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 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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 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proper_o study_v and_o certain_o this_o be_v of_o singular_a use_n we_o can_v more_o effectual_o fit_v ourselves_o for_o our_o great_a and_o important_a work_n that_o we_o be_v call_v to_o than_o by_o serious_a and_o sober_a reflection_n on_o our_o mind_n by_o sift_v and_o examine_v our_o notion_n and_o observe_v what_o conformity_n they_o bear_v to_o our_o unprejudiced_a faculty_n by_o be_v intimate_o acquaint_v with_o our_o thought_n and_o exercise_v ourselves_o to_o a_o familiarity_n with_o rational_a and_o solid_a principle_n and_o by_o cause_v they_o to_o bring_v their_o utmost_a aid_n to_o support_n and_o maintain_v the_o article_n of_o christianity_n our_o read_n will_v be_v of_o little_a use_n without_o this_o for_o it_o be_v by_o ponder_v on_o the_o thing_n that_o we_o have_v read_v and_o by_o compare_v they_o among_o themselves_o that_o we_o be_v able_a to_o digest_v our_o notion_n and_o to_o arrive_v to_o the_o true_a understanding_n of_o matter_n propound_v to_o we_o the_o 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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 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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
barbarian_n be_v the_o disagreeing_n and_o animosity_n in_o the_o church_n socrates_n particular_o observe_v this_o that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o his_o clergy_n persecute_v other_o dissent_v christian_n the_o goth_n and_o longobard_n invade_v italy_n the_o four_o century_n have_v abound_v with_o schism_n and_o faction_n as_o well_o as_o heresy_n and_o behold_v as_o the_o effect_n as_o well_o as_o recompense_n of_o these_o the_o five_o century_n labour_v under_o a_o other_o sort_n of_o plague_n viz._n the_o irruption_n of_o those_o savage_n partly_o pagan_n and_o partly_o arian_n who_o miserable_o persecute_v the_o orthodox_n christian_n in_o italy_n spain_n france_n and_o other_o country_n the_o church_n may_v just_o ascribe_v this_o to_o their_o own_o home-division_n those_o dreadful_a thing_n it_o be_v probable_a have_v never_o come_v to_o pass_v if_o the_o christian_n have_v not_o be_v shatter_v and_o distract_v among_o themselves_o if_o they_o have_v not_o swarm_v with_o various_a opinion_n and_o fill_v every_o place_n with_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n if_o they_o have_v not_o mangle_v and_o corrupt_v many_o head_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n if_o their_o bishop_n have_v not_o be_v haughty_a and_o proud_a and_o not_o only_o despise_v and_o vilify_v their_o inferior_a brethren_n but_o likewise_o have_v jar_v with_o one_o another_o in_o short_a if_o both_o governor_n and_o people_n have_v not_o be_v give_v to_o tear_v and_o rend_v among_o themselves_o and_o if_o a_o spirit_n of_o division_n have_v not_o possess_v they_o beyond_o all_o exorcism_n thus_o it_o happen_v to_o the_o church_n in_o the_o five_o century_n again_o to_o touch_v upon_o a_o other_o coast_n of_o history_n when_o in_o arabia_n fellix_fw-la and_o syria_n and_o the_o adjoin_a country_n several_a sect_n and_o party_n of_o christian_n have_v spring_v up_o as_o melchites_n maronites_n eutychian_o nestorian_n monothelites_n etc._n etc._n then_o in_o that_o very_a arabia_n but_o no_o long_o to_o be_v call_v the_o happy_a appear_v the_o grand_a impostor_n mahomet_n he_o and_o his_o successor_n get_v up_o and_o gain_v ground_n not_o only_o there_o but_o in_o other_o place_n by_o the_o many_o dispute_n and_o party_n which_o be_v among_o the_o christian_n and_o whilst_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n antioch_n and_o constantinople_n unchristian_o contend_v about_o priority_n and_o such_o like_a point_n the_o turk_n come_v and_o decide_v the_o controversy_n this_o be_v now_o know_v to_o be_v a_o great_a truth_n and_o not_o to_o be_v doubt_v of_o that_o the_o mahometan_a empire_n arise_v from_o the_o contention_n in_o the_o east_n when_o the_o church_n be_v tear_v asunder_o with_o the_o arian_n and_o manichean_a doctrine_n for_o this_o dissension_n breed_v in_o many_o man_n a_o hatred_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o the_o very_a name_n of_o it_o and_o then_o any_o opinion_n or_o doctrine_n especial_o if_o grateful_a to_o the_o flesh_n can_v not_o but_o be_v easy_o entertain_v and_o embrace_v be_v it_o not_o fad_a to_o consider_v that_o the_o vile_a cheat_n in_o the_o world_n that_o of_o mahometism_n be_v foster_v and_o set_v forward_o by_o the_o difference_n of_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o afterward_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o when_o the_o greek_a church_n be_v divide_v within_o itself_o into_o armeniâ—ns_n georgian_n jacobite_v &c._n &c._n it_o be_v oppress_v by_o the_o turk_n and_o saracen_n and_o quite_o overrun_v by_o they_o their_o own_o division_n arm_v these_o people_n against_o they_o their_o quarrel_n among_o themselves_o put_v weapon_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n and_o help_v they_o to_o vanquish_v they_o to_o make_v this_o reflection_n the_o more_o authentic_a i_o will_v give_v it_o you_o as_o it_o be_v represent_v in_o 2._o one_o of_o the_o homily_n of_o our_o church_n where_o after_o it_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o dissension_n of_o the_o eastern_a and_o western_a christian_n be_v very_o much_o promote_v by_o the_o quarrel_n about_o image_n the_o conclusion_n be_v this_o so_o that_o when_o the_o saracen_n first_o and_o afterward_o the_o turk_n invade_v the_o christian_n the_o one_o part_n of_o christendom_n will_v not_o help_v the_o other_o by_o reason_n whereof_o at_o last_o the_o noble_a empire_n of_o greece_n and_o the_o city_n imperial_a constantinople_n be_v lose_v and_o come_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o infidel_n and_o immediate_o after_o thus_o a_o sea_n of_o mischief_n be_v bring_v in_o a_o horrible_a schism_n between_o the_o east_n and_o the_o west_n church_n a_o hatred_n between_o one_o christian_n and_o another_o counsel_n against_o counsel_n church_n against_o church_n christian_n against_o christian_n prince_n against_o prince_n at_o last_o the_o tear_n in_o sunder_o of_o christendom_n and_o the_o empire_n in_o two_o piece_n till_o the_o infidel_n saracen_n and_o turk_n common_a enemy_n to_o both_o part_n have_v most_o cruel_o vanquish_v destroy_v and_o subdue_v the_o one_o part_n and_o have_v win_v a_o great_a piece_n of_o the_o other_o empire_n and_o put_v the_o whole_a in_o dreadful_a fear_n and_o most_o horrible_a danger_n still_o in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o argument_n i_o be_o upon_o i_o may_v remind_n you_o that_o the_o discord_n of_o christian_n be_v it_o which_o lose_v jerusalem_n after_o it_o have_v be_v hold_v by_o they_o successive_o a_o long_a time_n after_o it_o have_v cost_v they_o so_o much_o blood_n in_o their_o several_a expedition_n and_o crusade_n the_o saracen_n strength_n in_o the_o holy_a land_n accrue_v by_o the_o misunderstanding_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o europe_n when_o the_o holy_a war_n be_v turn_v into_o civil_a dissension_n and_o as_o turcism_n arise_v and_o increase_v by_o the_o dissension_n of_o christian_n so_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o prove_v that_o popery_n have_v the_o same_o rise_v and_o advance_v for_o there_o be_v abundant_a history_n to_o make_v it_o clear_a that_o by_o division_n in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o first_o age_n those_o corruption_n first_o creep_v in_o especial_o by_o reaso_n of_o the_o dissension_n among_o christian_a emperor_n king_n and_o prince_n the_o papal_a religion_n arrive_v to_o what_o it_o be_v for_o whenever_o these_o fall_v out_o with_o one_o another_o the_o pope_n stand_v ready_a to_o make_v advantage_n of_o it_o and_o they_o always_o thereby_o increase_v and_o advance_v their_o own_o power_n and_o authority_n and_o consequent_o the_o papal_a cause_n i_o may_v leave_v christendom_n and_o travel_v as_o far_o as_o china_n and_o show_v you_o that_o vast_a and_o spacious_a kingdom_n which_o above_o 4000_o year_n together_o enjoy_v a_o uninterrupted_a peace_n and_o know_v not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o use_v of_o arm_n to_o defend_v their_o country_n which_o no_o people_n in_o the_o world_n can_v say_v beside_o they_o at_o last_o the_o occasion_n of_o put_v a_o period_n to_o this_o long_a tranquillity_n be_v sinarum_fw-la the_o discord_n of_o this_o kingdom_n among_o themselves_o the_o division_n and_o inflammation_n within_o their_o own_o bowel_n and_o the_o civil_a war_n occasion_v by_o usurper_n of_o the_o throne_n which_o be_v follow_v with_o the_o irruption_n of_o the_o scythian_n and_o asiatick_n tartar_n upon_o they_o who_o in_o those_o unhappy_a circumstance_n get_v the_o better_a of_o they_o and_o after_o a_o long_a and_o bloody_a war_n possess_v that_o kingdom_n the_o wealthy_a and_o most_o populous_a in_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o we_o know_v of_o and_o to_o this_o day_n be_v master_n of_o it_o and_o now_o when_o we_o be_v travel_v we_o may_v visit_v the_o famous_a country_n of_o the_o abyssine_n or_o ethiopia_n a_o large_a kingdom_n in_o africa_n but_o late_o shrink_v into_o a_o lesser_a compass_n and_o almost_o abyss_n lay_v waist_n by_o the_o native_n of_o the_o place_n some_o of_o they_o have_v turn_v state-rebel_n and_o other_o set_v on_o by_o the_o jesuit_n fight_v on_o a_o religious_a account_n but_o i_o will_v not_o wander_v so_o far_o but_o come_v home_o to_o ourselves_o and_o prosecute_v the_o argument_n with_o relation_n to_o this_o land_n of_o our_o nativity_n they_o be_v the_o civil_a war_n of_o the_o ancient_a britain_n which_o tempt_v julius_n caesar_n to_o invade_v this_o island_n at_o first_o this_o be_v the_o rise_n of_o the_o roman_n come_v hither_o and_o this_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o britain_n be_v conquer_v it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o most_o credible_a historian_n that_o our_o ancestor_n a_o very_a warlike_a and_o valiant_a people_n be_v vanquish_v rather_o by_o the_o perfidiousness_n of_o their_o own_o androgeus_n and_o the_o quarrel_n of_o other_o among_o themselves_o than_o by_o the_o valour_n and_o force_n of_o the_o invader_n for_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o julius_n caesar_n be_v invite_v over_o by_o that_o androgeus_n who_o at_o that_o time_n quarrel_v with_o
