_n reign_v for_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n and_o standard_n of_o truth_n easie_n and_o intelligible_a have_v we_o not_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o reason_n the_o immediate_a direction_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o conviction_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o moreover_o have_v we_o not_o the_o infallible_a oracle_n and_o inspire_a write_n to_o rectify_v our_o mistake_v have_v we_o not_o heavenly_a and_o divine_a knowledge_n to_o exalt_v our_o natural_a notion_n have_v not_o the_o divine_a goodness_n bless_v we_o with_o abundant_a discovery_n both_o from_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o positive_a law_n of_o christ_n jesus_n but_o more_o especial_o from_o the_o latter_a that_o complete_a body_n of_o divine_a law_n that_o authentic_a volume_n of_o religion_n that_o inestimable_a treasury_n of_o true_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n so_o that_o if_o we_o will_v sincere_o make_v use_n of_o these_o help_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o occasion_n to_o renew_v this_o demand_n what_o be_v truth_n now_o to_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o father_n of_o light_n and_o to_o his_o son_n christ_n jesus_n who_o be_v the_o way_n and_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o grace_n be_v ascribe_v everlasting_a honour_n and_o glory_n amen_n why_o ruler_n and_o judge_n be_v call_v go_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o judge_n at_o the_o assize_n hold_v at_o cambridge_n psalm_n lxxxii_o 6_o 7._o i_o have_v say_v you_o be_v god_n and_o all_o of_o you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o most_o high_a but_o you_o shall_v die_v like_o man_n and_o fall_v like_o one_o of_o the_o prince_n this_o psalm_n may_v not_o unfit_o be_v style_v the_o judge_n or_o magistrate_n 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pious_a admonition_n and_o exhortation_n he_o add_v consider_v what_o i_o say_v 2_o tim._n two_o 7._o which_o advice_n reach_v all_o of_o timothy_n character_n and_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v revolve_v these_o thing_n often_o in_o your_o mind_n and_o let_v this_o charge_n which_o i_o leave_v with_o you_o be_v continual_o in_o your_o thought_n accustom_v yourselves_o to_o think_v and_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o a_o christian_a as_o well_o as_o of_o a_o man_n but_o especial_o it_o be_v a_o indispensable_a qualification_n in_o a_o public_a instructor_n in_o one_o that_o be_v to_o amend_v and_o rectify_v the_o sentiment_n of_o mankind_n if_o therefore_o we_o be_v desirous_a to_o attain_v to_o any_o improvement_n and_o excellency_n in_o our_o ministry_n we_o must_v not_o herd_n with_o the_o crowd_n but_o retire_v from_o it_o and_o hold_v converse_v with_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o thereby_o teach_v and_o instruct_v ourselves_o and_o so_o we_o shall_v be_v fit_a to_o do_v the_o same_o to_o other_o which_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n i_o shall_v treat_v of_o four_o another_o way_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o edify_v the_o church_n and_o excel_v in_o it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o preach_v or_o as_o the_o apostle_n style_v it_o prophesy_v he_o give_v this_o the_o precedence_n to_o all_o the_o other_o gift_n which_o he_o mention_n either_o in_o this_o or_o the_o twelve_o chapter_n of_o this_o epistle_n covet_v earnest_o spiritual_a gift_n but_o rather_o that_o you_o may_v prophesy_v this_o be_v that_o endowment_n which_o according_a to_o he_o make_v most_o for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o for_o the_o edify_v of_o the_o body_n of_o christ._n which_o character_n show_v it_o to_o be_v this_o gift_n which_o i'm_n now_o to_o speak_v of_o this_o be_v a_o complicate_v office_n and_o contain_v many_o excellent_a thing_n in_o it_o as_o first_o the_o inform_v of_o man_n judgement_n and_o set_v they_o into_o right_a apprehension_n concern_v thing_n in_o religion_n the_o lead_v requisite_a as_o i_o conceive_v in_o a_o preacher_n be_v orthodoxy_n he_o be_v to_o be_v one_o that_o own_v those_o principle_n and_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o have_v be_v always_o profess_v by_o the_o universal_a church_n let_v we_o not_o assume_v the_o title_n of_o protestant_n and_o yet_o reject_v some_o of_o the_o great_a head_n of_o divinity_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o sober_a person_n of_o the_o reformation_n let_v we_o not_o say_v we_o be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o yet_o deny_v some_o of_o the_o chief_a doctrine_n contain_v in_o her_o article_n let_v we_o not_o profess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o word_n and_o yet_o renounce_v those_o truth_n which_o be_v formal_o contain_v in_o it_o or_o be_v according_a to_o it_o for_o either_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n or_o natural_a and_o plain_a consequence_n from_o it_o be_v to_o be_v the_o standard_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o we_o deliver_v it_o be_v require_v of_o we_o not_o only_o to_o establish_v truth_n but_o to_o detect_v and_o confute_v falsehood_n and_o heresy_n therein_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o those_o great_a man_n irenaeus_n epiphanius_n augustin_n theodoret._n and_o true_o this_o be_v become_v necessary_a in_o this_o extravagant_a age_n where_o so_o many_o wild_a notion_n be_v entertain_v and_o so_o many_o old_a error_n revive_v the_o christian_a structure_n can_v but_o be_v expose_v to_o great_a hazard_n and_o danger_n when_o its_o foundation_n be_v undermine_v by_o some_o and_o its_o superstructure_n have_v continual_a battery_n make_v against_o it_o by_o other_o in_o such_o circumstance_n how_o careful_a and_o watchful_a shall_v we_o be_v how_o vigorous_o and_o concerned_o shall_v we_o act_v like_o those_o builder_n at_o the_o restauration_n of_o the_o jew_n with_o a_o trowel_n in_o one_o