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as_o the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a in_o religion_n and_o assure_v their_o proselyte_n that_o this_o alone_a be_v sufficient_a to_o conduct_v they_o to_o eternal_a happiness_n which_o be_v not_o unlike_o the_o attempt_n of_o those_o late_a jesuit_n who_o will_v teach_v the_o people_n of_o china_n and_o siam_n the_o way_n to_o heaven_n by_o the_o mathematics_n these_o man_n who_o i_o be_o speak_v of_o pretend_v to_o effect_v every_o thing_n in_o christianity_n and_o to_o climb_v heaven_n itself_o by_o mere_a natural_a strength_n and_o humane_a accomplishment_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o express_a word_n of_o the_o 6._o racovian_a catechism_n that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o the_o inward_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o we_o may_v believe_v the_o gospel_n no_o not_o at_o all_o they_o have_v another_o way_n of_o believe_v viz._n by_o a_o strength_n of_o their_o own_o by_o the_o natural_a conduct_n and_o improvement_n of_o their_o faculty_n and_o if_o true_a faith_n than_o 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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
not_o be_v misinterpret_v and_o now_o i_o have_v produce_v every_o individual_a place_n of_o scripture_n where_o the_o word_n mystery_n occur_v and_o i_o have_v faithful_o and_o impartial_o set_v they_o before_o the_o considerate_a in_o their_o true_a and_o proper_a light_n that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o view_n of_o the_o right_n and_o genuine_a meaning_n of_o they_o and_o not_o misunderstand_v and_o misapply_v the_o word_n as_o some_o have_v do_v to_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o truth_n but_o that_o more_o especial_o they_o may_v be_v convince_v of_o this_o that_o mystery_n as_o it_o be_v apply_v in_o the_o sacred_a writ_n to_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n express_v the_o nature_n of_o they_o and_o let_v we_o know_v that_o christianity_n have_v this_o title_n give_v it_o because_o it_o be_v a_o real_a mystery_n in_o itself_o wherefore_o after_o i_o have_v thus_o clear_v the_o way_n i_o will_v offer_v this_o proposition_n and_o make_v it_o good_a that_o the_o sublime_a truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n still_o retain_v and_o ever_o shall_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o mystery_n this_o in_o general_n be_v evident_a from_o that_o idea_n and_o notion_n which_o we_o have_v of_o a_o mystery_n which_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o original_a denotation_n of_o the_o occludere_fw-la word_n whether_o we_o borrow_v it_o from_o the_o hebrew_n or_o greek_a viz._n that_o it_o be_v some_o hide_a secret_a thing_n some_o thing_n shut_v up_o for_o such_o be_v the_o chief_a doctrine_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n hide_v and_o as_o it_o be_v lock_v up_o from_o we_o many_o of_o the_o article_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n be_v cover_v with_o great_a darkness_n a_o veil_n be_v cast_v over_o they_o and_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o penetrate_v into_o they_o thus_o christianity_n be_v a_o mystery_n but_o particular_o and_o distinct_o to_o demonstrate_v this_o i_o will_v insist_v upon_o these_o two_o head_n 1_o christianity_n be_v a_o incomprehensible_a mystery_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n to_o some_o 2._o in_o a_o more_o extensive_a way_n of_o speak_v it_o be_v so_o to_o all_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o christianity_n be_v in_o a_o special_a and_o singular_a way_n a_o mystery_n to_o some_o person_n and_o ever_o will_v be_v those_o who_o i_o here_o mean_v be_v all_o such_o as_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n emphatic_a stile_n 15._o lie_v in_o their_o wickedness_n continue_v in_o their_o state_n of_o degeneracy_n and_o corruption_n and_o have_v feel_v nothing_o of_o the_o divine_a birth_n and_o renovation_n which_o be_v the_o sole_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n these_o as_o long_o as_o they_o remain_v in_o this_o wretched_a state_n be_v 9_o in_o darkness_n as_o the_o same_o inspire_a writer_n speak_v that_o be_v they_o have_v no_o effectual_a and_o save_v knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o understand_v nothing_o of_o they_o to_o any_o purpose_n for_o these_o can_v be_v thus_o know_v but_o by_o divine_a illumination_n by_o a_o supernatural_a discovery_n from_o above_o which_o they_o wilful_o debar_v themselves_o of_o thou_o have_v hide_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a and_o have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o babe_n say_v our_o bless_a lord_n mat._n 11._o 33._o therefore_o to_o the_o former_a of_o these_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n concern_v the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n and_o much_o more_o the_o doctrine_n of_o regeneration_n faith_n self-denial_n mortification_n etc._n etc._n be_v no_o other_o than_o mystery_n yea_o insignificant_a jargon_n to_o they_o we_o hear_v the_o same_o infallible_a master_n speak_v at_o another_o time_n thus_o it_o be_v give_v it_o be_v a_o particular_a donation_n a_o special_a grant_n unto_o you_o my_o disciple_n to_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o to_o they_o i.e._n the_o whole_a multitude_n who_o be_v not_o enlighten_v it_o be_v not_o give_v mat._n 13._o 11._o there_o be_v such_o representation_n of_o those_o heavenly_a and_o divine_a thing_n make_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o regenerate_v as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o other_o which_o be_v according_a to_o those_o other_o say_n of_o our_o saviour_n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n the_o world_n can_v receive_v because_o it_o see_v he_o not_o neither_o know_v he_o i.e._n in_o a_o save_v way_n but_o you_o know_v he_o joh._n 14._o 17._o o_o righteous_a father_n the_o world_n have_v not_o know_v thou_o joh._n 17._o 25._o they_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o all_o thy_o sacred_a truth_n be_v riddle_n to_o they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o apostolical_a doctrine_n the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o discern_v not_o entertain_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 14._o the_o natural_a or_o animal_n man_n here_o mean_v say_v a_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o church_n be_v loc_n he_o that_o live_v according_a to_o the_o flesh_n and_o have_v not_o his_o mind_n yet_o enlighten_v by_o the_o spirit_n but_o he_o add_v this_o to_o the_o character_n that_o 〈◊〉_d he_o be_v one_o that_o have_v only_o that_o inbred_a and_o humane_a knowledge_n which_o the_o creator_n furnish_v all_o man_n mind_n with_o and_o so_o other_o ancient_a writer_n interpret_v the_o word_n as_o we_o shall_v hear_v afterward_o according_a to_o the_o learned_a locum_fw-la grotius_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v not_o the_o same_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o one_o that_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o affection_n of_o his_o fleshly_a part_n but_o he_o that_o be_v lead_v only_o by_o the_o light_n of_o humane_a reason_n he_o that_o have_v no_o other_o light_n but_o that_o of_o nature_n this_o interpretation_n of_o this_o learned_a writer_n be_v the_o more_o considerable_a because_o the_o person_n i_o be_o concern_v with_o at_o present_a have_v so_o great_a a_o esteem_n and_o veneration_n and_o that_o not_o unjust_o for_o he_o and_o boast_v that_o he_o be_v they_o it_o appear_v they_o be_v mistake_v for_o now_o he_o be_v we_o whilst_o he_o direct_o and_o express_o avow_v the_o apostle_n natural_a or_o animal_n man_n to_o be_v one_o that_o be_v whole_o conduct_v by_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o humane_a wisdom_n such_o a_o one_o have_v no_o supernatural_a guidance_n and_o direction_n can_v as_o long_o as_o he_o be_v such_o attain_v to_o a_o right_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n because_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o as_o the_o apostle_n here_o subjoin_v nay_o he_o add_v further_a he_o can_v know_v they_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o the_o natural_a man_n shall_v right_o perceive_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n imply_v as_o evident_a a_o contradiction_n as_o to_o say_v a_o blind_a man_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o see_v thing_n visible_a so_o a_o 4._o judicious_a divine_a of_o our_o church_n express_v himself_o concern_v this_o matter_n the_o ground_n of_o the_o apostle_n assertion_n follow_v which_o be_v very_o remarkable_a these_o thing_n say_v he_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v be_v know_v by_o a_o natural_a man_n because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v spiritual_a thing_n be_v discover_v and_o know_v in_o a_o peculiar_a way_n and_o such_o as_o be_v proper_a to_o good_a and_o holy_a man_n only_o these_o person_n have_v a_o inward_a sense_n and_o conviction_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o they_o know_v the_o true_a value_n and_o worth_n of_o they_o they_o know_v they_o so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o their_o own_o proper_a concern_v they_o know_v they_o so_o as_o to_o feel_v a_o influence_n from_o they_o on_o their_o heart_n affection_n and_o life_n thus_o a_o religious_a person_n know_v and_o discover_v these_o thing_n in_o a_o other_o manner_n than_o natural_a and_o unregenerate_a man_n do_v it_o be_v true_a the_o knowledge_n of_o both_o these_o be_v alike_o as_o to_o some_o sort_n of_o discovery_n relate_v to_o holy_a thing_n thus_o not_o only_o the_o grammatical_a critical_a rhetorical_a historical_a and_o philosophical_a part_n of_o the_o bible_n may_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o for_o the_o worst_a man_n may_v have_v as_o great_a a_o insight_n into_o these_o as_o the_o best_a but_o even_o the_o theological_a part_n of_o this_o inspire_a book_n so_o far_o as_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o the_o mere_a speculative_a and_o notional_a discovery_n of_o divine_a truth_n may_v be_v equal_o know_v by_o both_o but_o to_o know_v the_o truth_n contain_v in_o this_o sacred_a volume_n so_o as_o to_o be_v better_v by_o they_o be_v from_o supernatural_a light_n alone_o and_o this_o be_v it_o which_o distinguish_v the_o spiritual_a from_o the_o natural_a man_n this_o latter_a fall_v