culpable_a those_o that_o blame_v my_o intemperance_n in_o write_v if_o i_o be_v in_o a_o public_a station_n of_o the_o ministry_n will_v find_v fault_n with_o my_o preach_v too_o much_o and_o last_o i_o desire_v to_o regulate_v myself_o and_o my_o undertake_n by_o that_o rule_n of_o the_o royal_a preacher_n eccles._n 9_o 10._o what_o thy_o hand_n find_v to_o do_v do_v it_o with_o thy_o may_v the_o reason_n of_o which_o follow_v for_o there_o be_v no_o work_n nor_o device_n nor_o knowledge_n nor_o wisdom_n in_o the_o grave_n whither_o thou_o go_v this_o present_a world_n be_v the_o place_n of_o action_n and_o duty_n and_o these_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v according_a to_o the_o particular_a capacity_n and_o ability_n bestow_v upon_o we_o by_o our_o great_a benefactor_n the_o proper_a concern_v and_o business_n of_o our_o life_n which_o we_o design_v to_o discharge_v we_o must_v dispatch_v now_o and_o that_o with_o our_o might_n and_o vigour_n according_o i_o have_v take_v up_o a_o resolution_n by_o the_o divine_a aid_n to_o do_v what_o good_a i_o can_v with_o my_o pen_n whilst_o i_o can_v hold_v it_o and_o make_v use_n of_o it_o and_o sure_o this_o will_v not_o this_o can_v be_v offensive_a to_o any_o good_a and_o virtuous_a man_n and_o to_o such_o i_o desire_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o my_o action_n and_o not_o to_o other_o wherefore_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v divert_v by_o the_o little_a suggestion_n and_o seem_o prudential_a exception_n of_o the_o foresay_a objection_n from_o a_o sedulous_a and_o continue_a apply_v myself_o to_o the_o forementioned_a way_n of_o communicate_v my_o thought_n to_o the_o world_n which_o i_o hope_v will_n through_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o high_a prove_v someways_o serviceable_a towards_o the_o advance_n of_o truth_n and_o piety_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o practice_n of_o man_n though_o i_o be_o sufficient_o apprehensive_a how_o mean_a and_o unworthy_a my_o labour_n be_v and_o how_o much_o inferior_a to_o those_o of_o my_o reverend_a brethren_n and_o other_o excellent_a writer_n of_o this_o age._n and_o because_o i_o will_v be_v free_a and_o open_a with_o the_o reader_n i_o will_v give_v he_o his_o bill_n of_o fare_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v i_o design_n god_n willing_a to_o entertain_v he_o next_o with_o a_o large_a discourse_n concern_v the_o different_a dispensation_n of_o religion_n since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n it_o be_v a_o work_n that_o i_o have_v be_v design_v for_o the_o public_a a_o considerable_a time_n but_o have_v not_o yet_o have_v a_o opportunity_n to_o send_v it_o abroad_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o other_o treatise_n which_o be_v call_v for_o it_o be_v a_o work_n if_o i_o mistake_v not_o that_o be_v exceed_o necessary_a for_o the_o right_a understanding_n the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o apprehend_v the_o true_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o they_o for_o the_o discover_n of_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o god_n various_a administration_n to_o the_o world_n and_o for_o the_o full_o evince_v of_o his_o peculiar_a care_n of_o his_o church_n in_o all_o age_n i_o have_v also_o venture_v to_o make_v a_o modest_a enquiry_n into_o the_o future_a state_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o church_n here_o on_o earth_n but_o i_o have_v all_o along_o build_v my_o assertion_n on_o the_o discovery_n which_o the_o sacred_a write_n have_v furnish_v i_o with_o for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o great_a and_o wonderful_a thing_n which_o be_v yet_o to_o come_v and_o which_o be_v more_o glorious_a than_o ever_o yet_o appear_v on_o the_o stage_n be_v predict_v in_o the_o inspire_a volume_n though_o the_o text_n which_o speak_v of_o they_o have_v through_o prejudice_n and_o prepossession_n be_v unhappy_o misinterpret_v this_o and_o some_o other_o treatise_n as_o a_o impartial_a enquiry_n after_o truth_n and_o the_o right_a method_n of_o find_v it_o etc._n etc._n i_o intend_v as_o preliminary_n to_o a_o body_n of_o divinity_n for_o that_o be_v the_o undertake_n i_o have_v be_v accomplish_v some_o year_n and_o i_o have_v make_v some_o progress_n in_o it_o i_o purpose_v that_o the_o several_a part_n of_o which_o it_o be_v compose_v shall_v contain_v particular_a and_o distinct_a discourse_n on_o all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n on_o every_o one_o of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n on_o the_o seveâ—eral_a petition_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o on_o all_o the_o virtue_n grace_n and_o office_n of_o christianity_n with_o all_o the_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n of_o it_o i_o intend_v a_o large_a supplement_n concern_v the_o five_o point_n as_o they_o be_v common_o call_v controvert_v between_o the_o remonstrant_n and_o calvinist_n as_o likewise_o concern_v all_o those_o opinion_n and_o doctrine_n which_o be_v debate_v between_o the_o romanist_n and_o the_o reform_a church_n this_o be_v the_o provision_n which_o i_o have_v be_v make_v and_o which_o i_o hope_v to_o finish_v unless_o it_o shall_v seem_v good_a to_o the_o alwise_a disposer_n in_o who_o hand_n my_o time_n be_v otherwise_o to_o determine_v concern_v it_o and_o i_o however_o i_o can_v reasonable_o expect_v the_o continuance_n of_o health_n and_o the_o prolong_v of_o my_o day_n till_o i_o have_v entire_o publish_v what_o i_o have_v thus_o prepare_v but_o so_o far_o as_o i_o be_o able_a i_o be_o willing_a to_o make_v my_o own_o hand_n my_o executor_n in_o part_n and_o not_o to_o imitate_v those_o close-fisted_n person_n who_o whilst_o they_o be_v live_v distribute_v nothing_o of_o what_o god_n have_v give_v they_o but_o thrust_v all_o their_o good_a deed_n to_o the_o other_o side_n of_o their_o grave_n or_o if_o the_o benign_a deity_n shall_v vouchsafe_v to_o add_v a_o great_a number_n of_o day_n to_o my_o life_n yet_o we_o know_v not_o what_o evil_n shall_v be_v upon_o the_o earth_n for_o true_o when_o i_o place_n before_o i_o that_o atheism_n debauchery_n and_o profaneness_n which_o be_v observable_a in_o the_o live_v of_o the_o worst_a and_o the_o strange_a indifferency_n and_o lukewarmness_n that_o reign_n in_o the_o best_a i_o be_o incline_v to_o think_v that_o though_o there_o be_v a_o period_n at_o present_a to_o the_o late_a hostility_n yet_o we_o be_v in_o a_o very_a dangerous_a condition_n which_o be_v one_o principal_a reason_n of_o my_o make_v that_o haste_n which_o some_o i_o perceive_v censure_v i_o for_o it_o may_v be_v partly_o out_o of_o good_a will_n and_o pity_n towards_o i_o fear_v lest_o i_o shall_v exhaust_v myself_o and_o turn_v bankrupt_a in_o a_o short_a time_n but_o i_o believe_v i_o have_v say_v enough_o to_o ease_v their_o fear_n as_o to_o that_o matter_n and_o as_o for_o other_o who_o censure_n proceed_v from_o a_o worse_a principle_n i_o let_v they_o know_v once_o for_o all_o that_o i_o have_v devote_v the_o residue_n of_o my_o life_n to_o the_o public_a defence_n and_o advancement_n of_o christianity_n with_o all_o its_o weighty_a truth_n and_o doctrine_n and_o all_o the_o holy_a duty_n and_o practice_n that_o appertain_v to_o it_o and_o i_o revere_a and_o adore_v the_o divine_a bounty_n that_o have_v vouchsafe_v to_o entrust_v i_o with_o a_o small_a stock_n such_o as_o be_v suitable_a to_o my_o poor_a ability_n to_o carry_v on_o so_o laudable_a a_o design_n i_o intend_v it_o shall_v not_o lie_v dead_a but_o be_v employ_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o great_a eternal_a donour_n the_o content_n serm._n i._n a_o answer_n to_o pilat_n question_n what_o be_v truth_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o king_n charles_n the_o second_o at_o newmarket_n john_n xviii_o 38._o pilate_n say_v unto_o he_o what_o be_v truth_n pag._n 1._o serm._n ii_o 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 psal._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 pag._n 29â—_n serm._n iii_o the_o reason_n why_o magistrate_n ought_v to_o be_v exemplary_a in_o their_o life_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o election_n of_o a_o chief_a magistrate_n in_o a_o corporation_n exod._n xviii_o 25._o and_o moses_n choose_v able_a man_n out_o of_o all_o israel_n and_o make_v they_o head_n over_o the_o people_n p._n 62._o serm._n iu._n how_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o excel_v a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o clergy_n at_o the_o archdeacon_n of_o ely_n visitation_n 1_o cor._n fourteen_o 12._o forasmuch_o as_o you_o be_v zealous_a of_o spiritual_a gift_n seek_v that_o you_o may_v excel_v to_o the_o edify_v of_o the_o church_n p._n 92._o serm._n v._o that_o decay_n of_o trade_n and_o commerce_n and_o consequent_o