hand_n and_o a_o sword_n in_o the_o other_o we_o must_v be_v in_o a_o defensive_a and_o offensive_a posture_n at_o once_o secure_v and_o maintain_v the_o apostolical_a faith_n and_o grapple_v with_o the_o opposer_n of_o it_o at_o the_o same_o time_n but_o yet_o i_o must_v insert_v this_o caution_n that_o we_o ought_v careful_o to_o avoid_v all_o unnecessary_a dispute_n for_o nothing_o be_v more_o unbecoming_a a_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o nothing_o do_v more_o hinder_v the_o success_n of_o his_o ministry_n according_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o doctrine_n which_o minister_v question_n be_v oppose_v to_o godly_a edify_n â—_o tim._n l._n 4._o we_o shall_v effect_v but_o little_a in_o our_o employment_n if_o we_o indulge_v controversy_n and_o delight_n in_o quarrel_n and_o promote_v intricacy_n and_o perplexity_n in_o religion_n our_o task_n be_v to_o avoid_v these_o with_o all_o care_n and_o to_o entertain_v our_o hearer_n with_o the_o necessary_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n such_o as_o depend_v not_o on_o the_o fallible_a deduction_n of_o man_n but_o be_v fix_v and_o unmoveable_a found_v on_o the_o holy_a oracle_n and_o deliver_v by_o christ_n jesus_n and_o his_o apostle_n again_o a_o minister_n and_o guide_n of_o soul_n be_v not_o only_o to_o rectify_v man_n judgement_n and_o to_o settle_v they_o in_o the_o necessary_a article_n of_o religion_n but_o further_o it_o be_v require_v of_o he_o that_o he_o take_v care_n of_o their_o life_n and_o manner_n for_o though_o 4._o true_a notion_n of_o religion_n and_o godliness_n be_v to_o lead_v the_o way_n yet_o to_o make_v a_o man_n absolute_a and_o complete_a there_o must_v be_v uprightness_n of_o life_n nay_o indeed_o unless_o this_o latter_a be_v look_v after_o the_o former_a will_n soon_o decay_v by_o unholiness_n and_o wickedness_n we_o see_v oftentimes_o that_o man_n hazard_v their_o principle_n if_o the_o practice_n be_v debauch_v if_o the_o life_n be_v impure_a if_o the_o manner_n be_v deprave_v there_o will_v be_v a_o corruption_n in_o the_o judgement_n therefore_o we_o that_o be_v dispenser_n of_o the_o word_n aught_o to_o be_v as_o concern_v for_o practical_a religion_n as_o for_o truth_n of_o doctrine_n we_o ought_v not_o only_o to_o instruct_v our_o hearer_n in_o right_a principle_n but_o with_o all_o freedom_n to_o reprove_v their_o sin_n and_o vice_n and_o pathetical_o to_o exhort_v and_o persuade_v they_o to_o all_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n remember_v always_o that_o a_o holy_a and_o exemplary_a conversation_n be_v the_o true_a edify_v of_o the_o church_n yea_o it_o be_v the_o very_a top-stone_n of_o the_o building_n it_o be_v not_o mere_a speculation_n or_o bare_a discourse_n that_o will_v achieve_v this_o great_a work_n this_o be_v as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v undertake_v to_o build_v a_o house_n by_o contrive_v it_o in_o his_o head_n or_o by_o talk_v of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o utmost_a perfection_n of_o a_o christian_a to_o live_v according_a to_o his_o excellent_a
visible_a face_n of_o it_o be_v never_o without_o the_o vital_n and_o spirit_n of_o it_o let_v religion_n outward_o appear_v as_o comely_a and_o beautiful_a as_o the_o rule_n of_o christian_a edification_n will_v allow_v but_o by_o no_o mean_n let_v she_o exceed_v in_o ornament_n and_o bravery_n for_o she_o will_v soon_o vanish_v when_o she_o grow_v pompous_a and_o run_v into_o external_n show_v and_o pageantry_n with_o decency_n and_o comeliness_n be_v general_o couple_v unity_n and_o concord_n and_o these_o we_o be_v to_o be_v concern_v for_o likewise_o it_o be_v the_o harmony_n and_o uniformity_n of_o the_o part_n of_o a_o building_n that_o make_v it_o both_o beautiful_a and_o useful_a without_o this_o it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o well-ordered_a edifice_n but_o a_o confuse_a heap_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o by_o our_o love_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n we_o shall_v successful_o contribute_v towards_o the_o building_n of_o the_o church_n for_o there_o be_v history_n enough_o to_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o ancient_a heretic_n and_o schismatic_n betray_v the_o faith_n when_o they_o destroy_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o make_v a_o breach_n in_o her_o wall_n they_o undermine_v her_o foundation_n it_o behoove_v we_o of_o the_o clergy_n then_o to_o maintain_v mutual_a amity_n and_o agreement_n both_o among_o ourselves_o and_o other_o it_o be_v high_a time_n to_o banish_v all_o dissension_n to_o put_v a_o period_n to_o all_o our_o animosity_n and_o vain_a jangle_n to_o dote_v no_o long_o on_o fruitless_a dispute_n but_o to_o pursue_v the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a and_o to_o embrace_v our_o religion_n with_o a_o entire_a affection_n and_o to_o commend_v it_o to_o the_o world_n by_o our_o practise_v of_o it_o and_o so_o i_o pass_v to_o the_o last_o thing_n which_o i_o intend_v to_o name_n seek_v that_o you_o may_v excel_v in_o a_o holy_a life_n st._n paul_n in_o his_o visitation_n sermon_n to_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n enjoin_v they_o to_o take_v heed_n to_o themselves_o as_o well_o as_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n act_v xxviii_o 28._o and_o he_o command_v timothy_n to_o be_v a_o example_n of_o the_o believer_n in_o word_n in_o conversation_n in_o charity_n in_o spirit_n in_o faith_n in_o purity_n 1_o tim._n four_o 12._o and_o more_o brief_o ver_fw-la 16._o take_v heed_n unto_o thyself_o and_o to_o thy_o doctrine_n i.e._n to_o thy_o life_n as_o well_o as_o to_o thy_o preach_v and_o he_o charge_v titus_n that_o in_o all_o thing_n he_o show_v himself_o a_o pattern_n of_o good_a work_n tit._n two_o 7._o as_o there_o be_v a_o special_a designation_n to_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n so_o there_o must_v be_v a_o special_a holiness_n accompany_v it_o there_o must_v be_v a_o consecration_n of_o