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 into_o the_o omniscience_n and_o omnipresence_n of_o god_n we_o have_v not_o adequate_a conception_n of_o his_o immutability_n his_o justice_n his_o faithfulness_n and_o none_o of_o his_o perfection_n and_o excellency_n be_v thorough_o understand_v by_o we_o so_o that_o according_a to_o the_o way_n of_o argue_v which_o some_o man_n use_v viz._n that_o nothing_o must_v be_v receive_v in_o religion_n but_o what_o be_v exact_o according_a to_o plain_a reason_n they_o may_v renounce_v the_o deity_n itself_o for_o in_o the_o notion_n we_o have_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n above_o our_o reason_n the_o manner_n how_o three_o real_a subsistency_n be_v unite_v in_o one_o essence_n or_o substance_n of_o the_o godhead_n be_v not_o comprehensible_a but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n put_v it_o beyond_o all_o doubt_n that_o it_o be_v so_o there_o be_v many_o principle_n and_o proposition_n in_o christianity_n which_o be_v far_o above_o our_o weak_a capacity_n there_o be_v several_a thing_n in_o the_o conduct_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o salvation_n the_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o which_o be_v hide_v from_o we_o at_o least_o the_o modes_n and_o circumstance_n belong_v to_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v comprehend_v though_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o the_o general_n truth_n there_o be_v sundry_a difficult_a thing_n occur_v concern_v the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o disbelieve_v the_o doctrine_n itself_o 〈…〉_z i_o know_v say_v st._n chrysostom_n that_o the_o son_n be_v beget_v of_o the_o father_n but_o how_o i_o know_v not_o i_o know_v he_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n but_o i_o can_v tell_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o for_o we_o acknowledge_v the_o production_n of_o both_o nature_n and_o yet_o the_o manner_n of_o both_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o declare_v so_o as_o to_o the_o union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n in_o christ_n person_n we_o have_v not_o a_o accountable_a idea_n of_o it_o though_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v agreeable_a to_o reason_n we_o can_v answer_v all_o the_o doubt_n concern_v christ_n satisfaction_n but_o upon_o incontestable_a ground_n we_o may_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o same_o body_n at_o the_o last_o day_n be_v a_o unquestionable_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o if_o we_o be_v ask_v how_o a_o dead_a body_n crumble_v into_o dust_n and_o perhaps_o dissipate_v by_o the_o wind_n into_o several_a quarter_n or_o how_o a_o body_n convert_v into_o the_o substance_n of_o other_o creature_n after_o innumerable_a introduction_n of_o new_a shape_n preserve_v its_o proper_a identity_n â—nd_v individuation_n if_o we_o be_v ask_v i_o say_v how_o this_o can_v be_v the_o answer_n in_o brief_a can_v 〈◊〉_d no_o other_o than_o this_o we_o can_v tell_v but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v this_o be_v a_o unbecoming_a answer_n for_o any_o man_n that_o pretend_v to_o knowledge_n and_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
prayer_n for_o the_o four_o quarter_n of_o the_o year_n the_o second_o edition_n price_n 10_v the_o excellent_a woman_n describe_v by_o her_o true_a character_n and_o their_o opposite_n be_v a_o just_a and_o instructive_a representation_n of_o the_o virtue_n and_o vice_n of_o the_o sex_n and_o illustrate_v with_o the_o most_o remarkable_a instance_n in_o ancient_n and_o modern_a history_n in_o two_o part_n do_v out_o of_o french_a price_n 4_o s._n 6_o d._n consolation_n to_o a_o friend_n upon_o the_o death_n of_o his_o excellent_a and_o pious_a consort_n applicable_a also_o to_o a_o resentment_n of_o the_o death_n of_o other_o dear_a relation_n and_o friend_n price_n 1_v family_n prayer_n for_o every_o day_n in_o the_o week_n contain_v a_o short_a summary_n of_o christian_a religion_n the_o 2_o edition_n price_n 2d_o those_o that_o will_v give_v they_o away_o shall_v have_v they_o at_o 10_o s._n per_fw-la hundred_o all_o these_o by_o mr._n theophilus_n dorrington_n a_o vindication_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n against_o the_o objection_n of_o all_o modern_a opposer_n write_a in_o french_a by_o james_n abbudy_v d._n d._n render_v into_o english_a by_o henry_n lussan_n m._n a._n in_o 2_o vol._n 8_o o_o price_n 10s_fw-la 10s_fw-la colloqu_n menâ—al_a menâ—al_a dâ—_n brown_n vulg._n eâ—r_n l._n 1._o c._n 2._o 2._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d uâ—_n dâ—us_fw-la cognosâ—atur_fw-la ex_fw-la deo_fw-la fit_a prosper_n de_fw-fr vocat_fw-la gent._n l._n â—_o c._n 24._o 24._o 〈…〉_z 〈…〉_z col._n 1._o 5._o 2._o tim._n 2._o 15._o rev._n 5._o 3_o 6._o 6._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d cont._n celf._n l._n â—_o â—_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 4_o quaest._n in_o genes_n genes_n nihil_fw-la aliud_fw-la niâ—â—_n nugas_fw-la tenemus_fw-la &_o fâ—nte_fw-la veritatis_fw-la amisso_fw-la opinionum_fw-la titulos_fw-la consectamur_fw-la cum_fw-la quae_fw-la deus_fw-la occulta_fw-la nobis_fw-la eâ—se_fw-la volâ—it_fw-la nimia_fw-la curiositate_fw-la perscrutamur_fw-la perscrutamur_fw-la nat._n qu._n qu._n proprium_fw-la hoc_fw-la est_fw-la omnium_fw-la haereticorum_fw-la nam_fw-la quia_fw-la pauca_fw-la sunt_fw-la quae_fw-la in_o silva_fw-la inveniri_fw-la possunt_fw-la pauca_fw-la adversus_fw-la plura_fw-la defendunt_fw-la tertull._n adv_o praxeam_n praxeam_n solenne_fw-fr est_fw-fr haereticis_fw-la alicujus_fw-la 〈◊〉_d ancipitis_fw-la 〈…〉_z adversus_fw-la exercitum_fw-la sententiarum_fw-la instâ—â—mâ—nti_fw-la totiuâ—_n 〈◊〉_d tertull._n de_fw-fr pudicitiâ—_n pudicitiâ—_n utique_fw-la aequum_fw-la incerta_fw-la de_fw-la certis_fw-la &_o obscura_fw-la de_fw-la manifestis_fw-la praejudicari_fw-la ne_fw-la inter_fw-la discordiam_fw-la certorum_fw-la &_o incertorum_fw-la manifestorum_fw-la &_o obscurorum_fw-la fides_fw-la dissipetur_fw-la veritas_fw-la periclitetur_fw-la ipsa_fw-la divinitas_fw-la ut_fw-la inconstans_fw-la denotetur_fw-la tertull._n de_fw-fr resurrectione_n resurrectione_n ad_fw-la obscuriores_fw-la locutiones_fw-la illustrandas_fw-la de_fw-la manifestioriâ—us_fw-la sumantur_fw-la exempla_fw-la &_o quaedam_fw-la certarum_fw-la sententiarum_fw-la testimonia_fw-la dubitationem_fw-la de_fw-la incertis_fw-la â—uferant_a aug_n de_fw-fr dâ—â—â—rin_n christianâ—_n l._n 2._o c._n 9_o 9_o erasâ—us_n erasâ—us_n hor._n hieroglyph_n hieroglyph_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d quaest._n 51._o in_o exoâ—_n exoâ—_n quet_n resp._n 142._o add_v orthodox_n orthodox_n gen._n 15_o 1._o psal._n 3._o 3._o ps._n 28._o 7._o ps._n 33._o 20._o prov._n 30._o 5._o psal_n 47._o 9_o 9_o aristâ—t_fw-la eth._n l._n 6._o c._n 1._o 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ad_fw-la princ._n ineruditum_fw-la ineruditum_fw-la netzib_n netzib_n lib._n 1._o tit._n 2._o viz._n de_fw-fr origine_fw-la juris_fw-la civiâ—is_fw-la &_o omnium_fw-la magistratuum_fw-la magistratuum_fw-la prov._n xx_o 27._o 27._o etiam_fw-la principibus_fw-la &_o regibus_fw-la non_fw-la ut_fw-la magnis_fw-la &_o electis_fw-la viris_fw-la sicut_fw-la fas_fw-la est_fw-la sed_fw-la ut_fw-la diis_fw-la adulatio_fw-la falsa_fw-la blanditur_fw-la minute_n eâ—lix_fw-la eâ—lix_fw-la reges_fw-la in_o ipâ—os_fw-la imperium_fw-la est_fw-la jovis_n sen._n trag._n trag._n omne_fw-la sâ—b_fw-la â—egno_fw-la grâ—viore_fw-la regnum_fw-la â—st_fw-la laâ—â—_n laâ—â—_n 1._o cor._n ix_o 26._o 26._o 2_o chron._n xxvi_o 19_o 19_o hactenus_fw-la quasi_fw-la de_fw-la principe_fw-la reliqua_fw-la uâ—_n de_fw-fr monstâ—o_n nâ—râ—_n â—anda_fw-la sunt_fw-la sueton._n sueton._n lord_n bacon_n essay_n 19_o 19_o ut_fw-la caeterorum_fw-la hominum_fw-la ita_fw-la principum_fw-la eorum_fw-la etiam_fw-la qui_fw-la dii_fw-la sibi_fw-la videntur_fw-la aevum_fw-la omne_fw-la &_o breve_fw-la &_o fragile_a est_fw-la est_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d omnium_fw-la consensu_fw-la capâ—x_fw-la imperii_fw-la nisi_fw-la imperâ—sset_fw-la imperâ—sset_fw-la be_v ordo_fw-la vitio_fw-la vacato_fw-la caeâ—â—ris_fw-la specimen_fw-la esto_fw-la ciâ—_n de_fw-fr leg._n l._n 3._o 3._o philos._n transâ—ct_n transâ—ct_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d vit._n orator_n orator_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d euâ—ipid_a euâ—ipid_a tibi_fw-la non_fw-la magis_fw-la quam_fw-la soli_fw-la latere_fw-la contigit_fw-la etc._n etc._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d dâ—o_o caâ—â—_n hist._n rom._n l._n 5â—_n 5â—_n quoth_v exemplo_fw-la â—it_n id_fw-la etiam_fw-la jure_fw-la fieri_fw-la putant_fw-la cic._n epist._n 3._o lib._n 4._o 4._o quales_fw-la in_o republica_n principes_fw-la essâ—nt_fw-la tale_n reliquos_fw-la sâ—lâ—re_fw-la esse_fw-la civeâ—_n civeâ—_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o vita_fw-la moâ—is_n moâ—is_n vita_fw-la principis_fw-la censâ—ra_fw-la est_fw-la eaque_fw-la perpetua_fw-la ad_fw-la hanc_fw-la diriginâ—ur_fw-la ad_fw-la hanc_fw-la convertimur_fw-la nec_fw-la tam_fw-la imperio_fw-la nobis_fw-la opus_fw-la est_fw-la quam_fw-la exemplo_fw-la exemplo_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d lib._n 1._o 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d cyr._n inst._n l._n 8._o 8._o 〈…〉_z l._n 3._o c._n 20._o 20._o deipnosoph_n l._n 4._o 4._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d geograph_n l._n 17._o 17._o luxuriae_fw-la se_fw-la tâ—adiderat_a regisque_fw-la mores_fw-la omniâ—_n seâ—uta_fw-la regius_fw-la iâ—aque_fw-la non_fw-la amici_fw-la tantum_fw-la pâ—aefectique_a verum_fw-la etiam_fw-la omnis_fw-la exerciâ—us_fw-la etc._n etc._n etc._n lib._n 36._o 36._o antiochi_n coecam_fw-la &_o amentem_fw-la luxuriam_fw-la exercitus_fw-la imitatus_fw-la lib._n 9_o c._n 1._o 1._o pernisiosius_fw-la de_fw-la repub._n merentur_fw-la vitiosi_fw-la principeâ—_n quod_fw-la non_fw-la solum_fw-la vitia_fw-la concipiunt_fw-la ipsi_fw-la sed_fw-la ea_fw-la infundunâ—_n in_fw-la civitatem_fw-la neque_fw-la solum_fw-la obsunt_fw-la quod_fw-la illi_fw-la ipsi_fw-la corrumpuntur_fw-la sed_fw-la etiam_fw-la quod_fw-la corrumpunt_fw-la plusque_fw-la exemplo_fw-la quam_fw-la peccato_fw-la nocent_a lib._n 3_o de_fw-fr legib._n legib._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n etc._n haeâ—_n est_fw-la conditio_fw-la principum_fw-la ut_fw-la quicquid_fw-la faciunt_fw-la praecipere_fw-la videantur_fw-la quintil_n 8._o declam_fw-la declam_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d xiphiliâ—_n xiphiliâ—_n nicephor_n l._n 7._o c._n 34._o 34._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n plut._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d â—_o orat._n orat._n psal._n 51._o 12._o 