of_o wealth_n be_v the_o natural_a product_n and_o just_a penalty_n of_o vice_n in_o a_o nation_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o proclaim_v and_o open_v of_o a_o great_a fair._n ezek_n xxvii_o 27._o thy_o riches_n and_o thy_o fair_n and_o thy_o merchandise_n thy_o mariner_n and_o thy_o pilot_n thy_o calker_n and_o the_o occupier_n of_o thy_o merchandise_n and_o all_o thy_o man_n of_o war_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o and_o in_o all_o thy_o company_n which_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o thou_o shall_v fall_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o sea_n in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o ruin_n p._n 133_o serm._n vi_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o necessity_n of_o go_v to_o war_n on_o just_a occasion_n a_o sermon_n occasion_v by_o the_o proclaim_v of_o the_o war_n against_o france_n gen._n xviii_o 14._o and_o when_o abram_n hear_v that_o his_o brother_n be_v take_v captive_a be_v arm_v his_o train_a servant_n bear_v in_o his_o own_o house_n three_o hundred_o and_o eighteen_o and_o pursue_v they_o unto_o dan_n pag._n 160_o serm._n vii_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o the_o ill_a success_n of_o war._n a_o sermon_n preach_v on_o a_o fast_a day_n appoint_v by_o their_o majesty_n for_o the_o implore_v god_n blessing_n on_o their_o force_n by_o sea_n and_o land_n josh._n vii_o 12._o therefore_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n can_v not_o stand_v before_o their_o enemy_n but_o turn_v their_o back_n before_o their_o enemy_n because_o they_o be_v accurse_v neither_o will_v i_o be_v with_o you_o any_o more_o except_o you_o destroy_v the_o accurse_a thing_n from_o among_o you_o pag._n 192_o serm._n viii_o the_o extreme_a danger_n of_o intestine_a division_n in_o a_o kingdom_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o sir_n john_n hoâ—blon_n late_a lord_n mayor_n and_o alderman_n at_o guildhall_n chappel_n mark_n iii_o 24._o and_o if_o a_o kingdom_n be_v divide_v against_o itself_o that_o kingdom_n can_v stand_v p._n 225_o serm._n ix_o x._o 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 shamefacedness_n 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 pag._n 257_o serm._n xi_o christianity_n mysterious_a a_o sermon_n show_v the_o true_a mean_v and_o acception_n of_o the_o word_n mystery_n in_o scripture_n and_o why_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v call_v a_o mystery_n occasion_v by_o some_o late_a socinian_n write_n which_o explode_v all_o christian_a mystery_n 1_o tim_n iii_o 16._o and_o without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n pag._n 328_o serm._n xii_o christianity_n mysterious_a a_o sermon_n show_v that_o there_o be_v mystery_n proper_o so_o call_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n with_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o it_o and_o the_o natural_a consequence_n from_o it_o preach_v before_o the_o university_n at_o st._n mary_n in_o cambridge_n june_n 29._o 1697._o and_o since_o much_o enlarge_v 1_o tim_n iii_o 16._o and_o without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n p._n 365_o errata_fw-la pag._n 11._o l._n 14._o r_o monstrous_a p._n 19_o l._n 27._o r._n of_o truth_n p._n 92._o l._n ult_n deal_n be_v p_o 142._o l._n 4._o r._n thence_o p._n 171._o l._n 20._o r._n one_o p._n 176._o l._n 12._o after_o blood_n inseâ—t_v a_o 〈◊〉_d point_n p._n 178._o l._n 1._o for_o on_o r._n to_o p._n 262._o l._n 2._o r._n there_o for_o their_o and_o their_o for_o the._n p._n 268._o l._n 1._o deal_n be_v l._n 17._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 269._o l._n ult_n r._n muliebri_fw-la p._n 271._o l._n 12._o r._n restrain_v p._n 278._o l._n 5._o r._n gorgeous_a p._n 279._o l._n 2._o r._n exotic_a p._n 289._o l._n 18._o r._n supercilious_a p._n 304._o l._n 7._o r._n altum_fw-la p._n 322._o l._n 8._o r._n viand_n p._n 345._o l._n 22._o before_o which_o insert_v v_o 9_o p._n 351._o l._n 5._o r._n thing_n as_o the_o spirit_n cleanse_v and._n p._n 380._o l._n 10._o r._n give_v it_o p._n 389._o l._n 7._o r._n rarity_n with_o other_o fault_n in_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a which_o the_o reader_n be_v desire_v to_o correct_v a_o answer_n to_o pilat_n question_n what_o be_v truth_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o king_n charles_n ii_o at_o newmarket_n john_n xviii_o 38._o pilate_n say_v unto_o he_o what_o be_v truth_n one_o signal_n circumstance_n of_o our_o saviour_n meritorious_a passion_n be_v that_o which_o we_o daily_o rehearse_v in_o the_o creed_n that_o he_o suffer_v under_o pontius_n pilate_n and_o true_o from_o the_o character_n which_o be_v give_v this_o person_n not_o only_o by_o the_o evangelist_n but_o other_o writer_n he_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v a_o fit_a man_n for_o that_o execrable_a work_n of_o condemn_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n for_o who_o be_v more_o so_o than_o the_o covetous_a and_o greedy_a pilate_n who_o attempt_v to_o rob_v the_o temple_n and_o sacrilegious_o to_o rifle_n the_o corban_n as_o josephus_n relate_v who_o can_v be_v fit_a than_o he_o to_o receive_v a_o bribe_n from_o the_o jew_n and_o even_o against_o his_o conscience_n to_o deliver_v up_o the_o messiah_n a_o victim_n to_o their_o fury_n and_o malice_n who_o than_o he_o who_o have_v inhuman_o mingle_v the_o galilean_n blood_n with_o their_o sacrifice_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v employ_v when_o the_o great_a sacrifice_n of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o be_v offer_v and_o when_o jesus_n of_o galilee_n from_o who_o his_o follower_n be_v call_v galilean_n be_v to_o give_v his_o blood_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n but_o though_o this_o man_n be_v thus_o fit_o dispose_v and_o prepare_v for_o his_o work_n yet_o the_o bloody_a sentence_n against_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o to_o be_v pronounce_v by_o he_o without_o the_o preamble_n of_o a_o formal_a arraignment_n and_o trial._n and_o according_o the_o innocent_a jesus_n be_v set_v to_o the_o bar_n and_o this_o roman_a governor_n take_v the_o bench_n where_o as_o you_o will_v find_v by_o the_o context_n this_o judge_n be_v full_a of_o his_o interrogatory_n and_o propound_v several_a and_o those_o not_o inconsiderable_a question_n but_o among_o they_o all_o there_o be_v none_o certain_o that_o be_v in_o itself_o more_o substantial_a and_o useful_a than_o this_o what_o be_v truth_n and_o it_o be_v as_o pertinent_a as_o it_o be_v weighty_a for_o it_o be_v just_o occasion_v by_o our_o lord_n plea_n and_o protestation_n in_o court_n viz._n that_o notwithstanding_o the_o malicious_a jew_n have_v accuse_v he_o as_o a_o impostor_n yet_o to_o this_o end_n he_o be_v bear_v and_o for_o â—his_fw-la cause_n he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n that_o he_o may_v 〈◊〉_d â—itness_v to_o the_o truth_n v_o 37._o as_o if_o our_o saviour_n have_v say_v whereas_o error_n and_o falsehood_n have_v 〈◊〉_d a_o long_a time_n in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o 〈◊〉_d have_v miserable_o pervert_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o great_a number_n of_o they_o have_v be_v spoil_v through_o their_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n and_o likewise_o among_o you_o jew_n the_o mean_v of_o god_n write_a law_n be_v deprave_v by_o the_o corrupt_a doctrine_n of_o the_o superstitious_a pharisee_n and_o profane_a sadducee_n the_o former_a a_o sort_n of_o hebrew_a stoic_n the_o late_a a_o kind_n of_o jewish_a epicure_n and_o atheist_n and_o you_o be_v divide_v into_o several_a other_o disagree_a sect_n and_o school_n and_o go_v on_o daily_o to_o corrupt_v and_o stifle_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o morality_n and_o religion_n and_o even_o utter_o to_o take_v away_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n and_o truth_n whereas_o thing_n be_v thus_o the_o great_a design_n of_o my_o visit_v mankind_n be_v of_o a_o contrary_a nature_n namely_o to_o lead_v they_o to_o right_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n to_o baffle_v all_o error_n and_o delusion_n and_o to_o direct_v they_o most_o effectual_o into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o every_o one_o that_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n hear_v my_o voice_n v_o 37._o that_o be_v those_o who_o be_v competent_a judge_n and_o sincere_a lover_n of_o truth_n will_v soon_o descry_v my_o doctrine_n to_o be_v fraught_v with_o the_o high_a and_o most_o important_a verity_n and_o will_v embrace_v it_o as_o the_o great_a blessing_n that_o be_v ever_o vouchsafe_v to_o the_o world_n pilate_n hear_v our_o saviour_n discourse_n of_o truth_n put_v this_o question_n to_o he_o in_o the_o text._n it_o be_v luther_n conjecture_n that_o he_o do_v it_o out_o of_o kindness_n to_o our_o lord_n for_o pilate_n say_v he_o menâ—al_a be_v a_o worldly-wise_a man_n and_o willing_a to_o release_v christ_n do_v as_o much_o as_o say_v to_o he_o what_o will_v thou_o dispute_v concern_v truth_n in_o these_o wicked_a time_n of_o the_o world_n truth_n be_v