their_o life_n as_o well_o as_o of_o their_o person_n as_o their_o function_n exalt_v they_o above_o other_o in_o dignity_n so_o they_o shall_v surpass_v they_o in_o all_o laudable_a action_n according_a to_o those_o word_n use_v by_o our_o church_n in_o her_o canon_n 75._o they_o must_v have_v always_o in_o mind_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o excel_v other_o in_o purity_n of_o life_n and_o shall_v be_v example_n to_o the_o people_n to_o live_v well_o and_o christianly_o let_v not_o that_o which_o be_v part_n of_o the_o pharisee_n character_n be_v fasten_v on_o they_o 3._o they_o say_v but_o do_v not_o they_o preach_v well_o but_o live_v not_o according_o let_v not_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o seducer_n and_o false_a teacher_n be_v apply_v to_o they_o 6._o they_o profess_v that_o they_o know_v god_n but_o in_o work_n they_o deny_v he_o if_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o latter_a they_o pull_v all_o down_o that_o they_o have_v build_v they_o render_v all_o their_o instruction_n admonition_n reproof_n and_o exhortation_n ineffectual_a they_o obstruct_v the_o truth_n in_o or_o by_o their_o vnrighteousness_n for_o so_o rom._n i._n 18._o may_v be_v read_v according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o hinder_v the_o force_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o truth_n on_o themselves_o and_o the_o propagation_n of_o it_o to_o other_o by_o a_o impious_a life_n yea_o they_o take_v a_o course_n to_o ruin_n religion_n itself_o thence_o it_o be_v the_o usual_a speech_n and_o maxim_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o pious_a dr._n hammond_n the_o exemplary_a virtue_n of_o the_o clergy_n must_v restore_v this_o church_n it_o be_v that_o must_v commend_v we_o to_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n it_o be_v that_o must_v powerful_o influence_n upon_o they_o and_o teach_v they_o to_o be_v religious_a in_o good_a earnest_n a_o minister_n can_v choose_v a_o more_o efficacious_a way_n of_o prevail_v with_o other_o to_o be_v god_n than_o by_o let_v they_o see_v that_o he_o be_v so_o himself_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v no_o marvel_n that_o the_o sheep_n wander_v if_o the_o shepherd_n stray_v every_o one_o eye_n be_v upon_o their_o guide_n all_o man_n be_v look_v up_o to_o these_o star_n these_o torch_n of_o the_o world_n if_o they_o burn_v dim_a it_o will_v be_v observe_v and_o which_o be_v worse_o it_o will_v be_v imitate_v it_o be_v observe_v by_o a_o traveller_n of_o good_a repute_n that_o atheism_n thrive_v in_o italy_n because_o they_o see_v so_o much_o of_o the_o cheat_n and_o juggle_v of_o many_o of_o the_o priest_n and_o that_o interest_n be_v all_o their_o religion_n wherefore_o let_v it_o be_v know_v by_o our_o exemplary_a life_n that_o we_o be_v not_o incline_v to_o gratify_v atheist_n and_o to_o promote_v irreligion_n in_o the_o world_n especial_o let_v it_o be_v see_v that_o we_o act_n not_o out_o of_o worldly_a design_n that_o we_o make_v not_o the_o ministry_n a_o secular_a call_v but_o that_o our_o principle_n be_v sincere_a and_o that_o we_o do_v all_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o great_a master_n in_o brief_a one_o of_o our_o character_n shall_v like_o john_n the_o baptist_n be_v 35._o a_o burn_a and_o a_o shine_v light_n burn_v in_o his_o own_o breast_n with_o entire_a flame_n of_o goodness_n and_o devotion_n with_o pure_a intention_n of_o honour_v god_n and_o promote_a religion_n and_o shine_v in_o his_o life_n and_o action_n by_o a_o uniform_a practice_n of_o piety_n by_o a_o holiness_n that_o be_v conspicuous_a and_o resplendent_a indeed_o some_o of_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o entertain_v this_o false_a apprehension_n that_o the_o thing_n beforementioned_a viz._n right_a opinion_n preach_v of_o true_a doctrine_n conformity_n to_o the_o church_n order_n and_o discipline_n be_v sufficient_a though_o they_o be_v abstract_v from_o holiness_n thence_o some_o labour_n to_o be_v account_v orthodox_n and_o yet_o mind_v not_o their_o life_n they_o teach_v other_o what_o they_o be_v to_o do_v but_o be_v regardless_o of_o their_o own_o action_n they_o be_v hot_a for_o ceremony_n but_o cool_a and_o indifferent_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n but_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o unreasonable_a and_o absurd_a for_o the_o thing_n beforenamed_n be_v in_o order_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n the_o proper_a tendency_n of_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o obedience_n the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n and_o the_o keep_n up_o of_o decency_n and_o order_n be_v original_o design_v to_o beget_v and_o nourish_v religion_n and_o virtue_n let_v we_o therefore_o correct_v our_o conception_n concern_v these_o matter_n and_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o a_o vicious_a life_n be_v as_o contrary_a to_o god_n and_o religion_n as_o erroneous_a doctrine_n that_o to_o break_v one_o of_o the_o commandment_n be_v as_o bad_a or_o worse_o than_o to_o deny_v a_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n that_o drunkenness_n swear_v uncleanness_n be_v as_o black_a crime_n as_o schism_n yea_o let_v we_o be_v convince_v that_o by_o profaneness_n and_o wickedness_n the_o comeliness_n of_o our_o worship_n be_v render_v deform_v our_o most_o decent_a rite_n become_v sordid_a our_o white_a garment_n be_v stain_v and_o pollute_v let_v we_o fix_v upon_o our_o mind_n that_o of_o the_o devout_a abbot_n of_o claraval_n what_o will_v our_o canonical_a ordination_n profit_v we_o if_o we_o live_v vncanonical_o to_o be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n to_o preach_v it_o to_o other_o to_o be_v peaceable_a and_o orderly_a and_o to_o observe_v the_o ecclesiastical_a rule_n and_o law_n be_v of_o no_o worth_a and_o value_n if_o our_o life_n be_v impure_a and_o irregular_a wherefore_o to_o sum_n up_o all_o in_o a_o few_o word_n let_v he_o that_o earnest_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n for_o the_o order_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o ancient_a christian_n think_v himself_o oblige_v also_o to_o live_v the_o life_n of_o a_o primitive_a saint_n you_o see_v your_o call_v brethren_n you_o see_v what_o be_v your_o office_n your_o work_n your_o