12._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o cor._n three_o 11._o 11._o ephes._n two_o 20._o 20._o colloqu_n mensal_n mensal_n rom._n xv_o 20._o 1_o cor._n iii._o 10._o gal._n two_o 18._o eph._n two_o 22._o col._n two_o 7._o 7._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d chryson_fw-la chryson_fw-la exod._n xxxi_o 3_o etc._n etc._n etc._n â—_o cor._n three_o 10._o 10._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d dialog_n cum_fw-la tryph._n tryph._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d gal._n i_o 14._o 14._o cont._n faust_n i._n 13._o c._n 15._o 15._o ambros._n offic._n 1._o 20._o 20._o eccles_n hist._n i._n 2._o c._n 9_o 9_o genesis_n and_o exodus_fw-la exodus_fw-la psalm_n and_o isaiah_n isaiah_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈…〉_z epist._n l._n 4._o 4._o euseb._n eccles._n hist._n hist._n 1_o cor._n fourteen_o 19_o 19_o 2._o king_n four_o 34._o 34._o can._n 75._o 75._o matth._n xxiii_o 3._o 3._o it_o be_v i_o 6._o 6._o john_n v._n 35._o 35._o it_o be_v i_o 9_o 9_o 2_o tim_n two_o 15._o 15._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d theodoret._n eccl._n 〈◊〉_d l._n 5._o c._n 28._o 28._o à _fw-fr gon_n ed_z cubiius_fw-la cubiius_fw-la lib._n 5_o p._n 217._o 217._o in_o homer_n ody_n o._n o._n selden_n de_fw-fr dis_n syr._n syntag._n 2._o 2._o ode_n 14._o 14._o tibul._n lib._n 1._o eleg._n 8._o 8._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d tyrus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rupes_fw-la rupes_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d build_v herself_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o strong_a hold._n hold._n antiqu._n jud._n l._n 11._o and_o cont._n apion_n l._n 1._o 1._o isai._n xxiii_o 17._o 17._o isai._n xxiii_o 17._o 17._o diodor._fw-la sic._n l._n 17._o plutarch_n vit_fw-fr alex._n m._n curtius_n l._n 4._o 4._o arrianus_n arrianus_n diodorus_n curtius_n curtius_n prov._n iii._o 16._o 16._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d xenophon_n xenophon_n tob._n four_o 13._o 13._o prov._n vi_fw-la 26._o 26._o chap._n viij_o ver_fw-la 4_o 8._o 8._o prov._n xxii_o 16._o 16._o luke_n xvii_o 28_o 29._o 29._o ver_fw-la 8._o 8._o ignat._n epist._n ad_fw-la philip._n hilar._n can._n 7._o in_o matth._n chry._n 〈◊〉_d hom._n passim_fw
and_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o search_n and_o inquiry_n about_o divine_a truth_n this_o discourse_n lay_v the_o foundation_n for_o those_o which_o follow_v for_o even_o the_o sacred_a verity_n and_o principle_n of_o our_o religion_n have_v a_o tendency_n to_o practise_v the_o second_o be_v of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o ruler_n and_o judge_n wherein_o i_o have_v endeavonr_v to_o establish_v the_o right_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o civil_a governor_n upon_o the_o sure_a basis_n of_o reason_n and_o scripture_n and_o thereon_o have_v ground_v our_o obedience_n to_o they_o which_o be_v a_o indispensable_a law_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o christian_a institution_n but_o as_o we_o be_v to_o obey_v magistrate_n so_o they_o be_v to_o do_v homage_n to_o the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n and_o to_o give_v proof_n of_o this_o reverence_n and_o submission_n by_o their_o religious_a and_o holy_a demeanour_n wherefore_o in_o the_o three_o place_n i_o have_v show_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o their_o be_v exemplary_a in_o their_o life_n and_o of_o their_o surpass_v other_o in_o all_o moral_a and_o religious_a action_n next_o i_o undertake_v to_o display_v thâ—_n office_n of_o the_o guide_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o public_a instructor_n of_o soul_n and_o to_o show_v what_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v master_n of_o in_o order_n to_o their_o edify_v the_o church_n of_o christ._n then_o i_o descend_v to_o the_o more_o particular_a case_n and_o condition_n of_o person_n and_o show_v how_o necessary_a religion_n and_o virtue_n be_v to_o man_n of_o traffic_n and_o business_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o the_o decay_n of_o riches_n and_o plenty_n in_o a_o nation_n be_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o their_o vicious_a practice_n afterward_o i_o represent_v to_o the_o reader_n that_o extravagant_a pride_n and_o vanity_n of_o apparel_n which_o be_v so_o conspicuous_a in_o this_o age_n and_o with_o that_o freedom_n which_o become_v a_o dispenser_n of_o the_o divine_a oracle_n i_o set_v before_o the_o offender_n the_o sinfulness_n and_o mischief_n of_o this_o excess_n again_o i_o take_v occasion_n from_o the_o commence_v of_o the_o late_a war_n to_o satisfy_v the_o scrupulous_a about_o the_o lawfulness_n yea_o and_o necessity_n in_o some_o case_n of_o go_v to_o war._n and_o soon_o after_o there_o be_v ground_n for_o another_o discourse_n viz._n concern_v the_o cause_n of_o ill_a success_n in_o martial_a affair_n and_o because_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o whilst_o we_o be_v engage_v the_o enemy_n abroad_o there_o shall_v be_v peace_n at_o home_n i_o impartial_o represent_v the_o mischievous_a and_o pernicious_a consequence_n of_o intestine_a broil_n and_o division_n in_o a_o kingdom_n and_o warm_o exhort_v to_o unity_n and_o concord_n this_o be_v a_o brief_a view_n of_o ten_o of_o the_o sermon_n in_o this_o volume_n which_o be_v so_o mix_v that_o there_o be_v no_o degree_n or_o quality_n of_o person_n but_o will_v find_v themselves_o concern_v in_o the_o subject_n here_o treat_v of_o prince_n and_o monarch_n inferior_a ruler_n and_o magistrate_n ecclesiastical_a person_n and_o all_o other_o whether_o public_a or_o private_a civil_a or_o military_a wealthy_a or_o indigent_a of_o the_o manly_a or_o of_o the_o soft_a sex_n have_v their_o share_n in_o these_o paper_n as_o for_o the_o two_o last_o sermon_n they_o have_v their_o birth_n from_o the_o two_o much_o prevail_a opinion_n of_o those_o man_n who_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v mystery_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o strike_v only_o at_o that_o general_n doctrine_n and_o wave_v all_o set_a reflection_n on_o particular_a person_n or_o their_o attempt_n the_o sum_n of_o my_o undertake_n here_o be_v this_o i_o give_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o word_n mystery_n as_o it_o be_v mention_v and_o understand_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n more_o especial_o i_o settle_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o that_o term_n as_o it_o peculiar_o respect_v the_o present_a case_n and_o have_v reference_n to_o christianity_n i_o show_v upon_o what_o reason_n and_o ground_n this_o doctrine_n of_o mystery_n be_v found_v i_o represent_v the_o notorious_a blemish_n of_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n and_o last_o i_o intersperse_v such_o proper_a inference_n as_o be_v the_o natural_a result_n of_o the_o respective_a particular_n thus_o though_o other_o have_v handle_v this_o subject_a i_o make_v it_o a_o peculiar_a province_n by_o the_o particular_a way_n of_o my_o undertake_n and_o manage_v it_o which_o whether_o it_o be_v do_v aright_o and_o to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o pious_a i_o leave_v to_o the_o reader_n to_o judge_v but_o this_o only_o i_o be_o able_a to_o say_v and_o that_o most_o sincere_o that_o i_o design_v what_o i_o have_v here_o write_v for_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o christianity_n and_o for_o the_o glory_n and_o honour_n of_o its_o divine_a author_n and_o this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o all_o my_o write_n of_o what_o subject_n soever_o i_o have_v already_o treat_v or_o shall_v hereafter_o treat_v some_o perhaps_o may_v think_v i_o pour_v they_o in_o too_o fast_o upon_o the_o reader_n and_o do_v it_o keep_v a_o due_a distance_n such_o as_o they_o will_v have_v between_o one_o book_n and_o another_o i_o be_o so_o vncivil_a a_o writer_n that_o i_o will_v scarce_o give_v the_o reader_n time_n to_o breath_n and_o beside_o it_o be_v a_o blemish_n to_o my_o reputation_n that_o i_o hereby_o give_v occasion_n to_o some_o to_o censure_v i_o for_o be_v too_o forward_a a_o man_n and_o one_o that_o affect_v to_o appear_v often_o in_o public_a view_n and_o therefore_o they_o prudent_o advise_v to_o observe_v a_o moderation_n and_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o husbandry_n to_o lie_v fallow_a some_o time_n i_o thank_v these_o gentleman_n for_o the_o care_n they_o pretend_v to_o have_v of_o the_o reader_n and_o i_o but_o i_o must_v tell_v they_o this_o good_a advice_n of_o they_o belong_v to_o those_o novice_n who_o want_v material_n for_o a_o scribble_n though_o it_o be_v but_o a_o four-penny_n cut_v or_o those_o poor_a starve_a soul_n that_o write_v for_o bread_n and_o clap_v all_o their_o book_n and_o sometime_o more_o than_o be_v in_o it_o into_o the_o title_n page_n here_o the_o counsel_n will_v be_v seasonable_a especial_o for_o the_o reader_n good_a to_o be_v temperate_a writer_n but_o if_o they_o will_v be_v so_o civil_a as_o not_o to_o rank_v i_o in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o forementioned_a person_n i_o think_v i_o have_v enough_o to_o plead_v in_o behalf_n of_o the_o frequency_n of_o my_o write_n i_o can_v support_v myself_o herein_o by_o very_o good_a and_o vnexceptionable_a example_n half_o a_o dozen_o of_o the_o best_a penman_n we_o have_v at_o this_o day_n among_o we_o two_o of_o the_o learnede_a prelate_n of_o our_o church_n who_o fail_v not_o every_o year_n to_o present_v the_o learned_a with_o a_o offer_n and_o their_o teem_v thought_n be_v still_o design_v to_o oblige_v the_o world_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n but_o wave_a precedent_n especial_o those_o which_o be_v too_o high_a for_o i_o i_o will_v justify_v my_o practice_n from_o the_o reason_n and_o equity_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o i_o hold_v it_o proper_a to_o offer_v sâ—meâ—_n truth_n to_o the_o world_n now_o whilst_o i_o be_o able_a to_o defend_v they_o against_o the_o objection_n which_o some_o may_v think_v fit_a to_o make_v against_o they_o as_o i_o have_v in_o some_o part_n find_v it_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v already_o and_o i_o know_v not_o why_o truth_n may_v not_o be_v as_o sharp_a as_o error_n beside_o some_o thing_n be_v proper_a for_o this_o peculiar_a age_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v defer_v will_v prove_v unseasonable_a i_o conceive_v our_o sceptical_a time_n require_v some_o such_o sort_n of_o write_n as_o i_o have_v have_v occasion_n to_o publish_v more_o than_o any_o that_o be_v before_o or_o perhaps_o ever_o will_v be_v again_o what_o i_o do_v be_v pursuant_n to_o my_o character_n and_o function_n which_o exact_a a_o public_a appearance_n and_o a_o open_v do_v of_o good_a to_o mankind_n for_o a_o clergyman_n shall_v give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o time_n to_o the_o world_n as_o well_o as_o to_o god_n wherefore_o being_n not_o engage_v at_o present_a in_o the_o employment_n of_o the_o pulpit_n i_o think_v myself_o oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o â—â—eak_v to_o the_o world_n from_o the_o press_n and_o to_o let_v my_o pen_n do_v the_o office_n of_o my_o tongue_n and_o true_o why_o one_o shall_v be_v a_o crime_n and_o not_o the_o other_o be_v unaccountable_a or_o rather_o it_o be_v not_o much_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o those_o man_n who_o i_o have_v to_o do_v with_o at_o present_a look_v upon_o both_o equal_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