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
this_o be_v the_o christian_a truth_n our_o singular_a glory_n whereby_o we_o be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o those_o who_o profess_v any_o other_o religion_n whatsoever_o whether_o of_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n or_o the_o idolatrous_a gentile_n or_o the_o delude_v saracen_n and_o turk_n or_o downright_a atheist_n and_o other_o of_o a_o like_a perverse_a persuasion_n these_o all_o err_v especial_o the_o three_o first_o rank_n of_o man_n by_o not_o know_v or_o not_o embrace_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v deserve_o style_v 15._o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o be_v the_o only_a supreme_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n we_o then_o who_o embrace_v this_o christian_a rule_n be_v bless_v with_o that_o institution_n which_o be_v pure_a and_o undefiled_a which_o be_v ground_v on_o undoubted_a revelation_n which_o be_v back_v by_o a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n which_o have_v a_o divine_a impress_n stamp_v upon_o it_o so_o that_o our_o religion_n as_o far_o surmount_v all_o 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to_o it_o viz._n what_o be_v error_n and_o falsehood_n all_o proposition_n which_o contradict_v the_o common_a notice_n and_o first_o principle_n in_o our_o mind_n and_o which_o affront_n right_a reason_n and_o the_o plain_a deduction_n make_v from_o it_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o false_a and_o on_o the_o same_o account_n those_o assertion_n which_o overthrow_v the_o verdict_n of_o our_o sense_n and_o much_o more_o those_o that_o imply_v contradiction_n in_o they_o and_o consequent_o impossibility_n can_v be_v true_a and_o on_o these_o ground_n i_o may_v show_v that_o the_o divinity_n of_o some_o high-flown_a enthusiast_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o roman_a catholic_n concern_v transubstantiation_n be_v just_o to_o be_v impeach_v of_o falsehood_n again_o whatsoever_o assertion_n in_o any_o religion_n be_v repugnant_a to_o divine_a revelation_n to_o god_n will_n declare_v by_o some_o positive_a law_n to_o such_o discovery_n as_o be_v know_v to_o be_v immediate_o from_o heaven_n these_o must_v necessary_o be_v false_a and_o on_o this_o ground_n the_o religion_n of_o the_o pagan_n jew_n and_o mahometan_n must_v be_v vote_v to_o be_v such_o because_o they_o oppose_v a_o infallible_a revelation_n and_o that_o confirm_v by_o unparallelled_a miracle_n and_o semblable_o in_o christianity_n all_o those_o tenant_n of_o several_a sect_n which_o bid_v defiance_n to_o any_o part_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n which_o be_v leave_v we_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o roman_a opinion_n the_o doctrine_n of_o pelagian_n socinian_o anabaptist_n antinomian_o libertine_n quaker_n hobbians_n etc._n etc._n be_v false_a and_o erroneous_a thus_o far_o then_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o premise_n we_o have_v advance_v that_o when_o there_o be_v several_a claim_n and_o pretence_n to_o truth_n and_o it_o be_v inquire_v what_o judge_n shall_v decide_v the_o controversy_n the_o answer_n must_v be_v that_o right_a reason_n and_o inspire_a scripture_n be_v the_o only_a judge_n they_o be_v the_o fix_a standard_n and_o measure_n of_o truth_n but_o then_o here_o will_v lie_v the_o main_a difficulty_n of_o all_o that_o in_o the_o question_n and_o debate_n of_o religion_n scripture_n be_v quote_v with_o equal_a vigour_n and_o confidence_n on_o all_o side_n as_o if_o what_o the_o jewish_a rabbi_n say_v of_o scripture_n that_o it_o have_v seventy-two_a face_n be_v the_o receive_a opinion_n of_o christian_n nay_o some_o of_o these_o seem_v to_o acknowledge_v by_o their_o strange_a way_n of_o interpret_n it_o that_o it_o have_v not_o only_o different_a but_o contrary_a aspect_n when_o therefore_o there_o be_v dispute_n about_o scripture-interpretation_n what_o must_v we_o do_v how_o can_v we_o discern_v what_o be_v truth_n by_o consult_v of_o scripture_n when_o as_o that_o be_v dubious_a and_o uncertain_a if_o contrary_a sect_n and_o party_n quote_v it_o and_o plead_v it_o how_o can_v it_o be_v a_o fix_a standard_n of_o truth_n how_o be_v it_o a_o unerring_a guide_n it_o may_v suffice_v to_o say_v in_o general_n that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o all_o opinionist_n even_o the_o wild_a of_o they_o make_v use_n of_o scripture_n yea_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o turk_n alcoran_n be_v express_a word_n of_o the_o bible_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n i_o say_v since_o scripture_n be_v quote_v by_o satan_n himself_o who_o when_o he_o tempt_v our_o saviour_n misapply_v it_o to_o the_o vile_a purpose_n but_o particular_o to_o satisfy_v this_o great_a and_o affright_v difficulty_n we_o may_v inform_v ourselves_o that_o in_o religion_n there_o be_v five_o sort_n of_o inquiry_n and_o doctrine_n now_o i_o will_v brief_o show_v how_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o and_o when_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o apply_v it_o to_o any_o of_o these_o particular_n i._o some_o point_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v in_o themselves_o mystical_a and_o profound_a and_o the_o sacred_a write_n have_v not_o explain_v they_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o we_o shall_v ever_o do_v it_o such_o difficult_a and_o sublime_a doctrine_n as_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o sacred_a trinity_n i.e._n a_o trinity_n of_o divine_a person_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n the_o union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n in_o one_o person_n the_o manner_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o the_o like_a be_v not_o to_o be_v thorough_o know_v by_o we_o as_o long_o as_o we_o sojourn_v on_o earth_n these_o be_v like_o the_o book_n in_o the_o revelation_n 6._o which_o none_o be_v able_a to_o open_v in_o heaven_n or_o in_o earth_n but_o the_o lamb._n and_o see_v he_o be_v not_o please_v to_o unfold_v they_o to_o we_o we_o must_v admire_v and_o adore_v they_o but_o not_o be_v solicitous_a to_o comprehend_v they_o we_o be_v to_o remember_v this_o that_o some_o thing_n must_v be_v believe_v on_o the_o mere_a authority_n of_o the_o speaker_n and_o it_o argue_v infidelity_n to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o or_o so_o much_o as_o to_o be_v inquisitive_a about_o they_o the_o thing_n be_v speak_v by_o god_n therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v credit_n to_o they_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o they_o be_v not_o discover_v therefore_o i_o be_o oblige_v not_o to_o pry_v into_o they_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n as_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o origen_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o believe_v some_o article_n of_o faith_n on_o the_o bare_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v object_v to_o the_o christian_n by_o the_o heathen_n their_o complaint_n against_o they_o be_v that_o they_o will_v neither_o give_v nor_o receive_v a_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n but_o be_v wont_a to_o cry_v out_o â—_o examine_v not_o but_o believe_v here_o likewise_o i_o may_v rank_v some_o insuperable_a problem_n concern_v the_o divine_a decree_n and_o predestination_n the_o abstruseness_n of_o which_o forbid_v
a_o curious_a and_o close_a enquiry_n but_o this_o be_v most_o true_a that_o modesty_n be_v the_o most_o commendable_a virtue_n here_o theâ—doret_n say_v well_o genes_n i_o think_v it_o boldness_n to_o pronounce_v peremptory_o concern_v those_o thing_n of_o which_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n deliver_v nothing_o plain_o god_n be_v not_o please_v to_o deliver_v all_o thing_n with_o equal_a evidence_n and_o why_o then_o shall_v we_o undertake_v to_o make_v every_o thing_n plain_a and_o demonstrable_a or_o why_o be_v we_o angry_a if_o other_o think_v some_o thing_n be_v not_o so_o those_o word_n which_o i_o meet_v with_o in_o one_o of_o st._n ierom_n epistle_n be_v admirable_a and_o be_v worth_a the_o observation_n of_o those_o especial_o who_o be_v student_n of_o divinity_n perscrutamur_fw-la when_o we_o search_v say_v he_o with_o too_o much_o nicety_n and_o curiosity_n into_o those_o thing_n which_o god_n will_v not_o have_v we_o know_v but_o have_v purposely_o conceal_v from_o we_o we_o catch_v only_o at_o shadow_n we_o entertain_v and_o busy_v ourselves_o with_o trifle_n we_o quit_v the_o fountain_n truth_n and_o run_v after_o the_o fruitless_a stream_n of_o mere_a opinion_n and_o fancy_n let_v we_o fix_v this_o on_o our_o mind_n that_o there_o be_v some_o unsearchable_a mystery_n and_o it_o be_v design_v by_o the_o alwise_a god_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v acquaint_v with_o they_o we_o may_v say_v here_o as_o qu._n seneca_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o comet_n god_n only_o who_o sole_a prerogative_n be_v to_o