all_o unjust_a prejudice_n and_o causeless_a jealousy_n all_o hatred_n and_o malice_n and_o desire_v of_o revenge_n and_o whatsoever_o may_v hinder_v we_o from_o discern_v the_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o our_o peace_n and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o thy_o holy_a spirit_n do_v thou_o dispose_v all_o our_o heart_n to_o such_o meekness_n of_o wisdom_n lowliness_n of_o mind_n patience_n gentleness_n and_o long-suffering_a and_o forbearance_n of_o one_o another_o in_o love_n and_o such_o honour_n and_o reverence_n of_o those_o who_o thou_o have_v set_v over_o we_o as_o become_v the_o son_n of_o peace_n that_o so_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n may_v be_v with_o we_o give_v we_o grace_n o_o lord_n serious_o to_o lay_v to_o heart_n the_o great_a danger_n we_o be_v in_o by_o our_o unhappy_a division_n and_o the_o great_a obligation_n which_o lie_v upon_o we_o to_o godly_a union_n and_o concord_n that_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n and_o one_o hope_v of_o our_o call_v one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o we_o all_o so_o we_o may_v henceforth_o be_v all_o of_o one_o heart_n and_o of_o one_o soul_n unite_v in_o one_o holy_a bond_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n of_o faith_n and_o charity_n and_o may_v with_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o mouth_n glorify_v thou_o o_o lord_n who_o with_o thy_o father_n and_o holy_a spirit_n live_v and_o reign_v oâ—â—_n god_n world_n without_o end_n amen_n the_o use_n and_o abuse_v of_o apparel_n in_o two_o sermon_n occasion_v by_o the_o present_a excess_n in_o that_o kind_n 1_o tim_n ii_o 8_o 9_o i_o will_v that_o woman_n adorn_v themselves_o in_o modest_a apparel_n with_o shame-facedness_a and_o sobriety_n not_o with_o broider_a hair_n or_o gold_n or_o pearl_n or_o costly_a array_n if_o you_o impartial_o view_v the_o general_a practice_n of_o this_o age_n you_o can_v but_o look_v upon_o these_o word_n as_o one_o of_o the_o most_o seasonable_a portion_n of_o scripture_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v to_o your_o consideration_n for_o among_o the_o many_o folly_n and_o vice_n which_o prevail_v among_o we_o the_o indulge_v of_o a_o extravagant_a way_n of_o attire_n be_v not_o the_o least_o wherefore_o i_o reckon_v it_o part_n of_o my_o office_n and_o function_n to_o chastise_v this_o reign_v excess_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o reform_v of_o it_o if_o i_o may_v be_v so_o happy_a as_o to_o influence_n upon_o any_o of_o you_o by_o this_o discourse_n i_o will_v undertake_v these_o three_o thing_n i._o to_o show_v the_o true_a and_o proper_a use_n of_o apparel_n ii_o to_o discover_v the_o abuse_n of_o it_o and_o to_o let_v you_o see_v how_o it_o become_v unlawful_a and_o vicious_a and_o unworthy_a of_o sober_a and_o modest_a christian_n iii_o to_o make_v some_o practical_a deduction_n from_o these_o thing_n and_o to_o dissuade_v you_o from_o that_o excess_n which_o be_v now_o grow_v so_o common_a by_o set_v before_o you_o the_o evil_n and_o mischief_n of_o it_o which_o you_o will_v find_v to_o be_v so_o great_a and_o so_o many_o that_o i_o hope_v you_o will_v be_v prevail_v with_o to_o abandon_v that_o undue_a practice_n there_o be_v a_o fourfold_a use_n or_o design_n of_o apparel_n the_o first_o whereof_o be_v to_o hide_v aâ—d_v shroud_v our_o nakedness_n for_o though_o in_o tâ—e_v state_n of_o innocency_n when_o the_o image_n of_o god_n shine_v bright_a in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n the_o very_a nakedness_n of_o his_o body_n be_v beauty_n nor_o need_v he_o any_o other_o cover_v than_o his_o original_a integrity_n and_o righteousness_n with_o god_n have_v adorn_v he_o yet_o when_o he_o offend_v against_o heaven_n and_o deface_v the_o image_n of_o his_o maker_n and_o become_v a_o guilty_a creature_n he_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o nakedness_n of_o his_o body_n and_o according_o make_v himself_o a_o garment_n of_o figleaf_n 3_o gen._n 7._o afterward_o god_n himself_o be_v please_v to_o instruct_v he_o how_o to_o make_v a_o more_o substantial_a and_o solid_a sort_n of_o clothing_n viz._n coat_n of_o skin_n v_o 21._o i.e._n of_o the_o skin_n or_o hide_n of_o beast_n and_o ever_o afterward_o among_o the_o civilise_v nation_n of_o the_o world_n garment_n have_v be_v in_o use_n for_o the_o same_o end_n that_o they_o be_v at_o first_o that_o be_v for_o modesty_n sake_n about_o the_o middle_a of_o the_o fourteen_o century_n there_o arise_v a_o heretical_a sort_n of_o people_n call_v adamite_n who_o gain_v that_o name_n because_o they_o imitate_v adam_n nakedness_n in_o paradise_n for_o they_o contend_v that_o since_o the_o restauration_n wrought_v by_o christ_n the_o pristine_a nakedness_n shall_v be_v resume_v and_o man_n and_o woman_n be_v now_o reduce_v to_o the_o primitive_a state_n of_o innocency_n aught_o to_o go_v without_o clothing_n but_o this_o silly_a sect_n who_o divest_v themselves_o of_o sobriety_n and_o reason_n before_o they_o strip_v themselves_o of_o their_o apparel_n be_v just_o explode_v by_o wise_a and_o sober_a man_n and_o their_o practice_n vote_v to_o be_v unlawful_a because_o the_o fall_n have_v leave_v a_o great_a depravity_n in_o man_n and_o the_o best_a of_o they_o be_v not_o perfect_o heal_v of_o it_o so_o that_o we_o now_o have_v the_o like_a reason_n to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o our_o nakedness_n that_o our_o first_o parent_n have_v to_o be_v of_o they_o and_o consequent_o we_o have_v need_n of_o a_o cover_v as_o they_o have_v second_o garment_n be_v for_o distinction_n sake_n different_a habit_n be_v not_o only_o for_o the_o difference_v of_o the_o