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
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 be_v sure_a of_o this_o too_o that_o we_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o distort_v and_o misinterpret_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o fault_n very_o frequent_a in_o these_o case_n to_o conclude_v this_o particular_a let_v not_o weak_a christian_n be_v trouble_v that_o there_o be_v several_a passage_n in_o the_o bible_n which_o they_o can_v clear_o understand_v i_o assure_v they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o full_a meaning_n and_o manner_n of_o they_o and_o yet_o their_o salvation_n be_v not_o endanger_v thereby_o and_o as_o to_o our_o deportment_n towards_o other_o with_o respect_n to_o these_o point_n see_v we_o can_v perfect_o explain_v they_o why_o shall_v we_o be_v angry_a at_o those_o who_o embrace_v a_o different_a persuasion_n concern_v the_o manner_n of_o these_o thing_n ii_o many_o thing_n in_o religion_n be_v make_v difficult_a mere_o by_o dispute_n and_o quarrel_n and_o if_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v plain_a than_o they_o be_v yea_o never_o so_o 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 difficult_a and_o knotty_a be_v oftentimes_o wield_v and_o manage_v against_o very_o plain_a and_o direct_a place_n of_o scripture_n this_o be_v observe_v by_o that_o learned_a father_n pudicitiâ—_n who_o i_o last_o mention_v one_o chapter_n say_v he_o in_o the_o bible_n where_o some_o ambiguous_a word_n be_v be_v bring_v by_o they_o to_o confront_v a_o numerous_a company_n and_o host_n of_o text_n but_o this_o be_v a_o indirect_a method_n for_o it_o be_v most_o just_a and_o reasonable_a that_o a_o few_o place_n of_o scripture_n shall_v yield_v to_o many_o obscure_a one_o to_o the_o plain_a doubtful_a to_o the_o certain_a that_o those_o shall_v be_v judge_v and_o decide_v by_o these_o not_o vice_n versa_fw-la that_o so_o amid_o this_o seem_a discord_n and_o discrepancy_n our_o belief_n may_v not_o be_v shake_v and_o that_o the_o truth_n may_v not_o be_v endanger_v and_o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n may_v not_o be_v think_v to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o its_o self_n as_o that_o excellent_a person_n resurrectione_n say_v in_o another_o place_n it_o be_v a_o useful_a rule_n therefore_o of_o st._n austin_n 9_o to_o explain_v obscure_a place_n of_o scripture_n let_v we_o use_v the_o assistance_n of_o those_o that_o be_v plain_o and_o by_o the_o certainty_n and_o clearness_n of_o some_o let_v the_o doubtfulness_n of_o other_o be_v take_v away_o this_o may_v be_v serviceable_a to_o we_o when_o we_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o when_o we_o will_v be_v satisfy_v about_o some_o controversy_n which_o arise_v thence_o but_o alas_o this_o holy_a book_n be_v ruffle_v and_o entangle_v by_o wilful_a mistake_v and_o dispute_v wherein_o it_o be_v common_a to_o wrest_v the_o word_n and_o to_o oppose_v one_o part_n of_o they_o to_o another_o instead_o of_o adjust_v the_o whole_a matter_n by_o a_o fair_a reconcilement_n to_o instance_n nothing_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n than_o this_o that_o he_o have_v full_o decree_v and_o predetermine_v whatever_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v and_o nothing_o be_v more_o plain_a in_o the_o say_v holy_a volume_n than_o this_o that_o man_n be_v a_o free_a agent_n and_o be_v not_o constrain_v and_o compel_v but_o what_o he_o will_v he_o will_v free_o all_o sober_a person_n agree_v in_o these_o and_o therefore_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o ground_n of_o mutual_a concord_n and_o reconciliation_n but_o instead_o of_o this_o some_o raise_v dispute_n still_o and_o whereas_o we_o be_v agree_v that_o both_o these_o be_v true_a and_o consistent_a viz._n god_n decree_n and_o man_n freedom_n they_o will_v ask_v how_o this_o can_v be_v and_o if_o you_o do_v not_o satisfy_v they_o as_o to_o this_o which_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a perhaps_o to_o do_v they_o will_v show_v themselves_o very_o much_o displease_v which_o argue_v that_o they_o be_v of_o a_o quarrelsome_a temper_n and_o delight_n in_o wrangle_a and_o make_v use_n of_o scripture_n for_o that_o purpose_n in_o the_o most_o serious_a and_o weighty_a doctrine_n iii_o it_o happen_v by_o the_o luxuriancy_n of_o busy_a brain_n that_o many_o inquiry_n in_o religion_n be_v nice_a and_o subtle_n overcurious_a and_o trifle_a and_o as_o for_o these_o they_o be_v below_o the_o verdict_n of_o holy_a scripture_n it_o begin_v to_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o wit_n to_o be_v a_o christian_n as_o erasâ—us_n one_o observe_v about_o the_o day_n of_o constantine_n the_o great_a so_o soon_o have_v they_o learn_v to_o be_v acquaint_v in_o their_o divinity_n and_o that_o about_o the_o high_a point_n of_o it_o and_o other_o subtle_a head_n since_o that_o time_n such_o be_v most_o of_o the_o schoolman_n have_v trouble_v the_o world_n with_o their_o fruitless_a speculation_n their_o foolish_a and_o unlearned_a question_n their_o fond_a and_o sapless_a notion_n and_o these_o and_o other_o add_v to_o they_o be_v call_v truth_n by_o some_o person_n but_o indeed_o they_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o that_o great_a name_n a_o man_n may_v be_v ignorant_a of_o a_o thousand_o of_o they_o and_o yet_o not_o impair_v his_o knowledge_n to_o make_v use_n of_o holy_a scripture_n here_o be_v to_o be_v serious_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o trifle_n and_o which_o be_v worse_o to_o profane_a that_o holy_a book_n the_o same_o judgement_n may_v be_v make_v of_o many_o not_o to_o say_v most_o of_o the_o question_n propound_v and_o handle_v by_o the_o roman_a casuist_n which_o be_v of_o no_o moment_n or_o use_n at_o all_o nay_o they_o be_v very_o hurtful_a and_o pernicious_a because_o they_o distract_v man_n mind_n instead_o of_o direct_v they_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v very_o warm_o controvert_v as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o most_o serious_a and_o important_a truth_n iv._o there_o be_v some_o proposition_n in_o our_o religion_n which_o be_v disputable_a and_o probable_a on_o both_o side_n and_o in_o these_o doubtful_a case_n to_o
become_v a_o emperor_n to_o die_v stand_v as_o one_o of_o they_o say_v sure_o it_o will_v not_o be_v unbecoming_a a_o christian_a magistrate_n to_o do_v so_o i_o mâ—an_v to_o expire_v in_o the_o faithful_a performance_n of_o his_o office_n in_o the_o actual_a do_v of_o his_o duty_n other_o of_o a_o mean_a quality_n steal_v into_o their_o coffin_n and_o silent_o descend_v into_o their_o grave_n and_o be_v not_o much_o observe_v but_o you_o will_v be_v watch_v when_o you_o go_v off_o the_o stage_n when_o you_o leave_v the_o world_n and_o it_o will_v be_v ask_v in_o the_o neighbourhood_n what_o you_o do_v when_o you_o be_v in_o it_o and_o how_o you_o manage_v your_o stewardship_n live_v then_o so_o that_o when_o you_o come_v to_o die_v you_o may_v with_o pericles_n a_o fame_a statesman_n of_o athens_n rejoice_v that_o no_o citizen_n ever_o wear_v a_o mourn_a habit_n on_o your_o account_n live_v so_o that_o when_o god_n shall_v remove_v you_o from_o your_o place_n by_o death_n you_o may_v in_o another_o sense_n than_o our_o psalmist_n intend_v die_v like_a man_n brave_o and_o honourable_o that_o you_o may_v fall_v like_o one_o of_o the_o prince_n with_o credit_n and_o renown_n and_o that_o after_o your_o departure_n you_o may_v live_v and_o flourish_v in_o the_o memory_n and_o heart_n of_o all_o good_a man_n who_o will_v never_o suffer_v your_o good_a action_n to_o be_v bury_v with_o you_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 the_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 we_o find_v that_o supremacy_n and_o government_n have_v be_v make_v matter_n of_o chance_n with_o some_o people_n thus_o one_o regilianus_n be_v promote_v to_o kingship_n mere_o because_o of_o his_o name_n the_o sidonian_a servant_n agree_v among_o themselves_o to_o make_v he_o king_n who_o the_o next_o morning_n shall_v first_o see_v the_o sun_n darius_n horse_n make_v his_o master_n king_n of_o persia_n by_o his_o neigh_v but_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o so_o great_a a_o concern_v shall_v not_o depend_v upon_o mere_a casualty_n but_o aught_o to_o be_v determine_v with_o the_o most_o serious_a deliberation_n imaginable_a and_o so_o as_o for_o subordinate_a ruler_n and_o governor_n the_o designation_n of_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v accidental_a and_o fortuitous_a but_o be_v to_o be_v manage_v with_o consultation_n and_o choice_n for_o every_o one_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o such_o a_o place_n every_o one_o be_v not_o due_o capacitate_v and_o qualify_v for_o a_o public_a office_n and_o trust._n this_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n we_o take_v notice_n of_o here_o that_o moses_n choose_v man_n out_o of_o all_o israel_n to_o be_v head_n and_o ruler_n and_o this_o choice_n be_v conformable_a to_o his_o father-in-law_n iethro_n advice_n ver_fw-la 21._o thou_o 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to_o pervert_v judgement_n and_o justice_n in_o short_a the_o fear_n of_o god_n will_v make_v he_o eminent_a in_o his_o life_n and_o action_n singular_a for_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n and_o cause_v he_o to_o do_v all_o thing_n worthy_o and_o as_o become_v a_o migistrate_n this_o be_v the_o character_n which_o ruler_n must_v bear_v according_a to_o iethro_n advice_n to_o moses_n and_o the_o text_n acquaint_v we_o that_o this_o latter_a make_v his_o choice_n agreeable_o to_o it_o for_o he_o 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 