have_v a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o truth_n know_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a and_o the_o very_a manner_n of_o they_o though_o it_o be_v hide_v from_o we_o when_o we_o peremptory_o say_v this_o or_o that_o concern_v these_o obscure_a matter_n we_o may_v err_v and_o we_o can_v tell_v when_o we_o do_v but_o when_o we_o determine_v nothing_o precise_o above_o what_o be_v determine_v in_o scripture_n we_o be_v sure_o we_o do_v not_o err_v and_o we_o 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plain_a yet_o wrangle_a head_n will_v fall_v a_o dispute_v and_o make_v way_n for_o error_n by_o that_o mean_n and_o here_o it_o be_v their_o way_n common_o to_o make_v use_n of_o one_o or_o two_o place_n of_o scripture_n and_o to_o oppose_v they_o against_o a_o whole_a heap_n of_o other_o text_n the_o old_a heretic_n those_o interfectores_fw-la vâ—ritatis_fw-la as_o tertullian_n call_v they_o those_o murderer_n and_o assasine_n of_o truth_n frequent_o use_v this_o way_n praxeam_n a_o few_o text_n yea_o sometime_o a_o single_a one_o shall_v serve_v to_o baffle_v a_o great_a number_n it_o may_v be_v show_v in_o particular_a instance_n how_o erroneous_a doctrine_n be_v ground_v on_o some_o man_n attend_v to_o one_o or_o a_o very_a few_o place_n of_o scripture_n whilst_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o several_a and_o divers_a text_n which_o look_v another_o way_n nay_o not_o only_o a_o few_o text_n but_o those_o also_o which_o be_v very_o dark_a and_o obscure_a 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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
pitch_n can_v not_o but_o render_v he_o a_o very_o accomplish_v person_n such_o as_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v and_o judge_v of_o thing_n in_o the_o best_a manner_n and_o to_o know_v and_o comprehend_v whatever_o be_v to_o be_v know_v and_o comprehend_v of_o they_o but_o we_o be_v to_o remember_v this_o further_a that_o his_o knowledge_n in_o divine_a and_o sacred_a thing_n be_v as_o eminent_a for_o even_o as_o to_o these_o he_o have_v those_o help_n which_o other_o christian_n have_v not_o yea_o which_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o honour_v with_o for_o he_o tell_v gal._n 1._o 11_o 12._o that_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v preach_v of_o he_o be_v not_o after_o man_n for_o he_o neither_o receive_v it_o of_o man_n neither_o be_v he_o teach_v it_o but_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ._n he_o be_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a and_o unparalleled_a manner_n call_v to_o the_o office_n by_o christ_n himself_o then_o in_o heaven_n he_o have_v immediate_a declaration_n of_o god_n will_n by_o vision_n and_o revelation_n 2_o cor._n 12._o 1._o yea_o by_o abundance_n of_o revelation_n v_o 7._o for_o he_o have_v the_o matchless_a dignity_n and_o privilege_n to_o be_v catch_v up_o to_o the_o three_o heaven_n into_o paradise_n as_o he_o otherwise_o express_v it_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o the_o place_n of_o the_o bless_a and_o there_o he_o hear_v those_o unspeakable_a word_n those_o doctrine_n and_o truth_n which_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o utter_v i._n e._n full_o v_o 4._o then_o be_v display_v before_o he_o those_o mystery_n and_o profound_a doctrine_n which_o his_o write_n every_o where_o abound_v with_o several_a of_o which_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o other_o apostle_n which_o plain_o show_v that_o he_o far_o excel_v they_o in_o spiritual_a knowledge_n and_o in_o the_o understanding_n of_o some_o of_o the_o main_a head_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o yet_o behold_v this_o apostle_n who_o be_v thus_o bless_v with_o all_o manner_n of_o intellectual_a accomplishment_n and_o be_v possessor_n of_o all_o the_o knowledge_n that_o nature_n or_o art_n and_o his_o own_o happy_a genius_n can_v furnish_v he_o with_o and_o which_o be_v unspeakable_o much_o more_o all_o that_o knowledge_n that_o god_n himself_o vouchsafe_v to_o infuse_v into_o he_o and_o inspire_v he_o with_o behold_v this_o very_a apostle_n be_v the_o man_n who_o use_v here_o this_o humble_a and_o mean_a language_n we_o know_v in_o part_n we_o see_v through_o a_o glass_n dark_o when_o he_o say_v we_o he_o mean_v himself_o as_o well_o as_o other_o christian_n nay_o it_o appear_v that_o he_o chief_o and_o principal_o intend_v himself_o for_o he_o change_v the_o plural_a into_o the_o singular_a v_o 12._o now_o i_o know_v in_o part_n as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v notwithstanding_o all_o my_o advantage_n of_o know_v much_o more_o than_o other_o i_o acknowledge_v myself_o to_o be_v but_o a_o smatterer_n a_o novice_n i_o own_v myself_o to_o have_v but_o a_o mean_a and_o imperfect_a insight_n into_o the_o high_a and_o mystical_a point_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o such_o i_o shall_v not_o have_v so_o short_a and_o partial_a a_o knowledge_n of_o they_o this_o be_v a_o unanswerable_a place_n of_o scripture_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v mystery_n in_o christianity_n such_o divine_a truth_n which_o no_o quickness_n of_o thought_n no_o sharpness_n and_o sagacity_n of_o mind_n can_v whole_o reach_v and_o therefore_o if_o st._n paul_n be_v in_o the_o right_n we_o know_v who_o have_v take_v the_o wrong_a part_n if_o plato_n can_v say_v of_o the_o rite_n of_o sacrifice_v and_o divine_a worship_n epinom_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o our_o mortal_a nature_n to_o have_v any_o knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n sure_o than_o our_o conception_n concern_v the_o sublime_a point_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v the_o noble_a and_o high_a dispensation_n of_o religion_n must_v needs_o be_v weak_a and_o shallow_a fideâ—_n divine_a matter_n be_v not_o clear_a and_o manifest_a of_o themselves_o to_o man_n say_v one_o of_o the_o greek_a sage_n quote_v by_o justin_n martyr_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n clement_n of_o alexandria_n cite_v that_o eminent_a passage_n of_o plato_n in_o his_o timaeus_n 〈◊〉_d the_o only_a way_n to_o learn_v truth_n be_v to_o be_v teach_v it_o of_o god_n himself_o or_o of_o those_o that_o be_v from_o god_n those_o be_v notable_a word_n of_o jamblicus_n a_o platonic_a philosopher_n pythag._n it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o know_v what_o thing_n god_n be_v please_v with_o unless_o we_o have_v converse_v with_o those_o who_o have_v hear_v they_o from_o god_n or_o we_o have_v hear_v god_n himself_o or_o we_o have_v attain_v to_o that_o knowledge_n by_o some_o divine_a art_n these_o be_v the_o apprehension_n of_o improve_v heathen_n concern_v religious_a matter_n and_o shall_v not_o those_o who_o have_v attain_v to_o clear_a notion_n believe_v the_o same_o with_o a_o more_o special_a relation_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o at_o first_o find_v out_o by_o man_n so_o they_o can_v be_v comprehend_v by_o he_o as_o they_o be_v not_o discover_v by_o humane_a skill_n and_o art_n so_o they_o can_v never_o be_v full_o know_v and_o explain_v by_o they_o thus_o they_o be_v universal_o a_o mystery_n it_o be_v true_a and_o i_o be_o very_o forward_o to_o grant_v it_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v stock_v even_o with_o natural_a principle_n such_o as_o be_v in_o themselves_o manifest_a even_o that_o model_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v make_v up_o whole_o of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o be_v call_v natural_a religion_n be_v here_o entire_o receive_v all_o rational_a and_o moral_a dictate_v be_v incorporate_v into_o this_o institution_n here_o be_v admirable_a notion_n which_o carry_v with_o they_o a_o intrinsic_a evidence_n as_o a_o undeniable_a demonstration_n of_o their_o worth_n and_o excellency_n here_o be_v reason_n and_o morality_n at_o their_o height_n it_o be_v excellent_o say_v of_o a_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n 222._o far_o â—e_v it_o that_o god_n shall_v hate_v in_o we_o that_o very_a thing_n wherein_o he_o have_v create_v we_o more_o excellent_a than_o other_o creature_n so_o we_o may_v say_v far_o be_v it_o that_o christianity_n shall_v disallow_v that_o very_a thing_n in_o we_o which_o distinguish_v our_o nature_n from_o that_o of_o brute_n and_o give_v we_o a_o preference_n to_o they_o some_o of_o the_o mahometan_n have_v a_o conceit_n that_o idiot_n and_o madman_n be_v inspire_a person_n that_o those_o who_o have_v so_o little_a of_o man_n have_v the_o more_o of_o god_n but_o this_o be_v a_o idle_a fancy_n and_o unworthy_a of_o our_o humane_a nature_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o supreme_a be_v itself_o who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o the_o best_a brain_n be_v fit_a for_o religion_n and_o even_o for_o the_o best_a religion_n christianity_n it_o be_v admirable_o show_v by_o a_o 〈…〉_z worthy_a person_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n suit_v even_o with_o a_o philosophic_a genius_n i_o question_v not_o but_o it_o may_v be_v make_v evident_a from_o strict_a reason_n that_o the_o main_a system_n of_o the_o christian_a theology_n be_v uniform_a and_o harmonious_a in_o itself_o and_o conformable_a to_o all_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o perfection_n that_o the_o come_v of_o christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n be_v requisite_a in_o order_n to_o the_o redemption_n of_o lose_a man_n that_o his_o undertataking_n be_v the_o most_o rational_a expedient_a for_o the_o restore_n of_o mankind_n that_o they_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o suitable_a method_n to_o reduce_v lapse_v creature_n and_o raise_v they_o up_o again_o after_o their_o fall_n and_o that_o christ_n divinity_n be_v no_o more_o impair_v by_o be_v join_v to_o the_o humane_a nature_n than_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v by_o its_o union_n with_o the_o body_n these_o and_o several_a thing_n of_o this_o kind_n i_o can_v make_v clear_a and_o evident_a and_o thereby_o show_v that_o christianity_n be_v consonant_a to_o the_o most_o sober_a reflection_n we_o can_v make_v on_o thing_n that_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o most_o solid_a and_o natural_a reason_n we_o can_v form_v for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o imagine_v as_o some_o enthusiastic_a spirit_n do_v that_o divine_a revelation_n contradict_v the_o principle_n of_o reason_n this_o be_v a_o certain_a truth_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o know_v that_o any_o revelation_n i._n e._n any_o reveal_v doctrine_n be_v from_o god_n unless_o we_o be_v first_o reasonable_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v from_o he_o beside_o reason_n be_v from_o god_n as_o well_o as_o revelation_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o receive_v the_o latter_a we_o must_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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and_o not_o to_o answer_v or_o account_v for_o all_o his_o matter_n as_o the_o original_a have_v it_o though_o we_o demand_v a_o reason_n he_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o give_v because_o as_o it_o be_v right_o suggest_v by_o the_o same_o pious_a observer_n god_n be_v great_a than_o man_n v_o 12._o he_o be_v infinite_o exalt_v above_o the_o nature_n of_o mortal_a man_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v unsufferable_a boldness_n to_o search_v into_o his_o divine_a secret_n and_o to_o promise_v ourselves_o a_o full_a comprehension_n of_o they_o for_o these_o thing_n be_v conceal_v from_o we_o on_o purpose_n to_o give_v we_o a_o assurance_n of_o the_o infinite_a nature_n and_o wisdom_n of_o our_o maker_n we_o hence_o be_v effectual_o teach_v that_o god_n be_v not_o like_o one_o of_o we_o that_o his_o essence_n and_o property_n be_v of_o a_o immense_a and_o unsearchable_a nature_n not_o to_o be_v comprehend_v by_o we_o even_o concern_v visible_a and_o natural_a thing_n one_o of_o the_o ancientsâ—peaks_v â—peaks_z thus_o antioch_n if_o any_o of_o they_o surpass_v your_o understanding_n and_o you_o can_v find_v out_o the_o reason_n of_o they_o then_o for_o that_o very_a reason_n glorify_v the_o creator_n because_o his_o transcendent_a wisdom_n show_v in_o these_o thing_n exceed_v your_o apprehension_n much_o more_o than_o may_v we_o nay_o ought_v we_o to_o pronounce_v the_o same_o concern_v divine_a and_o heavenly_a matter_n the_o transcendent_a nature_n of_o they_o discover_v a_o wisdom_n much_o more_o so_o this_o be_v a_o convictive_a proof_n to_o sober_a and_o thoughtful_a mind_n that_o god_n be_v great_a and_o wise_a above_o what_o humane_a intellect_n can_v conceive_v this_o then_o be_v a_o sufficient_a account_n if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o of_o the_o unsearchableness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o those_o thing_n that_o immediate_o depend_v upon_o it_o and_o flow_v from_o it_o 2._o it_o be_v god_n pleasure_n to_o render_v divine_a truth_n more_o 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industrious_a and_o careful_a enquiry_n into_o the_o holy_a oracle_n where_o these_o infallible_a dictate_v be_v for_o as_o there_o be_v plain_a and_o obvious_a truth_n in_o the_o sacred_a write_n so_o there_o be_v other_o that_o be_v abstruse_a and_o perplex_v to_o check_v our_o negligence_n and_o oscitancy_n our_o carelessness_n end_n unconcernedness_n and_o to_o rouse_v our_o industry_n and_o encourage_v our_o pain_n and_o study_n for_o those_o portion_n of_o scripture_n wherein_o these_o truth_n be_v contain_v will_v abundant_o employ_v these_o and_o recompense_v our_o labour_n even_o on_o this_o account_v it_o be_v fit_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o mystery_n in_o our_o holy_a religion_n 4._o the_o chief_a and_o grand_a reason_n to_o be_v assign_v of_o this_o matter_n and_o which_o i_o will_v more_o ample_o insist_v upon_o be_v this_o that_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o which_o we_o be_v treat_v of_o render_v they_o mysterious_a and_o difficult_a 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the_o nature_n of_o the_o sacred_a trinity_n be_v such_o that_o it_o be_v above_o be_v describe_v which_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v dissatisfy_v with_o for_o if_o the_o holy_a trinity_n be_v not_o abstruse_a and_o mysterious_a it_o will_v not_o be_v what_o it_o be_v and_o what_o it_o can_v otherwise_o be_v therefore_o he_o that_o expect_v this_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v clear_a fancy_n a_o impossibility_n both_o as_o to_o the_o trinity_n itself_o and_o as_o to_o we_o for_o this_o infinite_a and_o perfect_a trin-vnity_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n unsearchable_a and_o in_o respect_n of_o our_o finite_a and_o imperfect_a understanding_n be_v much_o more_o so_o wherefore_o those_o proposition_n which_o belong_v to_o this_o infinite_a subject_n must_v needs_o be_v dark_a and_o intricate_a and_o can_v be_v otherwise_o how_o can_v we_o imagine_v we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o grasp_v these_o thing_n which_o consider_v in_o themselves_o be_v of_o so_o elevate_v a_o nature_n it_o be_v certain_a we_o can_v with_o reason_n imagine_v or_o expect_v this_o and_o we_o may_v be_v convince_v of_o it_o from_o this_o one_o consideration_n which_o i_o will_v somewhat_o enlarge_v upon_o viz._n that_o many_o thing_n of_o a_o mean_a and_o low_a degree_n such_o as_o the_o common_a work_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o the_o visible_a and_o sensible_a world_n have_v raise_v great_a dispute_n and_o after_o all_o the_o exact_a inquiry_n into_o they_o remain_z still_o hide_v and_o obscure_a how_o then_o can_v we_o expect_v that_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a thing_n shall_v be_v void_a of_o all_o obscurity_n a_o acute_a naturalist_n speak_v of_o thing_n of_o the_o former_a sort_n tell_v we_o 7._o that_o he_o pretend_v not_o to_o science_n but_o content_v himself_o with_o bare_a guess_v for_o god_n say_v he_o have_v not_o lay_v open_v all_o thing_n to_o humane_a sight_n and_o perception_n there_o be_v a_o considerable_a part_n of_o this_o great_a work_n which_o the_o 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vaunt_v themselves_o to_o be_v master_n of_o true_a reason_n for_o than_o they_o will_v see_v how_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v that_o their_o thought_n and_o expression_n concern_v the_o infinite_a god_n shall_v be_v according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o finite_a being_n they_o will_v see_v how_o absurd_a it_o be_v to_o undertake_v to_o measure_v the_o creator_n by_o the_o creature_n and_o to_o apply_v the_o property_n of_o natural_a thing_n to_o what_o be_v supernatural_a as_o they_o deal_v in_o the_o doctrine_n about_o the_o holy_a trinity_n they_o will_v find_v that_o what_o be_v true_a of_o the_o former_a be_v not_o necessary_o so_o of_o the_o latter_a and_o consequent_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o â—rgue_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o finite_a and_o create_v be_v to_o that_o of_o god_n they_o will_v be_v convince_v that_o the_o scripture_n to_o use_v the_o word_n of_o a_o 6._o man_n of_o free_a thought_n and_o of_o a_o very_a philosophical_a and_o rational_a genius_n who_o 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perverse_a notion_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o such_o as_o be_v no_o way_n agreeable_a to_o their_o nature_n and_o now_o to_o shut_v up_o this_o head_n of_o my_o discourse_n we_o be_v to_o remember_v that_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o thing_n be_v firm_a and_o unshaken_a and_o we_o can_v think_v to_o dissettle_v they_o but_o our_o business_n be_v to_o adjust_a our_o notion_n to_o the_o thing_n he_o that_o find_v fault_n with_o they_o for_o their_o obscurity_n and_o difficulty_n cavil_v at_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o which_o be_v the_o most_o irrational_a act_n imaginable_a for_o the_o nature_n of_o being_n be_v stable_n and_o settle_a and_o we_o can_v alter_v it_o and_o therefore_o to_o require_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v alter_v be_v absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a last_o i_o argue_v not_o only_o from_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o from_o the_o present_a state_n we_o be_v in_o which_o be_v capable_a of_o no_o other_o than_o a_o 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we_o this_o excellent_a memorandum_n this_o be_v to_o be_v fix_v on_o our_o memory_n as_o a_o principal_a rule_n that_o whatever_o thing_n be_v reveal_v unto_o we_o by_o god_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v