sex_n and_o therefore_o the_o old_a testament_n make_v the_o promiscuous_a use_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n apparel_n unlawful_a but_o for_o make_v a_o discrimination_n between_o the_o quality_n or_o rank_n of_o person_n according_o in_o all_o age_n except_o the_o very_a first_o when_o there_o be_v but_o few_o people_n in_o the_o world_n and_o there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o occasion_n for_o discriminate_v of_o person_n from_o one_o another_o the_o quality_n of_o man_n be_v distinguish_v by_o their_o respective_a garb_n not_o only_o king_n and_o queen_n be_v difference_v from_o their_o subject_n by_o their_o royal_a apparel_n 6_o est._n 8._o but_o there_o be_v vesture_n proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o other_o order_n and_o dignity_n office_n and_o degree_n of_o man_n 1_o sam._n 18._o 4._o 1_o job_n 20._o 4_o lam._n 5._o 15_o luk._n 22._o 16._o 19_o joseph_n refuse_v not_o to_o wear_v pharaoh_n ring_n that_o he_o put_v upon_o his_o hand_n nor_o to_o be_v array_v in_o vesture_n of_o fine_a linen_n and_o to_o wear_v a_o gold_n chain_n about_o his_o neck_n 41_o gen._n 42._o mordecai_n and_o daniel_n be_v clothe_v with_o rich_a and_o stately_a ornament_n suitable_a to_o the_o degree_n they_o be_v advance_v to_o 8_o esth._n 15._o 5_o dan._n 29._o we_o read_v of_o precious_a clothes_n or_o according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n clothes_n of_o freedom_n 27_o ezek._n 20._o i.e._n such_o garment_n as_o become_v free_a and_o ingenuous_a man_n such_o as_o those_o of_o the_o better_a quality_n be_v clothe_v with_o among_o the_o old_a roman_n the_o rank_n of_o person_n be_v know_v by_o their_o habit_n the_o purple_a embroider_a vesture_n with_o large_a stud_n like_o broad_a nail_n head_n thence_o call_v laticlavia_n be_v use_v only_o by_o the_o senator_n and_o nobleman_n divers_a kind_n of_o shoe_n be_v wear_v at_o rome_n according_a to_o the_o different_a quality_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n and_o the_o like_a distinction_n of_o garb_n have_v be_v among_o all_o nation_n when_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o who_o wear_v soft_a raiment_n be_v in_o king_n house_n 11_o mat._n 8._o he_o do_v not_o condemn_v the_o use_n of_o rich_a and_o goodly_a attire_n which_o be_v mean_v by_o soft_a raiment_n but_o he_o intimate_v this_o distinction_n which_o i_o be_o now_o speak_v of_o and_o so_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v by_o their_o habit_n you_o may_v know_v they_o to_o be_v courtier_n he_o allow_v man_n to_o be_v attire_v according_a to_o their_o place_n and_o degree_n christianity_n do_v not_o disrobe_v man_n of_o their_o distinctive_a garment_n for_o this_o be_v one_o design_n of_o apparel_n viz._n to_o discriminate_a between_o person_n of_o a_o high_a and_o a_o low_a degree_n yea_o we_o read_v that_o the_o immediate_a minister_n of_o religion_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v according_a to_o god_n command_n distinguish_v from_o the_o people_n by_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n of_o garb_n which_o be_v imitate_v by_o other_o afterward_o and_o will_v it_o be_v likely_a have_v be_v practise_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o ecclesiastical_a person_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n if_o their_o conspicuousness_n of_o the_o clothing_n will_v not_o have_v make_v they_o too_o much_o know_v to_o their_o enemy_n and_o so_o will_v have_v be_v
certainty_n of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v discover_v yea_o and_o demonstrate_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o be_v fit_v and_o prepare_v for_o it_o but_o still_o the_o efficacy_n of_o sundry_a evangelical_n truth_n be_v keep_v secret_a from_o some_o person_n for_o a_o time_n and_o some_o of_o they_o be_v of_o that_o quality_n that_o they_o will_v ever_o surmount_v and_o baffle_v the_o utmost_a efforr_v of_o our_o intellectual_a power_n in_o another_o place_n col._n 2._o 2._o the_o apostle_n mention_n the_o mystery_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o father_n or_o rather_o it_o shall_v be_v render_v even_o of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o christ_n that_o be_v the_o gospel_n or_o the_o christian_a religion_n wherein_o god_n the_o first_o person_n in_o the_o glorious_a trinity_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o christ_n and_o christ_n the_o second_o person_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n and_o god_n himself_o these_o and_o the_o like_a fundamental_a principle_n of_o christianity_n be_v dark_a and_o mysterious_a and_o because_o of_o these_o sublime_a truth_n christianity_n itself_o have_v the_o name_n of_o mystery_n give_v to_o it_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o place_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o this_o where_o the_o word_n mystery_n be_v find_v it_o can_v not_o create_v wonder_n that_o the_o socinian_o even_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o this_o alone_a contend_v that_o christianity_n be_v not_o simple_o and_o absolute_o call_v a_o mystery_n in_o scripture_n for_o here_o the_o godhead_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o father_n be_v assert_v for_o the_o word_n god_n be_v attribute_v to_o both_o person_n god_n even_o the_o father_n and_o christ_n be_v the_o same_o with_o god_n who_o be_v both_o father_n and_o christ_n and_o consequent_o if_o they_o deny_v christ_n to_o be_v very_a god_n as_o they_o do_v they_o must_v deny_v the_o father_n to_o be_v so_o too_o i_o proceed_v to_o another_o text_n in_o the_o same_o epistle_n col._n 4._o 3._o whence_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o in_o the_o stile_n and_o idiom_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o gospel_n or_o christianity_n have_v the_o name_n of_o a_o mystery_n for_o the_o apostle_n express_o call_v it_o the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n the_o same_o with_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o