and_o ruler_n of_o thousand_o etc._n etc._n that_o be_v he_o convenient_o place_v they_o in_o several_a quarter_n to_o decide_v controversy_n among_o the_o people_n to_o distribute_v justice_n to_o give_v every_o one_o their_o right_n to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o public_a welfare_n and_o to_o discharge_v all_o the_o part_n of_o a_o good_a magistrate_n the_o general_a proposition_n then_o which_o i_o 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tolerable_o good_a subject_a or_o citizen_n who_o yet_o may_v not_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v a_o chief_a governor_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o such_o a_o one_o must_v surpass_v other_o wherefore_o what_o be_v sufficient_a and_o fit_v in_o the_o former_a be_v not_o so_o in_o the_o latter_a it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o twelve_o table_n among_o the_o roman_n that_o 3._o the_o order_n of_o the_o senator_n shall_v be_v free_a from_o vice_n and_o be_v a_o example_n to_o other_o the_o same_o may_v be_v pronounce_v in_o general_n concern_v the_o high_a degree_n and_o order_n of_o magistracy_n it_o must_v not_o be_v spot_v with_o the_o common_a defilement_n of_o the_o world_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v require_v of_o superior_n and_o ruler_n that_o they_o be_v as_o note_a for_o their_o moral_a and_o divine_a excellency_n as_o for_o their_o authority_n and_o dignity_n they_o must_v strive_v to_o outshine_v other_o in_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n and_o to_o be_v real_o the_o best_a man_n in_o the_o place_n they_o live_v in_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o which_o will_v appear_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o follow_a particular_n first_o a_o magistrate_n be_v oblige_v to_o be_v exemplary_a in_o his_o life_n because_o so_o great_a number_n of_o man_n have_v their_o eye_n fix_v upon_o he_o and_o that_o 1._o to_o find_v fault_n with_o he_o 2._o to_o imitate_v he_o and_o do_v as_o he_o do_v i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o man_n eye_n be_v fix_v upon_o you_o that_o be_v magistrate_n to_o see_v what_o fault_n they_o can_v find_v in_o you_o to_o discover_v your_o imperfection_n and_o miscarriage_n the_o great_a luminary_n of_o heaven_n be_v never_o eclipse_v but_o we_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o yea_o some_o of_o the_o lesser_a light_n and_o petty_a
good_a and_o there_o stint_v and_o determine_v all_o our_o passion_n and_o desire_n we_o at_o once_o become_v lover_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o church_n the_o one_o absolute_o influence_v upon_o the_o other_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o almighty_a and_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n be_v so_o twist_v together_o that_o it_o will_v be_v find_v a_o thing_n whole_o impossible_a to_o divide_v they_o for_o the_o church_n be_v that_o society_n of_o holy_a man_n wherein_o god_n be_v more_o peculiar_o acknowledge_v and_o glorify_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o whilst_o we_o tender_v the_o welfare_n of_o that_o society_n we_o likewise_o more_o signal_o advance_v god_n glory_n our_o love_n if_o it_o be_v true_a and_o real_a will_v reflect_v from_o god_n to_o his_o church_n and_o through_o the_o church_n it_o will_v ascend_v to_o god_n again_o the_o edify_v or_o building_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n here_o design_v principal_o belong_v to_o christ_n jesus_n himself_o it_o look_v like_o a_o paradox_n but_o be_v certain_o true_a that_o the_o 11._o foundation_n and_o 20._o chief_a cornerstone_n in_o the_o building_n be_v the_o chief_a architect_n also_o on_o this_o rock_n say_v he_o to_o st._n peter_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n this_o glorious_a fabric_n be_v raise_v by_o christ_n own_o hand_n yet_o this_o work_n in_o some_o measure_n belong_v to_o all_o holy_a and_o exemplary_a christian_n they_o be_v useful_a and_o necessary_a for_o the_o promote_a of_o this_o structure_n but_o more_o especial_o the_o guide_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o dispenser_n of_o god_n holy_a word_n be_v employ_v in_o this_o work_n they_o be_v in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n appoint_v and_o set_v apart_o on_o purpose_n to_o be_v artificer_n and_o builder_n in_o the_o erect_v of_o the_o christian_a church_n they_o be_v particular_o design_v for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n i.e._n his_o church_n eph._n four_o 12._o first_o our_o great_a care_n must_v be_v to_o lay_v the_o foundation_n and_o what_o that_o be_v our_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 1._o cor._n iii._o 11._o other_o foundation_n can_v no_o man_n lay_v than_o that_o which_o be_v lay_v which_o be_v jesus_n christ_n i.e._n the_o meritorious_a undertake_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n christ_n jesus_n the_o bless_a there_o be_v no_o salvation_n but_o by_o a_o lively_a and_o effectual_a faith_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o this_o lamb_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n eph._n two_o 20._o which_o st._n paul_n tell_v the_o ephesian_n they_o be_v build_v upon_o viz._n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o redemption_n and_o salvation_n by_o christ_n deliver_v by_o these_o inspire_a man_n and_o which_o they_o receive_v from_o christ_n himself_o who_o in_o the_o same_o place_n be_v call_v the_o chief_a cornerstone_n this_o be_v the_o great_a fundamental_a point_n of_o the_o christian_a institution_n this_o be_v the_o main_a truth_n on_o which_o all_o christianity_n be_v found_v and_o therefore_o we_o must_v be_v very_o faithful_a in_o the_o assert_v and_o vindicate_v of_o this_o the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o our_o religion_n sink_v and_o that_o irrecoverable_o without_o this_o firm_a and_o steady_a basis._n and_o all_o the_o other_o principle_n and_o rudiment_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v also_o just_o style_v the_o foundation_n heb._n vi_fw-la 1._o be_v our_o proper_a concern_v we_o be_v indispensable_o oblige_v to_o instruct_v our_o charge_n in_o all_o those_o divine_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n furnish_v we_o with_o and_o have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n with_o singular_a care_n and_o skill_n as_o know_v that_o it_o be_v this_o which_o support_v the_o fabric_n we_o must_v proceed_v to_o erect_v our_o superstructure_n to_o build_v upward_o as_o well_o as_o downward_o and_o according_o all_o the_o holy_a doctrine_n and_o rule_n conduce_v to_o christian_a knowledge_n and_o practice_n be_v to_o be_v produce_v and_o make_v use_v of_o we_o must_v remember_v the_o apostle_n advice_n to_o build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n nothing_o but_o gold_n silver_n and_o precious_a stone_n 1_o cor._n three_o 12._o such_o sound_n and_o orthodox_n conclusion_n as_o be_v of_o real_a worth_n and_o value_n and_o not_o wood_n hay_o and_o stubble_n i.e._n unnecessary_a and_o useless_a doctrine_n or_o inference_n muchless_a such_o as_o apparent_o confront_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o foster_v lewd_a and_o wicked_a practice_n mensal_n the_o pope_n as_o luther_n express_v it_o be_v for_o building_n up_o the_o church_n ex_fw-la accidentibus_fw-la of_o outward_a thing_n of_o little_a value_n but_o we_o say_v he_o build_v it_o ex_fw-la substantia_fw-la we_o urge_v those_o doctrine_n which_o be_v substantial_a we_o press_v those_o practice_n which_o be_v of_o moment_n which_o be_v essential_a to_o religion_n and_o have_v real_a worth_n and_o excellency_n in_o they_o thus_o we_o shall_v behave_v ourselves_o remember_v that_o the_o superstructure_n ought_v to_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o foundation_n this_o be_v solid_a and_o substantial_a that_o must_v be_v so_o too_o brief_o this_o excellent_a metaphor_n of_o edify_v or_o building_n which_o our_o apostle_n seem_v much_o to_o delight_v in_o as_o we_o may_v gather_v from_o his_o 7._o frequent_a use_v of_o it_o import_v no_o less_o than_o a_o impartial_a deliver_n and_o teach_v the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n whether_o it_o consist_v in_o fundamental_o or_o in_o such_o important_a and_o necessary_a matter_n as_o be_v to_o be_v ground_v on_o they_o all_o that_o our_o hearer_n be_v to_o know_v and_o all_o that_o they_o be_v to_o do_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man._n in_o a_o word_n to_o enlighten_v man_n mind_n to_o reform_v their_o life_n to_o convert_v sinner_n from_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n to_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v convert_v in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n by_o any_o holy_a art_n and_o method_n to_o further_o the_o real_a good_a of_o christ_n flock_n by_o any_o good_a mean_n to_o promote_v the_o church_n welfare_n be_v to_o build_v it_o up_o this_o be_v the_o divine_a architecture_n this_o be_v the_o art_n of_o spiritual_a building_n so_o that_o if_o we_o harken_v to_o this_o proposal_n we_o shall_v assure_o advance_v the_o good_a of_o the_o world_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n promote_v our_o own_o bliss_n and_o happiness_n in_o seek_v the_o church_n good_a we_o shall_v not_o fail_v of_o a_o blessing_n and_o that_o charity_n which_o raise_v our_o heart_n to_o endeavour_v the_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n militant_a will_n at_o last_o exalt_v we_o to_o the_o glory_n and_o consummation_n of_o the_o church_n triumphant_a when_o they_o that_o be_v wise_a 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visible_a face_n of_o it_o be_v never_o without_o the_o vital_n and_o spirit_n of_o it_o let_v religion_n outward_o appear_v as_o comely_a and_o beautiful_a as_o the_o rule_n of_o christian_a edification_n will_v allow_v but_o by_o no_o mean_n let_v she_o exceed_v in_o ornament_n and_o bravery_n for_o she_o will_v soon_o vanish_v when_o she_o grow_v pompous_a and_o run_v into_o external_n show_v and_o pageantry_n with_o decency_n and_o comeliness_n be_v general_o couple_v unity_n and_o concord_n and_o these_o we_o be_v to_o be_v concern_v for_o likewise_o it_o be_v the_o harmony_n and_o uniformity_n of_o the_o part_n of_o a_o building_n that_o make_v it_o both_o beautiful_a and_o useful_a without_o this_o it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o well-ordered_a edifice_n but_o a_o confuse_a heap_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o by_o our_o love_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n we_o shall_v successful_o contribute_v towards_o