by_o we_o as_o the_o most_o certain_a of_o all_o and_o though_o perhaps_o the_o most_o clear_a and_o evident_a light_n of_o reason_n shall_v seem_v to_o suggest_v to_o we_o some_o other_o thing_n notwithstanding_o this_o we_o be_v to_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o sole_a authority_n of_o god_n rather_o than_o to_o our_o own_o judgement_n thus_o these_o mighty_a genius_n of_o philosophy_n give_v their_o suffrage_n to_o our_o great_a apostle_n and_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n how_o rational_a it_o be_v to_o keep_v the_o reason_v as_o well_o as_o the_o elective_a part_n in_o subjection_n and_o indeed_o see_v it_o be_v the_o same_o soul_n that_o affect_v will_n and_o understand_v and_o these_o faculty_n be_v not_o real_o different_a from_o the_o soul_n itself_o it_o follow_v that_o if_o the_o 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three_o there_o be_v yet_o another_o great_a disparagement_n and_o blemish_n lie_v upon_o this_o sentiment_n and_o this_o behaviour_n for_o as_o they_o be_v the_o offspring_n of_o pride_n and_o insolence_n of_o partiality_n and_o perverseness_n so_o they_o be_v the_o nurse_n of_o indifferency_n and_o scepticism_n in_o religion_n whilst_o person_n acquiesce_v in_o divine_a revelation_n they_o be_v upon_o safe_a and_o firm_a ground_n but_o when_o they_o quit_v this_o and_o undertake_v to_o measure_n christianity_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a and_o common_a reason_n they_o have_v no_o sure_a foot_n but_o they_o waver_v and_o fluctuate_v they_o start_v query_n about_o all_o thing_n and_o utter_o overthrow_v all_o certainty_n in_o religious_a and_o divine_a matter_n for_o when_o overcurious_a and_o wrangle_a head_n come_v to_o argue_v about_o those_o high_a point_n of_o christianity_n which_o i_o have_v before_o mention_v and_o make_v they_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o formal_a 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and_o uncertain_a thing_n by_o this_o course_n which_o they_o be_v at_o this_o day_n take_v the_o most_o sacred_a and_o venerable_a truth_n will_v be_v slight_v nay_o they_o be_v already_o slight_v and_o actual_o disregard_v by_o this_o race_n of_o man_n as_o 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o artribute_n of_o god_n christ_n 〈◊〉_d the_o rise_n of_o the_o same_o body_n the_o subsistence_n and_o perception_n of_o separate_a soul_n the_o torment_n of_o hell_n etc._n etc._n and_o sundry_a other_o substantial_a verity_n as_o the_o existence_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a angel_n the_o universal_a providence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o many_o more_o such_o doctrine_n be_v either_o doubt_v of_o or_o deny_v by_o deist_n or_o atheist_n and_o that_o on_o the_o socinian_n principle_n that_o be_v the_o thing_n observable_a at_o present_a i_o say_v upon_o the_o socinian_n principle_n viz._n because_o there_o be_v some_o difficulty_n that_o attend_v the_o notion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o because_o they_o be_v not_o on_o all_o account_n adjust_v to_o the_o model_n of_o man_n ordinary_a reason_n therefore_o they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o admit_v of_o they_o on_o that_o very_a account_n but_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n all_o the_o main_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v be_v doubt_v of_o the_o weight_a article_n of_o our_o religion_n will_v be_v vote_v to_o be_v but_o arbitrary_a hypothesis_n and_o christianity_n itself_o will_v be_v think_v to_o be_v no_o other_o as_o we_o find_v in_o the_o write_n both_o of_o our_o foreign_a and_o domestic_a adversary_n christianity_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o same_o scale_n with_o judaism_n and_o turcism_n and_o some_o part_n of_o it_o nay_o the_o weighty_a be_v determine_v to_o be_v light_a than_o any_o in_o the_o other_o two_o this_o natural_o follow_v from_o their_o arrogant_o presume_v upon_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o understanding_n and_o reason_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n from_o their_o peremptory_a resolve_v to_o entertain_v nothing_o in_o religion_n but_o what_o be_v commensurate_a to_o natural_a principle_n from_o their_o oppose_a and_o deny_v a_o doctrine_n which_o be_v plain_o and_o express_o assert_v in_o scripture_n mere_o because_o they_o can_v define_v the_o exact_a manner_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v assert_v this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o sound_v all_o religion_n upon_o natural_a reason_n and_o argument_n we_o must_v throw_v up_o a_o great_a part_n of_o that_o which_o be_v reveal_v mere_o to_o gratify_v the_o deist_n and_o racovian_o nay_o this_o will_v not_o suffice_v for_o it_o be_v to_o be_v suspect_v that_o those_o who_o strike_v at_o reveal_v religion_n bear_v no_o kindness_n whatever_o they_o pretend_v to_o the_o natural_a it_o be_v likely_a that_o those_o who_o bid_v defiance_n to_o the_o former_a will_v do_v the_o same_o in_o time_n to_o the_o latter_a for_o we_o can_v imagine_v but_o that_o those_o bold_a man_n who_o disregard_n the_o immediate_a discovery_n of_o heaven_n to_o mankind_n and_o represent_v they_o as_o altogether_o incredible_a by_o intelligent_a and_o inquisitive_a mind_n will_v also_o vilify_v the_o more_o mediate_v and_o common_a dictate_v of_o nature_n those_o that_o slight_a the_o extraordinary_a voice_n of_o god_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o attend_v to_o the_o ordinary_a one_o those_o that_o refuse_v to_o hear_v he_o speak_v in_o the_o holy_a writ_n will_v not_o be_v obsequious_a to_o he_o dictate_v in_o their_o own_o breast_n thus_o you_o see_v how_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a a_o opinion_n our_o adversary_n maintain_v and_o promote_v we_o see_v how_o they_o feed_v the_o humour_n of_o this_o sceptical_a age_n and_o work_v upon_o unstable_a and_o waver_a mind_n and_o wheadle_n they_o out_o of_o their_o religion_n by_o plausible_a insinuation_n and_o pretence_n of_o humane_a reason_n by_o this_o mean_v they_o direct_o lead_v they_o
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 to_o divine_a revelation_n we_o be_v not_o debar_v from_o examine_v and_o search_v into_o and_o satisfy_v ourselves_o about_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o speak_v of_o but_o only_o of_o the_o mode_n of_o they_o which_o make_v it_o a_o quite_o different_a thing_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o roman_a proselyte_n who_o be_v bid_v to_o swallow_v down_o whatever_o be_v dictate_v to_o they_o and_o that_o upon_o the_o bare_a authority_n and_o warrant_n of_o the_o church_n but_o here_o be_v no_o such_o crude_a method_n prescribe_v we_o be_v to_o 11._o search_v the_o scripture_n whether_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o and_o we_o be_v to_o make_v use_n of_o reason_n to_o show_v and_o convince_v we_o how_o fit_v it_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v believe_v what_o be_v reveal_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o see_v since_o the_o revolt_n and_o original_a depravation_n of_o man_n we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o revelation_n to_o direct_v we_o right_a reason_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v 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 it_o be_v think_v to_o be_v by_o that_o learned_a writer_n who_o i_o before_o quote_v who_o have_v the_o repute_n even_o among_o these_o man_n of_o a_o person_n of_o great_a reason_n and_o sense_n speak_v of_o they_o he_o 6._o thus_o express_v himself_o their_o opinion_n i_o look_v upon_o as_o fundamental_o repugnant_a to_o christianity_n itself_o if_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n for_o i_o know_v nothing_o more_o express_a than_o that_o viz._n the_o trinity_n in_o those_o write_n and_o therefore_o the_o deny_v of_o the_o trinity_n be_v the_o deny_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o if_o they_o will_v pretend_v they_o can_v interpret_v thing_n there_o so_o as_o to_o evade_v this_o doctrine_n by_o the_o same_o reason_n i_o think_v they_o may_v evade_v any_o and_o so_o still_o the_o sacred_a writ_n shall_v stand_v for_o a_o cypher_n and_o signify_v nothing_o which_o tend_v main_o to_o the_o enervate_n of_o our_o faith_n these_o be_v very_o weighty_a word_n and_o the_o more_o to_o be_v consider_v by_o our_o adversary_n because_o they_o come_v from_o one_o of_o a_o large_a compass_n of_o mind_n and_o a_o great_a asserter_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o these_o gentleman_n pretend_v much_o to_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o he_o say_v be_v this_o that_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v so_o too_o if_o divine_a revelation_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v than_o this_o also_o must_v be_v embrace_v and_o on_o this_o very_a account_n it_o have_v be_v embrace_v by_o all_o religious_a and_o pious_a mind_n that_o have_v have_v a_o reverence_n for_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o it_o be_v the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n so_o it_o have_v ever_o since_o be_v the_o steady_a belief_n of_o all_o the_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n of_o jesus_n and_o all_o the_o true_a professor_n of_o 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
ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o immediate_o forego_v verse_n these_o say_v the_o apostle_n be_v a_o mystery_n because_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v now_o preach_v and_o propose_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v hide_v from_o those_o that_o live_v in_o the_o former_a age_n and_o though_o it_o be_v add_v that_o god_n have_v make_v know_v to_o his_o saint_n the_o riches_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o this_o mystery_n yet_o this_o be_v speak_v comparative_o and_o not_o absolute_o for_o these_o riches_n be_v the_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o christ_n as_o we_o hear_v before_o that_o be_v they_o still_o remain_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n hide_v and_o unknown_a to_o we_o thus_o in_o these_o three_o place_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o evangelical_n doctrine_n be_v call_v a_o mystery_n chief_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n of_o former_a age_n it_o be_v conceal_v from_o the_o one_o under_o type_n and_o shadow_n and_o mystical_a rite_n it_o be_v keep_v secret_a from_o the_o other_o by_o their_o adhere_n only_o to_o natural_a and_o philosophical_a principle_n in_o short_a the_o first_o know_v little_a of_o it_o the_o second_o know_v nothing_o therefore_o it_o be_v deserve_o call_v a_o mystery_n and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o text_n but_o these_o can_v be_v produce_v where_o the_o word_n mystery_n be_v mention_v with_o relation_n to_o what_o christianity_n be_v heretofore_o it_o be_v true_a when_o our_o saviour_n arrive_v it_o be_v reveal_v and_o in_o some_o manner_n lay_v open_a but_o yet_o not_o so_o as_o that_o it_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o mystery_n which_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n i_o propound_v viz._n that_o christianity_n be_v still_o a_o mystery_n in_o this_o respect_n and_o not_o with_o reference_n to_o what_o it_o be_v before_o it_o have_v this_o denomination_n in_o these_o text_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o i_o shall_v now_o produce_v and_o brief_o glance_v upon_o first_o our_o saviour_n himself_o call_v the_o grand_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n mat._n 13._o 11._o where_n not_o the_o parable_n as_o some_o fancy_n in_o which_o those_o evangelical_n truth_n be_v couch_v but_o the_o truth_n themselves_o be_v mean_v for_o if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o christ_n will_v have_v call_v they_o parable_n and_o not_o mystery_n but_o we_o find_v that_o he_o call_v they_o by_o this_o latter_a name_n and_o that_o in_o plain_a contradistinction_n to_o parable_n as_o may_v be_v observe_v not_o only_o in_o this_o v_o 11._o but_o in_o 10_o and_o 13._o and_o this_o be_v more_o plain_a from_o the_o parallel_n place_n in_o mark_n 4._o 11._o and_o luk._n 8._o 10._o those_o therefore_o that_o confound_v parable_n and_o mystery_n here_o have_v not_o learn_v to_o distinguish_v of_o thing_n aright_o they_o make_v no_o difference_n between_o comparison_n or_o dark_a representation_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v compare_v and_o represent_v parable_n be_v the_o former_a but_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v the_o latter_a and_o the_o reason_n why_o many_o of_o the_o substantial_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o in_o the_o stile_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n these_o be_v the_o same_o be_v thus_o denominate_v be_v because_o of_o the_o great_a obscurity_n and_o difficulty_n which_o attend_v they_o again_o not_o only_o our_o saviour_n but_o the_o great_a apostle_n use_v this_o language_n when_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o great_a matter_n of_o religion_n these_o be_v say_v by_o he_o to_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o a_o mystery_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 7._o not_o only_o because_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o former_a age_n and_o from_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n v_o 8._o both_o jewish_a and_o pagan_a ruler_n but_o because_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o mysterious_a and_o obscure_a as_o the_o apostle_n explain_v himself_o in_o v_o 9_o by_o apply_v that_o passage_n eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n say_v he_o that_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o these_o great_a thing_n viz._n the_o method_n of_o redemption_n and_o salvation_n by_o christ_n undertake_v for_o we_o and_o all_o the_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n that_o attend_v these_o for_o these_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v and_o provide_v in_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o these_o be_v not_o full_o know_v and_o perceive_v because_o they_o be_v mystery_n they_o surpass_v all_o humane_a understanding_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v comprehend_v by_o our_o weak_a and_o shallow_a intellect_n though_o it_o be_v true_a the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o great_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v conducible_a to_o salvation_n be_v impart_v to_o all_o true_a believer_n as_o it_o follow_v god_n have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n v_o 10._o and_o these_o thing_n be_v say_v in_o several_a other_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v reveal_v which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o they_o be_v so_o reveal_v that_o we_o can_v full_o comprehend_v they_o and_o see_v thorough_o into_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o but_o they_o be_v so_o reveal_v and_o discover_v that_o we_o have_v some_o knowledge_n of_o they_o and_o as_o much_o as_o be_v requisite_a and_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v desire_v more_o but_o more_o be_v unknown_a than_o be_v know_v hence_o we_o may_v understand_v that_o paradox_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o know_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n which_o pass_v knowledge_n eph._n 3._o 19_o the_o undertake_n of_o christ_n wherein_o he_o show_v his_o transcendent_a love_n to_o we_o may_v be_v know_v and_o yet_o they_o pass_v knowledge_n they_o far_o exceed_v the_o utmost_a conception_n we_o can_v form_v of_o they_o next_o i_o may_v add_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v call_v the_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n 1._o cor._n 4._o 1._o where_o all_o commentator_n of_o note_n understand_v by_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o other_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o evangelical_n ministry_n indeed_o the_o whole_a administration_n of_o christianity_n be_v mean_v here_o this_o be_v a_o mystery_n yea_o even_o now_o it_o be_v so_o for_o the_o apostle_n actual_o apply_v this_o appellation_n of_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n to_o himself_o and_o the_o minister_n of_o christ._n christianity_n then_o be_v a_o mystery_n there_o be_v several_a thing_n in_o it_o of_o that_o exalt_a and_o elevate_a nature_n that_o humane_a understanding_n can_v possible_o comprehend_v they_o some_o doctrine_n lie_v under_o perpetual_a obscurity_n they_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n undergo_v a_o scrupulous_a examination_n they_o will_v not_o bear_v a_o strict_a and_o severe_a scrutiny_n manage_v by_o mere_a reason_n again_o the_o apostle_n make_v mention_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o i._n e._n god_n will_v eph._n 1._o which_o as_o the_o context_n plain_o show_v be_v mean_v of_o the_o wise_a but_o mysterious_a method_n of_o man_n salvation_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v now_o preach_v for_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o word_n or_o syllable_n in_o the_o forego_n or_o follow_v verse_n that_o seem_v to_o restrain_v it_o to_o what_o it_o be_v before_o viz._n before_o christ_n come_v and_o again_o in_o chap._n 6._o of_o this_o epistle_n v_o 19_o we_o read_v of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n where_o it_o be_v simple_o and_o irrespective_o speak_v that_o be_v without_o any_o regard_n to_o former_a time_n and_o age_n of_o christianity_n or_o the_o gospel_n itself_o and_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o it_o and_o that_o the_o apostle_n refer_v not_o to_o what_o be_v past_a but_o speak_v of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n when_o he_o preach_v it_o be_v plain_a from_o this_o that_o he_o immediate_o add_v that_o for_o this_o very_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o be_v then_o a_o ambassador_n in_o bond_n v_o 20._o but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v how_o can_v the_o gospel_n be_v mysterious_a and_o abstruse_a in_o itself_o when_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o same_o place_n will_v have_v the_o ephesian_n pray_v for_o he_o that_o he_o may_v make_v it_o know_v the_o answer_n be_v plain_a from_o what_o we_o observe_v before_o upon_o eph._n 3._o 19_o though_o it_o be_v mysterious_a and_o dark_a and_o may_v be_v say_v to_o surpass_v knowledge_n yet_o it_o be_v in_o some_o degree_n to_o be_v know_v and_o consequent_o may_v be_v make_v know_v i.e._n so_o far_o as_o the_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o it_o the_o truth_n and_o