place_n before_o mention_v and_o he_o request_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o colossian_n for_o he_o that_o god_n will_v open_v unto_o he_o a_o door_n of_o utterance_n to_o speak_v this_o mystery_n of_o christ_n i.e._n free_o and_o open_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n as_o appear_v further_a from_o what_o follow_v next_o for_o which_o i_o be_o in_o bond_n that_o be_v a_o sufferer_n a_o prisoner_n for_o my_o preach_v the_o â—_z of_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a whatever_o be_v suggest_v to_o the_o contrary_a to_o understand_v the_o word_n here_o any_o otherwise_o than_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v then_o preach_v by_o this_o apostle_n this_o be_v mysterious_a and_o hide_a and_o in_o many_o thing_n inexplicable_a so_o again_o in_o 1_o tim._n 3._o 9_o by_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o the_o minister_n and_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v exhort_v to_o hold_v i.e._n to_o defend_v and_o maintain_v must_v needs_o be_v mean_v the_o evangelical_n truth_n and_o doctrine_n the_o hold_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o faith_n be_v the_o same_o here_o with_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n 2_o tim._n 1._o 13._o that_o be_v the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o last_o in_o that_o text_n on_o which_o i_o find_v the_o present_a discourse_n religion_n be_v call_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n for_o immediate_o after_o the_o apostle_n have_v make_v mention_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v hold_v forth_o as_o on_o a_o pillar_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n he_o assign_v some_o of_o the_o great_a and_o fair_a branch_n of_o it_o and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o acquaint_v we_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o know_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v a_o mystery_n and_o that_o not_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o age_n and_o generation_n before_o the_o gospel_n but_o to_o the_o present_a mysteriousness_n of_o this_o sacred_a institution_n for_o by_o consult_v the_o context_n you_o will_v find_v that_o the_o word_n be_v speak_v absolute_o and_o entire_o without_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o past_a time_n of_o the_o world_n under_o judaism_n or_o gentilism_n they_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o condition_n of_o christianity_n as_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o consider_v and_o so_o this_o and_o all_o the_o other_o text_n that_o i_o last_o mention_v be_v a_o baffle_n to_o what_o some_o late_a advocate_n of_o socinianism_n pretend_v to_o prove_v viz._n that_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o word_n mystery_n be_v always_o use_v to_o signify_v something_o that_o be_v intelligible_a and_o clear_a in_o itself_o and_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n but_o cloud_v with_o figurative_a and_o mystical_a word_n but_o never_o to_o denote_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v dark_a and_o unconceivable_a in_o itself_o the_o contrary_n be_v plain_a and_o evident_a from_o the_o forecited_n text_n and_o every_o unprejudiced_a man_n that_o due_o scan_v they_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v that_o christianity_n be_v there_o call_v a_o mystery_n not_o in_o regard_n of_o what_o it_o be_v but_o what_o it_o be_v it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o other_o text_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o the_o word_n mystery_n be_v mention_v but_o it_o have_v there_o no_o relation_n at_o all_o to_o the_o present_a matter_n viz._n the_o gospel_n or_o christianity_n in_o itself_o consider_v thus_o in_o rom._n 11._o 25._o the_o general_n and_o final_a conversion_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n be_v call_v a_o mystery_n in_o 1_o cor._n 13._o 2._o mystery_n be_v a_o general_a word_n for_o all_o matter_n of_o knowledge_n that_o be_v abstruse_a and_o dark_a and_o it_o refer_v more_o particular_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o future_a thing_n for_o to_o know_v all_o mystery_n seem_v to_o be_v explicatory_a of_o the_o forego_n phrase_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o have_v a_o gift_n of_o prophesy_v that_o be_v foretell_v and_o declare_v thing_n to_o come_v as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v take_v in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n v_o 10._o in_o 1_o cor._n 14._o 2._o mystery_n be_v a_o large_a and_o extensive_a term_n and_o use_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o signify_v those_o divine_a doctrine_n which_o be_v mysterious_a and_o difficult_a but_o it_o be_v not_o particular_o apply_v by_o he_o and_o therefore_o i_o have_v not_o make_v use_n of_o it_o in_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 51._o it_o be_v restrain_v to_o a_o particular_a truth_n which_o be_v unknown_a to_o the_o corinthian_n at_o that_o time_n but_o st._n paul_n reveal_v it_o to_o they_o behold_v say_v he_o i_o show_v you_o a_o mystery_n viz._n this_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o all_o sleep_n those_o that_o be_v alive_a at_o at_o christ_n come_v shall_v not_o die_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o all_o other_o man_n but_o we_o shall_v all_o be_v change_v they_o shall_v undergo_v such_o a_o alteration_n that_o their_o corruptible_a state_n shall_v be_v change_v into_o that_o which_o be_v incorruptible_a and_o immortal_a the_o conjugal_a state_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o mystery_n â—ph_n 5._o 32._o because_o it_o shadow_n forth_o the_o union_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n as_o the_o sacrament_n be_v style_v mystery_n by_o the_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n because_o they_o be_v a_o representation_n of_o so_o great_a a_o thing_n as_o christ_n body_n mystery_n be_v