the_o building_n of_o the_o church_n for_o there_o be_v history_n enough_o to_o 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action_n according_a to_o those_o word_n use_v by_o our_o church_n in_o her_o canon_n 75._o they_o must_v have_v always_o in_o mind_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o excel_v other_o in_o purity_n of_o life_n and_o shall_v be_v example_n to_o the_o people_n to_o live_v well_o and_o christianly_o let_v not_o that_o which_o be_v part_n of_o the_o pharisee_n character_n be_v fasten_v on_o they_o 3._o they_o say_v but_o do_v not_o they_o preach_v well_o but_o live_v not_o according_o let_v not_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o seducer_n and_o false_a teacher_n be_v apply_v to_o they_o 6._o they_o profess_v that_o they_o know_v god_n but_o in_o work_n they_o deny_v he_o if_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o latter_a they_o pull_v all_o down_o that_o they_o have_v build_v they_o render_v all_o their_o instruction_n admonition_n reproof_n and_o exhortation_n ineffectual_a they_o obstruct_v the_o truth_n in_o or_o by_o their_o vnrighteousness_n for_o so_o rom._n i._n 18._o may_v be_v read_v according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o hinder_v the_o force_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o truth_n on_o themselves_o and_o the_o propagation_n of_o it_o to_o other_o by_o a_o impious_a life_n yea_o they_o take_v a_o course_n to_o ruin_n religion_n itself_o thence_o it_o be_v the_o usual_a speech_n and_o maxim_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o pious_a dr._n hammond_n the_o exemplary_a virtue_n of_o the_o clergy_n must_v restore_v this_o church_n it_o be_v that_o must_v commend_v we_o to_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n it_o be_v that_o must_v powerful_o influence_n upon_o they_o and_o teach_v they_o to_o be_v religious_a in_o good_a earnest_n a_o minister_n can_v choose_v a_o more_o efficacious_a way_n of_o prevail_v with_o other_o to_o be_v god_n than_o by_o let_v they_o see_v that_o he_o be_v so_o himself_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v no_o marvel_n that_o the_o sheep_n wander_v if_o the_o shepherd_n stray_v every_o one_o eye_n be_v upon_o their_o guide_n all_o man_n be_v look_v up_o to_o these_o star_n these_o torch_n of_o the_o world_n if_o they_o burn_v dim_a it_o will_v be_v observe_v and_o which_o be_v worse_o it_o will_v be_v imitate_v it_o be_v observe_v by_o a_o traveller_n of_o good_a repute_n that_o atheism_n thrive_v in_o italy_n because_o they_o see_v so_o much_o of_o the_o cheat_n and_o juggle_v of_o many_o of_o the_o priest_n and_o that_o interest_n be_v all_o their_o religion_n wherefore_o let_v it_o be_v know_v by_o our_o exemplary_a life_n that_o we_o be_v not_o incline_v to_o gratify_v atheist_n and_o to_o promote_v irreligion_n in_o the_o world_n especial_o let_v it_o be_v see_v that_o we_o act_n not_o out_o of_o worldly_a design_n that_o we_o make_v not_o the_o ministry_n a_o secular_a call_v but_o that_o our_o principle_n be_v sincere_a and_o that_o we_o do_v all_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o great_a master_n in_o brief_a one_o of_o our_o character_n shall_v like_o john_n the_o baptist_n be_v 35._o a_o burn_a and_o a_o shine_v light_n burn_v in_o his_o own_o breast_n with_o entire_a flame_n of_o goodness_n and_o devotion_n with_o pure_a intention_n of_o honour_v god_n and_o promote_a religion_n and_o shine_v in_o his_o life_n and_o action_n by_o a_o uniform_a practice_n of_o piety_n by_o a_o holiness_n that_o be_v conspicuous_a and_o resplendent_a indeed_o some_o of_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o entertain_v this_o false_a apprehension_n that_o the_o thing_n beforementioned_a viz._n right_a opinion_n preach_v of_o true_a doctrine_n conformity_n to_o the_o church_n order_n and_o discipline_n be_v sufficient_a though_o they_o be_v abstract_v from_o holiness_n thence_o some_o labour_n to_o be_v account_v orthodox_n and_o yet_o mind_v not_o their_o life_n they_o teach_v other_o what_o they_o be_v to_o do_v but_o be_v regardless_o of_o their_o own_o action_n they_o be_v hot_a for_o ceremony_n but_o cool_a and_o indifferent_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n but_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o unreasonable_a and_o absurd_a for_o the_o thing_n beforenamed_n be_v in_o order_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n the_o proper_a tendency_n of_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o obedience_n the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n and_o the_o keep_n up_o of_o decency_n and_o order_n be_v original_o design_v to_o beget_v and_o nourish_v religion_n and_o virtue_n let_v we_o therefore_o correct_v our_o conception_n concern_v these_o matter_n and_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o a_o vicious_a life_n be_v as_o contrary_a to_o god_n and_o religion_n as_o erroneous_a doctrine_n that_o to_o break_v one_o of_o the_o commandment_n be_v as_o bad_a or_o worse_o than_o to_o deny_v a_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n that_o drunkenness_n swear_v uncleanness_n be_v as_o black_a crime_n as_o schism_n yea_o let_v we_o be_v convince_v that_o by_o profaneness_n and_o wickedness_n the_o comeliness_n of_o our_o worship_n be_v render_v deform_v our_o most_o decent_a rite_n become_v sordid_a our_o white_a garment_n be_v stain_v and_o pollute_v let_v we_o fix_v upon_o our_o mind_n that_o of_o the_o devout_a abbot_n of_o claraval_n what_o will_v our_o canonical_a ordination_n profit_v we_o if_o we_o live_v vncanonical_o to_o be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n to_o preach_v it_o to_o other_o to_o be_v peaceable_a and_o orderly_a and_o to_o observe_v the_o ecclesiastical_a rule_n and_o law_n be_v of_o no_o worth_a and_o value_n if_o our_o life_n be_v impure_a and_o irregular_a wherefore_o to_o sum_n up_o all_o in_o a_o few_o word_n let_v he_o that_o earnest_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n for_o the_o order_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o ancient_a christian_n think_v himself_o oblige_v also_o to_o live_v the_o life_n of_o a_o primitive_a saint_n you_o see_v your_o call_v brethren_n you_o see_v what_o be_v your_o office_n your_o work_n your_o
short_a of_o the_o other_o in_o this_o that_o he_o have_v not_o attain_v to_o that_o spiritual_a discern_v of_o evangelical_n truth_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o and_o without_o which_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a to_o have_v such_o a_o knowledge_n of_o they_o as_o will_v be_v effectual_a to_o salvation_n and_o happiness_n i_o will_v add_v only_o one_o text_n more_o 2_o cor._n 4._o 3._o if_o our_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v hide_v to_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n i.e._n satan_n have_v blind_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o who_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o here_o it_o be_v imply_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v hide_v from_o some_o person_n yea_o and_o we_o be_v tell_v from_o who_o viz._n such_o as_o according_a to_o the_o forego_n stile_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v natural_a man_n those_o that_o live_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o suffer_v their_o mind_n to_o be_v blind_v and_o pervert_v to_o be_v corrupt_v and_o debauch_v by_o the_o diabolick_a spirit_n the_o prince_n and_o ruler_n of_o this_o low_a world_n to_o such_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v mere_a darkness_n thus_o it_o abundant_o appear_v from_o the_o sacred_a writ_n whence_o we_o be_v to_o fetch_v our_o discovery_n concern_v these_o thing_n that_o the_o proposition_n which_o i_o lay_v down_o be_v a_o impregnable_a and_o unshaken_a truth_n viz._n that_o christianity_n retain_v still_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o mystery_n and_o that_o more_o especial_o as_o so_o some_o person_n the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o natural_a strength_n be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o itself_o to_o discover_v these_o divine_a truth_n unless_o the_o soul_n be_v illuminate_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n these_o remain_v unintelligible_a and_o whole_o ineffectual_a and_o useless_a as_o to_o any_o save_v virtue_n and_o efficacy_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o our_o saviour_n word_n john_n 3._o 3._o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n unless_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v he_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o that_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n he_o can_v understand_v aright_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v call_v frequent_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o of_o heaven_n he_o can_v see_v he_o can_v enter_v into_o as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o v_o 5._o those_o divine_a thing_n this_o be_v that_o which_o our_o saviour_n aver_v mat._n 11._o 27._o neither_o know_v any_o man_n the_o father_n but_o the_o son_n and_o he_o to_o whosoever_o the_o son_n will_v reveal_v he_o viz._n by_o a_o inward_a and_o effectual_a discovery_n for_o they_o have_v the_o outward_a revelation_n then_o when_o the_o apostle_n st._n peter_n acknowledge_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n our_o saviour_n tell_v he_o that_o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o reveal_v this_o to_o he_o but_o his_o father_n who_o be_v in_o heaven_n mat._n 16._o 17._o it_o be_v not_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n but_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o father_n that_o have_v effectual_o wrought_v this_o knowledge_n in_o he_o this_o sort_n of_o light_n be_v peculiarly_a from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n this_o singular_a wisdom_n be_v from_o above_o and_o according_o as_o some_o interpret_v that_o place_n john_n 3._o 13._o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v call_v ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n from_o thence_o be_v derive_v that_o insight_n into_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n which_o no_o natural_a man_n have_v attain_v to_o for_o in_o this_o degenerate_a state_n of_o mankind_n the_o great_a point_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v under_o a_o seal_n and_o lock_v up_o from_o we_o and_o be_v never_o to_o be_v disclose_v till_o a_o divine_a light_n open_v our_o eye_n we_o must_v of_o necessity_n remain_v blind_a till_o that_o eyesalve_n rev._n 3._o 18._o be_v effectual_o apply_v and_o it_o can_v be_v apply_v only_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o proper_a work_n it_o be_v to_o dispel_v that_o spiritual_a darkness_n whereby_o the_o mind_n be_v indispose_v to_o understand_v and_o discern_v divine_a matter_n aright_o this_o be_v various_o express_v in_o the_o holy_a write_n viz._n by_o such_o term_n as_o these_o shine_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o give_v the_o light_n of_o knowledge_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 6._o give_v we_o a_o understanding_n to_o know_v 1_o john_n 5._o 20._o enlighten_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n eph._n 1._o 18._o a_o unction_n from_o the_o holy_a one_o 1_o john_n 2._o 20._o which_o can_v be_v better_a paraphrase_v and_o explain_v than_o in_o the_o word_n of_o a_o eminent_a prelate_n of_o our_o church_n 328._o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o reveal_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n general_o to_o the_o universal_a church_n do_v also_o illuminate_v the_o understanding_n of_o such_o as_o believe_v that_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o truth_n for_o faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n not_o only_o in_o the_o object_n but_o also_o in_o the_o act._n and_o afterward_o in_o the_o close_a he_o have_v these_o word_n we_o affirm_v not_o only_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o also_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o be_v part_n of_o the_o office_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n against_o the_o old_a and_o new_a palagian_n so_o that_o judicious_a writer_n it_o be_v this_o holy_a instructor_n that_o dispose_v the_o mind_n to_o receive_v the_o light_n of_o divine_a truth_n by_o cure_v it_o of_o its_o natural_a darkness_n and_o ignorance_n and_o by_o prepare_v the_o heart_n to_o receive_v its_o ray_n there_o be_v require_v a_o special_a grace_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o enlighten_v the_o soul_n and_o to_o make_v due_a impression_n upon_o it_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o understanding_n must_v be_v purify_v and_o so_o 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that_o light_n which_o nature_n give_v they_o and_o in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o some_o other_o point_n the_o socinian_o symbolize_v with_o those_o ancient_a heretic_n they_o cry_v up_o reason_n as_o the_o only_a thing_n in_o religion_n this_o with_o they_o like_o the_o archaeus_n among_o the_o chemist_n do_v all_o feat_n produce_v all_o operation_n though_o these_o man_n 45._o seem_v to_o be_v great_a abhorrer_n of_o those_o who_o talk_v of_o the_o light_n within_o they_o yet_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o allow_v of_o the_o very_a same_o principle_n and_o practice_n they_o equal_v the_o light_n of_o reason_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o say_v it_o will_v serve_v instead_o of_o this_o and_o that_o it_o be_v as_o good_a as_o scripture_n because_o all_o man_n may_v be_v save_v by_o it_o therefore_o this_o they_o urge_v
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 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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 for_o thing_n of_o a_o infinite_a and_o transcendent_a nature_n be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o finite_a understanding_n such_o be_v god_n such_o be_v the_o sacred_a trinity_n and_o such_o be_v those_o doctrine_n which_o i_o mention_v before_o which_o immediate_o relate_v to_o the_o godhead_n itself_o and_o its_o attribute_n or_o the_o divine_a person_n subsist_v in_o the_o godhead_n or_o more_o particular_o christ_n jesus_n and_o his_o bless_a undertake_n for_o we_o which_o be_v the_o proper_a matter_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o depend_v whole_o on_o the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o no_o mortal_a man_n can_v have_v any_o notice_n of_o they_o unless_o god_n himself_o have_v be_v please_v to_o discover_v they_o and_o now_o when_o they_o be_v discover_v they_o be_v of_o that_o high_a and_o soar_a nature_n that_o no_o humane_a creature_n can_v reach_v they_o they_o be_v of_o that_o tower_a pitch_n that_o they_o be_v above_o all_o finite_a intellect_n more_o especial_o 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 wise_a maker_n of_o all_o thing_n have_v think_v good_a to_o hide_v from_o our_o eye_n thus_o this_o great_a philosopher_n ingenuous_o own_v his_o ignorance_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o wise_a disposal_n of_o heaven_n that_o note_a and_o trite_a problem_n of_o the_o divisibility_n of_o matter_n or_o quality_n have_v pose_v all_o the_o learned_a head_n in_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o upon_o this_o one_o property_n of_o matter_n depend_v the_o whole_a system_n of_o geometry_n and_o all_o the_o mathematic_a art_n and_o science_n which_o above_o all_o other_o boast_v of_o their_o certainty_n and_o demonstration_n it_o be_v not_o to_o this_o very_a day_n unanimous_o agree_v what_o the_o true_a scheme_n of_o the_o world_n be_v and_o whether_o the_o sun_n or_o the_o earth_n be_v the_o centre_n of_o the_o universe_n if_o we_o consider_v it_o well_o it_o be_v a_o manifest_a argument_n of_o our_o shallow_a understanding_n and_o sense_n that_o we_o can_v tell_v whereabout_o
to_o think_v of_o themselves_o more_o high_o than_o they_o ought_v to_o think_v but_o to_o think_v sober_o have_v other_o thought_n and_o apprehension_n and_o be_v most_o willing_a to_o acknowledge_v the_o shallowness_n of_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o the_o depth_n of_o divine_a truth_n we_o have_v instance_n on_o record_n of_o those_o humble_a soul_n who_o though_o of_o singular_a sagacity_n and_o improvement_n proclaim_v the_o unsearchableness_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o the_o exalt_v truth_n that_o belong_v to_o it_o the_o ancient_a inspire_a arabian_a express_v it_o thus_o etc._n man_n know_v not_o the_o price_n of_o it_o i._n e._n as_o i_o apprehend_v he_o can_v come_v up_o full_o to_o the_o purchase_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o for_o we_o purchase_v thing_n by_o price_n neither_o be_v it_o find_v in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n the_o depth_n say_v it_o be_v not_o in_o i_o and_o the_o sea_n say_v it_o be_v not_o in_o i_o whence_o then_o come_v wisdom_n and_o where_o be_v the_o place_n of_o understanding_n see_v it_o be_v hide_v from_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o live_n and_o keep_v close_o from_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n i._n e._n those_o that_o be_v most_o quick-sighted_a for_o naturalist_n observe_v that_o the_o eye_n of_o bird_n general_o excel_v those_o of_o other_o animal_n but_o he_o conclude_v god_n understand_v the_o way_n thereof_o and_o he_o know_v the_o place_n thereof_o that_o be_v he_o have_v reserve_v the_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o these_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a thing_n to_o himself_o this_o be_v the_o humble_a sense_n of_o another_o great_a and_o wise_a man_n the_o royal_a psalmist_n concern_v who_o it_o be_v worth_a our_o observe_n that_o after_o he_o have_v assert_v and_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n omniscience_n and_o all-seeing_a providence_n he_o add_v 6._o such_o knowledge_n be_v too_o wonderful_a for_o i_o it_o be_v high_a i_o can_v attain_v unto_o it_o which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v though_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o i_o to_o apprehend_v the_o infinite_a and_o boundless_a knowledge_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n the_o sovereign_a disposer_n of_o all_o thing_n though_o i_o can_v tell_v how_o he_o see_v and_o foresee_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o yet_o i_o hearty_o own_o this_o universal_a sight_n and_o prescience_n of_o he_o and_o i_o very_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v a_o certain_a and_o unshaken_a truth_n it_o be_v humility_n which_o furnish_v a_o man_n with_o such_o persuasion_n and_o language_n as_o this_o and_o it_o be_v this_o which_o cause_v he_o to_o believe_v and_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v mystery_n in_o his_o holy_a faith_n which_o far_o transcend_v his_o thought_n and_o conception_n this_o be_v that_o wisdom_n which_o according_a to_o another_o divine_a and_o inspire_a sage_n 24._o be_v far_o off_o and_o exceed_o deep_a and_o therefore_o as_o it_o follow_v who_o can_v find_v it_o out_o to_o which_o irrefragable_a testimony_n permit_v i_o to_o adjoyn_v that_o of_o a_o apocryphal_a writer_n and_o the_o rather_o because_o i_o will_v take_v occasion_n thence_o to_o offer_v a_o conjecture_n on_o that_o dark_a place_n 22._o wisdom_n be_v according_a to_o her_o name_n and_o she_o be_v not_o manifest_a unto_o many_o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o according_a to_o her_o name_n what_o title_n have_v wisdom_n that_o import_v any_o such_o matter_n viz._n that_o she_o be_v not_o manifest_a some_o critic_n think_v it_o refer_v to_o the_o hebrew_n word_n for_o wisdom_n chocmah_n other_o to_o the_o arabic_a algnalam_n but_o what_o they_o propound_v seem_v to_o be_v very_o much_o strain_v and_o do_v not_o reach_v the_o purpose_n and_o how_o can_v it_o see_v they_o forget_v that_o this_o book_n be_v write_v in_o greek_a and_o that_o the_o title_n of_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o must_v therefore_o repair_v to_o the_o greek_a for_o a_o solution_n but_o we_o must_v first_o confer_v with_o the_o hebrew_n where_o we_o meet_v with_o the_o verb_n saphah_n or_o tsaphah_n which_o signify_v to_o hide_v or_o cover_v and_o thence_o it_o be_v probable_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v derive_v and_o this_o it_o be_v likely_a be_v the_o name_n that_o be_v here_o mean_v because_o though_o the_o language_n in_o which_o this_o book_n be_v original_o draw_v up_o be_v hebrew_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o prologue_n of_o it_o yet_o it_o be_v soon_o translate_v into_o greek_a because_o the_o jew_n at_o that_o time_n speak_v greek_a general_o and_o have_v their_o bible_n and_o service_n in_o greek_a and_o according_o this_o place_n have_v reference_n to_o the_o name_n of_o wisdom_n in_o that_o tongue_n wherein_o there_o be_v many_o word_n derive_v from_o the_o hebrew_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o denomination_n of_o wisdom_n import_v something_o hide_v and_o mysterious_a and_o therefore_o she_o be_v according_a to_o her_o name_n the_o jewish_a doctor_n have_v a_o sense_n of_o 