apply_v in_o the_o revelation_n chap._n 1._o v._n 20._o and_o chap._n 17._o v._n 7._o to_o particular_a vision_n and_o revelation_n which_o have_v a_o mystical_a and_o spiritual_a meaning_n in_o they_o in_o rev._n 10._o 7._o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o be_v finish_v or_o fulfil_v for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o be_v as_o much_o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o glorious_a and_o flourish_a state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o last_o time_n of_o the_o world_n which_o have_v be_v keep_v as_o a_o mystery_n from_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n but_o when_o the_o seven_o angel_n sound_v his_o trumpet_n than_o as_o we_o be_v there_o assure_v that_o mystery_n shall_v actual_o be_v accomplish_v and_o fulfil_v but_o none_o of_o these_o text_n refer_v to_o our_o present_a matter_n as_o any_o understanding_n reader_n may_v perceive_v only_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o produce_v they_o that_o they_o may_v
on_o the_o very_a same_o ground_n attend_v to_o the_o former_a because_o that_o be_v from_o god_n no_o less_o than_o this_o wherefore_o those_o who_o oppose_v one_o to_o the_o other_o make_v â—od_a contradict_v himself_o because_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o both_o and_o here_o i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o injustice_n of_o some_o late_a penman_n who_o represent_v the_o asserter_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o of_o such_o like_a point_n of_o faith_n as_o person_n that_o be_v enemy_n to_o reason_n and_o such_o as_o will_v by_o no_o â—â—ans_n admit_v of_o a_o rational_a religion_n this_o they_o crafty_o urge_v and_o aggravate_v to_o blacken_v the_o cause_n which_o they_o have_v set_v themselves_o against_o but_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o truth_n in_o the_o accusation_n but_o as_o they_o manage_v it_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o falsehood_n and_o wrong_n for_o we_o give_v unto_o reason_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v reason_n we_o assert_v the_o use_n and_o necessity_n of_o it_o in_o religion_n yea_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o we_o be_v able_a and_o ready_a to_o defend_v and_o maintain_v a_o considerable_a part_n of_o it_o by_o rational_a principle_n we_o most_o free_o profess_v with_o justin_n the_o philosopher_n and_o martyr_n that_o 1_o whatever_o be_v well_o say_v by_o any_o of_o the_o philosopher_n poet_n and_o historian_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o christian_a write_n of_o the_o bible_n we_o declare_v that_o the_o christian_a institution_n commend_v and_o enforce_v all_o the_o maxim_n of_o morality_n and_o the_o natural_a religion_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o common_a dictate_v of_o reason_n those_o therefore_o be_v very_o injurious_a to_o we_o and_o to_o truth_n itself_o who_o labour_n as_o we_o see_v they_o do_v to_o fill_v man_n head_n with_o other_o apprehension_n but_o though_o it_o be_v thus_o in_o the_o general_n yet_o there_o be_v particular_a doubt_n and_o difficulty_n relate_v to_o this_o holy_a institution_n there_o be_v some_o certain_a point_n which_o be_v in_o themselves_o mysterious_a incomprehensible_a and_o inconceivable_a and_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o nice_a scrutiny_n of_o humane_a reason_n the_o â—ery_a deity_n itself_o which_o be_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o all_o christianity_n be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o great_a of_o all_o mystery_n whence_o it_o be_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o 〈◊〉_d a_o very_a wise_a and_o good_a man_n god_n be_v great_a and_o we_o know_v he_o not_o job_n 36._o 26._o we_o can_v full_o understand_v his_o nature_n and_o attribute_n yea_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v but_o very_o little_a of_o they_o which_o be_v fit_o express_v by_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n he_o dwell_v in_o the_o light_n which_o no_o man_n can_v approach_v unto_o 1_o tim._n 6._o 16._o this_o inaccessible_a splendour_n admit_v not_o of_o a_o full_a view_n the_o more_o we_o gaze_v upon_o this_o glorious_a sun_n the_o more_o we_o be_v dazzle_v and_o almost_o blind_v in_o some_o case_n 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v unsafe_a and_o perilous_a say_v a_o pious_a father_n to_o speak_v what_o be_v true_a of_o god_n ord._n â—â—e_z be_v best_a know_v by_o a_o modest_a 〈◊〉_d â—â—ith_o another_o 4._o we_o know_v not_o whâ—â—_n he_o be_v but_o only_o what_o he_o be_v not_o sai_z a_o third_z and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o socinus_n himself_o in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o his_o prediction_n stiâ—â—y_o contend_v though_o upon_o no_o solid_a ground_n at_o all_o that_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n be_v not_o discoverable_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n how_o then_o can_v he_o and_o his_o â—ollowers_n imagine_v â—hat_n the_o divine_a nature_n and_o essence_n be_v to_o be_v comprehend_v by_o humaâ—e_a thought_n if_o we_o can_v according_a to_o he_o discover_z that_o god_n be_v how_o shall_v we_o understand_v what_o he_o be_v there_o be_v several_a unutterable_a abstrusity_n and_o difficulty_n in_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o eternal_a self-subsisting_a be_v we_o can_v penetrate_v 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to_o defame_v libel_n and_o blaspheme_v christianity_n and_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o it_o and_o they_o make_v use_v of_o their_o reason_n to_o make_v void_a their_o faith_n but_o now_o all_o this_o may_v be_v prevent_v and_o hinder_v by_o a_o humble_a and_o christian_n submission_n to_o the_o sacred_a oracle_n by_o a_o free_a resign_v ourselves_o to_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o give_v credit_n to_o it_o article_n because_o they_o be_v deliver_v and_o attest_v by_o god_n himself_o in_o the_o infallible_a write_n which_o even_a reason_n itself_o dictate_v to_o be_v the_o best_a method_n we_o can_v take_v to_o establish_v and_o confirm_v we_o in_o our_o religion_n and_o to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o its_o doctrine_n be_v they_o never_o so_o perplex_v and_o mysterious_a nor_o do_v this_o introduce_v a_o blind_a credulity_n and_o such_o a_o implicit_a faith_n as_o some_o of_o the_o romanist_n defend_v for_o when_o we_o resign_v up_o our_o judgement_n 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unsafe_a to_o rely_v on_o the_o bare_a suggestion_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n in_o the_o great_a matter_n of_o religion_n this_o acquaint_v we_o that_o though_o we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o answer_v all_o difficulty_n in_o those_o point_n yet_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o doctrine_n themselves_o because_o they_o be_v found_v on_o scripture_n which_o be_v divine_o inspire_v this_o principle_n in_o we_o assure_v we_o that_o though_o we_o can_v full_o explain_v these_o thing_n by_o reason_n yet_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v the_o holy_a writ_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o our_o faith_n yea_o notwithstanding_o those_o point_n seem_v to_o thwart_v the_o natural_a principle_n of_o reason_n thus_o far_o we_o have_v reason_n on_o our_o side_n and_o then_o for_o scripture_n that_o be_v whole_o and_o entire_o we_o those_o grand_a article_n which_o our_o antagonist_n renounce_v be_v find_v there_o particular_o to_o instance_n in_o that_o great_a and_o celebrate_a doctrine_n which_o i_o have_v so_o often_o mention_v one_o will_v think_v it_o may_v suffice_v that_o this_o be_v so_o direct_o so_o plain_o so_o frequent_o assert_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o we_o find_v three_o express_o name_v father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n to_o who_o the_o divinity_n be_v ascribe_v and_o therefore_o we_o believe_v these_o three_o to_o be_v one_o god_n but_o how_o these_o three_o distinct_a hypostasis_n be_v one_o entire_a indivisible_a essence_n be_v a_o ineffable_a and_o incomprehensible_a mystery_n yet_o though_o we_o can_v conceive_v the_o manner_n of_o this_o yet_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v clear_o and_o plain_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o the_o socinian_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o brag_v that_o they_o be_v a_o 9_o accountable_a and_o reasonable_a faith_n when_o it_o absolute_o oppose_v and_o contradict_v the_o holy_a oracle_n of_o the_o bible_n this_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o so_o 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christianity_n and_o it_o have_v with_o invincible_a force_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n bear_v down_o all_o opposition_n that_o have_v be_v make_v against_o it_o and_o i_o question_v not_o but_o those_o violent_a effort_n and_o insult_v which_o have_v be_v and_o be_v make_v against_o it_o in_o this_o present_a age_n will_v prove_v vain_a and_o successless_a though_o we_o have_v see_v the_o rain_n descend_v and_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o the_o wind_n blow_v and_o beat_v upon_o it_o yet_o it_o shall_v never_o fall_v because_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o rock_n the_o same_o rock_n on_o which_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v build_v viz._n the_o confession_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o inspire_a apostle_n the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o veracity_n of_o god_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o all_o the_o other_o sacred_a mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n have_v the_o very_a same_o stable_a foundation_n and_o therefore_o be_v impregnable_a let_v this_o then_o satisfy_v we_o that_o these_o doctrine_n be_v sufficient_o reveal_v though_o they_o be_v not_o full_o know_v i_o say_v they_o be_v sufficient_o reveal_v because_o the_o book_n of_o god_n assure_v we_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o but_o they_o be_v not_o full_o know_v because_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o discover_v the_o argument_n on_o which_o they_o be_v found_v we_o discern_v not_o the_o foot_n on_o which_o they_o stand_v god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o hide_v this_o from_o we_o but_o then_o this_o be_v to_o be_v say_v it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o renounce_v our_o belief_n of_o that_o which_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a because_o it_o be_v mix_v with_o something_o which_o be_v dark_a and_o intricate_a it_o be_v a_o excellent_a caution_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o great_a st._n augustine_n 14._o nunquid_fw-la ideo_fw-la negandum_fw-la quod_fw-la apertum_fw-la est_fw-la quia_fw-la comprehendi_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la quod_fw-la occultum_fw-la est_fw-la the_o truth_n of_o a_o doctrine_n may_v be_v evident_a and_o perspicuous_a and_o that_o be_v sufficient_a to_o command_v our_o assent_n though_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o be_v not_o the_o modes_n and_o circumstance_n appertain_v to_o divine_a thing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v for_o at_o least_o if_o we_o can_v clear_v they_o up_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o quit_v the_o grand_a truth_n themselves_o these_o be_v not_o to_o be_v abandon_v because_o they_o be_v not_o according_a to_o our_o ordinary_a level_n because_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o render_v a_o punctual_a account_n of_o they_o because_o we_o can_v perfect_o gauge_v they_o and_o sound_v they_o to_o the_o very_a bottom_n in_o a_o word_n because_o they_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o tribunal_n of_o reason_n but_o if_o we_o have_v any_o regard_n to_o the_o sacred_a and_o infallible_a volume_n