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enjoin_v we_o but_o we_o be_v to_o satisfy_v ourselves_o with_o this_o that_o god_n will_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o standard_n of_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o resign_v ourselves_o to_o the_o divine_a conduct_n and_o these_o man_n allow_v of_o this_o as_o just_a and_o rational_a and_o advise_v that_o our_o natural_a desire_n and_o propension_n shall_v give_v way_n to_o our_o saviour_n command_n he_o be_v our_o great_a lawgiver_n and_o master_n and_o why_o then_o do_v they_o show_v themselves_o partial_a in_o deny_v it_o reasonable_a to_o submit_v the_o intellectual_a part_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o dictate_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v there_o not_o as_o much_o reason_n to_o take_v care_n of_o this_o faculty_n to_o look_v to_o the_o management_n of_o it_o to_o keep_v it_o within_o its_o due_a bound_n as_o there_o be_v to_o deal_v thus_o with_o the_o elective_a power_n of_o the_o soul_n if_o they_o be_v content_a to_o surrender_v this_o to_o the_o divine_a 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the_o standard_n of_o divine_a truth_n in_o a_o word_n why_o do_v they_o not_o make_v their_o mere_a natural_a notion_n and_o principle_n truckle_n to_o reveal_v truth_n and_o bring_v their_o reason_n into_o subjection_n to_o the_o eternal_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o they_o come_v here_o with_o their_o old_a cry_n and_o cavil_n that_o the_o article_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o some_o other_o that_o appertain_v to_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o be_v a_o perfect_a contradiction_n and_o be_v impossibility_n as_o their_o language_n be_v we_o may_v for_o ever_o silence_v they_o with_o this_o that_o they_o can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n talk_v after_o this_o rate_n because_o they_o can_v pronounce_v that_o to_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n the_o nature_n of_o which_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o what_o they_o can_v reach_v with_o their_o reason_n they_o can_v say_v be_v repugnant_a to_o it_o nor_o can_v they_o doom_v this_o or_o that_o to_o be_v contradictory_n when_o they_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o and_o so_o for_o the_o impossibility_n of_o a_o thing_n it_o be_v rash_a folly_n to_o determine_v it_o can_v be_v when_o they_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o the_o transcendent_a nature_n of_o it_o when_o the_o mode_n of_o its_o existence_n be_v hide_v from_o they_o this_o i_o think_v be_v very_o plain_a and_o it_o be_v as_o pertinent_a to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n i_o have_v prove_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o such_o like_a article_n of_o christianity_n be_v hide_v mystery_n therefore_o let_v not_o these_o man_n think_v to_o amuse_v and_o banter_n we_o as_o they_o will_v needs_o do_v with_o â—alking_v of_o contradiction_n impossibility_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v term_n that_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n but_o this_o i_o request_n of_o they_o that_o they_o will_v be_v serious_a and_o vouchsafe_v to_o reflect_v on_o what_o i_o have_v suggest_v under_o this_o head_n for_o the_o article_n of_o the_o trinity_n will_v be_v a_o very_a clear_a and_o bright_a truth_n to_o they_o if_o they_o will_v but_o entertain_v this_o one_o thing_n in_o their_o thought_n that_o they_o be_v oblige_v as_o much_o to_o keep_v a_o discipline_n over_o their_o understanding_n as_o over_o their_o will_n that_o the_o intellectual_a power_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v to_o be_v in_o subjection_n it_o be_v mention_v as_o part_v of_o man_n depravity_n and_o alienation_n from_o his_o first_o make_n that_o 29._o he_o seek_v out_o many_o invention_n i._n e._n as_o the_o hebrew_n word_n signify_v curious_a excogitation_n quaint_a arguing_n fanciful_a reason_n these_o especial_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v greedy_o seek_v out_o and_o pursue_v by_o vain_a man_n but_o where_o the_o true_a force_n and_o virtue_n of_o religion_n prevail_v there_o they_o 5._o cast_v down_o imagination_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d reason_n and_o every_o high_a thing_n every_o proud_a conceit_n that_o exalt_v itself_o against_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o bring_v into_o captivity_n every_o thought_n i._n e._n every_o corrupt_a notion_n and_o conception_n which_o usurp_v upon_o faith_n this_o be_v the_o conduct_n of_o our_o mind_n which_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o we_o must_v quit_v our_o false_a argumentation_n and_o debate_n about_o the_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n we_o must_v not_o dare_v to_o be_v wise_a above_o what_o be_v write_v above_o or_o beyond_o what_o divine_a revelation_n have_v teach_v we_o but_o we_o must_v resolve_v all_o our_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n by_o appeal_n to_o divine_a authority_n and_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n it_o may_v be_v the_o sagacious_a gentleman_n we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o at_o present_a will_v grant_v that_o some_o vulgar_a head_n among_o who_o perhaps_o they_o will_v reckon_v the_o foresay_a apostle_n have_v favour_v the_o restrain_v and_o limit_v of_o the_o intellectual_a power_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o will_v this_o pass_v current_n they_o may_v say_v with_o those_o that_o be_v vote_v for_o man_n of_o sense_n and_o wit_n will_v it_o be_v admit_v by_o man_n of_o keen_a apprehension_n man_n of_o judgement_n and_o philosophy_n yes_o most_o sure_o if_o they_o will_v be_v please_v to_o take_v the_o learned_a lord_n verulam_n and_o the_o great_a des_fw-mi cartes_n into_o that_o number_n the_o former_a of_o who_o have_v leave_v these_o remarkable_a word_n 9_o god_n sovereignty_n reach_v to_o the_o whole_a man_n extend_v itself_o no_o less_o to_o his_o reason_n than_o his_o will_n so_o that_o it_o well_o become_v man_n to_o deny_v himself_o universal_o and_o yield_v up_o all_o to_o god_n wherefore_o as_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o the_o reluctancy_n of_o our_o will_n so_o be_v we_o also_o to_o believe_v his_o word_n though_o against_o the_o reluctancy_n of_o our_o reason_n the_o latter_a express_v himself_o thus_o and_o though_o some_o may_v think_v it_o be_v speak_v in_o politic_a compliance_n yet_o it_o be_v more_o than_o they_o can_v prove_v and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o soberness_n and_o worthy_a of_o so_o great_a a_o man_n 7._o we_o must_v say_v he_o always_o and_o chief_o remember_v this_o that_o god_n the_o author_n of_o thing_n be_v infinite_a and_o we_o altogether_o finite_a so_o that_o when_o god_n reveal_v any_o thing_n concern_v himself_o or_o other_o thing_n which_o surpass_v the_o natural_a strength_n of_o our_o wit_n such_o as_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n or_o trinity_n we_o be_v not_o to_o refuse_v to_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o they_o though_o we_o do_v not_o clear_o understand_v they_o and_o again_o in_o the_o close_a of_o this_o first_o part_n of_o his_o philosophical_a principle_n he_o have_v leave_v
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 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christianity_n and_o it_o have_v with_o invincible_a force_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n bear_v down_o all_o opposition_n that_o have_v be_v make_v against_o it_o and_o i_o question_v not_o but_o those_o violent_a effort_n and_o insult_v which_o have_v be_v and_o be_v make_v against_o it_o in_o this_o present_a age_n will_v prove_v vain_a and_o successless_a though_o we_o have_v see_v the_o rain_n descend_v and_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o the_o wind_n blow_v and_o beat_v upon_o it_o yet_o it_o shall_v never_o fall_v because_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o rock_n the_o same_o rock_n on_o which_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v build_v viz._n the_o confession_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o inspire_a apostle_n the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o veracity_n of_o god_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o all_o the_o other_o sacred_a mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n have_v the_o very_a same_o stable_a foundation_n and_o therefore_o be_v impregnable_a let_v this_o then_o satisfy_v we_o that_o these_o doctrine_n be_v sufficient_o reveal_v though_o they_o be_v not_o full_o know_v i_o say_v they_o be_v sufficient_o reveal_v because_o the_o book_n of_o god_n assure_v we_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o but_o they_o be_v not_o full_o know_v because_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o discover_v the_o argument_n on_o which_o they_o be_v found_v we_o discern_v not_o the_o foot_n on_o which_o they_o stand_v god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o hide_v this_o from_o we_o but_o then_o this_o be_v to_o be_v say_v it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o renounce_v our_o belief_n of_o that_o which_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a because_o it_o be_v mix_v with_o something_o which_o be_v dark_a and_o intricate_a it_o be_v a_o excellent_a caution_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o great_a st._n augustine_n 14._o nunquid_fw-la ideo_fw-la negandum_fw-la quod_fw-la apertum_fw-la est_fw-la quia_fw-la comprehendi_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la quod_fw-la occultum_fw-la est_fw-la the_o truth_n of_o a_o doctrine_n may_v be_v evident_a and_o perspicuous_a and_o that_o be_v sufficient_a to_o command_v our_o assent_n though_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o be_v not_o the_o modes_n and_o circumstance_n appertain_v to_o divine_a thing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v for_o at_o least_o if_o we_o can_v clear_v they_o up_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o quit_v the_o grand_a truth_n themselves_o these_o be_v not_o to_o be_v abandon_v because_o they_o be_v not_o according_a to_o our_o ordinary_a level_n because_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o render_v a_o punctual_a account_n of_o they_o because_o we_o can_v perfect_o gauge_v they_o and_o sound_v they_o to_o the_o very_a bottom_n in_o a_o word_n because_o they_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o tribunal_n of_o reason_n but_o if_o we_o have_v any_o regard_n to_o the_o sacred_a and_o infallible_a volume_n